Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: How to Get Pikachu and Raichu

Here’s how players can find Pikachu and evolve it into Raichu in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

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As all trainers know, Pikachu is the mascot of the Pokemon franchise. This adorable yellow mouse may not have outstanding Stats, but it’s something players may want if they’re looking for an Electric-type to add to their Party. Luckily, the Pikachu-line returns in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

Returning fans from Diamond and Pearl may remember Pikachu’s habitat in the Sinnoh region. New players stepping into Sinnoh for the first time via Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl may be less sure. If they want Pikachu and have plans to evolve it into Raichu, then there’s one place they must visit on their journey.

Updated on February 17, 2022 by Renri Seong: Pikachu is one of the few Electric-type Pokemon players can get in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl before the postgame. Recognized as the Pokemon mascot, Pikachu’s in-game stats may not reflect Ash’s Pikachu in the anime, but it’s a good Electric-type to have for the beginning of the game. If players decide to keep their Pikachu on the team, they can get a Thunderstone and evolve it into Raichu. The following guide has been updated to include another way to get Thunderstones as well as give more information about Raichu’s stats and strengths.

Finding Pikachu

Pikachu can be found when players have made a bit of progress in their journey. By the time Pikachu becomes “available,” players should have both the Coal Badge and Forest Badge. In addition, they need to have entered Hearthome City. The gym in Hearthome will be unavailable until the player has received the Cobble Badge and Fen Badge, but luckily trainers don’t need these badges to get the electric mouse Pokemon.

To get Pikachu, start by taking the southernmost exit of Hearthome City. This should lead onto Route 212. Travel further down the route and there will be a building to the right. This is the Pokemon Mansion, and behind this very mansion is the Trophy Garden. Head on in and go straight into the garden.

Pikachu is a Random Encounter at the Trophy Garden and can be caught here. Fortunately, Pikachu isn’t too rare of a Pokemon and it should be around level 18. Use a Quick Ball at the start of battle or try to catch it the old-fashioned way.

As of Pokemon X and Pokemon Y, Electric-type Pokemon can no longer be Paralyzed. Thus, avoid using moves like Stun Spore or Thunder Wave. Instead, try putting Pikachu to sleep with Sleep Powder or Hypnosis. From there, whittle down its health, but as always, avoid knocking it out. Since Pikachu has a 20% Catch Rate, bring Great Balls or Ultra Balls instead of Poke Balls.

Sometimes, a Wild Pikachu may be carrying a Light Ball. This is a special Item that doubles Pikachu’s Attack and Special Attack. Also, by breeding a Pikachu that is carrying a Light Ball, it will pass on the move Volt Tackle to Pichu.

Evolving Pikachu

Pikachu can’t evolve into Raichu by leveling up. Instead, trainers need to give it a Thunderstone.

Unfortunately, the surefire ways to get a Thunderstone won’t be available until much later in the game. The earliest method of obtaining a Thunderstone is to grab the one in Sunyshore City. This city won’t be available until after Sunyshore’s “blackout” is over. Meaning players will have been through the events of Spear Pillar before they have even set foot into Sunyshore City.

To get the Thunderstone, head up the glass bridge/walkway near the wooden sign at the entrance of Sunyshore City. Walk right, up, and then all the way right to where a Sailor is standing. Take the stairs down and there should be a Poke Ball item by a boulder near the water. Inside is a Thunderstone. Use this on Pikachu and it will evolve into Raichu.

The other way to get more Thunderstones is by going into the Grand Underground and mining. Unfortunately, Thunderstones aren’t guaranteed when mining, so players will need to rely on their luck.

More Information About Raichu

Some trainers may want to keep Pikachu, but if they’re going to use it on their team, then it’s highly recommended that they evolve it into Raichu. If players don’t want to waste their time in the Grand Underground, then chances are they’re going to have Pikachu for a good chunk of the game. This is because of the Thunderstone in Sunyshore City, BDSP’s only surefire way of getting Pikachu’s evolution method.

While Raichu’s base stat total of 485 may not be too high for some players, it is a fast Pokemon which means it has a higher chance of moving first in battle. Raichu’s base stat spread is as follows:

As an Electric-type Pokemon, Raichu has the following type effectiveness:

Raichu’s base stat spread has it favoring Speed and Special Attack as its best stats. This means an ideal Nature for Raichu could be Modest (+Sp.Attk, -Attk) or Timid (+Spd, -Attk). Natures that lower its Special Attack or Speed should be avoided. It should be noted that while Raichu does have a mix of Physical and Special Moves in its learnset, it’s better to make a build for Raichu that has more Special moves than Physical moves.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are available now on Nintendo Switch.

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