Pikachu Pokémon GO remains one of the most recognisable and frequently featured Pokémon in the game. As the mascot of the Pokémon franchise, Pikachu regularly appears during events, seasonal celebrations and special promotions, making it one of the most collected Pokémon in Pokémon GO.
Pikachu is also one of the featured Pokémon during the Pokémon GO 30 celebration. For a complete breakdown of featured Pokémon, bonuses and rewards, visit our Pokémon GO RUN 30 Events Guide.
Pikachu Pokémon GO Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Pokédex Number | #025 |
| Type | Electric |
| Category | Mouse Pokémon |
| Region | Kanto |
| Buddy Distance | 1 km |
| Shiny Available | Yes |
| Evolves Into | Raichu |
| Special Forms | Numerous Costume Variants |
Pikachu has appeared in more Pokémon GO events than almost any other Pokémon, often receiving exclusive costumes and limited-time variants.
Can Pikachu Be Shiny in Pokémon GO?
Yes, Shiny Pikachu is available in Pokémon GO.
The shiny version features a slightly darker yellow colouration than the standard form. While the difference is subtle, Shiny Pikachu remains one of the most sought-after collectible Pokémon in the game.
| Pokémon | Shiny Available |
|---|---|
| Pikachu | Yes |
| Raichu | Yes |
| Alolan Raichu | Yes |
Many costume Pikachu variants have also had shiny versions released during special events.
Pikachu Evolution Line
Pikachu evolves into Raichu using 50 Candy.
| Evolution | Candy Required |
|---|---|
| Pikachu → Raichu | 50 Candy |
Some Pikachu cannot evolve, particularly certain event-exclusive costume versions.
Players working through classic Kanto Pokémon may also want to check out our Bulbasaur Pokémon GO guide and Charmander Pokémon GO guide.
Pikachu Weaknesses and Resistances
As an Electric-type Pokémon, Pikachu has a straightforward set of strengths and weaknesses.
Pikachu Weaknesses
| Type | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Ground | Super Effective |
Pikachu Resistances
| Type | Resistance |
|---|---|
| Electric | Resists |
| Flying | Resists |
| Steel | Resists |
Ground-type Pokémon remain the biggest threat when using Pikachu in battle.
Pikachu Pokémon GO CP Chart
| Level | Approximate Max CP |
|---|---|
| 15 (Research Encounters) | 426 |
| 20 | 568 |
| 25 (Weather Boosted) | 710 |
| 30 | 852 |
| 40 | 938 |
| 50 | 1060 |
Weather-boosted Pikachu can often be worth catching to save Stardust later.
Can Pikachu Be Weather Boosted?
Yes. Pikachu receives a boost during Rainy weather.
| Weather Condition | Boosted? |
|---|---|
| Rainy | Yes |
| Sunny | No |
| Cloudy | No |
| Windy | No |
| Snow | No |
| Fog | No |
Weather-boosted encounters appear at higher levels and often have stronger CP values.
How to Get Pikachu in Pokémon GO
Pikachu is one of the most widely available Pokémon in the game and regularly appears through:
- Wild encounters
- Event spawns
- Research rewards
- Timed Research
- Special Research
- Seasonal celebrations
- Costume events
Pikachu frequently returns during major Pokémon GO events, making it one of the easiest Pokémon to encounter throughout the year.
Pikachu Costume Variants
One reason Pikachu remains so popular is the huge number of costume variants released over the years.
Examples include:
- Party Hat Pikachu
- Santa Hat Pikachu
- Flying Pikachu
- Detective Pikachu
- Anniversary Pikachu
- World Championship Pikachu
Many trainers collect every costume version released.
If you’re interested in one of Pikachu’s biggest special forms, check out our Gigantamax Pikachu Pokémon GO guide for everything currently known about its appearance in the game.
Pikachu Pokémon GO Shiny Odds
The standard shiny rate for Pikachu is generally around 1 in 500 encounters.
| Encounter Type | Approximate Shiny Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard Encounter | 1 in 500 |
| Featured Events | Varies |
| Special Research Encounters | Varies |
Event bonuses occasionally improve the chances of finding a shiny Pikachu.
Is Pikachu Rare in Pokémon GO?
Pikachu itself is not usually considered rare. However, specific costume versions, event-exclusive variants and shiny costume Pikachu can become highly desirable among collectors.
Some event Pikachu have only been available for a limited time and may not return for years.
Is Pikachu Worth Keeping?
Yes. While Pikachu is not among the strongest battlers in Pokémon GO, its value comes from its popularity, collectible forms and event appearances.
Many trainers keep:
- High IV Pikachu
- Shiny Pikachu
- Costume Pikachu
- Event-exclusive Pikachu
- Collection variants
As one of the headline Pokémon in the Pokémon GO 30 celebration, Pikachu continues to be one of the most important and recognisable Pokémon in the entire game.
For more featured Pokémon, bonuses and event information, visit our Pokémon GO hub.
