Pikachu (Pokémon)

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Pikachu ピカチュウ Pikachu #025
Artwork from FR/LG
Type Electric ' Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Mouse Pokémon
Ability Static Blue-Striped -----	Exp. at Lv. 100 1,000,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #025 Johto #022 Hoenn #156 Sinnoh #104 Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R— Oblivia
Height 1'4" Imperial 0.4 m Metric 1'4"/0.4 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 13.2 lbs. Imperial 6 kg Metric 13.2 lbs./6 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Yellow	Catch rate 190 (24.8%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown Gender unknown
Breeding Ground and Fairy groups 1 cycles (255 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 82 Battle Exp.: 821*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Pikachu (Japanese: ピカチュウ Pikachu) is an Electric-type Pokémon. It is the starter Pokémon one receives at the beginning of Pokémon Yellow, and is popularly known as the mascot of the Pokémon franchise.

Pikachu comes with the Ability Static, which paralyzes the foe 30% of the time it uses a direct attack on Pikachu.

Pikachu evolves with exposure to a Thunder Stone into Raichu. It evolves from Pichu when it grows a level and its Tameness is 220 or above.

Pikachu is the version mascot of Pokémon Yellow, appearing on the boxart.

Biology

Physiology

A Pikachu is a ground-dwelling rodent notable for its Electric abilities. Pikachu have short, yellow fur with brown stripes on its back, black-tipped ears, along with an unusually shaped tail, resembling a lightning bolt. Besides its evolution and pre-evolution, it may be related to Plusle and Minun, due to notable physical similarities.

Pikachu are known to have acute senses of hearing, thanks to its large ears. Most domestic Pikachu are very intelligent, understanding and interpreting human speech at levels far surpassing those of any pet dog.

Gender differences

A female Pikachu has a small "dent" at the end of its tail.

Special abilities

Exclusive to the Pikachu's subspecies is the ability to release electric discharges of varying intensity, at will, through pouches in its cheeks. This electric energy can be manipulated into a variety of techniques which are mostly used in battle but which can be used to roast berries as well.

As Pikachu build up energy in their electricity glands, it is often needed to discharge, as to not result in a short, or worse, which can lead to physical Paralysis, or in severe cases death. Pikachu release the built-up energy through their tail, which acts as a grounding rod, to safely remove unneeded energy. A sure sign to tell if a location is inhabited by Pikachu is to look for patches of burnt grass, which is the result of the discharge. Through an inability to release a buildup of electricity, a Pikachu may develop a rare condition similar to the human flu. This illness is most often caused by strong nearby electro-magnetic forces, which severely impact the electric glands. If a Pikachu is introduced to a magnet, it will be attracted towards its cheeks, and display other common attributes of magnetism.

In a few rare cases, Pikachu can learn to manipulate Water and, with the help of a surfboard, perform a move called Surf.

Behavior

In the wild, Pikachu often travel in packs, and are rarely territorial. However, when threatened, a group can generate an intense electrical offensive, and the electro-magnetic forces exerted by the resulting field can even produce a short lived, localized thunderstorm. Pikachu can be harmful pests, eating and sometimes destroying telephone poles, wires, and other electronic equipment.

Despite this, it is a popular pet, and relatively easy to maintain, with little exercise necessary for its well being. However, it is important to discharge the electricity in its cheeks periodically.

As many know, yanking on a Pikachu's tail will result in a severe shock to the attacker. Another defense of Pikachu's is the use of its nasty bite which has been known to leave quite a mark.

Habitat

They are found mostly in forests, but possibly because of their attraction to their electricity or simply because they are not afraid of people, Pikachu commonly show up in civilized areas. They may even enter houses, presumably attracted by the electrical output generated by the dwellers' appliances.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Living in wooded areas, Pikachu often are found foraging for berries. Instead of climbing trees, they use small electrical shocks to release the berries from the tree, roasting them at the same time.

As pets, they can be fed a variety of processed food, available at many pet stores. Alternatively, like most Pokémon, Pikachu are tolerant to most "human" foods, and sometimes enjoy them more than the more nutritional food designed for their biology. In fact, Pikachu have been known to have a fondness of ketchup.

In the anime

Ash Ketchum has a Pikachu that he obtained from Professor Oak in Pokémon, I Choose You!, the first episode of the Pokémon anime series. It has appeared in every non-special episode since. Pikachu has also appeared in every Pokémon Movie.

James used a Pikachu in the Pokémon League Entrance Exam in The Ultimate Test, but the Pikachu was defeated by the instructor's Graveler. James, after interfering with a battle Ash was having with the instuctor, later tried to steal this Pikachu.

Another Pikachu nicknamed Pooka was owned by a man named Victor on Seafoam Island in The Pi-Kahuna. This blue-eyed Pikachu had the ability to sense tidal waves approaching.

Ritchie also has a Pikachu nicknamed Sparky, who debuted in A Friend In Deed.

Ash gets turned into a Pikachu in Hocus Pokémon by a Pokémon magician named Lily. He reverts to his human form at the beginning of the next episode.

A Pikachu also had a part in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters out of the Gate!. He was kidnapped by a Skarmory and Team Go-Getters set out to rescue him as their first mission. Pikachu provided them with some items in the battle.

In the manga

Both Red and Yellow have Pika and Chu Chu, respectively.

Pokémon Special Pokédex entry (chapter 4): When seveal of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build up and cause lightning storms. Forest dwelles, they are few in number and exceptionally rare. The pouches in their cheeks discharge electricity at their opponents. The Pikachu are believed to be highly intelligent.

A Pikachu is one of the main characters in Pokémon PiPiPi Adventure.

A more mouse-like Pikachu that communicates through pantomime is one of Isamu Akai's Pokémon in Pocket Monsters.

Satoshi has a Pikachu as one of the members of his team in Pokémon Zensho. It later evolves into a Raichu.

Shuu's first Pokémon was a Pikachu he found abandoned in the forest in Pokémon Getto Da Ze!

Ash's Pikachu was the main character in the short-lived Pokémon Newspaper Strip.

In the TFG

One Pikachu figure has been released.

• Next Quest: Pikachu

Other appearances

Super Smash Brothers

Pikachu is a playable character and the only Pokémon that is playable from the start of the game. It is in the fifth box of the second row.

Super Smash Brothers Melee

Pikachu is a playable character and the only Pokémon that is playable from the start of the game. It is initially placed to the right of Mario but moves to the bottom row after Luigi is unlocked.

Super Smash Brothers Brawl

Pikachu is currently the only Pokémon confirmed to be in the game.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms. Blue Yellow It keeps its tail raised to monitor its surroundings. If you yank its tail, it will try to bite you. Stadium {{{stadiumdex}}}
Generation II Gold This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat. Silver It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose. Crystal When it is angered, it immediately discharges the energy stored in the pouches in its cheeks. Stadium 2 Unknown
Generation III Ruby 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. Sapphire 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. Emerald 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. FireRed It has small electric sacs on both its cheeks. If threatened, it looses electric charges from the sacs. LeafGreen When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms.
Generation IV Diamond {{{diamonddex}}} Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold {{{heartgolddex}}} SoulSilver {{{soulsilverdex}}}
Generation V Black {{{blackdex}}} White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue Rare Viridian Forest, Power Plant Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow One Starter Pokémon from Professor Oak in Pallet Town
Generation II Gold Silver Rare Route 2 Crystal Rare Route 2
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Rare Safari Zone Emerald Rare Safari Zone FireRed LeafGreen Rare Viridian Forest, Power Plant Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Common Mt. Coronet Mansion Platinum None Trade HeartGold SoulSilver None Trade Pal Park None Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White None Trade Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire	Safari Zone (Ruby Field)
Pokémon Trozei	Secret Storage 4 Secret Storage 20 Endless Level 1 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon	Starter Pokémon Lightning Field (6F-10F)
Pokémon Ranger	Everywhere

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Stadium: Pikachu stars in the mini-game "Thundering Dynamo" alongside Voltorb. This mini-game involves charging up electric power.
• Pokémon Pinball: Pikachu serves as a Ball-Saver, but it'll only work if the Lightning Meter is full.
• Pokémon Pinball: Ruby and Sapphire: Pikachu has the same role as in Pokémon Pinball but is sometimes helped by Pichu. Pikachu also appears on the Catch 'Em Mode banner.

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 35		95 - 142	180 - 274
Attack: 55		54 - 117	103 - 229
Defense: 30		31 - 90	58 - 174
Sp. Atk: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Sp. Def: 40		40 - 101	76 - 196
Speed: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Total: 300	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature. This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 50.

Learnset

By leveling up

Game |	Generation I		Generation II	Generation III	Generation IV
	RB	Yellow
Start	Thundershock Growl		Thundershock Growl	Thundershock Growl	Thundershock Growl
5					Tail Whip
6		Tail Whip	Tail Whip	Tail Whip
8		Thunder Wave	Thunder Wave	Thunder Wave
9	Thunder Wave
10					Thunder Wave
11		Quick Attack	Quick Attack	Quick Attack
13					Quick Attack
15		Double Team	Double Team	Double Team
16	Quick Attack
18					Double Team
20		Slam	Slam	Headbutt
21					Slam
26	Swift	Thunderbolt	Thunderbolt	Thunderbolt	Thunderbolt
29					Me First
33	Agility		Agility	Agility
34					Agility
37					Discharge
41	Thunder		Thunder	Thunder
42					Light Screen
43	Thunder
45					Thunder
50		Light Screen	Light Screen	Light Screen

By TM/HM

Number	Generation I	Generation II	Generation III	Generation IV
TM01	Mega Punch	Dynamicpunch	Focus Punch	Focus Punch
TM02		Headbutt
TM03		Curse
TM04		Rollout
TM05	Mega Kick
TM06	Toxic	Toxic	Toxic	Toxic
TM07		Zap Cannon
TM08	Body Slam
TM09	Take Down
TM10	Double-Edge	Hidden Power	Hidden Power	Hidden Power
TM13		Snore
TM16	Pay Day		Light Screen	Light Screen
TM17	Submission	Protect	Protect	Protect
TM18		Rain Dance	Rain Dance	Rain Dance
TM19	Seismic Toss
TM20	Rage	Endure
TM21		Frustration	Frustration	Frustration
TM23		Iron Tail	Iron Tail	Iron Tail
TM24	Thunderbolt		Thunderbolt	Thunderbolt
TM25	Thunder	Thunder	Thunder	Thunder
TM27		Return	Return	Return
TM28			Dig	Dig
TM31	Mimic	Mud Slap	Brick Break	Brick Break
TM32	Double Team	Double Team	Double Team	Double Team
TM33	Reflect
TM34	Bide	Swagger	Shock Wave	Shock Wave
TM35		Sleep Talk
TM39	Swift	Swift
TM40	Skull Bash	Defense Curl
TM41		Thunderpunch	Torment	Torment
TM42			Facade	Facade
TM43		Detect	Secret Power	Secret Power
TM44	Rest	Rest	Rest	Rest
TM45	Thunder Wave	Attract	Attract	Attract
TM50	Substitute
TM56				Fling
TM57				Charge Beam
TM58				Endure
TM70				Flash
TM73				Thunder Wave
TM78				Captivate
TM82				Sleep Talk
TM83				Natural Gift
TM86				Grass Knot
TM87				Swagger
TM90				Substitute
HM04		Strength	Strength	Strength
HM05	Flash	Flash	Flash
HM06			Rock Smash	Rock Smash

By breeding

Must evolve from Pichu to learn the following:

• Bide
• Charge
• Doubleslap
• Encore
• Fake Out
• Present
• Reversal
• Thunderpunch
• Tickle
• Volt Tackle (must inherit from a parent holding a Light Ball in Pokémon Emerald)
• Wish

By tutoring

In Pokémon FireRed, LeafGreen, and Pokémon Emerald:

• Mega Punch
• Mega Kick
• Body Slam
• Double-Edge
• Counter
• Seismic Toss
• Mimic
• Thunder Wave
• Substitute

In Pokémon Emerald only:

• Dynamicpunch
• Rollout
• Snore
• Endure
• Mud-Slap
• Swagger
• Sleep Talk
• Swift
• Defense Curl
• Thunderpunch

Special moves

There are several ways for a Pikachu to learn Surf.

Trivia

The "secret" move for Pikachu's evolution line, Volt Tackle, is actually based off of Pulseman's signature move, Volteccer. To get this move, you must aquire a Light Ball. Collect 2 Pikachu and breed them in the Day Care Center, with the male holding the Light Ball. When a Pichu hatches from the egg, it should know Volt Tackle. This can only be done in Pokémon Emerald Edition.

Origin

Pikachu has physical aspects resembling several species of rodents, such as mice and squirrels. However, Pikachu most resembles the lagomorph known as the pika.

Name origin

Pikachu is a combination of ぴかぴか pikapika, which is Japanese onomatopoeia for sparkle, and ちゅうちゅう chūchū, which is the sound of squeaking. It may also be related to pika, a type of rodent.

In other languages

• German: Pikachu
• French: Pikachu
• Korean: 피카츄 Pikachyu
• Chinese (Taiwan): 皮卡丘 Pí Ka Qiu
• Chinese (Hong Kong): 比卡超 Bî Ka Chao

Related articles

• Ash's Pikachu
• Pooka
• Sparky
• Pikachu (PiPiPi)
• Ashachu

External links

• Article on Wikipedia

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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.