Pichu
It is not yet skilled at storing electricity. It may send out a jolt if amused or startled.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
As Pichu's trusted Electric STAB option, Thunderbolt benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Electric types.
Thunder is the STAB anchor of this set. The Electric-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Pichu's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Electric weaknesses.
Thunder Punch is the STAB anchor of this set. The Electric-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Pichu's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Electric weaknesses.
Shock Wave rounds out the moveset with Normal-type coverage. Use this move when Pichu's STAB attacks would be resisted, as it can hit targets that would otherwise wall Pichu's primary attacks.
Strengths
- ▸Pichu's dual Electric STAB coverage from Thunderbolt and Thunder means it can hit a wide range of opponents for super-effective damage
- ▸Pichu takes reduced damage from Electric, Flying, Steel moves, giving it valuable switch-in opportunities
- ▸The combination of typing and stats gives Pichu a unique niche in team composition
Weaknesses
- ▸The Electric typing leaves Pichu exposed to Ground moves, which opponents will target
- ▸An below-average defense (15) means Pichu is vulnerable when facing attacks targeting this stat
- ▸Pichu's low speed of 60 means it needs Trick Room or priority support to function offensively
- ▸A base stat total of 205 puts Pichu at a statistical disadvantage against most competitive Pokemon
Pro Tips
Invest VP in Attack and Speed to maximize Pichu's physical damage output. Consider Expert Belt if Pichu runs diverse coverage moves for super-effective hits. Use Pichu's resistances to Electric, Flying to find safe entry points. Pichu works best as a support or niche pick rather than a primary win condition.
Competitive Role
Pichu fills the balanced utility Pokemon role within the competitive landscape. With a 205 base stat total led by its speed of 60, Pichu relies on strategic play to overcome its stat limitations. Its Electric typing creates vulnerabilities to Ground types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Electric, Flying, Steel provide switch-in opportunities. When used correctly, Pichu can surprise opponents in specific matchups.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Statistically, Pichu features 205 total base stats with speed (60) as its defining attribute and defense (15) as its weakest point. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Thunderbolt, Thunder) with coverage moves (Shock Wave), giving Pichu answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Ground mean Pichu must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Electric, Flying, Steel provide safe switch-in opportunities. At Tier C, Pichu is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. For optimal performance, build Pichu with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Ground-type opponents: Pichu is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Pichu in against Ground types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Ground. If forced to fight, use Thunderbolt and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Electric-type opponents: Pichu has the advantage here. Its Electric typing reduces incoming Electric damage, allowing Pichu to tank hits and retaliate with Thunderbolt. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Pichu's 60 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Ground-type opponents: Pichu has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Electric moves deal super-effective damage to Ground types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Pichu when you expect Ground types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
Pichu excels when brought into battle at the right moment.
As a supportive role player, it needs proper setup to shine.
In the early game, use Pichu to apply pressure with Thunderbolt and Thunder, forcing the opponent to react.
Be wary of Ground types on the opponent's team—they will try to exploit Pichu's typing weakness.
The goal is to chip away at the opponent's team while preserving Pichu for crucial late-game moments.
During the mid-game, Pichu's role shifts to maintaining pressure while conserving HP.
Switch Pichu out when facing its weakness to Ground, and bring it back in when the opponent fields something Pichu can handle.
Use Thunder Punch as coverage to punish predicted switches.
The key to mid-game success with Pichu is prediction—anticipate what the opponent will do and respond accordingly.
By the endgame, Pichu should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 205 total stats, it's best deployed to weaken the last opponent Pokemon for a teammate to finish.
Use Thunderbolt to chip damage, then switch to your win condition.
The tier C rating indicates Pichu needs team support to succeed.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸A Grass-type teammate covers Pichu's Ground weakness, creating a solid defensive core
- ▸Pair Pichu with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
- ▸Pair Pichu with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Opponents with Ground coverage moves should target Pichu immediately for a guaranteed KO
- ▸Any Pokemon with base Speed above 70 will outspeed and KO Pichu before it can respond
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Pichu's low Defense (15) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Special attackers target Pichu's weak Special Defense (35) for guaranteed damage
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Pichu with a Grass-type Pokemon that can switch into Ground attacks. This defensive core covers Pichu's primary weakness while Pichu handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Pichu alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Pichu's defensive typing. Switch Pichu in to absorb hits with its Electric, Flying resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Weather Team: If building a weather team, Pichu's Electric typing provides neutral coverage regardless of weather. Add a weather setter and Pokemon that benefit from the same conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Pichu good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Pichu is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 205 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Pichu can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Pichu?
A:Pichu benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Pichu has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Pichu?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Pichu, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Pichu to outspeed specific threats. Since Pichu's Attack (40) exceeds its Special Attack (35), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Pichu?
A:Pichu's biggest counters are Ground-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Pichu before it acts, especially given its 60 Speed. To beat Pichu, use Ground STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.