Strongest Versions Of Pikachu In Pokemon

Summary

• Pikachu has unique traits across media forms, coming in unique variations like Captain Pikachu and Cosplay Pikachu.
• The strongest include Ash's Pikachu, Gigantamax Pikachu, and Partner Pikachu.
• The best Pikachu variations in terms of strength are different across the anime, games, and manga.

Pikachu is the most recognizable Pokemon in the Pokemon franchise, serving as the primary mascot, but casual fans might not know that there are many different Pikachu across the games, anime, and manga, with each boasting unique traits.

Some Pikachu possess unique abilities that make them stronger in battle than others. Among them, one Pikachu stands out as possibly the most famous Pokemon of all time and is considered the strongest in the entire franchise. Here's a look at the ten strongest Pikachu based on their battle prowess, special abilities, and overall strength.

10 Puka

The Surfing Pikachu From The Anime

• First Appearance: Pokemon: EP067 - "The Pi-Kahuna"
• Special Trait: Blue eyes and surfing skills

This special Pikachu, known as Puka, only appeared in the anime during the Orange Islands saga, under the control of a character named Victor. Puka is notable for its striking blue eyes and its ability to surf, which is uncommon among other Pikachu.

Puka appears in only one episode and does not engage in any battles, so it's difficult to determine its strength. However, given that Puka can surf well, one might assume it has a significant advantage over other Pikachu in aquatic environments. Still, due to its limited appearances, fans cannot accurately assess Puka's strength, so it can only earn a low place among the strongest Pikachu in Pokemon.

9 Pikachutwo

The Clone Of Ash's Pikachu

• First Appearance: Pokemon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back
• Special Trait: Black spikes on ears

This version of Pikachu is actually a clone of Ash's Pikachu, created by Mewtwo in the first Pokemon movie, Mewtwo Strikes Back. In this film, the Legendary Pokemon creates an army of clones to battle the best trainers, aiming to prove its superiority over humans.

Pikachutwo is cloned from exceptionally strong material, so it has the potential for immense power, although this is not fully demonstrated in the movie. That said, it does participate in an epic battle against Ash's Pikachu, with the fight being closely matched. Additionally, Pikachutwo stands out from other members of its species due to the black spikes on its ears, which others do not have.

8 Sparky

A Pikachu Belonging To One Of Ash's Rival

• First Appearance: Pokemon: EP078 - "A Friend In Deed"
• Special Trait: Tuft of hair

In the anime, it is revealed that Ash is not the only character with a Pikachu as his main companion; this is exemplified by Ritchie, who has a Pikachu named Sparky. Sparky demonstrates impressive battling skills, distinguishing itself from Ash's Pikachu with a tuft of hair on the top of its head.

Sparky has been shown to easily defeat evolved Pokemon such as Arbok, Hitmontop, and Mightyena during its limited appearances, suggesting that it may possess abilities that could rival Ash's Pikachu. However, because fans have not seen enough of Sparky, it only manages to earn a low spot among the most powerful Pikachu variants.

7 Pikachu

The Regular Example Of A Pikachu

• First Appearance: Pokemon Red & Blue
• Special Trait: Regular Pikachu

This particular Pokemon is simply an average Pikachu that gamers can find in nearly every Pokemon game, as no entry in the franchise would be complete without its mascot. Pikachu is a solid choice for the early game, but it struggles to remain effective later unless it evolves into Raichu using a Thunder Stone.

While a Light Ball can be attached to Pikachu to double its Attack and Special Attack, bringing its stats on par with some fully evolved Pokemon, it still lacks the defensive capabilities necessary to sustain itself in the later stages of a game. Despite these limitations, Pikachu remains a strong option in the games, especially when holding a Light Ball.

6 Captain Pikachu

The New Star Of The Anime

• First Appearance: Pokemon: HZ002 - "The Pendant That Starts It All (Part Two)"
• Special Trait: Wears a captain's hat and has a bag

When Ash and Pikachu left as the stars of the anime, many fans wondered whether the new series, Pokemon Horizons, would feature the franchise mascot. Those questions were quickly answered with the introduction of Captain Pikachu, the captain of the Brave Olivine, the ship of the Rising Volt Tacklers.

Captain Pikachu has participated in many battles throughout the show, and his specialty is his signature move, Volt Tackle. He performs a variation known as the Rising Volt Tackle, which creates a devastating thundercloud vortex. When compared to other variations, it's clear to see that Captain Pikachu is stronger than the average Pikachu.

5 Pika

Red's Pikachu From The Manga

• First Appearance: Pokemon Adventures: "PS004: Wanted: Pikachu!"
• Special Trait: Regular Pikachu

The anime and games are not the only media that feature Pikachu; the manga also includes a strong Electric Mouse Pokemon named Pika, who is owned by Red, the main protagonist of Pokemon Adventures. Throughout the series, Pika has proven to be an exceptional asset for Red, consistently rising to challenges and outperforming other members of his team, even though it is not fully evolved.

In Red's first gym battle, Pika defeated Brock's Onix to earn Red the Boulder Badge, despite having a type disadvantage. Another prominent Pikachu in the manga is Chuchu, owned by Yellow, but this Pokemon is not often shown in battles, as it is not part of Yellow's specialty.

4 Cosplay Pikachu

A Pikachu Who Likes To Dress Up

• First Appearance: Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
• Special Trait: Different outfits grant a special move that relates to a contest category

Cosplay Pikachu is a unique variation of the Pokemon that features five distinct outfits, each representing one of the five categories of Pokemon Contests: Coolness, Beauty, Cuteness, Cleverness, and Toughness. In the games, this variation offers players an excellent opportunity to earn each of the ribbons associated with these categories.

Additionally, Cosplay Pikachu has an advantage in battle, since each costume comes with an exclusive move that regular Pikachu cannot learn. The moves are as follows: Rock Star (Cool) with Meteor Mash, Belle (Beauty) with Icicle Crash, Pop Star (Cuteness) with Draining Kiss, Ph.D. (Cleverness) with Electric Terrain, and Libre (Toughness) with Flying Press. While Cosplay Pikachu is capable of holding its own in battles, it truly excels in Pokemon Contests.

3 Gigantamax Pikachu

A Pikachu With A Dynamax Form

• First Appearance: Pokemon Sword & Shield
• Special Trait: Giant with a glowing tail

When Gigantamax Pokemon were introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pikachu was a clear choice for inclusion. Unlike Mega Evolution, this feature is not restricted to fully-evolved Pokemon. As the name suggests, Gigantamax Pokemon experience a significant increase in size and power, allowing them to dominate other Pokemon in battle with their unique moves. On top of that, they can also take on a different appearance, as opposed to regular Dynamax Pokemon.

To obtain this Pokemon, players must have saved data from Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! This Gigantamax Pikachu is provided to the player early in the game's story, giving them a powerful ally in the Galar region. It also pops up in the anime, as Ash's Pikachu can take on this form under the right circumstances.

2 Partner Pikachu

The Boosted Pika Of Let's Go

• First Appearance: Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu!
• Special Trait: Boosted stats and special moves

In Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu!, players receive a special Pikachu as their first partner Pokemon. This version of Pikachu is distinct from the regular ones because it has boosted stats. It boasts superior Speed, Special Attack, and Attack, allowing it to compete with many evolved Pokemon in the game. These stats continue to improve as the player engages in battles with Partner Pikachu.

Additionally, this Pokemon can learn unique moves that are exclusive to it: Zippy Zap, Floaty Tail, Splishy Splash, and Pika Papow. Partner Pikachu truly stands out as the best version of Pikachu available in the game. Unfortunately, it is only featured in this one title.

1 Ash's Pikachu

The Pokemon Everyone Knows

• First Appearance: Pokemon: EP001 - "Pokemon - I Choose You!"
• Special Trait: Stronger than any other Pikachu

Without a doubt, the strongest version of Pikachu is Ash's Pikachu from the Pokemon anime. It is so powerful that Team Rocket has traveled across the world in numerous failed attempts to capture it. Pikachu has consistently proven its strength in many battles, facing off against some formidable trainers and legendary and mythical Pokemon throughout the series.

Pikachu has been by Ash's side from the very beginning, participating in countless significant battles. Its defining moment came when it defeated Leon's Charizard in the Masters Eight Tournament, earning the title of World Champion and establishing Ash as the best Pokemon trainer in the world. It doesn't get stronger than that.