When is a good time to evolve Pikachu into Raichu?

Question

I want to know because I have a level 11 pikachu and a thunderstone but I don't know when to evolve it. I am also trying to complete my pokedex since I defeated Red and finished soulsilver so I am not really going to use raichu in battle i just want to have it in my pokedex.

Answer 1

Well, if you're not going to be using it in battle, it doesn't really matter when you evolve it - so as soon as possible.

However, if you do decide to change your mind (because Raichu is awesome) then you'll need to look at what moves Pikachu can only learn when it hasn't evolved. If you keep it as a Pikachu until level 29, it learns the fantastic, standard Electric-type attack Thunderbolt. It has high power, high accuracy, and gets a STAB boost when used by Pikachu/Raichu.

I'd evolve it at level 30 or so. Most of the moves it learns after that point are pretty useless, because Thunder/Discharge are worse versions of Thunderbolt, Feint sucks, and he's too frail to set up Agility/Light Screen. Most of Raichu's best moves can be taught to him via TM.

Hope I helped :]

Answer 2

I would evolve Pikachu around level 50 and up. So he/she can build up a lot of speed and get moves quickley. So I think it should be 50 or up. That is what I did with my Pikachu, and now it is my ultimate Raichu! So keep that Pikachu until 50 and then evolve it whenever. Just at least past level 50.

Hope this helps! :)