Pikachu Guide: Best Moveset, Counters & Pokemon GO Tips

Pikachu is a popular Electric-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 938, Pikachu is a viable option for Great League PvP battles where its unique typing and moveset can shine.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Pikachu in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.

📊 Pikachu Base Stats & Overview

Pikachu (#025) is a Electric-type Pokemon from Generation 1.

Base Stats
Attack	112
Defense	96
Stamina	111
Total Stats	319
Max CP	938
Buddy Distance	3 km

With 112 Attack, 96 Defense, and 111 Stamina, Pikachu has a total stat product of 319. While not the highest in any single stat, Pikachu’s balanced stats make it versatile in various battle situations.

⚔️ Best Moveset for Pikachu

Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Pikachu’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Pikachu for raids, gym battles, or PvP.

Best Raid & Gym Moveset

For PvE content like raids and gym battles, you want moves that maximize DPS (Damage Per Second). The best Electric-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.

Best PvP Moveset

In PvP battles, energy generation and coverage moves become more important. You’ll want a fast move that charges energy quickly and charged moves that provide good type coverage.

🎯 Pikachu Type Effectiveness

Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Pikachu effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Electric-type Pokemon, Pikachu has specific strengths and weaknesses.

⚠️ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)

Pikachu is weak to: Ground-type moves. When battling against Pikachu, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.

• Ground – Deals increased damage

🛡️ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)

Pikachu resists: Electric, Flying, Steel-type moves. This means Pikachu takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.

• Electric – Reduced damage
• Flying – Reduced damage
• Steel – Reduced damage

🏆 Pikachu PvP Analysis

Pikachu can be used in Pokemon GO’s GO Battle League PvP battles. Here’s how it performs in each league:

Great League (1500 CP Limit)

Pikachu can reach its full potential in Great League since its max CP (938) is at or below the 1500 CP limit. This makes it a viable option if its typing and moveset align with the current meta.

Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)

With a max CP of 938, Pikachu may struggle in Ultra League against bulkier opponents with higher stat products.

Master League (No CP Limit)

Pikachu is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (938). Focus on other leagues instead.

⚔️ Pikachu Raid Guide

Pikachu is primarily used as a raid attacker rather than a raid boss. Here’s how to use it effectively in raids:

Using Pikachu in Raids

When using Pikachu as a raid attacker:

• Best against raid bosses weak to Electric-type moves
• Power up to at least level 30-35 for decent performance
• Ensure you have the optimal moveset for maximum DPS

🎯 Best Counters for Pikachu

Whether you’re battling Pikachu in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Pikachu:

Top Counter Pokemon

The best counters exploit Pikachu’s weaknesses to Ground-type moves:

Pokemon	Type	Why It Works
Garchomp	Dragon/Ground	Mud Shot + Earth Power deals massive damage
Groudon	Ground	Legendary with Precipice Blades
Excadrill	Ground/Steel	High Ground DPS

Counter Strategy Tips

1. Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Pikachu
2. Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
3. Watch for Coverage Moves: Pikachu may have moves that counter its own counters
4. Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks

📍 How to Get Pikachu in Pokemon GO

There are several ways to obtain Pikachu in Pokemon GO:

• Wild Encounters: Pikachu can spawn in the wild, especially in areas matching its type
• Eggs: May hatch from 3km eggs
• Evolution: Evolve from its pre-evolution using Candy
• Raids: Occasionally appears in raid battles
• Research Tasks: Complete field research for a chance to encounter
• Trading: Trade with friends

Shiny Pikachu

Yes, Shiny Pikachu is available in Pokemon GO! The shiny variant has a different coloration and is highly sought after by collectors. The shiny rate for wild encounters is approximately 1 in 500, though this can be boosted during special events like Community Days or Spotlight Hours.

Pikachu Evolution

Check the Pokédex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Pro Tips for Using Pikachu

Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Pikachu’s potential in Pokemon GO:

1. IV Optimization

For raids and gym battles, prioritize Pikachu with high Attack IVs (15 Attack is ideal). The Attack stat contributes most to damage output in PvE content.

For PvP battles, the ideal IVs depend on the league:

• Great League: Look for low Attack, high Defense and HP (0/15/15 is often ideal)
• Ultra League: Similar to Great League, optimize for stat product under 2500 CP
• Master League: Perfect 15/15/15 IVs are best since there’s no CP cap

2. Power Up Priority

Before investing Stardust and Candy into Pikachu, consider:

• Do you have enough resources? (Powering to level 50 costs 296,000 Stardust and 296 Candy)
• Will this Pokemon fill a gap in your battle team?
• Are there better alternatives for the same role?
• Do you have the optimal moveset or need Elite TMs?

3. Team Composition

Pikachu works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Electric type weak to Ground, consider adding team members that resist these types.

4. Weather Considerations

Take advantage of weather boosts:

• When catching: Weather-boosted Pikachu spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
• When battling: Weather that boosts Electric moves increases your damage output
• When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather

📚 Pikachu in the Pokemon Franchise

Pikachu first appeared in Generation 1 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Pikachu’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.

In Pokemon GO, Pikachu was introduced as part of the Generation 1 Pokemon rollout. Being a Generation 1 Pokemon, Pikachu has been available since the game’s launch in July 2016.

📊 How Pikachu Compares

Let’s see how Pikachu stacks up against other Electric-type Pokemon:

Stat	Pikachu	Type Average	Rating
Attack	112	~180	⭐
Defense	96	~160	⭐
Stamina	111	~170	⭐
Max CP	938	~2,500	⭐

🎯 Conclusion

Pikachu is a versatile Electric-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 938 and solid base stats (112/96/111), it can shine in Great League PvP where its unique typing and moveset options provide interesting strategic possibilities.

Remember to:

• Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
• Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
• Build a team that covers Pikachu’s weaknesses
• Take advantage of weather boosts when possible

For more Pokemon guides and the complete Pokedex, visit our Pokemon GO Database. Check out our PvP Rankings for the current meta and Raid Guides for battle strategies.

Last updated: January 2026. Information based on the latest Pokemon GO game data.

← Previous

Arbok Guide: Best Moveset, Counters & Pokemon GO Tips

Next →

Pokemon GO Raichu: Ultimate Guide for 2024