Catching a Pikachu in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is only the first step! Next, you’ll want to evolve it into a Raichu. However, it’s not entirely straight-forward. So here’s a guide on how to evolve Pikachu into Raichu!

If you’ve already started on your quest you’ll have picked your starter Pokémon, and likely explored some of the earlier areas of the game. If you don’t yet have a Pikachu be sure to check out Chit Hot’s guide for where to find a Pikachu.

How to Evolve Pikachu to Raichu

If you want to evolve your Pikachu to a Raichu you’ll need a Thunder Stone. It’s not as easy as just buying the item, however. You’ll need to go find this stone in space-time distortion zones or earn one through Merit Points.

How to Earn Merit Points

Throughout the game, other players online will drop their satchels as they are defeated. Merit Points can be earned by picking up these dropped satchels and handing them in. To earn the points, you’ll need to go to your menu, press ZR twice and you’ll find “Lost & Found.” From there, press A on every lost satchel you’ve found.

Once you’ve earned 1,000 Merit Points, you should go to Jubilife Village and visit Simona. She is to the left of the main Galaxy Hall building and has a stall with a Togepi flag. From there, you can earn a Thunder Stone and use it to get yourself a Raichu.

How to Find a Thunder Stone

You have to be very lucky, but you can occasionally find Thunder Stones by crushing rocks. Fire Stones can also be found by crushing red crystals on the grass.

Space-Time Distortion Zones

You can also find these important Thunder Stones within the space-time distortions. These appear occasionally at random times. You’ll be able to find some of these evolution stones in there if you’re lucky.

Evolve that Pikachu!

Once you have finally acquired a Thunder Stone you can evolve Pikachu into Raichu. Select the item from your menu and press A on Pikachu to confirm. The evolution animation will begin, and you’ll have a Raichu by the end of it!

We sincerely hope this guide on how to evolve a Pikachu to a Raichu has helped you out. If there’s any more tricks for Pokémon Legends: Arceus you’d like to learn let us know in the comments below!