No. 0025 · Generation I · Mouse Pokémon
ピカチュウPikachū · From pika pika, the Japanese sound of something sparkling, and chū chū, a mouse's squeak – a sparkly little squeaker.
The Mouse Pokémon · Electric type · first seen in Pokémon Red & Green (1996)
01Overview
Meet Pikachu
Everything you need to know about the Mouse Pokémon — the creature behind the number.
Some Pokémon are popular. Pikachu is something else entirely: the Mouse Pokémon, #0025 in the National Pokédex, is the face of the whole franchise. It was the first partner in Pokémon Yellow and Let's Go, Pikachu!, it has been at Ash's side since the very first episode of the anime, and its cheerful 'Pika pika!' – voiced by Ikue Ōtani in almost every version of the anime – is probably the most recognisable sound in Pokémon.
It is a short, chubby rodent with bright yellow fur, long ears tipped with black and two brown stripes across its back. Round red cheeks hide its electric pouches, and its tail is shaped like a lightning bolt with a patch of brown fur at the base. Look at the tip of that tail to tell males from females: hers has a notch that turns it into the top of a heart. Officially it walks on four legs, but Pikachu is just as happy standing up on two.
“It has small electric sacs on both its cheeks. If threatened, it looses electric charges from the sacs.”
Pokédex · Pokémon Red (Japan), Green (Japan), FireRed & Y · 1996
Those cheeks are tiny power stations. They charge up overnight while Pikachu sleeps, so a drowsy one may crackle with sparks just after waking, while a Pikachu that hasn't slept enough can only manage feeble jolts. It needs to let its electricity out – bottling it up makes it stressed – and when angered it can unleash a blast as strong as a lightning bolt. The best power-makers have extra soft, stretchy cheek sacs, a big group can whip up a thunderstorm, and a Pikachu will even zap a weakened friend to recharge it.
Clever and curious, Pikachu lives in forests away from people, in nests shared with others of its kind – forests so often hit by lightning that they are risky places to wander. It mostly eats fruit, toasting hard Berries with electricity until they are tender, though a blackened Berry means it misjudged the charge. It greets other Pikachu by touching tails and swapping a little electricity, holds its tail up to keep watch, and gives a jolt to anything new it comes across. Just don't pull that tail: it bites.
It has always been a family affair, too. Pikachu evolves from Pichu once it grows fond of its Trainer, and a Thunder Stone turns it into Raichu – or, in Alola, into the Electric/Psychic Alolan Raichu. Over the years it has collected costumes, caps, a Gigantamax form and its own exclusive moves, and other Pokémon want to be like it: Mimikyu dresses up as a Pikachu in the hope of making friends. Little wonder it is the first Pokémon most people picture when they hear the word.
How big is Pikachu?
At 0.4 m (1′04″) Pikachu stands about as tall as a bowling pin, and at 6.0 kg (13.2 lb) it weighs about as much as a well-fed house cat – small enough to ride on a Trainer's shoulder, if only just.
Evolution
02In the Pokédex's words
Pikachu's Pokédex entries
25 different entries across 45 games, from 1996 to 2025. Here is how the Pokédex has described Pikachu over the years, in the order the games came out.
Generation I
It has small electric sacs on both its cheeks. If threatened, it looses electric charges from the sacs.
Kanto Pokédex
When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms.
Kanto Pokédex
It keeps its tail raised to monitor its surroundings. If you yank its tail, it will try to bite you.
Kanto Pokédex
Lives in forests away from people. It stores electricity in its cheeks for zapping an enemy if it is attacked.
Kanto Pokédex
Generation II
This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard Berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat.
Johto Pokédex
It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose.
Johto Pokédex
When it is angered, it immediately discharges the energy stored in the pouches in its cheeks.
Johto Pokédex
Generation III
Whenever Pikachu comes across something new, it blasts it with a jolt of electricity. If you come across a blackened berry, it's evidence that this Pokémon mistook the intensity of its charge.
Hoenn Pokédex
This Pokémon has electricity-storing pouches on its cheeks. These appear to become electrically charged during the night while Pikachu sleeps. It occasionally discharges electricity when it is dozy after waking up.
Hoenn Pokédex
When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity can build and cause lightning storms.
FireRed & LeafGreen Pokédex
It stores electricity in the electric sacs on its cheeks. When it releases pent-up energy in a burst, the electric power is equal to a lightning bolt.
Hoenn Pokédex
Generation IV
It lives in forests with others. It stores electricity in the pouches on its cheeks.
Sinnoh Pokédex
If it looses crackling power from the electric pouches on its cheeks, it is being wary.
Sinnoh Pokédex
It occasionally uses an electric shock to recharge a fellow Pikachu that is in a weakened state.
Sinnoh Pokédex
Generation VII
A plan was recently announced to gather many Pikachu and make an electric power plant.
Rotom Pokédex
It's in its nature to store electricity. It feels stressed now and then if it's unable to fully discharge the electricity.
Rotom Pokédex
Its nature is to store up electricity. Forests where nests of Pikachu live are dangerous, since the trees are so often struck by lightning.
Rotom Pokédex
While sleeping, it generates electricity in the sacs in its cheeks. If it's not getting enough sleep, it will be able to use only weak electricity.
Rotom Pokédex
This forest-dwelling Pokémon stores electricity in its cheeks, so you'll feel a tingly shock if you touch it.
Let's Go Pokédex
Generation VIII
Pikachu that can generate powerful electricity have cheek sacs that are extra soft and super stretchy.
Rotom Phone (Sword & Shield)
When Pikachu meet, they'll touch their tails together and exchange electricity through them as a form of greeting.
Rotom Phone (Sword & Shield)
It lives in forests with others. It stores electricity in the electric sacs on its cheeks.
Sinnoh Pokédex
If it looses crackling power from the electric sacs on its cheeks, it is being wary.
Sinnoh Pokédex
Possesses cheek sacs in which it stores electricity. This clever forest-dweller roasts tough berries with an electric shock before consuming them.
Hisui Pokédex
Generation IX
It has small electric sacs on both its cheeks. When in a tough spot, this Pokémon discharges electricity.
Rotom Phone (Legends: Z-A)
03Stats, moves & where to find it
Pikachu in the video games
Base stat total 320 · 24 core-series games · 57 spin-offs · every move it learns, generation by generation.
Base stats
Pikachu is one of the few Pokémon whose base stats have been raised. In Red, Green, Blue and Yellow it had 35 HP, 55 Attack, 30 Defense, 90 Speed and a single Special stat of 50; when Gold and Silver split Special in two, Sp. Atk kept the 50 and Sp. Def was set at 40. X & Y then raised both Defense (30 to 40) and Sp. Def (40 to 50), taking its total from 300 to 320. Speed has always been its standout stat. Partner Pikachu in Let's Go, Pikachu! is far stronger, with 45 HP, 80 Attack, 50 Defense, 75 Sp. Atk, 60 Sp. Def and 120 Speed (430 in total). Base friendship has been 50 since Sword & Shield (70 in Generations II–VII; in Yellow, your partner Pikachu's friendship starts at 90), and its base experience yield rose from 82 in Generations I–IV to 105 in Black & White and 112 today. It reaches level 100 at 1,000,000 Exp. (Medium Fast), and the egg hatches after 10 cycles.
Abilities
- Staticsince Gen III
Opponents that touch Pikachu with a contact move may be left paralysed. - Lightning RodHidden abilitysince Gen V
Draws Electric-type moves to Pikachu, which takes no damage from them and gets a Sp. Atk boost instead.
Type matchups
How hard each attacking type hits a Electric Pokémon.
Steel didn't exist in Red, Green, Blue and Yellow, so Pikachu then resisted only Electric and Flying. With its hidden ability Lightning Rod (from Black & White on) Electric-type moves stop hurting it altogether and raise its Sp. Atk instead.
Training & breeding
- Catch rate
- 190
- Base friendship
- 50
- Base experience
- 112
- Growth rate
- Medium Fast
- EV yield
- 2 Speed
- Egg groups
- Field, Fairy
- Egg cycles
- 10
- Colour
- Yellow
- Gender ratio
- 50% male
- Body shape
- quadruped
Where to find Pikachu
| Game | Year | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Red & Green | 1996 | Wild in Viridian Forest and the Power PlantLt. Surge sends out a Pikachu at the Vermilion City Gym. |
| Blue (Japan) | 1996 | Wild in Viridian Forest and the Power Plant, or a prize at the Celadon Game Corner |
| Red & Blue | 1998 | Wild in Viridian Forest and the Power PlantLt. Surge's Vermilion Gym team includes a Pikachu. |
| Yellow | 1998 | Your first partner, from Professor Oak in Pallet Town – there are no wild PikachuIt refuses to stay in its Poké Ball, trotting along behind you instead, speaks with its anime voice and won't evolve into Raichu unless it is traded to another save file. |
| Gold & Silver | 1999 | Wild on Route 2 in KantoRed waits at the summit of Mt. Silver, with Pikachu as his strongest Pokémon. |
| Crystal | 2000 | Wild on Route 2 in Kanto (morning and day), or a prize at the Celadon Game Corner |
| Ruby & Sapphire | 2002 | Wild in the Safari Zone |
| FireRed & LeafGreen | 2004 | Wild in Viridian Forest and the Power PlantLt. Surge still has a Pikachu on his team. |
| Emerald | 2004 | Wild in the Safari ZoneWattson brings a Pikachu to his second Gym rematch. |
| Diamond & Pearl | 2006 | Trophy GardenOr migrate one from a Game Boy Advance game via Pal Park, where it lives in the Forest area. |
| Platinum | 2008 | Trophy Garden |
| HeartGold & SoulSilver | 2009 | Wild in Viridian Forest, or from an in-game trade in Saffron CityThe Pokéwalker's Resort, Yellow Forest, Rally and Sightseeing routes have it too, and Red's Pikachu on Mt. Silver now holds a Light Ball. |
| Black & White | 2010 | Not found in Unova – transfer one with Poké Transfer or receive it from an event |
| Black 2 & White 2 | 2012 | Not found in Unova – transfer one with Poké Transfer or receive it from an event |
| X & Y | 2013 | Wild in Santalune Forest and on Route 3, and in Electric-type Friend SafarisYour friend Trevor battles with a Pikachu, which has become a Raichu by your second match. |
| Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire | 2014 | Wild in the tall grass of the Safari Zone's first zoneAfter your first Contest Spectacular you are given Cosplay Pikachu at the Contest Hall. |
| Sun & Moon | 2016 | Wild on Route 1 and in Hau'oli CityHau's partner starts out as a Pichu and ends up an Alolan Raichu – the form every Pikachu becomes with a Thunder Stone in Alola. |
| Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon | 2017 | Wild on Route 1 through SOS BattlesA one-off Surfing Pikachu can be had at the Heahea City Surf Association, and a special QR Code summons Partner Cap Pikachu at Pikachu Valley. |
| Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee! | 2018 | Wild in Viridian Forest; in Let's Go, Pikachu! your partner Pikachu comes from Professor Oak in Pallet TownIn Let's Go, Eevee! your rival Trace's partner is a Pikachu that later evolves into Raichu. |
| Sword & Shield | 2019 | Wild on Route 4 and in the Wild Area's Stony Wilderness and Rolling Fields, plus Max Raid Battles; in The Isle of Armor it lives in the Forest of Focus, Fields of Honor and Soothing WetlandsHave Let's Go, Pikachu! save data and a Gigantamax Pikachu is waiting for you at the Meetup Spot. |
| Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl | 2021 | Trophy Garden |
| Legends: Arceus | 2022 | Wild at Nature's Pantry in the Obsidian Fieldlands (including massive mass outbreaks), near the Golden Lowlands in the Crimson Mirelands and at Windbreak Stand in the Cobalt Coastlands; also in space-time distortions in the Alabaster IcelandsYour friend Rei or Akari keeps a Pikachu as a constant companion, often out of its Poké Ball. |
| Scarlet & Violet | 2022 | Wild in South Province (Areas Two and Four and around Artazon), East Province (Area One) and West Province (Area Three), and in 2★ and 3★ Tera Raid Battles; and all over Kitakami in The Teal Mask, from Kitakami Road and Apple Hills to Oni Mountain and the Timeless Woods |
| Legends: Z-A | 2025 | Wild in Vert Sector 8 and Wild Zones 3 and 6 (as an Alpha in Wild Zone 6)The Mega Dimension DLC adds it to Hyperspace Lumiose's Electric-type wild zones – and gives Raichu two Mega Evolutions. |
Sprites through the ages
Spin-offs & cameos
Super Smash Bros.
No Pokémon has a Smash record like Pikachu's: it has been a fighter in every Super Smash Bros. game, available from the start each time. It was one of the Original Eight in 1999 – the only Pokémon unlocked from the outset, with Saffron City as its home stage – and its Thunder Jolt, Quick Attack and Thunder made it so dominant that top players still rank it the best character in the first game; across the series it has the highest average tier ranking of any fighter. Melee added Skull Bash as its side special, gave it three trophies and brought Pichu in as an unlockable fighter that hurts itself with its own electricity. Brawl handed Pikachu its Final Smash, Volt Tackle, which turns it into a steerable ball of lightning, plus hat costumes including Red's cap, a sticker and a Subspace Emissary storyline in which Zero Suit Samus frees it from a generator it is being forced to power. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U gave every special a custom variant, from Thunder Wave to Distant Thunder, and three trophies; Raichu, meanwhile, only gets name-checked, in Pikachu's trophy descriptions and in Palutena's Guidance. In Ultimate, Volt Tackle runs automatically, Pichu returns, and Pikachu's female costumes, with their heart-shaped tail tips, make it the only playable Pokémon with a visible gender difference; another costume dresses it as Pikachu Libre. Its 'I Choose You!' Classic Mode route ends against Mewtwo and then Master Hand, joined by Crazy Hand on higher intensities. Pikachu and Pikachu Libre are Fighter Spirits, Detective Pikachu and Partner Pikachu are Support Spirits, and Alolan Raichu rides its tail into battle as a Poké Ball Pokémon.
Pokémon GO
Pikachu has been in Pokémon GO since launch day, 6 July 2016 – and Trainers who kept walking away from Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle found it popping up as a secret fourth starter. Evolving it into Raichu takes 50 Candy, and it earns Candy every single kilometre as a buddy. The festive hat it wore for the 2016 holidays started GO's long tradition of costumed Pokémon, and its wardrobe has only grown since: Ash's cap, party hats, a witch hat, flower crowns, a Detective Pikachu costume, a Mimikyu disguise, Clone Pikachu, hats themed on Charizard, Umbreon, Rayquaza and Lucario, regional outfits such as a Kariyushi shirt, kurta and saree, and Captain Pikachu's cap, which came with the exclusive Volt Tackle at the Pokémon Horizons celebration on 15 June 2024. Shiny Pikachu first sparkled at the Pikachu Outbreak event on 9 August 2017, and on 20 January 2018 Pikachu headlined the very first Community Day, when it could learn the exclusive Surf. Holiday events in 2017 and Pokémon Day 2018 taught it Present, Flying Pikachu floated in with Fly in July 2020 (and with 5-shaped balloons for the fifth anniversary), and the Cosplay Pikachu brought signature moves of their own: Pikachu Libre (Flying Press, through GO Battle League), Rock Star (Meteor Mash, GO Fest 2021), Pop Star (Draining Kiss) and Ph.D. (Thunder Punch), while a Shaymin-scarf Pikachu learned Grass Knot at the GO Fest 2022 Finale. Dynamax Pikachu arrived on 9 March 2026, and on 28 March 2026 Gigantamax Pikachu – shiny included – stormed in for its own Max Battle Day, wielding G-Max Volt Crash. A Gigantamax-capable Pikachu can never evolve, though – it stays a Pikachu for good.
Pikachu lives inside a pocket pedometer: every 20 steps earns a watt, and gifting watts takes it from grumpy to devoted – just don't shake it while it's eating, bathing or asleep. A sequel, Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS, followed.
In the very first, Japan-only Stadium, Pikachu is the only usable Pokémon that isn't fully evolved.
Known in Japan as Pikachu Genki Dechū, this Nintendo 64 virtual pet has you talk to a wild Pikachu through a microphone and Professor Oak's PokéHelper, from your first meeting in Viridian Forest to fishing trips and picnics. It understands around 200 words – and gets cross if you call it an 'electric rat'.
Pikachu's cards are part of the Game Boy Color collection, including the promo Flying Pikachu – renamed 'Flyin' Pikachu' in America – and Surfing Pikachu.
One of the Original Eight and the only Pokémon available from the start, fighting with Thunder Jolt, Quick Attack and Thunder on its home stage, Saffron City. Top players still rank it the best character in the game.
Turns up on the Beach, Tunnel, River and Cave courses. Lure one to a surfboard on the Beach and it pretends to surf; hit the Zubat carrying one in the Cave with a Pester Ball and it drifts down on balloons – both are worth big points.
Catchable in Viridian Forest on both the Red and Blue Fields, and once the Lightning Meter is full Pikachu zaps a draining ball back into play.
Stars with Voltorb in the electricity-charging minigame Thundering Dynamo. Clear the Master Ball division of the Round 2 Prime Cup with a Pikachu in the final battle and it learns Surf, riding a pink surfboard in battle – and Yellow's partner Pikachu even has its own voice clips.
Ash's starring partner alongside Squirtle and Bulbasaur in this reworked Panel de Pon, all the way to a showdown with Mewtwo – whose cloned 'Clone 1' Pikachu can be unlocked too.
Floats through the opening on balloons beside a Pichu, and can be won by beating a Gentleman after pulling off a six-block combo in Challenge Mode.
Back in 3D, with Yellow's partner Pikachu keeping its special voice clips, and a Pikachu transferred from your Game Boy game can turn up in the Pichu's Power Plant minigame.
This Japan-only sequel adds more Flying and Surfing Pikachu promos, including an All Nippon Airways Flying Pikachu and a Mt. Fuji Surfing Pikachu.
Even the tiny Pokémon mini's pinball game lets you catch Pikachu – making it the only Pokémon catchable in all three Pokémon pinball games.
Again the only Pokémon available from the start, now with Skull Bash and a new home stage, Pokémon Stadium. Pichu joins as an unlockable fighter, and Pikachu collects three trophies.
Pikachu moves in to help you test Professor Oak's new Pokémon TV network, reacting to every programme – nodding off during Mareep Farm and fretting when Psyduck falls asleep. It even has to find a virtual Pokémon mini under the bed.
Back on ball-saving duty, sometimes with Pichu's help, and catchable in the Hoenn Safari on the Ruby Field. It's on the Catch 'Em Mode banner too.
Pikachu is the only runner you control in this DS racer: stroke the touch screen with the stylus to make it dash between checkpoints, ride Lapras across water and drift over the course on balloons.
A Common piece from Endless Level 1, also found in Secret Storages 4 and 20 and in Mr. Who's Den.
One of the Pokémon you can become – or choose as your partner – with its friend area in Energetic Forest. Wild Pikachu roam Lightning Field (6F–10F).
Fiore Browser #023 lives in Lyra Forest, Panula Cave and the Sekra Range, and once befriended it can Recharge your Styler's energy.
Beat Pokétopia Master Mysterial for the first time and the shop offers a free Surfing Pikachu to download to your DS game.
A hero or partner choice once more, with wild Pikachu in Amp Plains and, after graduation, Far Amp Plains.
Gains its Volt Tackle Final Smash and a starring Subspace Emissary role: Zero Suit Samus frees it from the generator its electricity is powering, and it later zaps Ridley with Thunder.
Almia Browser #002 blasts electricity around Vien Forest, Crysta Cave, the Volcano Cave and the Chroma Highlands, and can Recharge your Styler when befriended.
Still a hero or partner choice, and still at home in Amp Plains, in the expanded Explorers adventure.
Pikachu is the First Friend in Keep Going! Light Adventure Squad and lives at Light Summit (11F–20F); it can be carried into the Blazing and Stormy adventures through a linked save file.
Pikachu stars! It tumbles through a hole into a world of Pokémon and must recover the 14 pieces of the shattered Sky Prism, befriending up to 193 Pokémon through chases, battles and hide-and-seek – and it's the only Pokémon who can play every attraction.
Oblivia Browser #005 is found on the Submarine, at Faldera Volcano and in the Thunder Temple; befriend it to top up your Styler's energy.
Found at Autumnwood's Firebreathing Mountain and in the Forest's Trailhead Field and World Axle B1F.
Pikachu leads again, teaming up with Oshawott, Snivy and Tepig to free the Pokémon spellbound by the dazzling Wish Park – and to stand up to Darkrai.
Found in Violight, it fights with Thunderbolt and the Static, Celebrate or Lightningrod Ability, evolving from Pichu at a 50% link and into Raichu when its Warrior holds a Thunder Stone.
One of the hero and partner choices – and there's even a dungeon called Pika Land.
Appears in the Model Train Room and Locomotive Café stages, and tapping the Pikachu NFC figure brings it straight into the game.
Among the first fighters confirmed, with custom versions of every special – from Thunder Wave to Distant Thunder – and three trophies, including one for Volt Tackle on Wii U.
Shuffle's busiest piece, with around 40 versions: Angry, Winking and Sleeping Pikachu, Pikachu in Charizard, Gyarados and Rayquaza costumes, kimono and seasonal Celebration outfits, and six of the cap-wearing Pikachu.
Roams Shrub Forest in the Leafy Expanse and Tricky Factory on the Gold Plateau.
A Standard-style fighter armed with Thunderbolt, Nuzzle, Electro Ball and Iron Tail, with Volt Shock Fist as its Burst Attack – some moves and victory poses are borrowed from Tekken's Heihachi and Kazuya Mishima. Masked wrestler Pikachu Libre, a Speed-style fighter with the Thunderclap Press, was announced with the Wii U version.
Pick it as hero or partner – or befriend one by chatting to it in Baram Town.
Solve Area 04, Stage 02 to catch Pikachu, whose Slow Time skill slows down the clock.
Here since launch day – and a secret fourth starter for anyone who wanders away from Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle. It starred in the very first Community Day, has worn dozens of event costumes and went Gigantamax in 2026.
Beat the Friend League and Pikachu joins as a Support Pokémon, handing your Magikarp a little bonus JP before resting for an hour and a half.
A gruff-voiced, coffee-loving Pikachu in a deerstalker whom only Tim Goodman can understand; together they hunt for Tim's missing father in Ryme City. Japan got the opening chapters in 2016 as the download-only Birth of a New Duo.
One of the blocky first partners on offer, and Mulligan Stew, Yellow Curry or Watt a Risotto à la Cube will tempt more to your camp – where a Pikachu Surfboard decoration can sit too.
One of the original eight fighters, now with female costumes (heart-shaped tail and all), a Pikachu Libre costume and an 'I Choose You!' Classic Mode route. Pikachu, Pikachu Libre, Detective Pikachu and Partner Pikachu are all Spirits.
Turns up across a whole fleet of seas, from the Charizard Sea to the Mimikyu Sea, and a Festive Hat Pikachu appeared in the Rowlet Sea.
Your very first sync pair partner on Pasio is a Pikachu. Ash & Pikachu arrived on 28 August 2022 as the first pair with a buddy move, World Cap Pikachu unleashing Best Buds 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt – and Chase, Petey and Red have Pikachu partners too.
The Switch remake keeps Pikachu as a hero or partner option, with wild ones in Lightning Field (5F–10F).
Joined the staff through the Grand Opening Celebration stamp card; male and female Pikachu can both be recruited, each with their own strengths, and a Sweets Pikachu came in the Special Pikachu Pack.
Hangs around the research camp, explores Florio Nature Park by night and plays on Blushing Beach, where a female Pikachu 'surfs' on a Stunfisk sandbank. Out at Maricopia Reef, one even rides the waves on a Mantine.
The tutorial star and a ranged Attacker from launch day, mixing Thunder Shock, Electro Ball, Electroweb and Volt Tackle before calling down its Thunderstorm Unite Move. Its wardrobe even includes a Captain Pikachu Style Holowear.
Your very first Pokémon: a Snoozing-type Berry specialist bringing Grepa Berries, Fancy Apples, Warming Ginger and Fancy Eggs, with sleep styles such as Droopy-Eared and Electrifying Sleep – plus Halloween, Holiday and Captain Pikachu event versions.
Two years on, Tim and Detective Pikachu chase the stolen Aurora Drop with help from partners such as Growlithe, Galarian Darmanitan and Luxray – and finally learn who Detective Pikachu really is.
Pikachu settles in with the Generate specialty and a weakness for electronics and rides. Its pale cousin Peakychu – a droopy-eared Pikachu who gave her electricity away to sick friends – is a supporting character who glows again once someone recharges her.
The only Pokémon in the game that isn't fully evolved – and Pikachu, Raichu and Alolan Raichu can all learn Surf.
Moves
Back in Red and Green, Pikachu's toolkit was tiny: seven level-up moves, Thunderbolt only on a TM and Thunder waiting at level 43. Yellow, built around its famous starter, filled the gaps with Thunderbolt, Slam and Light Screen, and each generation since has added a new spark: Pichu's Egg Moves in Gold and Silver, Volt Tackle in Emerald, Discharge in Diamond and Pearl, Electro Ball in Black and White and Nuzzle in X and Y.
Pikachu's many costumes brought their own moves. Cosplay Pikachu swaps in Meteor Mash, Icicle Crash, Draining Kiss, Electric Terrain or Flying Press with each outfit, cap Pikachu has its own Z-Move, Partner Pikachu learns Zippy Zap, Floaty Fall, Splishy Splash and Pika Papow, and Gigantamax Pikachu unleashes G-Max Volt Crash. Since Sword and Shield the modern list starts with nine moves, Pichu's old tricks included, Surf is finally open to every Pikachu, and Scarlet and Violet make Iron Tail a level-up move, so the mascot now has an answer for almost anything.
Signature moves
The very first spark. Pikachu has started with it in every game from Red and Green to Legends: Z-A.
The trademark dash: level 16 in Red and Blue, 11 in Yellow and part of the starting kit in Sword, Shield, Scarlet and Violet.
Red and Blue only offered it on TM24; Yellow made it a level-up move, and its level has wandered from 21 in Let's Go to 42 in Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun and Moon. With Pikashunium Z, a cap Pikachu turns it into 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt.
The big storm that usually closes the level-up list, from level 43 in Red and Blue to a long wait until 58 in Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun and Moon.
The steel tail swipe Ash's Pikachu made famous: TM23 in Gold and Silver, later a tutor move and a cap Pikachu event move, and finally a level-up move in Legends: Arceus (level 37) and Scarlet and Violet (level 28).
Pikachu's own all-out charge. First hatched by a Pichu whose parent held a Light Ball in Emerald, it became a tutor move in Sun and Moon, turns into Catastropika with Pikanium Z, and makes you wait until level 99 in Legends: Z-A.
For two decades a surfing Pikachu meant an event, a Pokémon Stadium prize or a Pokémon Box Egg (and Yellow's Pikachu's Beach minigame wanted one). Since Sword and Shield any Pikachu can learn it by TR or TM.
Complete learnsets
Generation I · Red, Green, Blue & Yellow12 level-up · 22 TM/HM · 1 tutor · 2 event
In Red and Blue, Pikachu hides in Viridian Forest and the Power Plant (the Japanese Blue also offers one at the Celadon Game Corner); in Yellow it is the starter Professor Oak hands you in Pallet Town. The two columns tell very different stories: in Red and Blue Pikachu learns just seven moves and only gets Thunderbolt from TM24, while Yellow adds Tail Whip, Double Team, Slam, Thunderbolt and Light Screen, drops Swift and moves most of the rest earlier. Pokémon Stadium can teach Pikachu Surf as a reward for clearing one of its toughest cups with Pikachu on the team. In this era every Electric attack is special and every Normal attack physical, and moves keep their original spellings (ThunderShock, ThunderPunch, DoubleSlap). The transfer list shows Generation II moves that a Pikachu can carry back to these games through the Time Capsule.
By level-up
| RGB | Y | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | ThunderShock | Electric | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 1 | 1 | Growl | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| — | 6 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 9 | 8 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 16 | 11 | Quick Attack | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| — | 15 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| — | 20 | Slam | Normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| — | 26 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| 33 | 33 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 43 | 41 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 120 | 70 | 10 |
| — | 50 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 26 | — | Swift | Normal | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Mega Punch | Normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| TM05 | Mega Kick | Normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM08 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| TM09 | Take Down | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| TM10 | Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| TM16 | Pay Day | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| TM17 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 25 |
| TM19 | Seismic Toss | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM20 | Rage | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| TM24 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| TM25 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 120 | 70 | 10 |
| TM31 | Mimic | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM33 | Reflect | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM34 | Bide | Normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| TM39 | Swift | Normal | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| TM40 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM50 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| HM05 | Flash | Normal | Status | — | 70 | 20 |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surf | Water | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 | Pokémon Stadium |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| Fly | CoroCoro Comics distribution (Japan) |
| Surf | CoroCoro Surfing Pikachu (Japan); Nintendo 64 Pikachu; Nintendo Power Pikachu |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Defense Curl | Gen II (TM) |
| Dizzy Punch | Gen II (Pichu from the Odd Egg) |
| DoubleSlap | Gen II (breeding) |
| Headbutt | Gen II (TM) |
| Petal Dance | Gen II (Pichu event) |
| Sing | Gen II (Pichu event) |
| Strength | Gen II (HM) |
| ThunderPunch | Gen II (TM) |
Generation II · Gold, Silver & Crystal11 level-up · 27 TM/HM · 5 egg · 1 tutor
Pikachu skips Johto's wild grass but turns up again once you cross into Kanto (in Crystal only in the morning and daytime), and Crystal's Celadon Game Corner offers one as a prize. Its level-up list is Yellow's, unchanged. The big news is Pichu: Pikachu can now hatch from an Egg, which brings its first Egg Moves, and Pichu-only moves such as Charm and Sweet Kiss can be carried over by evolving. Crystal's Odd Egg Pichu knows Dizzy Punch, and Crystal's move tutor teaches Thunderbolt. New TMs add Zap Cannon, Iron Tail and ThunderPunch. Hidden Power's type, and so its category, depends on the Pokémon; Curse is ???-type.
By level-up
| GSC | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ThunderShock | Electric | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 1 | Growl | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| 6 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 8 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 11 | Quick Attack | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 15 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 20 | Slam | Normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| 26 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| 33 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 41 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 120 | 70 | 10 |
| 50 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | DynamicPunch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| TM02 | Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM03 | Curse | ??? | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM04 | Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM07 | Zap Cannon | Electric | Special | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Varies | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM13 | Snore | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM20 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM23 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| TM25 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 120 | 70 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM31 | Mud-Slap | Ground | Physical | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM34 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 |
| TM35 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM39 | Swift | Normal | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| TM40 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| TM41 | ThunderPunch | Electric | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM43 | Detect | Fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM05 | Flash | Normal | Status | — | 70 | 20 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bide | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | Rattata, Raticate, Ekans, Arbok, Pikachu, Raichu, Sandshrew, Sandslash, Nidoran♂, Nidorino, Nidoking, Clefairy, Clefable, Vulpix, Ninetales, Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff, Diglett, Dugtrio, Meowth, Persian, Psyduck, Golduck, Mankey, Primeape, Growlithe, Arcanine, Ponyta, Rapidash, Farfetch'd, Seel, Dewgong, Rhyhorn, Rhydon, Tauros, Eevee, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon |
| DoubleSlap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 | Clefairy, Clefable, Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff |
| Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | Clefairy, Togetic |
| Present | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 15 | Delibird |
| Reversal | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Smeargle |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 | Crystal |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charm | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Pichu · level-up |
| Sweet Kiss | Normal | Status | — | 75 | 10 | Pichu · level-up |
| Dizzy Punch | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 10 | Pichu · Odd Egg (Crystal) |
| Petal Dance | Grass | Special | 70 | 100 | 20 | Pichu · event |
| Scary Face | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 10 | Pichu · event |
| Sing | Normal | Status | — | 55 | 15 | Pichu · event |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Body Slam | Gen I (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen I (TM) |
| Fly | Gen I (event) |
| Mega Kick | Gen I (TM) |
| Mega Punch | Gen I (TM) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM) |
| Pay Day | Gen I (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Reflect | Gen I (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen I (TM) |
| Skull Bash | Gen I (TM) |
| Submission | Gen I (TM) |
| Substitute | Gen I (TM) |
| Surf | Gen I (event) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
Generation III · Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed & LeafGreen (plus Pokémon XD tutor moves)11 level-up · 22 TM/HM · 8 egg · 19 tutor · 2 event
Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald keep Pikachu in Hoenn's Safari Zone, while FireRed and LeafGreen return it to Viridian Forest and the Power Plant; in Colosseum it only came on the Japanese bonus disc. Emerald debuts Volt Tackle: breed with a Light Ball held by a parent and the Pichu hatches already knowing it. Move tutors arrive in FireRed and LeafGreen, Emerald and Pokémon XD (the games column shows which), and Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire gives away a Pichu Egg that hatches knowing Surf. Physical or special still depends on a move's type, so Volt Tackle counts as special here.
By level-up
| RSE/FRLG | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ThunderShock | Electric | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 1 | Growl | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| 6 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 8 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 11 | Quick Attack | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 15 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 20 | Slam | Normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| 26 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| 33 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 41 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 120 | 70 | 10 |
| 50 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Varies | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM16 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM23 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| TM24 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| TM25 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 120 | 70 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM34 | Shock Wave | Electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM43 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM05 | Flash | Normal | Status | — | 70 | 20 |
| HM06 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 20 | 100 | 15 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bide | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | Seedot |
| Charge | Electric | Status | — | — | 20 | Electrike, Manectric, Plusle, Minun |
| DoubleSlap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 | Clefairy, Clefable, Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff, Skitty, Delcatty |
| Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | Clefairy, Clefable, Togetic, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Plusle, Minun, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein |
| Present | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 15 | Delibird |
| Reversal | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Vigoroth |
| Volt Tackle | Electric | Special | 120 | 100 | 15 | Hatches knowing it when a parent holds a Light Ball (not passed down as a normal Egg Move) |
| Wish | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Togetic |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | FRLG, Emerald |
| Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Emerald |
| Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| DynamicPunch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 | Emerald |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Emerald |
| Mega Kick | Normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 | FRLG, Emerald |
| Mega Punch | Normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 | FRLG, Emerald |
| Mimic | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Mud-Slap | Ground | Physical | 20 | 100 | 10 | Emerald |
| Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 | Emerald |
| Seismic Toss | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Emerald |
| Snore | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | Emerald |
| Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 | Emerald |
| Swift | Normal | Physical | 60 | — | 20 | Emerald |
| ThunderPunch | Electric | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | Emerald |
| Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 100 | 20 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| Surf | Yokohama Pikachu (Japan) |
| Fly | ANA, Sapporo and Golden Week event Pikachu (Japan) |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charm | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Pichu · level-up |
| Sweet Kiss | Normal | Status | — | 75 | 10 | Pichu · level-up |
| Follow Me | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | Pichu · event |
| Teeter Dance | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Pichu · event |
| Wish | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Pichu · event |
| Surf | Water | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 | Pichu · Egg from Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire |
Generation IV · Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver13 level-up · 32 TM/HM · 12 egg · 10 tutor · 6 event
Diamond, Pearl and Platinum hide Pikachu in the Trophy Garden; HeartGold and SoulSilver put it back in Viridian Forest or let you trade for one in Saffron City. This is the first generation where each move has its own physical or special category, so Volt Tackle is finally physical. Feint and Discharge join the level-up list, Volt Tackle still comes from a Light Ball Egg, and the Pokéwalker's Yellow Forest course offers Pikachu that already know Surf, Fly or Volt Tackle. Tutor columns: Diamond and Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver. Flail is an Egg Move only in HeartGold and SoulSilver.
By level-up
| DPPt/HGSS | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ThunderShock | Electric | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 1 | Growl | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| 5 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 10 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 13 | Quick Attack | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 18 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 21 | Slam | Normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| 26 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| 29 | Feint | Normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| 34 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 37 | Discharge | Electric | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| 42 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 45 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 120 | 70 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM16 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM23 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| TM24 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| TM25 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 120 | 70 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM34 | Shock Wave | Electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM43 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM57 | Charge Beam | Electric | Special | 50 | 90 | 10 |
| TM58 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM70 | Flash | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM73 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM78 | Captivate | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM82 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM83 | Natural Gift | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM86 | Grass Knot | Grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM06 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bide | Normal | Physical | — | — | 10 | Seedot, Nuzleaf, Shiftry, Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon, Pachirisu |
| Charge | Electric | Status | — | — | 20 | Mareep, Flaaffy, Ampharos, Electrike, Manectric, Plusle, Minun, Shinx, Luxio, Luxray |
| DoubleSlap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 | Clefairy, Clefable, Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff, Skitty, Delcatty |
| Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | Clefairy, Clefable, Togetic, Togekiss, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Plusle, Minun, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Meowth, Persian, Skitty, Delcatty, Glameow, Purugly |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Phanpy, Donphan, Zigzagoon, Linoone, Torkoal, Spinda |
| Present | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 15 | Delibird |
| Reversal | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Vigoroth, Growlithe |
| ThunderPunch | Electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | Ampharos |
| Tickle | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Aipom, Ambipom |
| Volt Tackle | Electric | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 | Hatches knowing it when either parent holds a Light Ball (not passed down as a normal Egg Move) |
| Wish | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Togetic |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | HGSS |
| Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | Pt, HGSS |
| Knock Off | Dark | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 | Pt, HGSS |
| Magnet Rise | Electric | Status | — | — | 10 | Pt, HGSS |
| Mud-Slap | Ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 | Pt, HGSS |
| Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 | Pt, HGSS |
| Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
| Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 | Pt, HGSS |
| ThunderPunch | Electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| Volt Tackle | Pokémon Battle Revolution Secret Gift Pikachu; Pokéwalker Yellow Forest course |
| Surf | Pokémon Battle Revolution Secret Gift Pikachu; Pokéwalker Yellow Forest course; 2007 TCG World Championships Pikachu; 2008 Birthday Pikachu; Pokémon Center Yokohama Pikachu |
| Fly | Pokéwalker Yellow Forest course |
| Yawn | Sleeping Pikachu |
| Present | Kyoto Cross Media Experience 2009 Pikachu |
| Last Resort | Kyoto Cross Media Experience 2009 Pikachu |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charm | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Pichu · level-up |
| Sweet Kiss | Normal | Status | — | 75 | 10 | Pichu · level-up |
| Nasty Plot | Dark | Status | — | — | 20 | Pichu · level-up |
| Uproar | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 | Pichu · tutor · Pt, HGSS |
| Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | Pichu · event |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Body Slam | Gen III (tutor) |
| Counter | Gen III (tutor) |
| Defense Curl | Gen III (tutor) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| DynamicPunch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Follow Me | Gen III (event: Pichu) |
| Mega Kick | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mega Punch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen III (tutor) |
| Teeter Dance | Gen III (event: Pichu) |
Generation V · Black, White, Black 2 & White 214 level-up · 28 TM/HM · 15 egg · 9 tutor · 8 event
There is no wild Pikachu anywhere in Unova: it arrives by Poké Transfer or through events in all four games. Electro Ball, the faster-is-stronger shock, joins the level-up list at 18, and the Black 2 and White 2 move tutors add Iron Tail, ThunderPunch, Signal Beam and more. Events in this era handed out Pikachu with ExtremeSpeed, Sing, Teeter Dance and Encore.
By level-up
| BW/B2W2 | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Growl | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| 1 | ThunderShock | Electric | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 5 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 10 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 13 | Quick Attack | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 18 | Electro Ball | Electric | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| 21 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 26 | Slam | Normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| 29 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| 34 | Feint | Normal | Physical | 30 | 100 | 10 |
| 37 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 42 | Discharge | Electric | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| 45 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 50 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 120 | 70 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM16 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM24 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| TM25 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 120 | 70 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM49 | Echoed Voice | Normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM57 | Charge Beam | Electric | Special | 50 | 90 | 10 |
| TM70 | Flash | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM72 | Volt Switch | Electric | Special | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM73 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM86 | Grass Knot | Grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM93 | Wild Charge | Electric | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| TM94 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bestow | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | Clefairy, Clefable, Togetic, Togekiss, Zigzagoon, Linoone |
| Bide | Normal | Physical | — | — | 10 | Seedot, Nuzleaf, Shiftry, Piplup, Prinplup, Empoleon, Pachirisu, Patrat, Watchog, Cubchoo, Beartic |
| Charge | Electric | Status | — | — | 20 | Mareep, Flaaffy, Ampharos, Electrike, Manectric, Plusle, Minun, Shinx, Luxio, Luxray, Blitzle, Zebstrika, Emolga |
| DoubleSlap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 | Clefairy, Clefable, Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff, Skitty, Delcatty, Audino, Minccino, Cinccino, Mienfoo, Mienshao |
| Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | Clefairy, Clefable, Seel, Dewgong, Togetic, Togekiss, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Plusle, Minun, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein, Oshawott, Dewott, Samurott, Minccino, Emolga |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Phanpy, Donphan, Vigoroth, Slaking, Pachirisu, Buneary, Lopunny, Cubchoo, Beartic |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Meowth, Persian, Skitty, Delcatty, Glameow, Purugly, Purrloin, Liepard, Mienfoo, Mienshao |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Phanpy, Donphan, Zigzagoon, Linoone, Torkoal, Spinda, Cubchoo, Beartic |
| Lucky Chant | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 | Clefairy, Clefable, Cherubi, Cherrim, Munna, Musharna |
| Present | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 15 | Delibird |
| Reversal | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Growlithe, Arcanine, Vigoroth, Slaking, Lillipup, Herdier, Stoutland, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Bouffalant |
| ThunderPunch | Electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | Ampharos |
| Tickle | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Aipom, Ambipom, Minccino, Cinccino |
| Volt Tackle | Electric | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 | Hatches knowing it when either parent holds a Light Ball (not passed down as a normal Egg Move) |
| Wish | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Togetic |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covet | Normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 40 | B2W2 |
| Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | B2W2 |
| Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | B2W2 |
| Knock Off | Dark | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 | B2W2 |
| Magnet Rise | Electric | Status | — | — | 10 | B2W2 |
| Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | B2W2 |
| Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | B2W2 |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 | B2W2 |
| ThunderPunch | Electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | B2W2 |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| Fly | All Nippon Airways Pikachu; 2012 World Championships Pikachu |
| Iron Tail | All Nippon Airways Pikachu; Pokémon Center Best Wishes Ash's Pikachu |
| Encore | Singing Pikachu |
| Teeter Dance | Singing Pikachu |
| Sing | Singing Pikachu |
| ExtremeSpeed | ExtremeSpeed Pikachu |
| Volt Tackle | Pikachu Festival Pikachu; Pika Pika Carnival Pikachu; Summer 2012 Pikachu; Summer Carnival Pikachu (Korean); Pokémon Center 15th Anniversary Pikachu |
| Headbutt | Global Link Pikachu |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charm | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Pichu · level-up |
| Sweet Kiss | Normal | Status | — | 75 | 10 | Pichu · level-up |
| Nasty Plot | Dark | Status | — | — | 20 | Pichu · level-up |
| Uproar | Normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | Pichu · tutor · B2W2 |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Body Slam | Gen III (tutor) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Counter | Gen III (tutor) |
| Defense Curl | Gen III (tutor) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| DynamicPunch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Endeavor | Gen IV (event: Pichu) |
| Focus Punch | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM) |
| Follow Me | Gen III (event: Pichu) |
| Last Resort | Gen IV (event: Kyoto Cross Media Experience 2009 Pikachu) |
| Mega Kick | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mega Punch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Rollout | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Secret Power | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen III (tutor) |
| Shock Wave | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM) |
| Swift | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Yawn | Gen IV (event: Sleeping Pikachu) |
Generation VI · X, Y, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire18 level-up · 32 TM/HM · 16 egg · 11 tutor · 16 event
X and Y place Pikachu in Santalune Forest, on Route 3 and in Electric-type Friend Safaris; Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire have it in the Safari Zone and add Cosplay Pikachu. The two level columns differ a lot: X and Y bring in Play Nice and Nuzzle, while Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire add Spark and Wild Charge and push Thunder all the way to level 58. Thunderbolt and Thunder drop to 90 and 110 power. TM94 is Rock Smash in X and Y but Secret Power in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, where Rock Smash becomes HM06. Tutor columns: X and Y, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Events in this era include the Minato Mirai Pikachu with Heart Stamp and the PGL Pikachu with Volt Tackle.
By level-up
| XY | ORAS | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 1 | 1 | Thunder Shock | Electric | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 5 | 5 | Growl | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| 7 | 7 | Play Nice | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 10 | 10 | Quick Attack | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 18 | 13 | Electro Ball | Electric | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| 13 | 18 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 34 | 21 | Feint | Normal | Physical | 30 | 100 | 10 |
| 21 | 23 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| — | 26 | Spark | Electric | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 23 | 29 | Nuzzle | Electric | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| 42 | 34 | Discharge | Electric | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| 26 | 37 | Slam | Normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| 29 | 42 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| 37 | 45 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| — | 50 | Wild Charge | Electric | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| 45 | 53 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 50 | 58 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 | |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM16 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 | |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 | |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM24 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM25 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 | |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM49 | Echoed Voice | Normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | |
| TM57 | Charge Beam | Electric | Special | 50 | 90 | 10 | |
| TM70 | Flash | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM72 | Volt Switch | Electric | Special | 70 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM73 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM86 | Grass Knot | Grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 | |
| TM88 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM93 | Wild Charge | Electric | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM94 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | XY |
| TM94 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | ORAS |
| TM100 | Confide | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM06 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bestow | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | Clefairy, Togetic, Zigzagoon, Linoone |
| Bide | Normal | Physical | — | — | 10 | Seedot, Piplup, Prinplup, Pachirisu, Patrat, Watchog, Cubchoo, Beartic |
| Charge | Electric | Status | — | — | 20 | Mareep, Flaaffy, Ampharos, Electrike, Manectric, Plusle, Minun, Shinx, Luxio, Luxray, Blitzle, Zebstrika, Emolga, Dedenne |
| Disarming Voice | Fairy | Special | 40 | — | 15 | Clefairy, Clefable, Jigglypuff, Espurr, Meowstic, Spritzee, Aromatisse, Sylveon |
| Double Slap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 | Clefairy, Clefable, Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff, Skitty, Delcatty, Audino, Minccino, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Bunnelby |
| Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | Clefairy, Seel, Dewgong, Togetic, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Plusle, Minun, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein, Oshawott, Dewott, Samurott, Minccino, Emolga |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Phanpy, Vigoroth, Pachirisu, Buneary, Lopunny, Cubchoo, Beartic |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Meowth, Persian, Nuzleaf, Skitty, Delcatty, Glameow, Purugly, Purrloin, Liepard, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Espurr, Meowstic |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Phanpy, Zigzagoon, Slakoth, Slaking, Torkoal, Spinda, Cubchoo, Beartic, Bunnelby, Diggersby, Spritzee, Aromatisse |
| Lucky Chant | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 | Clefairy, Cherubi, Cherrim, Munna, Musharna, Fennekin, Braixen, Delphox |
| Present | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 15 | Delibird |
| Reversal | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Growlithe, Vigoroth, Lillipup, Herdier, Stoutland, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Bouffalant |
| Thunder Punch | Electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | Ampharos |
| Tickle | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Aipom, Ambipom, Minccino, Cinccino |
| Volt Tackle | Electric | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 | Hatches knowing it when either parent holds a Light Ball (not passed down as a normal Egg Move) |
| Wish | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Togetic, Swirlix, Slurpuff |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covet | Normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | ORAS |
| Electroweb | Electric | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | ORAS |
| Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | ORAS |
| Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | ORAS |
| Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | ORAS |
| Knock Off | Dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 | ORAS |
| Magnet Rise | Electric | Status | — | — | 10 | ORAS |
| Shock Wave | Electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 | ORAS |
| Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
| Thunder Punch | Electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| Agility | Pokémon Center Online Pikachu |
| Celebrate | Pokémon Center Birthday Pikachu; Pokémon Center Online Pikachu |
| Fly | Pokémon Center Online Pikachu |
| Mega Kick | Atsuto Uchida Pikachu |
| Surf | Minato Mirai Landmark Tower Pikachu; Minato Mirai Cosmo World Pikachu; Minato Mirai Red Brick Warehouse Pikachu; Minato Mirai Captain Pikachu; Minato Mirai Pacifico Pikachu; Pokémon Center Online Pikachu |
| Heart Stamp | Minato Mirai ♥♥Pika♥♥ Pikachu |
| Hold Hands | Minato Mirai Pikachu; Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo Pikachu; Tohoku Pikachu; Pokémon Center Hiroshima Pikachu |
| Happy Hour | Tohoku Pikachu |
| Nuzzle | Pokémon Cafe Pikachu; Yokohama Pikachu; Satay King Pikachu; Beginner Trainer Pikachu |
| Charm | Pokémon Cafe Pikachu; Satay King Pikachu |
| Sweet Kiss | Pokémon Cafe Pikachu; Satay King Pikachu |
| Teeter Dance | Yokohama Pikachu; Beginner Trainer Pikachu |
| Fake Out | PGL Pikachu |
| Encore | PGL Pikachu |
| Volt Tackle | PGL Pikachu |
| Endeavor | PGL Pikachu |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charm | Fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Pichu · level-up |
| Sweet Kiss | Fairy | Status | — | 75 | 10 | Pichu · level-up |
| Nasty Plot | Dark | Status | — | — | 20 | Pichu · level-up |
| Uproar | Normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | Pichu · tutor · ORAS |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Body Slam | Gen III (tutor) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Counter | Gen III (tutor) |
| Defense Curl | Gen III (tutor) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| Dynamic Punch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Extreme Speed | Gen V (event: ExtremeSpeed Pikachu) |
| Follow Me | Gen III (event: Pichu) |
| Headbutt | Gen IV (tutor), Gen V (event: Global Link Pikachu) |
| Last Resort | Gen IV (event: Kyoto Cross Media Experience 2009 Pikachu) |
| Mega Punch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Rollout | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen III (tutor) |
| Sing | Gen V (event: Singing Pikachu) |
| Swift | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Yawn | Gen IV (event: Sleeping Pikachu) |
Generation VII · Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon18 level-up · 26 TM/HM · 17 egg · 13 tutor · 11 event
Pikachu appears on Route 1 and in Hau'oli City through SOS Battles; Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon add a Surf-knowing gift Pikachu from the Surf Association and the Partner Cap Pikachu in Pikachu Valley. One level-up list covers all four games. Volt Tackle becomes a move-tutor move in all four, so Pikachu no longer needs a Light Ball Egg to get it, and the other tutors are Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon only. Z-Moves give Pikachu two exclusives: Catastropika from Volt Tackle with Pikanium Z, and 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt from Thunderbolt for Pikachu in a cap.
By level-up
| SM/USUM | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 1 | Thunder Shock | Electric | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 5 | Growl | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| 7 | Play Nice | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 10 | Quick Attack | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 13 | Electro Ball | Electric | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| 18 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| 21 | Feint | Normal | Physical | 30 | 100 | 10 |
| 23 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 26 | Spark | Electric | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 29 | Nuzzle | Electric | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| 34 | Discharge | Electric | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| 37 | Slam | Normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| 42 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| 45 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 50 | Wild Charge | Electric | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| 53 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 58 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM16 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM24 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| TM25 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM49 | Echoed Voice | Normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM57 | Charge Beam | Electric | Special | 50 | 90 | 10 |
| TM72 | Volt Switch | Electric | Special | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM73 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| TM86 | Grass Knot | Grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| TM88 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM93 | Wild Charge | Electric | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| TM100 | Confide | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bestow | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | Clefairy, Togetic, Zigzagoon, Linoone, Plusle, Passimian |
| Bide | Normal | Physical | — | — | 10 | Sandshrew, Seedot, Piplup, Prinplup, Pachirisu, Patrat, Watchog, Cubchoo, Beartic, Yungoos, Gumshoos, Mudbray, Mudsdale, Stufful, Bewear |
| Charge | Electric | Status | — | — | 20 | Mareep, Flaaffy, Ampharos, Electrike, Manectric, Plusle, Minun, Shinx, Luxio, Luxray, Blitzle, Zebstrika, Emolga, Dedenne, Togedemaru |
| Disarming Voice | Fairy | Special | 40 | — | 15 | Clefairy, Clefable, Jigglypuff, Skitty, Audino, Espurr, Meowstic, Spritzee, Aromatisse, Sylveon, Popplio, Brionne, Primarina |
| Double Slap | Normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 10 | Clefairy, Clefable, Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff, Skitty, Delcatty, Audino, Minccino, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Bunnelby, Diggersby, Popplio, Brionne, Primarina |
| Electric Terrain | Electric | Status | — | — | 10 | Manectric, Luxray, Togedemaru |
| Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | Clefairy, Seel, Dewgong, Togetic, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Plusle, Minun, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein, Oshawott, Dewott, Samurott, Minccino, Emolga, Popplio, Brionne, Primarina |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Phanpy, Vigoroth, Pachirisu, Buneary, Lopunny, Cubchoo, Beartic |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Meowth, Meowth (Alolan), Persian, Persian (Alolan), Nuzleaf, Skitty, Delcatty, Glameow, Purugly, Purrloin, Liepard, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Espurr, Meowstic |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Phanpy, Zigzagoon, Slakoth, Slaking, Torkoal, Spinda, Cubchoo, Beartic, Bunnelby, Diggersby, Spritzee, Aromatisse, Stufful, Bewear, Komala |
| Lucky Chant | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 | Clefairy, Cherubi, Cherrim, Munna, Musharna, Fennekin, Braixen, Delphox |
| Present | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 15 | Delibird |
| Reversal | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Growlithe, Vigoroth, Lillipup, Herdier, Stoutland, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Bouffalant, Lycanroc, Passimian |
| Thunder Punch | Electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | Ampharos |
| Tickle | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Aipom, Ambipom, Minccino, Cinccino |
| Volt Tackle | Electric | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 | Hatches knowing it when either parent holds a Light Ball (not passed down as a normal Egg Move) |
| Wish | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Togetic, Swirlix, Slurpuff |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covet | Normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | USUM |
| Electroweb | Electric | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | USUM |
| Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | USUM |
| Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | USUM |
| Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | USUM |
| Knock Off | Dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 | USUM |
| Laser Focus | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 | USUM |
| Magnet Rise | Electric | Status | — | — | 10 | USUM |
| Shock Wave | Electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 | USUM |
| Signal Beam | Bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Thunder Punch | Electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Volt Tackle | Electric | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 | SM, USUM |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| Surf | Gift Pikachu from the Surf Association in Heahea City, after topping all four Mantine Surf courses |
| Celebrate | Pokémon Center Birthday Pikachu; Pokémon Cafe Pikachu |
| Bestow | Tohoku Pikachu; 2018 Tohoku Pikachu |
| Hold Hands | Tohoku Pikachu; Carnival Pikachu; 2018 Tohoku Pikachu |
| Teeter Dance | Carnival Pikachu |
| Happy Hour | Carnival Pikachu; Carnival Parade Pikachu |
| Sweet Scent | Pokémon Cafe Pikachu |
| Counter | Pokémon Cafe Pikachu |
| Refresh | Pokémon Cafe Pikachu |
| Fly | Pokémon World Festival Pikachu |
| Surf | Pokémon World Festival Pikachu |
From its pre-evolution
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Learnt as |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charm | Fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Pichu · level-up |
| Sweet Kiss | Fairy | Status | — | 75 | 10 | Pichu · level-up |
| Nasty Plot | Dark | Status | — | — | 20 | Pichu · level-up |
| Uproar | Normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | Pichu · tutor · USUM |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Body Slam | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Counter | Gen III (tutor) |
| Curse | Gen II (TM) |
| Defense Curl | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Detect | Gen II (TM) |
| Dig | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Dynamic Punch | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Endeavor | Gen IV (event: Pichu), Gen VI (event: PGL Pikachu) |
| Extreme Speed | Gen V (event: ExtremeSpeed Pikachu) |
| Flash | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Follow Me | Gen III (event: Pichu) |
| Headbutt | Gen II (TM), Gen IV (tutor), Gen V (event: Global Link Pikachu) |
| Heart Stamp | Gen VI (event: Minato Mirai ♥♥Pika♥♥ Pikachu) |
| Last Resort | Gen IV (event: Kyoto Cross Media Experience 2009 Pikachu) |
| Mega Kick | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen VI (event: Atsuto Uchida Pikachu) |
| Mega Punch | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Pay Day | Gen I (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Reflect | Gen I (TM) |
| Rock Smash | Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Rollout | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Secret Power | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Sing | Gen V (event: Singing Pikachu) |
| Skull Bash | Gen I (TM) |
| Strength | Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Submission | Gen I (TM) |
| Swift | Gen I (level-up/TM), Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
| Yawn | Gen IV (event: Sleeping Pikachu) |
| Zap Cannon | Gen II (TM) |
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! · Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee!12 level-up · 19 TM/HM
Wild Pikachu live in Viridian Forest in both games, and Let's Go, Pikachu! adds the Partner Pikachu starter. The level-up list is squeezed into 30 levels, with Double Kick appearing for the only time and Thunderbolt arriving at 21. There is no breeding and no ordinary move tutor, so the main lists stop at level-up and TM moves.
By level-up
| LGPE | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thunder Shock | Electric | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 1 | Growl | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| 3 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 6 | Quick Attack | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 9 | Double Kick | Fighting | Physical | 30 | 100 | 30 |
| 12 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 15 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| 18 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 21 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| 24 | Slam | Normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| 27 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 30 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM03 | Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM05 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM06 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM07 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM08 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM09 | Reflect | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM10 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM12 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM13 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM15 | Seismic Toss | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM16 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| TM19 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| TM23 | Thunder Punch | Electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM27 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM33 | Calm Mind | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM36 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| TM38 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| TM57 | Pay Day | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
Generation VIII · Sword & Shield (incl. Expansion Pass), Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl20 level-up · 72 TM/HM · 20 egg · 1 tutor · 4 event
In Sword and Shield, Pikachu lives on Route 4, in the Stony Wilderness, as a wanderer in the Rolling Fields and in Max Raid Battles (Gigantamax Pikachu included), and players with Let's Go, Pikachu! save data can meet one more at a Meetup Spot. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl keep it in the Trophy Garden. One level-up list serves both pairs: Pichu's Play Nice, Sweet Kiss, Nuzzle, Nasty Plot and Charm are now in the starting set, and Thunderbolt and Thunder move to 36 and 44. TM, TR and Egg Moves are tagged SwSh or BDSP; Surf is a TR or TM for any Pikachu for the first time. Rising Voltage comes from a tutor in the Expansion Pass. Some moves an older Pikachu can bring along no longer exist in Sword and Shield and are flagged as unusable there.
By level-up
| SwSh/BDSP | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Play Nice | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 1 | Sweet Kiss | Fairy | Status | — | 75 | 10 |
| 1 | Nuzzle | Electric | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | Nasty Plot | Dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 1 | Charm | Fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | Thunder Shock | Electric | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 1 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 1 | Growl | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| 1 | Quick Attack | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 4 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| 8 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 12 | Electro Ball | Electric | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| 16 | Feint | Normal | Physical | 30 | 100 | 10 |
| 20 | Spark | Electric | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 24 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 28 | Slam | Normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| 32 | Discharge | Electric | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| 36 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| 40 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 44 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM00 | Mega Punch | Normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 | SwSh |
| TM01 | Mega Kick | Normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 | SwSh |
| TM02 | Pay Day | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 | SwSh |
| TM05 | Thunder Punch | Electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM14 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 | SwSh |
| TM15 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM17 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 | SwSh |
| TM18 | Reflect | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 | SwSh |
| TM21 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TM23 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | SwSh |
| TM24 | Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM25 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TM29 | Charm | Fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 | SwSh |
| TM31 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM33 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 | SwSh |
| TM39 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | SwSh |
| TM40 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 | SwSh |
| TM41 | Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | SwSh |
| TM43 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM59 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM76 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM80 | Volt Switch | Electric | Special | 70 | 100 | 20 | SwSh |
| TM82 | Electroweb | Electric | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM87 | Draining Kiss | Fairy | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM90 | Electric Terrain | Electric | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR01 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR04 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR08 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR09 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR12 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 | SwSh |
| TR20 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR21 | Reversal | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR26 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR27 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR30 | Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | SwSh |
| TR31 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR35 | Uproar | Normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR68 | Nasty Plot | Dark | Status | — | — | 20 | SwSh |
| TR77 | Grass Knot | Grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 | SwSh |
| TR80 | Electro Ball | Electric | Special | — | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR86 | Wild Charge | Electric | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR90 | Play Rough | Fairy | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM01 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM16 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 | BDSP |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 | BDSP |
| TM23 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM24 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM25 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | BDSP |
| TM33 | Reflect | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 | BDSP |
| TM34 | Shock Wave | Electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 | BDSP |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM43 | Volt Switch | Electric | Special | 70 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | BDSP |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM57 | Charge Beam | Electric | Special | 50 | 90 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM58 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM63 | Nasty Plot | Dark | Status | — | — | 20 | BDSP |
| TM70 | Flash | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM73 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM82 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM86 | Grass Knot | Grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM95 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM96 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM98 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charge | Electric | Status | — | — | 20 | Electrike, Manectric, Shinx, Luxio, Luxray, Emolga, Dedenne, Togedemaru, Yamper, Boltund |
| Disarming Voice | Fairy | Special | 40 | — | 15 | Clefairy, Clefable, Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff, Audino, Espurr, Meowstic, Aromatisse, Sylveon, Popplio, Brionne, Primarina, Indeedee |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Meowth, Meowth (Alolan), Meowth (Galarian), Persian, Persian (Alolan), Perrserker, Nuzleaf, Shiftry, Purrloin, Liepard, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Espurr, Meowstic, Impidimp, Morgrem, Grimmsnarl |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Zigzagoon, Linoone, Cubchoo, Beartic, Bunnelby, Diggersby, Spritzee, Aromatisse, Stufful, Bewear |
| Present | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 15 | Delibird |
| Tickle | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Minccino, Cinccino |
| Volt Tackle | Electric | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 | Hatches knowing it when either parent holds a Light Ball (not passed down as a normal Egg Move) |
| Wish | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Togetic, Togekiss, Swirlix, Slurpuff |
| Charge | Electric | Status | — | — | 20 | Mareep, Flaaffy, Ampharos, Electrike, Manectric, Plusle, Minun, Shinx, Luxio, Luxray |
| Disarming Voice | Fairy | Special | 40 | — | 15 | Clefairy, Clefable, Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff, Skitty, Delcatty |
| Electric Terrain | Electric | Status | — | — | 10 | Manectric, Luxray |
| Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 | Clefairy, Clefable, Seel, Dewgong, Togetic, Togekiss, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Plusle, Minun, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Meowth, Persian, Nuzleaf, Shiftry, Skitty, Delcatty, Glameow, Purugly |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Phanpy, Donphan, Zigzagoon, Linoone, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Spinda |
| Present | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 15 | Delibird |
| Reversal | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Growlithe, Arcanine, Sentret, Furret, Torchic, Combusken, Blaziken, Vigoroth, Slaking, Lucario |
| Thunder Punch | Electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | Raichu, Ampharos |
| Tickle | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Aipom, Ambipom |
| Volt Tackle | Electric | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 | Hatches knowing it when either parent holds a Light Ball (not passed down as a normal Egg Move) |
| Wish | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Togetic, Togekiss |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rising Voltage | Electric | Special | 70 | 100 | 20 | Expansion Pass |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| Celebrate | Pokémon Center Birthday Pikachu; KIBO's Pikachu; Singing Pikachu; ★Sgr6746 Gigantamax Factor Pikachu |
| Volt Tackle | Wild Area News (12–18 May 2020) Gigantamax Pikachu |
| Wish | KIBO's Pikachu; ★Sgr6746 Gigantamax Factor Pikachu |
| Sing | Singing Pikachu |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Bestow | Gen V (breeding), Gen VI (breeding), Gen VII (breeding, event: Tohoku Pikachu) |
| Bide | Gen I (TM), Gen II–VII (breeding) |
| Calm Mind | Gen VII (TM) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Charge Beam | Gen IV–VII (TM) |
| Confide | Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Counter | Gen III (tutor), Gen VII (event: Pokémon Cafe Pikachu) |
| Covet | Gen V–VII (tutor) |
| Curse | Gen II (TM) |
| Defense Curl | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Detect | Gen II (TM) |
| Double Kick | Gen VII (level-up in Let's Go) |
| Double Slap | Gen II–VII (breeding) |
| Double-Edge | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Dynamic Punch | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Echoed Voice | Gen V–VII (TM) |
| Endeavor | Gen IV (event: Pichu), Gen VI (event: PGL Pikachu) |
| Extreme Speed | Gen V (event: ExtremeSpeed Pikachu) |
| Flash | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen IV–VI (TM) |
| Fly | Gen V (event: All Nippon Airways Pikachu), Gen VI (event: Pokémon Center Online Pikachu), Gen VII (event: Pokémon World Festival Pikachu) |
| Focus Punch | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen VI (tutor), Gen VII (tutor) |
| Follow Me | Gen III (event: Pichu) |
| Frustration | Gen II–VII (TM) |
| Happy Hour | Gen VI (event: Tohoku Pikachu), Gen VII (event: Carnival Pikachu) |
| Headbutt | Gen II (TM), Gen IV (tutor), Gen V (event: Global Link Pikachu), Gen VII (TM in Let's Go) |
| Heart Stamp | Gen VI (event: Minato Mirai ♥♥Pika♥♥ Pikachu) |
| Hidden Power | Gen II–VII (TM) |
| Hold Hands | Gen VI (event: Minato Mirai Pikachu), Gen VII (event: Tohoku Pikachu) |
| Knock Off | Gen IV–VII (tutor) |
| Laser Focus | Gen VII (tutor) |
| Last Resort | Gen IV (event: Kyoto Cross Media Experience 2009 Pikachu) |
| Lucky Chant | Gen V–VII (breeding) |
| Magnet Rise | Gen IV–VII (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Refresh | Gen VII (event: Pokémon Cafe Pikachu) |
| Return | Gen II–VII (TM) |
| Rock Smash | Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM, HM) |
| Rollout | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Secret Power | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen VII (TM in Let's Go) |
| Shock Wave | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen VI (tutor), Gen VII (tutor) |
| Signal Beam | Gen IV–VII (tutor) |
| Sing | Gen V (event: Singing Pikachu) |
| Skull Bash | Gen I (TM) |
| Strength | Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Submission | Gen I (TM) |
| Swagger | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV–VII (TM) |
| Sweet Scent | Gen VII (event: Pokémon Cafe Pikachu) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
| Teeter Dance | Gen III (event: Pichu), Gen V (event: Singing Pikachu), Gen VI (event: Yokohama Pikachu), Gen VII (event: Carnival Pikachu) |
| Toxic | Gen I–VII (TM) |
| Yawn | Gen IV (event: Sleeping Pikachu) |
| Zap Cannon | Gen II (TM) |
Pokémon Legends: Arceus · Legends: Arceus8 level-up · 12 tutor
Pikachu roams the Obsidian Fieldlands (Nature's Pantry and mass outbreaks), the Crimson Mirelands near the Golden Lowlands, Windbreak Stand in the Cobalt Coastlands and space-time distortions in the Alabaster Icelands. Moves work differently here: each has a level at which it is learned and a higher level at which it is mastered, so it can be used in strong or agile style, and PP totals are lower. Volt Tackle, Iron Tail and Thunderbolt can be taught by the move tutor. There are no TMs or breeding. Power is listed for normal, strong and agile style, and accuracy for normal and strong style.
By level-up
| Learn | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thunder Shock | Electric | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 5 | Quick Attack | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| 9 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| 15 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| 21 | Spark | Electric | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 29 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| 37 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 5 |
| 47 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 100 | 75 | 5 |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby-Doll Eyes | Fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 | |
| Calm Mind | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| Charge Beam | Electric | Special | 50 | 90 | 15 | |
| Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 5 | |
| Play Rough | Fairy | Physical | 85 | 90 | 10 | |
| Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 | |
| Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 | |
| Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 | |
| Thunder Punch | Electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 | |
| Volt Tackle | Electric | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 | |
| Wild Charge | Electric | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
Generation IX · Scarlet & Violet20 level-up · 47 TM/HM · 8 egg · 1 event
Pikachu turns up across Paldea: South Province (Area Two, Area Four and Artazon), East Province (Area One), West Province (Area Three) and 2★ and 3★ Tera Raid Battles. Iron Tail finally enters the main-series level-up list at 28, taking Slam's slot, and the TM list grows to 47 moves, Tera Blast and Upper Hand included. Wish can be passed down from a Vaporeon or Leafeon, because a wild Terastallized Vaporeon at Casseroya Lake and a Terastallized Leafeon in South Province (Area Four) know it. There are no move tutors, and the Flying Tera Type event Pikachu brings Fly.
By level-up
| SV | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Play Nice | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 1 | Sweet Kiss | Fairy | Status | — | 75 | 10 |
| 1 | Nuzzle | Electric | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | Nasty Plot | Dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 1 | Charm | Fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 1 | Thunder Shock | Electric | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 1 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| 1 | Growl | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| 1 | Quick Attack | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 4 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| 8 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 12 | Electro Ball | Electric | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| 16 | Feint | Normal | Physical | 30 | 100 | 10 |
| 20 | Spark | Electric | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| 24 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 28 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| 32 | Discharge | Electric | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| 36 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| 40 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 44 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM001 | Take Down | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| TM002 | Charm | Fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM003 | Fake Tears | Dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM004 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM007 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM018 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| TM019 | Disarming Voice | Fairy | Special | 40 | — | 15 |
| TM020 | Trailblaze | Grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| TM023 | Charge Beam | Electric | Special | 50 | 90 | 10 |
| TM025 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM032 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| TM037 | Draining Kiss | Fairy | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| TM043 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM047 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM048 | Volt Switch | Electric | Special | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM050 | Rain Dance | Water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM055 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM058 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM066 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| TM068 | Thunder Punch | Electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM070 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM072 | Electro Ball | Electric | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM074 | Reflect | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM075 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM081 | Grass Knot | Grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM082 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| TM085 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM096 | Eerie Impulse | Electric | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM103 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM122 | Encore | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM123 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| TM126 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| TM127 | Play Rough | Fairy | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| TM130 | Helping Hand | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM134 | Reversal | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM136 | Electric Terrain | Electric | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM140 | Nasty Plot | Dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM147 | Wild Charge | Electric | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| TM166 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| TM171 | Tera Blast | Normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM173 | Charge | Electric | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM181 | Knock Off | Dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| TM192 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| TM205 | Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM211 | Electroweb | Electric | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| TM227 | Alluring Voice | Fairy | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM229 | Upper Hand | Fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 15 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charge | Electric | Status | — | — | 20 | Mareep, Flaaffy, Ampharos, Plusle, Minun, Shinx, Luxio, Luxray, Blitzle, Zebstrika, Dedenne, Pawmi, Pawmo, Pawmot |
| Disarming Voice | Fairy | Special | 40 | — | 15 | Clefairy, Clefable, Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff, Espurr, Meowstic, Sylveon, Popplio, Brionne, Primarina, Indeedee, Lechonk, Oinkologne |
| Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 | Meowth, Meowth (Alolan), Meowth (Galarian), Persian, Persian (Alolan), Perrserker, Nuzleaf, Shiftry, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Espurr, Meowstic, Impidimp, Morgrem, Grimmsnarl |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Dudunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Phanpy, Slakoth, Slaking, Zangoose, Cubchoo, Beartic, Komala, Cetoddle, Cetitan |
| Present | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 15 | Delibird |
| Tickle | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 | Aipom, Ambipom, Minccino, Cinccino |
| Volt Tackle | Electric | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 | Hatches knowing it when either parent holds a Light Ball (not passed down as a normal Egg Move) |
| Wish | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Vaporeon, Leafeon (a wild Terastallized Vaporeon at Casseroya Lake and a wild Terastallized Leafeon in South Province (Area Four) know it) |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| Fly | Flying Terastal Pikachu |
Pokémon Legends: Z-A · Legends: Z-A14 level-up · 28 TM/HM
Pikachu lives in Lumiose City's Vert District (Vert Sector 8), Rouge District (Wild Zone 3) and Jaune District (Wild Zone 6, where an Alpha appears). Moves here have no PP or accuracy columns: each has the level at which it is learned, the level at which it becomes a Plus Move, its power and its cooldown. Volt Tackle is the ultimate test of patience at level 99 (Plus at 100), and Version 2.0.0 adds Draining Kiss through the Move Reminder. Quick Attack is listed at 30 power and Trailblaze at 40, and Skull Bash is a 150-power TM. There is no breeding or tutoring.
By level-up
| Learn | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rem. | Draining Kiss | Fairy | Special | 50 | — | — |
| 1 | Tail Whip | Normal | Status | — | — | — |
| 1 | Growl | Normal | Status | — | — | — |
| 1 | Thunder Shock | Electric | Special | 40 | — | — |
| 1 | Quick Attack | Normal | Physical | 30 | — | — |
| 7 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | — | — |
| 12 | Nuzzle | Electric | Physical | 20 | — | — |
| 16 | Spark | Electric | Physical | 65 | — | — |
| 20 | Charm | Fairy | Status | — | — | — |
| 25 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 90 | — | — |
| 30 | Charge | Electric | Status | — | — | — |
| 35 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | — |
| 40 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 110 | — | — |
| 99 | Volt Tackle | Electric | Physical | 120 | — | — |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM008 | Thunder Wave | Electric | Status | — | — | — |
| TM010 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | — | — |
| TM016 | Light Screen | Psychic | Status | — | — | — |
| TM017 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | — |
| TM020 | Play Rough | Fairy | Physical | 90 | — | — |
| TM023 | Thunder Punch | Electric | Physical | 75 | — | — |
| TM027 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | — |
| TM028 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | — | — |
| TM031 | Reflect | Psychic | Status | — | — | — |
| TM032 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | — |
| TM033 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | — | — |
| TM035 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | — |
| TM039 | Discharge | Electric | Special | 80 | — | — |
| TM047 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | — |
| TM066 | Volt Switch | Electric | Special | 70 | — | — |
| TM067 | Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | 90 | — | — |
| TM073 | Surf | Water | Special | 90 | — | — |
| TM083 | Nasty Plot | Dark | Status | — | — | — |
| TM085 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | — |
| TM086 | Wild Charge | Electric | Physical | 90 | — | — |
| TM087 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | — | — |
| TM101 | Electroweb | Electric | Special | 55 | — | — |
| TM106 | Thunder | Electric | Special | 110 | — | — |
| TM109 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | — | — |
| TM115 | Trailblaze | Grass | Physical | 40 | — | — |
| TM130 | Charge Beam | Electric | Special | 50 | — | — |
| TM141 | Fake Out | Normal | Physical | 40 | — | — |
| TM146 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 150 | — | — |
04Ash's Pikachu & friends
Pikachu in the anime
Debut EP001Pokémon – I Choose You! · Ash’s loyal Pikachu, its battle record, and 10 other trainers who raised one.
No Pokémon owns the anime quite like Pikachu. The Electric Mouse has been there since the very first episode, when Professor Oak handed a stubborn, Poké Ball-shy Pikachu to a late-running Ash Ketchum, and that partnership went on to carry the series for more than a quarter of a century, from a lost Gym battle against Lt. Surge's Raichu all the way to the World Coronation Series crown. Ash's Pikachu is the face of the franchise, but the species' screen story is far bigger than one famous friendship.
Away from Ash's shoulder, Pikachu turn up everywhere. Ritchie's tuft-haired Sparky became a friendly rival at the Indigo Plateau, Goh caught and evolved his own Pikachu in a single episode, and Pikala's valley is home to a whole community of them, including a pompadoured Shiny known as the Boss. Ash almost said farewell to his partner among a wild colony in Pikachu's Goodbye, a magician once turned Ash himself into a Pikachu, and Pokémon Horizons gave the species a brand-new star: Friede's Captain Pikachu, a beret-wearing, sky-dreaming veteran who can Terastallize into the Flying type.
Ash's Pikachu
Trainer profile
Ash Ketchum
- Caught in
- EP001Pokémon – I Choose You!
- First aired
- 1 April 1997 (Japan) · 8 September 1998 (US)
- Where
- Professor Oak's Laboratory, Pallet Town
- Status
- With Ash – still travelling at his side after their final episodes together (JN147)
- Japanese name
- サトシのピカチュウ
- Ability
- Static – confirmed in Balance of Power (AG070), when it paralyses Norman's Vigoroth
- Moves used
- Thunder ShockThunderboltAgilityQuick AttackThunderDouble-EdgeTackleLeerIron TailVolt TackleElectro BallGigavolt HavocBreakneck Blitz10,000,000 Volt ThunderboltElectrowebCorkscrew CrashMax SteelspikeG-Max Volt CrashMax Strike
- How it joined
- Ash overslept and arrived after the three first partners had gone, so Professor Oak gave him the Pikachu – which promptly zapped him and refused to go into its Poké Ball.
Personality
Ash's Pikachu is stubborn, cheeky and fiercely loyal. It was the first of Ash's Pokémon to habitually disobey him, and it still refuses to stay in its Poké Ball. It zaps its Trainer when annoyed – or when someone grabs its tail by accident – yet never sulks after a defeat as long as Ash is there to cheer it on. It looks after Misty's Togepi like a big brother, adores ketchup and has a gift for mimicry, pulling faces to impersonate Bulbasaur, Charizard and even Ash himself. Team Rocket have chased it since its second episode, which has only given it more practice at sending them blasting off.
Ash's Pikachu began as a problem rather than a partner. Ash overslept on the first day of his journey and reached Professor Oak's Laboratory after the three first partners had gone, so he was handed a prickly Pikachu that zapped him and swatted away its Poké Ball. When a furious flock of Spearow attacked, Ash threw himself between the birds and his injured Pokémon – and Pikachu answered by leaping into a thunderstorm and unleashing a lightning-charged Thunder Shock that scattered the flock and fried Misty's bike (EP001). By the next episode Team Rocket had made it their favourite target (EP002), and when Ash tried to leave it with a colony of wild Pikachu, it ran straight back into his arms (EP039).
Kanto's Gyms were a crash course. Brock's Onix squeezed it into submission, but Pikachu returned with its first Thunderbolt and set off the sprinklers that soaked Onix (EP005). Lt. Surge's Raichu put it in the Pokémon Center, yet Pikachu swatted away the Thunder Stone Nurse Joy offered and won the rematch on pure speed (EP014); later it brought down Blaine's Rhydon with a Thunderbolt to the horn (EP058) and scattered the Viridian Gym's Pokémon with a single blast (EP063). At the Indigo Plateau Conference it beat Pete Pebbleman's Arcanine and Ritchie's Butterfree, Happy, before a worn-out Pikachu fell to Ritchie's Zippo in Ash's last match (EP076, EP079).
The Orange Islands brought stronger opponents: Prima's Cloyster and Rudy's Electabuzz both beat it (EP099, EP103), and it had to learn to share the stage with a sulky Charizard against Luana (EP108). Its finest hour came in the Orange League final, when it toppled Drake's Dragonite after the Dragon-type had flattened three of Ash's team (EP112). In Johto it was the only one of Ash's Pokémon to fight in all eight Gym battles – humbled by Whitney's Miltank, it came back to flip her into the air for a winning Thunderbolt (EP158, EP159) – and at the Silver Conference it beat Harrison's Kecleon by using its tongue as a conductor (EP271). When Ash left for Hoenn, Pikachu was the only Pokémon he took (EP273).
Hoenn began with Pikachu ill after a run-in with a Team Rocket electromagnet (EP274), its electricity running out of control until a Team Rocket mecha accidentally cured it – and the blast that sent them flying also fried May's bike (AG001). It soon picked up Iron Tail, which finally connected against Roxanne's Nosepass for Ash's first Hoenn Badge (AG013, AG016), swept all three of Wattson's Pokémon on its own (AG040) and showed off its Static Ability against Norman's Vigoroth (AG070). The Blue Orb melted into its body and drove it to wake Groudon (AG097, AG098), and it won the Rain Badge by flipping Juan's Milotic into the water for a final Thunder (AG111). At the Ever Grande Conference it beat Tyson's Metagross but lost the deciding clash with his Meowth, and Ash bowed out in the Top 8 (AG131).
The Battle Frontier turned Pikachu into a giant-killer. Elite Four Agatha's Gengar put it to sleep and ate its dreams (AG132), but soon afterwards an electrified Quick Attack became Volt Tackle (AG150), mastered in time to protect a Celebi (AG155). Volt Tackle won the Luck Symbol from Lucy's Milotic (AG158) and finished Anabel's Espeon (AG170), and Pikachu's victory over Brandon's Regice completed Ash's Frontier run (AG190). It lost to Gary's Electivire on the eve of Sinnoh, but when Ash left the rest of his team at Professor Oak's Laboratory, Pikachu was the one partner who sailed with him – until Aipom stowed away (AG192).
Sinnoh began with Team Rocket separating Pikachu from Ash yet again. Lost in a strange region, it was found by a rookie named Dawn, who tried to catch it before learning it already had a Trainer, then fought Team Rocket by its side (DP002). Back with Ash, it went straight into an ill-tempered first battle with Paul, collapsing alongside his Elekid for a draw (DP003). Paul's cold, numbers-first style would hang over the whole journey, and Pikachu's sparks with Electabuzz and later Electivire turned the rivalry into a personal one.
The most telling moment came in Pika and Goliath! (DP074): beaten by Sho's Raichu, Pikachu wavered over the Thunder Stone, then slipped off to train in the woods and won the rematch without evolving. Away from battles it took third place and the Unique Award at the Hearthome Collection (DP086), reached the final of a dress-up contest (DP033), and gave Ash a brand-new trick when he improvised the Counter Shield against Fantina (DP102). At the Lily of the Valley Conference it froze, thawed and beat Paul's Froslass on the way to Ash's long-awaited win over his rival (DP187–DP188), then went down together with Tobias's Latios in the semifinal (DP189). The era closed with a weepy farewell to Dawn's Piplup and one last Volt Tackle–Hydro Pump blast (DP191).
Unova opened with Pikachu running on empty. A brush with Zekrom drained its electricity before its first battle with Trip, and it lost to his Snivy (BW001) before a second meeting with the Legendary restored its sparks (BW002). This time Ash left everyone else with Professor Oak, so Pikachu was the veteran of a brand-new team. It swapped Volt Tackle for Electro Ball while chasing a gang of hat-stealing Ducklett (BW020), won the Insect, Bolt and Toxic Badges as Ash's closer (BW023, BW050, BW084), and finally beat Trip, toppling his Serperior at the Vertress Conference (BW104) before Cameron's Lucario ended the run in the Top 8 (BW108).
The darker moments were some of its most heroic. It was beaten by Giovanni's Persian and captured with Ash, then smashed their force-field prison with Iron Tail and absorbed Thundurus's Thunder to blast the Abyssal Ruins apart (BW096–BW097). Colress's machines seized control of it more than once, and the second time it even knocked Ash out with Thunderbolt; N bargained away the Light Stone to win it back, and Pikachu repaid everyone by freeing Reshiram and helping it wreck Team Plasma's machine (BW112, BW121–BW122). After winning the Marine Cup in the Decolore Islands (BW125), it went home to Pallet Town, where Bulbasaur was waiting (BW142).
Kalos gave Pikachu its sharpest edge, starting with a squeeze from Bonnie, a rescue by Froakie and a death-defying climb up Prism Tower (XY001–XY002). It fought Champion Diantha's Gardevoir in a battle Team Rocket cut short (XY028), then became the first Pokémon in the anime to beat a Mega-Evolved opponent without Mega Evolving, flooring Korrina's Mega Lucario (XY044). At the Lumiose Conference it beat Sawyer's Clawitzer and Aegislash (XY127–XY128), then knocked out Alain's Tyranitar and Metagross in the final before Charizard wore it down (XY130–XY131). Captured by Lysandre, it called out to Ash and then helped bring down Lysandre's Shiny Mega Gyarados (XY133–XY135), before closing the chapter with one last battle against Clemont's Bunnelby, where Kalos had begun (XY140).
Alola was supposed to be a holiday, but Pikachu had barely unpacked before Tapu Koko, the island's guardian, picked it and Ash out, handing Ash a Z-Ring and an Electrium Z (SM001). The very next day it pinched Ash's cap and goaded them into a forest showdown, where Pikachu unleashed its first Z-Move, Gigavolt Havoc, with such force that the crystal shattered (SM002). With Ash enrolled at the Pokémon School, Pikachu threw itself into the island challenge, outwitting the Totem Gumshoos in Verdant Cavern (SM009) and flattening Kahuna Hala's Hariyama with Breakneck Blitz (SM010).
The stakes kept rising. Back in Kanto, Gigavolt Havoc toppled Misty's Mega Gyarados on her own water field at the Cerulean Gym (SM043), and in Ultra Space Ash's Electrium Z became a Pikashunium Z, a crystal tailored to Pikachu, powering the first 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt to free Lusamine from Nihilego (SM054). Pikachu picked up Electroweb mid-battle against Jessie's Mimikyu (SM076), was outpaced by the Mythical Zeraora before teaming up with it to drive a Guzzlord home (SM100–SM101), and won a Steelium Z from Hapu's Mudsdale (SM109). The new crystal's first outing, Corkscrew Crash, bounced off Guzma's Golisopod, which bolted via Emergency Exit before anyone could win (SM115).
The first Manalo Conference was Pikachu's finest hour in Alola. It survived the Battle Royal (SM129), settled the score with Golisopod in the semi-finals (SM137), then finished Gladion's Silvally before trading Z-Moves with a Zoroark disguised as Lycanroc, Breakneck Blitz against Never-Ending Nightmare, until both dropped (SM138–SM139). Lycanroc clinched the crown and Ash became Alola's first Champion, and in the exhibition that followed Pikachu's 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt overpowered Tapu Koko's Guardian of Alola to beat Professor Kukui (SM144).
Journeys began with a surprise origin story: Pikachu started life as a Pichu near Pallet Town, raised in a Kangaskhan's pouch, and evolved on the night it crept away so as not to weigh his adoptive mother down (JN001). Galar handed it a new trick when Dynamax energy made it Gigantamax outside Wyndon Stadium, though Leon's Charizard beat it in an unofficial bout that sent Ash into the World Coronation Series (JN013). The climb brought wins over Visquez (JN018) and Volkner (JN077), a draw with Bea (JN039) that Ash turned into victory at their next meeting (JN086), and plenty of drama besides: a jealous sulk over Riolu (JN030), the Darkest Day (JN044–JN045) and a brief spell as a Pichu, then an Egg, when Dialga and Palkia warped time (JN090).
In the Masters Eight, Pikachu was the only Pokémon used by any of the eight contenders that wasn't fully evolved, and it fought like a giant: Steven's Mega Metagross (JN118), Cynthia's Gastrodon (JN123) and, in the final, Leon's Gigantamax Cinderace all fell to it. Floored by Charizard's Fire Blast, it saw a vision of Ash and his Pokémon, past and present, cheering it on, hauled itself up and won the last clash to make Ash Monarch, the World Champion (JN132). The farewell episodes brought things full circle, with Pikachu refereeing Ash's battle with Misty (JN138) before, in the very last episode, Ash asked it to stay by his side and the pair set off again in search of the Pokémon Master dream (JN147).
Battle record
All 170 battles, episode by episodeEP005 to JN136
| Episode | Opponent | Context | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP005Showdown in Pewter City | Brockvs Onix | Gym battle – Pewter GymIts electricity barely tickles the Rock Snake, Bind traps it and Ash forfeits. | Lost |
| EP005Showdown in Pewter City | Brockvs Geodude | Gym battle – Pewter Gym rematchBack with its first Thunderbolt, it knocks Geodude out. | Won |
| EP005Showdown in Pewter City | Brockvs Onix | Gym battle – Pewter Gym rematchIts Thunderbolt sets off the sprinklers and soaks Onix, but Ash forfeits when Brock's siblings beg him to stop – Brock awards the Boulder Badge anyway. | Lost |
| EP014Electric Shock Showdown | Lt. Surgevs Raichu | Gym battle – Vermilion GymOverpowered by Raichu's electricity and sent to the Pokémon Center. | Lost |
| EP014Electric Shock Showdown | Lt. Surgevs Raichu | Gym battle – Vermilion Gym rematchAgility and Quick Attack run Raichu ragged, and an electrified tail slam wins the Thunder Badge. | Won |
| EP022Abra and the Psychic Showdown | Sabrinavs Abra / Kadabra | Gym battle – Saffron GymAbra teleports away from its attacks, evolves, and Kadabra's Psychic slams Pikachu into the ceiling. Ash forfeits. | Lost |
| EP024Haunter versus Kadabra | Sabrinavs Kadabra | Gym battle – Saffron Gym rematchPikachu steps in for the missing Haunter, whose comedy act leaves Sabrina and Kadabra helpless with laughter – Marsh Badge. | Won |
| EP058Riddle Me This | Blainevs Rhydon | Gym battle – Cinnabar GymFires Thunderbolt at Rhydon's horn, which acts as a lightning rod, and fells the Ground-type. | Won |
| EP059Volcanic Panic | Blainevs Magmar | Gym battle – Cinnabar GymBegins in Riddle Me This (EP058). Left clinging to the edge above the lava after Fire Blast, so Ash concedes. | Lost |
| EP063The Battle of the Badge | Team Rocket (running the Viridian Gym)vs Machamp, Kingler and Rhydon | Gym battle – Viridian GymOne Thunderbolt hits all three Gym Pokémon and they flee; the Earth Badge ends up in Ash's hands. | Won |
| EP076Fire and Ice | Pete Pebblemanvs Arcanine | Indigo Plateau Conference – third round (Ice Field)Dives into the water and finishes Arcanine with Thunderbolt. | Won |
| EP077The Fourth Round Rumble | Jeanette Fishervs Bellsprout | Indigo Plateau Conference – fourth round (Grass Field)Jeanette's deceptively tough Bellsprout knocks it out. | Lost |
| EP079Friend and Foe Alike | Ritchievs Happy (Butterfree) | Indigo Plateau Conference – fifth roundDouble-Edge and Thunderbolt knock out Happy, despite Pikachu being tired from an earlier fight with Team Rocket. | Won |
| EP079Friend and Foe Alike | Ritchievs Zippo (Charmander) | Indigo Plateau Conference – fifth roundToo worn out to keep going, it falls to Zippo's Tackle. | Lost |
| EP093Navel Maneuvers | Dannyvs Machoke, Scyther and Nidoqueen; then Geodude, Electrode and Scyther | Gym challenge – Navel Gym (ice-sled carving and sled race)Joins Bulbasaur and Charizard in the ice-carving round (its Thunderbolt is little help) and rides the sled to victory in the race – Sea Ruby Badge. | Won |
| EP099The Mandarin Island Miss Match | Prima (Elite Four)vs Cloyster | Elite Four – friendly battleReflect stops Agility, Thunder only builds up Cloyster's Rage, and Aurora Beam and Take Down finish Pikachu. | Lost |
| EP103Misty Meets Her Match | Rudyvs Electabuzz | Gym battle – Trovita Gym, first roundThunderbolt and Quick Attack make no impression and Thunder Punch knocks it out. | Lost |
| EP108Pokémon Double Trouble | Luanavs Alakazam and Marowak | Gym battle – Kumquat Gym Double Battle, with CharizardAfter a shaky start, Pikachu and Charizard click and Luana's pair end up knocking each other out – Jade Star Badge. | Won |
| EP111Hello, Pummelo! | Drakevs Ditto | Orange League finalDitto transforms into a second Pikachu, but after a Quick Attack duel the real one knocks it out with its tail. | Won |
| EP112Enter the Dragonite | Drakevs Dragonite | Orange League finalDragonite has already beaten Charizard, Squirtle and Tauros; a close-range Thunder takes it down and wins Ash the Winner's Trophy. | Won |
| EP116The Rivalry Revival | Garyvs Eevee | Rival battle – one-on-oneReflect and Double Team blunt its attacks, and a Skull Bash finishes it. | Lost |
| EP131Fighting Flyer with Fire | Falknervs Hoothoot | Gym battle – Violet GymThunderbolt, then Quick Attack to finish. | Won |
| EP131Fighting Flyer with Fire | Falknervs Dodrio | Gym battle – Violet GymBounces off Dodrio's middle head and wins with Thunder. | Won |
| EP131Fighting Flyer with Fire | Falknervs Pidgeot | Gym battle – Violet GymWorn down by two battles, it is blown away by Whirlwind. | Lost |
| EP144Gettin' the Bugs Out | Bugsyvs Metapod | Gym battle – Azalea GymAgility, then a close-range Thunderbolt. | Won |
| EP144Gettin' the Bugs Out | Bugsyvs Scyther | Gym battle – Azalea GymIts Thunderbolts hit only Double Team copies, and Fury Cutter knocks it out. | Lost |
| EP158A Goldenrod Opportunity | Whitneyvs Miltank | Gym battle – Goldenrod GymThunderbolt has no effect, even Agility can't outrun Miltank, and Rollout knocks it out. | Lost |
| EP159A Dairy Tale Ending | Whitneyvs Miltank | Gym battle – rematchPikachu uses the trenches in the field to send the rolling Miltank flying, then finishes her with Thunderbolt – Plain Badge. | Won |
| EP182From Ghost to Ghost | Mortyvs Gastly | Gym battle – Ecruteak GymOne Night Shade is all it takes. | Lost |
| EP209Machoke, Machoke Man! | Chuckvs Poliwrath | Gym battle – Cianwood GymThunderbolts miss or fail to finish it, Quick Attack has no effect, and Double Slap knocks Pikachu out. | Lost |
| EP224Nerves of Steelix! | Jasminevs Magnemite | Gym battle – Olivine GymTakes a hit on purpose so Magnemite can't dodge, then finishes it with Quick Attack. | Won |
| EP224Nerves of Steelix! | Jasminevs Steelix | Gym battle – Olivine GymThunderbolt and Quick Attack fail, and Iron Tail knocks it out. | Lost |
| EP238Nice Pryce, Baby! | Prycevs Piloswine | Gym battle – Mahogany GymTrades Thunder and Thunderbolt with Piloswine until Pryce forfeits – Glacier Badge. | Won |
| EP252Fangs for Nothin' | Clairvs Kingdra | Gym battle – Blackthorn GymKingdra shrugs off Thunderbolt and Thunder, so Ash switches Pikachu out; Team Rocket's theft of the Dragon Fang halts the match. | Interrupted |
| EP254Better Eight Than Never | Clairvs Gyarados | Gym battle – Blackthorn Gym rematchAfter Dragon Breath blocks its Thunderbolt, it closes in with Agility for a point-blank Thunderbolt. | Won |
| EP254Better Eight Than Never | Clairvs Dragonair | Gym battle – Blackthorn Gym rematchDragonair dodges everything and Hyper Beam knocks it out. | Lost |
| EP266A Claim to Flame! | Salvadorvs Furret | Silver Conference – screening roundLeaps onto Furret's back, shocks it with Thunderbolt and finishes with Quick Attack. | Won |
| EP268Tie One On! | Jacksonvs Azumarill | Silver Conference – round robinCatches Azumarill's Iron Tail and answers with Thunder. | Won |
| EP268Tie One On! | Jacksonvs Magneton (Shiny) | Silver Conference – round robinParalysed by Thunder Wave, then finished by Tri Attack. | Lost |
| EP271Playing with Fire! | Harrisonvs Kecleon | Silver Conference – Victory Tournament quarter-finalUses Kecleon's own tongue as a wire to conduct a Thunderbolt. | Won |
| EP271Playing with Fire! | Harrisonvs Sneasel | Silver Conference – Victory Tournament quarter-finalSneasel slips past Thunderbolt and strikes with Metal Claw. | Lost |
| AG016The Winner by a Nosepass | Roxannevs Geodude | Gym battle – Rustboro GymQuick Attack to get close, then Thunder. | Won |
| AG016The Winner by a Nosepass | Roxannevs Nosepass | Gym battle – Rustboro GymNosepass's Zap Cannon only recharges it, and Iron Tail finally connects – Stone Badge. | Won |
| AG040Watt's with Wattson? | Wattsonvs Magnemite, Voltorb and Magneton | Gym battle – Mauville GymOvercharged from a run-in with a robot Raikou, it sweeps all three with a single attack each – Dynamo Badge. | Won |
| AG056Going, Going, Yawn | Flanneryvs Slugma | Gym battle – Lavaridge GymThunderbolt cuts through Smog and Thunder finishes Slugma. | Won |
| AG056Going, Going, Yawn | Flanneryvs Torkoal | Gym battle – Lavaridge GymIron Defense blunts its attacks and Overheat knocks it out. | Lost |
| AG070Balance of Power | Normanvs Slakoth | Gym battle – Petalburg GymPinned down by Hidden Power and Blizzard, so Ash switches it out. | Interrupted |
| AG070Balance of Power | Normanvs Vigoroth | Gym battle – Petalburg GymStatic paralyses Vigoroth when it lands a Scratch; Iron Tail knocks it out, but Pikachu faints too. | Draw |
| AG085Sky High Gym Battle! | Winonavs Pelipper | Gym battle – Fortree GymSteel Wing grounds its Thunderbolt, but a final Thunder knocks out both Pokémon. | Draw |
| AG100Solid as a Solrock | Tate and Lizavs Solrock and Lunatone | Gym battle – Mossdeep Gym Double Battle, with SwellowThunder into the clouds charges Pikachu and Swellow with 'Thunder Armor'; Iron Tail and Aerial Ace win the Mind Badge. | Won |
| AG101Vanity Affair | Drake (Elite Four)vs Shelgon | Elite Four – friendly battleShelgon soaks up Thunderbolt and Double-Edge, then Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw finish Pikachu. | Lost |
| AG110The Great Eight Fate! | Juanvs Sealeo and Seaking | Gym battle – Sootopolis Gym Double Battle, with Snorunt and CorphishThunder smashes an Ice Ball and Iron Tail knocks out Seaking, while Corphish deals with Sealeo. | Won |
| AG111Eight Ain't Enough | Juanvs Milotic | Gym battle – Sootopolis GymAsh's last Pokémon flips Milotic into the water and electrifies it with Thunder – Rain Badge. | Won |
| AG118Less is Morrison | Morrisonvs Beldum | Rival battleIron Tail meets Take Down head-on and both are knocked out. | Draw |
| AG126Saved by the Beldum | Gilbertvs Hitmonlee | Ever Grande Conference – preliminary roundDodges a barrage of kicks, cushions a Mega Kick with Iron Tail and then lands one on Hitmonlee's head. | Won |
| AG128Shocks and Bonds | Katievs Dugtrio | Ever Grande Conference – Victory Tournament, first roundTrapped by Sand Tomb, its Thunderbolt has no effect; Ash still wins the match in the next episode. | Lost |
| AG130Choose It or Lose It! | Morrisonvs Steelix | Ever Grande Conference – Victory Tournament, round of 16Knocked out in an Iron Tail clash; Ash wins the match and reaches the quarter-finals. | Lost |
| AG131At the End of the Fray | Tysonvs Metagross | Ever Grande Conference – Victory Tournament quarter-finalGrabs hold of Metagross and fires Thunder at point-blank range. | Won |
| AG131At the End of the Fray | Tysonvs Meowth | Ever Grande Conference – Victory Tournament quarter-finalBoth collapse after an Iron Tail clash, but only Meowth gets up – Ash finishes in the Top 8. | Lost |
| AG132The Scheme Team | Agatha (Elite Four)vs Gengar | Elite Four – friendly battle at the Viridian GymQuick Attack passes straight through the Ghost-type; Hypnosis stops Thunder and Dream Eater ends it. | Lost |
| AG158Queen of the Serpentine! | Lucyvs Milotic | Battle Frontier – Battle PikeCharges itself with its own Thunderbolt and spins a Volt Tackle through Twister – Luck Symbol. | Won |
| AG169Talking a Good Game! | Anabelvs Alakazam | Battle Frontier – Battle TowerShakes off confusion and overpowers Psybeam with Thunderbolt. | Won |
| AG169Talking a Good Game! | Anabelvs Metagross | Battle Frontier – Battle TowerHyper Beam knocks it out and Ash loses his first Battle Tower challenge. | Lost |
| AG170Second Time's the Charm! | Anabelvs Espeon | Battle Frontier – Battle Tower rematchThunderbolt knocks out the room's lights, and Volt Tackle finishes Espeon – Ability Symbol. | Won |
| AG190Pace – The Final Frontier! | Brandonvs Regice | Battle Frontier – Battle PyramidWeathers Blizzard, Ice Beam and Focus Punch, keeps going after Regice heals with Rest, and finally knocks it out – Brave Symbol and the Battle Frontier Hall of Fame. | Won |
| AG192Home is Where the Start Is! | Garyvs Electivire | Rival battleProtect blocks Volt Tackle and Thunder Punch knocks Pikachu out. | Lost |
| DP003When Pokémon Worlds Collide! | Paulvs Elekid | Rival battleThunderbolt, Volt Tackle and Iron Tail against Thunder and Brick Break, until both collapsed at the same moment. | Draw |
| DP016A Gruff Act to Follow! | Roarkvs Cranidos, Onix | Gym battle – Oreburgh GymRecalled after a bruising exchange with Cranidos, then rattled by Onix's Screech and blasted out of the fight. | Lost |
| DP018O'er the Rampardos We Watched! | Roarkvs Onix | Gym battle – Oreburgh Gym rematchLed off for Ash and toppled Onix this time round. | Won |
| DP018O'er the Rampardos We Watched! | Roarkvs Rampardos | Gym battle – Oreburgh Gym rematchStatic paralysed Rampardos, but its Zen Headbutt still knocked Pikachu out. | Lost |
| DP050Tag! We're It…! | Scientist and Ace Trainervs Rhydon and Magmar | Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition – round 1Partnered with Paul's Chimchar; Iron Tail floored Rhydon after Lightning Rod soaked up its Thunderbolt. | Won |
| DP066Lost Leader Strategy! | Paulvs Electabuzz | Rival battleAn Electric-type grudge match broken up when Maylene's Lucario stepped between them. | Interrupted |
| DP074Pika and Goliath! | Shovs Raichu | Battle with a Raichu trainerBeaten by Sho's Raichu after Ash refused to trade Pikachu. | Lost |
| DP074Pika and Goliath! | Shovs Raichu | RematchTurned down the Thunder Stone, trained in the woods and won the rematch as a Pikachu. | Won |
| DP083A Crasher Course in Power! | Crasher Wakevs Gyarados, Floatzel | Gym battle – Pastoria GymTook down Gyarados, then barely survived Floatzel and was recalled with a frozen patch on its back. | Won |
| DP093Playing the Leveling Field! | Fantinavs Drifblim | Unofficial battle with a Gym LeaderDrifloon evolved into Drifblim mid-battle and Hypnosis sent Pikachu to sleep; Ash conceded. | Lost |
| DP101Barry's Busting Out All Over! | Barryvs Empoleon | Rival battle (three-on-three)Ash's last Pokémon, rallied by its Trainer to beat Barry's Empoleon. | Won |
| DP102Shield with a Twist! | Fantinavs Drifblim | Gym battle – Hearthome GymPut to sleep by Hypnosis again and finished by Ominous Wind, but the match introduced Ash's Counter Shield. | Lost |
| DP132Evolving Strategies! | Paulvs Magmortar, Ursaring | Rival full battle at Lake AcuityLanded Iron Tail on Magmortar while covered in burns; later Static paralysed Ursaring, triggering Guts. | Lost |
| DP140Historical Mystery Tour! | Barryvs Heracross | Rival battleCalled off when Barry went charging after a Xatu. | Interrupted |
| DP141Challenging a Towering Figure! | Barryvs Empoleon | Fight Area Festival Battle Challenge – finalWon the festival trophy and earned Ash an exhibition battle with Tower Tycoon Palmer. | Won |
| DP165Flint Sparks the Fire! | Flint (Elite Four)vs Infernape | Battle with an Elite Four memberAsh's last hope after Buizel and Infernape fell; lost after a long, close fight. | Lost |
| DP179The Eighth Wonder of the Sinnoh World! | Volknervs Electivire | Gym battle – Sunyshore GymStatic won the day even though Motor Drive kept powering Electivire up. | Won |
| DP179The Eighth Wonder of the Sinnoh World! | Volknervs Luxray | Gym battle – Sunyshore GymKnocked out by Luxray's Shock Wave. | Lost |
| DP187A Real Rival Rouser! | Paulvs Froslass | Lily of the Valley Conference – quarterfinalOpened the match against Aggron before switching out; frozen solid by Froslass, it broke free with Volt Tackle and won with Iron Tail. | Won |
| DP188Battling a Thaw in Relations! | Paulvs Electivire | Lily of the Valley Conference – quarterfinalVolt Tackle fed Motor Drive and Brick Break finished it, but Infernape then won the match. | Lost |
| DP189The Semi-Final Frontier! | Tobiasvs Latios | Lily of the Valley Conference – semifinalAsh's last Pokémon cut through Luster Purge; Pikachu and Latios fainted together. | Draw |
| BW001In The Shadow of Zekrom! | Tripvs Snivy | Rival battleFought without its electricity after meeting Zekrom and fell to Leaf Tornado. | Lost |
| BW005Triple Leaders, Team Threats! | Cressvs Panpour | Gym battle – Striaton GymDespite the type advantage, Panpour's water tactics kept it from landing a single hit. | Lost |
| BW010A Rival Battle for Club Champ! | Tripvs Tranquill | Rival battle at the Battle ClubAvenged Oshawott and Tepig by beating Tranquill. | Won |
| BW010A Rival Battle for Club Champ! | Tripvs Servine | Rival battle at the Battle ClubCut mid-dash as it charged in with Volt Tackle. | Lost |
| BW013Minccino—Neat and Tidy! | Biancavs Pignite | Rival battleVolt Tackle met Flame Charge head-on and only Pikachu was left standing. | Won |
| BW023Battling For The Love of Bug-Types! | Burghvs Leavanny | Gym battle – Castelia GymTurned Leaf Storm and String Shot back on Leavanny, then won with Iron Tail and Electro Ball. | Won |
| BW042Club Battle Finale: A Hero's Outcome! | Irisvs Excadrill | Club Battle tournament – finalCould not dodge Focus Blast; Ash finished runner-up. | Lost |
| BW050Dazzling the Nimbasa Gym! | Elesavs Emolga, Tynamo | Gym battle – Nimbasa GymAsh's final Pokémon: a quick win over Emolga and a far tougher one over Tynamo. | Won |
| BW052Ash Versus the Champion! | Alder (Champion)vs Bouffalant | Battle with the Unova ChampionBouffalant's afro soaked up every attack; Alder slept through it and an angry Bouffalant charged him instead. | Interrupted |
| BW068An Amazing Aerial Battle! | Skylavs Unfezant | Gym battle – Mistralton GymBeat Unfezant in the skies over Mistralton. | Won |
| BW068An Amazing Aerial Battle! | Skylavs Swanna | Gym battle – Mistralton GymAqua Ring blocked its Electric moves and Hurricane plus Brave Bird finished it. | Lost |
| BW084Rocking the Virbank Gym! (Part 2) | Roxievs Garbodor | Gym battle – Virbank GymAsh's last Pokémon; one touch of Static paralysed Garbodor and sealed Ash's place in the Unova League. | Won |
| BW093Goodbye, Junior Cup—Hello, Adventure! | Dawnvs Quilava | Farewell exhibition battleQuick Attack met Flame Wheel before Cynthia stopped it and a draw was declared. | Draw |
| BW096Meloetta and the Undersea Temple! | Giovannivs Persian | Team Rocket bossDefending Meloetta, Pikachu was beaten by Persian's Power Gem and captured with Ash. | Lost |
| BW104Mission: Defeat Your Rival! | Tripvs Serperior | Vertress Conference – first roundNearly squeezed unconscious in the previous episode, then won with Electro Ball and Iron Tail: Ash's first win over Trip. | Won |
| BW107Cameron's Secret Weapon! | Cameronvs Samurott, Swanna | Vertress Conference – quarterfinalKnocked out two of Cameron's team before being recalled. | Won |
| BW108A Unova League Evolution! | Cameronvs Lucario | Vertress Conference – quarterfinalAura Sphere overpowered Electro Ball after a battering exchange with the newly evolved Lucario. | Lost |
| BW125Cilan and the Case of the Purrloin Witness! | Teaquevs Galvantula | Marine Cup – finalIron Tail knocked out Galvantula to win the tournament. | Won |
| XY005A Blustery Santalune Gym Battle! | Violavs Surskit | Gym battle – Santalune GymAsh's first Kalos Gym battle ended with Pikachu knocked out by Surskit. | Lost |
| XY006Battling on Thin Ice! | Violavs Surskit, Vivillon | Gym battle – Santalune Gym rematchBeat Surskit, then used Electro Ball to stay awake through Sleep Powder and down Vivillon. | Won |
| XY025Climbing the Walls! | Grantvs Tyrunt | Gym battle – Cyllage GymAsh's third and final Pokémon clinched the match. | Won |
| XY028The Bonds of Evolution! | Diantha (Champion)vs Gardevoir | Battle with the Kalos ChampionGardevoir dodged everything and landed Shadow Ball before Team Rocket barged in. | Interrupted |
| XY030Mega Revelations! | Korrinavs Lucario | Unofficial battle with a Gym LeaderBeaten by Korrina's Lucario. | Lost |
| XY032The Aura Storm! | Korrinavs Mega Lucario | Unofficial battle with a Gym LeaderCalled off when Mega Lucario ran out of control and Gurkinn's Lucario blocked its attack. | Interrupted |
| XY042Battling Into the Hall of Fame! | Tierno, Shauna and Trevorvs Squirtle, Bulbasaur and Charmander | Summer Camp team battleTeamed with Serena's Fennekin and Clemont's Chespin to win the camp's Hall of Fame spot. | Won |
| XY044Showdown at the Shalour Gym! | Korrinavs Mega Lucario | Gym battle – Shalour GymAsh's last Pokémon brought down Mega Lucario with Thunderbolt. | Won |
| XY067The Moment of Lumiose Truth! | Clemontvs Bunnelby | Gym battle – Lumiose GymGot the better of Bunnelby in the Gym battle for the Voltage Badge. | Won |
| XY067The Moment of Lumiose Truth! | Clemontvs Luxray | Gym battle – Lumiose GymKnocked out by Clemont's Luxray. | Lost |
| XY075Rivals: Today and Tomorrow! | Sawyervs Bagon | Rival battleWon despite the type disadvantage. | Won |
| XY106A Meeting of Two Journeys! | Sawyervs Honedge | Rival battle (three rounds)Ash's second pick in the three-round battle. | Won |
| XY122A Real Icebreaker! | Wulfricvs Bergmite | Gym battle – Snowbelle Gym rematchOpened the rematch with a win over Bergmite. | Won |
| XY122A Real Icebreaker! | Wulfricvs Avalugg | Gym battle – Snowbelle Gym rematchKnocked out by the hulking Avalugg. | Lost |
| XY127Analysis Versus Passion! | Sawyervs Clawitzer | Lumiose Conference – semifinalBeat Clawitzer, then struggled against Aegislash. | Won |
| XY128A Riveting Rivalry! | Sawyervs Aegislash | Lumiose Conference – semifinalAsh read Aegislash's weak points and Pikachu turned the battle around. | Won |
| XY128A Riveting Rivalry! | Sawyervs Sceptile | Lumiose Conference – semifinalSent back out later in the match and knocked out by Frenzy Plant. | Lost |
| XY130Finals Not for the Faint-Hearted! | Alainvs Tyranitar, Metagross | Lumiose Conference – finalDefeated two of Alain's heavy hitters, Thunderbolt crashing into Metagross. | Won |
| XY131Down to the Fiery Finish! | Alainvs Charizard | Lumiose Conference – finalToo worn out to outmanoeuvre Charizard and knocked out. | Lost |
| XY135Rocking Kalos Defenses! | Lysandrevs Pyroar, Mega Gyarados | Team Flare showdownFought beside Alain's Charizard and Malva's Mega Houndoom, defeating Lysandre's Shiny Mega Gyarados. | Won |
| SM002The Guardian's Challenge! | Tapu Kokovs Tapu Koko | Guardian deity challengePikachu's first Z-Move, Gigavolt Havoc, flattens part of the forest and shatters the Electrium Z; Tapu Koko flies off. | Interrupted |
| SM009To Top a Totem! | wild (Totem Pokémon)vs Totem Gumshoos | Island challenge trialTeaming up with Rowlet against Yungoos and Gumshoos first, Pikachu outwits the Totem and finishes it with Thunderbolt; Ash earns a Normalium Z. | Won |
| SM010Trial and Tribulation! | Halavs Hariyama | Grand trial (Melemele Island)Breakneck Blitz knocks out the Kahuna's Hariyama; Ash receives a new Electrium Z. | Won |
| SM019A Guardian Rematch! | Tapu Kokovs Tapu Koko | Guardian deity rematchGigavolt Havoc sends Tapu Koko flying, but Pikachu is blasted off a cliff; Ash leaps after it and Tapu Koko rescues them both. | Interrupted |
| SM043When Regions Collide! | Mistyvs Gyarados (Mega Gyarados) | Gym Leader battle at the Cerulean Gym (one-on-one)On a water field with Brock refereeing, Gigavolt Havoc knocks out Misty's Mega Gyarados. | Won |
| SM05410,000,000 Reasons to Fight! | Lusamine (fused with Nihilego)vs Nihilego | Ultra Beast battle (Ultra Deep Sea)The Electrium Z turns into a Pikashunium Z and Pikachu fires its first 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, letting Lillie and Gladion pull Lusamine free. | Won |
| SM076A Battle Hand-Off! | Jessievs Mimikyu | Island challenge trial (Abandoned Site, Ula'ula Island)Pikachu learns Electroweb mid-battle to blunt Let's Snuggle Forever, then wins with 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt; Acerola judges and Ash qualifies for Nanu's grand trial. | Won |
| SM100Battling the Beast Within! | Diavs Zeraora | Battle in the Ultra RuinZeraora's blistering speed overwhelms Pikachu in no time. | Lost |
| SM101Parallel Friendships! | wildvs Guzzlord | Ultra Beast battle (Ultra Ruin)After trapping it in Electroweb, Pikachu and Zeraora combine for a double Gigavolt Havoc that pushes Guzzlord back through the Ultra Wormhole. | Won |
| SM109A Grand Debut! | Hapuvs Mudsdale | Grand trial (Poni Island)Once Mudsdale is drenched in seawater, Gigavolt Havoc gets through despite the type disadvantage; Pikachu picks a Steelium Z as the prize. | Won |
| SM115The Dealer of Destruction! | Guzmavs Golisopod | Rival battle at the Pokémon SchoolCorkscrew Crash debuts but can't crack Golisopod's armour; a poisoned Pikachu stays standing until Golisopod's Emergency Exit ends the match. | Interrupted |
| SM129Battle Royal 151! | Manalo Conference entrantsvs Various | Manalo Conference preliminaries (Battle Royal)Pikachu outlasts the free-for-all and Ash makes the last sixteen. | Won |
| SM137The Wisdom Not to Run! | Guzmavs Golisopod | Manalo Conference semi-final (two-on-two)Coming in after Torracat falls, Pikachu edges an even duel to send Ash into the final. | Won |
| SM138Final Rivals! | Gladionvs Silvally | Manalo Conference final (three-on-three)Pikachu finishes off a Silvally already worn down by Melmetal. | Won |
| SM139Enter the Champion! | Gladionvs Zoroark | Manalo Conference final (three-on-three)Breakneck Blitz meets Never-Ending Nightmare and both Pokémon are knocked out; Lycanroc then wins the title, making Ash Alola's first Champion. | Draw |
| SM142A Full Battle Bounty! | Professor Kukuivs Empoleon | Exhibition match (Full Battle)An even contest until Whirlpool leaves Pikachu dizzy and Ash recalls it for Melmetal. | Interrupted |
| SM144From Z to Shining Z! | Professor Kukuivs Tapu Koko | Exhibition match (Full Battle)Tapu Koko fills Kukui's sixth slot; Pikachu's 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt overpowers Guardian of Alola to win the match. | Won |
| JN007Serving Up the Flute Cup! | Hodgevs Mightyena | Battle Frontier Flute Cup final (Hoenn)Pikachu rebounds off its own Electroweb and finishes Mightyena with Iron Tail; Ash wins the cup. | Won |
| JN013The Climb to Be the Very Best! | wildvs Gigantamax Drednaw | Gigantamax rampage outside Wyndon StadiumEnergy from glowing cracks in the ground makes Pikachu Gigantamax for the first time; G-Max Volt Crash returns Drednaw to normal. | Won |
| JN013The Climb to Be the Very Best! | Leonvs Charizard | Unofficial one-on-one exhibitionBoth Pokémon Gigantamax; G-Max Volt Crash lands, but G-Max Wildfire's lingering flames finish Pikachu. | Lost |
| JN018Destination: Coronation! | Visquezvs Raichu | World Coronation SeriesOverwhelmed by its evolved form, Pikachu is withdrawn for Gengar. | Interrupted |
| JN018Destination: Coronation! | Visquezvs Electrode | World Coronation SeriesPikachu beats Electrode to win the match, shielding itself from Aftermath with Electroweb; Ash's ranking climbs to 3,763. | Won |
| JN039Octo-Gridlock at the Gym! | Beavs Hitmontop | World Coronation Series (Great Class), Cianwood GymElectroweb slows Hitmontop down before Iron Tail and Quick Attack finish it. | Won |
| JN039Octo-Gridlock at the Gym! | Beavs Grapploct | World Coronation Series (Great Class), Cianwood GymCaught in Octolock and knocked out by Liquidation; Riolu's double knockout with Grapploct makes the match a draw. | Lost |
| JN044Sword and Shield: "From Here to Eternatus!" | Chairman Rosevs Copperajah, Ferrothorn | Darkest Day (Double Battle with Riolu)In the next episode Eternatus's Dynamax Cannon tears through Hammerlocke Stadium and knocks Pikachu out of the fight; Ash goes on to beat Rose with Lucario. | Interrupted |
| JN045Sword and Shield… The Legends Awaken! | wildvs Eternatus | Legendary battle (Darkest Day)With Zacian and Zamazenta's help, Pikachu, Lucario and Goh's Cinderace wear Eternatus down until Goh can catch it. | Won |
| JN046Getting More Than You Battled For! | Mewtwovs Mewtwo | Legendary battle on Cero Island (with Goh)Leading off alongside Goh's Cinderace, Pikachu is swiftly beaten and Ash turns to Lucario. | Lost |
| JN077Ultra Exciting from the Shocking Start! | Volknervs Rotom (Fan Rotom) | World Coronation Series (Ultra Class), Sunyshore CityPikachu binds Rotom in Electroweb, but Volkner switches to Electivire, whose Motor Drive soaks up Thunderbolt; Pikachu is recalled. | Interrupted |
| JN077Ultra Exciting from the Shocking Start! | Volknervs Electivire | World Coronation Series (Ultra Class), Sunyshore CityAsh's first Ultra Class battle: 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt overloads Motor Drive and Ash jumps from rank 99 to 64. | Won |
| JN082The Sweet Taste of Battle! | Opalvs Alcremie (Gigantamax) | Casual battle after the Decoration ChallengeG-Max Finale smothers Pikachu in cream, which it happily eats until it's too full and heavy to attack; the battle is called off. | Interrupted |
| JN085Battle Three With Bea! | Beavs Grapploct | World Coronation Series (Ultra Class), Stow-on-Side StadiumClose Combat punches straight through Pikachu's Electroweb and Ash recalls it. | Interrupted |
| JN086A Battle of Mega Versus Max! | Beavs Hawlucha | World Coronation Series (Ultra Class), Stow-on-Side StadiumIron Tail plus Quick Attack sets up vibrations that repel Sky Attack, then a super-effective Thunderbolt knocks Hawlucha out. | Won |
| JN086A Battle of Mega Versus Max! | Beavs Grapploct | World Coronation Series (Ultra Class), Stow-on-Side StadiumOctolock and Close Combat win the rematch, but Mega Lucario wins the match and Ash rises to rank 36. | Lost |
| JN102Battling in the Freezing Raid! | wildvs Articuno | Raid BattlePikachu lands a powerful Thunderbolt before Sheer Cold knocks it out. | Lost |
| JN105Reuniting for the First Time! | Wallacevs Milotic | Informal challenge in Lilycove CityPikachu beats Milotic to win the battle; Wallace hands Ash a second Rain Badge and his scarf. | Won |
| JN112Helping the Hometown Hero! | Professor Kukui, Kiawe, Gladion (with Lillie)vs Incineroar, Marowak, Nihilego | Battle Royal at the Battle Royal DomePikachu and Incineroar are the last two standing; 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt meets Malicious Moonsault and the winner is never shown. | Unknown |
| JN118Battling as Hard as Stone! | Stevenvs Cradily | Masters Eight Tournament quarter-finalPikachu, Ash's last Pokémon, snares Cradily's tentacles in Electroweb and knocks it out. | Won |
| JN118Battling as Hard as Stone! | Stevenvs Metagross (Mega Metagross) | Masters Eight Tournament quarter-final10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt wears down the move-predicting Mega Metagross and Iron Tail wins Ash the match. | Won |
| JN123Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder! | Cynthiavs Togekiss | Masters Eight Tournament semi-final (Full Battle)A Serene Grace-boosted Air Slash makes Pikachu flinch before Cynthia switches Togekiss out. | Interrupted |
| JN123Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder! | Cynthiavs Gastrodon | Masters Eight Tournament semi-final (Full Battle)Despite the type disadvantage, Pikachu turns Gastrodon's own Stone Edge against it and smashes through with Quick Attack. | Won |
| JN123Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder! | Cynthiavs Spiritomb | Masters Eight Tournament semi-final (Full Battle)Counter Shield blocks Hypnosis and Iron Tail knocks Spiritomb out, but Destiny Bond takes Pikachu down with it; Ash still wins the semi-final in JN125. | Draw |
| JN129A Flood of Torrential Gains! | Leonvs Cinderace | Masters Eight Tournament final (Full Battle)Cinderace's Libero blunts every attack, so Ash switches Pikachu out to save it for later. | Interrupted |
| JN132Partners in Time! | Leonvs Cinderace (Gigantamax) | Masters Eight Tournament final (Full Battle)After Eternatus recharges the Dynamax Bands, G-Max Volt Crash meets G-Max Fireball and Cinderace collapses. | Won |
| JN132Partners in Time! | Leonvs Charizard | Masters Eight Tournament final (Full Battle)Their clash begins in JN131 with 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt cancelling out G-Max Wildfire; Pikachu then rises from a Fire Blast to outlast Charizard with Thunderbolt, making Ash Monarch. | Won |
| JN136This Could be the Start of Something Big! | wildvs Lugia | Raid Battle (with Goh)Even combination attacks with Lucario and Goh's Galar partners can't bring Lugia down. | Lost |
Why didn’t it evolve?
Pikachu had already evolved once, long before it met Ash. A flashback in Pokémon Journeys revealed that it was an orphaned Pichu, taken in by a mother Kangaskhan, that evolved out of sheer gratitude as it said goodbye to its foster family (JN001). Evolving again came up after its crushing defeat by Lt. Surge's Raichu: Nurse Joy produced a Thunder Stone, Ash let Pikachu decide, and Pikachu knocked it away with its tail, determined to win as it was – which it did (EP014). Ash kept the stone in case it ever changed its mind. It never has.
Key episodes
Ash’s Pikachu trivia
- It was the first Pokémon in the anime to beat its own evolved form, outpacing Lt. Surge's Raichu in Electric Shock Showdown (EP014).
- It is the only one of Ash's Pokémon to fight in every Gym battle of a region – all eight in Johto – and the only one to win a Gym battle against several opponents single-handedly, sweeping Wattson's Magnemite, Voltorb and Magneton (AG040).
- Beating Brandon's Regice (AG190) made it only the second Pokémon in the anime to defeat a Legendary – the first was Ash's own Charizard, against Noland's Articuno (AG136).
- Its love of ketchup goes all the way back to Showdown at Dark City (EP042).
- Pikachu gave up Volt Tackle when it learned Electro Ball (BW020). Its last Volt Tackle came in A Night in the Nacrene City Museum! (BW014), and the anime later confirmed it had forgotten the move: the only one of Ash's Pokémon known to have done so.
- Beating Korrina's Mega Lucario in Showdown at the Shalour Gym! (XY044) made Pikachu the first Pokémon in the anime to defeat a Mega-Evolved Pokémon without Mega Evolving itself.
- Where No Togepi Has Gone Before! (DP142) settled a long-running question: a female Togepi's Attract worked on Pikachu, confirming it is male.
- Pikachu is the only Pokémon in the anime with access to both Z-Moves and Gigantamax, and in the Masters Eight final against Leon (JN131–JN132) it used both power-ups in the same battle.
- Misty's Mega Gyarados (SM043) and Steven's Mega Metagross (JN118) helped make Pikachu the anime's record-holder for Mega-Evolved scalps, with four, and it has also beaten more Champion-owned Pokémon than any other Pokémon, including Wallace's Milotic and Leon's Gigantamax Cinderace and Charizard.
- When Pikachu refereed Ash's battle with Misty in A Fated Face-Off! (JN138), it became the first Pokémon to referee a battle in the anime, Drone Rotom aside.
Other trainers’ Pikachu
First seen: HZ002The Pendant That Starts It All (Part Two)
Long before he wore a captain's beret, Cap was a Paldean Pikachu with an impossible dream: to fly. He kept hurling himself skywards with Volt Tackle until Friede offered to help, and once Cap finally soared he agreed to be caught. That shared dream became the airship Brave Olivine and the Rising Volt Tacklers (HZ018). Cool-headed, clever and wearing a permanently sassy expression, Cap likes to perch on his tail, takes the captain's chair whenever Friede is away and dissolves into sneezes if anyone calls him cute (HZ035). He has duelled Amethio's Ceruledge, calmed a rampaging Galarian Moltres, taken Entei's Sacred Fire to shield Roy's Crocalor and even landed a Volt Tackle on the Black Rayquaza (HZ082). When Friede and Charizard disappeared, Cap stayed with Roy, wearing his partner's goggles, until he Terastallized into the Flying type to catch the craft carrying Friede home and guide it to safety (HZ121); when Friede left for Hoenn, Cap chose to stay on with Roy and the crew.
- HZ002The Pendant That Starts It All (Part Two) · vs Ceruledge Interrupted
- HZ016Quaxly, We Can Do It · vs Bisharp Won
- HZ023Fiery Galarian Moltres · vs Galarian Moltres Won
- HZ069Roy is Crocalor, and Crocalor is Roy! · vs Sinistcha Won
- HZ082Beyond the Shining Rainbow · vs Black Rayquaza Lost
- HZ086The Rising Volt Tacklers vs. The Explorers! · vs Umbreon and Beheeyem Won
- HZ087Guided by the Black Rayquaza! · vs Charizard Draw
First seen: EP078A Friend In Deed
Sparky is easy to tell apart from Ash's partner thanks to the jaunty tuft of fur on top of its head, and the two Pikachu first joined forces to see off Jessie's Arbok with Agility and Thunderbolt (EP078). When Ritchie and Ash met in the Indigo Plateau Conference, Sparky was Ritchie's last Pokémon standing, but the big Pikachu showdown never happened: Ash's Charizard refused to battle and Sparky won without throwing a spark (EP079). Ritchie's own run ended against Assunta, whose Ivysaur blocked Sparky's Thunder Shock and finished it with Solar Beam (EP080). Once happy to ride in its Poké Ball, Sparky later trots at Ritchie's heels just like Ash's Pikachu; it came back in Johto to take on Team Rocket and Dr. Namba during the rescue of the Lugia family (EP221–EP222) and was still watching the Masters Eight on television years later (JN116).
- EP078A Friend In Deed · vs Jessie's Arbok Won
- EP079Friend and Foe Alike · vs Charizard Won
- EP080Friends to the End · vs Ivysaur Lost
- EP222A Promise is a Promise · vs Electabuzz Won
First seen: JN035Gotta Catch a What?!
Evolved: JN035Gotta Catch a What?!
Goh made up his mind that his next catch would be a Pikachu when a mass outbreak sprang up in the mountains. His first throws went wrong (one Poké Ball was batted straight back by a Pikachu's tail), but a kind-hearted female turned up with Pecha Berries for everyone and a simple toss did the trick. She greeted her new Trainer with a jolt, which Ash assured him is pure affection. She dug up a Thunder Stone and tried to give it to Ash's Pikachu, who wanted no part of it, so Goh kept it safe for her. When Team Rocket's vacuum started swallowing the outbreak, she called for the stone and evolved into Raichu mid-rescue, bursting the machine's nozzle and freeing her friends (JN035).
First seen: EP014Electric Shock Showdown
Lt. Surge got his Raichu as a Pikachu and evolved it early, and in Electric Shock Showdown he never let Ash forget it, mocking him for keeping his partner unevolved (EP014). Raw power carried their first meeting: Raichu's Thunder Shock overwhelmed Pikachu's, then Mega Punch, Mega Kick and a finishing Thunderbolt left Ash's partner badly beaten. But the rushed evolution came at a price, because Raichu never learned any speedy moves. In the rematch Pikachu ran rings around it with Agility and Quick Attack until the bigger mouse ran out of electricity, a defeat that won Surge's respect. Years later, Surge and Raichu leave the Vermilion Gym in Visquez's care so they can go off training (JN018).
- EP014Electric Shock Showdown · vs Pikachu Won
- EP014Electric Shock Showdown · vs Pikachu Lost
First seen: PO04File 4: Charizard
Red's Pikachu has two separate screen lives. In Pokémon Origins, Red catches a Pikachu in the final instalment, File 4: Charizard, adding the franchise mascot to his team. Pokémon Generations opens with Red catching a Pikachu in Viridian Forest (The Adventure), a fitting spot, since that is where Pikachu can be found in the original Red and Green games, and it stays at his side as his journey unfolds.
First seen: SM091A Plethora of Pikachu!
Pikala is Pikachu's number-one fan. She hands out Pikachu ears and tails to visitors of the Pikachu Valley, teaches them 'Pikanese' (add 'pika' to every sentence) and explains that the Pikachu's tail-rubbing greetings make static that keeps their coats silky. Her Pikachu include friendly Curly and the Boss, a Shiny Pikachu with a pompadour who is sweet on Curly and ambushed Ash's Pikachu with surprise shocks. Their first-to-bite-a-tail duel went Ash's way, and the Boss gracefully raised his rival's arm in victory before teaming up with Pikala to blast through Mimikyu's Let's Snuggle Forever with Catastropika (SM091). Another of her Pikachu, Bolt, entered the Manalo Conference Battle Royal, knocking out a Magikarp and a Pyukumuku before falling to Jessie's Mimikyu (SM129).
- SM091A Plethora of Pikachu! · vs Pikachu Lost
- SM129Battle Royal 151! · vs Mimikyu Lost
First seen: XY078Lights! Camera! Pika!
Frank is a film director with a soft spot for Pikachu, and his estate is overrun with them. He casts Ash's Pikachu as Super Pikachu, defender of a Pikachu town against Pikachu Libre and its gang, with Pikachu Belle, Pikachu Pop Star, Pikachu Rock Star and Pikachu, Ph.D. completing his line-up of five Cosplay Pikachu (XY078). Ash, Serena and Bonnie lend their voices, Clemont helps with the script and editing, and Hawlucha even dons a Pikachu costume as a stunt double. The costumed cast pops up again in Hoopa and the Clash of Ages, when Hoopa summons a crowd of Pikachu through its rings to prank Ash and his partner, and Ash's Pikachu ends up herding them all back home through the portals.
First seen: XY115Battling at Full Volume!
Jimmy roams in search of strong Pikachu to battle, and Team Rocket point him straight at Ash's partner. With Ash laid up with a fever, Serena dresses up as Ash and battles in his place, with Pikachu happily playing along, while Jimmy and his Pikachu, Spike, never suspect a thing (XY115). Spike is a slippery opponent who ducks a Thunderbolt by tunnelling away with Dig, until Pikachu remembers Ash's tactics and uses Iron Tail on the ground to drag him back out. Team Rocket then snatch both Pikachu, but Ash and Greninja stop their truck, and the two Pikachu send the thieves flying with a joint Thunderbolt.
- XY115Battling at Full Volume! · vs Ash's Pikachu Interrupted
First seen: EP067The Pi-Kahuna
Victor's Pikachu, Puka, stands out with its blue eyes and a sixth sense for the sea: it can feel a tidal wave coming long before anyone else. And when Ash gets into trouble in the water, Puka comes to the rescue and saves him from drowning (EP067). Puka even takes the Japanese Who's That Pokémon? spot for its episode.
First seen: DP165Flint Sparks the Fire!
Volkner's Raichu is a partner of very long standing: flashbacks to the Gym Leader's childhood show it as a Pikachu at his side (DP165).
Mega & Gigantamax Pikachu on screen
Pikachu has no Mega Evolution, but Gigantamax Pikachu made its anime debut with Ash's partner in Pokémon Journeys, towering over the battlefield and calling down G-Max Volt Crash.
- JN013The Climb to Be the Very Best!Ash's Pikachu Gigantamaxes for the first time and unleashes G-Max Volt Crash, the move's anime debut.
Featured episodes
- EP002Pokémon Emergency!At the Viridian City Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy's own team of Pikachu join forces with Ash's Pikachu to send Team Rocket blasting off for the very first time.
- EP039Pikachu's GoodbyeAsh stumbles on a forest full of wild Pikachu, and his partner has so much fun with them that Ash decides to let it go and live with its own kind. Pikachu refuses to leave him, and the wild Pikachu cheer the pair on as they head off together.
- EP056The Ultimate TestJames takes the Pokémon League admissions exam with a Pikachu, which is promptly beaten by the instructor's Graveler. When he later tries to pinch the instructor's own Pikachu, it zaps him on its Trainer's orders.
- M01Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes BackMewtwo clones Ash's Pikachu. The copy, recognisable by the spiky black tips of its ears, is tougher-tempered than the original and speaks with a slurred voice; it returns in the TV special Mewtwo Returns and in the 2019 remake Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution.
- EP241Hocus PokémonAsh gets a taste of life on the other side when Lily, a Pokémon magician, turns him into a Pikachu; he is not back to his old self until the start of the next episode.
- DP024Cooking Up a Sweet Story!Abigail's Pikachu, Sugar, has gone missing, so Ash's Pikachu steps in for a cooking contest. Sugar finally turns up at the end of the episode, now a Raichu.
- BWS01Dent and Takeshi! Gyarados's Imperial Rage!!In this Japan-only special starring Cilan and Brock, a young girl named Ayumi worries that her female Pikachu can't use Thunderbolt properly. A practice battle against Cilan's Stunfisk and a few deep breaths do the trick: the second Thunderbolt hits home, and Stunfisk seems to enjoy every volt.
- XY037The Cave of Mirrors!Through the Cave of Mirrors, Ash's reflection in the Mirror World has a Pikachu of its own, a mischievous roughneck that is the polar opposite of the real thing.
- JN035Gotta Catch a What?!A Pikachu mass outbreak turns out to be a treasure hunt: the Pikachu are digging up Thunder Stones so they can evolve, and several become Raichu on the spot. When Team Rocket vacuum up the crowd, Ash's Pikachu stacks the freed Pikachu into a tower for one giant Thunderbolt.
More appearances
- EP108Pokémon Double Trouble In a flashback, Luana mistakes Ash for her son Travis, who also has a Pikachu.
- AG011A Bite to Remember A Pikachu evolves into Raichu in one of Brock's demonstrations.
- AG086Lights, Camerupt, Action! One of the films Elijah screens stars a Pikachu that helps Plusle and Minun rescue Princess Kirlia from an Exploud.
- M08Lucario and the Mystery of Mew A Pikachu is one of the many forms Mew takes on with its transformations.
- DP056The Keystone Pops! Flashbacks show a Pikachu belonging to an Aura Guardian.
- DP074Pika and Goliath! Lt. Surge's Raichu, the Pikachu-turned-powerhouse from Vermilion City, returns in a flashback.
- XY012To Catch a Pokémon Smuggler! Clemont's demonstration shows a Pikachu evolving into Raichu with a Thunder Stone.
- SM090Securing the Future! A Trainer's Pikachu joins the people and Pokémon of Alola in shining their light on Necrozma to return it to its normal form.
- SM114Beauty is Only Crystal Deep! Pikala's Shiny Pikachu, the Boss, returns in a flashback.
- JN090Showdown at the Gates of Warp! The Ash of an alternate world turns up with a Pikachu of his own.
- HZ042Transform! Hero of the Seas, Palafin A bonus scene, never dubbed into English, shows a group of Pikachu wearing hats just like Captain Pikachu's.
Beyond the main series
Anime gallery
Anime trivia
- Captain Pikachu's hat badge is more than costume: its logo was trademarked by Nintendo, Game Freak and Creatures on 6 March 2023, a few weeks before Pokémon Horizons premiered.
- Call Captain Pikachu cute and he starts sneezing, an 'allergy' first revealed in The Wild Pair, Friede and Cap! (HZ035).
- Captain Pikachu sleeps standing up, balanced on his tail (HZ146).
- Sparky and Ash's Pikachu never actually traded blows at the Indigo Plateau, because Ash's Charizard refused to battle and handed Ritchie the win. In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga the two Pikachu do fight, and knock each other out at the same moment.
- Ritchie's Sparky is called Leon (レオン) in Japanese, a name English-speaking fans now link with Galar's Champion, who is known as Dande in Japan.
- Lt. Surge's Raichu evolved so early that it never learned any speedy moves, the weakness Ash's Pikachu exploited to win the Thunder Badge.
- Goh's Pikachu was caught and evolved into Raichu within the same episode, Gotta Catch a What?! (JN035).
- Several of Pikala's Pikachu in A Plethora of Pikachu! sport hairstyles like the ones the partner Pikachu can wear in Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
“Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. It can generate Electric attacks from the electric pouches located in both of its cheeks.”
Dawn's Pokédex · DP002
05On the big screen
Pikachu in the movies
24 films, 28 Pikachu shorts and 5 specials featuring Pikachu.
No Pokémon has spent more time on the big screen. Ash's Pikachu is in every one of the 23 animated films, voiced by Ikue Ōtani, from refusing to fight its own clone in Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) to sneaking up on Dr. Zed's giant machine in Secrets of the Jungle (2020). Along the way it has played with Mew, Celebi and Latios, turned to stone after a brush with Yveltal, and even spoken human words in I Choose You! Between 1998 and 2015 there were also 27 Pikachu shorts, dialogue-free romps in which Pikachu leads Ash's Pokémon on adventures of their own, while TV specials such as Mewtwo Returns reunited it with its clone, Pikachutwo. Then, in 2019, live-action Detective Pikachu gave it a deerstalker and Ryan Reynolds' voice, and it became the highest-grossing Pokémon film ever.
Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back
M01 · 1998
Ash's Pikachu; Pikachutwo, Mewtwo's clone of it
Pikachu helps Ash flatten a cocky Trainer, Raymond, over lunch, and then New Island turns into a nightmare. When Mewtwo's capture balls start swallowing every Pokémon in sight, Pikachu is the last one free. It zaps ball after ball while scrambling up a suspended staircase until it is too tired to dodge, and Ash has to wreck the cloning machine to get it back. In the clone battle it refuses to hit back while its copy, Pikachutwo, slaps it again and again. When Ash is turned to stone, Pikachu shocks him over and over before breaking down in tears. Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai has said the slapping scene always made him cry.
Pokémon the Movie 2000: The Power of One
M02 · 1999
Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu seems to understand the danger to the Orange Islands' legendary birds before anyone else does. After pinching Ash's cap for fun, it leads him across Fire Island to the first of the three sacred treasures, and it even talks to Zapdos in crackles of electricity while Meowth translates. Aboard Lawrence III's airship, its Thunder Shock helps Charizard and Squirtle break Moltres out of its cage. Later, when Ash is knocked out in the sea, a frantic Pikachu tries to wake him until Misty arrives, and the pair are rewarded with a flight on Lugia's back alongside the three birds.
Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown
M03 · 2000
Ash's Pikachu
When Entei carries off Ash's mum, Pikachu clings to its flowing mane and shocks it, with no effect whatsoever, before being thrown to the ground. Inside the crystal tower, Pikachu trades Thunderbolts with Entei's flames until it is exhausted. When Entei aims a Fire Blast at it, Ash throws himself in the way and Charizard catches them both. In the finale, Pikachu and Charizard combine Thunderbolt and Flamethrower against the Unown's barrier, then help Entei smash through it.
Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi – Voice of the Forest
M04 · 2001
Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu makes short work of Dundee's Croconaw, spots Suicune from the ferry, and very nearly zaps a terrified Celebi before Sam stops it. The two small Pokémon soon become firm friends, and the film ends on a sketch of them fast asleep side by side. Its attacks bounce off the Iron-Masked Marauder's force field and have no effect on the forest monster he forces Celebi to create. In the end, a well-aimed shock blows up his jet pack, and Celebi catches Ash and Pikachu as they fall.
Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias
M05 · 2002
Ash's Pikachu
Alto Mare gets off to a soggy start: Brock bumps Pikachu off a bridge during the Tour de Alto Mare, and Ash has to catch it as he races underneath. Moments later Pikachu is lapping from a water pump that a mysterious girl, really Latias in disguise, turns on for it. In the Secret Garden, Latios is far too quick for Pikachu's attacks and knocks it flat, then licks its face, and the two are soon playing together. Later, Pikachu's Thunderbolt frees Latias and Ash from an Aerodactyl's grip.
M06 · 2003
Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu and May's Torchic are the only members of the heroes' teams with a real part in the plot, so Pikachu is everywhere. Team Rocket snatch it into an electricity-proof container in the middle of Butler's magic show, and its Thunderbolt only angers an Absol before Jirachi teleports it, with Torchic, safely onto a tent roof. On the seventh night, Ash sends Max and Pikachu to free Jirachi, and a Thunderbolt shorts out Butler's machine.
M07 · 2004
Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu is central to the story of Tory, a boy who is terrified of Pokémon. Tory runs from Ash and Pikachu at first, and over the course of the film he gets a little closer to touching it. Pikachu invites Plusle and Minun to share a picnic, and helps Plusle blast open a sealed dome to free the people trapped inside. Pikachu, Plusle and Minun then power up a lab machine that lets a green crystal grow into a Deoxys. In the Block Bot chaos it even bats Ash's dropped pass back up to him.
Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
M08 · 2005
Ash's Pikachu; Mew transformed into a Pikachu
Ash and Pikachu win the tournament at Cameran Palace, and soon a shape-shifting Mew leads Pikachu away, turns into a Pikachu itself and dances with it. When two Weavile knock Pikachu out, Mew carries it and Meowth off to the Tree of Beginning and looks after it until it recovers. Lucario suggests that Pikachu simply walked out on a weak Trainer, and a furious Ash tackles it into a pond. The reunion on the crystal pillars, with Kidd's grappling hook catching the pair as they fall, is pure joy.
Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
M09 · 2006
Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu's best moment is an aerial rescue. It hitches a ride on a Fearow, lands on Team Rocket's balloon and grabs the Manaphy Egg back. It also watches a Meditite and Medicham sculpt a floating water ball into the shape of a Pikachu, fends off a Beedrill with Thunderbolt, and spots one of the lost crystals as the ancient city of Samiya floods. Before Ash goes back with the last crystal, he puts Pikachu, May and Manaphy in a pod to keep them safe.
M10 · 2007
Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu's Iron Tail topples Maury's Torterra in an Alamos Town battle, and then the nightmares begin. In Ash's dream, Darkrai pulls him and Pikachu into a black void until a Thunderbolt jolts him awake. Out in the town's alleys, Darkrai dodges every attack Pikachu throws. In the end, Pikachu and Dawn's Pachirisu zap the Space-Time Tower's music machine back to life, and its song calms the warring Dialga and Palkia.
Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior
M11 · 2008
Ash's Pikachu
A runaway Shaymin uses Pikachu as a stepping stone on its way onto Ash's head. Soon the group is pulled into the Reverse World, where Pikachu lands a Thunderbolt on Giratina. On a train, Pikachu takes on Zero's swarm of Magnemite and Magneton with Iron Tail, Volt Tackle and Thunderbolt, and teams up with Piplup and Shaymin to blast a Magnezone out of the window. It is still firing Thunderbolts at Zero's Mecha Giratina in the final battle.
Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life
M12 · 2009
Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu and Dawn's Piplup win a riverside Tag Battle in Michina Town against Kato and Kiko's Heracross and Beautifly, then get sucked into a space-time rift until Dialga plucks them out. Later, Pikachu's Iron Tail and Piplup's Peck smash the armour Marcus has forced onto Heatran and Bronzong, and the freed Pokémon turn against him. When Marcus threatens to change history, Pikachu fades away and Ash starts to vanish too. Only once the plan is foiled does Pikachu come back.
Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions
M13 · 2010
Ash's Pikachu; Zorua disguised as a Pikachu
Pikachu is first to sense that Zorua is in trouble. When the little trickster disguises itself as Ash, Pikachu grabs its tail and the illusion breaks, so Zorua simply turns into a Pikachu instead. In Crown City, Pikachu protects Celebi from Kodai and his henchman Goone, shooting down their spy drones along the way. Kodai's Mismagius blocks its first Thunderbolt at the stadium, but Pikachu finally beats it with Thunderbolt and Volt Tackle.
Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom / Black—Victini and Reshiram
M14 · 2011
Ash's Pikachu
The two versions open differently: Pikachu's Electro Ball takes down a Throh in White and a Sawk in Black. It wins Ash's first-round tournament match against Mako's Serperior, again with Electro Ball. Inside the castle it battles a Reuniclus (a Gothitelle in the other version) while the dragons fight, and it ends up trapped with Ash and Victini when the Pillars of Protection close in.
Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice
M15 · 2012
Ash's Pikachu
Apart from the opening, Pikachu and Meowth are the only Pokémon from before Unova in the film. Pikachu is first to spot the injured Keldeo on the train, gets a Dragon Pulse in return for zapping Kyurem, and fends off a swarm of Cryogonal with Iron Tail and Electro Ball. With Ash, it clings to Keldeo as it jets away on its own Hydro Pump. In the finale, Keldeo fires a warning Focus Blast to keep Ash and Pikachu out of its fight.
Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened
M16 · 2013
Ash's Pikachu
A quieter outing for Pikachu. At Pokémon Hills in New Tork City, it spots a Genesect gazing at flowers on a pond. The startled Genesect folds itself up so neatly that Ash sits on it, thinking it is a statue, and gets carried off into the sky. Later, Mewtwo explains that it stepped in to protect Pikachu and Iris's Axew from the Red Genesect's attack.
Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction
M17 · 2014
Ash's Pikachu
An Electro Ball beats Astrid's Pyroar in Avignon Town, and one Thunderbolt knocks out the thieves Merilyn and Riot's Delphox and Greninja. The film's most frightening moment belongs to Pikachu. Yveltal's Oblivion Wing only grazes the tip of its tail, but Pikachu slowly turns to stone in front of Ash. Xerneas's Geomancy finally brings Pikachu, everyone else and the forest back to life.
Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages
M18 · 2015
Ash's Pikachu; a horde of Pikachu summoned by Hoopa, including Pikachu Rock Star, Belle, Pop Star, Ph. D and Libre
A ring steals the doughnuts, then pulls Ash and Pikachu through to Dahara City, where the prankster turns out to be Hoopa, who insists on calling Pikachu 'Pikan'. For its next trick, Hoopa summons a whole crowd of Pikachu, including five in Cosplay Pikachu costumes, and dares Ash to pick out his own. Ash gets it right straight away, and the over-excited crowd shocks both him and Hoopa. Later, Pikachu's Thunderbolt shatters a building hurled by Hoopa's monstrous Unbound form, and it dives to catch the Prison Bottle, too late to stop the dark spirit from smashing it.
Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel
M19 · 2016
Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu's big moment comes in the fortress control room. Once Ash and Greninja have smashed the Mega Wave jewel, Pikachu's Electro Ball and Thunderbolt knock Alva and his Gengar back. When the dust settles, the revived Volcanion makes Pikachu and its friends honorary members of the Nebel Plateau.
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!
M20 · 2017
Ash's Pikachu (I Choose You! continuity)
This film retells the beginning in a new continuity. Pikachu shocks Ash, his mum and Professor Oak in turn and refuses to shake hands, and only warms to Ash after he shields it from a furious Spearow flock. Pikachu blasts the flock away with a colossal Thunderbolt, and Ho-Oh flies overhead. On Mount Tensei, when Ash begs it to shelter in its Poké Ball, Pikachu refuses and speaks human words for the first time ever: it always wants to be with him. When Marshadow's attack makes Ash vanish, Pikachu's grief-fuelled Thunderbolt scatters Marshadow and the Pokémon under its control.
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us
M21 · 2018
Ash's Pikachu (I Choose You! continuity)
At Fula City's Wind Festival, Pikachu is the only Pokémon Ash is seen to own, and it is kept busy. Iron Tail sees off Hoyt's Phanpy, cuts a rope from a rampaging Tyranitar in the Pokémon Catch Race, and rips through a hunters' net. It helps Risa catch a wild Eevee with Quick Attack, Iron Tail and a paralysing Thunderbolt, and goes spark for spark with Zeraora, meeting its Thunder Punch with a Quick Attack.
2019
Detective Pikachu, Harry Goodman's partner (Ryan Reynolds; Hidetoshi Nishijima in Japanese)
Pikachu's live-action debut gives it a deerstalker, a love of coffee and Ryan Reynolds' voice, though only Tim Goodman can understand a word it says; to everyone else it just says its own name. Suffering from amnesia, the detective teams up with Tim in Ryme City to find his missing partner, Tim's father Harry. Along the way it interrogates a Mr. Mime, forgets every move it knows in an underground battle with a raging Charizard, and pulls off a Volt Tackle in the final showdown. The twist: Mewtwo saved Harry by placing him inside Pikachu, and once the two are separated, Ryan Reynolds turns out to be playing Harry too. It is the highest-grossing Pokémon film ever.
Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution
M22 · 2019
Ash's Pikachu; Pikachutwo
The CGI remake follows the original closely, with a few new touches. Pikachu's opening Thunderbolt now knocks out three of Raymond's Pokémon at once, and in the foyer it jumps off Ash's shoulder to argue with Mewtwo, which flings it aside. The heart of the story is unchanged. Pikachu is the last Pokémon caught, it still refuses to fight Pikachutwo, and it still weeps over a petrified Ash. In the Japanese version, Pikachu is the only Pokémon whose voice is heard.
Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle
M23 · 2020
Ash's Pikachu (I Choose You! continuity)
Just outside the Forest of Okoya, a wild Cramorant tries to swallow Pikachu and spits it back out with Gulp Missile. That habit of gulping Pikachu down crops up again later when Team Rocket try to steal it. Koko, the boy raised by Zarude, can talk with Pikachu, and Dr. Zed's Ariados ties up all three of them with String Shot. In the climax, the jungle Pokémon and the Zarude help Pikachu slip behind Zed's giant machine, and its Iron Tail destroys the controls and shuts it down.
Pikachu shorts
- PK01Pikachu's Vacation (1998) · Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu leads Ash's Pokémon on a day out at a Pokémon theme park, minding Togepi with Squirtle and asking a rowdy gang of Raichu, Snubbull, Marill and Cubone to set a better example for the baby. A shock from Raichu sets off a furious race around the park, but the rivals end up working together to free Charizard's head from a climbing frame, and Pikachu shakes hands with Snubbull. It premiered with Mewtwo Strikes Back. - PK02Christmas Night (1998) · Ash's Pikachu
Left in charge of the cabin at Christmas, Pikachu pulls faces in a bauble for Togepi before the others' horseplay brings the tree down on top of it. A cross Thunderbolt blacks out the power, but Pikachu leads the repairs, and when Ash gets home it holds the light plugs to its cheeks to light up the tree itself. One of the Pikachu's Winter Vacation shorts. - PK03Kanga Games (1998) · Ash's Pikachu
First outside on a snowy morning, Pikachu is promptly buried into a 'Pikasnow'. It follows Togepi to a Kangaskhan and her baby, offers the youngster a snowball, joins in a snowball fight, and ends up on a runaway sledge with Togepi and the baby Kangaskhan until the mother stops it. - PK04Pikachu's Rescue Adventure (1999) · Ash's Pikachu
When Togepi tumbles away into a strange forest, Pikachu leads the search. It squabbles with an Elekid, and a Clefairy's Metronome turns into Explosion and flings it all the way into a Gyarados's waterfall. In the end Pikachu and the forest Pokémon ride out a storm together to protect a tree full of Exeggcute, which evolve into Exeggutor. It premiered with The Power of One. - PK05Winter Games (1999) · Ash's Pikachu
Minding the cabin again, Pikachu tries everything to cheer up a grumpy Chikorita, who sticks her tongue out at it. A day of icicle music with Heracross and sliding about on a frozen lake ends with the two finally sharing a laugh at sunset. - PK06Stantler's Little Helpers (1999) · Ash's Pikachu
A jealous Chikorita drags Pikachu out of Ash's bed with her vines, but the squabble is forgotten when a mysterious red light leads the Pokémon into the snowy forest. Pikachu wears the Christmas tree's star on its head and lights it with its own electricity, climbs a cliff for berries and falls until Bulbasaur and Chikorita catch it with their vines, then waves Santa Claus off into the sky. - PK07Pikachu & Pichu (2000) · Ash's Pikachu; the Pichu Brothers
In Big Town, Pikachu falls in with the mischievous Pichu Brothers for a madcap tour of the city: it rolls off a bus, nearly gets run down by a ferry and is chased by a Houndour. Before the six o'clock meeting it helps hold up the brothers' collapsing tyre playhouse, and back at the party Ash lets it wear his cap for the night. It premiered with Spell of the Unown. - PK08Delibird's Dilemma (2000) · Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu bowls a strike in a game of snowball bowling, then joins the hunt for a Delibird's scattered presents. It gently wakes a sleepy Cyndaquil, cushions a falling Aipom, and hands the last present to Delibird just before midnight. - PK09Snorlax Snowman (2000) · Ash's Pikachu
After the Pokémon build a giant snow Snorlax, Pikachu wakes in the night to see a white Snorlax at the window and leads the others after it, until a collapsing cliff leaves them all adrift at sea. Not even Pikachu's Thunderbolt and Totodile's Water Gun can beat the whirlpool, and back home the gang races up the hill to check on their snowman. - PK10Pikachu's PikaBoo (2001) · Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu is 'it' in a game of hide-and-seek around a seaside mansion, finding Sunflora posing as a sunflower, Sandshrew pretending to be part of a wall and Togepi among the sofa cushions. Then a runaway lawnmower shrugs off a Thunderbolt, and the game turns into a chase until the Pokémon lure it into the tool shed. It premiered with Celebi: Voice of the Forest. - PK11Camp Pikachu (2002) · Ash's Pikachu; the Pichu Brothers
Pikachu is overjoyed to bump into the Pichu Brothers again on a camping trip. It knocks down grapes for Togepi with a Thunderbolt, scares everyone with a giant shadow, rescues a Wynaut from the machinery of an old mill and, with a Volbeat, finds the switch that stops it. Then it helps the Pichu Brothers catch their train. It premiered with Pokémon Heroes. - PK12Gotta Dance! (2003) · Ash's Pikachu
With the Hoenn newcomers Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip, Pikachu frees a caged Whismur, blasting the lock with Thunderbolt while Torchic and Mudkip add their attacks. Then a Dancing Pokébaton forces everyone to dance, and a Thunderbolt aimed at Meowth bounces straight back off Wobbuffet's Mirror Coat. Pikachu accidentally switches the baton off and leads the celebrations. It premiered with Jirachi: Wish Maker. - PK13Pikachu's Summer Festival (2004) · Ash's Pikachu
With Plusle and Minun in tow, Pikachu helps set up the stage for a seaside summer festival, then goes looking for Azumarill, who has been carried off by a Skarmory. A Thunderbolt knocks an Aggron down in a cave, and the festival goes ahead with Azumarill on stage. It was first shown on ANA flights in Japan. - PK14Pokémon 3D Adventure: Find Mew! (2005) · Ash's Pikachu
A 3D attraction in which Pikachu and Meowth search for Mew across the sea, the sky and the woods. It was made for a cinema next to the PokéPark theme park in Nagoya. - PK15Pikachu's Ghost Carnival (2005) · Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu carries an exhausted Squirtle up a hill to a spooky house, where the friends shelter from the rain and fall victim to a crowd of Pokémon pranksters. Pulling funny faces with Haunter stops Squirtle and Bonsly crying, and the night ends with fireworks. - PK16Pikachu's Ocean Adventure (2006) · Ash's Pikachu
Another 3D attraction: when Chatot finds a treasure map on a tropical island, Pikachu and friends head for the deep sea in search of the Wailord's Tear. It was made to promote Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea. - PK17Pikachu's Island Adventure (2006) · Ash's Pikachu
When a battered Wynaut turns up, Pikachu decides to train its friends before taking on Meowth's gang, and even teaches two Pichu to use Thunderbolt. A cable car takes them to the island, and despite being caught in a combined Solar Beam and Hyper Beam, the friends end the day sharing watermelon at sunset. - PK18Pikachu's Exploration Club (2007) · Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu keeps a Buneary company in a flower meadow, floats away hanging from a Drifloon and calms her when she takes fright in a dark cave. Running from a Snover, the pair meet Meowth's gang at the edge of a cliff, where Piplup and Buneary conjure up an ice bridge. - PK19Pikachu's Ice Adventure (2008) · Ash's Pikachu
A snowstorm sweeps Pikachu, Piplup and Meowth from a sunny beach to an icy island. Pikachu scampers up slopes that defeat Pachirisu, pulls Spheal and Snorunt out of the snow, breaks up a fight between Froslass and Abomasnow with a Thunderbolt, and helps build new ice statues. - PK20Pikachu's Sparkle Search! (2009) · Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu and Piplup crash-land on Pichu and Smoochum and send the jewels of their necklace flying. A sorry Pikachu tracks them down one by one: one beside a sleeping Feraligatr, one that floats out of Meowth's hand and the last after a skateboard chase. - PK21Pikachu's Strange Wonder Adventure (2010) · Ash's Pikachu
Following a Skitty, Pikachu presses a button that opens a portal into the Unown's dimension. There it grows into a giant and shakes Meowth's gang off its head, receives apples from Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf, and is caught by Deoxys after tumbling down a stone staircase. Pikachu helps the Unown get back together before heading home through the portal. - PK22Pikachu's Summer Bridge Story (2011) · Ash's Pikachu
Now with Ash's Unova friends, Pikachu steps into an apple quarrel between Drilbur, Oshawott and Tepig and helps pick replacements. The job involves a pitfall, a plank raft and a Mandibuzz, which it sends packing with Electro Ball, and the day ends with apples all round under the evening fireworks. - PK23Sing Meloetta: Search for the Rinka Berries (2012) · Ash's Pikachu
When a Meloetta loses its voice, Pikachu and Snivy help hunt for a Rinka Berry. Pikachu fishes the fallen berry out of a hole, Meloetta sings again, and its Relic Song makes the tree grow back. It came on a DVD given away with Ciao magazine in Japan. - PK24Meloetta's Moonlight Serenade (2012) · Ash's Pikachu
Meloetta's concert can't go ahead without its Melody Berries, so Pikachu goes searching. A Water Gun boost from Oshawott and Totodile rockets it to the top of a tree, where a wild Bulbasaur's Vine Whip catches it, and a tower of Pokémon lets it snatch the last berry from a Drifblim's cloud. It premiered with Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice, the first Pikachu short in cinemas since 2003. - PK25Eevee & Friends (2013) · Ash's Pikachu
Pikachu, Axew, Oshawott and Pansage follow a Sylveon home to a house full of Eeveelutions. After a day of water slides and feasting, Pikachu follows Umbreon up a cliff to watch a dazzling light show. It's a rare outing in which Pikachu uses no attacks at all. It premiered with Genesect and the Legend Awakened. - PK26Pikachu, What's This Key? (2014) · Ash's Pikachu
A mysterious key sends Pikachu and Dedenne after a Klefki, which Pikachu brings down with a Thunderbolt, and then through a string of worlds behind magic keyholes. Victini rescues them in a land of clouds, and in an icy world Pikachu escapes a Tyrunt by shocking it from inside its mouth, getting home just in time for dinner. It premiered with Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction. - PK27Pikachu and the Pokémon Music Squad (2015) · Ash's Pikachu
Band practice in the forest goes wrong when Meowth lands on Pikachu and it zaps everyone in sight, until Dedenne calms it down. Pikachu chases a Hawlucha that stops the song, and the music only gets going again once Hawlucha starts singing too. It premiered with Hoopa and the Clash of Ages, the last Pikachu short to be shown with a film. - PT03Blossom's Dream (POKÉTOON) (2021) · A wild Pikachu
Blossom tries to catch a Pikachu in this POKÉTOON web short, and fails.
TV specials
- Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns (2000)
During the climb up Mount Quena, James snatches Pikachu with an electricity-proof whip, so Pikachu meets Mewtwo's hidden clones, its own double Pikachutwo among them, before Ash does. When Team Rocket's troops start capturing the clones, Pikachu deflects a Poké Ball aimed at Pikachutwo and shocks its stunned copy back on its feet. Later the two Pikachu combine Thunderbolts to blow up the machine that is trapping Mewtwo, and the friends float home in a Pikachu-shaped balloon. - Pokémon: The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon (2006)
Ash, Misty and Professor Oak take on Dr. Yung and his holographic Mirage Pokémon. Yung straps Pikachu to a machine that drains its memories, and Oak gives up his password to end its pain. Pikachu then throws itself in front of a Mirage Mewtwo's Flamethrower that was meant for the professor. With the real Mew holding the Mirage Mewtwo still, Pikachu's Volt Tackle blows it apart. Unusually, the special premiered in the US months before it aired in Japan. - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters Out of the Gate! (2006)
A Skarmory carries off a Pikachu, and rescuing it is the newly formed Team Go-Getters' first mission. The grateful Pikachu passes them items during the battle. - Cilan and Brock! Gyarados's Outrage!! (2013)
In this Japan-only special starring Cilan and Brock, Ayumi's female Pikachu can't land a Thunderbolt. The two experts check it over, heart-shaped tail and all, and decide it just needs practice. Once it relaxes, its second Thunderbolt hits Cilan's Stunfisk, which happily soaks up the electricity. - Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles (2022)
Ash and Pikachu, with Dawn and Goh, are caught up in a crisis on Mount Coronet when a rampaging Heatran swells into a giant lava monster. Pikachu's Iron Tail helps crack the ground beneath it, and its Thunderbolt charges Piplup's Whirlpool to pin the giant down. Deep inside the monster's core, Pikachu cuts the real Heatran free with another Iron Tail. The special first ran in Japan as four episodes on Amazon Prime Video and reached Netflix elsewhere as a single 63-minute film.
06Trading Card Game · every card
Pikachu in the Pokémon TCG
384 cards since 1999, oldest first. Tap any card to see it full size.
Pikachu got into cards before the hobby had really started: Japan's 'Ivy Pikachu' came out in CoroCoro Comic in October 1996, five days before the first expansion went on sale. English players met Mitsuhiro Arita's chubby Base Set Pikachu in January 1999, some copies with the red cheeks Wizards briefly gave it, and Ken Sugimori's Jungle card that summer. After that the mascot ruled the promo scene. Cinema tickets, video boxes and Pokémon League nights brought Birthday Pikachu (banned, because everyone suddenly had a birthday), balloon-borne Flying Pikachu, Surfing Pikachu and a Pokémon Snap photo credited 'Photo.' rather than 'Illus.'. Lt. Surge put his name on two Gym cards, the e-Reader years hid mini-games in Dot Code strips, and the EX era brought new Pikachu from Arita, Sugimori, Midori Harada and Masakazu Fukuda. Japan collected oddities of its own: giant CoroCoro jumbo cards, airline promos from ANA, a hand-drawn joke card, and the Pokémon Illustrator trophy, of which only 39 were officially awarded. In 2026 one of them became the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold.
Between 2006 and 2013 Pikachu was the TCG's faithful everyday Basic rather than its headline act: while ex, LV.X and EX cards grabbed the spotlight, English players never got a Pikachu in any of those forms, and the only Pikachu LV.X was Japan's movie-themed Pikachu M LV.X. The fun was in the variety. Delta Species experiments turned it Metal-type on three different cards, EX Holon Phantoms hid a Shiny Pikachu ☆, Diamond & Pearl cards rewarded evolving from Pichu, and Rising Rivals brought back the 1997 Surfing Pikachu as a secret rare. Promos did much of the heavy lifting, from POP prize packs and blister packs to the nine-language Pikachu World Collection, while Japan handed out a steady stream of exclusives at Pokémon Centers, birthday campaigns, film releases and store openings, many of them jumbo cards. The look shifted too, from the classic illustrated style of Kouki Saitou, Atsuko Nishida and Kagemaru Himeno to the glossy CG of 5ban Graphics by the Black & White years.
From 2014 to 2020 Pikachu went from a reliable Common to the TCG's favourite dress-up doll. The XY years brought its first Pokémon-EX promos, a Full Art in Generations' Radiant Collection and, for the 20th anniversary, Evolutions' faithful remake of Arita's Base Set card plus a secret-rare Flying Pikachu. Fans even got to draw it: winning Pokémon Art Academy entries were printed on real Roaring Skies cards. Sun & Moon turned to the anime and the big screen, with seven Ash's Pikachu promos (one cap for each era), film artwork of the coffee-loving Detective Pikachu, Pikachu-GX and Pikachu & Zekrom-GX, the first TAG TEAM card ever revealed. Sword & Shield then supersized it as Pikachu V and the Gigantamax Pikachu VMAX, whose Rainbow Rare lit up Vivid Voltage. Japan went further still, with Pikachu in Mega Evolution ponchos, in Magikarp and Gyarados costumes, dressed as Mario and Luigi, as every villain-team boss, as Munch's The Scream and in local costumes for a string of Pokémon Center openings, from Mega Tokyo to Kanazawa.
From 2021 the Pokémon TCG turned Pikachu's birthday cards into a habit. The 25th anniversary brought Celebrations, with Flying and Surfing Pikachu reborn as V and VMAX and a four-piece Pikachu V-UNION that stitched together 25 Pikachu by 25 artists; Pikachu VMAX and a run of V cards followed in boxes and collections. The Scarlet & Violet years leaned on promos and special prints: a yearly World Championships Pikachu, McDonald's Happy Meal cards, a Van Gogh tribute, a Shiny Pikachu in Paldean Fates and the Surging Sparks Pikachu ex, a Stellar Terastallized Pikachu whose Topaz Bolt hits for 300. Japan added city cards for Pokémon Center openings, and Indonesia dressed Pikachu in batik shirts. In the app, Pokémon TCG Pocket launched with Pikachu ex as the face of one of its three Genetic Apex packs and keeps bringing back classic artworks. The era ends with a bang: in 30th Celebration (2026), every pack holds one of thirty Pikachu drawn by thirty different artists, alongside gold-bordered reprints of the Base Set original.
Cards to know
- Base Set 58/102 — Mitsuhiro Arita's chubby Pikachu was most English players' first. Early 1st Edition and Shadowless copies have red cheeks, which collectors still hunt, and gold-stamped copies handed out at E3 1999 were the first English promo.
- Wizards Black Star Promo 24 (_____'s Pikachu) — Birthday Pikachu: on your birthday a lucky flip turns 30 damage into 80. It was banned from official play, because suddenly everyone had a birthday.
- Pokémon Illustrator (Japanese CoroCoro promo) — The 'Pikachu Illustrator' trophy for 1990s CoroCoro art-contest winners. Only 39 were officially awarded, and one sold for $16,492,000 in 2026.
- EX Holon Phantoms 104/110 (Pikachu ☆) — The only Pikachu ever printed as a Pokémon ☆ card, in Shiny colours, with a Spring Back attack that hits 50 harder when your opponent is one Prize card from victory.
- Rising Rivals 114/111 (Surfing Pikachu) — A secret rare time machine: Toshinao Aoki's 1997 Surfing Pikachu back on its board twelve years later, still needing two Water Energy to Surf.
- World Collection (Pikachu, 2010) — One card, nine languages, nine artists: every country's Pikachu got its own art, many in the colours of the national flag.
Every English-language card
Show all 121 cards1999–2026, oldest first
Promo cards
Show all 97 cards1999–2026, oldest first
Japan-exclusive cards
Show all 123 cards1997–2025, oldest first
Other regional releases
TAG TEAM cards featuring Pikachu
Pokémon TCG Pocket
Digital card games
- Pokémon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color): Pikachu (Base Set 58 art, Mitsuhiro Arita), card A19, Colosseum booster pack. Sprite: TCG1 A19 Pikachu.png.
- Pokémon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color): Pikachu (Jungle 60 art, Ken Sugimori), card C22, Common, Mystery booster pack. Sprite: TCG1 C22 Pikachu.png.
- Pokémon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color): Pikachu Lv.16 (Wizards Black Star Promo 1 art, Keiji Kinebuchi) as Promotional Cards P04 and P05. Sprites: TCG1 P04 Pikachu.png, TCG1 P05 Pikachu.png.
- Pokémon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color): Flying Pikachu (Wizards Black Star Promo 25 art, Toshinao Aoki), Promotional Card P06. Sprite: TCG1 P06 Flying Pikachu.png.
- Pokémon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color): Surfing Pikachu (Wizards Black Star Promo 28 art, Toshinao Aoki), Promotional Cards P07 and P08. Sprites: TCG1 P07 Surfing Pikachu.png, TCG1 P08 Surfing Pikachu.png.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Pikachu (Base Set 58 art), card A28, Beginning Pokémon pack. Sprite: TCG2 A28 Pikachu.png.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Pikachu (Jungle 60 art), card C30, Common, Island of Fossil pack. Sprite: TCG2 C30 Pikachu.png.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Pikachu Lv.5 (Wizards Black Star Promo 27 art, Atsuko Nishida), card F21, Uncommon, Sky Flying Pokémon pack. Sprite: TCG2 F21 Pikachu.png.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Pikachu Lv.13 (Wizards Black Star Promo 4 art, Ken Sugimori), Promotion Card P10. Sprite: TCG2 P10 Pikachu.png.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Pikachu Lv.16 (Wizards Black Star Promo 1 art), Promotion Cards P11 and P12. Sprites: TCG2 P11 Pikachu.png, TCG2 P12 Pikachu.png.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Flying Pikachu, Promotion Cards P13 and P14. Sprites: TCG2 P13 Flying Pikachu.png, TCG2 P14 Flying Pikachu.png.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Surfing Pikachu, Promotion Cards P15 and P16. Sprites: TCG2 P15 Surfing Pikachu.png, TCG2 P16 Surfing Pikachu.png.
- Raid Battle (2020): Pikachu VMAX (art by GAME FREAK) was one of the two downloadable, print-at-home boss cards for the co-operative Raid Battle format, in three levels (1,400, 2,000 and 2,800 HP) with Quick Attack, Discharge and Volt Tackle. File: PikachuVMAXRaidBattle1.jpg.
- Pokémon TCG Live: the Worlds 2023 Pikachu (SVP 101) came with code POKEMONTCGCHAMPSERIES2024 (from 10 November 2023, with a Championship Series deck box and sleeves).
- Pokémon TCG Live: the Surging Sparks Special Illustration Rare Pikachu ex (238/191) was given away with code LAIC25TOPAZBOLT, shown on the 2025 Latin America International Championships stream (15 to 24 November 2024).
Most frequent illustrators: Kouki Saitou (43 cards) · Ken Sugimori (12 cards) · Atsuko Nishida (12 cards) · Kagemaru Himeno (12 cards) · Naoki Saito (12 cards) · aky CG Works (12 cards)
07On the page & beyond
Pikachu in manga, books & other media
From the earliest manga to story books and songs.
Pikachu was a comic star before most of the world had even heard of it. Kosaku Anakubo's Pocket Monsters made it Clefairy's mute, sensible cousin, and 1997 brought three more series at once: Pokémon Adventures, where Red's prickly Pika and Yellow's sweet Chuchu become the parents of Gold's Pichu; Toshihiro Ono's The Electric Tale of Pikachu, whose English comics shipped more than seven million copies in the US; and the gentle comedy Magical Pokémon Journey. Since then it has been Gold's time-travelling partner in The Golden Boys, the star of a US newspaper strip, Ash's sidekick in every film manga and a Gigantamax giant in the Journeys manga. On the bookshelf it headlines Scholastic chapter books and early readers, a pop-up book, the Detective Pikachu graphic novel and even an academic study, and a whole book imprint, Pikachu Press, is named after it. Away from the page it opens Japan's name-them-all song, sings its own ending theme, shares music videos with Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran, floats over the Macy's parade, flies the world on Pikachu Jets and takes over Yokohama in summer.
Manga
Books
Other media
More from the page
08Did you know?
Pikachu trivia
Name origins, design secrets and the facts that make Pikachu such a fan favourite.
What’s in a name?
Pikachu's name is pure sound effect. It joins pika pika (ピカピカ), the Japanese way of describing something sparkling or flashing, with chū chū (チューチュー), the squeak of a mouse – a glittering little squeaker, in other words. Its designer Atsuko Nishida admits she came up with it without giving it much thought, yet the name was so catchy that it went round the world unchanged: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Brazilian Portuguese all say Pikachu, and most other languages simply spell it their own way, from Пикачу in Russian to Pikaĉuo in Esperanto. Chinese writes it 皮卡丘 (Píkǎqiū); Cantonese fans grew up with 比卡超 (Béikāchīu, ending in 'super'), and the switch to the Mandarin-based name was so unpopular in Cantonese-speaking places that later Cantonese media simply say 'Pikachu'.
Design origins
Pikachu was designed by Atsuko Nishida, and it began life as something quite different: a round daifuku – a soft rice-cake sweet – with ears sticking out. The black tips on its ears are a leftover from that first sketch. It was Game Freak's Satoshi Tajiri who decided it should be a mouse, and when designer Kōji Nishino asked for it to be made cuter, Nishida gave it cheek pouches for storing electricity, inspired by the way squirrels stuff food into their cheeks. Its yellow fur and lightning-bolt tail were there to make its type obvious at a glance, while the brown stripes have no special meaning – they simply fill the empty space on its back, which is what players saw in battle. The stout Pikachu of Red and Green was slimmed down and made a little taller over the years, partly to make it easier to animate. Gigantamax Pikachu, designed by James Turner, is a deliberate nod back to that rounder early look. And there was once meant to be more to the family: a final evolution called Gorochu, with two horns and fangs, was cut from Red and Green because the game balanced better without it.
Names around the world
| Language | Name | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ピカチュウ Pikachū | From pika pika (sparkle) and chū chū (a mouse's squeak) |
| French | Pikachu | Same as the English and Japanese name |
| Spanish | Pikachu | Same as the English and Japanese name |
| German | Pikachu | Same as the English and Japanese name |
| Italian | Pikachu | Same as the English and Japanese name |
| Portuguese (Brazil) | Pikachu | Same as the English and Japanese name |
| Korean | 피카츄 Pikachu | Transliteration of the Japanese name |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 皮卡丘 Píkǎqiū | Transliteration of the Japanese name |
| Chinese (Cantonese) | 皮卡丘 Pèihkāyāu; formerly 比卡超 Béikāchīu | The games use the Mandarin-based name; older Cantonese media used 比卡超, ending in chīu ('super'), and newer media simply say 'Pikachu' |
| Russian | Пикачу Pikachu | Transliteration of the Japanese name |
| Greek | Πίκατσου Píkatsou | Transliteration of the Japanese name |
| Hebrew | פיקאצ'ו Pikachu | Transliteration of the Japanese name |
| Arabic | بيكاتشو Bīkātshū | Transliteration of the Japanese name |
| Hindi | पिकाचू Pikācū | Transliteration of the Japanese name |
| Thai | พิคาชู Phikhachu | Transliteration of the Japanese name |
| Ukrainian | Пікачу Pikachu | Transliteration of the Japanese name |
| Lithuanian | Pikačiu | Transliteration of the Japanese name |
| Esperanto | Pikaĉuo | Transliteration of the Japanese name |
Did you know?
- Pikachu nearly had a third stage. Gorochu, a horned, fanged evolution of Raichu, was drawn for Red and Green but dropped because the game balanced better without it and cartridge space was tight.
- It is the only first partner in the core series without the usual 7:1 male-to-female ratio – Pikachu is an even 50/50 – and the only one with a pre-evolution, since Pichu doesn't exist in Yellow or Let's Go.
- In Generation VI Pikachu's Defense and Sp. Def both went up by 10. It is the only Pokémon to gain more than one stat then, and the only one not fully evolved to gain any.
- Pikachu is the only Pokémon with two exclusive Z-Moves – Catastropika and, for Pikachu in a cap, 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt – and its family is the only one with Mega Evolution, exclusive Z-Moves and Gigantamax.
- In Yellow, and again from X & Y to Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Pikachu speaks with its anime voice by Ikue Ōtani. Until Let's Go it was the only Pokémon in the core games to use its anime voice.
- Ikue Ōtani has cameos of her own: she is Picnicker Brooke in Gold, Silver, HeartGold and SoulSilver, Breeder Mercy in X & Y, and the Pikachu Master Trainer in Let's Go.
- When Professor Oak shows you Pikachu at the start of Yellow, it uses a special palette, so it has red cheeks on a Game Boy Color – rather than its usual dark orange.
- In the Japanese version of Pokémon Stadium, Pikachu was the only usable Pokémon that wasn't fully evolved, and the same was true in Pokémon Champions at launch.
- It is the only Pokémon you can catch in all three pinball games: Pokémon Pinball, Pokémon Pinball mini and Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire.
- Black, White, Black 2 and White 2 are the only core games where you can't get a Pikachu without transferring one or receiving it from an event.
- More Trading Card Game cards have been printed for Pikachu than for any other Pokémon.
- Since Sword & Shield any Pikachu can be taught Surf; before that, a surfing Pikachu could only come from special gifts and events.
- In 2008 Japanese researchers named a newly found protein 'pikachurin'. It helps carry electrical signals from the eye to the brain, and the name was a nod to Pikachu's lightning-fast moves and shocks.
- Real creatures carry its name too: the spiders Epicratinus pikachu and Alistra pikachu, the springtail Dicranocentrus pikachu and the beetle Hiperantha pikachu, whose black-tipped yellow wing cases recall Pikachu's ears.
- When Google turned 25 in 2023, it revealed that Pikachu was the most searched-for Pokémon in the company's history.
09Quizzes, archive & further reading
More Pikachu
Test yourself
Professor Oak's Kanto Quiz: BeginnerProfessor Oak has a few questions before you set foot in the tall grass. How well do you know the region where it all began?Take the quiz →
Who's That Pokémon? Kanto: BeginnerIt's the classic challenge! Can you name these original 151 Pokémon from their silhouettes alone?Take the quiz →
Indigo League Anime: IntermediateGrab your cap and set off on Ash's very first adventure. How much do you remember from the Indigo League days?Take the quiz →Ash & Pikachu Anime: BeginnerFrom his first step out of Pallet Town to the top of the world, how well do you know Ash and Pikachu's legendary journey?Take the quiz →
Pokémon Horizons Anime: BeginnerAll aboard for a brand-new adventure! See how well you know Liko, Roy and the crew of Pokémon Horizons: The Series.Take the quiz →
Mewtwo Strikes Back: BeginnerThe film that brought Pokémon to cinemas everywhere! How well do you remember Pokémon: The First Movie?Take the quiz →From the archive: Gengar’s Online Pokédex
Before this page, Pokémon Dungeon was home to Gengar’s Online Pokédex, the classic fan Pokédex for Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver & Crystal by Curtis Alumbaugh (Gengar) with Ian Alumbaugh (Haunter). Its Pikachu entry is preserved in full, with its original art, moves and locations.
Further reading
Pokémon and all related names, artwork, sprites, screenshots and card images are © Nintendo, Creatures Inc., GAME FREAK inc. and The Pokémon Company, used here for fan commentary. Images via the Bulbagarden Archives. Page updated 24 October 2026.