What is a good moveset for Pikachu?

Question

If you have a good competitive moveset for Pikachu, post an answer below and upvote the best ones. (We're making this one exempt from the pre-evolutions rule, since Pikachu is very popular.)

Be sure to include full set details in your post, e.g. items, abilties, natures and EVs. Some detail, including the intended game mode for your set, is also appreciated. Access the full list of guidelines here.

Pikachu Pokédex and learnset for reference.

Comments

It's still going to function like raichu fir the most part, just with light ball.

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why is this allowed

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because pikachu serves a different role than raichu
also, this was asked 9 years ago, they would've hid it if it was against the rules

Answer 1

Pikachu @ Light Ball
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 HP
Nature: Timid

• Thunderbolt / Discharge
• Surf
• Grass Knot
• Volt Switch / Hidden Power Ice

Answer 2

Pikachu @ Light Ball
Ability: Lightning Rod
Jolly Nature
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 HP

• Thunder Punch / Volt Tackle
• Play Rough
• Iron Tail
• Volt Switch / Body Slam / Nuzzle

Physical STAB, strong coverage for mainly Dragons, Steel type move for neutral coverage, and a filler move. Volt Switch to switch out and it chips the enemy, Body Slam is strong neutral coverage and has a 30% paralysis rate. Nuzzle is STAB (not that it matters since its so weak) and paralyzes. Dang I really wish Pikachu could learn Cosplay moves in gen 8...

Answer 3

LGPE OU (this format has no EVs, items, or abilities)

Pikachu-Starter
Naive / Hasty Nature

• Toxic
• Splishy Splash
• Calm Mind
• Thunderbolt

Answer 4

(G-Max) Pikachu@Light Ball
Trait: Lightning Rod
Nature: Jolly (+Speed, -Sp. Attack)/Adamant (+Attack, -Sp. Attack)
EVs: 252 Attack, 252 Speed, 4 HP
Role: G-Max Sweeper

Moves:

Volt Tackle: Strong STAB
Fake Out/Dig: Priority Flinch or Coverage
Brick Break: Coverage, breaks Reflect and Light Screen
Play Rough: Coverage

Comments

Dig is nice for other electric types

Answer 5

Pikachu isn't very strong so... (I think this has what it takes for competitive)

Pikachu @ Light Ball
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Volt Tackle
- Iron Tail
- Volt Switch
- Brick Break / Nuzzle

This set is rather risky, but with Pikachu's low stats and a high chance of dying in one hit, one has to make use of its limited turns. Because Pikachu is going down with one hit, Volt Tackle is a great option to do as much damage as possible. Pikachu is also decently fast, and with the Jolly nature is almost guaranteed to go first. Volt Switch is good if you predict the opponent switching, and it will even save your Pikachu to come back in later. Iron Tail is good for heavy damage with no recoil, however has low accuracy so I use it as coverage. Same goes with Brick Break (which also has the ability to break through light screen and others). If you don't want or need coverage, Nuzzle or some other status move can be used to paralyze them.

Pikachu isn't really for competitive but its one of my favorite Pokemon.

Comments

Ability?

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Lightning Rod

Answer 6

Gen 8 NFE / ZU

Pikachu @ Light Ball
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 224 Atk / 32 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty / Naive / Lonely / Naughty Nature

• Fake Out
• Extreme Speed
• Thunderbolt
• Surf

Fake Out and Extreme Speed is a cool combo which Pikachu can use well with its good offensive stats when boosted by a Light Ball. Fake Out is free damage and Extreme Speed is powerful priority for even more damage. Thunderbolt is STAB. Surf is coverage for Ground types.