Hey there, fellow Pokemon trainer! If you’re anything like me, you’ve been itching to get your hands on the iconic electric mouse in Pokemon Legends Z-A. I mean, let’s be real – it wouldn’t be a proper Pokemon adventure without our favorite yellow friend, right?
I’ve spent countless hours exploring every nook and cranny of Lumiose City and its surrounding Wild Zones, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about finding and catching Pikachu in this amazing game. Trust me, I’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to!
Why Pikachu is a Must-Have in Your Team?
Before we dive into the locations, let me tell you why I think Pikachu is absolutely essential for your Pokemon Legends Z-A journey. When I first started playing, I wasn’t sure if I should bother with Pikachu since there are so many other electric types available. But boy, was I wrong!
Pikachu’s speed stat is absolutely insane – we’re talking 90 base speed, which puts it in the top tier of fast Pokemon in the early game. Plus, its special attack isn’t too shabby either. I’ve found that having a Pikachu on my team has saved me countless times against those pesky flying and water types that seem to pop up everywhere.
What really sold me, though, was when I discovered that Pikachu can learn some incredible moves as you progress. We’re talking Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, and even some surprise moves that you wouldn’t expect from this little guy. But I’m getting ahead of myself – let’s focus on finding one first!
The Main Location: Wild Zone 3
Okay, here’s the deal – the primary place you’ll find Pikachu is in Wild Zone 3, which is located in the northern part of Lumiose City. I remember the first time I went hunting for Pikachu there; I was so excited I could barely contain myself!
Getting to Wild Zone 3
To reach Wild Zone 3, you’ll need to:
- Head north from the center of Lumiose City
- Look for the large open area that’s clearly marked on your map
- Enter through any of the main entrances (there are several)
I’d recommend unlocking the fast travel point for Wild Zone 3 as soon as possible – it’ll save you so much time when you need to go back for more Pikachu hunting or to complete other quests in the area.
The Exact Spawn Location
Once you’re in Wild Zone 3, you’ll want to make your way to the south-eastern garden area. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the beautiful Roserade statue – it’s pretty hard to miss! This is where I found my first Pikachu, and let me tell you, the feeling was incredible.
In this specific garden area, you’ll typically find:
- 2-3 regular Pikachus spawning at any given time
- Spawn timing: Both day and night (so no need to wait for specific times!)
- Level range: Usually between levels 6-8, perfect for early to mid-game teams
I’ve found that the Pikachus tend to hang out near the flowers and bushes in this garden area. They’re pretty active little guys, so you might need to be patient and wait for them to appear if you don’t see any right away.
My Personal Experience in Wild Zone 3
When I first went to Wild Zone 3, I must have spent a good 30 minutes just running around like a headless chicken, looking everywhere except the right place. I kept checking near the water and in the more open areas, completely missing the garden section!
Once I finally found the south-eastern garden, I couldn’t believe my eyes. There they were – not one, not two, but three Pikachus just hanging out like they owned the place! I was so excited I almost forgot to save my game first (rookie mistake, I know).
Catching Pikachu: Tips and Tricks
Now that you know where to find Pikachu, let’s talk about actually catching one. I’ve learned a few things the hard way, so listen up!
Be Prepared for Battle
Here’s something I wish I knew before my first encounter: Pikachu is aggressive and will attack you on sight! I thought I could just sneak up and throw a Poke Ball, but boy was I wrong. The moment I got close, that little guy turned around and zapped me before I could even blink.
So, here’s what I recommend:
- Have a Ground-type Pokemon ready: Pikachu is weak to Ground moves, so having something like Bunnelby (which evolves into Diggersby) will make the fight much easier
- Bring plenty of Poke Balls: I’d suggest at least 10-15 regular Poke Balls, or even better, some Great Balls if you have them
- Save your game: Always save before attempting to catch a rare Pokemon like Pikachu. Trust me on this one!
The Battle Strategy
When you do end up in battle with Pikachu, here’s the strategy that worked best for me:
- Start with a Ground-type Pokemon: This will make you immune to Pikachu’s electric attacks
- Use status moves: If you have moves that can paralyze or put Pikachu to sleep, use them! This makes catching much easier
- Get its health low: Use weak attacks to get Pikachu’s health into the red zone, but be careful not to knock it out
- Throw your ball: Once Pikachu is weakened and possibly affected by a status condition, throw your Poke Ball
I learned this strategy after accidentally knocking out my first three Pikachus. It was frustrating, but now I can catch them pretty consistently!
What to Do If Pikachu Escapes?
Sometimes, even when you do everything right, Pikachu will escape from the Poke Ball. Don’t panic! This happened to me more times than I’d like to admit. Just stay calm and try again. If Pikachu’s health is still low, you should have another chance.
If Pikachu does manage to run away from the battle entirely, don’t worry! Just exit and re-enter the area, and the Pikachus should respawn after a short time. I’ve found that waiting about 5 minutes usually does the trick.
Finding Alpha Pikachu: The Ultimate Challenge
Now, if you’re looking for something a bit more challenging (and rewarding), you might want to hunt for an Alpha Pikachu. These are larger, more powerful versions of regular Pokemon, and let me tell you, catching an Alpha Pikachu is one of the most satisfying experiences I’ve had in this game!
Alpha Pikachu Location #1: Wild Zone 3
You can actually find an Alpha Pikachu in the same south-eastern garden in Wild Zone 3 where the regular Pikachus spawn. The Alpha version will be hanging out near the Roserade statue, but it’s much bigger and has a distinctive red aura around it.
Alpha Pikachu Stats (Wild Zone 3):
- Level: 20
- Type: Electric
- Notable moves: Iron Tail, Nuzzle, Spark, Thunder Wave
I remember my first encounter with the Alpha Pikachu in Wild Zone 3. I was just casually looking for regular Pikachus when suddenly this massive yellow beast appeared! I was so shocked I almost dropped my controller. The battle was intense, but totally worth it.
Alpha Pikachu Location #2: Wild Zone 6
If you want an even bigger challenge, there’s another Alpha Pikachu that appears in Wild Zone 6. This one is significantly higher level and requires a bit more effort to reach.
Alpha Pikachu Stats (Wild Zone 6):
- Level: 42
- Location: On the roof of Cafe Bataille
- Best time to find: Night time
- Special move: Iron Tail
Getting to this Alpha Pikachu is an adventure in itself! You’ll need to:
- Make your way to Wild Zone 6
- Find Cafe Bataille (it’s one of the landmarks in the area)
- Look for a ladder or climbable surface to get on the roof
- The Alpha Pikachu will be waiting for you up there
I spent a good hour trying to figure out how to get on that roof! There were times I thought I’d never make it, but the feeling of accomplishment when I finally reached the top and saw that Alpha Pikachu was absolutely incredible.
Preparing for Alpha Battles
Trust me when I say you don’t want to go into an Alpha Pikachu battle unprepared. These guys mean business! Here’s what I’ve learned from my experiences:
For Wild Zone 3 Alpha (Level 20):
- Have a team around level 18-22
- Bring Ground-type Pokemon (they’re immune to electric attacks)
- Stock up on healing items
- Bring at least 10 Great Balls or Ultra Balls
For Wild Zone 6 Alpha (Level 42):
- Team should be level 40+
- Ground-types are still your best bet
- Bring plenty of healing items and status healers
- Ultra Balls are highly recommended
- Consider using status moves to make catching easier
I learned this the hard way when I first attempted the Wild Zone 6 Alpha with my level 35 team. Let’s just say it didn’t end well, and I had to make a quick dash back to the Pokemon Center!
The Evolution Path: From Pichu to Raichu
One of the coolest things about Pikachu in Pokemon Legends Z-A is that you can actually catch its pre-evolution, Pichu, and evolve it all the way to Raichu. I’ve done this with several of my Pikachus, and it’s definitely worth the effort!
Catching Pichu
Before you can evolve a Pichu into Pikachu, you need to find one! Pichu is a bit rarer than Pikachu, but I’ve had success finding it in:
- Wild Zone 2: In the more forested areas
- Wild Zone 3: Sometimes appears alongside Pikachu spawns
- Wild Zone 5: Near the residential areas
Pichu is much weaker than Pikachu, usually around levels 3-5, so be careful not to knock it out accidentally. I’ve made that mistake more times than I’d care to admit!
Evolving Pichu to Pikachu
To evolve Pichu into Pikachu, you need to:
- Increase friendship level: This is the key requirement
- Level up: Once friendship is high enough, level up Pichu
Here are some ways I’ve found to increase friendship quickly:
- Keep Pichu in your active party: The more battles it participates in, the faster friendship grows
- Use vitamins: Items like Protein, Iron, etc., boost friendship
- Give it a Soothe Bell: This item doubles friendship gains
- Avoid letting it faint: This decreases friendship significantly
I remember spending what felt like forever trying to evolve my first Pichu. I was battling and training, but nothing was happening. Then I discovered the Soothe Bell, and suddenly everything clicked! The evolution animation was so worth the wait.
Evolving Pikachu to Raichu
Once you have your Pikachu, you can evolve it into Raichu using a Thunder Stone. This is much simpler than the Pichu evolution!
Where to find Thunder Stones:
- Stone Emporium: In Lumiose City (this is where I got mine)
- Wild Zone 4: Sometimes found as hidden items
- Side quest rewards: Certain quests give Thunder Stones as rewards
I personally love Raichu’s design in Pokemon Legends Z-A – it’s got this cool, sleek look that really stands out. Plus, its stats are significantly better than Pikachu’s, making it a powerhouse in battles.
Pikachu’s Stats and Best Nature
If you’re like me, you want to make sure your Pikachu is as strong as possible. Let’s break down Pikachu’s stats and the best nature choices.
Base Stats Breakdown
Here’s a table showing Pikachu’s base stats:
| Stat | Value | Rank (out of all Pokemon) |
|---|---|---|
| HP | 35 | #301 |
| Attack | 55 | #247 |
| Defense | 40 | #278 |
| Sp. Atk | 50 | #237 |
| Sp. Def | 50 | #250 |
| Speed | 90 | #81 |
| Total | 320 | #250 |
As you can see, Pikachu’s standout stat is definitely Speed. That’s why I always focus on making my Pikachu as fast as possible!
Level 50 Stats
For those of you who like to plan ahead (like I do!), here’s what Pikachu’s stats look like at level 50:
| Stat | Max (Ideal) | 0 EVs (Neutral) | Minimum (Worst Case) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | 142 | 110 | 95 |
| Attack | 117 | 75 | 54 |
| Defense | 101 | 60 | 40 |
| Sp. Atk | 112 | 70 | 49 |
| Sp. Def | 112 | 70 | 49 |
| Speed | 156 | 110 | 85 |
Best Natures for Pikachu
Based on Pikachu’s stats, here are the best nature choices:
| Nature | Stat Changes | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|
| Modest | ↑ Sp. Atk, ↓ Attack | Boosts Pikachu’s special attack while reducing its weaker attack stat |
| Timid | ↑ Speed, ↓ Attack | Makes Pikachu even faster, which is already its best stat |
| Mild | ↑ Sp. Atk, ↓ Defense | Good special attack boost, though defense becomes weaker |
| Rash | ↑ Speed, ↓ Sp. Def | Speed boost is great, but special defense suffers |
I personally prefer the Timid nature for my Pikachu. There’s nothing more satisfying than outspeeding your opponents and hitting them first! I remember one battle where my Timid-natured Pikachu outsped a much higher-level Pokemon – it was epic!
Moveset Recommendations
Okay, so you’ve got your Pikachu with the perfect nature. Now what moves should you teach it? I’ve experimented with quite a few different movesets, and here are my favorites.
Early Game Moveset (Levels 1-20)
When you first catch your Pikachu, it’ll know some basic moves. Here’s what I recommend focusing on:
| Move | Type | Category | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder Shock | Electric | Special | Reliable STAB move early on |
| Quick Attack | Normal | Physical | Great for finishing off weakened opponents |
| Charm | Fairy | Status | Lowers opponent’s attack, great for survival |
| Double Team | Normal | Status | Increases evasion, can make Pikachu hard to hit |
I used this moveset for my first gym battle, and it worked surprisingly well! The Double Team strategy especially saved me more times than I can count.
Mid Game Moveset (Levels 20-40)
As your Pikachu levels up, you’ll get access to better moves:
| Move | Type | Category | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | Powerful and reliable STAB move |
| Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | Great coverage against rock and ice types |
| Agility | Normal | Status | Boosts speed even higher |
| Light Screen | Psychic | Status | Reduces special damage for your whole team |
Thunderbolt is an absolute must-have in my opinion. It’s so much better than Thunder Shock, and the power difference is noticeable right away. I remember the first time I used Thunderbolt in a serious battle – the damage output was incredible!
Late Game Moveset (Levels 40+)
For endgame content, you’ll want the best moves available:
| Move | Type | Category | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder | Electric | Special | Highest power electric move, though less accurate |
| Play Rough | Fairy | Physical | Excellent coverage against dragon and dark types |
| Nuzzle | Electric | Physical | Always paralyzes, great for support |
| Electro Ball | Electric | Special | Power increases based on speed difference |
Thunder is a high-risk, high-reward move that I love using in important battles. Yes, it can miss sometimes, but when it hits, it’s devastating! I once knocked out a opponent’s water-type Pokemon in one hit with Thunder – it was one of my most satisfying moments in the game.
Side Quest: “A Use for an Evolution Stone”
I can’t talk about finding Pikachu without mentioning the side quest that actually leads you to one! “A Use for an Evolution Stone” is a quest that becomes available during Main Mission 5, and it’s actually how I found my first Pikachu in the game.
Starting the Quest
To start this quest:
- Progress through Main Mission 5 until you unlock side quests
- Look for an NPC in Lumiose City who gives you the quest
- The quest marker will appear on your map
I remember stumbling upon this quest completely by accident. I was just exploring Lumiose City, trying to get my bearings, when this NPC approached me with an interesting proposition about evolution stones.
Completing the Quest
The quest itself is pretty straightforward:
- Follow the quest markers to Wild Zone 3
- Find and catch a Pikachu in the south-eastern garden
- Return to the NPC and give her the Pikachu
- Receive your rewards
The rewards for completing this quest are pretty nice:
- 800 coins: Always useful for buying items
- 5 Poke Balls: Great for restocking your supplies
- 3 Potions: Never hurts to have extra healing items
- A Heracross: This was a pleasant surprise for me!
What’s really cool about this quest is that even though you give the NPC a Pikachu, you can always go back to Wild Zone 3 and catch another one for yourself. I actually did this – I completed the quest, then immediately went back and caught my own Pikachu to keep on my team.
Shiny Pikachu Hunting
For those of you who are as obsessed with shiny Pokemon as I am, you’ll be happy to know that shiny Pikachu is available in Pokemon Legends Z-A! I’ve spent countless hours hunting for one, and while I haven’t been lucky yet, I’ve learned a lot about the process.
What Shiny Pikachu Looks Like?
In case you’re wondering, shiny Pikachu in this game has a slightly different color scheme:
- Body: More of a golden-yellow instead of the usual bright yellow
- Cheeks: A deeper red color
- Ears: Slightly darker tips
The difference isn’t as dramatic as some other shiny Pokemon, but it’s definitely noticeable if you know what to look for.
Best Shiny Hunting Methods
Here are the methods I’ve been using to hunt for shiny Pikachu:
Method 1: Soft Resetting
- Save your game before entering Wild Zone 3
- Check the Pikachu spawns
- If no shiny, reset and try again
- Repeat until you find a shiny
Method 2: Mass Outbreaks Sometimes, Wild Zone 3 will have Pikachu outbreaks, where many Pikachus spawn at once. This increases your chances of finding a shiny significantly. I’ve participated in a few of these outbreaks, and while I haven’t found a shiny yet, the increased spawn rates make it much more exciting.
Method 3: Boosting Shiny Odds There are certain items and methods that can increase your shiny odds:
- Shiny Charm: Obtained after completing the Pokedex
- Sandwiches: Certain recipes can boost shiny rates
- Sparkling Power: Using specific items can increase shiny encounters
I’ve been working on completing my Pokedex to get the Shiny Charm, which should hopefully make my shiny hunting more successful. It’s a lot of work, but I think it’ll be worth it when I finally find that golden Pikachu!
Competitive Battle Tips
If you’re planning to use Pikachu in competitive battles (like I sometimes do), there are a few things you should know. Pikachu can actually be quite viable in the right circumstances!
Pikachu’s Strengths in Battle
Pikachu has several advantages that make it surprisingly competitive:
- Incredible speed: With a base speed of 90, Pikachu outspeeds many common threats
- Good special attack: 50 isn’t amazing, but it’s workable
- Access to great moves: Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, and coverage moves
- Light Ball: This item doubles Pikachu’s attack and special attack!
The Light Ball is what really makes Pikachu competitive. I remember the first time I used a Light Ball on my Pikachu – the damage output was insane! It went from being okay to being a legitimate threat.
Competitive Moveset
Here’s the moveset I’ve been using in competitive battles:
| Move | Type | Category | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbolt | Electric | Special | Main STAB move, reliable and powerful |
| Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | Coverage against rock and ice types |
| Hidden Power (Ice) | Ice | Special | Coverage against ground and dragon types |
| Nuzzle | Electric | Physical | Paralysis support, always hits first |
This moveset gives Pikachu good coverage and utility. The Nuzzle is especially useful for supporting your team by paralyzing faster threats.
EV Training
For EV training, I recommend:
- 252 Speed: Max out Pikachu’s best stat
- 252 Special Attack: Boost its offensive capabilities
- 4 HP: A little extra survivability
This EV spread makes Pikachu incredibly fast and surprisingly powerful, especially with the Light Ball. I’ve used this EV spread in several online battles, and it’s performed surprisingly well!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about finding and using Pikachu in Pokemon Legends Z-A, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones here.
What level should I be before trying to catch Pikachu?
I’d recommend being at least level 5-8 before attempting to catch Pikachu. The Pikachus in Wild Zone 3 are around levels 6-8, so you want your team to be competitive. I made the mistake of trying to catch one with a level 3 team once, and let’s just say it didn’t end well!
Can Pikachu be found in areas other than Wild Zone 3?
From my experience, Wild Zone 3 is definitely the most reliable place to find Pikachu. However, I have heard reports of Pikachu occasionally appearing in Wild Zone 6 and even Wild Zone 2, though these sightings are much rarer. If you’re looking for consistency, stick with Wild Zone 3.
What’s the best Poke Ball to use for catching Pikachu?
For regular Pikachus, I’ve found that Great Balls work really well. They have a better catch rate than regular Poke Balls, and they’re not too expensive. For Alpha Pikachus, I’d definitely recommend Ultra Balls – those guys can be tough to catch!
How long does it take for Pikachu to respawn?
If you accidentally knock out all the Pikachus in an area or they run away, they typically respawn after about 5-10 minutes. I usually just exit the area and come back, or save and reload my game. This method has worked well for me when I need to catch multiple Pikachus.
Is Pikachu worth using in the main story?
Absolutely! I used Pikachu throughout my entire playthrough, and it was incredibly useful. Its speed and electric typing make it great against many common opponents, and it only gets better as you progress through the game. Plus, let’s be honest – it’s Pikachu! How could you not use it?
Can you breed Pikachu in Pokemon Legends Z-A?
Unfortunately, breeding isn’t a feature in Pokemon Legends Z-A like it is in some other Pokemon games. The only way to get more Pikachus is to catch them in the wild or evolve Pichus. I was a bit disappointed about this at first, but it does make finding and catching Pikachu feel more special.
What’s the difference between regular and Alpha Pikachu?
Alpha Pikachus are larger, have a red aura, and are much higher level than regular Pikachus. They also have better stats and sometimes know moves that regular Pikachus don’t learn until much later. I’ve found that Alpha Pikachus are definitely worth the extra effort to catch, especially if you can get one early in the game.
Can Pikachu learn HM moves in this game?
Pokemon Legends Z-A doesn’t use HM moves like some of the older games. Instead, certain Pokemon can use field abilities based on their type or species. Pikachu can use electric-related field abilities, which I’ve found to be quite useful for solving certain puzzles and accessing hidden areas.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it – everything I’ve learned about finding and catching Pikachu in Pokemon Legends Z-A! I hope this guide helps you on your journey to add this iconic Pokemon to your team.
I’ve had such a blast exploring Lumiose City and its surrounding areas in search of Pikachu. There’s something really special about finally finding that perfect Pikachu with the right nature and moveset. It reminds me of why I fell in love with Pokemon in the first place.
Whether you’re a seasoned Pokemon veteran like me or just starting your Pokemon journey, I highly recommend taking the time to catch and train a Pikachu. It’s more than just a powerful team member – it’s a piece of Pokemon history that deserves a spot on every trainer’s team.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out some of my other gaming guides on WebComicsWeekend.com. I’ve got guides on everything from battlefield strategies to anime recommendations.
Happy hunting, trainers! And remember – gotta catch ’em all!
P.S. Don’t forget to save your game before attempting to catch that Alpha Pikachu. Trust me on this one – I learned the hard way!