Catch Pichu In Pokémon Sun And Moon is a quest many trainers embark on, eager to add the adorable Electric-type Pokémon to their team. While not the most challenging Pokémon to find, knowing where and how to efficiently encounter Pichu can save you valuable time and frustration. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your journey to catching your very own Pichu in the Alola region is a smooth and successful one.
Pichu, the Tiny Mouse Pokémon, is the pre-evolved form of Pikachu, a fan-favorite since the very beginning of the franchise. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, Pichu can be found in specific locations and under certain conditions. Understanding these nuances is key to increasing your encounter rate and ultimately, to successfully catch Pichu in Pokémon Sun and Moon.
Where to Find Pichu in Pokémon Sun and Moon
Pichu’s habitat in the Alola region is quite particular. You’ll primarily find it in the Verdant Cavern, located on Akala Island. This is the first major cave system you’ll encounter on the island, and it’s a prime spot for a variety of Pokémon. However, simply entering Verdant Cavern doesn’t guarantee an immediate Pichu encounter.
The specific area within Verdant Cavern where Pichu tends to spawn is deeper inside, often around the patches of tall grass. While it can appear in any tall grass within the cavern, some trainers report slightly higher success rates in the sections closer to where you battle the Totem Gumshoos or Gumshoos (depending on your game version).
It’s also worth noting that Pichu is a relatively uncommon spawn. This means you might need to spend some time walking back and forth through the tall grass, engaging in wild Pokémon battles, and then returning to the area to reset the spawns. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find one on your first attempt; patience is a virtue in Pokémon training!
Understanding Pichu’s Encounter Mechanics
One of the crucial aspects of catch Pichu in Pokémon Sun and Moon efficiently is understanding how Pokémon spawns work in this generation. Wild Pokémon appear in rustling grass patches, and sometimes, these patches will shake without a Pokémon appearing immediately. This “shaking grass” can indicate a hidden Pokémon encounter, and Pichu can indeed be found this way.
Furthermore, Pichu has a chance to call for help when encountered in the wild. This is a mechanic introduced in these games where a wild Pokémon can call for an ally. While this can sometimes be frustrating if you’re trying to catch the original Pokémon, in the case of Pichu, it can actually be beneficial if you’re having trouble finding one. A Pichu that has called for help might bring another Pichu, increasing your chances of encountering one. However, be prepared for a potentially tougher battle if a stronger Pokémon is called as reinforcement.
Strategies for Catching Pichu
Once you’ve located a wild Pichu, the next step is to successfully catch it. Pichu is a relatively low-level Pokémon, so it shouldn’t pose too much of a challenge. Here are some effective strategies to ensure you add it to your team:
Lower its HP: The most traditional method is to weaken the Pichu by battling it with your own Pokémon. Aim to reduce its HP to a low red zone without knocking it out. Be mindful of its Special Attack, as it can dish out decent damage early on.
Status Conditions: Inflicting status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis can significantly increase your catch rate. A sleeping Pichu is much easier to capture as it won’t attack. A paralyzed Pichu also has a reduced chance of escaping. Leech Seed can also be effective, slowly draining its HP and preventing it from fainting itself.
Poké Ball Choice: For low-level Pokémon like Pichu, standard Poké Balls are usually sufficient. However, if you have them, Great Balls will offer a better catch rate. If you anticipate a long battle or want to maximize your chances, consider Ultra Balls. Dusk Balls are also highly effective if you’re attempting to catch Pichu in Pokémon Sun and Moon at night or within a cave like Verdant Cavern.
Be Patient with Calling for Help: As mentioned, Pichu can call for backup. If you’re struggling to find one, this can be a good thing. However, if you’re facing a Pichu that has called for help and you only want one, be prepared to defeat the ally quickly so you can focus on catching the original.
Evolutions: From Pichu to Pikachu and Beyond
Once you have your Pichu, you might be wondering about its evolution. Pichu evolves into Pikachu when it has a high enough Friendship level with its trainer. This means you’ll need to spend time with your Pichu, battle with it, keep it in your party, and feed it Berries that increase happiness. Avoid having it faint in battle, as this can decrease its friendship.
To check your Pichu’s friendship level, you can visit certain characters in the game. For instance, in Konikoni City on Akala Island, you can speak to a woman in the house to the left of the Pokémon Center who will tell you how much your Pokémon likes you. Once its friendship is maxed out, level up Pichu once, and it will evolve into Pikachu.
While Pichu and Pikachu are iconic, remember that in Pokémon Sun and Moon, you can find both of them in the wild. If your primary goal is to get a Pikachu, you can also directly seek out Pikachu encounters, which tend to inhabit the Melemele Meadow on Melemele Island. However, the charm of evolving your own Pichu adds a unique sense of accomplishment for many players.
In conclusion, while the process to catch Pichu in Pokémon Sun and Moon requires a bit of exploration and patience, it’s a rewarding endeavor. By knowing its location in Verdant Cavern, understanding the mechanics of wild Pokémon encounters, and employing effective catching strategies, you’ll soon have this lovable Electric-type Pokémon joining you on your Alola adventure. Happy hunting!