Pikachu evolution guide: Pichu, Raichu and every exception
See how Pichu becomes Pikachu, how Pikachu becomes Raichu, and why partner, cap and Gigantamax Pikachu do not follow the normal rule.
Scope: Main-series game rules and named special forms · checked October 13, 2026
Quick answer
Pichu evolves into Pikachu after leveling up with high friendship. An ordinary Pikachu evolves when exposed to a Thunder Stone; the result is Raichu, or Alolan Raichu under the applicable Alola-era rules. There is no fixed Pikachu evolution level. Partner Pikachu, cap Pikachu, Cosplay Pikachu and Pikachu with the Gigantamax Factor are exceptions that cannot evolve normally.
The evolution line
Pichu evolves into Pikachu when it gains a level with high friendship. Pikachu then evolves into Raichu when a Thunder Stone is used. That means there is no required level for the Pikachu-to-Raichu step: the timing is a player choice unless a particular game or special Pikachu blocks evolution.
Raichu is the end of the normal line. In games set in Alola, the regional evolution rules can produce Alolan Raichu instead, so check the version before following a location-specific guide.
Thunder Stone and versions
A Thunder Stone triggers the normal evolution immediately. Waiting can still matter in older games because Pikachu and Raichu may learn different moves by level. Our FireRed and LeafGreen timing guide handles that version-specific case.
Pikachu that cannot evolve
Partner Pikachu in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! cannot evolve. Cosplay Pikachu, Pikachu in a cap and a Pikachu with the Gigantamax Factor are also documented exceptions. These restrictions belong to those special individuals or forms and do not change the rule for an ordinary Pikachu.
Pikachu has no official Mega Evolution. See the Mega Pikachu answer for the difference between Mega Evolution and Gigantamax.
Sources
Official Pokémon and Nintendo pages anchor current facts. Community references are used to locate version-specific questions, then cross-checked before publication.