Pikachu Build: Best Items & Moveset Guide | Pokemon UNITE

Pikachu is a playable character in Pokemon Unite (Pokemon MOBA). Guide features Pikachu's stats, best items, moveset, unite move, build, gameplay, skin & more!

Pikachu Buffs, Nerfs, & Changes

Pikachu Balance Changes (December 20th)

Move / Stat	Changes
Thunder Shock	Changes - Damage has been increased from 481 to 519 (About 8%)
Volt Tackle	Changes - Damage has been increased from 1480 to 1575 (About 6%)
Thunderstorm	Changes - Unite Move charge rate has increased.

Pikachu Move Changes (November 10th)

Move / Stat	Changes
Thunder	- Bug wherein the Thunder move did not activate when Thunderbolt, Thunder, and Normal Attack were used in that order was fixed.

Update on the November 10th patch included a bug fix on Pikachu's Thunder move. Users can now activate it without a hitch, even when Thunderbolt is used before this move and followed by a normal attack.

Pikachu Move Changes (October 20)

Move / Stat	Changes
Thunder	- Amount of damage dealt to opposing Pokemon increased by roughly 12%.
Volt Tackle	- Amount of damage dealt to opposing Pokemon increased by approximately 46%.

Pikachu received major buffs on the Oct 20th Patch, with Thunder & Volt Tackle's damage having been increased. Although the adjustments are not high, the moves buffed are no doubt more effective than before!

Pikachu Overview

Pikachu Stats

Offense	(9)
Endurance	(3)
Mobility	(5)
Scoring	(4)
Support	(3)
Total	24

HP, Defense, & Sp. Defense

※ Listed stat values are at level 15

Pikachu Evolution

Final Form (Does not evolve)	Pikachu

Pikachu Best Builds

Overview Of Builds

※ Click or tap to swap between different builds

Lane
Bottom
Moves
Lv. 4	Electro Ball Hurls an electric orb, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and leaving them paralyzed for a short time. This move's damage increases the lower the opposing Pokemon's HP is. Cooldown: 5 seconds
Lv. 6	Thunderbolt Attacks with a strong electric blast, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and leaving them unable to act Cooldown: 9 seconds
Held Items
Buddy Barrier	・HP +20 (+600) When the Pokemon uses its Unite Move, that Pokemon and the nearby ally Pokemon with the lowest HP are each granted a shield equal to 20% of their max HP.
Energy Amplifier	・Aeos Energy Gather Rate +0.4% (+6%) ・Move Cooldown -0.3% (-4.5%) After using a Unite Move, you temporarily deal 7% more damage.
Choice Specs	・Sp. Atk +10 (+39) Increases the damage of moves by a minimum of 40 when they hit. The higher the Pokemon's Sp. Atk, the more the damage is increased.
Battle Item
Eject Button	・Quickly moves your Pokemon in the designated location. (Cooldown: 70s)

Too Fragile

As Pikachu is already a low HP Attacker, it can be easy to get shutdown. Remember to always attack from a distance. Utilize your skills and rely on your teammates to brawl. Your job is to blast opponents with your ranged moves.

Electro Ball Is An Excellent Long Range Move

Electro Ball is a sure hit ability, and it not only paralyzes foes but also deals more damage if their health is low. The AoE is quite powerful, and the CD is very short to boot. However, it's important to be careful when targeting the ability, as you might hit the wrong target.

Stun Enemies In An Area With Thunderbolt

Thunderbolt lets you snipe enemies from afar. As a glass cannon, jumping into the middle of a battle is a huge no-no. Stand at the sides and pummel your enemies with your Thunderbolt, then follow it up with a devastating Electro Ball!

Held Items To Power You Up!

Equip Choice Specs to increase your Sp. Atk and damage of moves by a minimum of 40 when they hit. Energy Amplifier on the other hand will give an extra burst of damage whenever you use Thunderstorm while also reducing its charge rate and Move's cooldown. Buddy Barrier will shield Pikachu and its allies from absorbing too much damage with the protective barrier equal to 20% of their max HP.

Dash With This Battle Item

It's usually a good idea to have a backup tool on hand in case you need to shift positions fast. The Eject Button allows Pikachu to easily enter and exit battles and may be used as a last option to flee enemies or unpleasant situations.

Lane
Bottom
Moves
Lv. 4	Electro Ball Hurls an electric orb, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and leaving them paralyzed for a short time. This move's damage increases the lower the opposing Pokemon's HP is. Cooldown: 5 seconds
Lv. 6	Volt Tackle Has the user electrify itself and charge ahead, throwing opposing Pokemon Cooldown: 10 seconds
Held Items
Buddy Barrier	・HP +20 (+600) When the Pokemon uses its Unite Move, that Pokemon and the nearby ally Pokemon with the lowest HP are each granted a shield equal to 20% of their max HP.
Focus Band	・Def +2 (+30) ・Sp. Def 0 (+30) When the Pokemon drops to low HP, then each second for three seconds, it recovers 8% of the HP it had lost.
Choice Specs	・Sp. Atk +10 (+39) Increases the damage of moves by a minimum of 40 when they hit. The higher the Pokemon's Sp. Atk, the more the damage is increased.
Battle Item
Eject Button	・Quickly moves your Pokemon in the designated location. (Cooldown: 55s)

Concentrates On Only One Target

With Volt Tackle followed up with Electro Ball, players can significantly reduce an enemy Pokemon's HP in a matter of seconds.

Glass Cannon Build

Pikachu is innately a fragile Pokemon and making wrong decisions can cost you your life. Weigh down options and only try to be aggressive if you are sure to win a fight. Pikachu has no escape moves so be careful when engaging.

Held Items To Equip

Buddy Barrier will protect Pikachu and his allies from damage by forming a protective barrier equivalent to 20% of their maximum HP. When the Pokemon's HP is low, Focus Band will recover 8% of its lost HP while also giving extra defense. Choice Specs, on the other hand, enhance the damage of moves by at least 40 when they hit, allowing you to inflict burst damage to your target.

Eject Button To Escape Or Chase

As mentioned above, Pikachu has no means of escaping or closing gaps. With little to no mobility, you can find yourself very vulnerable after executing all of your skills. Remember to equip an Eject Button to flee pursuers or when pursuing enemy Pokemon.

Lane
Middle
Moves
Lv. 4	Electro Ball Hurls an electric orb, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and leaving them paralyzed for a short time. This move's damage increases the lower the opposing Pokemon's HP is. Cooldown: 5 seconds
Lv. 6	Volt Tackle Has the user electrify itself and charge ahead, throwing opposing Pokemon Cooldown: 10 seconds
Held Items
Buddy Barrier	・HP +20 (+600) When the Pokemon uses its Unite Move, that Pokemon and the nearby ally Pokemon with the lowest HP are each granted a shield equal to 20% of their max HP.
Muscle Band	・Atk +1 (+15) ・Basic Atk Speed +0% (+7.5%) When basic attacks hit, the damage is increased by 1% of the opposing Pokemon's remaining HP.
Choice Specs	・Sp. Atk +10 (+39) Increases the damage of moves by a minimum of 40 when they hit. The higher the Pokemon's Sp. Atk, the more the damage is increased.
Battle Item
Eject Button	・Quickly moves your Pokemon in the designated location. (Cooldown: 55s)

Get Buffs & Attack

While unorthodox, this build makes use of Pikachu's burst capabilities to secure the top and bottom lanes. Get the blue and orange buffs first. Use your moves as often as you can to quickly eliminate Wild Pokemon until you get to Level 4 to get Electro Ball. Afterwards, go to any lane and assist in defeating Pokemon from the enemy team.

Attack From The Bushes

As all of Pikachu's skills in this build are easy to use, you don't need to aim too much. Hide in the bushes and lie in wait for easy to defeat Pokemon. Pop out only if you are certain that you can secure a good kill. You can also ask allies to assist you in ambushing enemy Pokemon.

Held Items For Damage And Protection

Increase Pikachu's basic attack performance with Muscle Band by increasing its damage by 1% of the opposing Pokemon's remaining HP whenever they hit. Choice Specs on the other hand increases the damage of moves by a minimum of 40 when they hit.

Dash In And Out With This Battle Item

Eject Button allows Pikachu to easily enter and exit battles. It's usually a good idea to have a backup tool on hand in case you need to shift positions fast. Other times it may be used as a last option to flee foes or unpleasant conditions.

Lane
Bottom
Moves
Lv. 4	Thunder Drops wicked thunderbolts, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect Cooldown: 8 seconds
Lv. 6	Thunderbolt Attacks with a strong electric blast, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and leaving them unable to act Cooldown: 9 seconds
Held Items
Choice Specs	・Sp. Atk +10 (+39) Increases the damage of moves by a minimum of 40 when they hit. The higher the Pokemon's Sp. Atk, the more the damage is increased.
Energy Amplifier	・Unite Move Charge Rate +0.4% (+6%) ・Move Cooldown -0.3% (-4.5%) After the Pokemon uses its Unite Move, the damage the Pokemon deals is increased by 7% for a short time.
Score Shield	・HP +15 (+450) While Pokemon is attempting to score a goal, it is granted a shield equal to 5% of its max HP and its goals cannot be interrupted while it is shielded.
Battle Item
X Attack	・Raises your Pokemon's Atk & Sp. Atk. for a short time. (Cooldown: 40s)

Bring On The Thunder!

Bring terror on your enemies as you shower them with wicked thunderbolts! Deal damage to surrounding Pokemon in the area of effect as they get electrified with each hit.

Strike Your Enemies With Thunderbolt

Harness Pikachu's volts into a single powerful Thunderbolt to blitz your unlucky target! Enemies are unable to recuperate after getting shocked by the strong electric blast, leaving them unable to act for a short time at the end of the attack.

Held Items To Enhance Your Lightning Power

Magnify the damage on your lightning streaks with Energy Amplifier. Not only does it increase your damage after using your Unite Move but also shortens its charge rate and move cooldown so you'll be able to strike down opponents in a blast. During your move's downtime, Focus Band will help you greatly in strengthening your defense against attacks and recovers a portion of your HP you have lost should Pikachu's HP drop. Muscle Band on the other hand will increase your Basic Attack's power and speed, so you'll be able to hit your enemies more often and deal further damage that's equivalent to 1% of your opponent's remaining HP.

Battle Item For Destruction

Use X Attack whenever you use your moves and Unite Move to amplify the damage you deal as this item increases Pikachu's Sp. Atk for some time. Make sure to attack your enemies as much as you can during the whole duration of this effect for more damage output.

Which Moveset Do You Recommend?

User-Submitted Builds

Share with us a build that you’re proud of with the form below! The build you share here may be featured on our website! (It will of course be properly attributed to you.)

akirathesage Build

Lane	Top
Moves	Electro Ball Volt Tackle
Held Items	Wise Glasses Energy Amplifier Buddy Barrier
Battle Item	X Attack

One-Target Burst (PikaMaster15) Build

Lane	Middle
Moves	Volt Tackle Electro Ball
Held Items	Muscle Band Choice Specs Buddy Barrier
Battle Item	Eject Button

Author's Notes
-This build focuses on doing burst hits on a single target. -The reason why Volt Tackle and Electro Ball is chosen is to lock in a single opponent. -Although this build focuses on hitting enemies, it also does few support. It helps you lock in opponents as your teammates score.

Pikachu - Basics & Advanced Tips

Pikachu Basic Mechanics

This section has basic tips and tricks that you must know to effectively control Pikachu. Treat this as a supplement to the Beginner's Guide.

Pikachu Advanced Mechanics

This section is for those looking to up their play with Pikachu. Treat this as a supplement to the Advanced Players Guide.

Pikachu Strategy Guide

Pikachu Strengths & Weaknesses

Recommended Lanes

The number of ★ shows the level on a particular route area.

Lane	Route Details
Top	Recommendation level:★★★ Pikachu is a great Attacker Pokemon that performs best when in active combat. Head to the Top Lane with an ally Defender to either push against enemies or secure goals.
Middle	Recommendation level: ★・・ Pikachu can jungle to gain experience although this can also leave it prone to being ambushed. Even though Pikachu is a strong attacker, it is vulnerable when alone as its endurance may not be able to withstand either ranged or burst attacks.
Bottom	Recommendation level: ★★★ Aggresive battles against team objectives often occur on the bottom lane. Pikachu can win close battles on the lower route with its very high fighting ability in the early stages.

Early Game (Lv 1~) Strategy

Recommended To Get Thunder Shock First

Being a Sure Hit with a Paralyze status effect, Thunder Shock is a must at the start of the game. You can either use this to prevent enemies from retreating or to escape while they are paralyzed.

Important To Level Up

Since Pikachu has no evolution, it's easy to forget about its level progression during battle. Be wary to neglect leveling up as it will put you at a huge disadvantage if you do. Aim to reach level 5 within 1 minute into the match, and work up to level 9 by the 5-minute mark.

Pick Your Fights

As a glass cannon, Pikachu is a very fragile Pokemon and can easily be bursted down in a matter of seconds. Pick your fights during a match and retreat or wait for additional teammates if you have to.

Try To Always Get Jungle Buffs

If you're going mid, make sure to get the Jungle buffs to increase Pikachu's effectiveness in finishing off enemies. Depending on the map, you can beat special Pokemon to get these buffs. If you chose not to go mid, leave the buffs to your jungler.

Choose Electroweb If With Backup

If you have a constant Defender or All-Rounder with you, Electroweb will work better. Enemies that are caught in the web can easily be finished off if you work with another teammate.

Mid Game (Lv 4~) Strategy

Choose Between Single Or Multi-Target Build

From here, you can choose whether to head to a build that can easily focus on a single target or a build that will allow you to take on multiple enemies at once.

Electro Ball For Single Targets

Between Electro Ball and Thunder, Electro Ball is better for a single-target build as it's a sure hit - so you're guaranteed to always paralyze an enemy! Note that Electro Ball also splashes to nearby enemies so you can use it to damage bunched enemy Pokemon!

Lv 4: Electro BallSure Hit Hurls an electric orb, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and leaving them paralyzed for a short time. This move's damage increases the lower the opposing Pokemon's HP is.

Thunder For Multi-Target Enemies

If you find that your team needs a big multi-target Attacker, it may be best to choose Thunder. This move is especially strong in team battles, especially when near goals.

Lv 4: ThunderArea Drops wicked thunderbolts, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect.

Mid Game (Lv 6~) Strategy

Volt Tackle or Thunderbolt?

Volt Tackle launches Pikachu forward, damaging enemies and briefly phasing it out of the field. Thunderbolt is more straightforward as Pikachu simply generates a large energy ball to throw at enemies. Both these 2 skills have their own respective strengths and it is up to you to choose which one depending on your playstyle and the needs of the battle.

Lv 6: ThunderboltHindrance Thunderbolt will stun enemies in an area, making them vulnerable to being attacked with your Thunder

Lv 6: Volt TackleHindrance Volt Tackle will allow you to move in and quickly stun enemies. Great burst damage and stun lock with Electro Ball

Late Game (Lv 9~) Strategy

How To Use Unite Move: Thunderstorm

Pikachu's Unite Move is pretty easy to use as you just have to turn it on and wander near enemy Pokemon to damage them. You can use it to combo skills like Volt Tackle and Thunder. As you need to be near enemy Pokemon to effectively use this, be mindful of your help and escape if you have to.

Electro Ball + Thunderbolt

This combo is quite the stunner - literally. Start with Electro Ball inflict damage on all enemies in the area and stun them in the process. Then, follow up with Thunderbolt to damage them further and to prolong the stunning effect. Continue to deal with basic attacks and consider finishing off with your Unite Move until all your enemies all get KO'd.

Volt Tackle + Thunder

Begin with Volt Tackle as it will allow you to close in on enemies easily with a stun. Once they're stunned, hit them with Thunder to deal even more damage to all Pokemon within the area of effect. You may also choose to end this combo with your Unite Move for max damage.

Electro Ball + Volt Tackle

Open the attack with a Volt Tackle, then while doing the attack, press the button for Electro Ball for a quick follow-up. This attack deals an incredible amount of instant damage that can eventually defeat a Pokemon with less than half of its health.

Thunder + Thunderbolt

Catch your enemies by surprise with Thunderbolt and stun them in place before they can even counter Pikachu's attack. Follow this up with Thunder to strike them with a shower of thunderbolts that deals damage with each hit. X Attack further enhances your damage output enough to pressure your target's HP and knock them out completely.

Pikachu - Timing Specific Guide

What To Do At Every Stage Of The Game

This section will teach you which specific Wild Pokemon to kill in order, as well as exactly what to do at various stages of the game.

10:00~9:40

Since Thunder Shock is a ranged attack, it can attack both the 3rd and 4th Aipoms at the same time. This can give you an advantage, and is one of the reasons why you should choose it as your first skill!

9:40~7:00

Pikachu does quite a lot of damage in the early game, which makes it easy to KO opponents & score goals. You can gain exp. by attacking aggressively and aim to get two both your upgraded moves before Drednaw appears. which can let you KO captured opponents easily.

7:00~Until Defeating Drednaw's 1st Appearance

Pikachu is good at catching opponents with its strong attacks. Don't ignore opponents, catch them and KO them as a group to gain an advantage in group battles.

After Defeating 1st Drednaw～Zapdos Fight

Pikachu's Unite move is a ranged attack that covers its surroundings. If you used it when your opponents have gathered around you in a battle against Drednaw or Zapdos you'll be able to deal massive damage.

Pikachu Counters

Pokemon Pikachu Is Weak Against

Crustle

Snorlax

Absol

Slowbro

How To Play Against Pikachu

Best Matchups For Pikachu

Pokemon Pikachu Is Strong Against

Greninja

Mr. Mime

Eldegoss

Lucario

Best Teammates For Pikachu

Machamp

Wigglytuff

Alolan Ninetales

Snorlax

Tips When Allied With Pikachu

Pikachu Moves & Unite Move

Basic Attack & Passive

Basic Attack
Range: Long Becomes a boosted attack with every third attack, dealing increased damage. This boosted attack also paralyzes opposing Pokemon for a short time when it hits.
Passive
Static Paralyzes all opponents near the Pokemon for a short time when the Pokemon receives damage. The Ability goes on cooldown after it's triggered.

Level 1 or 3 Moves (Choose Order)

Thunder Shock Sure Hit Releases electricity, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect. Also paralyzes opposing Pokemon for a short time Cooldown: 5 seconds Damage: 481

Detailed Move Damage

These are the actual damages of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Lv	Damage
1	395
2	437
3	481

Electroweb Hindrance Attacks and captures opposing Pokemon using an electric net, leaving them unable to move Cooldown: 9 seconds Damage: 414

Detailed Move Damage

These are the actual damages of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Lv	Damage
1	368
2	390
3	414
4	439
5	465

Level 4 Moves (Choose One)

Electro BallSure Hit Hurls an electric orb, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and leaving them paralyzed for a short time. This move's damage increases the lower the opposing Pokemon's HP is. Cooldown: 5 seconds Damage: 1869

Detailed Move Damage

These are the actual damages of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Lv	Damage
4	735
5	791
6	849
7	911
8	976
9	1045
10	1119
11	1431
12	1529
13	1634
14	1748
15	1869

ThunderArea Drops wicked thunderbolts, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect Cooldown: 8 seconds Damage: 3290

Detailed Move Damage

These are the actual damages of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Lv	Damage
4	1280
5	1345
6	1420
7	1495
8	1580
9	1665
10	1760
11	2604
12	2758
13	2926
14	3101
15	3290

Level 6 Moves (Choose One)

Volt TackleHindrance Has the user electrify itself and charge ahead, throwing opposing Pokemon Cooldown: 10 seconds Damage: 1480

Detailed Move Damage

These are the actual damages of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Lv	Damage
6	880
7	930
8	985
9	1040
10	1100
11	1165
12	1235
13	1310
14	1390
15	1480

ThunderboltHindrance Attacks with a strong electric blast, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and leaving them unable to act Cooldown: 9 seconds Damage: 1358

Detailed Move Damage

These are the actual damages of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Lv	Damage
6	683
7	721
8	761
9	805
10	851
11	901
12	955
13	1204
14	1278
15	1358

Unite Move (Level 9)

ThunderstormArea Attacks opposing Pokemon near the user with tremendous bolts of lightning Cooldown: 1 seconds Damage: 4388

Detailed Move Damage

These are the actual damages of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Pikachu Skins

Pikachu - Hip-Hop Style

Pikachu - Fashionable Style

Pikachu - Orange Unite Style

Pikachu - Purple Unite Style

Pikachu - Festival Style

Other Pokemon Of The Same Role

Alolan Ninetales	Cinderace	Cramorant	Decidueye
Delphox	Duraludon	Espeon	Gardevoir
Greninja	Pikachu	Sylveon	Venusaur

Pokemon Related Articles

All Playable Pokemon

List Of All Pokemon
Venusaur	Charizard	Pikachu
Machamp	Gengar	Snorlax
Lucario	Talonflame	Alolan Ninetales
Mr. Mime	Absol	Garchomp
Crustle	Cinderace	Eldegoss
Greninja	Slowbro	Wigglytuff
Cramorant	Zeraora	Gardevoir
Blissey	Blastoise	Mamoswine
Sylveon	Greedent	Decidueye
Tsareena	Dragonite	Trevenant
Aegislash	Hoopa	Duraludon
Azumarill	Espeon	Delphox
Glaceon	Tyranitar	Buzzwole
Mew	Dodrio	Scizor
Clefable	Zoroark	Sableye

Items

All Held Items
Leftovers	Muscle Band	Shell Bell
Focus Band	Score Shield	Sp. Atk Specs
Attack Weight	Aeos Cookie	Scope Lens
Exp. Share	Rocky Helmet	Assault Vest
Float Stone	Wise Glasses	Buddy Barrier
Energy Amplifier	Razor Claw	Choice Specs
Weakness Policy	-	-

List Of All Battle Items

All Battle Items
Eject Button	Potion	X-Attack
X-Speed	Full Heal	Goal-Getter
Fluffy Tail	Slow Smoke	-