Pikachu Clone Weaknesses & Best Counters

This article explains the shared weaknesses of the recurring “Pikachu clone� Pokémon (Pikachu, Raichu, Plusle, Minun, Pachirisu, Emolga, Dedenne, Togedemaru, Morpeko, and Pawmi’s line) and recommends the best counters for them in battles. These Electric-type rodents are fast and specially offensive, but their typing leaves them vulnerable to Ground-type moves, which hit for super-effective damage and ignore their Speed advantage. The best counters are bulky Ground-types like Garchomp, Excadrill, or Swampert, or any Pokémon with a strong Earthquake that can take a hit or outspeed the clone.

Formula

The calculator above computes running pace and speed from finish time and distance. The formula for pace is:

Pace (min/km) = Total Time (minutes) / Distance (km)

Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) / (Total Time (minutes) / 60)

Variables: t = finish time in minutes, d = distance in kilometers. The output pace is in minutes per kilometer, and speed is in kilometers per hour.

Worked Example

Using the default values: finish time = 50 minutes, distance = 10 km.

1. Pace = 50 / 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 / (50 / 60) = 10 / 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator shows an average pace of 5.00 min/km and a speed of 12.00 km/h.

Why Pikachu Clones Share the Same Weaknesses

Every Pikachu clone is pure Electric-type (with the exception of Morpeko, which is Electric/Dark, and Pawmot, which is Electric/Fighting). Being pure Electric gives them only one weakness: Ground. Ground-type moves deal double damage, and because most clones are fast but frail, a single Earthquake or Earth Power will often knock them out. Their Speed stat is their main asset, but it doesn’t help against priority Ground moves or when the opponent uses a Choice Scarf. Additionally, their movepools rarely include coverage for Ground-types, so they struggle to hit back effectively.

Best Counters in Competitive Play

The best counters are Pokémon that resist Electric moves and can OHKO with a Ground-type attack. Here are the top choices:

• Garchomp – Ground/Dragon, has high Attack and Speed, learns Earthquake, and resists Electric.
• Excadrill – Ground/Steel, immune to Electric, gets STAB Earthquake, and can set up with Swords Dance.
• Swampert – Water/Ground, immune to Electric, bulky, and hits hard with Earthquake.
• Landorus-Therian – Ground/Flying, Intimidate lowers Attack, and has access to Earthquake and U-turn.
• Gliscor – Ground/Flying, Poison Heal, and can stall or hit with Earthquake.
• Mamoswine – Ice/Ground, strong Earthquake and Ice Shard for coverage.

Any Pokémon with Mold Breaker (like Excadrill) can also ignore abilities like Levitate or Motor Drive that would otherwise negate Ground moves.

How to Choose the Right Counter

When selecting a counter, consider the specific clone you face. For example, Emolga has Motor Drive, which gives it an Electric immunity and a Speed boost when hit by an Electric move, so you need a Ground move that isn’t Electric. Dedenne has Cheek Pouch and can recover HP, but it’s still weak to Ground. Morpeko’s Dark typing makes it immune to Psychic and gives it a resistance to Ghost, but it doesn’t change its Ground weakness. If the clone has a Focus Sash or a Berry, you might need a move that hits multiple times or a priority move to finish it off. Also, watch for Tera types in modern games—if the clone Terastallizes into a Flying-type, Ground moves become useless, so have a secondary coverage move like Ice Beam or Rock Slide.

Common Mistakes When Countering Pikachu Clones

One common mistake is using a Grass-type Pokémon, thinking it resists Electric. Grass-types take neutral damage from Electric, but they are weak to Ice and Fire moves that some clones carry. Another mistake is relying on a Pokémon with Levitate, like Rotom, without a Ground move—Levitate gives immunity to Ground, but you still need to attack. Also, don’t assume all clones are slow; Pikachu and Pawmot have high Speed, so you need to either outspeed them or use a priority move like Ice Shard or Vacuum Wave. Finally, don’t forget that some clones have Static or Lightning Rod, which can paralyze or redirect Electric moves, so bring a Ground-type with a non-Electric attack.

Special Cases: Morpeko and Pawmot

Morpeko (Electric/Dark) is unique because its Dark typing gives it a immunity to Psychic and a resistance to Ghost, but it also gains a 2x weakness to Fighting and Bug. While Ground is still super-effective, you can also use a Fighting-type move like Close Combat. Pawmot (Electric/Fighting) has a 4x weakness to Psychic and a 2x weakness to Flying, but it is still weak to Ground. However, its Fighting typing gives it a resistance to Rock and Dark, so a Ground move is still the most reliable. For these two, consider using a Pokémon with a strong Fighting or Psychic move if you lack Ground coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best counter to Pikachu in Pokémon battles?

The best counter is a Ground-type Pokémon with high Attack, like Garchomp or Excadrill, because they resist Electric and can OHKO with Earthquake.

Can a Pikachu clone beat a Ground-type?

Usually no, because Ground-types are immune to Electric moves, and the clones rarely have a coverage move that hits Ground-types super-effectively. Some clones like Pawmot can learn Grass Knot, but it’s not always enough.

Does Static ability affect Ground-type counters?

Static can paralyze a Ground-type if it makes contact, but paralysis only reduces Speed by 50% and gives a 25% chance to not move. It doesn’t prevent the Ground move from hitting, so a fast Ground-type can still outspeed after paralysis.

What if the clone Terastallizes into a different type?

If it Terastallizes into a Flying-type, Ground moves become useless. You’ll need a Rock, Ice, or Electric move to hit it super-effectively. For example, use Stone Edge or Ice Beam.

Are there any non-Ground counters?

Yes, Pokémon with strong neutral hits and good bulk, like Snorlax or Dragonite, can take a hit and retaliate. Also, faster Pokémon with super-effective coverage like Gengar (if it has Sludge Bomb) or Alakazam (if it has Energy Ball) can work, but they are frail.

How do I counter a Pikachu clone with a Focus Sash?

Use a move that hits multiple times, like Bullet Seed or Icicle Spear, or use a priority move after breaking the sash. Alternatively, use a Pokémon with Mold Breaker to ignore Sturdy, but Focus Sash still works, so you need to hit twice.

Conclusion

Pikachu clones are predictable in their weakness to Ground, so the best strategy is to bring a Ground-type that can outspeed or take a hit. Always check for Tera types and abilities, and have a backup plan if the clone is not pure Electric. With the right counter, these electric rodents go down quickly.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2