Pokemon Scarlet and Violet carry the tradition of including Pikachu in their games, regardless of the region. Pikachu is essentially the mascot of the Pokemon franchise, so it is a familiar face for anyone who plays the games or watches the animated series. It has even inspired countless other Electric-type mice Pokemon, including one in the Paldea region, Pawmi. Pikachu is known for its adorable appearance, its speed, and electrifying moves, so it is no surprise that it is sought after by Pokemon fans.

Nevertheless, finding it in Paldea can be challenging because it and its full evolution line are rare spawns. Pikachu's evolution line includes its pre-evolution, Pichu, and its final evolution, Raichu. Raichu is a standout Pokemon with more offensive prowess than its predecessor, but getting one is more complex than leveling up Pikachu. Here's how to get Pikachu and evolve it into Raichu in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

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How to Get Pikachu

Players have two options when it comes to getting a Pikachu. They can go to its territories and look for one that randomly spawns, or they can find a Pichu and evolve it into Pikachu. While Pichu is also a rare spawn, it is located near the first areas that players get to explore. It can be found outside Mesagoza, the central city in the game and home of the Academy. Pikachu also spawns in the same areas as Pichu, but at a lower rate.

Pichu will only evolve after its friendship level reaches a high enough point. Keeping it a part of the main party, healing it, and interacting with it outside its ball will increase friendship. So, in theory, Pichu could evolve into Pikachu at any level, as long as friendship is high enough.

Overall, the best way to get either Pichu or Pikachu is to walk around and keep searching until one appears. Ensure not to KO them after engaging in a battle; otherwise, the hunt will have to start again. Here are the areas Pikachu or Pichu can be found:

• West Province (Area Three)
• South Province (Area Two)
• East Province (Area One)

Players who buy the game before Feb. 23, 2023, will have the opportunity to receive a special Tera Pikachu as a Mystery Gift VIA the online Poke Portal.

How to Evolve Pikachu Into Raichu

Raichu is an incredibly rare spawn in Paldea and only seems to be found in one province, so the best bet for players to get one is to evolve their Pikachu. However, Pikachu has never been able to evolve into Raichu without a particular item. This is still the case in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Pikachu can only evolve with a Thunder Stone, the Evolution Stone engraved with a thunderbolt. Fortunately, finding Evolution stones is easier than ever in Paldea. Most of them can be found randomly just by picking up items off the ground.

Another option is to visit Delibird Present shops in the major cities and buy one. They are a bit pricey, sitting at $3000, but farming money is fast work as players win trainer battles. Pikachu can use the Thunder Stone to evolve at any level, but players may want to hold off to give Pikachu a chance to learn certain moves before transforming. Whenever ready, the Thunder Stone can be found in the trainer bag under Other Items. Put Pikachu in the main party, select the Thunder Stone, and use it on Pikachu.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available for the Nintendo Switch.