TV-Series
Description
In the Pokémon Sun & Moon anime series, Ash’s Pikachu remains the same steadfast partner it has always been, having traveled with Ash from the Kanto region to the tropical islands of Alola. As Ash’s first and most trusted Pokémon, Pikachu is the sole companion Ash brings with him when he decides to enroll in the Pokémon School on Melemele Island. The pair’s arrival in Alola comes after a chance encounter with the island’s guardian deity, Tapu Koko, who takes a strong interest in them and gifts Ash a Z-Ring, setting the stage for their new adventures.
Pikachu’s personality in the Sun & Moon series is consistent with its established character: it is curious, friendly, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. Despite its small stature, Pikachu is one of Ash’s most dependable and powerful battlers, sharing Ash’s deep enthusiasm for Pokémon battles. It is determined and refuses to give up when faced with tough opponents. Pikachu also demonstrates a responsible side, often looking out for younger or less experienced Pokémon in Ash’s care. While generally obedient, it can be stubborn at times and has a strong, long-standing rivalry with the Raichu evolution line, including an Alolan Raichu encountered during a pancake race. Team Rocket continues to target Pikachu in Alola, though their plans are consistently foiled, often with a well-placed Thunderbolt.
In the Alola region, Pikachu’s primary motivation is to support Ash in his new endeavors. This includes helping Ash adjust to life at the Pokémon School, learn about Z-Moves, and undertake the island challenge trials. Pikachu is instrumental in Ash’s battles, using its speed and powerful electric attacks to overcome challenges. The bond between Ash and Pikachu is central to their ability to perform Z-Moves, which require a deep connection between trainer and Pokémon. They learn to execute powerful electric-type Z-Moves like Gigavolt Havoc, and under special circumstances, they can perform an even more unique and devastating Z-Move called 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt.
Pikachu’s role in the story is that of Ash’s constant companion and a key member of his team. It becomes an integral part of the new group of friends Ash makes at the Pokémon School, including classmates Kiawe, Lana, Mallow, Sophocles, and Lillie. Pikachu forms close friendships with their partner Pokémon, such as Kiawe’s Marowak and Turtonator, Lana’s Popplio, Mallow’s Bounsweet, and Sophocles’ Togedemaru. A particularly significant relationship develops with Lillie, who is initially afraid to touch Pokémon. During a class exercise where students swap partners, Pikachu is temporarily paired with Lillie, and their positive experience together helps her make progress in overcoming her fear.
Pikachu’s key relationships extend to the new Pokémon Ash catches in Alola, including Rowlet, Rockruff (who later evolves into the rare Dusk Form Lycanroc), Litten (who evolves into Torracat and then Incineroar), Poipole, and Meltan. Pikachu acts as a senior member of the team, often taking a leadership role when Ash is not around. It also forms a close bond with a mysterious, cloud-like Pokémon named Nebby, a Cosmog that Ash agrees to protect after a prophetic dream involving the legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala. Pikachu accompanies Ash and their friends on the subsequent journey to protect Nebby, rescue Lillie’s mother from an Ultra Beast, and ultimately help Nebby evolve into Solgaleo.
Throughout the Sun & Moon series, Pikachu’s development is less about personal change and more about the deepening of its existing bond with Ash and the adaptation to the unique culture and challenges of Alola. Its abilities remain formidable. Pikachu’s moveset includes signature attacks like Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, and Electroweb. It retains its incredible speed and agility in battle, able to dodge attacks and strike with precision. The most notable enhancement to its abilities in this series is the mastery of Z-Moves, channeling electric-type energy into the devastating Gigavolt Havoc and the exclusive, extraordinarily powerful 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, a move that proves crucial in saving Lusamine from a Nihilego’s control. Pikachu also participates in the Alola Pokémon League with Ash, contributing to their victory and their title of first-ever Champion of the Alola region.
Pikachu’s personality in the Sun & Moon series is consistent with its established character: it is curious, friendly, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. Despite its small stature, Pikachu is one of Ash’s most dependable and powerful battlers, sharing Ash’s deep enthusiasm for Pokémon battles. It is determined and refuses to give up when faced with tough opponents. Pikachu also demonstrates a responsible side, often looking out for younger or less experienced Pokémon in Ash’s care. While generally obedient, it can be stubborn at times and has a strong, long-standing rivalry with the Raichu evolution line, including an Alolan Raichu encountered during a pancake race. Team Rocket continues to target Pikachu in Alola, though their plans are consistently foiled, often with a well-placed Thunderbolt.
In the Alola region, Pikachu’s primary motivation is to support Ash in his new endeavors. This includes helping Ash adjust to life at the Pokémon School, learn about Z-Moves, and undertake the island challenge trials. Pikachu is instrumental in Ash’s battles, using its speed and powerful electric attacks to overcome challenges. The bond between Ash and Pikachu is central to their ability to perform Z-Moves, which require a deep connection between trainer and Pokémon. They learn to execute powerful electric-type Z-Moves like Gigavolt Havoc, and under special circumstances, they can perform an even more unique and devastating Z-Move called 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt.
Pikachu’s role in the story is that of Ash’s constant companion and a key member of his team. It becomes an integral part of the new group of friends Ash makes at the Pokémon School, including classmates Kiawe, Lana, Mallow, Sophocles, and Lillie. Pikachu forms close friendships with their partner Pokémon, such as Kiawe’s Marowak and Turtonator, Lana’s Popplio, Mallow’s Bounsweet, and Sophocles’ Togedemaru. A particularly significant relationship develops with Lillie, who is initially afraid to touch Pokémon. During a class exercise where students swap partners, Pikachu is temporarily paired with Lillie, and their positive experience together helps her make progress in overcoming her fear.
Pikachu’s key relationships extend to the new Pokémon Ash catches in Alola, including Rowlet, Rockruff (who later evolves into the rare Dusk Form Lycanroc), Litten (who evolves into Torracat and then Incineroar), Poipole, and Meltan. Pikachu acts as a senior member of the team, often taking a leadership role when Ash is not around. It also forms a close bond with a mysterious, cloud-like Pokémon named Nebby, a Cosmog that Ash agrees to protect after a prophetic dream involving the legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala. Pikachu accompanies Ash and their friends on the subsequent journey to protect Nebby, rescue Lillie’s mother from an Ultra Beast, and ultimately help Nebby evolve into Solgaleo.
Throughout the Sun & Moon series, Pikachu’s development is less about personal change and more about the deepening of its existing bond with Ash and the adaptation to the unique culture and challenges of Alola. Its abilities remain formidable. Pikachu’s moveset includes signature attacks like Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, and Electroweb. It retains its incredible speed and agility in battle, able to dodge attacks and strike with precision. The most notable enhancement to its abilities in this series is the mastery of Z-Moves, channeling electric-type energy into the devastating Gigavolt Havoc and the exclusive, extraordinarily powerful 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, a move that proves crucial in saving Lusamine from a Nihilego’s control. Pikachu also participates in the Alola Pokémon League with Ash, contributing to their victory and their title of first-ever Champion of the Alola region.