Introduction
Pikachu is a great beginner character with a straightforward gameplan that hides a surprising amount of depth under the hood. His combos range from simple BnB's that will get the job done to more difficult ones that involve his unique just frame mechanics and look very stylish. As a great all-arounder, Pikachu has the ability to excel in all aspects of the game. He has great projectiles to keep out rushdown characters, as well as incredible speed to make zoners pay. Perhaps one of Pikachu's strongest attributes is his small burst meter, which allows him reliable access to multiple burst modes every single round. If you are looking for a character with solid fundamentals, good all-around abilities, and few weaknesses, Pikachu is a no-brainer.
Pikachu is slightly held back by stubby range on his fastest normals, as well as having trouble dealing with advanced defensive options, such as Perfect Block. His walk in Duel Phase is also slower than average, making it all the more difficult to non-committally close distance, even given his speed. Despite these flaws, Pikachu is still an incredibly solid character, and a perfect choice for anyone who wants to rely on their main.
| Pikachu #PTDX_PIK | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Vitals | |
| HP | 570 HP |
| Shield Health | 600 SH (Normal) |
| Synergy Gauge | 100 CC |
| Burst Mode Duration | 840F (14 sec) |
| Movement | |
| Back Dash | 33F (1-8F Strike and Throw invuln, Cancelable on Frame 25) |
| Side Dash | 41F (5-14F Projectile invuln, Cancelable on Frame 25) |
| Forward Dash | 21F (Cancelable on Frame 13) |
| Unique Movement Options | Short-hop from 8X and j.A |
| Stances | |
| High Stance | Charges Synergy Gauge (1.25CC/tick) |
| Low Stance | High invuln on Frame 1, regenerates shield health. |
General Moves
| Burst Mode | |||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Total Frames | Hit Adv. | Block | Properties |
| Strike (projectile) | 0 | -12 | Mid | BA (projectile) | i18 | 48 | +8 | 0 | 1-48F Total invuln, Pierce |
Automatically performs the Just version of 5YX and 6Y, gives j.A an additional hit, and gives 8A a followup. |
| Y+B Grab Attack | ||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block |
| Grab | FP 80 / DP 120 | 12 | Ground only | 1 | i11 | 49 | FP Shift (+8) / DP Shift | Grab |
| X+A Counter Attack | ||||||||||
| Version | Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| X+A Counter Attack | Counter (strike) | 60 | 3 | Mid Low | 4 | i35 | 63 | +8 | -4 | 1-28F Counter Armor, Destroys Projectiles while active, Crumple on Crit, Forward and Side Dash Cancelable on Frame 9, Back Dash Cancelable on Frame 17 |
| [X+A] Counter Attack | Counter (strike) | 80 | 3 | Mid Low | 6 | i55 | 83 | Crumple | +4 | 1-48F Counter Armor, Pierce, Destroys Projectiles while active, Forward and Side Dash Cancelable on Frame 9, Back Dash Cancelable on Frame 17 |
| ]Y[ Release Y | |||||||||||
| Version | Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| Level 1 | Normal (strike) | 80 | 5 | Mid | 5 | i19 | 1 | 59 | Launch | -16 | Charge Time: 60F, 1-18F High and Mid High invuln, Airborne on Frame 19 |
| Level 2 | Normal (strike) | 120 | 8 | Mid | 6 | i19 | 1 | 59 | Launch | -12 | Charge Time: 120F, 1-18F High and Mid High invuln, Airborne on Frame 17, Low invuln on Frame 19 |
After charging for a certain amount of time, Pikachu release an uppercut attack. Throw Blast. |
| Burst Attack: Volt Shock Fist | |||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| Normal | 180 (60) | 12 | Mid Low | BA (strike) | i15 | 47 | Knockdown | +4 | 6-37F Total invuln, Pierce |
Pikachu charges forward with huge distance. |
Field Phase Attacks
| nY | |||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| Normal (projectile) | 10 each* | Special Mid | 6 | i15 / i32 / i49* | 5 | 51 / 68 / 90* | -16 / -16 / -21* | -21 / -21 / -26* | Special Cancelable on Frame 17, 34, 65, and 91, fY cancellable on Frame 91 |
A small bolt of electricity that travels ahead. *Can shoot up to three electricity bolts in a row. |
| sY | |||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| Normal (projectile) | 10 each hit | Special Mid | 6 | i19 | 9 | 71 | -12 | -16 | Airborne on Frame 14, fY Cancelable on Frame 61 |
Pikachu jumps to the side, throwing out three arc-shaped projectiles. |
| fY / nYY / sYY | |||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| Normal (projectile) | 40 each | Mid Low | 6 | i21 | 9 | 87 | Shift | -8 | Airborne on Frame 4, Special Cancelable on Frame 26 |
Pikachu dodges to the right, and throws an electric ball. Afterwards, Pikachu dodges to the left and throws another electric ball. |
| bY | |||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| Normal (strike) | 60 | Mid | 4 | i23 | 9 | 79 | Shift (+4) | -24 | Airborne on Frame 5 |
| j.Y | |||||||||
| Version | Attack Type | Damage | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Recovery | Hit Adv | Block |
| j.Y | Normal (projectile) | 20 | Mid | 6 | i15 | 5 | Until landing +27 | -8 | -12 |
| j.[Y] | Normal (projectile) | 54 | Mid | 8 | i35 | 5 | Until landing +27 | -8 | -8 |
Pikachu sends out an electric bolt that chases down the opponent. Charging this move gives it two extra hits. |
| Homing Attack | ||||||||||
| Version | Attack Type | Damage | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| X Homing Attack 1 | Normal (strike) | 30 | Mid Low | 3 | i21 | 1 | 47 | +8 | 0 | Block or Jump Cancelable on Frame 1 |
| XX Homing Attack 2 | Normal (strike) | 30 | Mid | 4 | i47 | N/A | 99 | +4 | -3 | Airborne on Frame 43 |
| XXX Homing Attack 3 | Normal (strike) | 60 | Mid | 6 | i98 | N/A | 138 | Shift (+8) | -8 | Airborne |
| XX[X] Homing Attack 3 | Normal (strike) | 90 | Mid | BA (strike) | i122 | N/A | 162 | Shift (+8) | +20 | Airborne, Pierce, Guard Break |
Pikachu homes in on the opponent, attacking with Its tail and finishing with a ball of electricity to shift into Duel Phase. Homing Attack 1 Throw Blasts. If Homing Attack 2 was blocked, there is a 28 frame window to punish a charged Homing Attack 3. |
| j.X | ||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | Height | Priority | Impact | Recovery | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| Counter (strike) | 90 | Mid High | 4 | i20 | Until landing +27 | Shift | -5 | 1-16F Counter Armor |
Pikachu divekicks to the ground. |
Duel Phase Weak Attacks
| 5Y | |||||||||||
| Version | Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| 5Y | Normal (strike) | 20 | 0 | Mid Low | 3 | i15 | 5 | 37 | 0 | -4 | Special / 5YX Cancelable on Frame 17 |
| 5YY | Normal (strike) | 24 | 0 | Mid Low | 3 | i26 | N/A | 52 | +4 | -4 | Special / 5YYX Cancelable on Frame 28 |
| 5YYY | Normal (strike) | 18 | 4 | Mid Low | 3 | i38 | N/A | 64 | +4 | -4 | Special / 5YYYX Cancelable on Frame 40 |
Pikachu spins around, attacking with its tail. |
| 5YX | ||||||||||
| Version | Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| 5YX | Normal (strike) | 60 | 3 | Mid | 5 | i38 / i50 / i62 | 72 / 84 / 96 | Launch | +4 | Airborne on Frame 38 / 50 / 62 |
| 5Y:X | Normal (strike) | 70 | 3 | Mid | 6 | i38 / i50 / i62 | 72 / 84 / 96 | Launch | +4 | Airborne on Frame 38 / 50 / 62 |
Pressing X during 5Y / 5YY / 5YYY will give an uppercut attack. Pressing X with precise timing grants a Just Frame version. The Just Frame gives more opportunities to combo off of. In Burst Mode, 5YX always does the Just Frame variant. |
| 6Y / 6:Y | |||||||||||
| Version | Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Hit Adv | Block | Properties | |
| 6Y | Normal (strike) | 60 | 4 | Mid | 4 | i15 | 5 | 42 | Launch | -8 | 5-15F High invuln. |
| 6:Y | Normal (strike) | 65 | 3 | Mid | 5 | i15 | 5 | 42 | Launch | +4 | 5-15F High invuln. |
A very familiar looking uppercut... The Just Frame version can be done by pressing forward and Y on the exact same frame. In Burst Mode, 6Y always does the Just Frame variant. |
| 8Y | ||||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | |
| Normal (strike) | 64 | 3 | Mid High | 3 / 5* | i19 | 9 | 77 | Knockdown | -20 | 5-18F High and Mid High invuln, Airborne on Frame 19, Air Actionable on Frame 50 |
Pikachu propels upwards with its tail. Can angle the move forward by inputting 9Y. Universal Anti-air. *Has a priority of 5 during Burst Mode. |
| 2Y | ||||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| Normal (strike) | 10 | 0 | Low | 3 / 5* | i11 | 1 | 35 | +4 | -4 | High invuln on Frame 1, Special Cancelable on Frame 13 |
Pikachu kicks the ground, throwing out a wave of dirt. Throw Blast. *In Burst Mode, 2Y's range increases and it has a priority of 5. |
| j.Y | |||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Recovery | Hit Adv | Block |
| Normal (strike) | 30 | 0 | Mid High | 3 | i9 | 1 | Until landing +13 | +30 | +8 |
A quick jolt attack from Pikachu's tail. Throw Blast. |
Duel Phase Strong Attacks
| 5X | ||||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| Normal (strike) | 80 | 4 | Mid Low | 4 | i19 | 9 | 45 | Launch | -8 | Special Cancelable on Frame 22 |
A long horizontal bolt of electricity. Special cancelable. |
| 8X | |||||||||||
| Version | Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| 8X | Normal (strike) | 60 | 3 | Mid High | 4(5)* | i23 | 1 | 63 | +8 | +4(+8)* | Low invuln. on Frame 5, Airborne on Frame 9, Launch on Crit, Short-hop Cancelable on Frame 46(44)* |
| 8XR | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 80(78)* | -9(-7)* | -13(-7)* | Airborne, Air Actionable on Frame 50 |
| 8X 4/6R | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 82 | -11 | -15(-11)* | Airborne, Air Actionable on Frame 64 |
Pikachu jumps in the air and advances forward with two aerial kicks. Throw Blast. Can short hop after the attack by pressing a direction and R. *In Burst Mode, 8X gains a priority of 5, and the neutral Short-hop can be performed 2 frames earlier. In addition, the attack has 4 extra frames of blockstun. |
| 2X | ||||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| Normal (strike) | 90 | 3 | Low | 4 / 5* | i19 | 9 | 75 | Launch | -8 | High invuln. on Frame 1 |
Pikachu kicks the ground twice, each throwing out a wave of dirt. *Has a priority of 5 during Burst Mode. |
| j.X | |||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Recovery | Hit Adv | Block |
| Normal | 76 | 0 | Mid High | 4 | i24 | 9 | Until landing +17 | +27 | +5 |
Pikachu spirals downwards to the ground with Its tail. |
Pokemon Moves
| 5A Thunderbolt | |||||||||||
| Version | Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| 5A Thunderbolt | Normal (projectile) | 50 (13) | 3 | Low | 8 | i19 | 9 | FP 63 / DP 61 | FP Shift (-4) / DP 0 | FP -10 / DP -8 | Airborne on Frame 5 |
| 5[A] Thunderbolt | Normal (projectile) | FP 80 (20) / DP 90(26) | 2 / 2 | Low | 8 | i36 | 9 | FP 80 / DP 105 | FP +36 / DP +8 | FP -8 / DP +4 | Airborne on Frame 5 |
A projectile that travels along the ground. Can charge to throw out Thunderbolts in each direction in Field Phase, or two successive Thunderbolts in Duel Phase |
| 6A Nuzzle | |||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| Grab | 80 | 3 | High/Ground only | 1 | i19 | 57 | FP Shift / DP Launch | Grab | Airborne on Frame 5 |
Pikachu jumps forward, grabbing the opponent and launching them. Since this Grab is considered a High, it can be avoided by crouching OR jumping. |
| 4A Electro Ball | |||||||||||
| Version | Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| 4A Electro Ball | Normal (strike) | 30 (8) | 3 | High | 5 | i27 | 1 | 65 | +4 | -8 | Airborne on Frame 5, R Cancelable on Frame 32, leaving Pikachu Air Actionable on Frame 36 |
| 4A Electro Ball (projectile) | Normal (projectile) | 70 | 3 | Mid | 8 | i28 | N/A | 65 | Launch | -8 | N/A |
Pikachu hops in the air and fires a ball of lightning. Throw Blast. |
| 8A Volt Tackle | ||||||||||
| Version | Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| 8A Volt Tackle | Counter (strike) | 66 (8) | 5 | Mid High | 5 | i11 | 79 | Launch | -48 | 1-11F Counter Armor, Airborne on Frame 12 |
| Burst 8AA Volt Tackle: Followup | Counter (strike) | 54 (16) | 12 | Mid | 6 | i49 | 97 | Shift | -28 | Airborne on Frame 1 |
A reversal attack where Pikachu zig-zags into the air. In Burst Mode, Volt Tackle is given a followup attack. |
| 2A Iron Tail | ||||||||||
| Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Total Frames | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| Normal (strike) | 90 (13) | 5 | Mid | 5(6)* | i23 | 9 | 61 | Knockdown | -16 | 5-22F Mid Low invuln, Airborne on Frame 5, Launch on Crit |
Pikachu jumps in the air and slams onto the ground tail-first. |
| j.A Thunder | |||||||||||
| Version | Attack Type | Damage | PSP | Height | Priority | Impact | Throw Crush Frame | Recovery | Hit Adv | Block | Properties |
| j.A Thunder | Normal (strike) | 20 (5) | 1 | Mid | 4 | i11 | 9 | FP Until landing +27 / DP Until landing +13 | N/A | N/A | Short-hop Cancelable |
| j.A Thunder (projectile) | Normal (projectile) | 100 (25) | 4 | Mid | S+ | i60 | N/A | FP Until landing +27 / DP Until landing +13 | FP +58 / DP +72 | +10 | N/A |
| Burst j.A Thunder (second hit) | Normal (projectile) | 20 (11) | 0 | Ground only | S | i96 | N/A | FP Until landing +27 / DP Until landing +13 | Crumple | FP +14 / DP +28 | N/A |
| j.AR | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | FP Until landing +27 / DP Until landing +13 | FP -27 / DP -13 | FP -41 / DP -27 | Air Actionable on Frame 41 |
Pikachu surrounds itself with electricity and hops forward. Can change the trajectory to go either forwards or backwards. Pressing R allows Pikachu to cancel into aerials instead of doing Thunder. After a short amount of time, a thunder strike is called from above that stuns the opponent. |
Combos
Notable Players
- Cooljake (NA): Twitter
- ENGINE (JP): Twitter
- jda7 (NA): Twitter
- Kino (NA): Twitter
- Mega Chitanda (JP): Twitter
- MillerTime (EU): Twitter
- NIKO (JP): Twitter