Ash's Pikachu: Difference between revisions
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In [[XY078]], Pikachu, along with Ash and his friends, visit the [[Poké Ball Factory]]. There, they are tricked by Team Rocket who separates the group from their Poké Balls, with only Pikachu managing to escape. Pikachu first tried to free Ash and his friends, but when that failed, he attempted to get the attaché case that held the groups Poké Balls. Meowth then chased after Pikachu, being the only one small enough to squeeze through the factory equipment and ventilation shafts that Pikachu escaped through, and continuously attempted to recall Pikachu into his Poké Ball. In the end, the Team Rocket trio attempted to escape with the Poké Balls they stole when they saw that Ash and his friends were after them, but after Pikachu managed to stop there van with a Thunderbolt, Meowth challenged Pikachu to a one-on-one. Pikachu accepted and won despite Meowth attempting to use Pikachu's Poké Ball on him. After blasting Team Rocket of again, the group were invited by the grateful factory staff to a genuine tour of the factory. | In [[XY078]], Pikachu, along with Ash and his friends, visit the [[Poké Ball Factory]]. There, they are tricked by Team Rocket who separates the group from their Poké Balls, with only Pikachu managing to escape. Pikachu first tried to free Ash and his friends, but when that failed, he attempted to get the attaché case that held the groups Poké Balls. Meowth then chased after Pikachu, being the only one small enough to squeeze through the factory equipment and ventilation shafts that Pikachu escaped through, and continuously attempted to recall Pikachu into his Poké Ball. In the end, the Team Rocket trio attempted to escape with the Poké Balls they stole when they saw that Ash and his friends were after them, but after Pikachu managed to stop there van with a Thunderbolt, Meowth challenged Pikachu to a one-on-one. Pikachu accepted and won despite Meowth attempting to use Pikachu's Poké Ball on him. After blasting Team Rocket of again, the group were invited by the grateful factory staff to a genuine tour of the factory. | ||
==Personality and characteristics== | |||
===Personality and characteristics=== | |||
[[File:Pikachu Bad Mood.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu in a bad mood]] | [[File:Pikachu Bad Mood.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu in a bad mood]] | ||
After Ash gained Pikachu's loyalty in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'', Pikachu became extremely loyal to Ash and has maintained this loyalty, and while he is not always immediately trusting of strangers, he is generally friendly to humans and Pokémon alike. He acted as a guardian and big brother to [[Misty's Togepi]], and has been seen mediating and even breaking up fights among other Pokémon, such as in ''[[PK01|Pikachu's Vacation]]''. In ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', Pikachu, {{MTR}}, and Meowth's clone were the only Pokémon not to participate in the giant battle; Pikachu stood motionless as his [[Pikachutwo|clone]] repeatedly slapped his face. Contrary to his distrusting nature, Pikachu took a liking to Misty very early in the series, and he has retained this liking of Misty throughout the series, such as when he was very happy to see her in ''[[AG132|The Scheme Team]]''. | After Ash gained Pikachu's loyalty in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'', Pikachu became extremely loyal to Ash and has maintained this loyalty, and while he is not always immediately trusting of strangers, he is generally friendly to humans and Pokémon alike. He acted as a guardian and big brother to [[Misty's Togepi]], and has been seen mediating and even breaking up fights among other Pokémon, such as in ''[[PK01|Pikachu's Vacation]]''. In ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', Pikachu, {{MTR}}, and Meowth's clone were the only Pokémon not to participate in the giant battle; Pikachu stood motionless as his [[Pikachutwo|clone]] repeatedly slapped his face. Contrary to his distrusting nature, Pikachu took a liking to Misty very early in the series, and he has retained this liking of Misty throughout the series, such as when he was very happy to see her in ''[[AG132|The Scheme Team]]''. | ||
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Ash's Pikachu (Japanese: サトシのピカチュウ Satoshi's Pikachu) is the signature Pokémon of the anime series, and the first Pokémon obtained by Ash on his journey as a Pokémon Trainer.
In the anime
History
Original series
Kanto
In the first episode of the Pokémon anime, Pokémon - I Choose You!, Ash woke up late the day he was supposed to go to Professor Oak's Laboratory to obtain his first Pokémon. When he arrived at the lab, the three available starter Pokémon, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, had already been taken by other Trainers who had arrived on time. Seeing Ash's disappointment, Professor Oak gave him Pikachu, who, at first, did not care at all for his new Trainer, constantly zapping him and anyone else nearby. He refused to go into his Poké Ball, and when Ash failed to catch a Pidgey, he laughed at him. However, by the end of the episode, Ash gained Pikachu's trust by protecting him from an attack by a flock of Spearow. Seeing this act of selflessness, Pikachu defended Ash from the Spearow as well and the two of them became inseparable friends, a moment that was capitalized on by catching a glimpse of an unknown Pokémon flying by. Ash then rushed to the next town in order to get Pikachu hospitalized quickly, as he had received multiple life-threatening wounds in the fight.
In Pokémon Emergency!, Ash managed to get to the Viridian City Pokémon Center just in time with the help of Officer Jenny, who scolded Ash for "mistreating" Pikachu. Nurse Joy agreed to heal Pikachu, and thanks to her, Pikachu managed to regain his health. At the end of the episode, Pikachu had regained enough of his strength to send Team Rocket blasting off for the very first time.
Pikachu participated in Ash's first Gym battle with Brock in Showdown in Pewter City. He faced Onix, but his Electric-type attacks were ineffective. Onix then started binding Pikachu. Seeing no other option, Ash forfeited. Ash and Pikachu later trained with Flint in order to increase the strength of Pikachu's Electric moves. Ash later challenged Brock to a rematch, where Pikachu managed to defeat Brock's Geodude thanks to his training. Pikachu then faced Onix again. Onix was able to Bind Pikachu once again, but this time Pikachu's Electric attacks dealt quite some damage. However despite their training, Pikachu was still unable to defeat Onix, who was tightening its grip on Pikachu. As Ash was about to forfeit again. Pikachu's Thunderbolt managed to turn on the gym's sprinkler system, severely harming Onix. As Ash was about let Pikachu finish Onix off, Ash was stopped by Brock's siblings and Ash decided to forfeit again. Despite Ash forfeiting the match, Brock still gave him the Boulder Badge.
Pikachu's next major battle was against Lt. Surge's Raichu in Electric Shock Showdown. Lt. Surge laughed at Ash for attempting to defeat his Raichu with its pre-evolved form, angering Ash and Pikachu. Pikachu started off using Thunder Shock which seemed to do nothing to Raichu. Raichu then used its own Thunder Shock, which was much more powerful than Pikachu's attack, and dealt much damage. Following advice from Brock, Ash tried recalling Pikachu and forfeit. Pikachu however was determined to defeat Raichu and kept fighting. While trying to attack, Pikachu got overwhelmed by Raichu's Mega Punch and Mega Kick and was finally defeated by a powerful Thunderbolt. Due to all the damage he had taken during the battle Pikachu had to be hospitalized. Later in the episode, Ash offered to let Pikachu evolve into a Raichu with the Thunder Stone that Nurse Joy had given him. However, Pikachu refused, wanting to defeat Raichu on his own terms.
Later Ash challenged Lt. Surge for a rematch, where Pikachu once again faced Raichu. Trying to get close, Pikachu got smacked to the ground by Raichu's tail, followed up by repeating hits from its tail him. Raichu then hit Pikachu hard with Body Slam. As Raichu was about to finish Pikachu off with another Body Slam, Pikachu managed to get up and dodge it. Ash soon found out that since Raichu was evolved so early, it did not learn any of the moves that it could only learn in the Pikachu stage, such as Agility and Quick Attack. Through Pikachu's use of these moves, Pikachu managed to gain the upper hand and dodge Raichu's attacks. Raichu responded with an extremely powerful Thunderbolt attack that Lt. Surge was sure could defeat Pikachu. Pikachu however used his tail as an anchor to absorb the shock. Raichu tried using Thunderbolt again but due to its previous attack it had run out of electricity. Raichu then tried to hit Pikachu with a Take Down, but was out-sped by Pikachu's Quick Attack. Pikachu then used his tail to slam Raichu and defeat it, earning Ash the Thunder Badge.
In Abra and the Psychic Showdown Pikachu was sent out to battle against Sabrina's Abra. It proved to be a tough foe, using Teleport to avoid Pikachu's Thunder Shock. Abra then suddenly evolved into Kadabra, making it much stronger. Pikachu tried filling the battlefield with lightining to prevent Kadabra from using Teleport, but Kadabra countered with Confusion to send the attack back at Pikachu. Kadabra then used Psychic to control Pikachu's body and started to repeatedly smash Pikachu to the ceiling and back down. Unwilling to see his friend suffer even more, Ash forfeited the match. In Ash's rematch with Sabrina in Haunter versus Kadabra, Pikachu selflessly fought Kadabra, since Haunter didn't show up and his other Pokémon were too terrified. Pikachu used Thunder Shock, which Kadabra avoided using Teleport. After taking a hit from Kadabra's Psybeam, Pikachu unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt which dealt major damage to Kadabra. Kadabra however quickly used Recover negating the damage it had taken. At that moment Haunter appeared and made Sabrina and Kadabra laugh. This gave Ash the win as well as earning the Marsh Badge.
In Pikachu's Goodbye, Ash and his friends ran into another group of Pikachu, which was a very rare find. Pikachu tried to make friends with the other Pikachu, but received a lukewarm response. After saving a baby Pikachu from falling down a waterfall, Ash's Pikachu was accepted by the group. Ash was overjoyed by this at first, but soon began to feel sad because he thought that Pikachu would be better off with the rest of his kind. After stopping Team Rocket from poaching his Pikachu and the wild Pikachu, Ash decided it was best to leave Pikachu behind with the others. Pikachu refused to leave Ash, however, and quickly ran to catch up with him, followed by the wild Pikachu, who supported Ash and Pikachu being together.
In Riddle Me This, Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon in Ash's seventh Gym battle, where he faced off against Blaine's Rhydon. Pikachu used his fast movements to dodge Rhydon's Fury Attack and then used Thunderbolt, which was ineffctive. Despite being immune to electric moves, Rhydon was defeated when Pikachu aimed his Thunderbolt attack at the horn on Rhydon's head. Pikachu then faced Blaine's Magmar. Pikachu tried dodging Magmar's Fire Punch the same way it had dodged Rhydon's Fury Attack, but got hit. Pikachu then tried hitting Magmar with an electric attack but it proved to be ineffective due to Magmar's Air Lens ability, which heats the air surrounding Magmar making electric attacks ineffective. Magmar then attacked with a series of Fire Punches driving Pikachu to the edge of the battlefield. Magmar then unleashed its Fire Blast, which managed to push Pikachu back and almost caused him to fall of the battlefield in the lava. Ash then decided to forfeit the match.
In The Battle of the Badge, Ash had Pikachu attack Team Rocket and their Pokémon after they sent out Arbok and Weezing to attack during their Gym battle. Using Thunderbolt, Pikachu hit all the opposing Pokémon at once, causing Machamp, Rhydon and Kingler to run away in fear and defeating Arbok and Weezing. Later, after Team Rocket got blasted off, Ash got the Earth Badge.
Pikachu made friends with another Pikachu, named Puka, in The Pi-Kahuna. This particular Pikachu had blue eyes and was an excellent surfer. Ash and his friends had to save both Pikachu when Team Rocket tried to steal them both.
Ash used Pikachu many times during the Indigo League. In Fire and Ice Pikachu fought against Pete Pebbleman's powerful Arcanine. Pikachu started off using Agility to confuse Arcanine, but this strategy was countered by Arcanine by melting the ice field using its Fire Blast, which caused to whole battlefield to be one big pool of water. Pikachu, however used this to his advantage by using the water to conduct his electricity and managed to defeat Arcanine with Thunderbolt.
In The Fourth Round Rumble he fought against Jeanette Fisher's Bellsprout, who already had defeated Ash's Bulbasaur. Pikachu tried using Thunder Shcok, but Bellsprout dodged and used Razor Leaf. Managing to avoid Razor Leaf Pikachu used Thunderbolt, but was ineffictive since Bellsprout used its roots to conduct the electricity to the ground. Despite trying his best, he was easily defeated by the skilled Pokémon's Slam.
Pikachu later faced off against Ritchie's Butterfree in Friend and Foe Alike where he managed to defeat it with a Thunderbolt attack. He then faced off against Zippo, Ritchie's Charmander, but due to being exhausted by battling Team Rocket earlier, Pikachu was quickly overwhelmed by Charmander's Flamethrower and was knocked out by it's Tackle, attempting to stand up.
Ash decided to take Pikachu, along with his other Pokémon, to the Orange Archipelago with him.
Orange Archipelago
In Pikachu Re-Volts, Butch and Cassidy used a Drowzee to take over the minds of many Pokémon on Mandarin Island North, including Pikachu. In order to rescue the Pokémon, Ash taunted Pikachu into using Thunderbolt on him, which then hit the machine that Drowzee was wired to, freeing all of the Pokémon from its grasp.
In Navel Maneuvers, Ash called on Pikachu to help mold a block of ice into a sled, as part of his competition against Danny. It later rode in the sled along with Bulbasaur and Squirtle in a race against Danny and his team. In the end, Ash managed to win the coveted Sea Ruby Badge.
In The Mandarin Island Miss Match, Ash used Pikachu in a battle against Lorelei* of the Elite Four, where he faced her Cloyster. Pikachu started off with Thunderbolt, but Cloyster used Withdraw to protect itself from the attack. Pikachu then used Agility, but got knocked back by Cloyster's Reflect. Pikachu then managed to hit Cloyster, with a super-effective Thunder, but Cloyster was still standing. After using Rage to increase its Attack, Cloyster stopped Pikachu's Quick Attack with Aurora Beam and knocked him out with Take Down.
In Misty Meets Her Match, Pikachu participated in the first part of Ash's battle with Rudy, using his Thunderbolt to blast targets. He then faced off against Rudy's Electabuzz. Pikachu started off using Thunderbolt, but Electabuzz absorbed the attack. Pikachu and Electabuzz then both used Quick Attack and Electabuzz was able to overpower Pikachu. Pikachu then got defeated after being hit by a powerful Thunder Punch.
In the following episode, Team Rocket hatched a plan to capture Pikachu that involved tying him up with Meowth. This succeeded at first, but Meowth and Pikachu got separated from Jessie and James. Being lost on the island, the two Pokémon had to work together to defeat powerful Pokémon and get to safety. In the end, Ash, Misty and Tracey managed to find the duo first, and separated them.
In Pokémon Double Trouble, Pikachu was used in Ash's Gym battle against Luana, where it had to fight alongside Charizard. Despite both Pokémon being eager to battle, they started getting angry at each other right before the battle affecting their teamwork negatively. Charizard tried hitting Alakazam and Marowak with Flamethrower, while Pikachu dashed forward. Alakazam and Marowak managed to dodge the Flamethrower causing it to hit Pikachu. As Charizard went for Tackle, Alakazam stopped him using Psychic. Seeing how Charizard got continuously attacked by Alakazam and Marowak, Pikachu decided to help his partner and attacked Alakazam causing Charizard to be freed from its Psychic. Pikachu then got hit by Marowak's Body Slam, but got caught by Charizard's wing. Now finally being able to work together Pikachu jumped on Charizard's back and used Thunderbolt to stop Marowak after dodging its Bonemerang. As Alakazam was about to unleash its Hyper Beam at Charizard, it got hit by Marowak's Bonemerang causing Hyper Beam to be launched at Marowak knocking both Pokémon out. This gave Ash the victory, winning him the Jade Star Badge and allowing him to enter the Orange League.
In Hello, Pummelo!, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his battle against Drake, where it faced off against Drake's Ditto. Despite Ditto being able to copy Pikachu's attacks, it wasn't in good shape as Pikachu and so Pikachu managed to defeat it. Pikchu was then recalled when Drake sent out his Onix. Later Pikachu faced off against Drake's powerful Dragonite, who already had defeated three of Ash's Pokémon. Pikachu headed towards Dragonite using Agility, but got knocked back by Dragonite's tail. Dragonite then attacked with Hyper Beam, but Pikachu managed to jump on Dragonite's head by using his tail as a spring board to dodge the attack and finally defeat it with a powerful Thunder, earning Ash the Orange League Trophy and a spot in the Orange League Hall of Fame.
In The Rivalry Revival, Pikachu was used against Gary's Eevee, but was easily defeated by the Evolution Pokémon without landing a single hit. Later in the episode Ash decided to take Pikachu, along with his other Pokémon, to Johto with him.
Johto
In The Double Trouble Header, Ash used Pikachu in his second battle against Casey, where he faced her Chikorita. Despite Casey having only recently obtained Chikorita, it quickly gained the upper hand. The battle got interrupted by Team Rocket however.
In Fighting Flyer with Fire, Pikachu was used in Ash's gym battle against Falkner, where it quickly defeated Falkner's Hoothoot. Pikachu then faced Falkner's Dodrio. Dodrio showed to be as fast as Pikachu and having good jumping abilities. Pikachu eventually managed to defeat it with a super-effective Thunder. Pikachu briefly faced Falkner's Pidgeot, but as he was already tired from his previous matches he was quickly defeated.
In Gettin' The Bugs Out, Ash used Pikachu as his third Pokémon in his Azalea Gym Battle, he went up against Bugsy's Metapod. Metapod used its jumping ability to jump high and use Tackle, although Pikachu dodged, it created a dust cloud and used the leaves of a nearby tree to make Pikachu unable to see it. Pikachu however managed to spot Metapod by using his hearing and after dodging a series of Tackles Pikachu managed to jump on Metapod's back and defeated it with Thunderbolt. He then went up against Bugsy's last and most powerful Pokémon, Scyther. Despite Pikachu having the type-advantage his Thunderbolt attacks constantly missed, because of Scyther using Double Team. The real Scyther then appeared behind Pikachu and hit him with Fury Cutter, with each Fury Cutter doubling in battle causing Pikachu to be knocked out.
In A Goldenrod Opportunity, Pikachu faced off against Whitney's powerful Miltank, who had already easily defeated Ash's Cyndaquil and Totodile using Rollout. Ash had Pikachu use Thunderbolt on Miltank since she got wet by Totodile's Water Gun. However due to Miltank spinning at great speed, she had already dried, making Thunderbolt useless. Pikachu then tried attacking with Agility, but he got overpowered by Miltank's Rollout and was then defeated by another one, causing Ash to lose the battle.
In the following episode, Pikachu battled Miltank again in Ash's rematch against Whitney. First Ash had Cyndaquil tire out Miltank and then had Totodile create ditches to slow her down. Thanks to this strategy, Miltank lost her balance, giving Pikachu the opportunity to throw Miltank in the air by hiding in one of the ditches and then finish her off with a Thunderbolt.
Pikachu befriended a bunch of Pichu in The Apple Corp!. At first they framed Pikachu into eating apples, while they actually ate them. When the Pichu were attacked by a Fearow, Pikachu scared the Fearow off with a Thunderbolt. Later Pikachu's electricity was sucked away by Team Rocket and got kidnapped. The Pichu eventually managed to restore Pikachu's electricity and together they blasted Team Rocket off.
In From Ghost to Ghost, Pikachu was used in Ash's gym battle against Morty, where it faced off against Morty's Gastly. Pikachu managed to hit Gastly with a Quick Attack after Ash had Noctowl use Foresight earlier in the match. Despite this Gastly used its great speed to dodge Pikachu's Thunderbolt and defeated him with a single Night Shade.
In Fight for the Light!, Pikachu was sent out to battle Janina's Onix. The match was interrupted by Jasmine.
In Machoke, Machoke Man!, Ash chose Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his gym battle against Chuck. Pikachu battled Chuck's Poliwrath and managed to hit it with a super-effective Thunderbolt. Despite this Poliwrath was still standing and after absorbing a Quick Attack with its muscled body it hit Pikachu hard with a series of Double Slap attacks, knocking him out.
In Nerves of Steelix!, Ash sent out Pikachu to battle Jasmine's Magnemite. Both Pokémon proved to be equal in speed by constantly dodging each other's attacks. Finally Ash decided to let Pikachu take a Thunder Wave from Magnemite so Magnemite could get hit by a Thunderbolt, causing a lot of damage. After dodging another attack from Magnemite, Pikachu finished it off with a Quick Attack, crashing it into a wall. Next Pikachu faced off against Jasmine strongest Pokémon Steelix. Due to his previous battle against Magnemite, Pikachu was tired and was quickly defeated by a powerful Iron Tail.
In As Cold as Pryce, Pikachu was seen aiding Cyndaquil in reviving Pryce's Piloswine. In the following episode, Nice Pryce, Baby!, Pikachu was sent out to battle Piloswine, who already had defeated Ash's Cyndaquil. Due to the icy field Pikachu constantly slipped causing his Agility to be ineffective and almost unable to avoid Piloswine's attacks. Ash then got the idea to use the ice pillars to change Pikachu's direction while sliding on the ice. Using this tactic Pikachu gained a big amount of speed and slid under Piloswine giving him the opportunity to hit Piloswine hard with Thunder. Piloswine then started to use Rest in order to return to full health. Pikachu tried to finish it off with a Quick Attack, but was too late and got hit hard by a Take Down. Pikachu was still able to battle and countered Piloswine's next Take Down with a Quick Attack and hit it with Thunder. This caused the ice under Piloswine to break causing Piloswine to fall into the water. Pikachu then hit Piloswine with Thunderbolt which caused massive damage due to Piloswine's wet fur. Despite this Piloswine was still standing and constantly hit Pikachu with Fury Attack. Seeing no other option to escape Pikachu used a close-range Thunder causing a massive explosion. Pikachu got knocked down while Piloswine still seemed to be able to battle. Pikachu still managed to stand up and as he was about to attack again Pryce threw in the towel resulting into a T.K.O., giving Ash the win and earning him the Glacier Badge.
In Great Bowls of Fire!, Pikachu helped calming down the rampaging Dragonite that belonged to the old Blackthorn Gym Leader. In the next episode, Pikachu was used in Ash's last Johto Gym Battle against Clair's Gyarados. Despite the double type advantage Gyarados proved to be quite a match for Pikachu, using its Dragon Breath to block Pikachu's electric attacks. After getting hit by a Hydro Pump, Pikachu got wrapped by Gyarados. This however allowed Pikachu to hit Gyarados hard with a Thunderbolt. Gyarados quickly managed to recover and launched a barrage of Bite attacks, causing Pikachu to get cornered. As Clair was ready to finish the battle with a close-range Hydro Pump, Ash had Pikachu use Agility to get onto Gyarados's Hydro Pump, and defeated the Atrocious Pokémon with a Thunderbolt. Clair then sent out her Dragonair to battle Pikachu, who managed to dodge Pikachu's attacks and knock him out with a point-blank Hyper Beam.
In A Claim to Flame!, Pikachu was used by Ash in the Athlete's Round of the Silver Conference against Salvador and his Furret. Furret proved to be a tough opponent by repeatedly using Dig to confuse and attack Pikachu. Eventually Pikachu managed to grab onto Furret's back and as it dove back into one of its holes, Pikachu unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt and finally finished the match with a Quick Attack.
Pikachu was used again in Tie One On!, where he faced off against Jackson's Azumarill. Azumarill started off using Water Gun. Pikachu evaded this attack using Quick Attack and reversed to hit Azumarill, which it nearly dodged. After a collision of Thunderbolt and Bubble Beam, Pikachu got hit by Icy Wind. Azumarill then hit Pikachu with Iron Tail, but Pikachu managed to hold on its tail and launched a super-effective Thunder knocking out Azumarill. Next Pikachu go up against Jackson's Shiny Magneton. After exchanging hits from each other's Thunderbolt, Magneton dodged Pikachu's Quick Attack and stunned Pikachu with Thunder Wave before defeating him with Tri Attack.
In Playing with Fire!, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his battle against Harrison. Pikachu battled Harrison's Kecleon, which used its Color Change Ability to hide itself in the tall grass while hitting Pikachu with its tongue. Eventually Pikachu managed to grab Kecleon's tongue and defeated it with Thunderbolt. Harrison then sent out his Sneasel. Sneasel managed to avoid Pikachu's Thunderbolt and defeated him with a single Metal Claw.
After saying farewell to Misty and Brock in Gotta Catch Ya Later!, Ash decided to only take Pikachu with him to Hoenn and left Pallet Town with him at the end of the episode. In the the following episode, while getting ready to depart for Hoenn by ship, Ash and Pikachu got attacked by Team Rocket, who used an electromagnet to stick Pikachu to it and drain his electricity. Eventually Pikachu got saved thanks to the help of some wild Pokémon and Officer Jenny. The next day, Ash tries to wake Pikachu up, but soon he sees Pikachu is suffering from a severe illness caused by the electromagnet.
Advanced Generation series
Hoenn
In Get the Show on the Road!, Ash was willing to take Pikachu for some help in taking care of the illness. Professor Birch takes Pikachu in to the lab. Even though they were able to strap him to the machine to drain out the overload electricity it received, the machine exploded as the electricity levels were too high. Eventually, when Team Rocket arrived for Pikachu, the mecha they used accidentally cured him of his illness and Pikachu was able to blast them off, destroying May's bike in the process.
In There's no Place like Hoenn, Ash used Pikachu in an unofficial 1-on-1 battle against Norman, since Ash only had one Pokémon at the time instead of the three required. Norman sent out his Vigoroth, which proved to be a tough opponent dodging Pikachu's attacks with ease and hit him hard with multiple Scratch attacks. Pikachu managed to successfully hit Vigoroth with Quick Attack, but Vigoroth hit Pikachu again and defeated him with one final Scratch. After their match, Team Rocket tried to steal Pikachu and Vigoroth but accidentally stole Torchic. Later Pikachu was used alongside Norman's Vigoroth to battle Team Rocket and blasted them off as well as rescuing Torchic.
In All Things Bright and Beautifly!, Ash began teaching Pikachu Iron Tail in preparation for his Rustboro Gym battle, a Rock-type Gym, and got help from a Coordinator named Chaz and his Sentret. Despite their effort and training, Pikachu was still unable to fully master Iron Tail.
In The Winner by a Nosepass, Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon used in his Gym battle against Roxanne, where he was sent out against her Geodude. Pikachu started off using Thunder flatten the rocky battlefield. Geodude however countered with Rock Throw which Pikachu managed to dodge using Quick Attack only to end up right in front of Geodude. This gave Geodude the chance to hit Pikachu hard with a Mega Punch. As Geodude used Rollout to finish Pikachu off, it got stuck and couldn’t execute its attack because Pikachu had flattened the battlefield. Pikachu used this opportunity to get close using Quick Attack and hit Geodude with a powerful Thunder, defeating it. Pikachu then faced Roxanne's Nosepass. Pikachu started off using Iron Tail which managed to successfully hit Nosepass. Dodging Nosepass’s attack Pikachu went for a second Iron Tail, but this time it failed. Nosepass then used Rock Tomb to trap Pikachu, but Pikachu managed to break free using Thunder. Nosepass then countered with Sandstorm, deteriorating Pikachu’s sight. Nosepass however was able to sense Pikachu using its electromagnetic nose and managed to slam its body on Pikachu. Nosepass then tried to stomp on Pikachu, but he managed to avoid it by using Quick Attack. After using Quick Attack again to dodge Nosepass’s Rock Tomb, Pikachu used Quick Attack to run around Nosepass in order to confuse it. Pikachu managed to get behind Nosepass and used Iron Tail, only to fail once again. Nosepass then went for Thunder Wave which Pikachu barely avoided. Ash then had Pikachu charge forward to Nosepass and let Pikachu take Nosepass's Zap Cannon, causing Pikachu to absorb the electricity. Pikachu then tackled Nosepass releasing the electricity at Nosepass, causing it to become paralyzed. Pikachu then defeated Nosepass with one final Iron Tail, finally mastering the move in the process as well as earning Ash the Stone Badge.
In Watt's with Wattson?, Ash and his friends arrived at Mauville City and immediately proceeded to the Mauville Gym. Inside the group encountered a robot Raikou. Thinking it would attack Ash ordered Pikachu to attack the robot with Iron Tail, causing an explosion. This destroyed the robot but also overcharged Pikachu with electricity, unbeknownst to the rest however. Later Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his Gym Battle against Wattson. Pikachu first faced Wattson's Magnemite. Due to being overcharged Pikachu defeated Magnemite with a single Thunderbolt after dodging a Swift attack. Next up Pikachu battled Wattson's Voltorb and also managed to easily defeat it with another Thunderbolt. Getting agitated Wattson sent out his Magneton and ordered it to use Zap Cannon. Pikachu easily managed to overpower this attack with Thunder, which also knocked Magneton out, earning Ash the Dynamo Badge.
In Cheer Pressure, he was used to battle Jessie's Seviper, but was having a hard time when the Cheer Squad, led by Sheridan, cheated by having his Shroomish and Makuhita use Helping Hand and his Roselia and Vileplume use Aromatherapy on Seviper. After Pikachu repeatedly attack Seviper, he was getting tired and despite the struggling from Seviper's Wrap, Pikachu hang in there in the last second and knocked out the Fang Snake Pokémon with Thunder.
In Going, Going, Yawn, Ash used Pikachu as his third Pokémon in his Lavaridge Gym Battle after volunteering to battle Flannery's Slugma after it burned Treecko and put Corphish to Sleep. After using Quick Attack to dodge Flamethrower, he finally broke Magcargo's Reflect that was affecting previous battles. Slugma then used Smog to cover itself, Pikachu however was able to sense where it was and used Iron Tail. Slugma managed to dodge and hit him with a Flamethrower. Pikachu used Thunderbolt and although it looked like it initially missed, it electrified the Smog, harming Slugma. Flannery called for Yawn, but Ash unwilling for that to happen, had Pikachu use Quick Attack, hitting it before Yawn could appear and then finished off Slugma with Thunder. Ash kept Pikachu in when Flannery used her last Pokémon, Torkoal. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, but it was blocked by Iron Defense. Pikachu then dodged a Flamethrower and used Iron Tail, but it was blocked by Iron Defense as well. Torkoal then used Sludge Bomb, which hit Pikachu. Pikachu used Thunder but his attack was blocked by Iron Defense once again. Torkoal then used Overheat, defeating Pikachu.
In Balance of Power, Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his Petalburg Gym Battle against Norman. He went up against Slakoth, Pikachu used Quick Attack on Slakoth which was dodged, Slakoth then used Shadow Ball, which Pikachu dodged and then used Iron Tail, which was also dodged dazing Pikachu. Slakoth used Hidden Power, Pikachu tried to destroy them with Thunderbolt but failed and was hit by the circling Hidden Power. Pikachu then tried hitting Slakoth with Thunder, but this was dodged as well. Slakoth then countered with Blizzard, disabling Pikachu to move. Being unable to move Pikachu was recalled. Later Pikachu was sent out against Norman's Vigoroth, Pikachu used Thunderbolt but Vigoroth swiftly dodged it and launched a Scratch attack. Pikachu however successfully blocked the attack with Iron Tail but Vigoroth quickly recovered and launched a Flamethrower, dealing much damage. Pikachu's electricity gave Ash and idea, he got Pikachu to use Quick Attack dodging Vigoroth's Flamethrower. Vigoroth then launched another Scratch and Ash got Pikachu to stop and let him get hit. This activated Pikachu's ability Static, paralyzing Vigoroth, this allowed Pikachu to defeat Vigoroth with Iron Tail. However being exhausted Pikachu also fell down, ending the battle in a draw.
In Sky High Gym Battle!, Pikachu was Ash's second Pokémon used in his gym battle against Winona. Pikachu battled against Winona's Pelipper and despite the major type-advantage, Pelipper proved to be a formidable opponent, being able to use Steel Wing as a lightningrod to conduct electric attacks to the ground, thus preventing damage. After getting hit by a Quick Attack, Ash decided Pikachu had to fight close-range had Pikachu use Quick Attack to get closer. This however gave Pelipper the opportunity to hit Pikachu hard with a Hydro Pump. Pikachu however stood his ground and when Pelipper lifted his wing from the ground for a moment Ash had Pikachu use Thunder on Pelipper. With both Pokémon being hit by powerful attacks, Pikachu and Pelipper both were knocked out.
In A Scare to Remember!, Pikachu developed amnesia after an attack by Team Rocket and their mecha. Team Rocket took advantage of this and tricked Pikachu into joining them. Pikachu was ordered to attack the group. Trying to get Pikachu back, Ash jumped on their balloon. Team Rocket then ordered Pikachu to hit Ash with Thunderbolt, causing them to get blasted off and Ash and Pikachu to fall down in a river. With Ash protecting Pikachu, Pikachu managed to gain his memory back and got rid of Team Rocket once again.
In Solid as a Solrock, Ash used Pikachu and Swellow in the Double Battle against Tate and Liza with their respective Solrock and Lunatone. Solrock and Lunatone both started off using Tackle which both scored a direct hit on Pikachu and Swellow. Pikachu and Swellow then tried hitting their opponents with Quick Attack and Peck, but their attack were dodged, causing them to crash into planets hanging from the ceiling and fall on top of each other on the ground. This gave Solrock and Lunatone the opportunity to launch a Solar Beam and Ice Beam. As the attacks were about to hit their marks the two beams accidentally collided, cancelling each other out, causing the twins to quarrel. Ash used this chance to recover and had Pikachu and Swellow strike the opposing Pokémon with a respective Iron Tail and Aerial Ace. Both Meteorite Pokémon then both charged towards Pikachu using Tackle, but Swellow was able to save Pikachu in time, causing Solrock and Lunatone to crash into each other. The battle then got interrupted by Team Rocket, who destroyed the gym using their mecha and stole Solrock and Lunatone.
After Team Rocket was defeated, they all agreed to resume their battle outdoors. This time however the twins managed to put their differences aside and worked together as a team. Ash first had Pikachu use Thunderbolt on Solrock, but his attack was sent back by Lunatone's Light Screen, sending Pikachu flying into a wall. As Swellow tried to attack with Aerial Ace, Solrock used Sandstorm to sent Swellow flying as well. Pikachu then jumped on Swellow's back and used Thunderbolt again, only to be deflected back by Light Screen again, hitting Pikachu and Swellow hard. Swellow then used Double Team, but Solrock and Lunatone countered using Solar Beam and Ice Beam to wipe out the copies. Much to Tate and Liza's surprise however Pikachu and Swellow weren't hit. Swellow then dove down from the sky along with Pikachu to attack, but Solrock and Lunatone quickly responded and hit them with Solar Beam and Ice Beam. Ash thought about how to negate the dual attacks and then had Pikachu use Thunder on the clouds. The Thunder hit Pikachu and Swellow, which the two managed to endure. Once clear, Pikachu and Swellow were coated in a "Thunder Armor". Using this technique Pikachu and Swellow managed to pierce through Solrock's Solar Beam and Lunatone's Light Screen and managed to defeat them using Iron Tail and Aerial Ace, earning Ash the Mind Badge.
In Vanity Affair, Ash used Pikachu against Hoenn Elite Four member Drake. Pikachu battled against his Shelgon. Pikachu used Thunderbolt and scored a direct hit. As Pikachu went for a second Thunderbolt, Shelgon used Double-Edge and managed to dodge the attack. Due to Shelgon's low Speed, Pikachu easily dodged the attack with Quick Attack. When Pikachu was about to finish Shelgon off with Iron Tail, Shelgon had Pikachu come close and then hit him hard with Dragon Breath. Shelgon then followed up with Dragon Claw, knocking Pikachu out.
In The Great Eight Fate! Ash chose Pikachu as well has his Snorunt as his first two Pokémon in a Double Battle in the first round of the Sootopolis Gym battle, they went up against Juan's Sealeo and Seaking. Pikachu used his Thunderbolt on Sealeo, but Seaking used Horn Drill to reflect it back to Snorunt. Pikachu then used Thunder, but Seaking once again used Horn Drill to reflect the attack to Snorunt again. This time however Pikachu protected Snorunt taking most of the damage. Sealeo then used Blizzard on the two, dealing much damage to Pikachu. Ash then had Snorunt use its Icy Wind to freeze the Blizzard creating an ice pillar blocking Juan's view. Sealeo and Seaking destroyed the pillar with their Aurora Beam and Hyper Beam respectively, this created ice shards which Ash had Snorunt and Pikachu jump on. Snorunt then used Headbutt whilst Pikachu used Iron Tail. Seaking and Sealeo responded using Hyper Beam and Aurora Beam. While Pikachu was able to dodge Aurora Beam, Snorunt wasn't able to avoid the Hyper Beam and was knocked out. Ash then sent out his Corphish. After dodging Corphish's Bubble Beam, both of Juan's Pokémon attacked from below with Sealeo using Aurora Beam on Pikachu's platform, which he was able to dodge. Seaking attacked Corphish with Horn Attack, but Corphish was able to grab its horn. Seaking however used Horn Drill, sending Corphish flying. Ash then had Pikachu use Iron Tail on Seaking. Despite Sealeo trying to stop Pikachu using Aurora Beam, Iron Tail managed to defeat Seaking and Pikachu was able to avoid the attack in time. Pikachu then rode on Corphish back heading towards Sealeo. Sealeo tried stopping them using Ice Ball, which was getting stronger with each attack. While Pikachu and Corphish managed to destroy the first three Ice Balls, the fourth one managed to hit them both. Sealeo then launched a fifth Ice Ball at them both. Pikachu launched a Thunder at the Ice Ball and after increasing its power, he was able to break it. While the falling ice shards were hurting Sealeo, Corphish was able to defeat it with its Crabhammer, knocking it out and ending the first round of the Sootopolis Gym in Ash's favor. Both Pokémon were then recalled. In the next episode, Pikachu was used as Ash's last Pokémon in the second round of the Sootopolis Gym battle, going up against Juan's last and strongest Pokémon, his Milotic. Ash had Pikachu use Thunder and although it dealt a lot of damage, Milotic nullified the damage by using Recover, healing it. Both Pokémon then used Iron Tail, in which Milotic's overpowered Pikachu's. Milotic quickly followed up with Twister, which was powered up by the water. Much to Juan's surprise, Pikachu was able to break through with Thunder and followed with up with a powerful Quick Attack. Milotic then used Hydro Pump, which Pikachu dodged and used a super-effective Thunderbolt. Milotic however shook the attack off and used Recover, healing itself once again. Milotic then went underwater, making both Ash and Pikachu unable to see. Milotic then tried hitting Pikachu with Iron Tail, but Pikachu dodged and he climbed onto Milotic's body. Milotic tried stopping him using Hydro Pump, but Pikachu dodged. Pikachu then grabbed onto its eyebrows and flipped the Tender Pokémon into the water. While underwater, Pikachu used Thunder dealing major damage to Milotic as water was an excellent conductor of electricity. This knocked out Milotic, winning Ash the battle and earning him the Rain Badge.
In Saved by the Beldum, Ash used Pikachu for the first round in the Ever Grande Conference, he went up against Gilbert and his Hitmonlee. Hitmonlee used Rolling Kick, but Pikachu managed to avoid the attack and hit Hitmonlee with Iron Tail. Hitmonlee then went for High Jump Kick, which Pikachu managed to dodge as well using Quick Attack, causing damage to Hitmonlee. As Pikachu charged in for one final attack, Hitmonlee hit Pikachu with Mega Kick, while heading towards the ground. Pikachu however managed to escape Hitmonlee's kick and hit him with Iron Tail, knocking Hitmonlee out and causing Ash to advance to the next round of the tournament.
In Shocks and Bonds, Ash used Pikachu as his second Pokémon in his Full Battle against Katie in the Victory Tournament part of the Ever Grande Conference. He went up against Katie's Golduck and was sent out due to the type-advantage he had. Katie however immediately switched to Dugtrio, who had a type-advantage of its own. Pikachu used Quick Attack, but Dugtrio used Dig to dodge the attack. Dugtrio then used Sand Tomb, expanding the hole, Pikachu tried to escape but couldn't and fell down the hole. Ash had Pikachu use Thunderbolt, which had no effect on Dugtrio since it was a Ground-type Pokémon. Dugtrio then used Double-Edge and Pikachu attempted to block with Iron Tail, but when both moves collided, Pikachu was knocked out whilst Dugtrio emerged unscathed.
In Choose It or Lose It!, Ash used Pikachu as his second Pokémon in his Full Battle against Morrison in the Victory Tournament. He went up against his Steelix. Steelix used Dragon Breath, but Pikachu dodged it and used Quick Attack. Steelix countered with Iron Tail, hitting Pikachu hard. Steelix then used Dig, hitting Pikachu from underneath. Pikachu tried using Iron Tail but Steelix quickly dodged that with another Dig. Pikachu then managed to dodge Dig and hit Steelix with Quick Attack. Both Pokémon then used Iron Tail, but Steelix's managed to overpower Pikachu's, knocking Pikachu out.
In At the End of the Fray, Ash used Pikachu as his sixth and last Pokémon in his Full Battle against Tyson in the Victory Tournament. He went up against Tyson's Metagross, who had already defeated Swellow and Grovyle, but had a crack in its armor as a result. Pikachu used Thunderbolt on the crack, but it didn't do much to Metagross. Metagross then used Psychic on Pikachu, but Pikachu was able dodge it and hit Metagross with Iron Tail. Pikachu then climbed onto Metagross, and as Metagross was unable to shake him off, Pikachu finally defeated the Iron Leg Pokémon with Thunder. Pikachu then went up against Tyson's last Pokémon, his Meowth. Pikachu's electric attacks soon proved to be useless, as Meowth each time defended itself against Pikachu's attacks with its Thunderbolt. After realizing this Ash had Pikachu fight close-range and ordered him to use Quick Attack. Meowth however dodged this with Double Team and followed up with Iron Tail. Pikachu countered with his own Iron Tail, causing the moves to collide. Pikachu and Meowth started attacking unceasing, with each time their attacks colliding. Both Pokémon then used Iron Tail, with both Pokémon taking the hit, knocking them both down. Though they both got up, Pikachu was knocked out from exhaustion causing Ash to end up in the Top 8 of the Ever Grande Conference.
Kanto Battle Frontier
In The Scheme Team, Ash used Pikachu in his battle against Agatha of the Elite Four and her Gengar at the Viridian Gym. Pikachu started off using Quick Attack but failed since Gengar was a Ghost-type Pokémon. It was too fast for Pikachu's Thunderbolt but after dodging a Shadow Ball Pikachu was able to hit Gengar with an Iron Tail. Gengar then hit Pikachu with Shadow Ball, but Pikachu was able to climb on the Shadow Ball and went for Iron Tail. Gengar however was able to prevent Pikachu from using Iron Tail with Double Team. Pikachu was able to destroy all the copies with Thunderbolt as well as hit Gengar with it. Pikachu then dodged a Shadow Ball and hit Gengar with Iron Tail. When it Pikachu was about finish Gengar off with Thunder, Gengar used Hypnosis, putting Pikachu to sleep, and defeated him with Dream Eater. Afterwards he helped to defeat Team Rocket along with Agatha's Golbat, Ash later decided to enter the Kanto Battle Frontier along with Pikachu and his other Pokémon. He was later reunited with Misty.
In May's Egg-Cellent Adventure, while battling Team Rocket's mecha, he used Quick Attack but it morphed into Volt Tackle, easily destroying the mecha and sending Team Rocket blasting off.
In Queen of the Serpentine!, when going to the Battle Pike, Pikachu was captured by Team Rocket using their fake Battle Pike until rescued by Lucy and her Seviper from the real Battle Pike. Later Ash used Pikachu as his second and last Pokémon in his Battle Pike challenge against Lucy, Pikachu went up against her Milotic. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, but Lucy, not using defensive strategies, had it taken the attack and countered with Hydro Pump. Both Pokémon then used Iron Tail, but Milotic managed to overpower Pikachu. Pikachu's Quick Attack was then countered by Twister and was then hit with Hydro Pump. Milotic then used Iron Tail, but Pikachu countered with Volt Tackle, blocking Iron Tail and causing Milotic to become paralyzed. Pikachu then used Quick Attack, but Milotic countered with a Facade, and since Milotic was paralyzed its power was doubled, dealing major damage to Pikachu. Ash then had Pikachu use Thunderbolt on himself. As Milotic was about to end the match with Twister, Ash had Pikachu, boosted by Thunderbolt, jump into the Twister. Inside the Twister Pikachu began spinning and used Volt Tackle, increasing his power and knocked Milotic out, winning Ash the battle and earning him the Luck Symbol.
In Talking a Good Game!, Pikachu was the third Pokémon to battle against Anabel. He went up against her Alakazam, who had already defeated Ash's former two Pokémon. Pikachu managed to hit Alakazam with Thunderbolt, but Alakazam nullified the damage using Recover. Both Pokémon then started exchanging Iron Tail and Focus Punch attacks and then hit each other with their respective Thunderbolt and Psybeam. Ash then ordered Pikachu to use Volt Tackle, but Pikachu ran straight towards the wall due to Psybeam's confusion effect. Pikachu however managed to snap out of the confusion after Ash had saved it and managed to overpower Alakazam's Psybeam with Thunderbolt, defeating it. He went up against Metagross next. Metagross managed to sent Pikachu's Thunderbolt back at him using Psychic, dealing much damage. As Pikachu went for Quick Attack, Metagross used Iron Defense to block the attack and hit Pikachu hard with Meteor Mash. Pikachu then used Volt Tackle, but Metagross fired a Hyper Beam, which defeated Pikachu, making Ash lose the battle.
In the next episode, Pikachu was used in Ash's rematch against Anabel, this time facing her Espeon. Espeon showed to have great speed and power, dodging Pikachu's attacks and immediately after hit Pikachu with its own attacks. After getting hit by Espeon's Quick Attack and Iron Tail, Ash then had Pikachu use Thunderbolt. Espeon's Zap Cannon managed to overpower Pikachu's attack and hit him hard. Pikachu tried Thunderbolt once again, but it was dodged. Espeon then countered with Psychic, smashing Pikachu to the ceiling, causing Pikachu to fall down. Pikachu however managed to land on his feet and used Quick Attack. Espeon used Psychic again to stop Pikachu and lifted him in the air. Pikachu managed to bounce off the ceiling and land on one of the stadium's lights. Pikachu then used Thunderbolt, causing the lights to turn off. Unable to see anything Espeon was hit by Pikachu's next Thunderbolt. Pikachu then managed to avoid several Zap Cannon attacks and hit Espeon again with Thunderbolt. Just as the lights turned on again, Pikachu jumped down and hit Espeon hard with his Iron Tail. Pikachu then rushed towards Espeon using Volt Tackle. Despite trying to stop Pikachu using Zap Cannon, the attack missed and Espeon got knocked out by the powerful attack. This gave Ash the win and earned him the Ability Symbol.
In Gathering the Gang of Four!, in preparation for Ash's rematch against Brandon for his final frontier symbol, Pikachu reunites with Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charizard. Using Quick Attack to round up leaves created by Squirtle's Rapid Spin and Bulbasaur's Vine Whip, they were able to make a den to sleep. However he got in a fight with the other Pokémon but later calms down. The next day they all continued to train. Pikachu was later captured by Team Rocket but was rescued due to the efforts by Ash and the other Pokémon. They then combined their attacks to send Team Rocket blasting off. Afterwards they met up with Brandon again and he agreed to have a 4-on-4 rematch with Pikachu and the other Pokémon at the Battle Pyramid.
Pikachu was the fourth and final Pokémon used in Ash's Battle Pyramid challenge against Brandon in Pace - The Final Frontier!. After Charizard, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Brandon's first three Pokémon were eliminated from the match, Pikachu was pitted against Brandon's Regice. Ash first had Pikachu used Thunderbolt, but Regice seemed unfazed by the attack. Regice then countered with Blizzard. Pikachu quickly recovered and used Iron Tail, but was unable to land since he had to dodge the Iceberg Pokémon's Ice Beam. Regice used Ice Beam again to counter Pikachu's Quick Attack and despite Pikachu managing to dodge the attack again, the whole battle field got frozen in the process. This made Regice be able to move much quicker, while making it harder for Pikachu to move. As Regice was about to hit Pikachu with a Focus Punch, Pikachu was able to hit Regice with Thunderbolt, stunning it. This allowed Pikachu to hit Regice with a super-effective Iron Tail. Regice however quickly recovered and used Ice Beam, creating ice pillars, which trapped Pikachu. With Pikachu unable to do anything Regice used Rest heal itself completely. Despite Pikachu managing to escape using Iron Tail, Regice was able to wake up before Pikachu could attack it and hit Pikachu with an Ice Beam, freezing him. With Ash yelling words of encouragement the referee began to declare Pikachu unable to battle. Pikachu however managed to thaw out using Thunderbolt as well as hitting Regice with it. Regice then hits Pikachu with Focus Punch to send Pikachu bouncing across the ice field, Pikachu however used this to his advantage and bounced back to Regice to hit it with two consecutive Iron Tails. Regice however was still standing and managed to trap Pikachu again between ice pillars using Ice Beam and starts to rest up again. Pikachu escaped again using Iron Tail and charged towards Regice using Volt Tackle. Regice managed to awake in time again and started using Ice Beam to stop Pikachu. Pikachu dodged the attack and hit Regice with a powerful Volt Tackle, finally knocking the Iceberg Pokémon out. This gave Ash the win and finally earned him the Brave Symbol.
In Once More With Reeling, Ash used Pikachu in the unoffical Terracotta Town Pokémon Contest in the appeals round. He used Quick Attack and Thunderbolt as the same time to create thunder rings and then sent them off with Iron Tail, when they collided it created a firework like effect, this performance allowed Ash to go onto the next round.
In Home is Where the Start Is!, Ash used Pikachu in a friendly battle against Gary, who used his powerful Electivire, a Pokémon from the Sinnoh region. Both Pokémon used Thunderbolt and were even. Pikachu then used Quick Attack, but it was dodged by Electivire. Both Pokémon then used Iron Tail, but they were even again. Pikachu then used a close range Thunderbolt, which Electivire dodged by jumping. This however was what Ash wanted and had Pikachu use Volt Tackle since it was now defenseless, however Electivire blocked the attack with Protect, damaging Pikachu due to recoil. Electivire then launched its powerful Thunder Punch, defeating Pikachu. Later Pikachu went with Ash to the Sinnoh region, intending for him to be the only Pokémon to go with him, as he left his other Pokémon at Professor Oak's laboratory, however Aipom, snuck on board and she went with them to the Sinnoh region.
Diamond & Pearl series
In Following a Maiden's Voyage!, Pikachu was temporarily separated from Ash thanks to yet another plot by Team Rocket. Eventually, in Two Degrees of Separation!, Dawn found Pikachu and tried to catch him, but failed since Pikachu already had a Trainer. She also protected him from Team Rocket and managed to blast Team Rocket off alongside Pikachu. Pikachu was eventually reunited with Ash in When Pokémon Worlds Collide!. Later, Pikachu was used as Ash's final Pokémon in a battle against Ash's new rival, Paul, and his Elekid. Pikachu started off using Thunderbolt, but Elekid simply absorbed the attack and then launched a powerful Thunder at Pikachu. Pikachu then used Volt Tackle, but Elekid blocked the attack using Protect, causing Pikachu to take recoil damage. Pikachu however managed to get up and used Iron Tail, which was countered by Elekid's Brick Break. As the two moves were colliding, Paul mentioned Elekid still had one free arm and ordered him to hit Pikachu with Thunder Punch. Pikachu however managed to block Thunder Punch with Iron Tail and then hit Elekid hard. Elekid then managed to hit Pikachu with one more Brick Break, but as both Pokémon were exhausted they both fell down, resulting the battle in a tie.
In Dawn of a New Era!, Ash used Pikachu to battle Nando's Budew. Pikachu started off using Quick Attack. Budew tried countering with Bullet Seed, but Pikachu avoided the attack and hit Budew hard. Pikachu then got hit by Budew's Mega Drain, restoring some of Budew's health. Pikachu then used Thunderbolt, dealing much damage to Budew. Budew however then surprised everyone by evolving into Roselia. Roselia used Sunny Day and followed up with Solar Beam. Pikachu however managed to dodge Solar Beam and defeated Roselia with a powerful Iron Tail.
In A Gruff Act to Follow, Ash used Pikachu as his second Pokémon in his first Sinnoh Gym Battle against Roark and his Cranidos. Pikachu started off using Thunderbolt but Cranidos dodged it and used Zen Headbutt. Pikachu stopped the attack with Iron Tail. However, Cranidos was able to withstand the attack and used Headbutt. Although Pikachu managed to dodge and attempted to use Thunderbolt, Cranidos still managed to score a direct hit on him. Pikachu then tried to use Thunderbolt again, but Cranidos used Zen Headbutt to stop him and then used another Headbutt knocking Pikachu to the ground. When Paul got up to leave believing Ash had already lost. Pikachu suddenly showed his strength by letting off a powerful electric attack in the air, causing Paul to stay. As the battle continued, Pikachu used Quick Attack while Cranidos used Flamethrower. Pikachu dodged the attack and hit Cranidos with Iron Tail. Cranidos then used Head Smash while Pikachu countered with Volt Tackle. The collision of these attacks caused much damage to both Pokémon. Not wanting Pikachu to take anymore damage, Ash recalled him. Later, Pikachu was sent out again to battle Roark's Onix. Pikachu used Iron Tail, which was countered by Onix's Slam. Ash then came up with an idea and had Pikachu use Thunderbolt on the battlefield, causing rocks to be launched in the air. Onix tried heading forwards using Double-Edge, but couldn't due to the rocks. Pikachu then headed towards Onix using Quick Attack, but Onix quickly recovered and countered with Screech. Despite trying to still move forwards, Pikachu was overwhelmed by the attack and was blasted away, knocking him out and making Ash lose the battle.
In O'er the Rampardos We Watched!, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon used in his rematch against Roark, where he faced Roark's Onix again. Pikachu used Quick Attack to climb onto Onix's body after dodging a Slam. Onix tried to stop Pikachu using Screech, but failed and Pikachu managed to reach Onix's head. Despite trying to shake Pikachu off, Onix got hit by a super-effective Iron Tail. Onix then went for Double-Edge with Pikachu heading straight towards Onix. At the last moment however Pikachu used his newly learned spin technique to dodge the attack and went for another Iron Tail. Onix however managed to dodge and hit Pikachu hard with Slam. Onix then used Stealth Rock, but the move was countered by Pikachu's Thunderbolt, preventing it from being executed as well as damaging Onix. Pikachu then used Iron Tail and while Onix tried countering with Screech, Pikachu managed to outspeed the Rock Snake Pokémon and defeated it. Pikachu was recalled when Roark sent out his Geodude. Pikachu was later sent out to battle Roark's Rampardos. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, but Rampardos dodged and went for Zen Headbutt. Pikachu tried dodging the attack using his spin technique again, but still got hurt in the process. Pikachu then used Quick Attack while Rampardos countered with Headbutt. Pikachu managed to avoid Headbutt by spinning head over heels, but got thrown in ther air by Rampardos's tail. Pikachu then headed down using Iron Tail with Rampardos countering with Zen Headbutt. This caused Pikachu's Static to activate, but it was cancelled out by Rampardos's Mold Breaker. Rampardos then hit Pikachu hard with Zen Headbutt, knocking him out.
In Getting the Pre-Contest Titters!, Ash used Pikachu in a battle against Kenny and his Prinplup. Pikachu started off using Thunderbolt, but the attack was blocked by Prinplup's Metal Claw. Prinplup then used Drill Peck, but Pikachu managed to dodge the attack by spinning and hit Prinplup with Iron Tail, sending it to the ground. Prinplup however used Bubble Beam to create a cushion to land safely. Pikachu and Prinplup then clashed with Iron Tail and Metal Claw. The battle was then interrupted by Team Rocket.
In All Dressed Up With Somewhere To Go!, Ash entered Pikachu in the Pokémon Dress-Up Contest. Pikachu was able to imitate several Pokémon and, as a result, advanced to the finals. However, he ended up losing to Brock's Croagunk.
In Tag! We're It...!, Pikachu was used in the first round of the Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition, where he battled alongside Paul's Chimchar. Pikachu and Chimchar faced a Rhydon and a Magmar. Pikachu started off using Thunderbolt on Magmar, but the attack got redirected to Rhydon due to its Lightning Rod Ability. Unharmed by the electric-type attack, Rhydon proceeded to hit Pikachu hard with Megahorn. Magmar then used Lava Plume, dealing minor damage Rhydon. While Pikachu managed to dodge the attack, Paul had Chimchar jump right in to power up its Fire-type moves. Despite this Chimchar's Flamethrower did little damage to Rhydon and Chimchar got hit by a powerful Hammer Arm. Pikachu then managed to hit Rhydon with a super-effective Iron Tail, dealing much damage. Rhydon then used Surf, while Magmar protected itself with Protect. Pikachu however managed to break through the Surf and defeat Rhydon using Iron Tail. Pikachu then used Volt Tackle, while Magmar countered with Fire Punch. This gave Chimchar the opportunity to hit Magmar with a super-effective Dig, knocking it out and causing Ash and Paul to proceed to the next round of the tournament.
In The Keystone Pops!, Ash and Pikachu tried stopping a wild Spiritomb from rampaging, after the gang accidentally destroyed the Hallowed Tower thus freeing Spiritomb from the Odd Keystone. Eventually Pikachu managed to defeat Spiritomb with Volt Tackle and Thunderbolt after a hard fought battle and the group managed to seal Spiritomb in the Keystone again.
In Lost Leader Strategy!, Pikachu encountered Paul's Electabuzz again at Reggie's home, where the two started fighting. The Pokémon got separated by Maylene's Lucario. Later Pikachu was Ash's last Pokémon used in a battle against Reggie. Pikachu faced Reggie's Staraptor. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, but Staraptor managed to dodge and used Brave Bird. Pikachu tried dodging using his spin technique, but failed to do so and got hit hard. Pikachu then managed to dodge Staraptor's Steel Wing, by using Iron Tail on the ground to jump high in the air. Pikachu then used Volt Tackle, which was countered by Staraptor's Wing Attack, causing both Pokémon to fall down. In the end however, only Pikachu remained standing, giving Ash the win.
In Pika and Goliath!, an arrogant Electric-type trainer named Sho wished Ash to trade Pikachu to him, as he already had a Pichu and Raichu and wanted to have the full evolution line in his team. Ash obviously refused, so Sho challenged him to a battle against his powerful Raichu. Unlike Lt. Surge's Raichu, this particular Raichu was fast as well as knew powerful attacks. Pikachu's Thunderbolt was easily taken by Raichu, who then proceeded to launch Thunder at Pikachu. Pikachu unwilling to dodge, took the attack and charged in using Volt Tackle. Raichu countered with its own Volt Tackle, sending both Pokémon flying back. Raichu managed to land back on its feet, while Pikachu crashed into a rock. Both Pokémon then clashed with Iron Tail. Raichu then managed to take Pikachu's Quick Attack and started using Hyper Beam. As Pikachu was trying to get away, Raichu used its tail to trap Pikachu and proceeded to hit him with a close-range Hyper Beam, defeating him as well as seriously injuring him. During his recovery, Pikachu began to reconsider his earlier decision not to evolve since there would always be attacks and abilities that he simply couldn't learn otherwise. When Ash went to check on Pikachu he found both Pikachu and his Thunder Stone missing, causing him to think Pikachu may had evolved into Raichu. However he soon found Pikachu training in the forest, trying to get stronger without evolving.
After some hard training, Ash and Pikachu re-challenged Sho and Raichu. Raichu started off using Iron Tail, but Pikachu managed to constantly dodge its attacks by circling around. However Raichu eventually managed to hit Pikachu and threw him in the air. While he was heading down Pikachu used Iron Tail to counter Raichu's Volt Tackle. Raichu then went for another Volt Tackle, but Pikachu dodged it by spinning. Pikachu then circled around again to avoid Raichu's Iron Tail attacks, causing Raichu to lose its footing. This gave Pikachu the opportunity to hit it hard with a Quick Attack. Pikachu then proceeded to dodge Raichu's attacks and immediately after hit it with its own moves, dealing much damage. Raichu however was still standing and managed to trap Pikachu with its tail again while charging Hyper Beam. As Hyper Beam was launched, Pikachu used Thunderbolt to block Hyper Beam decreasing its power. As Raichu had to recharge, Pikachu proceeded to hit Raichu with a Volt Tackle-Iron Tail combination, dealing major damage. Pikachu and Raichu then clashed with Volt Tackle, proving to be equal in power. Pikachu then avoided Raichu's Iron Tail and flung it into a tree using Iron Tail. Raichu then tried trapping Pikachu again while using Hyper Beam, but Pikachu dodged its tail and used Hyper Beam's power to jump high in the air. Pikachu then headed down using a spinning Iron Tail, finally knocking Raichu out and proving he had once again made the right decision not to evolve.
In A Crasher Course in Power!, Pikachu and Buizel got into a fight after Buizel got accidentally hit by Pikachu's Thunderbolt, while training. Later Pikachu was the first Pokémon used in Ash's Pastoria Gym battle. He went up against Crasher Wake's Gyarados. Pikachu used Thunderbolt and scored a direct hit on Gyarados, but despite the super-effective attack, Gyarados was unharmed. Gyarados used Dragon Rage but Pikachu blocked it with Iron Tail and used the strike to jump above Gyarados. Gyarados charges with Bite, but Pikachu, while still in mid-air used Volt Tackle hitting Gyarados to the face and knocking it out. He was recalled after Crasher Wake sent out Quagsire.
Later, after Buizel was recalled, Pikachu went up again against Floatzel. He used Thunderbolt, but Floatzel countered with Whirlpool. The collision caused electrified water droplets to fall on Buizel, curing his confusion. Pikachu used Volt Tackle, but Floatzel overpowered it and damaged him with Razor Wind. Pikachu then got hit by Ice Fang, causing a part of his back to get frozen. Pikachu was then recalled after Buizel wanted to fight again. As they passed each other they exchanged high-fives and Buizel broke the ice on Pikachu's back with Water Gun, settling their quarrel.
In Playing The Leveling Field!, Pikachu was used in an unofficial battle against the Hearthome City Gym Leader Fantina. Pikachu faced her Drifloon, who had already defeated Buizel and put Chimchar to sleep. After getting hit by Will-O-Wisp, Pikachu hit Drifloon with a super-effective Thunderbolt. Pikachu then used Volt Tackle, but Drifloon countered with Ominous Wind, stopping Pikachu and blowing him back. Pikachu then managed to hit Drifloon with another Thunderbolt, but this triggered Drifloon to evolve into Drifblim. Drifblim managed to dodge Pikachu's Thunderbolt and followed up with Hypnosis, putting him to sleep. With two of his Pokémon sleeping Ash decided to forfeit the match.
In Barry's Busting Out All Over!, Ash used Pikachu as his final Pokémon in a 3-on-3 battle against Barry, where he faced Barry's Empoleon. Ash ordered Pikachu to use Thunderbolt, but Pikachu was forced to dodge Empoleon's Hydro Cannon. Empoleon then used Steel Wing, which clashed with Pikachu's Iron Tail. While continuously exchanging Steel Wings and Iron Tails, Pikachu eventually got hit, knocking him back. While struggling to get back up, Empoleon fired a Hyper Beam at Pikachu, launching him in the air. When it seemed to be over, Ash's words of encouragement managed to get through and Pikachu was able to hit Empoleon with a super-effective Thunderbolt. Pikachu then hit Empoleon with a powerful Volt Tackle, knocking it out.
In Shield with a Twist!, Pikachu was Ash's third Pokémon in his Hearthome Gym battle. He went up against Fantina's Drifblim. Pikachu used a Thunderbolt Counter Shield, hurting Drifblim as well as paralyzing it. Drifblim however immediately blew the electricity away with Psychic. Drifblim then used a combination of Will-O-Wisp and Psychic to create a Counter Shield of its own. Pikachu used Counter Shield again but it was overwhelmed as Drifblim's lasted longer due to it being supported by Psychic. Driflblim's Counter Shield then surrounded Pikachu, causing him to be unable to use Thunderbolt. Drifblim then proceeded to hit Pikachu with Hypnosis, putting him to sleep, and finished him off with Ominous Wind.
In To Thine Own Pokémon Be True!, Pikachu was Ash's partner in a Pokémon Ping Pong Tournament. In the first round they faced Wilkinson and his Farfetch'd. Despite putting up a good match, Ash and Pikachu got eliminated.
In Evolving Strategies!, Pikachu was Ash's fifth Pokémon used in his Full Battle against Paul. First he went up against Magmortar. Pikachu managed to hit Magmortar with Quick Attack, however, upon making contact, he was burned by Magmortar's Flame Body. Pikachu then used Thunderbolt, which was countered by Magmortar's Flamethrower. Pikachu then went for Volt Tackle, which was countered by Magmortar's Rock Tomb. Despite managing to push through and destroy multiple rocks, Pikachu was eventually thrown back after crashing in one of the rocks and got immediately after damaged by his burn. Magmortar then used Smog, but Pikachu blocked it using his Thunderbolt Counter Shield. After taking more burn damage Pikachu dodged Magmortar's Flamethrower and struck Magmortar with an Iron Tail, only to take burn damage again after. He was then recalled.
Later, he went up against Paul's very powerful Ursaring. Pikachu hit Ursaring with Quick Attack, but the Hibernator Pokémon managed to take it and hit Pikachu hard with Hammer Arm. The physical contact activated Pikachu's Static, paralyzing Ursaring, giving Pikachu the opportunity to hit it with Iron Tail. The paralysis however activated Ursaring's Guts Ability, greatly increasing Ursaring's Attack. Pikachu tried stopping Ursaring with Thunderbolt, but it managed to push through and slammed him into Lake Acuity with an extremely powerful Hammer Arm, taking him out of the match as well as injuring him. This defeat meant that Ash had to defeat Paul's remaining five Pokémon with only Chimchar.
In Historical Mystery Tour!, Pikachu was used in a battle against Barry's Heracross. Pikachu started off using Quick Attack, but Heracross endured the hit and hit him with Horn Attack. Their battle was stopped, when Barry saw a Xatu flying and decided to follow it.
In the following episode, Pikachu was used in the Twinleaf Festival Battle Challenge, where he was seen defeating a Feraligatr with Thunderbolt. In the final round Pikachu battled against Barry's Empoleon and managed to win, giving Ash the opportunity to battle Tower Tycoon Palmer.
Later, in Flint Sparks the Fire!, Pikachu was used in a battle against Sinnoh Elite Four member Flint. He faced Flint's Infernape, who had already defeated Ash's Buizel and his Infernape. Pikachu first used Quick Attack, but Infernape simply took the attack and used Flare Blitz. Pikachu countered with Volt Tackle, causing an explosion. Infernape and Pikachu then clashed with Mach Punch and Iron Tail, but Infernape overpowered Pikachu sending him flying into a wall. Infernape then hit Pikachu hard with Close Combat and slammed him down to the ground. Before hitting the ground, Pikachu still managed to hit Infernape with Thunderbolt. Infernape then headed downwards using Flare Blitz, being unable to dodge Pikachu was hit hard by the Fire-type move. Pikachu however still didn't give in and used Quick Attack. Infernape took the attack again and used this chance to knock Pikachu back with Close Combat. Pikachu then used Thunderbolt, but Infernape countered with Flare Blitz, breaking through the attack and hitting Pikachu hard. Pikachu and Infernape then clashed with Volt Tackle and Mach Punch, causing an explosion, knocking Pikachu to the ground. As Pikachu went for one more Volt Tackle, Infernape countered with Thunder Punch, causing another explosion. As the smoke cleared both Pokémon were still standing, but eventually Pikachu fell down, giving Flint the win.
In The Eighth Wonder of the Sinnoh World!, Pikachu battled against Volkner's Electivire. Pikachu first launched a Quick Attack which Electivire dodged. Electivire then launched a Fire Punch and Ice Punch, both of which were dodged. After dodging these attacks Pikachu had hit Electivire with two Thunderbolts, which Electivire absorbed due to its ability Motor Drive, increasing its speed. Due to its increased speed it dodged Iron Tail with ease and managed to hit Pikachu with Fire Punch. Electivire then hit Pikachu with Ice Punch, which activated Pikachu's Static, paralyzing Electivire as well as slowing it down. Due to Electivire's paralysis, Pikachu was able to dodge an Ice Punch and countered another one with Iron Tail. As Electivire went for another Ice Punch, Pikachu managed to outspeed the Thunderbolt Pokémon and defeat it with Iron Tail. Pikachu was then recalled. He later went up against Luxray. His Quick Attack was stopped by Shock Wave, knocking him back. Pikachu then launched three successful Iron Tails but the fourth was countered by Thunder Fang, which overpowered Pikachu. He was then knocked out by Luxray's Shock Wave.
In the Lily of the Valley Conference, Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his battle against Paul in Familiarity Breeds Strategy!. He was used against Paul's Aggron. First he and Aggron clashed with Iron Tail and Metal Claw, proving to be equal in power. Aggron then countered with Metal Sound, hurting Pikachu's ears. Pikachu managed to stop Aggron with Thunderbolt and headed forwards using Volt Tackle. This attack however was stopped by Aggron's Flash Cannon, dealing much damage. Pikachu was then recalled in place of Infernape. Later Pikachu was used again in Ash's battle against Paul, this time facing Paul's Froslass. Froslass started off using Hail, activating her Snow Cloak Ability, making it hard to keep track of Froslass's movements. As Pikachu kept getting attacked by his opponent he tried countering with Thunderbolt. The falling hail however protected Froslass from Thunderbolt, giving Froslass the chance to hit Pikachu hard with an Ice Shard. Pikachu then tried attacking with Volt Tackle, only to be easily dodged by the Snow Land Pokémon. As Froslass went for another Ice Shard to finish Pikachu off, Pikachu managed to avoid it by jumping and hit Froslass with a super-effective Iron Tail. Due to the large amount of damage Froslass had taken the hail disappeared. Froslass then went for an Ice Beam, freezing Pikachu. As Froslass was about to finish Pikachu off with Ice Shard, Pikachu managed to thaw out with Volt Tackle and knocked the Snow Land Pokémon out. This gave Pikachu his first win against one of Paul's Pokémon and also gave Ash the lead in the battle. He was then once again recalled. During the continuation of their battle, Ash sent Pikachu out to battle Paul's Electivire. Electivire started off by using Thunder on the battle field, launching rock at Pikachu. Pikachu however managed to maneuver through the rocks with Quick Attack and strike Electivire with a direct hit on the head. Electivire however quickly recovered and grabbed Pikachu with its tails. As Pikachu tried using Iron Tail, Electivire smacked him to the ground. Using these movements however, Pikachu managed to escape from Electivire's grip. Pikachu and Electivire then clashed with Quick Attack and Brick Break, pushing both Pokémon back. Pikachu then went for Volt Tackle. Electivire blocked the attack, activating its Motor Drive Ability. Electivire then went for a speedy Thunder Punch, but this was countered by Pikachu's Iron Tail. Both attacks however proved to be equal in power making Pikachu unable to move. This gave Electivire the opportunity to use Brick Break with its other arm, knocking Pikachu out.
In The Semi-Final Frontier!, Pikachu was the last Pokémon chosen by Ash to battle Tobias in the semi-finals. Despite Ash losing five of his Pokémon, Pikachu tried his best to defeat Tobias's Latios. In the beginning almost none of his attacks hit or did any damage to Latios and his attacks got easily overwhelmed by Latios's powerful attacks. However, Pikachu finally managed to jump on top of Latios and used Thunderbolt to severely damage Latios. Latios then used Light Screen reducing the damage caused by Thunderbolt. Despite this Pikachu kept using Thunderbolt until he was shaken off. As Pikachu was about to land, Latios used Luster Purge. Pikachu used Volt Tackle and Iron Tail, taking against the force of the Luster Purge, causing a massive explosion. In the end however, both he and Latios fainted. As Ash's last Pokémon had fainted, Tobias was crowned the winner of their battle.
Best Wishes series
Unova
Ash decided to just bring Pikachu to Unova with him, just like he did in Hoenn. In In The Shadow of Zekrom!, Pikachu had an encounter with Zekrom, which unaware by Ash, caused Pikachu to lose his ability to use Electric-type moves. Ash finally noticed during his battle against Trip and his Snivy. After scoring a direct hit with Quick Attack and avoiding Snivy's Tackle, Pikachu tried to use Thunderbolt, but was unable to and got hit by a Tackle. Unable to use Thunderbolt again, he went for Volt Tackle, but failed to use this move as well, wearing Pikachu out greatly. Noticing Pikachu's inability of using Electric-type moves, Ash ordered Pikachu to use Iron Tail. This attack however was dodged by Snivy, who then proceeded to defeat the exhausted Pikachu with Leaf Tornado. In the next episode Pikachu recovered his Electric-type moves.
In Triple Leaders, Team Threats!, Ash used Pikachu in his second battle at the Striaton Gym, where he faced Cress and his Panpour. Pikachu's Quick Attack was countered with Double Team, he was then hit with Scratch. After dodging Water Gun, Pikachu tried to use Thunderbolt, but Panpour aimed Water Gun at his feet, causing him to slip. He was then attacked by multiple Water Gun and Scratch attacks. Pikachu got up and attempted to use Volt Tackle, but this was stopped with Mud Sport. Panpour then finished him off with Water Gun.
In A Rival Battle for Club Champ!, he battled Trip's Tranquill, who had already taken out Ash's Oshawott and Tepig. After his Thunderbolt was dodged, Pikachu took a beating from multiple Work Up-boosted Aerial Aces. As Pikachu was about to be finished off, he managed to grab Tranquill's foot. He then threw Tranquill in the air and defeated it with Volt Tackle. He then battled Snivy again, who had evolved into Servine. Pikachu first used Iron Tail, which collided with Servine's Cut, but was then hit by Servine's Leaf Tornado. Pikachu stood up and went for Volt Tackle. Servine however managed to strike the running Pikachu with Cut, knocking him out
In Minccino—Neat and Tidy!, Pikachu was used in a battle against Bianca and her Pignite. As Pikachu headed forwards he got hit by Pignite's Take Down, followed up by a powerful Heat Crash. Pikachu managed to get up and countered Pignite's Flame Charge with Volt Tackle. After both Pokémon got blown back by the collision, only Pikachu remained standing, giving Ash the win.
In Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!, a trio of troublemaking Ducklett stole Ash's hat and Sandile's sunglasses. Pikachu assisted Sandile in defeating them. After unintentionally shocking himself with Thunderbolt because he was stuck in a beach umbrella, Pikachu couldn't use Electric attacks. Eventually his anger caused him to learn Electro Ball and blasted the Ducklett off with his new move as well as recovering his ability to use Electric-type moves. Later on, he battled against the Sunglasses Sandile. Pikachu got hit by Stone Edge, but immediately countered with Quick Attack. As Pikachu used Iron Tail, Sandile used Dig to avoid getting hit and hit Pikachu hard. Sandile then used another Dig, hitting Pikachu again. As Pikachu had trouble getting up, Sandile suddenly evolved into Krokorok. Krokorok then went for Stone Edge, but Pikachu used Electro Ball to deflect Stone Edge back at Krokorok, defeating it and blasting it off.
In Battling For The Love of Bug-Types!, Ash used Pikachu as his last Pokémon in his Castelia Gym battle, where he went up against Burgh's Leavanny. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, which was dodged. He then used Iron Tail, but this was blocked by Leavanny's Protect. Leavanny's Leaf Storm was countered by Pikachu's Thunderbolt, but it then used String Shot on Pikachu binding him, making him unable to dodge Leaf Storm and causing him to lose his balance. Unable to break free from the strings he was hit with Leaf Storm again. He then tried a Thunderbolt but missed due to his loss of balance. He was then hit by a powerful Hyper Beam, but refused to give up. When Leavanny used Leaf Storm, Pikachu spun and charged into the Leaf Storm, cutting the threads. Pikachu then dodged Leavanny's String Shot's with Quick Attack. After countering another String Shot with Thunderbolt, he hit Leavanny with Iron Tail and finished the Nurturing Pokémon off with Electro Ball, earning Ash the Insect Badge.
In Club Battle Finale: A Hero's Outcome!, Ash used Pikachu in the final round of the Club Battle against Iris. Pikachu went up against Iris's Excadrill. Ash had Pikachu start off with an ineffective Thunderbolt to show they were getting serious. Pikachu and Excadrill then collided with Quick Attack and Drill Run, but Excadrill immediately turned and grabbed Pikachu's tail. He then threw Pikachu in the air and hit him hard with Metal Claw. Pikachu then went for Iron Tail. Excadrill tried countering with Metal Claw, but Pikachu managed to dodge it and hit him hard. After a collision between Pikachu's Electro Ball and Excadrill's Focus Blast, Excadrill used Dig to hit Pikachu from beneath, launching him in the air spinning. Pikachu however kept spinning and used this to hit Excadrill with an extra powerful Iron Tail. Pikachu then went for Iron Tail, but got overpowered by Drill Run. He then barely dodged a Dig, but was then unable to dodge Excadrill's Focus Blast, knocking him out, causing Iris to be the winner of the tournament.
In Dazzling the Nimbasa Gym!, when Ash was in doubt for what Pokémon he should use after his two Pokémon were defeated in his Gym Battle against Elesa, Pikachu shocked Ash to convince him to use him. He went up against Elesa's powerful Emolga. After both Pokémon's Electro Balls collided, Pikachu defeated the Sky Squirrel Pokémon with a single Quick Attack. Pikachu then faced Elesa's Tynamo. Despite her not looking very strong, Tynamo proved to be a tough opponent, using speedy and strong Tackles to hit Pikachu hard. Tynamo managed to slam Pikachu into the ground. While stuck in the ground he was unable to defend himself against Tynamo's countless Tackles. Pikachu eventually managed to break free and started using Thunderbolt on the battle field. The now rocky field forced Tynamo to face Pikachu head on only. Tynamo then dashed forwards using Tackle. Pikachu had Tynamo come close and then launched a powerful Iron Tail, defeating her thus winning Ash the Bolt Badge.
In Ash Versus the Champion!, Pikachu was used in a battle against the Unova League Champion Alder, where he faced his Bouffalant. Pikachu hit Bouffalant with all his attacks, but it absorbed the hits with its afro. Alder however didn't give any orders, causing Bouffalant to get angry. It was then revealed Alder was sleeping. After he was woken up, Alder ordered Bouffalant to use Head Charge, but Bouffalant still angry at him used the attack on him instead. The battle was then called off.
In Stopping the Rage of Legends! Part 1, Pikachu teamed up with Cilan's Stunfisk to battle Tornadus and Thundurus. Stunfisk used its amazing jumping ability to get them both into the air so that they could launch a Thunderbolt—Thunder Shock combination at the two legendary Pokémon. Later, in Stopping the Rage of Legends! Part 2, Pikachu helped rescue the Forces of Nature from Team Rocket.
In An Amazing Aerial Battle!, Ash used Pikachu against Skyla's Unfezant, and Pikachu defeated him with Electro Ball. Pikachu stayed in the battle to fight Skyla's last Pokémon, Swanna, but was defeated with a powerful Hurricane and a brutal Brave Bird.
In Rocking the Virbank Gym! Part 2, Ash chose Pikachu as his final Pokémon in his Gym battle with Roxie and her strongest Pokémon, Garbodor. It was a very hard fought battle, but to Ash's luck, all the physical contact Pikachu made with Garbodor, had caused Pikachu's Static Ability to activate and paralyze Garbodor. Despite still being able to withstand a Thunderbolt, the Trash Heap Pokémon was unable to take a hit from the following Electro Ball, and was knocked out, making Ash victorious and earning him his eighth and final Unova Badge, the Toxic Badge, thus allowing him to enter the Unova League.
In Meloetta and the Undersea Temple!, Ash battled Giovanni with Pikachu trying to protect Meloetta, but was defeated by his Persian and Giovanni successfully captured Meloetta, and took it, along with the imprisoned Ash and Pikachu, to the Abyssal Ruins. In the next episode, Pikachu managed to break Team Rocket's force field prison by striking it repeatedly with Iron Tail, freeing both Ash and himself. Later, during the battle against the mind-controlled Therian Forme Forces of Nature, as Thundurus aimed a Thunder attack at Iris's Dragonite and Iris stepped in its way to protect her Pokémon, Pikachu jumped in, and absorbed the massive blast of electricity himself. This gave Pikachu a tremendous power boost, as seen later, when Ash told Pikachu to use Electro Ball on Team Rocket. The supercharged attack grew into amazingly massive proportions, inflicting notable damage on the Abyssal Ruins, sending Team Rocket flying, and freeing Meloetta.
In Curtain Up, Unova League!, Ash used Pikachu in the preliminary round of the Vertress Conference against Trip's Serperior. Three of Pikachu's attacks were avoided by Serperior while the Regal Pokémon scored a direct on Pikachu with Dragon Tail. In Mission: Defeat Your Rival!, Pikachu continued to battle Serperior and defeated him after a very hard fought battle with an Electro Ball-Iron Tail combo.
In Cameron's Secret Weapon!, Ash used Pikachu against Cameron's Samurott. Samurott blocked many attacks with his Razor Shell, but Pikachu eventually defeated him with an Iron Tail. Cameron then sent out his next Pokémon, Swanna, attempting to keep distance to Pikachu, but Pikachu ended it with an Electro Ball. Later during the battle, Ash sent Pikachu out to face Cameron's newly-evolved Lucario, which had just defeated Snivy, leaving Pikachu as Ash's last Pokémon. At the end of the climactic fight, Pikachu and Lucario fired blasts of Electro Ball and Aura Sphere, and Aura Sphere overpowered Electro Ball, knocking Pikachu out, and thus eliminating Ash from the Vertress Conference, placing him in Top 8.
Decolore Islands
In Cilan and the Case of the Purrloin Witness!, Pikachu participated in the Marine Cup Tournament. He managed to beat other Trainers with a Gurdurr and a Eelektrik and make it to the finals. He battled against Teaque's Galvantula. After a tough battle, Pikachu was able to knock out Galvantula with Iron Tail, winning the tournament for Ash.
In Best Wishes Until We Meet Again!, Pikachu, along with Axew was captured by Team Rocket, while Ash, Iris and Cilan were trapped inside the ship's cargo space. He was eventually freed out of the net and together with Axew using Dragon Rage, Charizard using Flamethrower and Pansage using Solar Beam, Pikachu used Thunderbolt to blast Team Rocket off. Later, Pikachu said farewell to Axew, Iris and Cilan as he, Ash and Alexa continued on to Pallet Town.
Pikachu was reunited with Bulbasaur and the entire Unova team at Professor Oak's Laboratory in The Dream Continues!. He joined the others in a group attack on Team Rocket with his Thunderbolt to send them blasting off for the last time in the Best Wishes series. Pikachu then continued to travel with Ash when he set off for the Kalos region.
XY series
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In Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!, Ash and Pikachu arrived in Kalos by plane along with Alexa. After being thrown out of the Lumiose Gym for not having enough Gym Badges, Ash was saved by Clemont while Pikachu was saved by Bonnie. Bonnie was excited to be holding Pikachu, leading to him shocking her because she was holding him too tightly. After becoming acquainted with their rescuers, Ash challenged Clemont to a battle, which Clemont reluctantly agreed to.
In the battle, Pikachu faced Clemont's Bunnelby. Despite Clemont admitting that he only recently caught Bunnelby, they proved to be a match for Pikachu. The battle was interrupted by Team Rocket, who once again attempted to steal Pikachu for their plans. Ash attempted to stop them, but Jessie had her Wobbuffet reflect Pikachu's attacks with Mirror Coat. Pikachu was saved by a Froakie, who shielded Pikachu with its body at the cost of being injured. With Bunnelby and Froakie's help, Pikachu was used to blast off the villains. Froakie soon collapsed from its injuries, so Ash, Pikachu, and their new friends went to Professor Sycamore to heal Froakie back to health.
In Lumiose City Pursuit!, Ash and Pikachu managed to get Froakie to Professor Sycamore so that he could be healed. When a Garchomp went crazy from one of Team Rocket's devices, Pikachu and Ash pursued her to get the device off and free her. After chasing her to the top of Prism Tower, Pikachu removed the device from Garchomp's neck with Iron Tail. However, due to the fight damaging the tower, the ground Pikachu was standing on broke off, causing him to fall off with Ash immediately leaping in to save his best friend. They were both saved by a Mega Blaziken, who intercepted them in the air and put the two safely back onto the ground.
In A Blustery Santalune Gym Battle!, Pikachu was the first Pokémon Ash used during his Santalune Gym battle with Viola, sending him out to face her Surskit. His Quick Attack was blocked by Protect and his Iron Tail was dodged, Surskit used its skating power to move quickly. After blocking Pikachu's Electro Ball with Ice Beam, it used Ice Beam on the field, freezing it. Whilst Pikachu slipped on the ice, Surskit was able to skate on it, although Pikachu did get a successful hit with Iron Tail, his Thunderbolt was overpowered by Ice Beam and he was knocked out by Signal Beam. After he was healed at the Pokémon Center, he trained with Fletchling for their rematch by using Alexa's Noivern's Gust to help them withstand Vivillon's Gust, who beat Fletchling in the first battle.
In Battling on Thin Ice!, continuing his training along with Fletchling. it was able to withstand Noivern's Gust well, later using one of Clemont's inventions, they practiced to avoid Surskit's Sticky Web, after it broke, they used Froakie and its Frubbles instead to practice. The next day, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon for his Gym Battle rematch against Viola, it went up against her Surskit, using his training he was able to dodge Sticky Web, and after having his Thunderbolt avoided by Surskit's Protect and dodging its Signal Beam, he was able to hit with Iron Tail. Afterwards Pikachu tried to stop Surskit from using Ice Beam on the field by climbing on it and using Thunderbolt, but it failed causing the ice field to appear as well as freezing the area. Using his tail, he was able to stabilize himself on the ice field, his Thunderbolt overpowered Surskit's Signal Beam, defeating the Pond Skater Pokémon. Ash recalled Pikachu and substituted him for Fletchling. It was called out again to battle Vivillon, who beat Fletchling. After being hit with Gust, Pikachu looked tired, but Ash had Pikachu use Iron Tail to anchor himself to the ice field. Vivillon's Solar Beam was countered with Thunderbolt, then Vivillon used Sleep Powder, and due to Iron Tail being anchored into the ground, he was unable to dodge it. While Pikachu was struggling to stay awake, Vivillon used Solar Beam, but Pikachu used Electro Ball on himself to keep him awake. Vivillon launched the Solar Beam, but Pikachu was able to overpower it with Electro Ball, causing Vivillon to crash into the lamps which were frozen by Surskit's Ice Beam misfire, freezing its wing allowing Pikachu to defeat the Scale Pokémon with Thunderbolt, earning Ash the Bug Badge.
In Climbing the Walls!, Ash used Pikachu as his third and final Pokémon in his Cyllage Gym Battle against Grant. He went up against his Tyrunt. Pikachu was at a type-disadvantage since Tyrunt was part Dragon-type. Pikachu used Quick Attack and jumped and attacked from above to avoid Crunch and hit Tyrunt. It used its signature Draco Meteor but Pikachu dodged and used Iron Tail, then the meteor shower came but Pikachu used Iron Tail to jump on the Draco Meteor and perform the Draco Meteor Climb, which he based on the Rock Tomb Climb Froakie previously used, Tyrunt used its jumping abilities to jump high and use Dragon Tail and tied with Pikachu's Iron Tail. Grant used his favorite move Rock Tomb but Pikachu deflected the projectiles with Iron Tail, knocking one into Tyrunt's mouth, disabling Crunch and allowing Pikachu to move close and finish with Ash's favorite move, Thunderbolt, defeating Tyrunt, winning the battle and earning Ash the Cliff Badge.
In The Bonds of Evolution!, Pikachu was used in the Ash's battle against Diantha, the Kalos League Champion, where he faced her Gardevoir. Gardevoir managed to dodge all of Pikachu's attacks and hit him hard with a Shadow Ball. The battle was interrupted by Team Rocket.
In Mega Revelations!, Pikachu battled against Korrina's Lucario. Pikachu was quickly overwhelmed by Lucario's fast attacks and was easily defeated. Pikachu battled Lucario again in The Aura Storm!, but this time against Lucario's Mega Evolved form. Pikachu battled well, but got attacked aggressively when Mega Lucario started to go out of control, forcing Ash to protect Pikachu. When Mega Lucario was stopped by Gurkinn's Lucario, the battle was called off.
In Battling Into the Hall of Fame!, Pikachu was used in a Triple Tag Battle alongside with Serena's Fennekin and Clemont's Chespin against Tierno's Squirtle, Shauna's Bulbasaur and Trevor's Charmander. Pikachu and the others was having a hard time due to their opponents great teamwork, which led to Fennekin being defeated by Squirtle. When Pikachu was using Quick Attack, Squirtle used Rapid Spin to block and send Pikachu flying. He also took damage from Charmander and Bulbasaur's attacks. Bulbasaur fired a Solar Beam at Pikachu, but, much to Shauna and her friends's surprise, Chespin used Vine Whip to pull Pikachu up, giving Pikachu the perfect opportunity to defeat Charmander with Thunderbolt. When Squirtle uses Rapid Spin, Chespin used Vine Whip to stop it while Pikachu managed to defeat Bulbasaur with Electro Ball. After avoiding Squirtle's Aqua Tail, Pikachu also defeated it with Thunderbolt giving Ash, Serena and Clemont the win and the spot on the Hall of Fame.
In Showdown at the Shalour Gym!, Pikachu was the last Pokémon Ash used during his Shalour Gym battle with Korrina, sending him out to face Korrina's Mega Lucario. Ash was convinced that Korrina wasn't the only one who trained, both Pokémon stared off as this was going to be the final battle. Pikachu used Quick Attack and combined it with Electro Ball, launcing Electro Ball but this was deflected with Bone Rush, Pikachu's Iron Tail was blocked and Mega Lucario kicked him into the air, but Pikachu hit Mega Lucario with Thunderbolt, but it hit him back with Aura Sphere. Pikachu was able to get to up and show his strength, Mega Lucario used Metal Sound, which Pikachu drowned out using his Thunderbolt hitting Mega Lucario as well, then Mega Lucario used Aura Sphere, but Pikachu used Iron Tail to bounce off it and jump, similar to the Draco Meteor Tomb, Mega Lucario jumped and used Bone Rush, but Pikachu countered with Iron Tail, but Mega Lucario clashed with Bone Rush to reduce Iron Tail's power, then both Pokémon crashed into the ground, but both were standing but weak, Mega Lucario's Power-Up Punch was countered with Iron Tail, and its Aura Sphere with Electro Ball, Pikachu then used Thunderbolt finally defeating the Aura Pokémon, thus giving Ash the victory and earning him the Rumble Badge. As the group prepared to depart for Coumarine City, Pikachu and Lucario bumped fists as a promise to battle again someday.
In A Slippery Encounter!, Pikachu helped out a Goomy after they were stolen by Team Rocket. Knowing that his Thunderbolt won't break their cage, Pikachu tries to ram it but keeps getting hurt until the cage make a hole. Goomy manages to escape, but Pikachu couldn't go through until Goomy uses its slimy body around Pikachu making him slip right through the cage. After getting out, they both run off until they were noticed by Team Rocket, who gives chase. When Pikachu and Goomy was about to be hit by Jessie's Pumpkaboo's Shadow Ball, Ash came by to protect them. When Team Rocket was about to steal Pikachu in the same cage again, Ash tells him to use Iron Tail, destroying the cage in the process. Then while battling their foes, Pikachu use Electro Ball, countering Pumpkaboo's Shadow Ball. Then Inkay uses Psybeam, confusing Pikachu which makes him attack Fletchinder instead. As they were about to be finished by Pumpkaboo and Inkay's Dark Pulse and Psybeam, Goomy protected them and uses Bide to send it back at Team Rocket's Pokémon. As the confusion wore off, Ash tells Pikachu to finish off Team Rocket with Thunderbolt. Later, Pikachu informed to Ash that Goomy wants to go with them, allowing him to capture it.
In Good Friends, Great Training!, Pikachu alongside with Sliggoo was used in a Tag Battle against Tierno's Wartortle and Raichu. Before the battle can start, he was grabbed by a mecha created by Team Rocket. But Sliggoo was able to save Pikachu with Dragon Breath. After the mecha took Sliggoo, along with Wartortle and Raichu, Pikachu split up with Ash and Serena to look for them. After Sliggoo evolved into Goodra to save Ash and Pikachu, they restarted their Double Battle, and after a hard fight, Pikachu and Goodra won with a Thunderbolt and Dragon Pulse combo.
In The Moment of Lumiose Truth!, Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his Lumiose Gym Battle against Clemont and went up against his Bunnelby. Pikachu used Thunderbolt, which was blocked by Bunnelby using its ears to create a mud shield. Bunnelby used Dig which was too fast for Pikachu to evade. Pikachu hit Bunnelby with Quick Attack, which Bunnelby quickly recovered from. It then used Double Slap but Pikachu used Iron Tail which the Digging Pokémon caught with its ears. This reminded Bonnie of their first battle. Instead of letting Pikachu counter with Electro Ball, Bunnelby used its new move, Wild Charge, dealing major damage to Pikachu. Bunnelby then hit Pikachu with another Dig. He then responded with Quick Attack, but Bunnelby used Dig again. However, Ash had Pikachu use Iron Tail on the ground, forcing Bunnelby to emerge and dealing major damage. Pikachu then used another Iron Tail, defeating Bunnelby. When Clemont sent out Heliolisk, Ash recalled Pikachu. He was later sent out to battle Clemont's last Pokémon, Luxray. Pikachu could take advantage of Luxray's Electric Terrain, which increased the power of Electric-type moves. Pikachu first used Thunderbolt, which was blocked by Luxray's Thunder Fang. It then used Wild Charge on Pikachu, dealing a lot of damage. Luxray followed up with Swift, but Pikachu was able to deflect it back to Luxray with Iron Tail. However, the Gleam Eyes Pokémon countered with Wild Charge, defeating Pikachu.
In Rivals: Today and Tomorrow!, Ash used Pikachu as his first Pokémon in his three versus three battle against Sawyer. He went up against Bagon although he had a type-disadvantage. Pikachu's speedy Quick Attack was able to outmaneuver Bagon's Headbutt. After Thunderbolt and Dragon Breath collided in a draw, Pikachu jumped into the air and prepared to use Iron Tail, Sawyer had Bagon use Dragon Claw but it was overpowered by Iron Tail and Pikachu knocked the Rock Head Pokémon out.
In XY078, Pikachu, along with Ash and his friends, visit the Poké Ball Factory. There, they are tricked by Team Rocket who separates the group from their Poké Balls, with only Pikachu managing to escape. Pikachu first tried to free Ash and his friends, but when that failed, he attempted to get the attaché case that held the groups Poké Balls. Meowth then chased after Pikachu, being the only one small enough to squeeze through the factory equipment and ventilation shafts that Pikachu escaped through, and continuously attempted to recall Pikachu into his Poké Ball. In the end, the Team Rocket trio attempted to escape with the Poké Balls they stole when they saw that Ash and his friends were after them, but after Pikachu managed to stop there van with a Thunderbolt, Meowth challenged Pikachu to a one-on-one. Pikachu accepted and won despite Meowth attempting to use Pikachu's Poké Ball on him. After blasting Team Rocket of again, the group were invited by the grateful factory staff to a genuine tour of the factory.
Personality and characteristics
After Ash gained Pikachu's loyalty in Pokémon - I Choose You!, Pikachu became extremely loyal to Ash and has maintained this loyalty, and while he is not always immediately trusting of strangers, he is generally friendly to humans and Pokémon alike. He acted as a guardian and big brother to Misty's Togepi, and has been seen mediating and even breaking up fights among other Pokémon, such as in Pikachu's Vacation. In Mewtwo Strikes Back, Pikachu, Meowth, and Meowth's clone were the only Pokémon not to participate in the giant battle; Pikachu stood motionless as his clone repeatedly slapped his face. Contrary to his distrusting nature, Pikachu took a liking to Misty very early in the series, and he has retained this liking of Misty throughout the series, such as when he was very happy to see her in The Scheme Team.
During the Hoenn saga, Pikachu temporarily developed amnesia and sided with Team Rocket for a while. On several occasions, Pikachu has developed an "electric flu" causing him to become overcharged and extremely powerful. During these instances, Pikachu will sometimes accidentally let off electric outbursts which can be set off on anyone, including Ash. In all of these cases, Pikachu did not mean harm upon anyone.
As shown in a handful of episodes, the first being Showdown at Dark City, Pikachu has a special fondness for ketchup, but he will eat and enjoy almost any other human or Pokémon food. A running joke in the anime also seems to be Pikachu using Thunderbolt at the beginning of each series to destroy a female companion's bike or shock the companion herself. This has happened to Misty, May, Dawn, Iris, and Bonnie.
Pikachu, like his Trainer, is always happy to battle. He often tries his very best, but when he loses, he doesn't complain or feel bad about himself, especially when Ash reassures him. Ash and Pikachu are almost identical personality-wise, and thus are the perfect match for one another. Most others agree, with the exception of Burgundy, who in A Connoisseur's Revenge! said that Ash had a terrible relationship with all of his Pokémon, though this is more due to her inexperience in determining such relationships.
In general, Pikachu as a species is not particularly powerful, but Ash's Pikachu is an anomaly, overcoming odds in battle numerous times. In Pokémon Emergency!, Meowth remarked that Pikachu's power "far exceeds its evolutionary level". In Showdown in Pewter City, he defeated Brock's Onix with an Electric-type attack that triggered the sprinkler system causing Onix to be drenched in water, one of its weaknesses. Ash's Pikachu has also defeated very powerful Pokémon that Ash's other Pokémon were unable to, such as Dragonite, Metagross and Mega Lucario. He was also the second of Ash's Pokémon to defeat a legendary Pokémon in battle, defeating Brandon's Regice to win the Brave Symbol. He later fought Tobias' Latios to a draw in the semi-finals of the Lily of the Valley Conference. He has helped Ash win countless battles and Gym and League matches.
The possibility of evolving into Raichu was first raised in the episode Electric Shock Showdown. After suffering a crushing defeat by Lt. Surge's Raichu, Nurse Joy presented Ash with a Thunder Stone. Ash allowed Pikachu to decide, but it smacked the stone away with his tail, choosing to become stronger as it is, and defeated Raichu using its superior speed. In the Sinnoh region, Pikachu battled a Raichu belonging to a trainer named Sho. The two were evenly matched, until Raichu used Hyper Beam to secure victory, a move Pikachu could not learn. At a Pokémon Center, Ash revealed that he kept the Thunder Stone he acquired in Vermilion City in case Pikachu changed his mind about evolving. Once again, Pikachu chose not to evolve, and defeated Sho's Raichu in a rematch with a combination of speed and spinning techniques learned from Dawn. In the interim, Team Rocket stole the Thunder Stone, as they also liked Pikachu to stay as he is.
However, at times, Pikachu has lived up to his species' frail and brittle strengths, particularly in Gym battles where he was defeated with relative ease by his opponent; for example, he was overpowered very easily by Lt. Surge's Raichu, Sabrina's Kadabra, Blaine's Magmar, Bugsy's Scyther, Whitney's Miltank, Chuck's Poliwrath, Roark's Rampardos, Fantina's Drifblim, Cress's Panpour, and Viola's Surskit, despite having a type advantage with Panpour, Scyther, Poliwrath, Drifblim, and Surskit. He also drew against Winona's Pelipper and Norman's Vigoroth, and struggled against Crasher Wake's Floatzel. Furthermore, he has lost twice to Trip's Serperior, as a Snivy in In the Shadow of Zekrom! and a Servine in A Rival Battle for Club Champ!, despite Trip being a starting Trainer and recently having obtained Serperior.
Pikachu became the second non-legendary Pokémon to defeat a legendary Pokémon in the anime after Charizard, beating Brandon's Regice in Pace - The Final Frontier!, giving Ash his final Frontier Symbol.
Pikachu is also the only one of Ash's Pokémon to accompany him to the Hoenn, Unova, and Kalos regions, and was intended to be the only Pokémon to accompany him to Sinnoh before Aipom was discovered to have stowed away on the ship Ash was taking. Up until the capture of Dawn's Pachirisu, Pikachu was the only Electric-type Pokémon in the anime owned by a main character.
Pikachu is always becoming a constant target whenever he gets captured by Team Rocket. Sometimes they succeed with nets, cages or capsules, but most of the time their plans always failed by Ash and his friends or something else. Whenever Pikachu gets released from their trap and reunites with Ash, he sends Team Rocket blasting off with his Electric attacks. In this case, his Thunderbolt. Sometimes, Pikachu sends them away even when he's not captured.
Even with his high level of electrical power, Pikachu has not stopped learning new attacks. Upon learning that Roxanne, the Rustboro Gym Leader used Rock types, Ash had Pikachu begin learning Iron Tail in All Things Bright and Beautifly!. After training hard, Pikachu finally perfected it in The Winner by a Nosepass, where he used it to defeat Roxanne's Nosepass and earn Ash his first Hoenn Badge. In addition to giving Pikachu an advantage over Rock types, Iron Tail has allowed Pikachu to defeat many powerful opponents. In May's Egg-Cellent Adventure, during a battle with Team Rocket, Ash ordered Pikachu to do a Quick Attack. Much to the surprise of Ash and his friends, the Quick Attack morphed into Volt Tackle which sent Team Rocket blasting off. Until Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!, it has been one of Pikachu's signature moves, in which Pikachu replaced it with Electro Ball, which it learned while battling a trio of annoying Ducklett. Not only that, Pikachu has used his Ability, Static, a few times in the anime.
Moves used
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| An × shows that the move cannot be legitimately known by this Pokémon in the games. | |||||||
| A † shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves. | |||||||
Moves improvised
- Leer was first seen in The School of Hard Knocks. When Giselle called for Cubone to use Leer, Ash told Pikachu to "Leer right back" by making funny faces. He later used Leer in Hour of the Houndour; however, this was the actual move, albeit, an anime move error still.
- An attack where Pikachu stored electricity in his tail similar to Slam was used to defeat Lt. Surge's Raichu in Electric Shock Showdown. A similar move, referred to as "Shocking Tail" by the MC, was used to defeat Drake's Ditto in Hello, Pummelo!.
- Rocket Punch was a move that Pikachu used while "boxing" Anthony's Hitmonchan in The Punchy Pokémon. Pikachu glowed red and shot off his boxing gloves, leaving off a trail of smoke. Once the smoke disappears, Pikachu still has his boxing gloves on and flies towards Hitmonchan at high speed.
- Thunder Armor was a one-time technique in the episode Solid as a Solrock, Pikachu is seen using Thunder on himself while riding Ash's Swellow. This increased their attack power greatly, and they easily overpowered their opponents.
- Spin, originally made by Dawn and first used by her Piplup and Buneary, was also used by Turtwig and Aipom to avoid attacks in the episode O'er the Rampardos We Watched!, where he was able beat Roark and obtain the Coal Badge.
- Thunder-Volt Tackle is a move combination between Ash's Pikachu and Paul's Electabuzz. Pikachu starts by using Volt Tackle towards Paul's Electabuzz, who grabs him and uses Thunder on him to supercharge the Volt Tackle. This was used in Enter Galactic! to sever the cables with which Team Galactic's helicopters were carrying Veilstone City's meteorites.
- Swift-Quick Attack was a combination of Aipom's twirling Swift and Pikachu's Quick Attack that was used in A Stand-Up Sit-Down!. Aipom would use a twirling Swift that spins in the air and then Pikachu would jump in the Swift with Quick Attack and as he runs, the Swift stars would be surrounding the white light from the Quick Attack.
- Volt Tail, a combination of Volt Tackle and Iron Tail, was used in Pika and Goliath! against Sho's Raichu and once again in The Semi-Final Frontier! against Tobias's Latios.
- Counter Shield can be used by Pikachu by utilizing Thunderbolt, similar to Ash's Buizel and Infernape who can do the technique with their own moves.
- Thunder Whirlpool was used in Arceus and the Jewel of Life where it was used by Pikachu and Dawn's Piplup in order to win a tag battle against Kato and Kiko's Heracross and Beautifly. First Piplup used Whirlpool which trapped Heracross and Beautifly inside at which point Pikachu used Thunderbolt to electrify it, knocking out both opponents at the same time.
- Hydro Volt Tackle is used as a finishing blow against Team Rocket in Memories are Made of Bliss!. It is a combination of Pikachu's Volt Tackle and Dawn's Piplup's Hydro Pump creating a massive Electric-Water shot that sent Team Rocket blasting off.
- Thunderbolt-Electro Ball is a combination used to power up Electro Ball, first seen in Movie Time! Zorua in "The Legend of the Pokémon Knight"!. Ash has Pikachu use Electro Ball, then tells him to use Thunderbolt on it to significantly increase the size and power of Electro Ball.
- Massive Electro Ball was a stronger variation of Electro Ball that Pikachu used in Unova's Survival Crisis!. While blocking Thundurus's Thunder attack to protect Iris, Pikachu absorbed some of its opponent's electricity. Later, when Ash told Pikachu use Electro Ball, it transferred Thundurus's excess energy into its attack, causing the Electro Ball to crackle with blue lightning and swell to incredibly massive proportions. This supercharged Electro Ball dealt great damage to the Abyssal Ruins after it was launched.
- Electro Iron Tail was a move combination Pikachu used to defeat Trip's Serperior in Mission: Defeat Your Rival!. First Pikachu forms an Electro Ball on his tail, and then uses Iron Tail, slamming both the Electro Ball and Iron Tail into the opponent at the same time, dealing a notable amount of damage.
- Draco Meteor Climb was a countering method Ash improvised during his Gym battle with Grant in Climbing the Walls!. By using Iron Tail, Pikachu was able to jump on and avoid being hit by Grant's Tyrunt's Draco Meteor. This was based on Ash's counter method to Rock Tomb, called "Rock Tomb Climb".
- Aura Sphere Climb*, similar to Draco Meteor Climb, was used in Showdown at the Shalour Gym! in order to counter Korrina's Mega Lucario's Aura Sphere.
In the games
- Main article: Red's Pikachu (game)
In the main series, Red's Pikachu is noticeably based on Ash's Pikachu: not only does Red receive it from Professor Oak after his rival, Oak's grandson, takes the last starter Pokémon in Pokémon Yellow, but it follows Red around rather than being kept in a Poké Ball. In Generation II and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Pikachu is the highest-leveled member of Red's team when he is encountered at Mt. Silver, and the highest leveled Pokémon owned by a Trainer in the entire series excluding battle arenas. His moves, notably in HeartGold and SoulSilver, are the four moves most used by Ash's Pikachu at the time of the games' release. Pikachu was one of Ash's three Pokémon in Pokémon Puzzle League. The Pikachu in the Super Smash Bros. series may be based on Ash's Pikachu.
Event distributions
Diamond & Pearl Pikachu
A Japanese event distributed an in-game representation of Ash's Pikachu via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and at participating Japanese McDonald's locations which was held from July 15 through August 10, 2010. This Pikachu was distributed at participating American Toys 'R' Us locations from January 30 to February 13, 2011, and Canadian Toys 'R' Us locations from February 9 to February 20, 2011. This Pikachu's moveset was based on that of Ash's Pikachu during the Diamond & Pearl series.
| Pokémon Info | Trainer Memo | Battle Moves | Ribbons | ||||||||||||
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 PIKACHU
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♂ | Dex No. | 0025 | Naughty nature. | Electric | Volt Tackle | 
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| Lv. 50 | Type | Steel | Iron Tail | ||||||||||||
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Electric | Pokémon Event | Normal | Quick Attack | |||||||||||
| OT | Ash | Apparently had a | Electric | Thunderbolt | |||||||||||
| ID No. | 01301 | fateful encounter at | This Pokémon was available in the United States and Canada in 2011. | ||||||||||||
| Item | Ability | Lv. 50. | |||||||||||||
 Light Ball
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Static | ||||||||||||||
| The date this Pokémon was received is determined by the date on the DS when it was obtained from the Poké Mart. | |||||||||||||||
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Pokémon Center Best Wishes Pokémon
From August 10 to September 6, 2013, Japanese Pokémon Centers distributed an in-game representation of Ash's Pikachu with its moveset based on the one known by Pikachu during the Best Wishes series. The distribution was split into four one-week periods; each week, players could receive one of four Best Wishes-themed Pokémon at random. The other three Pokémon distributed alongside Ash's Pikachu were Iris's Axew, Cilan's Pansage, and Professor Oak's Rotom.
| Pokémon Info | Trainer Memo | Battle Moves | Ribbons | ||||||||||
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| ピカチュウ
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♂ | Dex No. | 0025 | Brave nature. | Electric | Thunderbolt | 
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| Lv. 50 | Type | Normal | Quick Attack | ||||||||||
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Electric | Pokémon Cartoon | Steel | Iron Tail | |||||||||
| OT | サトシ | Apparently had a | Electric | Electro Ball | |||||||||
| ID No. | 08103 | fateful encounter at | This Pokémon was available in Japan from August 10 to September 6, 2013. | ||||||||||
| Item | Ability | Lv. 50. | |||||||||||
 None
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Static | ||||||||||||
| The date this Pokémon was received is determined by the date on the DS when the Wonder Card is received. | |||||||||||||
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Pokémon DS Rally Pokémon
From July 18 to 31, 2015, Japanese 7-Eleven stores are distributing an in-game representation of Ash's Pikachu with its moveset based on the one known by Pikachu during the XY series. It, along with Serena's Pancham, are being distributed as prizes in 7-Eleven's "Pokémon DS Rally". Once participants bring their Japanese-region Nintendo 3DS to one of the stores' 7Spots, and gets their 3DS "stamped" through the Nintendo Zone feature, they can redeem the stamp for a serial code that will give the player one of the two anime Pokémon.
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| Moves in bold can be taught again at the Move Reminder as a special move if forgotten. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date received is the receiving system's date when the Wonder Card is received. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This Pokémon is set to the same language as the game that received it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In the manga
In the Ash and Pikachu manga
Ash's Pikachu is a starring character in the Ash and Pikachu manga series, which is based on the Johto and Hoenn seasons of the Pokémon anime. Like in the anime, Pikachu and Ash share a strong friendship.
Moves used
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In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga
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This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: roles in later chapters |
Ash's Pikachu is a starring character in the manga series The Electric Tale of Pikachu, which is loosely based on the Pokémon anime. Pikachu appears in every chapter of the manga.
Like in the anime, Pikachu was Ash's first Pokémon. However, Ash did not receive Pikachu from Professor Oak - instead, he finds Pikachu under the floorboards of his home, chewing on wires to eat the electricity. His mother asks him to take Pikachu outside, but when Gary Oak taunts Ash about how he has not yet become a Pokémon Trainer, Ash decides to keep Pikachu as his first Pokémon.
Like in the anime, Pikachu was originally unwilling to obey Ash, but after Ash protects Pikachu from a flock of wild Spearow and a Fearow, Pikachu gains respect for Ash, and after Ash defeats Brock, he is named Jean Luc Pikachu (Japanese ジャン＝リュック ピカチュウ Jean-Luc Pikachu).
Later on, when Ash is in a Gym battle with Misty, Pikachu is petrified by the sight of her Gyarados and does not battle, while in his Gym battle with Sabrina, he is easily bested by her Abra.
Pikachu likes Misty and greets her enthusiastically whenever she appears, often ignoring Ash in the process.
Moves used
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In the Magical Pokémon Journey manga
Ash's Pikachu, along with Ash, Misty and Brock, makes a cameo appearance in the bonus chapters at the end of every volume of the Magical Pokémon Journey manga series. In the bonus chapters, Ash and friends have mistakenly wandered into the Magical Pokémon Journey world and are trying to return back to the world of the anime, encountering many unusual situations along the way, including encounters of aspects of the Magical Pokémon Journey canon which are different in anime canon.
Ash's Pikachu shows a video to Pikachu of him bouncing a Poké Ball on his head in One Hundred Fifty-One.
In the Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl manga
Ash's Pikachu appears as a main character in the Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl manga, which is based on the Diamond & Pearl series of the anime.
Moves used
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| A † shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves. | |||||||||||||||||||
In the movie adaptations
As Ash and Pikachu have appeared in every Pokémon movie to date, Pikachu is a main character in every Pokémon movie manga adaptation.
Moves used
Manga versions
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| A † shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ani-Manga versions
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| A † shows that the move was used recently, unless all moves fit this case or there are fewer than five known moves. | ||||||||||
In the TCG
Ash's Pikachu is featured in the Pokémon Trading Card Game as a Pokémon 
. The following is a list of related cards.
| Ash's Pikachu Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format. Cards listed with a green background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats. | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Card | Type | English Expansion |
Rarity | # | Japanese Expansion |
Rarity | # |
| Pikachu
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Movie Commemoration Random Pack | 012/022 | ||||
| Pikachu LV.X
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DPt-P Promotional cards | 043/DPt-P | ||||
In Tretta
- Main article: Pikachu (05-01)
In Pokémon Tretta, Ash and his Pikachu appear as a Master-class Tretta in the Invasion! Mega Rayquaza expansion. When Pikachu is in play, he appears wearing Ash's hat from the XY series.
Trivia
- Pikachu is Ash's only Electric-type Pokémon and was the only Electric-type owned by a main character in the anime until the capture of Pachirisu by Dawn.
- For DP013, Professor Oak's lecture is about Ash's Pikachu. He writes this Pokémon senryū about him: パートナー サトシとピカチュウ いいかんじ Partners Satoshi and Pikachu: a pleasant feeling.
- Pikachu was the first of Ash's Pokémon to habitually disobey him. Other Pokémon that would do so, and are better remembered for their disobedience than Pikachu, are Primeape and Charizard.
- Pikachu is the second Pokémon in the entire anime series to have managed to defeat a Legendary Pokémon, which he did by defeating Brandon's Regice in Pace - The Final Frontier!.
- Pikachu is also the only Pokémon in the entire series that has been able to defeat two Legendary Pokémon, being able to take out Brandon's Regice in Pace - The Final Frontier! and Tobias's Latios in The Semi-Final Frontier!, although in the latter case, it was a sacrificial win, as Pikachu knocked himself out in the process.
- In Where No Togepi Has Gone Before! it was confirmed that Pikachu is male. His physical appearance could not be used as proof, since gender differences were not implemented until after he had debuted in the anime.
- Pikachu's gender had already been assumed male in the dub, where male pronouns such as "he" were used to refer to Pikachu. To a lesser extent, his gender was also previously implied in the Japanese versions, specifically in Island of the Giant Pokémon (where he used masculine pronouns), and in The Battle of the Badge, where Brock referred to Ash and Pikachu as being "those guys" when touched by their loyalty.
- There were also non-verbal hints as early as Princess vs. Princess, where Pikachu was seen carrying one of the packages immediately after the narrator mentioned that the males during Princess Day are relegated to carrying the packages.
- Pikachu's gender was also assumed male in the English translation of the Ash and Pikachu manga, in which Ash and other characters refer to Pikachu with male pronouns.
- The first time Pikachu's gender difference was pointed out was in Beauties Battling for Pride and Prestige!, where Pikachu was disguised as a female by sticking a heart-shaped piece of paper on his tail.
- Pikachu's gender had already been assumed male in the dub, where male pronouns such as "he" were used to refer to Pikachu. To a lesser extent, his gender was also previously implied in the Japanese versions, specifically in Island of the Giant Pokémon (where he used masculine pronouns), and in The Battle of the Badge, where Brock referred to Ash and Pikachu as being "those guys" when touched by their loyalty.
- Pikachu is the only Pokémon of Ash's to be used in every Gym battle in a region.
- In Latin America, Cartoon Network has a "Biografía Toon" (Toon Biography) segment, which consists of biographies and histories of cartoon characters. This segment has done a two-part feature on Ash's Pikachu. According to the segment, Pikachu is the result of an experiment conducted by Professor Oak and allegedly destroyed the lab where he was created in a momentary loss of control.
- An Elite Coverup! has been the only time when Ash does not use Pikachu against an Elite Four member.
- Pikachu seems to have a talent for mimicking Pokémon, as seen from his performance during the Pokémon Dress-Up Contest. He will occasionally use pantomime to specify what he is talking about. He can contort his face and his ears to imitate Ash, his Turtwig, or Wobbuffet, among others. This capability of Pikachu's was also featured during part of the credits of Gotta Dance.
- Pikachu is the first evolved Pokémon Ash obtained, although at the time Ash obtained Pikachu, he did not yet have a pre-evolved form.
- Pikachu is Ash's only Pokémon capable of evolving by use of an evolutionary stone, not counting Snorunt who could not evolve through use of an evolution stone at the time of its capture and normal evolution.
- Pikachu didn't learn any moves in the Diamond and Pearl series.
- Pikachu is the first Pokémon in the anime to defeat a Mega Evolved Pokémon without Mega Evolving, defeating Korrina's Lucario in Showdown at the Shalour Gym!.
- As Pikachu hates being in his Poké Ball, it is rarely ever seen, with a known total of only five confirmed appearances throughout the whole series (flashbacks not included). These being in: Pokémon - I Choose You!, Showdown in Pewter City, A Corphish Out of Water!, Breaking Titles at the Chateau! and XY078.
Pikachu's language
Some of Pikachu's speech is consistent enough that it seems that some phrases actually mean something. (In Stealing The Conversation!, Team Rocket refers to this language as "PikaSpeak," however, this most likely isn't official.) For instance, Pikachu always uses "Pikapi" when referring to Ash (notice that it sounds somewhat similar to "Satoshi"). Other speech includes:
- Pi-Kachu: Pochama (Piplup)
- Pikachu-Pi: Kasumi (Misty)
- Pika-Chu: Takeshi (Brock), Kibago (Axew)
- Pikaka: Hikari (Dawn)
- PiPiPi: Togepy (Togepi)
- Pikachu-Pika: Fushigidane (Bulbasaur)
- PikaPika: Zenigame (Squirtle), Mukuhawk (Staraptor), Goukazaru (Infernape) Gamagaru (Palpitoad) or Marilli (Azumarill)
- PiPi-kachu: Rocket-dan (Team Rocket)
- Pi-Pikachu: Get da ze! (He says this after Ash wins a Badge, catches a new Pokémon or anything similar.)
- Pika-Pikachu: When referring to or introducing himself.
- Chaa: Anything he says happily or excitedly, or when yawning.
- Pika!: "Matte!", or saying "Wait!"
- Pi-kaPika: "Sayōnara," or saying "Good-bye."
Voice actors
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Related articles
- For more information on this Pokémon's species, see Pikachu.
- Episodes focusing on Pikachu
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This article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of Pokémon animation. |
