How to evolve Pichu into Pikachu in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet see the return of many familiar Pokémon, including the Pokémon mascot, Pikachu. The Electric-type mouse Pokémon is one of the most popular Pokémon in the franchise, and it received a pre-evolution, Pichu, in Pokémon Gold and Silver. This may leave you wondering how to evolve Pichu into Pikachu in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

How to get a Pikachu in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

You can evolve Pichu into Pikachu by raising its friendship in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. You can increase friendship by keeping your Pichu in your party and keeping it healthy. If Pichu faints or has a status condition for long periods of time, its friendship will not increase.

Related: How to catch a Ditto in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

You can also equip the Soothe Bell, which you can purchase from the Delibird Presents stores for 5,000 Poké Dollars. This held item will increase the rate at which your Pokémon's friendship increases. We recommend using this item if you plan to evolve Pichu into Pikachu.

If you prefer to simply find a Pikachu instead of catching and evolving a Pichu, the Electric-type Pokémon is fairly easy to find and can be caught early on. We found ours right outside Cortondo. Regardless of how you get a Pikachu in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you will eventually want to evolve it into a Raichu so it can reach its full strength.

For more information on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, check out How to evolve Jigglypuff into Wigglytuff in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and How to get Oinkolgne in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet on Pro Game Guides.