Does the Pokemon with static have to be first in your party when chaining?

Question

I understand that to catch an electric Pokemon easily, I should have a Pokemon with static in my party. I caught a level 16 Pichu. But she has no good moves at all. Does she have to be in the first slot in my party? Or can I move her to a different slot?

Answer 1

A Pokemon with Static has to be in the first slot for it to have an effect, but that doesn't mean you have to use it in battle. Fainting your Static Pokemon will still let you reap it benefits (and bring a stronger teammate to battle).

From Pokémon Emerald onward, if a Pokémon with Static is in the first place in the party (even if fainted), then there is a 50% chance the game will force an encounter with an Electric-type Pokémon, if one is possible.

Static (Bulbapedia)

Answer 2

>From Pokémon Emerald onward, having a Pokémon with this Ability at the front of the player's party also increases the chances of finding Electric-type Pokémon in the area by 50%.

First slot only.

Source