Pokémon Go Tips for Beginners: How to Get Pikachu as Starter Pokémon

By Mark Aserit
Pokemon
Pikachu from Pokemon television series The Pokemon Company

Just like other Pokémon games, augmented reality game Pokémon Go may have tons of secrets for avid gamers. Good thing, we already found the first one. At the start of the game, players are encouraged to choose from Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Squirtle, but there's another Pokémon that is much more powerful. Here's the latest about Pokemon Go tips, guide and cheats.

Folks from Polygon initially reported this discovery. They say getting Pikachu as starter Pokemon really works and it is not part of a glitch or bug. In the previous Pokémon Yellow, players also had a chance to use Pikachu while exploring the Kanto region.

Now, here's how to catch Pikachu. In the latest game, players have to sign up in as normal. After that, Professor Willow tells players they have to choose starter Pokemon. Charmander, Bulbasaur and Squirtle are the first set of choices. If a player doesn't select a Pokemon, the three will disappear.

In order to get Pikachu, one needs to have some patience. A player has to walk away from the first three choices. So far away that the trio is no longer on smartphone's screen. Once these Pokemon disappear three times, there will be a treat. On their fourth reappearance, Pikachu will appear on the screen. Some players took more than 40 minutes of pacing around to successfully spawn Pikachu.

Slash Gear said the trick shows there are secrets in the game. This is only the first one, so expect more secrets will be revealed in the next couple of weeks. Also, it shows developer Niantic went the extra mile to make the player's new experience entirely authentic. In the Pokemon television series, Ash had Pikachu as his starter Pokemon.

For more Pokémon Go tips, players can catch wild monsters easily by turning off the AR camera. Usually, wild Pokemon run, fly and flop all over the screen, making them harder to capture. But by clicking the little switch in the upper right corner of the screen that says "AR," wild monsters would be easier to capture. 

Furthermore, players can get certain type of Pokemon in a particular location. For example, flying-type Pokémon is more likely to appear in open places. Monsters also vary depending on the time of day. By going out at night, there are chances that rare ghost Pokémon will appear.

Currently, Pokémon Go is one of the most downloaded games on Android and iOS.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo