How to Catch Pikachu in Pokémon Go
When you play Pokemon Go for the first time, you get the opportunity to capture one of the 3 famous starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander. But what about the crowd favorite, the mascot of the Pokémon franchise?
Before you join the rest of the world and dive headlong into the world of Pokémon Go, here's a trick to get the famous electric Pokémon, Pikachu, as your starter - almost like in the classic Pokémon Yellow.
When you load up Pokémon Go for the first time and choose your player character, you'll be introduced to Professor Willow. The Professor will then task you with catching a Pokémon. Ordinarily, you get the chance to catch one of the classic stater Pokémon: Charmander, Squirtle or Bulbasaur.
Instead of catching one of them, walk away. If you continue to walk away from them your phone will eventually vibrate and, once again, the classic starters will appear. Repeat the process of walking away without capturing a Pokémon several more times (about 3 to 5 times should do the trick). Soon enough, Pikachu should appear - allowing you to capture him as your starter Pokémon!
Don't worry if you already picked a different starter. All the starters and Pikachu can be encountered normally. by wandering around in the world. They aren't too common but they're around. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that electric type Pokémon can be encountered more frequently during storms. This is disputed though, and obviously you should take care if you're out in bad weather. Finally, Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Pikachu can all hatch from Pokémon eggs too (your best bet is hatching the lowest tier, 2km, eggs for these Pokémon).
So, no matter what, you should be able to get all your favorite Pokémon. What are you waiting for? Go and catch 'em all!
What's your favorite starter?
UPDATE:
There was a thunderstorm in my area the other day and I did not encounter any electric type Pokemon during that time, including Pikachu. The association would appear to be false.
