Pikachu (Pokémon)
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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 Pokemon Movie.
James used a Pikachu in the Pokémon League Entrance Exam in EP056, 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 that was nicknamed "Pooka" was owned by a man named Victor in EP067. This Pikachu had the ability to sense tidals waves approaching.
Ritchie also has a Pikachu nicknamed "Sparky", who debuted in EP078.
Ash gets turned into a Pikachu in EP241 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.
A Pikachu is one of the main characters in Pokémon PiPiPi Adventure.
A more mouse-like Pikachu that communicates through pantomime 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.
Other appearances
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
| Game | Pokédex | |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Red and Blue | When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms. | |
| Pokémon LeafGreen | ||
| Pokémon Yellow | It keeps its tail raised to monitor its surroundings. If you yank its tail, it will try to bite you. | |
| Pokémon FireRed | It has small electric sacs on both its cheeks. If threatened, it looses electric charges from the sacs. | |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Lives in forests away from people. It stores electricity in its cheeks for zapping an enemy if it is attacked. | |
| Pokémon Gold | This intelligent Pokémon roasts hard berries with electricity to make them tender enough to eat. | |
| Pokémon Silver | It raises its tail to check its surroundings. The tail is sometimes struck by lightning in this pose. | |
| Pokémon Crystal | When it is angered, it immediately discharges the energy stored in the pouches in its cheeks. | |
| Pokémon 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. | |
| Pokémon 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. | |
| Pokémon 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. | |
Game locations
| Game | Rarity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Red and Blue | Rare | Viridian Forest and Power Plant |
| Pokémon Yellow | One | Starter Pokémon from Professor Oak |
| Pokémon Gold and Silver | Few | Route 2 |
| Pokémon Crystal | Celadon Game Corner and Route 2 | |
| Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire | Rare | Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Emerald | ||
| Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen | Rare | Viridian Forest and Power Plant |
| Pokémon Colosseum | None | |
| Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness | None | |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pearl | Common | Pokémon Mansion |
In side games
- Pokémon Stadium: Pikachu stars in the mini-game "Thundering Dynamo" alongside Voltorb. This mini-game involves charging up electric power.
- Pokémon Pinball and Pokémon Pinball: Ruby and Sapphire: Pikachu serves as a Ball-Saver, but it'll only work if the Lightning Meter is full. In the latter of the two games, Pichu will sometimes help.
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Pikachu is one of the Pokémon available as a Starter Pokémon, and can also be found at Lightning Field.
Base stats
| Stat | Range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| At Lv. 50 | At Lv. 100 | ||
HP: 35
|
95 - 142 | 180 - 274 | |
55
|
54 - 117 | 103 - 229 | |
30
|
31 - 90 | 58 - 174 | |
50
|
49 - 112 | 94 - 218 | |
40
|
40 - 101 | 76 - 196 | |
90
|
85 - 156 | 166 - 306 | |
Total: 300
|
Other Pokémon with this total | ||
Type effectiveness
Template:DP type effectiveness
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 | Anticipate | ||||
| 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
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:
In Pokémon Emerald only:
Special moves
There are several ways for a Pikachu to learn Surf.
Evolution
Trivia
The "secret" move for Pikachu's evolution line, Volt Tackle, is actually based off of Pulseman's signature move, Volteccer.
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
External links
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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. |
- Pokémon pages lacking disambiguation notices
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- Pokémon in the Kanto Pokédex
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- Pokémon in the Hoenn Pokédex
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- Body style ? Pokémon
- Generation I Pokémon
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- Single-type Pokémon
- Pokémon without Hidden Abilities
- Yellow-colored Pokémon
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- Ground group Pokémon
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- Pokémon with a base stat total of 300
- Pokémon whose Special stat became their Special Attack
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- Pokémon with cross-generational evolutions
- Version mascots
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