
| Max CP | 1,073 |
| Generation | Kanto (Gen 1) |
| Buddy Distance | 1km |
| Released | ✅ Yes |
| Shiny | ✨ Yes |
| Shadow | ❌ No |
Pikachu is a Electric-type Pokémon from Kanto (Generation 1) in Pokémon GO. It has a maximum Combat Power (CP) of 1,073 when powered up to Level 50 with perfect 15/15/15 IVs. Pikachu has base stats of 112 Attack, 96 Defense, and 111 Stamina, giving it a total stat product of 319.
Pikachu can be used in various battle formats depending on its moveset and the current meta. Its shiny form is available in Pokémon GO.
In Rainy weather, Pikachu receives a weather boost increasing its catch CP and spawn rate. The buddy walking distance for Pikachu is 1km per candy.
| Move | Type | Power | Energy | DPS | EPS | PvP DPT | PvP EPT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder Shock STAB | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Quick Attack | Normal | 8 | +10 | 10.0 | - | - | - |
| Present ELITE STAB | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
DPS = Damage/Sec (PvE) · EPS = Energy/Sec · DPT/EPT = Damage/Energy Per Turn (PvP) · STAB = +20% type bonus
| Move | Type | Power | Energy | DPS | PvP Pwr | PvP Nrg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discharge STAB | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Thunderbolt STAB | Electric | 80 | -55 | - | 90 | -55 |
| Wild Charge STAB | Electric | 90 | -50 | - | 100 | -45 |
| Surf ELITE | Water | 65 | -50 | - | 65 | -40 |
| Thunder ELITE STAB | Electric | 100 | -60 | - | 100 | -60 |
Pikachu takes increased damage from these types:
Pikachu takes reduced damage from these types:
Top Pokémon to use when battling Pikachu in raids and gyms, sorted by Attack.
| # | Pokémon | Type | ATK | DEF | STA | Max CP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| Ground | 270 | 228 | 205 | 4,708 |
| 2 |
| Dragon Ground | 261 | 193 | 239 | 4,532 |
| 3 |
| Ground Steel | 255 | 129 | 242 | 3,711 |
| 4 |
| Ice Ground | 247 | 146 | 242 | 3,808 |
| 5 |
| Ground Normal | 243 | 181 | 277 | 4,410 |
| 6 |
| Ground Rock | 241 | 190 | 251 | 4,271 |
| 7 |
| Ground Dark | 229 | 158 | 216 | 3,485 |
| 8 |
| Ground Rock | 222 | 171 | 233 | 3,637 |
| 9 |
| Ground Ghost | 222 | 154 | 205 | 3,265 |
| 10 |
| Ground | 214 | 185 | 207 | 3,447 |
Best IVs for GO Battle League. Higher stat product = better PvP.
| # | ATK | DEF | STA | Lv | CP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 50 | 1,063 |
| # | ATK | DEF | STA | Lv | CP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 50 | 1,063 |
Ranked by Stat Product. #1 = best PvP. Master League: use 15/15/15.
Expected CP at different IV levels per encounter type.
| IVs | Wild L30 | Research L15 | Raid L20 | WB L25 | Max L40 | L50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% (15/15/15) | 804 | 402 | 536 | 670 | 938 | 1,063 |
| 98% (15/15/14) | 800 | 400 | 533 | 667 | 934 | 1,059 |
| 96% (15/14/15) | 800 | 400 | 533 | 667 | 933 | 1,058 |
| 93% (14/14/14) | 791 | 395 | 527 | 659 | 922 | 1,046 |
| 91% (15/13/13) | 790 | 395 | 526 | 658 | 922 | 1,045 |
| 87% (13/13/13) | 778 | 389 | 518 | 648 | 907 | 1,029 |
| 82% (12/12/12) | 765 | 382 | 510 | 637 | 892 | 1,012 |
| 80% (10/15/15) | 772 | 386 | 514 | 643 | 901 | 1,021 |
| 67% (10/10/10) | 739 | 369 | 493 | 616 | 862 | 978 |
| 0% (0/0/0) | 618 | 309 | 412 | 515 | 722 | 818 |
Important CP values for Pikachu with perfect 15/15/15 IVs:
| 🏆 Max CP (Lv 50) | 1,063 CP |
| 🎯 Max CP (Lv 40) | 938 CP |
| ⚔️ Raid Catch (Lv 20) | 493 - 536 CP |
| 🌤️ Weather Boost (Lv 25) | 616 - 670 CP |
| 🥚 Egg Hatch (Lv 20) | 493 - 536 CP |
| 🔬 Research (Lv 15) | 369 - 402 CP |
Maximum CP for Pikachu with perfect 15/15/15 IVs at each level.
| Lv | Max CP | Lv | Max CP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | 26 | 938 |
| 2 | 938 | 27 | 938 |
| 3 | 938 | 28 | 938 |
| 4 | 938 | 29 | 938 |
| 5 | 126 | 30 | 804 |
| 6 | 938 | 31 | 938 |
| 7 | 938 | 32 | 938 |
| 8 | 938 | 33 | 938 |
| 9 | 938 | 34 | 938 |
| 10 | 268 | 35 | 871 |
| 11 | 938 | 36 | 938 |
| 12 | 938 | 37 | 938 |
| 13 | 938 | 38 | 938 |
| 14 | 938 | 39 | 938 |
| 15 | 402 | 40 | 938 |
| 16 | 938 | 41 | 938 |
| 17 | 938 | 42 | 938 |
| 18 | 938 | 43 | 938 |
| 19 | 938 | 44 | 938 |
| 20 | 536 | 45 | 1,003 |
| 21 | 938 | 46 | 938 |
| 22 | 938 | 47 | 938 |
| 23 | 938 | 48 | 938 |
| 24 | 938 | 49 | 938 |
| 25 | 670 | 50 | 1,063 |
Pikachu (#025) is a Electric-type Pokémon from the Kanto region (Generation 1) in Pokémon GO. With a maximum CP of 1,073 at Level 50 with perfect 15/15/15 IVs, Pikachu has its niche uses in certain battle scenarios. This complete guide covers the best moveset, PvP analysis, raid counters, evolution, and shiny availability for Pikachu in 2026.
Pikachu's Attack stat is 112 (Below Average). The lower Attack stat means Pikachu may compensate with bulk or utility.
With 96 Defense (Below Average) and 111 Stamina (Average), the total stat product is 319. Trainers should be mindful of Pikachu's limited bulk. Compared to other Electric-type Pokémon, Pikachu's stat distribution is balanced.
The best moveset for Pikachu depends on whether you use it for raids, gyms, or PvP. For raids, use Thunder Shock (Fast) with Discharge (Charged) for maximum DPS. This takes advantage of STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) which provides a 20% damage boost for matching-type moves.
For PvP (GO Battle League), energy generation and coverage matter more than raw DPS. Pikachu has 3 Fast Attacks and 5 Charged Attacks to choose from. Note that Pikachu has Elite TM moves that may outperform standard options in certain formats.
In Great League, Pikachu can be a viable pick. For Great League, lower Attack IVs (like 0/15/15) are preferred to maximize stat product under 1500 CP. The Electric typing provides useful matchups against Electric, Flying, Steel-type threats while being weak to Ground types.
In Master League, Pikachu faces tough competition from Pokémon with higher CP caps. It is better suited for capped leagues.
As a raid attacker, Pikachu's effectiveness depends on its typing and 112 Attack stat. It may not be the top raid choice but contributes in the right conditions. Best counters against Pikachu use Ground-type moves.
Pikachu can be found in the wild, hatched from Eggs, obtained through Research tasks, and during events. In Rainy weather, it receives a spawn boost. The buddy distance is 1km per candy — use Pinap Berries for double candy when catching.
Pikachu is part of a 3-stage evolution family:
Tip: For PvP, check IV spreads before evolving (low Attack, high Defense/Stamina). For raids, aim for 15/15/15 perfect IVs.
Shiny Pikachu is available! Use the Normal/Shiny toggle on this page to preview. The shiny rate is approximately 1 in 500. Shiny variants are cosmetic only — same stats and performance. Check our Shiny Checklist for all available shinies.
Pikachu gets a weather boost in Rainy weather, increasing wild spawn CP (up to Level 35) and raid catch CP to Level 25 (616 - 670 CP). The buddy distance is 1km per candy. Very efficient for candy farming.
Q: What is Pikachu's max CP?
A: 1,063 CP at Level 50, or 938 CP at Level 40.
Q: Is Pikachu good?
A: Limited competitive use, but viable for themed battles.
Q: Can Pikachu be shiny?
A: Yes! Shiny Pikachu is available.
Q: What is Pikachu weak to?
A: Ground-type moves.
Q: Best moveset?
A: Thunder Shock + Discharge for optimal DPS.
Updated September 2026. Data from Pokémon GO Live and Pokémon GO Wiki.