Pikachu evolves into Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone, making it the middle stage of a three-stage evolution line that begins with Pichu. This Electric-type Pokemon, introduced in Generation I back in 1996, sits at National Dex #025 and has become one of the most recognizable creatures in the franchise. The evolution chain runs Pichu (#172) to Pikachu (#025) to Raichu (#026), with each stage requiring different conditions to trigger the transformation. For collectors, understanding this evolution line matters because cards from each stage carry different values and rarity levels.
A Base Set Pikachu holds different appeal than a Pichu from Neo Genesis or a Raichu from the same era. The evolution mechanics have also expanded over the years, with Generation II adding Pichu as a baby Pokemon in 1999 and later games introducing regional variants like Alolan Raichu. This article covers the complete evolution chain, the methods required for each transformation, special forms that break the traditional rules, and what collectors should know about cards across the entire Pikachu family. Worth noting for serious collectors: Pikachu and its evolutionary relatives are the only known Pokemon capable of learning Volt Tackle, a signature move that occasionally appears on promotional cards and can affect a card’s thematic value in certain sets.
Table of Contents
- How Does Pikachu Evolve in the Pokemon Games?
- Regional Variants and the Alolan Raichu
- Special Pikachu Forms That Cannot Evolve
- Pichu: The Baby Pokemon Addition
- Volt Tackle and the Signature Move Connection
- Current Appearances in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
- The Future of Pikachu Collectibles
- Conclusion
How Does Pikachu Evolve in the Pokemon Games?
The evolution mechanics for Pikachu’s line involve two distinct methods depending on which direction you’re going. Pichu evolves into Pikachu when leveled up with high friendship, meaning players need to spend time bonding with the baby pokemon before it transforms. This friendship-based evolution was introduced alongside Pichu in Generation II and reflects the lore that Pichu is essentially an infant form that matures through positive experiences with its trainer. Moving from Pikachu to Raichu requires a Thunder Stone, one of the original evolutionary stones from Generation I. Unlike friendship evolutions that happen automatically at level-up, stone evolutions give players complete control over timing.
You can keep a Pikachu at any level indefinitely and only evolve it when you choose to use the Thunder Stone. This mechanic has significant implications for both gameplay and the anime, where Ash’s Pikachu famously refuses to evolve despite multiple opportunities. The comparison between these two methods creates an interesting dynamic. Friendship evolution requires active effort and cannot be rushed easily, while stone evolution requires finding or purchasing the right item but can happen instantly. For collectors, this distinction matters less for card values but does explain why certain promotional cards feature Pikachu at specific evolutionary stages tied to game events or anime moments.
Regional Variants and the Alolan Raichu
When Pokemon Sun and Moon introduced the Alola region in 2016, Pikachu gained access to an alternative evolutionary path. Using a Thunder Stone on Pikachu while in Alola produces Alolan Raichu instead of the standard Kantonian form. This variant swaps the pure Electric typing for Electric/Psychic and features a distinctly different design with a surfboard-like tail and lighter coloration. However, this regional evolution comes with a significant limitation: you cannot obtain Alolan Raichu in games that take place outside the Alola region unless you trade for one or transfer it from another game.
If you evolve Pikachu with a Thunder Stone in Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, or most other regions, you get standard Raichu. This region-locked evolution represents a deliberate design choice that ties certain Pokemon forms to specific locations within the game world. For the trading card game, Alolan Raichu received its own cards starting with the Sun and Moon expansion sets. These cards are mechanically distinct from regular Raichu cards and often feature the Psychic type, which changes how they interact with other cards in competitive play. Collectors sometimes pursue both Raichu variants to complete their Pikachu evolution family sets.
Special Pikachu Forms That Cannot Evolve
Not every Pikachu follows the standard evolutionary path. Several special forms exist that are permanently locked at the Pikachu stage, unable to evolve into Raichu regardless of Thunder Stone exposure. Cosplay Pikachu from Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire dresses in various costumes and cannot evolve, nor can the multiple Pikachu in a Cap variants released as event Pokemon across different games. Partner Pikachu from Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! falls into this category as well. This version serves as the player’s starter and companion throughout the game, with unique stats and moves that set it apart from wild Pikachu.
The game explicitly prevents evolution to preserve the partner relationship central to that title’s design. Similarly, Gigantamax Pikachu from Sword and Shield requires a special Gigantamax Factor that regular Pikachu lack, and this Gigantamax-capable Pikachu cannot evolve. For card collectors, these special forms have generated numerous promotional and limited-edition releases. Cap Pikachu cards from various anniversary celebrations, Cosplay Pikachu cards from the Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire era, and Gigantamax Pikachu cards from Sword and Shield sets all command attention from collectors who want comprehensive Pikachu collections. The inability to evolve makes these forms distinct subspecies within the broader Pikachu card pool.
Pichu: The Baby Pokemon Addition
Generation II’s release in 1999 retroactively expanded Pikachu’s evolutionary line by introducing Pichu as a pre-evolution. This baby Pokemon hatches from eggs produced by Pikachu or Raichu and sits at National Dex #172. The addition created a complete three-stage family where none existed before, changing how players and collectors think about the Pikachu line. The tradeoff with Pichu involves stats versus moveset timing. Pichu has lower base stats than Pikachu, making it less effective in battle until it evolves.
However, certain moves can only be learned at the Pichu stage or passed down through breeding, creating situations where keeping a Pichu unevolved temporarily has strategic value. Competitive players sometimes breed for specific move combinations that require the egg stage. Card-wise, Pichu debuted in the Neo Genesis expansion and has appeared in numerous sets since. Baby Pokemon cards often feature special rules or abilities that differentiate them from their evolved forms. For collectors building complete evolution line sets, Pichu cards are essential components that bridge the gap between eggs and the iconic Pikachu everyone recognizes.
Volt Tackle and the Signature Move Connection
Pikachu’s evolutionary family holds a unique distinction in the Pokemon world: they are the only Pokemon capable of learning Volt Tackle. This powerful Electric-type move deals significant damage but causes recoil to the user, representing a high-risk, high-reward attack option. The exclusivity of this move creates a defining characteristic that ties the three evolutionary stages together. In the main games, Volt Tackle requires specific breeding conditions or special distributions to obtain.
A Pichu hatched from an egg while one parent holds a Light Ball will know Volt Tackle from birth. This breeding requirement makes Volt Tackle Pichu somewhat rare and sought after by competitive players who want access to the move on their Pikachu or Raichu. Trading cards occasionally reference Volt Tackle as an attack, and these cards carry additional appeal for collectors who appreciate mechanical accuracy to the source games. Finding a Pikachu or Raichu card with Volt Tackle listed among its attacks provides a direct connection to this family’s unique status in the broader Pokemon roster.
Current Appearances in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Pikachu continues to appear in the newest Pokemon releases, including Pokemon Legends: Z-A. In this game, Pikachu spawns as a wild Pokemon in 2-Star Hyperspace Wild Zones within the Mega Dimension DLC content.
This placement keeps the electric mouse relevant in the franchise’s evolving landscape while introducing it to gameplay mechanics unique to the Legends series. These ongoing appearances ensure a steady stream of new Pikachu-related merchandise and cards. Each new game release typically brings new card sets, promotional items, and collectibles featuring the franchise mascot in updated contexts.
The Future of Pikachu Collectibles
Looking ahead, Pikachu’s status as the franchise mascot guarantees continued prominence in both games and collectibles. Every new generation, regional variant system, or special game mode creates opportunities for new Pikachu forms and corresponding cards.
The pattern established with Cosplay Pikachu, Cap variants, and Gigantamax forms suggests future games will introduce additional special versions. For collectors, this ongoing expansion means the Pikachu evolution family continues growing in complexity. What started as a simple two-stage line in 1996 now encompasses dozens of variants, regional forms, and special editions across nearly three decades of releases.
Conclusion
Pikachu’s evolution into Raichu via Thunder Stone represents one of Pokemon’s most iconic transformation mechanics, complicated over time by the addition of Pichu, regional variants like Alolan Raichu, and numerous special forms that break the traditional rules. Understanding this three-stage evolution line helps collectors appreciate the connections between cards from different eras and identify which variants hold particular significance.
Whether you’re tracking down a Base Set Pikachu, hunting for rare Pichu cards from Neo Genesis, or collecting the various special forms released over the years, the evolution chain provides a framework for building a comprehensive collection. The ongoing releases in games like Pokemon Legends: Z-A ensure this electric family will continue generating new collectible opportunities for years to come.
