How to Get Pikachu & Raichu in Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen

Pikachu can be found very early on in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, but due to its extremely low encounter rate, it is easy to miss the electric mouse Pokemon during a playthrough. Additionally, unlike Pokemon that evolve through level-up, Pikachu evolves using an item.

This guide covers the exact location where players can find Pikachu in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, as well as where to find the evolution stone to evolve Pikachu into Raichu. Here’s the breakdown.

How to Get Pikachu in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen

Pikachu Location

Pikachu can be found in the following locations in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen:

• Viridian Forest
• Power Plant

Viridian Forest

Viridian Forest can be found north of Viridian City, and will become accessible after you deliver Oak’s Parcel from the Viridian City Mart to the Professor in Pallet Town. In the Viridian Forest, Pikachu has an encounter rate of 5% and appears at level 3-5.

Power Plant

The Power Plant is located south of the Rock Tunnel entrance on Route 10, and can only be accessed using HM03 Surf. From the Route 10 Pokecenter, head north until you find the white fence. Cross the fence and use Surf on the river. Follow the river’s path, and you’ll find yourself in front of the Power Plant’s entrance.

In the Power Plant, Pikachu has an encounter rate of 25% and appears at level 22-26.

Pikachu is not a version exclusive Pokemon in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, and can, therefore, be found in both games.

How to Evolve Pikachu into Raichu in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen

Thunderstone Location

Pikachu can evolve into Raichu by using a Thunderstone in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen. There are two ways to get Thunderstones in FRLG:

• Celadon Department Store: The evolution stone shop on 4F sells Thunderstones for ¥2100 each.
• Power Plant: There are two Thunderstones in the Power Plant in FRLG.
  • Thunderstone #1: In the northeast room, in the top right corner.
  • Thunderstone #2: In a hidden tile southeast of Zapdos, directly in front of the large machine. Use the Itemfinder to locate it if you’re having trouble.

After you acquire a Thunderstone, place Pikachu in your main party, open your Bag and go to Items. Select Thunderstone and then select Pikachu to evolve it into Raichu.

Raichu does not learn any moves from level up. The only moves it “knows” are Quick Attack, Tail Whip, Thunder Shock, and Thunderbolt. And it can only learn those moves from the Move Reminder, an NPC who can only be found post Elite Four. This means if you evolve your Pikachu early, you will not learn any of its default level-up moves as Raichu, and will need to rely on TMs/HMs to expand your movepool. Plan accordingly.