Special
Balanced
60Speed · Below Avg

Is Pichu Good in Crystal Playthrough?

Crystal's Odd Egg is the fastest way to get Pichu, arriving before the second gym. Gold and Silver required breeding from a Pikachu you probably didn't have. The early access is nice, but Pichu still needs friendship to evolve and Pikachu's stats still aren't worth the investment.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadEGEGGEGEEEEGGEGEGGEGFalknerGym 1PichuGiftBugsyGym 2PikachuEvolveWhitneyGym 3RaichuEvolveMortyGym 4ChuckGym 5JasmineGym 6PryceGym 7ClairGym 8SurgeGym 9SabrinaGym 10ErikaGym 11JanineGym 12MistyGym 13BrockGym 14BlaineGym 15BlueGym 16WillE4KogaE4BrunoE4KarenE4
Falkner
Gym 1
Even

Pichu trades roughly evenly with Falkner's team.

You Win
Pidgey
Lv 7
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleMud Slap
Even
Pidgeotto
Lv 9
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleMud SlapGust
Bugsy
Gym 2
Good

Pichu has the type edge here and should clean up Bugsy's team.

You Win
Metapod
Lv 14
Bug
Shed Skin
TackleString ShotHarden
You Win
Kakuna
Lv 14
BugPoison
Shed Skin
Poison StingString ShotHarden
Even
Scyther
Lv 16
BugFlying
Swarm
Quick AttackLeerFury Cutter
Whitney
Gym 3
Even

Pikachu trades roughly evenly with Whitney's team.

You Win
Clefairy
Lv 18
Fairy
Cute Charm
Double SlapMimicEncoreMetronome
Even
Miltank
Lv 20
Normal
Thick Fat
RolloutAttractStompMilk Drink
Morty
Gym 4
Good

Raichu has the type edge here and should clean up Morty's team.

Easy KO
Gastly
Lv 21
GhostPoison
Levitate
LickSpiteMean LookCurse
You Win
Haunter
Lv 21
GhostPoison
Levitate
HypnosisMimicCurseNight Shade
Even
Gengar
Lv 25
GhostPoison
Cursed Body
HypnosisShadow BallMean LookDream Eater
You Win
Haunter
Lv 23
GhostPoison
Levitate
SpiteMean LookMimicNight Shade
Chuck
Gym 5
Good

Raichu has the type edge here and should clean up Chuck's team.

You Win
Primeape
Lv 27
Fighting
Vital Spirit
LeerRageKarate ChopFury Swipes
You Win
Poliwrath
Lv 30
WaterFighting
Water Absorb
HypnosisMind ReaderSurfDynamic Punch
Jasmine
Gym 6
Even

Raichu trades roughly evenly with Jasmine's team.

You Win
Magnemite
Lv 30
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
ThunderboltSupersonicSonic BoomThunder Wave
You Win
Magnemite
Lv 30
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
ThunderboltSupersonicSonic BoomThunder Wave
Even
Steelix
Lv 35
SteelGround
Rock Head
ScreechSunny DayRock ThrowIron Tail
Pryce
Gym 7
Good

Raichu has the type edge here and should clean up Pryce's team.

Easy KO
Seel
Lv 27
Water
Thick Fat
HeadbuttIcy WindAurora BeamRest
You Win
Dewgong
Lv 29
WaterIce
Thick Fat
HeadbuttIcy WindAurora BeamRest
Even
Piloswine
Lv 31
IceGround
Oblivious
Icy WindFury AttackMistBlizzard
Clair
Gym 8
Even

Raichu trades roughly evenly with Clair's team.

Even
Dragonair
Lv 37
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveSurfSlamDragon Breath
Even
Dragonair
Lv 37
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveThunderboltSlamDragon Breath
Even
Dragonair
Lv 37
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveIce BeamSlamDragon Breath
Even
Kingdra
Lv 40
WaterDragon
Swift Swim
SmokescreenSurfHyper BeamDragon Breath
Lt. Surge
Gym 9
Even

Raichu trades roughly evenly with Lt. Surge's team.

Even
Raichu
Lv 44
Electric
Static
Thunder WaveQuick AttackThunderboltThunder
Risky
Electrode
Lv 40
Electric
Soundproof
ScreechDouble TeamSwiftExplosion
Risky
Electrode
Lv 40
Electric
Soundproof
ScreechDouble TeamSwiftExplosion
You Win
Magneton
Lv 40
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
Lock OnDouble TeamSwiftZap Cannon
Even
Electabuzz
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Quick AttackThunder PunchLight ScreenThunder
Sabrina
Gym 10
Even

Raichu trades roughly evenly with Sabrina's team.

Even
Espeon
Lv 46
Psychic
Synchronize
Sand AttackQuick AttackSwiftPsychic
You Win
Mr Mime
Lv 46
PsychicFairy
Soundproof
BarrierReflectBaton PassPsychic
Even
Alakazam
Lv 48
Psychic
Synchronize
RecoverFuture SightPsychicReflect
Erika
Gym 11
Even

Raichu trades roughly evenly with Erika's team.

Even
Tangela
Lv 42
Grass
Chlorophyll
Vine WhipBindGiga DrainSleep Powder
You Win
Jumpluff
Lv 41
GrassFlying
Chlorophyll
Mega DrainLeech SeedCotton SporeGiga Drain
Even
Victreebel
Lv 46
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Sunny DaySynthesisAcidRazor Leaf
Risky
Bellossom
Lv 46
Grass
Chlorophyll
Sunny DaySynthesisPetal DanceSolar Beam
Janine
Gym 12
Good

Raichu has the type edge here and should clean up Janine's team.

You Win
Crobat
Lv 36
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
ScreechSupersonicConfuse RayWing Attack
Even
Weezing
Lv 36
Poison
Levitate
SmogSludge BombToxicExplosion
Even
Weezing
Lv 36
Poison
Levitate
SmogSludge BombToxicExplosion
You Win
Ariados
Lv 33
BugPoison
Swarm
Scary FaceGiga DrainString ShotNight Shade
You Win
Venomoth
Lv 39
BugPoison
Shield Dust
ForesightDouble TeamGustPsychic
Misty
Gym 13
Good

Raichu has the type edge here and should clean up Misty's team.

Easy KO
Golduck
Lv 42
Water
Damp
SurfDisablePsych UpPsychic
Risky
Quagsire
Lv 42
WaterGround
Damp
SurfAmnesiaEarthquakeRain Dance
You Win
Lapras
Lv 44
WaterIce
Water Absorb
SurfPerish SongBlizzardRain Dance
You Win
Starmie
Lv 47
WaterPsychic
Illuminate
SurfConfuse RayRecoverIce Beam
Brock
Gym 14
Even

Raichu trades roughly evenly with Brock's team.

Risky
Graveler
Lv 41
RockGround
Rock Head
Defense CurlRock SlideRolloutEarthquake
Risky
Rhyhorn
Lv 41
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
Fury AttackScary FaceEarthquakeHorn Drill
Easy KO
Omastar
Lv 42
RockWater
Swift Swim
BiteSurfProtectSpike Cannon
Even
Onix
Lv 44
RockGround
Rock Head
BindRock SlideBideSandstorm
You Win
Kabutops
Lv 42
RockWater
Swift Swim
SlashSurfEndureGiga Drain
Blaine
Gym 15
Good

Raichu has the type edge here and should clean up Blaine's team.

Easy KO
Magcargo
Lv 45
FireRock
Magma Armor
CurseSmogFlamethrowerRock Slide
You Win
Magmar
Lv 45
Fire
Flame Body
Thunder PunchFire PunchSunny DayConfuse Ray
You Win
Rapidash
Lv 50
Fire
Run Away
Quick AttackFire SpinFury AttackFire Blast
Blue
Gym 16
Even

Raichu trades roughly evenly with Blue's team.

You Win
Pidgeot
Lv 56
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
Quick AttackWhirlwindWing AttackMirror Move
You Win
Alakazam
Lv 54
Psychic
Synchronize
DisableRecoverPsychicReflect
Risky
Rhydon
Lv 56
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
Fury AttackSandstormRock SlideEarthquake
You Win
Gyarados
Lv 58
WaterFlying
Intimidate
TwisterHydro PumpRain DanceHyper Beam
Even
Exeggutor
Lv 58
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
Sunny DayLeech SeedEgg BombSolar Beam
Even
Arcanine
Lv 58
Fire
Intimidate
RoarSwiftFlamethrowerExtreme Speed
Will
Elite Four
Good

Raichu has the type edge here and should clean up Will's team.

You Win
Xatu
Lv 40
PsychicFlying
Synchronize
Quick AttackFuture SightConfuse RayPsychic
Even
Jynx
Lv 41
IcePsychic
Oblivious
Double SlapLovely KissIce PunchPsychic
Even
Exeggutor
Lv 41
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
ReflectHypnosisEgg BombPsychic
You Win
Slowbro
Lv 41
WaterPsychic
Oblivious
CurseAmnesiaBody SlamPsychic
You Win
Xatu
Lv 42
PsychicFlying
Synchronize
Quick AttackFuture SightConfuse RayPsychic
Koga
Elite Four
Good

Raichu has the type edge here and should clean up Koga's team.

You Win
Ariados
Lv 40
BugPoison
Swarm
Double TeamSpider WebBaton PassGiga Drain
You Win
Venomoth
Lv 41
BugPoison
Shield Dust
PsychicGustSupersonicToxic
Even
Forretress
Lv 43
BugSteel
Sturdy
ProtectSwiftExplosionSpikes
You Win
Muk
Lv 42
Poison
Stench
MinimizeAcid ArmorSludge BombToxic
You Win
Crobat
Lv 44
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Double TeamQuick AttackWing AttackToxic
Bruno
Elite Four
Even

Raichu trades roughly evenly with Bruno's team.

Even
Hitmontop
Lv 42
Fighting
Intimidate
DigCounterTriple KickQuick Attack
Even
Hitmonlee
Lv 42
Fighting
Limber
SwaggerDouble KickHigh Jump KickForesight
You Win
Hitmonchan
Lv 42
Fighting
Keen Eye
Thunder PunchIce PunchFire PunchMach Punch
Risky
Onix
Lv 43
RockGround
Rock Head
SandstormDragon BreathRock SlideEarthquake
Even
Machamp
Lv 46
Fighting
Guts
Rock SlideForesightVital ThrowCross Chop
Karen
Elite Four
Good

Raichu has the type edge here and should clean up Karen's team.

You Win
Umbreon
Lv 42
Dark
Synchronize
Sand AttackConfuse RayFeint AttackMean Look
Risky
Vileplume
Lv 42
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Stun SporePetal DanceAcidMoonlight
You Win
Gengar
Lv 45
GhostPoison
Cursed Body
LickSpiteCurseDestiny Bond
Easy KO
Murkrow
Lv 44
DarkFlying
Insomnia
Quick AttackWhirlwindPursuitFeint Attack
You Win
Houndoom
Lv 47
DarkFire
Early Bird
RoarPursuitFlamethrowerCrunch
Gift
Available after Badge 1
Type
Electric
Tier
F

Pichu is given to you as a gift on Route 34 at Lv 5. Hatch Odd Egg received from Day-Care Man (random). Hatch the Odd Egg received from the Day-Care Man on Route 34. The Egg randomly hatches into one of seven baby Pokemon, with a 14% chance of being Shiny

View Pichu locations

Recommended Moves
  • STARTING (Lv 5)
    • LV 5ElectricThunder Shock60100%30
  • After Falkner
    • TM02NormalHeadbutt70100%15
    • TM39NormalSwift60100%20
  • After Bugsy
    • TM25ElectricThunder16570%10
  • After Whitney
    • TM13NormalSnore50100%15
  • After Jasmine
    • TM07ElectricZap Cannon18050%5
    • TM23SteelIron Tail10075%15
    • TM10NormalHidden Power60100%15
Evolve Pichu to Pikachu
High Friendship
Type
Electric
Tier
A

Friendship is usually high enough before you reach Whitney.

View Pikachu locations

Recommended Moves
  • After Falkner
    • TM02NormalHeadbutt70100%15
  • After Bugsy
    • TM41ElectricThunder Punch113100%15
  • After Whitney
    • HM04NormalStrength80100%15
    • LV 26ElectricThunderbolt135100%15
  • After Jasmine
    • TM07ElectricZap Cannon18050%5
    • TM23SteelIron Tail10075%15
    • TM10NormalHidden Power60100%15
    • LV 41ElectricThunder16570%10
Evolve Pikachu to Raichu
Use Thunder Stone
Type
Electric
Tier
B

You can usually obtain this item before you reach Morty.

Recommended Moves
  • STARTING (Lv 20)
    • LV 20ElectricThunderbolt135100%15
  • After Falkner
    • TM02NormalHeadbutt70100%15
  • After Bugsy
    • TM25ElectricThunder16570%10
    • TM41ElectricThunder Punch113100%15
  • After Whitney
    • HM04NormalStrength80100%15
  • After Jasmine
    • TM07ElectricZap Cannon18050%5
    • TM23SteelIron Tail10075%15
    • TM10NormalHidden Power60100%15

How to Get Pichu in Crystal

No searching required for Pichu. You receive it at Route 34 from an NPC. No wild encounters exist in this game, so just head to the right spot when you're ready and it's yours.

How to Obtain Pichu in C

Pichu is your first catch on the way to Pichu. You'll find gift and walking encounters from Lv. 4-25 across 3 total spots in the chain.

  1. Pichu
    Step 1Pichu
    Route 34
    Lv.5Gift from NPC
    Hatch Odd Egg (random)
  2. Pikachu
    Step 2Catch or Evolve into Pikachu
    Route 2
    Lv.4Grass
    Rate 5%
    Celadon City - Game Corner
    Lv.25Gift from NPC
    Limited
    Purchase: 2,222 coins
    or evolve from Pichu (Step 1)
  3. Raichu
    Step 3Evolve into Raichu
    BREEDING
    Available
    Leave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Raichu egg.

Pichu Weakness

Pichu is weak to Ground. Few weaknesses and 3 resistances make the typing clean. Just 1 weak spot to worry about, which keeps teambuilding straightforward.

Pichu Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Ground
0.5x (Resist)Electric, Flying, Steel
Gen II Type Chart
  • Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
  • Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
  • Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def

What is Pichu Weak Against

Good
1Weak
3Resist
0Immune
Score+1
4xCritical
None
2xWeak
¼xResist
None
0xImmune
None

What is Pichu Strong Against

2Strong
3Resisted
1Immune
Score-2
2xStrong
0xImmune

Best Pokemon Against Pichu

Pichu Evolutions

This is the baby stage. Pichu grows into Pikachu by leveling up. Want more? Breed the adults. Baby Pokemon sit in the Undiscovered egg group. Evolving adds up to 280 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

3 Forms
Pichu
#172Pichu
High Friendship
Pikachu
#025Pikachu
Thunder Stone
Thunder Stone
Raichu
#026Raichu
Stat Comparison 3 Stages
Pichu
Electric
Pikachu
Electric
Raichu
Electric
HP
20
35+15
60+25
ATK
40
55+15
90+35
DEF
15
40+25
55+15
SP.ATK
35
50+15
90+40
SP.DEF
35
50+15
80+30
SPE
60
90+30
110+20
BST
205D-Tier
320C-Tier+115
485C-Tier+165
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
Pivot
TYPE
Utility
Utility
Mixed

Breeding

Unavailable
Undiscovered egg group

C Pichu Best Moveset

Baby Electric pre-evolution. Stats too low for any format. Pikachu with Held ItemLight Ball is the competitive destination, two stages of evolution away.

Best Build

Experimental
Utility
Ability
Unknown
Item
Magnet
Best Nature for Pichu
HardyNEUTRAL

Utility Moveset

  • ThunderboltSTAB
  • DetectFAST +4
  • Rain Dance
  • ThunderSTAB

Moves List

Egg moves make a real difference. Pichu gets Bide and Double Slap exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Normal and Steel coverage and more rounds out the picture alongside Zap Cannon and Thunder.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Charm
D10020Normal
Lv 1
Thunder Shock
6010030Electric
Lv 6
Tail Whip
10030Normal
Lv 8
Thunder Wave
C10020Electric
Lv 11
Sweet Kiss
7510Normal

TM Moves

TM
TM45
Attract
D10015Normal
TM03
Curse
C10Ghost
TM40
Defense Curl
D40Normal
TM43
Detect+4
S5Fighting
TM32
Double Team
15Normal
TM20
Endure+4
D10Normal
HM05
Flash
D7020Normal
TM21
Frustration
D10020Normal
TM02
Headbutt
D7010015Normal
TM10
Hidden Power
D6010015Normal
TM23
Iron Tail
D1007515Steel
TM31
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
TM17
Protect+4
C10Normal
TM18
Rain Dance
S5Water
TM44
Rest
C10Psychic
TM27
Return
D10020Normal
TM04
Rollout
D309020Rock
TM35
Sleep Talk
C10Normal
TM13
Snore
4010015Normal
TM34
Swagger
C8515Normal
TM39
Swift
D6020Normal
TM25
Thunder
S1807010Electric
TM06
Toxic
C8510Poison
TM07
Zap Cannon
D150505Electric

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Bide+1
10Normal
Egg
Double Slap
158510Normal
Egg
Encore
C1005Normal
Egg
Present
D9015Normal
Egg
Reversal
D10015Fighting

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Thunderbolt
S14210015Electric

Base Stats

Base Stats
Below
HP20
F
Attack40
D
Defense15
F
Sp. Atk35
F
Sp. Def35
F
Speed60
C
Total205
Details
Catch Rate
Easy190 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Fast1M XP
Height0.3 m
Weight2.0 kg
Base XP41
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpDSpe+1
Speed training source
Pokedex Entry

It is unskilled at storing electric power. Any kind of shock causes it to discharge energy spontaneously.

Pokemon Crystal

Pichu Crystal Guide

  • For Crystal, you can run Pichu through the first few routes without issues. 205 BST won't carry you far though. Get it to Pikachu as fast as you can.

Game Availability

Available in 20 titles since its debut in Gold & Silver, Pichu spans 9 generations of Pokemon games. It's accessible through catching or hatching as a base form in most mainline games.

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