Where to Find Pichu in Pokémon SoulSilver: A Comprehensive Guide

Pichu, the pre-evolution of Pikachu, is a highly sought-after Pokémon in Pokémon SoulSilver. Finding this adorable Electric-type can be a bit tricky, but with the right approach and a little patience, you can add it to your team. You can find Pichu in Ilex Forest by breeding Pikachu or Raichu while holding a Light Ball, or by using the Mystery Gift Pichu, which was distributed via Wi-Fi event. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to locate and obtain Pichu in SoulSilver, along with helpful tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

Obtaining Pichu in SoulSilver

There are two primary methods for acquiring Pichu in Pokémon SoulSilver: breeding and event distributions. Let’s explore each option in detail.

Breeding for Pichu

Breeding is the most reliable way to obtain Pichu in SoulSilver. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Catch a Pikachu or Raichu: You can find Pikachu in the Viridian Forest area of Kanto using PokeRadar. After getting the National Pokédex, it is required to use the PokeRadar to encounter Pikachu.

2. Obtain a Light Ball: This item is crucial for ensuring Pichu is born with a powerful move. You can find Light Balls by catching wild Pikachu and Raichu using Thief or Covet. This item is held by 5% of wild Pikachu.

3. Breed Pikachu/Raichu with a Light Ball: Give the Light Ball to either Pikachu or Raichu to hold, then bring them to the Day-Care Center on Route 34 near Goldenrod City. Leave them there, and after walking around for a bit, return to the Day-Care Man. If he’s standing near the fence, he’ll have an egg for you.

4. Hatch the Egg: Place the egg in your party and walk around until it hatches. After some time, Pichu will emerge.

Event Pichu

Special event distributions are another method of acquiring Pichu. These events are typically timed, meaning they were only available for a limited period. The most notable example is the Spiky-Eared Pichu event, which was distributed via Wi-Fi. Sadly, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service has been discontinued, making this method unavailable.

Spiky-Eared Pichu could be transferred to HeartGold and SoulSilver from the generation IV games Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. This event has passed and is not accessible anymore.

Additional Tips for Finding Pichu

• Patience is Key: Breeding can take time, so be patient and keep checking back with the Day-Care Man.
• Oval Charm: After getting the National Pokedex, speaking with the Game Director in Celadon City’s Condominiums rewards the player with the Oval Charm. This charm is to be kept in the Bag, and the player has a higher chance of finding eggs at the Day-Care Center.
• Flame Body or Magma Armor Pokémon: Having a Pokémon with the Flame Body or Magma Armor ability in your party will reduce the number of steps required to hatch eggs, speeding up the process. Some examples of Pokémon with these abilities include Magmar, Slugma, and Camerupt.
• Location Matters: The Day-Care Center is located on Route 34, near Goldenrod City.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Finding Pichu in SoulSilver

1. Can I find Pichu in the wild in SoulSilver?

No, Pichu cannot be found in the wild in Pokémon SoulSilver. It can only be obtained through breeding a Pikachu or Raichu or through event distributions (which are no longer accessible).

2. What does the Light Ball do in Pokémon breeding?

When a Pikachu or Raichu holds a Light Ball during breeding, the resulting Pichu will know the move Volt Tackle. Volt Tackle is a powerful Electric-type physical move that can be highly beneficial in battles.

3. How do I get a Light Ball in SoulSilver?

You can obtain a Light Ball by catching wild Pikachu and Raichu using Thief or Covet. This item is held by 5% of wild Pikachu.

4. Is it necessary to have a Light Ball to breed a Pichu?

No, it’s not strictly necessary to use a Light Ball to breed Pichu. If you breed without it, the Pichu will still hatch, but it won’t know the powerful move Volt Tackle.

5. Can Ditto be used to breed Pichu?

Yes, Ditto can be used to breed with Pikachu or Raichu. If Ditto is holding a Light Ball, this will not affect the resulting egg. The Pikachu or Raichu must be holding the light ball for the Pichu to hatch knowing the move Volt Tackle.

6. How long does it take to hatch an egg in SoulSilver?

The time it takes to hatch an egg depends on the Pokémon inside. Pichu eggs typically require around 2,560 steps to hatch. Having a Pokémon with the Flame Body or Magma Armor ability in your party will cut this number in half.

7. Where is the Day-Care Center located in SoulSilver?

The Day-Care Center is located on Route 34, just south of Goldenrod City.

8. What are the benefits of having a Pichu in SoulSilver?

Pichu can evolve into Pikachu with high friendship, and Pikachu can further evolve into Raichu with a Thunder Stone. Raichu is a powerful Electric-type Pokémon, and having access to one early in the game can be advantageous.

9. Is the Spiky-Eared Pichu still obtainable in SoulSilver?

Unfortunately, no. The Spiky-Eared Pichu was only available through a limited-time event distribution, which is no longer active.

10. What if the Day-Care Man says nothing has happened when I talk to him?

This means that Pikachu or Raichu have not produced an egg yet. Continue walking around and checking back periodically. The more you walk, the higher the chance of an egg being produced.

11. Can I breed two Pikachus together to get Pichu?

Yes, you can breed two Pikachus together to get a Pichu. Just remember to equip one of them with a Light Ball to ensure the Pichu knows Volt Tackle.

12. What happens if I don’t want the egg the Day-Care Man offers?

You can refuse the egg if you don’t want it. However, you’ll need to wait for another egg to be produced, which can take more time. It’s generally better to accept the egg and then release the Pichu if you don’t need it.

13. How do I check my Pokémon’s friendship level to evolve Pichu into Pikachu?

You can check your Pokémon’s friendship level in Goldenrod City. Go to the building to the right of the PokeCenter and talk to the NPC. If it is high enough, it can evolve by leveling up.

14. Does the time of day affect breeding in SoulSilver?

No, the time of day does not affect breeding in SoulSilver. Breeding rates are consistent regardless of the in-game time.

15. How do I evolve Pikachu into Raichu in SoulSilver?

To evolve Pikachu into Raichu, you need to use a Thunder Stone. You can find Thunder Stones in various locations in the game, such as the Pokeathlon Dome, Rock Tunnel, and Route 3.