The two leading characters of the Pokémon games and anime, Red and Ash, lead with the same pocket monster: Pikachu. The electric rat is unreliable when it comes to competitive play due to it being a middle evolution with weak defenses. That being said, both Red and Ash have brought the most out of Pikachu, taking it to League Championships and legendary battles. Though Red's and Ash's individual feats with the Pokémon series' mascot are worthy of note, one of them has developed a better Pikachu who would destroy the other in battle.
Fans of the Pokémon series can actually experience such a battle in game, as the mobile app Pokémon Masters EX brought Ash Ketchum into the game for its third anniversary this past August. In the phone app, Red’s and Ash’s Pikachus actually have completely different stats. Both function as speedy, hard-hitters; however, Red’s has more balanced stats with high Speed and Special Attack, whereas Ash’s has an insanely high Special Attack stat. This enables Red’s Pikachu to have a more technical role, while Ash’s Pikachu is hyper-specialized as a wall-breaker.
Related: Pikachu Ruined One Pokémon Forever
This distinction between the roles of Red and Ash’s Pikachus highlight the pros and cons of their training methods and illuminate who has made a more threatening Pikachu. Red’s Pikachu has a better stat distribution because he trains his Pokémon with an intense focus that has earned them a League title; Ash’s Pikachu has incredibly strong Special Attack because his strength is more dependent upon the relationship he shares with Ash than any actual training. While this makes it seem as if Red’s Pikachu is better than Ash’s in Pokémon, the truth is Ash’s Pikachu reigns supreme. Though he may be less reliable than Red’s Pikachu, Ash’s Pikachu has accomplished more impressive feats independent from his team and can always channel strength from his bond with Ash.
Why Ash’s Pikachu Is Better Than Red’s In Pokémon
Accepting that Ash’s Pikachu is stronger than Red’s may be a hard pill to swallow; after all, Red is the more accomplished Pokémon trainer, and Ash’s Pikachu has some truly embarrassing defeats like against Snivy. However, Ash’s Pikachu has also fended off against much stronger opponents and won. Just to name a few, Ash’s Pikachu beat Brandon’s Regice and a wild Tapu Koko and even drew against Tobias’s Latios. Defeating Legendaries that are as strong as the real gods of the Pokémon universe speaks to just how strong Ash’s Pikachu is. Even though he is very inconsistent, he can reach heights that Red’s Pikachu could never.
Indeed, Red’s Pikachu is severely limited by the mechanics of the Pokémon games. Where Ash’s Pikachu can randomly pull off a win against a legendary in a one-on-one match, Red’s has specific stats and levels that can be exploited by Pokémon who are inherently stronger. Even when Red’s Pikachu was at its strongest in Pokémon: HeartGold and SoulSilver, its level 88 stats could not save it from Ground attacks. Additionally, Red’s Pikachu always runs with “Static,” meaning it fails to take advantage of Pikachu’s better ability “Lightning Rod.” In comparison, Ash’s Pikachu is really only limited by its emotional bond with Ash and random circ*mstances.
Thus, Ash’s Pikachu is better than Red’s. Even though Red is a much better trainer, his Pikachu is hurt by low, pre-evolutionary base stats where Ash’s can seemingly attack with the power of Arceus if he wants to. This is even reflected in Pokémon Masters EX's stat distribution of Ash’s Pikachu; his 514 Special Attack can completely knock Red’s Pikachu out without trying.
FAQs
Red's Pikachu has a better stat distribution because he trains his Pokémon with an intense focus that has earned them a League title; Ash's Pikachu has incredibly strong Special Attack because his strength is more dependent upon the relationship he shares with Ash than any actual training.
Who would win in a fight, Ash or Red? ›
If one were to compare Red's core team to that of Ash's when he won the World Coronation Series, it's still quite difficult to give an edge to either combatant. Be that as it may, if both trainers had access to elements like Mega Evolution, Gigantamax Power, etc., Ash may be considered to have the upper hand.
Who is the best Pokémon trainer, Ash or Red? ›
While Ash may have had more time to grow, Red has the reputation of being a prodigy from the start. While all of Pokemon's video game protagonists are talented trainers who help stop big villainous plans and become the very best of their region's trainers, Red retains a level of clout for being the first.
Which Pokémon trainer can defeat Ash? ›
Red will be the first name on the lips of Pokémon fans, in terms of a Trainer who could still beat Ash even in his current rich vein of form. Red appears at the end of the Gen II games, acting as the final boss of the Kanto region, as the Elite Four and Lance did for Johto.
Is Ash Pikachu level 100? ›
Pikachu Is Maxed Out
There is no question that Ash's Pikachu would be maxed out at level 100 if it was depicted in the video games, but it is unconfirmed if the anime follows these same rules.
Who is the top 1 strongest Pokemon trainer? ›
1 Ash Ketchum Is The World Champion
With endless hours of practice, traveling, obtaining badges and friends, and developing close bonds with his Pokémon, especially his beloved Pikachu, who has stuck by him through thick and thin, Ash has finally become the Pokémon Champion, making Ash Pokémon's strongest trainer ever.
Who is stronger, Red or Leon? ›
Red Zard is of a higher level then Leons. Thus this one will win. Funny little note, Red lorewise technically doesn't have an Charizard or not as his main Pokemon. Reds Pokémon he got from Oak was actually Bulbasaur.
Which is the no. 1 powerful Pokémon? ›
Arceus. By far the most naturally powerful Legendary Pokémon, with 720 points, Arceus is the closest thing the Poké-world has to a God – and as such, has powers you won't find with any other. These include Multitype, allowing it to change forms at will, telepathy, and the ability to control other Legendary Pokémon.
Who can't defeat Ash? ›
1 Can't Beat Ash: Jessie And James
No matter how many times they try, the Team Rocket trio will never be able to defeat Ash.
Who can beat Red Pokémon? ›
Recommended list:
- Steelix, Best against Red's Pikachu.
- Electric Pokémon, Ampharos/Electabuzz recommended, against his Lapras/Blastoise.
- Rock Pokémon, Tyranitar recommended.
- Your Starter Pokémon.
- Fighting Pokémon/Mewtwo. ...
- A HM slave Pokémon/Filler Pokémon.
Pikachu is weaker to Ground, Grass, Electric, Dragon type Pokémon and vulnerable to Ground type Pokémon in a battle.
Is Ash's Charizard stronger than Pikachu? ›
However, on the rare chance it happens, Ash tends to get Pokémon that are his strongest by training or by special transformations. Charizard and Greninja in particular take the cake when it comes to proving their strength even compared to Pikachu.
Is Red the strongest Pokémon trainer? ›
Red is the most powerful trainer in the core game series (his Pikachu being at level 88). Likewise, it's been said that he is a prodigy, being able to defeat all of the Kanto Gym Leaders and the Indigo Plateau, all without aging in the slightest.
Is Ash's Pikachu Red's? ›
Many believe that the Pikachu that Ash traveled with throughout the series actually belonged to another trainer, the Legendary Kantonian, Red. However, this theory has very little merit to go off of, as it is really the only way for players to connect the games in the franchise to the anime.
Is Red the original Ash? ›
Ash is loosely based on Red, the player character from the Generation I games Pokémon Red and Blue. Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokémon, has stated that Ash represents the 'human aspect' of the series, and that Ash reflects what he himself was like as a child.
