Pikachu

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Pikachu Overview

Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokemon introduced in Generation 1 in the Kanto region. Known as the Mouse Pokemon, Pikachu is the franchise mascot and the most recognizable Pokemon worldwide. It evolves from Pichu when leveled up with high friendship, and evolves into Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone. In the Alola region, Pichu can evolve into Alolan Raichu, which gains the Psychic secondary typing.

Pikachu is distinguished by its yellow fur, black-tipped ears, and red cheeks that store electrical energy. As an Electric-type, Pikachu learns powerful electric moves like Thunderbolt, Thunder, and Volt Tackle. Its signature move is Thunderbolt, a reliable 90-base-power special attack with a 10% paralysis chance. Pikachu's Ability Static gives a 30% chance of paralyzing opponents that make direct contact.

Battle Strategy

Pikachu's primary competitive niche comes from the Light Ball item. When held, Light Ball doubles Pikachu's Attack and Special Attack stats, giving it effective 110 Attack and 100 Special Attack. This makes Pikachu hit significantly harder than its base 55/50 offenses suggest. With 90 base Speed, Pikachu outspeeds a large portion of the unboosted metagame.

A standard Light Ball Pikachu set runs Thunderbolt as the primary Electric STAB move. Volt Switch provides momentum by letting Pikachu deal damage while switching to a teammate. Grass Knot covers Ground-types like Swampert, Gastrodon, and Hippowdon that would otherwise wall Pikachu. The fourth moveslot often goes to Focus Punch, which hits Chansey and Blissey on the switch, or Knock Off for removing opposing items. An alternative special set uses Nasty Plot to boost Pikachu's Special Attack to threatening levels, then sweeps with Thunderbolt and coverage moves.

Pikachu's major drawback is its low bulk. With base 35 HP, 40 Defense, and 50 Special Defense, Pikachu gets knocked out by most neutral hits and almost any super effective attack. Priority moves like Mach Punch, Bullet Punch, and Extreme Speed threaten Pikachu heavily. Entry hazards also cut into Pikachu's survivability, making Heavy-Duty Boots a viable item choice over Light Ball when entry hazards are prevalent.

Evolution Chain

Competitive Usage

In official VGC (Video Game Championships) rules, Pikachu is rarely used due to its low bulk and the prevalence of Primal Groudon, Garchomp, and Landorus-T in restricted formats. However, Pikachu has seen niche usage in the Pikachu-exclusive format events at Pokemon World Championships, where its Light Ball-boosted attacks can sweep unprepared teams.

In Smogon singles, Pikachu is classified in the PU tier (the lowest standard tier). Light Ball Pikachu functions as a wallbreaker with passable Speed. Common checks include Ground-types with recovery, such as Hipopotas in PU or higher-tier Pokemon like Landorus-T and Garchomp. Pikachu can also run a Focus Sash lead set with Fake Out, Thunder Wave, and Endeavor to disrupt opposing leads, though this role is more commonly filled by other Electric-types.

Pikachu has received several special variants over the generations. Cosplay Pikachu in ORAS could learn exclusive moves like Electric Terrain and Meteor Mash. Partner Pikachu from Let's Go Pikachu! has improved base stats (50 HP, 60 Attack, 50 Defense, 65 Special Attack, 55 Special Defense) and cannot evolve or hold Light Ball, making it a distinct form. The Gigantamax Pikachu introduced in Sword and Shield gains access to G-Max Volt Crash, which paralyzes all opponents.

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