Pikachu's Moveset

[Palamon]

Over the years, Pikachu has been known for his Volt Tackle or Quick Attack move. He also used to have Agility at his arsenal. I believe his current moveset is Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail and Electro Ball. He used to also know Thunder, and at one point, Double-Edge, etc. What do you feel his best moves were, and if you could give Pikachu, say, your own moveset, what moves would you give him and why. I'm still kind of upset of him getting rid of Volt Tackle, if I'm being honest.

 

[Iceshadow3317]

Yeah it annoyed me that he got rid of it.

Volt Tackle, Iron Tail, Electro Ball, and Thunderbolt would be what I would give him. Surprisingly, Pikachu hasn't learned a new move this saga. I am really surprised in that, but I guess they are pulling a Hoenn/Sinnoh thing with Electro Ball.

I'd give in Volt Tackle, because I love that move more than Thunder. It just looked amazing when he used it. Iron Tail would be for handling rock types. Electro Ball because Pikachu is by far one of the fastest pokemon in the anime, even though stats say otherwise in games. And thunderbolt because it is strong and accurate like flamethrower.

Maybe instead of Iron Tail, it could be Brick Break. As I like that move better, and it would better cover Pika's weaknesses I feel. Although Iron Tail never fails in the anime anymore.

Now I wonder why Pikachu hasn't learned a new move in Kalos.

 

[Horn]

I agree that Volt Tackle should stay. It's signature move for Pikachu and its (pre)evolution. For me, getting rid of it was one of many BW mistakes. However, for me, the best moveset for Pikachu would be Quick Attack, Volt Tackle, Iron Tail and Shock Wave. I know changing Thunderbolt with Shock Wave may seem crazy for many of you, but it's move which never misses and IMO, Pikachu needs such a move. Since Hoenn, Ash constantly learn his Flying types, and sometimes even other types, like Greninja, Aerial Ace. But Pikachu may have similar move, so why not learn it? Yes, it's not as powerful as Thunderbolt, but for power, Pikachu would have Volt Tackle. Shock Wave would be for sure hit. That would be my ideal moveset for Pikachu.

 

[Thunderflare]

The show doesn't follow the "four moves" rule to keep things interesting. Pikachu has used all the following moves:

• Thunderbolt
• Thundershock
• Agility
• Quick Attack
• Thunder
• Double Edge
• Tackle
• Leer
• Iron Tail
• Volt Tackle
• Electro Ball

 

[Horn]

Actually, writers follow four moves rule now. They didn't in some cases in past, but they do now and especially with Pikachu. Once he learns new move, he'll forget old one. Why do you think he stopped using Volt Tackle once he learned Electro Ball? It's exactly to follow four moves rule.

 

[Hikamaru]

I remember when the anime disagreed with the four-moves-rule, but now it appears Pokemon do always have only four moves in anime context given how much it has been following game mechanics lately. My fave of Pikachu's moves were Iron Tail, Thunderbolt and Volt Tackle, which I was pissed about at it getting replaced by Electro Ball during Unova.