Pikachu (ADV NU Analysis)

Disaster Area

formerly Piexplode
[OVERVIEW]
More powerful than Plusle or Minun, but slightly slower and much frailer, Pikachu makes its name in the tier as amongst the handful of viable Electric types, with great speed and power. Light Ball doubles its Special Attack, and Surf or Volt Tackle allow it to be uniquely threatening.

[SET]
name: Standard
move 1: Volt Tackle / Thunderbolt / Thunder
move 2: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
move 3: Surf / Encore / Substitute
move 4: Quick Attack / Encore / Substitute / Rain Dance
item: Light Ball
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
- Volt Tackle and Surf are incompatible, slightly hurting Pikachu's ability to go all-out. Thunderbolt is its primary STAB is Surf is chosen, although Thunder can be run instead, alongside Rain Dance.
- Hidden Power Ice/Grass are both options - Hidden Power Ice is probably better for hitting Grass types that stop it, although Bulky Bellossom stops it just as easily as Plusle, it can let it get past Tangela. Hidden Power Grass hits Whiscash very hard in particular, but it depends upon its spread as to whether it KOs or not, as well as the level of Spikes support.
- Encore and Substitute are both options available to Plusle and Minun, but are still effective in certain scenarios with Pikachu too, and are good if nothing else fits your fancy.
- Quick Attack hits Endure abusers, cutting short terrifying sweeps.
- Rain Dance boosts the power of Surf, and makes Thunder more accurate.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
- Timid is run since base 90 Speed is very good, although Modest still allows it to outspeed Max Speed Hitmonchan and Below, letting it terrorise defensive teams further.
- Max SpA and Spe since its bulk is horrible, but its power is great.
- Good partners generally include Pokemon that can come in on its main counters - generally, Grass types such as Roselia and Bellossom, as well as Minun and Whiscash. Murkrow in particular fearly nothing from Bellossom or Roselia (apart from Roselia's Stun Spore), and other powerful Pokemon such as Raticate and Pidgeot can cause problems also. A good ground resistance/immunity, such as Bellossom, Haunter, or Chimecho is mandatory to help with pokemon such as Whiscash, and Bell helps with Minun too, although its weather conflicts and isn't as aggressive as Pikachu, making it a less than ideal partner - Tangela in fact may be a better shout.
- Hugely appreciates Spikes support to help wear down opposing checks, making Cacturne in particular a good partner, or lead Glalie.

[Other Options]
- EndRev (Endure + Reversal) is a gimmicky option, as Pikachu's base Attack is only 55. Thunder Wave, Toxic, Light Screen, and Wish are probably all playable, but Minun or Plusle usually would do it better.

[Checks And Counters]
- Jolly Diglett destroys it if it comes in on an Electric-type attack
- Bellossom stops it pretty cold, even if it runs HP Ice, particularly if it's a Synthesis/Moonlight variant.
 
Last edited:
Metion something like CB Raticate/CB Pidgeto in partners to help terroize one of its better checks in Roselia imo. Also mention how Spike Support is a big help for Pikachu and especially with the help of encore and can help wear down teams to the extent that late game Pikachu can clean up. Thunderbolt/Surf/HP:Ice/Encore is probably the best set of moves to be honest, and I think Modest would be preferred if only to help it break walls better n.n
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top