Using Pikachu was quite a fun experience, as was writing this analysis. The rat needs more love.
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STATUS: Complete, ready to be uploaded I guess
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/pikachu
[SET]
name: Encore
move 1: Encore
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot
item: Light Ball
ability: Static
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Pikachu may seem useless at first glance, with big brother Raichu outclassing it in every single stat. However, due to its unique hold item, Light Ball, both its offensive stats are doubled, making the Pokemon mascot a force to be reckoned with.</p>
<p>This set is one of Pikachu's best options to set up a sweep, either for itself or a teammate. The idea is to Encore a harmless move, such as a Clefable's Softboiled, and set up a Substitute. Then you can pound the opponent with either a STAB Thunderbolt or Hidden Power Ice. </p>
<p>Substitute is a must on all of Pikachu's sets. The protection it offers from revenge killing is often the difference between life and death for the little yellow rodent. Thunderbolt provides you with a strong STAB attack and can severely dent most Pokemon not resistant or immune to it. Hidden Power Ice provides the best neutral coverage alongside Thunderbolt and hits Grass- and Ground-types super-effectively. Alternatively, Grass Knot can be used to get the guaranteed 2HKO on max HP / 136 SpD Steelix and most Regirock (outside of a sandstorm), assuming Stealth Rock is in play.</p>
<p>Pikachu can be very annoying for your opponent, but getting it in is quite hard, given its pathetic defenses. It therefore takes some prediction to switch it in. A less risky way is to utilize the moves U-turn and Baton Pass to get Pikachu in. Once Pikachu is in, let the fun begin!</p>
<p>Pikachu appreciates entry hazards support, especially Spikes, since Encore causes switches and most of its counters are grounded. If you Encore a move like Earthquake or Earth Power(from behind the Substitute), you can give another teammate a free switch in. For example, Honchkrow gets a free switch-in on Encored Ground-typed attacks and can Pursuit the opponent as it switches out. Its Pursuit also easily weakens Chansey and Clefable to the point where they will be too weak to face Pikachu again. This strategy is even more effective in OU, since the common Earthquake users are faster than Pikachu, ensuring that Earthquake is encored. This works not only with Earthquake, but quite a few moves depending on your set-up sweeper.</p>
<p>Sweepers like Calm Mind Mismagius, SubCharge Rotom, or Swords Dance Scyther will love the free turns that Encore provides. In fact, any set-up sweeper loves free turns, so they make excellent teammates for Pikachu.</p>
<p>Steelix and specially defensive Regirock wall this set if you go with Hidden Power Ice in the fourth slot. If you go with Grass Knot, then Grass types like Roserade and Venusaur wall the set. A Pokemon to deal with these threats is required, such as Registeel (watch out for Sleep Powder), Regice, or any defensive Pokemon, such as Uxie. Uxie has the benefit of handling pokemon like Swords Dance Leafeon as well. Make sure you watch out for Sleep Powder.</p>
[SET]
name: Special Sweeper
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Grass Knot
item: Light Ball
ability: Static
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Pikachu's Special Attack reaches very high levels, so an all-out sweeper set is viable. This set focuses more on type coverage than causing switches, and gets good coverage on most threats in UU and NU alike. Thunderbolt will be your main sweeping move, with Hidden Power and Grass Knot used for coverage on Grass-, Rock-, and Ground-types. Substitute is vital to provide Pikachu with a safety blanket from priority attacks, attacks in general, and Dugtrio, and you should attempt to keep a Substitute up while sweeping.</p>
<p>Pikachu is still incredibly hard to switch in, so utilizing U-turn is a good strategy. Or, you could go the ballsy way and use your prediction skills to bring Pikachu in. One is safe, but the other is much more fun to pull off. </p>
<p>Chansey and Clefable can easily cut Pikachu's sweep short, so pairing Pikachu with a strong Pursuit user such as Honckrow or Absol is recommended. Using a Pokemon like Blaziken and the aforementioned Pursuit users can also ensure that Chansey thinks twice before switching into Pikachu, lest Blaziken double switch into it. Lanturn also causes problems for this set since it is immune to Thunderbolt, resists Hidden Power Ice, and is only hit by Grass Knot for 40 BP. Pursuiting it can work; however, Lanturn can simply stay in and KO your Pursuit user with STAB Thunderbolt. Dugtrio works well here, trapping and KOing Lanturn with STAB Earthquake. In fact, Dugtrio can even be used to take care of Chansey and Clefable, and is definitely worth considering for a team slot. Registeel, another counter to Pikachu, is also dispatched by all the mentioned teammates.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Mascot
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Focus Punch
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot
item: Light Ball
ability: Static
nature: Hasty
evs: 76 Atk / 180 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Since Light Ball doubles both Pikachu's offensive stats, a mixed set is viable.</p>
<p>Thunderbolt is your main attacking move, however, you can choose to run Volt Tackle instead. However, it is generally an inferior option, as the recoil will shorten Pikachu's already meager life span. Substitute is vital on Pikachu, and coincidentally has great synergy with Focus Punch. Focus Punch is powerful enough to KO Chansey with Stealth Rock in play, and deals a hefty 58 - 69% to the standard Registeel. Since Registeel has no reliable recovery, it won't be in a position to wall anything after taking a Focus Punch to the face, especially if it has already taken prior damage.</p>
<p>If for some reason you don't want to take a chance with Focus Punch, then Brick Break is an alternative move. However, it's quite weak, and Focus Punch is generally the superior option, since you should have a Substitute up anyway. And hey - you're gutsy enough to be using Pikachu in the first place, so Focus Punch should be a piece of cake to pull off. Hidden Power Ice is for coverage against Grass-types. Alternatively, Grass Knot can be used to finish off Regirock after it is hit by Focus Punch and get a 2HKO on Steelix, who, due to his gigantic Defense, is not 2HKOed by Focus Punch.</p>
<p>The EVs on this set guarantee the OHKO on Chansey with Focus Punch if Stealth Rock is up, and a minimum of 74% to max HP/ 152 Def Bold Clefable. Speed is maxed out, and the rest is put into Special Attack for obvious reasons. If you decide to go with Brick Break, then a spread of 152 Atk / 104 SpA / 252 Spe with a Hasty Nature is recommended to get a guaranteed 2HKO on Chansey, taking into account Leftovers recovery.</p>
<p>As with every other set, Pikachu appreciates entry hazard support, especially Spikes. When combined with Focus Punch and STAB Thunderbolt, its switch-ins will be taking large amounts of damage each time they enter the field.</p>
<p>Since this Pikachu set does very well against Chansey, Clefable, and Lanturn due to Focus Punch, Pursuit support is not required. Pikachu's best teammates in this case are those that can take advantage of a weakened or eliminated Chansey and Registeel. Special sweepers like Moltres and Espeon come to mind. If you are not using Grass Knot, then a powerful wall breaker to remove Steelix is appreciated, such as Blaziken or Magmortar.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Pikachu can use Nasty Plot, but the reason there is no Nasty Plot set is that Pikachu is just like Deoxys-A in Ubers - it doesn't have time to set up and attack. Any free turns are better used setting up a Substitute and attacking straight away.</p>
<p>Pikachu can use Surf, and with the 20th Anniversary Nintendo Power event that was held back on Sept. 13, 2008, we are no longer limited to legitimate crappy Hardy natured Surfing Pikachu from Pokémon Battle Revolution. However, its only real use is to hit Camerupt harder, since Steelix is 2HKOed by Grass Knot anyway. </p>
[EVs]
<p>Pikachu is really easy to EV - just go max Speed and max Special Attack on the special attacking sets, and use the EVs given if you're using the mixed set. There's no point investing in those garbage defenses.</p>
<p>Do not, under any circumstances, be tempted to use Modest for the extra power. It sounds nice in theory, but the fact is that Pikachu needs every bit of speed it can get, since it can't take a hit at all.</p>
<p>Be careful not to put the last 4 EVs in HP. This causes Pikachu to have 212 HP, which means that it can only use Substitute 3 times. Always ensure that Pikachu has an odd-numbered HP; this also rounds down Spikes and Stealth Rock damage (as if it makes a difference with those defenses).</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Pikachu absolutely loves entry hazards, since it causes quite a few switches. As such, Roserade and Omastar are good users of Spikes, while Stealth Rock is available on quite a few Pokemon such as Registeel, Steelix, or Regirock.</p>
<p>Set-up sweepers that can take advantage of Encored moves are good teammates for Pikachu. Such sweepers include, but are not limited to, Swords Dance Scyther, Calm Mind Mismagius, and Dragon Dance Altaria.</p>
<p>Pikachu is incredibly hard to switch in, so utilizing U-turn or Baton Pass is a good strategy. Good users of U-turn include Uxie, Scyther, and Moltres. Moltres is particularly effective, seeing as it lures in bulky Water-types. Lopunny is another good candidate as it can Encore an opponent's attack, and then Baton Pass a Substitute to Pikachu, along with an Agility.</p>
<p>Steelix is generally a pain for Pikachu if it does not carry Grass Knot. Thus, Pokemon like Houndoom, Blaziken, and Magmortar are good teammates for eliminating Steelix. And, oh happy coincidence, they also beat Chansey and Clefable as well. Pursuit users such as Honchkrow and Absol also work well to remove Chansey from the picture. Dugtrio is another option due to his ability to trap and eliminate Lanturn with Earthquake.</p>
<p>Pikachu also appreciates Paralysis support. Slowing down the opponent's team is extremely beneficial for Pikachu, since it can now outrun many foes that it would not otherwise be able to.</p>
[Opinion]
<p>Pikachu packs a serious punch. Beware, however, that using Pikachu is not for the faint of heart. But if you are a battler with serious balls, or if you're just plain stupid, then Pikachu is the rat for you. Yes, it's difficult to get in without some prediction. No, it can't take a hit. But a Pikachu sweep, should it happen, is truly satisfying - both for your ego and for imagining the look on the face of your opponent who laughed at you for using Pikachu.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Chansey, Clefable, Lanturn, and Registeel all solidly counter special versions of Pikachu. However, they all risk taking a Focus Punch to the face if they come up against the mixed variant. Chansey and Clefable also risk being hit by Volt Tackle, although Pikachu itself will be KOed by the recoil damage it takes from obliterating Chansey's 641+ HP.</p>
<p>Anything that has over 90 base Speed or priority is a counter to Pikachu, as it isn't taking any hit short of a Caterpie Tackle and Seismic Toss. One hit is all that it takes for the rat to go down.</p>
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Critique away!
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STATUS: Complete, ready to be uploaded I guess
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/pikachu
[SET]
name: Encore
move 1: Encore
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot
item: Light Ball
ability: Static
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Pikachu may seem useless at first glance, with big brother Raichu outclassing it in every single stat. However, due to its unique hold item, Light Ball, both its offensive stats are doubled, making the Pokemon mascot a force to be reckoned with.</p>
<p>This set is one of Pikachu's best options to set up a sweep, either for itself or a teammate. The idea is to Encore a harmless move, such as a Clefable's Softboiled, and set up a Substitute. Then you can pound the opponent with either a STAB Thunderbolt or Hidden Power Ice. </p>
<p>Substitute is a must on all of Pikachu's sets. The protection it offers from revenge killing is often the difference between life and death for the little yellow rodent. Thunderbolt provides you with a strong STAB attack and can severely dent most Pokemon not resistant or immune to it. Hidden Power Ice provides the best neutral coverage alongside Thunderbolt and hits Grass- and Ground-types super-effectively. Alternatively, Grass Knot can be used to get the guaranteed 2HKO on max HP / 136 SpD Steelix and most Regirock (outside of a sandstorm), assuming Stealth Rock is in play.</p>
<p>Pikachu can be very annoying for your opponent, but getting it in is quite hard, given its pathetic defenses. It therefore takes some prediction to switch it in. A less risky way is to utilize the moves U-turn and Baton Pass to get Pikachu in. Once Pikachu is in, let the fun begin!</p>
<p>Pikachu appreciates entry hazards support, especially Spikes, since Encore causes switches and most of its counters are grounded. If you Encore a move like Earthquake or Earth Power(from behind the Substitute), you can give another teammate a free switch in. For example, Honchkrow gets a free switch-in on Encored Ground-typed attacks and can Pursuit the opponent as it switches out. Its Pursuit also easily weakens Chansey and Clefable to the point where they will be too weak to face Pikachu again. This strategy is even more effective in OU, since the common Earthquake users are faster than Pikachu, ensuring that Earthquake is encored. This works not only with Earthquake, but quite a few moves depending on your set-up sweeper.</p>
<p>Sweepers like Calm Mind Mismagius, SubCharge Rotom, or Swords Dance Scyther will love the free turns that Encore provides. In fact, any set-up sweeper loves free turns, so they make excellent teammates for Pikachu.</p>
<p>Steelix and specially defensive Regirock wall this set if you go with Hidden Power Ice in the fourth slot. If you go with Grass Knot, then Grass types like Roserade and Venusaur wall the set. A Pokemon to deal with these threats is required, such as Registeel (watch out for Sleep Powder), Regice, or any defensive Pokemon, such as Uxie. Uxie has the benefit of handling pokemon like Swords Dance Leafeon as well. Make sure you watch out for Sleep Powder.</p>
[SET]
name: Special Sweeper
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Grass Knot
item: Light Ball
ability: Static
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Pikachu's Special Attack reaches very high levels, so an all-out sweeper set is viable. This set focuses more on type coverage than causing switches, and gets good coverage on most threats in UU and NU alike. Thunderbolt will be your main sweeping move, with Hidden Power and Grass Knot used for coverage on Grass-, Rock-, and Ground-types. Substitute is vital to provide Pikachu with a safety blanket from priority attacks, attacks in general, and Dugtrio, and you should attempt to keep a Substitute up while sweeping.</p>
<p>Pikachu is still incredibly hard to switch in, so utilizing U-turn is a good strategy. Or, you could go the ballsy way and use your prediction skills to bring Pikachu in. One is safe, but the other is much more fun to pull off. </p>
<p>Chansey and Clefable can easily cut Pikachu's sweep short, so pairing Pikachu with a strong Pursuit user such as Honckrow or Absol is recommended. Using a Pokemon like Blaziken and the aforementioned Pursuit users can also ensure that Chansey thinks twice before switching into Pikachu, lest Blaziken double switch into it. Lanturn also causes problems for this set since it is immune to Thunderbolt, resists Hidden Power Ice, and is only hit by Grass Knot for 40 BP. Pursuiting it can work; however, Lanturn can simply stay in and KO your Pursuit user with STAB Thunderbolt. Dugtrio works well here, trapping and KOing Lanturn with STAB Earthquake. In fact, Dugtrio can even be used to take care of Chansey and Clefable, and is definitely worth considering for a team slot. Registeel, another counter to Pikachu, is also dispatched by all the mentioned teammates.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Mascot
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Focus Punch
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot
item: Light Ball
ability: Static
nature: Hasty
evs: 76 Atk / 180 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Since Light Ball doubles both Pikachu's offensive stats, a mixed set is viable.</p>
<p>Thunderbolt is your main attacking move, however, you can choose to run Volt Tackle instead. However, it is generally an inferior option, as the recoil will shorten Pikachu's already meager life span. Substitute is vital on Pikachu, and coincidentally has great synergy with Focus Punch. Focus Punch is powerful enough to KO Chansey with Stealth Rock in play, and deals a hefty 58 - 69% to the standard Registeel. Since Registeel has no reliable recovery, it won't be in a position to wall anything after taking a Focus Punch to the face, especially if it has already taken prior damage.</p>
<p>If for some reason you don't want to take a chance with Focus Punch, then Brick Break is an alternative move. However, it's quite weak, and Focus Punch is generally the superior option, since you should have a Substitute up anyway. And hey - you're gutsy enough to be using Pikachu in the first place, so Focus Punch should be a piece of cake to pull off. Hidden Power Ice is for coverage against Grass-types. Alternatively, Grass Knot can be used to finish off Regirock after it is hit by Focus Punch and get a 2HKO on Steelix, who, due to his gigantic Defense, is not 2HKOed by Focus Punch.</p>
<p>The EVs on this set guarantee the OHKO on Chansey with Focus Punch if Stealth Rock is up, and a minimum of 74% to max HP/ 152 Def Bold Clefable. Speed is maxed out, and the rest is put into Special Attack for obvious reasons. If you decide to go with Brick Break, then a spread of 152 Atk / 104 SpA / 252 Spe with a Hasty Nature is recommended to get a guaranteed 2HKO on Chansey, taking into account Leftovers recovery.</p>
<p>As with every other set, Pikachu appreciates entry hazard support, especially Spikes. When combined with Focus Punch and STAB Thunderbolt, its switch-ins will be taking large amounts of damage each time they enter the field.</p>
<p>Since this Pikachu set does very well against Chansey, Clefable, and Lanturn due to Focus Punch, Pursuit support is not required. Pikachu's best teammates in this case are those that can take advantage of a weakened or eliminated Chansey and Registeel. Special sweepers like Moltres and Espeon come to mind. If you are not using Grass Knot, then a powerful wall breaker to remove Steelix is appreciated, such as Blaziken or Magmortar.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Pikachu can use Nasty Plot, but the reason there is no Nasty Plot set is that Pikachu is just like Deoxys-A in Ubers - it doesn't have time to set up and attack. Any free turns are better used setting up a Substitute and attacking straight away.</p>
<p>Pikachu can use Surf, and with the 20th Anniversary Nintendo Power event that was held back on Sept. 13, 2008, we are no longer limited to legitimate crappy Hardy natured Surfing Pikachu from Pokémon Battle Revolution. However, its only real use is to hit Camerupt harder, since Steelix is 2HKOed by Grass Knot anyway. </p>
[EVs]
<p>Pikachu is really easy to EV - just go max Speed and max Special Attack on the special attacking sets, and use the EVs given if you're using the mixed set. There's no point investing in those garbage defenses.</p>
<p>Do not, under any circumstances, be tempted to use Modest for the extra power. It sounds nice in theory, but the fact is that Pikachu needs every bit of speed it can get, since it can't take a hit at all.</p>
<p>Be careful not to put the last 4 EVs in HP. This causes Pikachu to have 212 HP, which means that it can only use Substitute 3 times. Always ensure that Pikachu has an odd-numbered HP; this also rounds down Spikes and Stealth Rock damage (as if it makes a difference with those defenses).</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Pikachu absolutely loves entry hazards, since it causes quite a few switches. As such, Roserade and Omastar are good users of Spikes, while Stealth Rock is available on quite a few Pokemon such as Registeel, Steelix, or Regirock.</p>
<p>Set-up sweepers that can take advantage of Encored moves are good teammates for Pikachu. Such sweepers include, but are not limited to, Swords Dance Scyther, Calm Mind Mismagius, and Dragon Dance Altaria.</p>
<p>Pikachu is incredibly hard to switch in, so utilizing U-turn or Baton Pass is a good strategy. Good users of U-turn include Uxie, Scyther, and Moltres. Moltres is particularly effective, seeing as it lures in bulky Water-types. Lopunny is another good candidate as it can Encore an opponent's attack, and then Baton Pass a Substitute to Pikachu, along with an Agility.</p>
<p>Steelix is generally a pain for Pikachu if it does not carry Grass Knot. Thus, Pokemon like Houndoom, Blaziken, and Magmortar are good teammates for eliminating Steelix. And, oh happy coincidence, they also beat Chansey and Clefable as well. Pursuit users such as Honchkrow and Absol also work well to remove Chansey from the picture. Dugtrio is another option due to his ability to trap and eliminate Lanturn with Earthquake.</p>
<p>Pikachu also appreciates Paralysis support. Slowing down the opponent's team is extremely beneficial for Pikachu, since it can now outrun many foes that it would not otherwise be able to.</p>
[Opinion]
<p>Pikachu packs a serious punch. Beware, however, that using Pikachu is not for the faint of heart. But if you are a battler with serious balls, or if you're just plain stupid, then Pikachu is the rat for you. Yes, it's difficult to get in without some prediction. No, it can't take a hit. But a Pikachu sweep, should it happen, is truly satisfying - both for your ego and for imagining the look on the face of your opponent who laughed at you for using Pikachu.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Chansey, Clefable, Lanturn, and Registeel all solidly counter special versions of Pikachu. However, they all risk taking a Focus Punch to the face if they come up against the mixed variant. Chansey and Clefable also risk being hit by Volt Tackle, although Pikachu itself will be KOed by the recoil damage it takes from obliterating Chansey's 641+ HP.</p>
<p>Anything that has over 90 base Speed or priority is a counter to Pikachu, as it isn't taking any hit short of a Caterpie Tackle and Seismic Toss. One hit is all that it takes for the rat to go down.</p>
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Critique away!
