Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: How to evolve Pichu and Pikachu into Raichu

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is out now for Nintendo Switch and the latest entry in the long-running series introduced some different ways to evolve. Whether it’s collecting coins for Gimmighoul or counting steps with Pawmo, it’s not as straightforward as simply leveling up your Pokemon (the three starters, aside).

The classic line of Pichu, Pikachu, and Raichu is surprisingly a confusing one despite Pikachu being the mascot for over two decades.

How to evolve Pichu and Pikachu in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

You may have found a Pichu running about early in the game. They can be a little hard to spot being shorter than most grass in the game, but their bright yellow coloring helps them stick out.

Once you have one in your party it won’t evolve into Pikachu until you’ve managed to get it to Max Happiness. You can do this by not only keeping it in your party but taking it out for walks. Or at picnics not only make food but wash it and play with it. Once your Pichu is has maxed out friendship the next time it levels up it’ll evolve into Pikachu.

Now, once you have Pikachu obviously the same rules don’t apply or else it would just evolve twice so how do we go about this? Pikachu is one of the Pokemon that requires a specific item to evolve. If you’ve been picking up the items that litter the landscape, especially during bad weather, you more than likely have found a Thunder Stone.

To level up Pikachu into Raichu, simply go into your bag, find a Thunder Stone, and use it on Pikachu and it will evolve.

Keep in mind that you cannot evolve it into the surfing Alolan Raichu. That one will not be available until next year when Pokemon Home FINALLY becomes compatible with the game.