How to Evolve Pikachu Into Raichu – Every Pokémon Game
Quick Answer
To evolve Pikachu into Raichu, use a Thunder Stone on your Pikachu. This works at any level, in every mainline Pokémon game (Generations 1 through 9 and beyond). Simply open your bag, find the Thunder Stone under “Other Items,” and use it on Pikachu. The evolution is immediate and permanent. In Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, Pikachu will instead evolve into Alolan Raichu (Electric/Psychic-type) the only regional variant in the line.
Whether you just picked up a Pikachu in Viridian Forest or you’re deep in the Paldea region, one question always comes up: how do you evolve Pikachu into Raichu? This complete guide answers that for every single mainline Pokémon game ever made plus the exact Thunder Stone locations, the Alolan Raichu exception, and the best time to evolve.
The Basics: Thunder Stone Evolution Explained
Pikachu’s evolution into Raichu is one of the most iconic moments in all of Pokémon and also one of the most misunderstood. Unlike the majority of Pokémon that evolve simply by gaining levels, Pikachu does not evolve by leveling up. There is no “Pikachu evolution level.” Instead, Pikachu uses an evolutionary item called the Thunder Stone.
The Thunder Stone described in-game as “a peculiar stone with a thunderbolt pattern” has been in the franchise since Generation I (Pokémon Red and Blue, 1996). When used on a Pikachu, it instantly triggers evolution into Raichu. The process:
Step 1: Catch or Obtain a Pikachu
Pikachu can be found in different wild locations depending on your game. Check the game-specific section below for exact spots. You can also evolve a Pichu (raise friendship, then level up) to get Pikachu.
Step 2: Find a Thunder Stone
Thunder Stones are hidden in specific locations, purchased at shops, or found as overworld items. Each game has unique locations see the full breakdown in “Thunder Stone Locations in Every Pokémon Game” below.
Step 3: Use the Thunder Stone on Pikachu
Open your bag → navigate to “Other Items” (or “Items” in older games) → select Thunder Stone → choose Pikachu from your party. The evolution animation begins immediately. No level minimum required.
Key Fact
Pikachu can be evolved at any level. Because Thunder Stone evolution bypasses the normal level-up system, you could theoretically evolve a Level 1 Pikachu into Raichu the moment you obtain one. Whether you should is a different question see “When Is the Best Time to Evolve Pikachu into Raichu?” for timing advice.
Thunder Stone Locations in Every Pokémon Game
Here is the complete, game-by-game breakdown of where to find a Thunder Stone and how to evolve Pikachu into Raichu. Every mainline title is covered.
Generation I – Red, Blue & Yellow (1996–1998)
Generation I Pokémon Red & Blue
The first games to feature the Thunder Stone. Find one on the 4th floor of the Celadon Department Store (costs ₽2,100). Additional stones are hidden in the Power Plant as overworld items. Use it on any Pikachu to evolve into Raichu.
⚡ Celadon Dept. Store (4F) · Power Plant
Generation I · Special Case Pokémon Yellow
The starter Pikachu in Yellow famously refuses to evolve if you try to use a Thunder Stone on it, it will shake its head. However, any Pikachu obtained through trading can still be evolved normally. The starter is the only exception.
⚠️ Starter cannot evolve traded Pikachu can
Generation II – Gold, Silver & Crystal (1999–2001)
Generation II Pokémon Gold, Silver & Crystal
Thunder Stones can be found in the Goldenrod Department Store and the Lake of Rage area. You can also win one from the Pokémon Lottery Corner in Goldenrod City. Same process: use it on Pikachu → get Raichu.
⚡ Goldenrod Dept. Store · Lake of Rage
Generation III – Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed & LeafGreen (2002–2005)
Generation III Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen
Purchase a Thunder Stone from the Celadon Department Store (4F) for ₽2,100. Two more can be found in the Power Plant as hidden items, giving you up to three total. Pikachu spawns in Viridian Forest (5% rate) and the Power Plant (25% rate).
⚡ Celadon Dept. Store 4F · Power Plant (×2)
Generation III Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald
Pikachu can be found on the Safari Zone and Petalburg Woods. Thunder Stones are obtainable via Pokémon jump in the Safari Zone or by trading. Standard evolution process applies.
⚡ Safari Zone
Generation IV – Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver (2006–2010)
Generation IV Pokémon Diamond, Pearl & Platinum
Thunder Stones are found in Sunyshore City (hidden item on rocks), the Underground (mining), and the Pokémon Mansion. Pikachu can be found on Trophy Garden (post-National Pokédex).
⚡ Sunyshore City · The Underground
Generation IV Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver
Buy from the Goldenrod Department Store or find in Safari Zone. You can also receive one from the Pokéathlon Dome. Pikachu appears in Viridian Forest again.
⚡ Goldenrod Dept. Store · Pokéathlon Dome
Generation V – Black, White, Black 2 & White 2 (2010–2012)
Generation V Pokémon Black & White / Black 2 & White 2
Find Thunder Stones on Route 6 (hidden item), Chargestone Cave, and via the Dust Cloud mechanic in caves. In B2W2, the item can also be sold at an item maniac in Icirrus City for ₽3,000. Pikachu is available in the Pokémon World Tournament (via transfer).
⚡ Route 6 · Chargestone Cave · Dust Clouds
Generation VI – X, Y, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire (2013–2014)
Generation VI Pokémon X & Y
Purchase from the Lumiose City Stone Emporium or find in the overworld. Pikachu can be caught on Route 3 (horde battles). Note: Pikachu’s unique “Cosplay Pikachu” in ORAS cannot be evolved with a Thunder Stone.
⚡ Lumiose City · Route 3 (horde)
Generation VI Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Thunder Stones are available in the Safari Zone and via the Super Training bonus spin. Pikachu appears in Safari Zone and New Mauville.
⚡ Safari Zone · Super Training bonus
Generation VII – Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon (2016–2017)
Generation VII – Alolan Raichu Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
This generation introduces Alolan Raichu an Electric/Psychic-type. Any Pikachu evolved with a Thunder Stone in Alola will become Alolan Raichu (not the standard form). There is no way to get standard Raichu in these games natively without trading from another region. Thunder Stones are sold at Konikoni City’s shop for ₽3,000 and also found on Akala Island.
🌊 Konikoni City · Akala Island → Alolan Raichu only
Generation VII – Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee (2018)
Gen VII – Let’s Go Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee!
The Partner Pikachu (your starter) cannot evolve with a Thunder Stone it’s your travel companion. However, any wild Pikachu caught in Viridian Forest or the Power Plant can be evolved normally. Thunder Stones are purchasable at the Celadon Dept. Store.
⚡ Celadon Dept. Store · Viridian Forest wild Pikachu only
Generation VIII – Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (2019–2021)
Generation VIII Pokémon Sword & Shield
Wild Pikachu found on Route 4 and in the Stony Wilderness (Wild Area) can all be evolved into standard Raichu. Note: Pikachu received as a gift from a Let’s Go save file has the Gigantamax Factor and cannot be evolved. The Thunder Stone is hidden in the Lake of Outrage (Wild Area stone circle accessible after upgrading the Rotom Bike on Route 9).
⚡ Lake of Outrage (Wild Area stone circle)
Generation VIII Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Faithful remakes of Diamond and Pearl. Thunder Stones are found in Sunyshore City and via Grand Underground mining. Pikachu appears in Trophy Garden after obtaining the National Pokédex.
⚡ Sunyshore City · Grand Underground
Generation VIII – Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
Gen VIII – Hisui Pokémon Legends: Arceus
A unique open-world game set in the ancient Hisui region. Thunder Stones can be purchased for 1,000 Merit Points from the Trading Post in Jubilife Village earned by returning lost satchels from fainted players. Alternatively, find one in Deertrack Heights by breaking gem formations. Pikachu is found in Nature’s Pantry and Sandgem Flats.
⚡ Jubilife Village Trading Post (1,000 Merit Points)
Generation IX – Scarlet & Violet (2022)
Generation IX Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Finding Evolution Stones is easier than ever in Paldea. Thunder Stones are sold at Delibird Presents shops in major cities for ₽3,000. They can also be found as overworld Poké Ball items scattered across the map. Pikachu is a rare spawn found near Mesagoza and surrounding routes Pichu is found even earlier outside the city. Raichu itself is an incredibly rare wild spawn found in only one province, so evolving is the recommended approach.
⚡ Delibird Presents shops (major cities) · Overworld items
Generation IX – Pokémon Legends: Z-A (2025)
Gen IX – Lumiose Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Set in Lumiose City, this game has Pikachu available in Wild Zone 3 (southeastern quarter also a good shiny hunting spot). Purchase a Thunder Stone from the Stone Emporium on Vernal Avenue for ₽3,000. You can also find one as a Poké Ball item scattered around the city. To evolve: open Menu → Satchel → Other Items → Thunder Stone → select Pikachu (must be in active party). Note: Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y are available via the Mega Dimension DLC using Raichunite X or Y.
⚡ Stone Emporium, Vernal Avenue (₽3,000)
How to Get Alolan Raichu?
Introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016), Alolan Raichu is a regional variant of Raichu with a dual Electric/Psychic typing. It is the only regional form in the Pikachu evolution line, and it looks notably different: darker orange fur, rounded features, blue eyes, and a pancake-shaped tail it uses like a surfboard.
How to Get Alolan Raichu Electric/Psychic The Surfer Form
In Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon: use a Thunder Stone on any Pikachu (except special event Pikachu) while playing in the Alola region. Every Pikachu evolved in Alola becomes Alolan Raichu even if the Pikachu originally came from Kanto or another region. Standard Raichu cannot be obtained natively in these games without trading from an earlier game.
In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, you can obtain standard Raichu by evolving a Pikachu while in Ultra Space (accessible via Ultra Wormholes).
Alolan Raichu has the exclusive ability Surge Surfer, which doubles Speed in Electric Terrain and it is the only Pokémon capable of using the Z-Move Stoked Sparksurfer.
Alolan Raichu Tip
In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and Legends: Z-A, you can obtain Alolan Raichu by transferring it through Pokémon HOME from a Gen VII game. You cannot evolve a standard Pikachu into Alolan Raichu in those titles natively.
When Is the Best Time to Evolve Pikachu into Raichu?
Since the Thunder Stone can be used at any level, trainers always ask: when should I actually do it? The answer depends on what moves you want and your playstyle.
The Core Problem: Move Learning
Raichu learns far fewer moves by level-up than Pikachu. Once you evolve, you lose access to any move Pikachu would have learned at future levels. Crucially, you cannot undo the evolution. This is the most important factor in your timing decision.
Pro Tip: Wait for Thunderbolt
The universal recommendation: wait until Pikachu learns Thunderbolt before evolving. The exact level varies by game typically between Level 26 and Level 29 depending on the generation. After learning Thunderbolt (a high-damage Electric STAB move with 90 base power), evolving gives you Raichu’s boosted stats without sacrificing anything critical.
Move Timing by Situation
Casual Playthrough
Evolve After Thunderbolt
Wait for Pikachu to learn Thunderbolt (~Level 26–29 depending on your game). Then use the Thunder Stone. You get the stronger Raichu stat profile while keeping the move you need most.
Competitive / Alolan Raichu
Learn Nuzzle First (Level 29)
For Alolan Raichu builds in Gen VII, consider waiting until Level 29 to learn Nuzzle (paralysis utility) before evolving. Nasty Plot requires staying as Pichu until Level 13, then evolving to Pikachu and keeping it there.
Power Playthrough
Evolve Immediately + Use TMs
If you plan to use TMs to teach Thunderbolt anyway, feel free to evolve your Pikachu immediately. Raichu’s stat advantage is tangible from the start, and most modern games give TM access early enough to cover the gap.
Remember
In Pokémon Yellow, Let’s Go Pikachu!, and Sword & Shield (gift Pikachu), your starter or event Pikachu cannot be evolved at all. Only wild-caught Pikachu are eligible for Thunder Stone evolution in those games.
Pikachu vs. Raichu: Stats Comparison
Here’s why evolving is almost always worth it from a battle perspective. Raichu has significantly better offensive stats and overall bulk than Pikachu.
| Stat | Pikachu | Raichu | Alolan Raichu | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP | 35 | 60 | 60 | +25 |
| Attack | 55 | 90 | 85 | +35 / +30 |
| Defense | 40 | 55 | 50 | +15 / +10 |
| Sp. Attack | 50 | 90 | 95 | +40 / +45 |
| Sp. Defense | 50 | 80 | 85 | +30 / +35 |
| Speed | 90 | 110 | 110 | +20 |
| Total BST | 320 | 485 | 485 | +165 |
| Type | Electric | Electric | Electric/Psychic | – |
Raichu’s base stat total of 485 is a dramatic +165 jump over Pikachu’s 320. The biggest gains are in Sp. Attack, Attack, and Sp. Defense making Raichu a genuinely capable offensive Pokémon in the mid-game. Alolan Raichu trades 5 points of Attack for 5 extra Sp. Attack and Sp. Defense, leaning into a more special-focused role.
Special Cases: Pikachu That Cannot Evolve
Not every Pikachu can be evolved into Raichu. Here are the exceptions you need to know:
Cannot Evolve – Starter Pikachu (Pokémon Yellow)
The original “Ash’s Pikachu” tribute. If you try to use a Thunder Stone, it will shake its head. Trading the Pikachu to another game or using a traded Pikachu bypasses this.
Cannot Evolve – Partner Pikachu (Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu!)
Your starter companion in Let’s Go cannot be evolved with a Thunder Stone. Any other Pikachu caught in the wild can evolve normally.
Cannot Evolve – Cosplay Pikachu (ORAS)
The special costume-wearing Pikachu in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is permanently Pikachu-form and cannot be evolved.
Cannot Evolve – Cap Pikachu (Event)
Special event Pikachu wearing Ash Ketchum’s various hats from the anime cannot be evolved with a Thunder Stone in any game.
Cannot Evolve – Gigantamax Pikachu (Sword & Shield Gift)
The Pikachu received as a gift if you have a Let’s Go save file has the Gigantamax Factor, which prevents Thunder Stone evolution. A wild Pikachu from Route 4 or Stony Wilderness works fine.
How to Evolve Pikachu Into Raichu in Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO handles evolution differently from the mainline games. There is no Thunder Stone in the traditional sense instead, evolution uses Candy.
Pokémon GO Method
Collect 50 Pikachu Candy, then tap on your Pikachu → “Evolve.” This produces a standard Raichu. To get Alolan Raichu in Pokémon GO, you must evolve an Alolan Pikachu (obtained via special events or raid encounters) with 50 Candy. Note that Pokémon Sleep requires 80 Pikachu Candy plus a Thunder Stone to evolve Pikachu into Raichu in that title.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no level requirement. Pikachu does not evolve by leveling up. It evolves exclusively via the Thunder Stone item, which can be used at any level even Level 1. This has been true in every mainline Pokémon game since Generation I.
Not natively. In Sun and Moon, every Pikachu evolved with a Thunder Stone becomes Alolan Raichu (Electric/Psychic-type). To get a standard Raichu, you must trade one in from a non-Alola game. In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, you can evolve a Pikachu in Ultra Space to get the standard Kanto Raichu.
For most players, yes. Raichu’s base stat total is 165 points higher than Pikachu’s, with major gains in Attack, Sp. Attack, and Speed. The only reason to keep Pikachu unevolved is if you’re using a Light Ball (doubles Pikachu’s Sp. Attack in competitive), want the Pikachu look, or need certain level-up moves Raichu can’t learn.
No. Once Pikachu evolves into Raichu, the process is permanent and cannot be undone. If you want to keep a Pikachu, make sure to catch another one before using your Thunder Stone.
No. Raichu is the final evolution in the Pichu → Pikachu → Raichu line. There was a planned evolution called “Gorochu” discovered in prototype data for Red and Blue, but it was never officially released. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Raichu can Mega Evolve into Mega Raichu X or Mega Raichu Y via the Mega Dimension DLC but this is a temporary battle form, not a permanent evolution.
In modern games (Scarlet/Violet, Legends Z-A), Thunder Stones are available for purchase at shops for around ₽3,000 making them easy to obtain. In older games like Red/Blue and FireRed/LeafGreen, the Celadon Department Store (4F) is the most reliable source at ₽2,100.
Standard Raichu is pure Electric-type with 485 BST, brown/orange fur, and a lightning bolt tail. Alolan Raichu is Electric/Psychic-type with 485 BST, a rounder appearance, blue eyes, and a surfboard-shaped tail it uses psychokinetically. Alolan Raichu has slightly higher Sp. Attack (95 vs. 90) and Sp. Defense (85 vs. 80), but slightly lower Attack (85 vs. 90) and Defense (50 vs. 55). It also has the unique ability Surge Surfer and can use the Z-Move Stoked Sparksurfer.
No. All special event Pikachu wearing Ash’s various caps including the Original Cap, Hoenn Cap, Sinnoh Cap, Unova Cap, Kalos Cap, Alola Cap, Galar Cap, and World Cap variants cannot be evolved with a Thunder Stone in any game.
Summary: Evolving Pikachu Into Raichu
No matter which Pokémon game you’re playing from the original Red and Blue all the way to Legends: Z-A the answer to “how do you evolve Pikachu into Raichu?” is always the same: use a Thunder Stone. There is no level minimum. The evolution is immediate, permanent, and results in a dramatically stronger Pokémon with a +165 base stat total boost.
The only real decisions are when to evolve (wait for Thunderbolt at minimum), where to find the Thunder Stone (see the game-by-game guide above), and whether you want standard Raichu or the Electric/Psychic Alolan Raichu from Sun and Moon. Everything else is just clicking “Use” in your bag.
Now get out there, grab that Thunder Stone, and let your Pikachu reach its full potential.
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