Pikachu - Pokerealm.com

Thunderbolt
Surf
Hidden Power Ice
Signal Beam

252 Sp Atk / 252 Spd / 4 Def

With the newer access to Surf, Pikachu becomes a much more usable sweeper, especially in UU NFE. Water and Ice together work very well in taking down common counters to Pikachu that would normally leave it death fodder, including Onix, Rhyhorn and Graveler. Thunderbolt is Pikachu's most powerful reliable STAB attack, guaranteeing a OHKO on all forms of Croconaw bar the anti-lead set, as well as Seadra, Murkrow and any Golbat who doesn't invest crudely in Sp Def. Surf ensures that Rhydon, Pupitar and Nosepass are covered, although Nosepass is only a 2HKO. Signal Beam seems like an odd choice, but is admittedly Pikachu's best fourth option for a Special attack, and is for the most part filler.

	Set Name	Nature		Item

Sub Encore

Timid

Leftovers

Substitute
Encore
Hidden Power Ice
Thunderbolt

252 Sp Atk / 252 Spd / 4 Def

The main role here is to send Pikachu in on a slower set-upper, and use Encore to force it to switch. While switching, Pikachu is to set up Substitute, and use an attack from there, not having to worry about its horrid defenses while it's behind a Substitute. Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice go unresisted in OU NFE, and slam Poliwhirl, Gligar (a would-be check for Pikachu), Croconaw, and now Togetic, since Pikachu is protected for one turn thanks to Substitute. Pikachu needs Stealth Rock support to be able to accomplish this, however. It should be noted, however, that Magmar is not OHKOed by Thunderbolt on this set, even with Stealth Rock support. In addition, Electabuzz isn't 2HKOed by Pikachu's Hidden Power Ice, allowing it to easily dispense of Pikachu with a multitude of attacks. For these situations, it is advised to use Encore again, and switch Pikachu out to allow one's team to handle Electabuzz before attempting Pikachu again. Sneasel and Piloswine also bares a similar position, threatening Pikachu with Ice Shard.

The EVs here are generic, but it should be noted that because Pikachu has Hidden Power Ice, it ties with max Speed Poliwhirl and Golbat, rather than outpacing them by one point. This means one should be more careful when sending Pikachu in for a potential OHKO on these threats.


	Team Benefit
	When playing Pikachu, one must ensure that Sneasel is dealt with before attempting to use Pikachu. Sneasel will almost invariably be the end of Pikachu (save the Scarf set and Focus Sash set) with its ability to outspeed and always OHKO with Ice Shard. Machoke is the be-all, end-all end to Sneasel, making it a useful candidate for a team using Pikachu. Piloswine also works well. With Pikachu's only weakness being Ground, it is a bit hard to synergize with. Staravia and Mantyke can work well, as both are immune to Ground attacks, and lure Electric attacks. Pikachu highly appreciates Light Screen and Reflect support, as its defenses are very low. Even with STAB attacks, Pikachu scores many 2HKOs and not OHKOS, allowing the foe to hit it back for a potential KO. Togetic as a screen setter can work as well, luring Electric attacks and being immune to Ground.
	Counters
	Sneasel is one of Pikachu's greatest counters. It only fears the occasional Brick Break or Hidden Power Fighting, and can always OHKO Pikachu with Ice Punch or Ice Shard unless Pikachu carries a Focus Sash. Magmar and Electabuzz can outspeed Pikachu (the latter ties with Pikachu in Speed, however), are not OHKOed by any of Pikachu's attacks bar Volt Tackle for Magmar, and can 2HKO Pikachu with virtually any of their attacks. Piloswine cannot switch into Surf, but can always score a OHKO on Pikachu through Ice Shard, and is hardly shaken by Quick Attack, meaning it takes virtually no damage in KOing Pikachu. Marshtomp isn't OHKOed by anything that the common Pikachu carries, and can KO Pikachu with Earthquake, or even Waterfall.