No Pokémon fan will deny just how popular Pikachu is across the franchise. But you don’t have to start with the beloved companion. Instead, you can go back to the beginning with Pichu and explore the entire evolutionary line. We’ll show you how to evolve Pichu into Pikachu in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, as well as Pikachu into Raichu. This way, you can have fun with all three variants of this cool Pokémon companion.
Evolve Pichu into Pikachu and Raichu in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
As you consider dabbling in the evolution line of the adorable Pichu, you must catch the baby first. Now, Pichu is a rare spawn. So, it is not an easy or quick process to capture one. You can check out the following areas for one:
- Casseroya Lake
- Tagtree Thicket
- East Province (Areas One, Two)
- North Province (Areas One, Two)
- South Province (Areas One, Two, Four)
- West Province (Area Three)
They typically hang out around trees, so check forest areas. Once you have Pichu in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, we can soon evolve them into Pikachu and Raichu.
With the baby Electric-type in your party, we’ll work on getting Pikachu. To do so, level up Pichu’s Friendship. There are a few ways to go about this. Set up Picnic Mode and wash Pichu. You can also use Pichu during “Let’s Go” mode so they can be out and about with you.
Once you evolve Pichu into Pikachu, it’s time to reach the final stage of Raichu.
Related:
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: How to Evolve Shroodle into Grafaiai
Although the bridge between Pichu and Pikachu is all about Friendship, reaching Raichu requires a specific item: Thunder Stone.
Without a Thunder Stone, you can only evolve Pichu into Pikachu in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet rather than reach the last stage of Raichu. So, if you don’t have one in your inventory, it’s time to set out in the world to discover one.
You can indeed find Thunder Stones in various places throughout Paldea. However, just head to any of the Delibird Present Shops for a more straightforward method. They sell the Thunder Stone you need for 3,000 PokéDollars.
Once you have it, simply give it to Pikachu to hold, and it will trigger an automatic evolution into the Electric/Psychic-type Raichu.
And with this guide, you can enjoy the adorable Pichu, the lovable Pikachu, and the cool Raichu in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. So, get out there and find your Pichu so you can get started.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is available on Nintendo Switch.