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′04″ Imperial 0.4 m Metric 1′04″/0.4 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 13.2 lbs. Imperial 6.0 kg Metric 13.2 lbs./6.0 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 Thunderstone into Raichu. It evolves from Pichu when it grows a level and its happiness 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, Minun and Pachirisu, 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, causing it to resemble a heart.

Special abilities

Exclusive to the Pikachu's subspecies is the ability to release electric discharges of varying intensity, at will, through electric sacs 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 the move 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 or a bite to the offender. Another defense of Pikachu's is the use of its nasty bite which has been known to leave quite a mark.

Habitat

File:Forest.gif

Forest Pokémon

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

File:Pikachu thunderbolt.jpg

Ash's Pikachu using Thunderbolt

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.

File:025-Pikachu.jpg

A Pikachu from the anime

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 instructor, later tried to steal this Pikachu.

Another Pikachu nicknamed Puka 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 named Sugar belonging to the owners of a restaurant went missing prior to Cooking up a Great Story!. That Pikachu evolved into a Raichu near the end of the 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

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 Get da ze!

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

Pokémon Special

Both Red and Yellow have Pika and Chu Chu, respectively. Pika often used to shock Red repeatedly. However, Pika becomes one of Red's most valued Pokémon.

Pikachu debuted in its own round in the Red, Green & Blue chapter, Wanted: Pikachu!. Here, Pika is captured by Red.

In the ninth Volume, Yellow is seen to have a new addition to her team: a Pikachu she had found injured in the Viridian Forest and nursed back to health. When Pika is left behind by Red on his trip to Mt. Silver, Pika joins Yellow and Chuchu on their trip to Johto.

Pika and Chuchu share a loving relationship, one that is so strong that even Jasmine noticed, prompting her to hand Yellow a slip with the Pokémon Daycare's address on it. In Volume 13, after Yellow and Wilton are brought to the Daycare after being shipwrecked, Yellow finds that Pika and Chuchu now have an egg shortly after they were "put together". The egg eventually hatches into Gold's Pichu.

Pokédex entry: When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build up and cause lightning storms. Forest dwellers, 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.

In the TCG

Main article: Pikachu (TCG)

In the TFG

One Pikachu figure has been released.

• Next Quest: Pikachu

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros.

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. Its main stage is Saffron City.

Super Smash Bros. 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. Its main stage is Kanto: Pokémon Stadium.

File:Pikachu in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.jpg

Pikachu using Thunder Jolt in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Trophy information

Classic Mode

It's safe to say that Pikachu is the most famous and popular of all Pokémon. It has electric pouches in both cheeks; when in danger, it shoots electricity at its enemies. Although Pikachu can evolve into Raichu by exposure to a Thunderstone, many trainers like Pikachu so much that they don't let it evolve.

Adventure Mode

While its electrical attacks, such as Thunder and Thunder Jolt, are powerful, Pikachu is at its best speeding around the fray and waiting for its chance to strike. You can control the path of Pikachu's two-directional Quick Attack, allowing you to jump twice. Hold down the B Button to charge up Skull Bash.

All-Star Mode

The angle of the Control Stick controls the direction of Pikachu's Quick Attack. Pikachu will move blindingly fast, and it will also cause damage to any character it runs into. Move the Control Stick during Quick Attack and Pikachu will move in up to two directions. Be sure to check out the ceilings on the level when you use Thunder.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

This article is about an expected future event. The article's contents may change as the event approaches and more information becomes available. Please be cautious when adding information to this article, as rumors and speculation often get confused with fact; avoid any information on this subject which is not confirmed by reliable sources.

---

Pikachu has been confirmed as a returning playable character since the first trailer was released. Its Final Smash move is Volt Tackle.

Game data

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 will 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.

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 Lives in forests away from people. It stores electricity in its cheeks for zapping an enemy if it is attacked.
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 This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard Berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat.
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 It lives in forests with others. It stores electricity in the pouches on its cheeks. Pearl If it looses crackling power from the electrical pouches on its cheeks, it is being wary. 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 Trophy Garden Platinum None Trade HeartGold SoulSilver None Trade Pal Park Forest 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 Channel	Collect all 101 Nice Cards
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	Lyra Forest Panula Cave Sekra Mountain Range

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

Generation I RB Level Move Type Start ThunderShock Growl 9 Thunder Wave 16 Quick Attack 26 Swift 33 Agility 43 Thunder

Generation I Y Level Move Type Start ThunderShock Growl 6 Tail Whip 8 Thunder Wave 11 Quick Attack 15 Double Team 20 Slam 26 Thunderbolt 33 Agility 41 Thunder 50 Light Screen

Generation II Level Move Type From Pichu Charm Sweet Kiss Start ThunderShock Growl 6 Tail Whip 8 Thunder Wave 11 Quick Attack 15 Double Team 20 Slam 26 Thunderbolt 33 Agility 41 Thunder 50 Light Screen

Generation III RSE Level Move Type From Pichu Charm Sweet Kiss Start ThunderShock Growl 6 Tail Whip 8 Thunder Wave 11 Quick Attack 15 Double Team 20 Slam 26 Thunderbolt 33 Agility 41 Thunder 50 Light Screen

Generation III FRLG Level Move Type From Pichu Charm Sweet Kiss Start ThunderShock Growl 6 Tail Whip 8 Thunder Wave 11 Quick Attack 15 Double Team 20 Slam 26 Thunderbolt 33 Agility 41 Thunder 50 Light Screen

Generation IV Level Move Type Cat. From Pichu Charm Sweet Kiss Nasty Plot Start ThunderShock Growl 5 Tail Whip 10 Thunder Wave 13 Quick Attack 18 Double Team 21 Slam 26 Thunderbolt 29 Feint 34 Agility 37 Discharge 42 Light Screen 45 Thunder

By TM/HM

Generation I # Move Type TM01 Mega Punch TM05 Mega Kick TM06 Toxic TM08 Body Slam TM09 Take Down TM10 Double-Edge TM16 Pay Day TM17 Submission TM19 Seismic Toss TM20 Rage TM24 Thunderbolt TM25 Thunder TM31 Mimic TM32 Double Team TM33 Reflect TM34 Bide TM39 Swift TM40 Skull Bash TM44 Rest TM45 Thunder Wave TM50 Substitute HM05 Flash

Generation II # Move Type TM01 DynamicPunch TM02 Headbutt TM03 Curse Unknown TM04 Rollout TM06 Toxic TM07 Zap Cannon TM10 Hidden Power TM13 Snore TM17 Protect TM18 Rain Dance TM20 Endure TM21 Frustration TM23 Iron Tail TM25 Thunder TM27 Return TM31 Mud-Slap TM32 Double Team TM34 Swagger TM35 Sleep Talk TM39 Swift TM40 Defense Curl TM41 ThunderPunch TM43 Detect TM44 Rest TM45 Attract HM05 Flash

Generation III # Move Type TM01 Focus Punch TM06 Toxic TM10 Hidden Power TM16 Light Screen TM17 Protect TM18 Rain Dance TM21 Frustration TM23 Iron Tail TM24 Thunderbolt TM25 Thunder TM27 Return TM28 Dig TM31 Brick Break TM32 Double Team TM34 Shock Wave TM42 Facade TM43 Secret Power TM44 Rest TM45 Attract HM04 Strength HM05 Flash HM06 Rock Smash

Generation IV # Move Type Cat. TM01 Focus Punch TM06 Toxic TM10 Hidden Power TM16 Light Screen TM17 Protect TM18 Rain Dance TM21 Frustration TM23 Iron Tail TM24 Thunderbolt TM25 Thunder TM27 Return TM28 Dig TM31 Brick Break TM32 Double Team TM34 Shock Wave TM41 Torment TM42 Facade TM43 Secret Power TM44 Rest TM45 Attract 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 HM06 Rock Smash

By breeding

Generations I and II		Generation III	Generation IV
RBY Compatible	Generation II
Bide	Encore	Charge	Fake Out
Doubleslap	Present	Volt Tackle	ThunderPunch
	Reversal	Wish	Tickle

By tutoring

FRLG	Emerald
Body Slam	Defense Curl
Counter	DynamicPunch
Double-Edge	Endure
Mega Kick	Mud-Slap
Mega Punch	Rollout
Mimic	Sleep Talk
Seismic Toss	Snore
Substitute	Swagger
Thunder Wave	Swift
	ThunderPunch

Special moves

There are several ways for a Pikachu to learn Surf as well as Fly, though not both.

TCG-only Moves

• Spark
• Scratch
• Tackle

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

For other sprites and images, please see Pikachu images on Bulbagarden Archives.

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, a Pichu must be bred from a parent Pikachu or Raichu holding a Light Ball, though this can only happen in Pokémon Emerald, Diamond, or Pearl.
  • Additionally, a Pikachu knowing Surf and Volt Tackle can be obtained from Pokémon Battle Revolution by defeating Stargazer Colosseum for the first time.
• Pikachu is the smallest version mascot.
• In the games, Pikachu is the first Pokémon to have its cry changed-- to that of its anime counterpart. This only appeared in Pokémon Yellow.
• Pikachu assumes a pose that is identical to the pose of the Pikachu on the box art of Pokémon Yellow during its battle animation in Diamond and Pearl.
• Pikachu is in all four regional Pokédexes, possibly because of Ash's Pikachu.
• Despite being catchable in all games, Pikachu is not native to the Johto region.

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 - Transliteration of the original name.
• Chinese (Hong Kong): 比卡超 Bî Ka Chao
• Spanish: Pikachu

Related articles

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

External links

• Article on Wikipedia
• Electric Mouse, the fanlisting for Pikachu at The Anime Fanlistings Network

First partner trios

Kanto

Bulbasaur

Charmander

Squirtle

Johto

Chikorita

Cyndaquil

Totodile

Hoenn

Treecko

Torchic

Mudkip

Sinnoh

Turtwig

Chimchar

Piplup

Unova

Snivy

Tepig

Oshawott

Kalos

Chespin

Fennekin

Froakie

Alola

Rowlet

Litten

Popplio

Galar

Grookey

Scorbunny

Sobble

Paldea

Sprigatito

Fuecoco

Quaxly

See also: List of the player's first Pokémon • Pikachu (Yellow) • Partner Pokémon (LGPE) • Hisui first partner Pokémon

Super Smash Bros. series Games: Super Smash Bros. • Super Smash Bros. Melee • Super Smash Bros. Brawl Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Characters: Pikachu • Jigglypuff • Mewtwo • Pichu Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle • Ivysaur • Charizard) • Lucario • Greninja • Incineroar Stages: Saffron City • Pokémon Stadium • Poké Floats • Pokémon Stadium 2 • Spear Pillar Prism Tower • Unova Pokémon League • Kalos Pokémon League Poké Ball and Master Ball: Abomasnow • Abra • Alolan Exeggutor • Alolan Raichu • Alolan Vulpix • Arceus • Articuno • Beedrill Bellossom • Bewear • Blastoise • Bonsly • Celebi • Chansey • Charizard • Chespin • Chikorita • Clefairy Cyndaquil • Darkrai • Dedenne • Deoxys • Ditto • Eevee • Electrode • Entei • Fennekin Fletchling • Gardevoir • Genesect • Giratina • Gogoat • Goldeen • Groudon • Gulpin • Hitmonlee Ho-Oh • Inkay • Jirachi • Keldeo • Koffing • Kyogre • Kyurem • Latias and Latios Lugia • Lunala • Manaphy • Marill • Marshadow • Meloetta • Meowth • Mew • Metagross • Mimikyu Moltres • Munchlax • Onix • Oshawott • Palkia • Piplup • Porygon2 • Pyukumuku • Raikou • Scizor • Snivy Snorlax • Solgaleo • Spewpa • Staryu • Starmie • Suicune • Swirlix • Tapu Koko • Togedemaru • Togepi Torchic • Unown • Venusaur • Victini • Vulpix • Weavile • Weezing • Wobbuffet • Xerneas • Zapdos • Zoroark Collectables: Trophies (Melee • Brawl • for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U) Stickers Spirits Misc: The Subspace Emissary • My Music • Final Smash • Pokémon Change • Brawl cameos

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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.