Search Wild Zone 6 for Pikachu, then use a Thunder Stone to evolve it into Raichu. The Thunder Stone can be bought at the Stone Emporium or picked up in two story areas, according to a published item-location guide.
Where to find Pikachu in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Look for Pikachu in Wild Zone 6, a search area in Lumiose City. Game8’s location guide, updated January 13, 2026, also lists an Alpha Pikachu encounter there. Its available listing does not establish an exact map pin or spawn conditions, so there is no reliable basis here for giving a precise street location, time, or weather requirement.
In its official gameplay overview, The Pokémon Company explains that wild Pokémon can be caught by aiming and throwing a Poké Ball. If Pikachu notices you, it may flee; hiding out of sight or approaching from behind can help you get close. You can also battle it to lower its HP before trying to catch it.
How to evolve Pikachu into Raichu
Use a Thunder Stone on Pikachu. This evolution does not require Pikachu to reach a particular level.
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![Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51r8yUj+syL._SL160_.jpg)
- Venture into Hyperspace Lumiose in this additional story content that can be accessed after completing the main game
- Work with the mysterious baker, Ansha, to make donuts that awaken the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa’s power and grant you and your Pokémon a variety of useful effects
- Join Team MZ and the Mega Evolution Successor, Korrina, to investigate Hyperspace Lumiose, the otherworldly home to rare and hyper-strong Pokémon
- Discover new Mega Evolutions such as Mega Raichu X, Mega Raichu Y, Mega Chimecho and Mega Baxcalibur
- Claim Holo-X and Holo-Y in-game apparel items, which you can wear as soon as you are able to customize your character’s look and outfit in the main game
Where to get a Thunder Stone
PowerPyx’s Thunder Stone location guide, published October 16, 2025, reports three ways to obtain one:
| Route | Where to look | Progression detail |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase | Stone Emporium | Shop route; the guide does not state a price. |
| Pickup | Racine Construction | Entered during Main Mission 14: Reaching Rank E. |
| Pickup | Lysandre Labs | Found during Main Mission 35: Reaching Rank A. |
The guide identifies the two pickups as story-area finds. If you want to plan around exact item placement, check a current in-game map or guide, since the cited source is the basis for these location details.
Rank #2
![Pokémon Legends: Z-A Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IOdpg0EfL._SL160_.jpg)
- Your journey will take you to all manner of sights in the streets arrayed around Prism Tower, including shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free.
- As you catch, train, and battle Pokémon, there will be plenty of people to meet too—like AZ, the enigmatic owner of Hotel Z.
Is Mega Raichu part of Pikachu’s evolution?
No. The standard evolution is Pikachu to Raichu with a Thunder Stone. The Pokémon Company’s Mega Dimension DLC page presents Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y as separate Mega Evolutions, each associated with a different Mega Stone. The DLC is not identified as a requirement for evolving Pikachu into ordinary Raichu.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Live the life of a Pokémon Trainer in the streets of Lumiose City!
- For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in real-time battles
- Use the power of Mega Evolution in battle and take on rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon
- Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills and try to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer
- Visit shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free—all centered around Prism Tower
Rank #3
- [4K ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE] Protect the peace in Lumiose City in this enhanced edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, featuring native 4K resolution and a stable 60FPS frame rate. Experience the urban re-development plan with high-fidelity textures and advanced lighting effects centered around the iconic Prism Tower.
- [REAL-TIME BATTLE ENGINE] For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in seamless real-time battles. Engage over 100+ unique species with zero loading transitions, utilizing an upgraded combat AI that leverages the increased processing power of the Switch 2 hardware.
- [MEGA EVOLUTION MECHANICS] Master the power of Mega Evolution to suppress rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon appearing across the Kalos region. This edition introduces 15+ newly discovered Mega-Evolved forms, each rendered with dynamic particle effects and exclusive Z-A signature moves for tactical depth.
- [MULTIPLAYER Z-A ROYALE] Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills against global Trainers. Supported by Nintendo Switch 2's improved low-latency wireless architecture, these competitive events allow you to climb leaderboards and unlock rare evolution stones in 20-player lobbies.
- [EXPANSIVE WILD ZONES] Explore vibrant Wild Zones where Pokémon roam free in their natural habitats, from bustling city shops to hidden restaurants. This Hong Kong physical edition is region-free and supports English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese, featuring the enigmatic AZ and the peacekeeping Team MZ.
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