How To Evolve Pikachu: 4 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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How to Evolve Pikachu Into Raichu in Every Pokémon Game Download Article A guide to catching Pikachu & the best time to evolve it Co-authored by Devin McSween Reviewed by Ishrak

Last Updated: October 20, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Evolving in the Main Games
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• When to Evolve Pikachu
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• Evolving in Pokémon GO
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• Evolving Pichu
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• Catching a Raichu
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• Video
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• Q&A
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• Tips

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This article was reviewed by Ishrak and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Ishrak is a Gaming & Video Expert specializing in sharing Pokémon and Minecraft videos. With over eight years of gaming and streaming experience, Ishrak has a follower base of over 35,000 YouTube subscribers and over 8 million views. He is also a Pokémon ROM-Hacker and some of his most popular videos highlight tips and advice for people learning how to play Pokémon games. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 118,756 times.

Pikachu is the cute, yellow mouse mascot of the Pokémon Company. While it’s certainly sweet-looking, it’s also a strong Electric-type Pokémon in the game series that evolves into the even more powerful Raichu. But how do you evolve it? We’re here to help! In this article, we’ll tell you where to catch Pikachu in each game and how to evolve it, including in Pokémon GO. We’ll also explain the best time to evolve Pikachu and how to catch and evolve Pichu. Keep reading to learn more!

How do I evolve Pikachu?

In the core game series, you evolve Pikachu by using a Thunder Stone on it. You can evolve Pikachu into Raichu at any level that you want. However, you might want to wait to evolve Pikachu until it learns all the moves you want, as Raichu doesn’t learn any new moves from leveling up.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

Evolving Pikachu in the Main Games

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1. 1 Catch or trade for a Pikachu. Pikachu is catchable in most Pokémon games, so simply look for it in the locations below, depending on the game you’re playing. If it’s not available in your game, like if you’re playing Black or White, you’ll need to trade for it.[1]
   • Red/Blue: Viridian Forest and the Power Plant.
   • Yellow: Starter Pokémon from Professor Oak in Pallet Town.
   • Gold/Silver/Crystal: Route 2.
   • Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald: Safari Zone.
   • FireRed/LeafGreen: Viridian Forest and the Power Plant.
   • Colosseum/XD: Trade from R/S/E or FR/GL.
   • Diamond/Pearl/Platinum: Trophy Garden.
   • HeartGold/SoulSilver: Viridian Forest. While using the Pokéwalker, Pikachu is catchable on the Resort, Yellow Forest, Rally, and Sightseeing courses.
   • Black/White: Poké Transfer or trade from D/P/Pt, HG/SS, or B2/W2.
   • Black 2/White 2: Trade from D/P/Pt, HG/SS, or B/W.
   • X/Y: Santalune Forest, Route 3, and Friend Safari (Electric).
   • Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire: In the long grass of Zone 1 in the Safari Zone.
   • Sun/Moon: S.O.S Battles on Route 1 and in Hau'oli City.
   • Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon: S.O.S Battle on Route 1.
   • Let's Go, Pikachu!/Let's Go, Eevee!: Viridian Forest.
   • Sword/Shield: Route 4, Rolling Fields, and Stony Wilderness. Also available in Max Raid Battles (Giant’s Cap, Giant’s Mirror, Hammerlocke Hills, Lake of Outrage, Motostoke Riverbank).
   • Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl: Trophy Garden.
   • Legends: Arceus: Obsidian Fieldlands (Nature’s Pantry), Crimson Mirelands (Golden Lowlands), and Cobalt Coastlands (Windbreak Stand).,
   • Scarlet/Violet: East Province Area One, South Province Area Two, South Province Area Four, and West Province Area Three. Also available in 2 Star and 3 Star Tera Raid Battles.
   • Legends: Z-A: Vert District, Wild Zones 3 and 6 [2]
2. 2 Train your Pikachu until it learns all the moves you want it to know. Raichu doesn’t learn any new moves from leveling up in any of the games except Scarlet/Violet (Raichu learns Thunderbolt at level 5).[3] So, make sure your Pikachu learns all the moves you want it to know before you evolve it into Raichu.
   • Check out moveset guides on Bulbapedia or Serebii to learn what moves Pikachu learns through leveling up, and when.
   • Both Pikachu and Raichu can learn new moves through TMs, though.
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3. 3 Obtain a Thunder Stone. Pikachu doesn’t evolve at a certain level. Instead, you evolve it into Raichu by giving it a Thunder Stone, which you can do at any level you like. So, make sure you have a Thunder Stone on hand when you’re ready to evolve Pikachu. Below are the locations for Thunderstones in each game:[4]
   • Red/Blue/Yellow: Buy them from the Celadon Department Store (Fourth Floor) for $2,100.
   • Silver/Gold/Crystal: Receive one from Bill's grandfather on Route 25 in Kanto after showing him a Pichu. In Crystal only, you can get one as a gift from Dass Lana on Route 38 in Johto by recording her phone number.
   • Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald: Find one in the New Mauville power plant. You can also trade the Treasure Hunter Yellow Shards for one on Route 124.
   • FireRed/LeafGreen: Find 2 Thunder Stones in the Kanto Power Plant. Or, buy them from the Celadon Department Store (Fourth Floor) for $2,100.
   • XD: Receive one from the sailor standing in for Perr in Gateon Port.
   • Diamond/Pearl/Platinum: Find one behind the Vista Lighthouse in Sunyshore City. Or, mine for them in the Underground. In Platinum only, find one in Solaceon Ruins and Route 229. Thunder Stones can be found throughout Sinnoh and by digging them out of the walls of the Underground.
   • HeartGold/SoulSilver: Same as S/G/C.
   • Black/White: Find one in Chargestone Cave and receive one from the Worker in Shopping Mall Nine. They also appear in dust clouds and can be dropped by residents in Black City (Black only) or White Forest (White only).
   • Black 2/White 2: Find one in Chargestone Cave and Nimbasa City. They also appear in dust clouds and hidden grottoes.
   • X/Y: Find one on Route 10 and Route 11.
   • Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire: Same as R/S/E. You can also receive one from rematch battles on Routes 117 and 118.
   • Sun/Moon: Find one on Route 8 or by exploring Isle Aphun on Poké Pelago. Or, buy them at Olivia’s Jewelry Shop in Konikoni City for $3,000.
   • Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon: Find one on Route 9, Paniola Ranch, and the Ultra Plant. Or, get them by exploring Isle Aphun on Poké Pelago or buying them at Olivia’s Jewelry Shop in Konikoni City.
   • Let's Go, Pikachu!/Let's Go, Eevee!: Find one on Route 10 or at the Power Plant. Or, buy them from the Celadon Department Store.
   • Sword/Shield: Find one at North Lake Miloch and the Lake of Outrage. You can also get them from the Digging Duo brothers at Bridge Field or by doing Poké Jobs.
   • Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl: Find one behind the Vista Lighthouse in Sunyshore City. Or, mine for them in the Grand Underground.
   • Scarlet/Violet: Find one in Levincia, Casseroya Lake, and West Province Area One. Or, buy them from Delibird Presents for $3,000 after getting 3 gym badges. You also get one as a reward for registering 30 Pokémon in your Pokédex. They’re occasionally rewards after defeating Tera Raid battles, too.
   • Legends: Z-A: You can buy a Thunder Stone at the Stone Emporium, at a cost of $3,000 Pokedollars. [5]
4. 4 Use the Thunder Stone on your Pikachu. Open your bag and find your Thunder Stone. Then, select it and use it on your Pikachu. This immediately starts the evolution animation and your Pikachu will turn into a Raichu![6]
   • If you didn’t mean to evolve your Pikachu, simply press “B” during the animation to stop it. Just know that this still uses up a Thunder Stone.
   • In Pokémon Sun and Moon, Pikachu evolves into Alolan Raichu, with Surge Surfer as a new ability. To get a regular Raichu in Sun and Moon, you must import it from a previous game or trade for it.
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Section 2 of 5:

When should I evolve my Pikachu?

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1. Evolve Pikachu once it knows all the moves you want it to learn. Since Raichu doesn’t learn any additional moves by leveling up, the best time to evolve your Pikachu is simply when it learns all the moves you want. You might want to wait to evolve Pikachu until it learns powerful moves like Thunder, Discharge, and Thunderbolt, which typically happen around levels 30 to 50.
   • Pikachu learns different moves at different levels in each game. So, check out guides from Bulbapedia or Serebii to learn what moves Pikachu learns and when.

Section 3 of 5:

Evolving Pikachu in Pokémon GO

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1. Feed your Pikachu 50 Pikachu candies. You don’t use a Thunder Stone to evolve Pikachu into Raichu in Pokémon GO. Instead, you simply feed it 50 Pikachu candies. Once you have enough candies, simply select your Pikachu and tap “Evolve.”[7]
   • Obtain Pikachu candies by catching wild Pikachu.
   • Note: Most costumed Pikachu that you catch in special events cannot evolve. Only “normal” Pikachu can evolve into Raichu.
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Section 4 of 5:

Evolving Pichu into Pikachu

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1. 1 Breed, catch, or trade for a Pichu in all games after Gen I. Pichu is the first form in Pikachu’s evolution line, which was added in Gen II (Gold, Silver, and Crystal). Depending on the game, it may be easier to catch a Pichu instead of a Pikachu. However, in most games, you can only get a Pichu by breeding a Pikachu or Raichu. Below is how to get a Pichu in each game.[8]
   • Gold/Silver/Crystal: Breed 2 Pikachu or 2 Raichu at the Day Care Center, or pair either with a Ditto. In Crystal only, the Odd Egg has a chance of hatching into a Pichu.
   • Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald: Breed 2 Pikachu or 2 Raichu at the Day Care Center, or pair either with a Ditto.
   • FireRed/LeafGreen: Breed 2 Pikachu or 2 Raichu at the Day Care Center, or pair either with a Ditto.
   • Diamond/Pearl/Platinum: Trophy Garden.
   • HeartGold/SoulSilver: Ilex Forest.
   • Black/White: Poké Transfer or trade from D/P/Pt, HG/SS, or B2/W2.
   • Black 2/White 2: Trade from D/P/Pt, HG/SS, or B2/W2.
   • X/Y: Breed 2 Pikachu or 2 Raichu in the Day Care Center, or pair either with a Ditto.
   • Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire: Breed 2 Pikachu or 2 Raichu at the Day Care Center, or pair either with a Ditto.
   • Sun/Moon: Route 1 and Hau’oli City.
   • Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon: Route 1.
   • Sword/Shield: Max Raid Battles (Giant’s Cap, Hammerlocke Hills, Motostoke Riverbank).
   • Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl: Trophy Garden
   • Scarlet/Violet: South Province Area One, South Province Area Two, and 1 Star Tera Raid Battles.
   • Legends: Z-A: Jaune, Vert, Magenta, Rouge and Bleu Districts, Wild Zone 1. [9]
2. 2 Raise Pichu’s friendliness level to 220. Pichu is one of several Pokémon that only evolves once it reaches a certain level of friendship with you. Luckily, there are a lot of different ways to increase your friendship. For instance:[10]
   • Catch your Pichu with a Luxury Ball or Friend Ball.
   • Give your Pichu the Soothe Bell to hold.
   • Use Pichu in battles to level it up.
   • Keep Pichu in your party.
   • Feed Pichu vitamins.
   • Avoid getting Pichu knocked out in battle.
   • Check Pichu’s friendliness level by talking to the friendship checker character in the game you’re playing. If you get a positive message that Pichu really likes you, its level is usually high enough to evolve.
3. 3 Level Pichu up to evolve it into Pikachu. Once Pichu reaches a friendship level of at least 220, simply level it up. Either raise it up in battle, or feed it a Rare Candy. As soon as it levels up, it’ll evolve into Pikachu.[11]
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Section 5 of 5:

Can you catch a wild Raichu?

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1. Raichu has a rare chance of appearing in a few games. In most games, you have to evolve Pikachu in order to get a Raichu. However, wild Raichu do appear in a handful of games. Raichu typically has a low chance of appearing, often 4-10%, so it can take a while to catch it. Here are all the games where you can catch a wild Raichu:[12]
   • Red/Blue: Cerulean Cave. In Blue only, you can catch it in the Power Plant.
   • Sword/Shield: Max Raid Battles (Giant’s Cap and Motostoke Riverbank).
   • Scarlet/Violet: Area Zero, Socarrat Trail, and West Province Area Two. You can also get it in 4 and 5 Star Tera Raid Battles.
   • Legends: Z-A: Wild Zone 20. [13]

Community Q&A

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• Question What is Pikachu's first evolution? Community Answer Pikachu can only evolve once. it evolves from Pichu into RAICHU with a thunderstone. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 39 Helpful 10
• Question Can I evolve Pikachu into an Alolan Raichu? Community Answer As long as you are not in ultra space, yes; just use a thunder stone to evolve Pikachu into Alolan Raichu. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 8

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Tips

• You cannot evolve the special Cosplay Pikachu that you receive in Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, which you get after participating in the Pokémon Contest Spectacular for the first time. You have to catch a wild Pikachu in order to evolve it.[14] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• In Let's Go, Pikachu!, you can’t evolve the Pikachu you start with. However, you can catch a wild Pikachu and evolve it into a Raichu.[15] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, Yellow Shards are the held item of some wild Chinchou commonly found Underwater. Steal them by using Thief or Covet, or by catching the Chinchou. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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References

1. ↑ https://www.serebii.net/pokedex/025.shtml
2. ↑ https://www.serebii.net/pokedex-sv/pikachu/
3. ↑ https://www.serebii.net/pokedex-sv/raichu/
4. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Thunder_Stone#Acquisition
5. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-legends-z-a/All_Evolution_Stones_and_Items_Locations
6. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Thunder_Stone
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/YlP_-gxtNP0?si=0YepegmdAuSJFoyp&t=134
8. ↑ https://www.serebii.net/pokedex-gs/172.shtml
9. ↑ https://www.serebii.net/pokedex-sv/pichu/

More References (6)

10. ↑ https://pokemondb.net/glossary#def-friendship
11. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Friendship_Evolution
12. ↑ https://www.serebii.net/pokedex/026.shtml
13. ↑ https://www.serebii.net/pokedex-sv/raichu/
14. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Cosplay_Pikachu
15. ↑ https://www.techadvisor.com/article/733020/can-you-evolve-your-pikachu-or-eevee-in-pokemon-lets-go.html

About This Article

Reviewed by: Ishrak Gaming & Video Expert This article was reviewed by Ishrak and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Ishrak is a Gaming & Video Expert specializing in sharing Pokémon and Minecraft videos. With over eight years of gaming and streaming experience, Ishrak has a follower base of over 35,000 YouTube subscribers and over 8 million views. He is also a Pokémon ROM-Hacker and some of his most popular videos highlight tips and advice for people learning how to play Pokémon games. This article has been viewed 118,756 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 19 Updated: October 20, 2025 Views: 118,756 Categories: Pokemon Video Games In other languages Spanish Japanese

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