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As the face of thePokemonfranchise, Pikachu’s timeless appeal has led to its icon status being emulated across pop culture. This has included its own home series as well, with a multitude of new Pokemon species directly inspired by the electric mouse being introduced over the years. While a new derivative arrives with each newPokemongeneration, they have largely managed to all bring their own unique twists to the formula.
Due to the trend of what have been dubbed Pikachu “clones” consistently being added, it’s become tough for some of them to not feel replaced by new attempts at cute mascot analogs.Pokemon’s family of Pikachu cloneshas become so expansive that there are even contentious members of the classification, but their undeniably popular reputations means they deserve to stacking up against the more explicit clones.
S-Tier
The Most Creative Spins on Pikachu in the Franchise
There may be an argument to be made for thePokemon Mimikyu not being a legitimate Pikachu clone, but it manages to feel like a self-aware subversion of the concept as a whole. By having an identity of its own based around an emotionally compelling desire to be acknowledged like Pikachu, it has ironically achieved a rather iconic status of its own.
Possibly the most distinct in terms of practicality as a flying squirrel-inspired iteration, Emolga has the functional and memorable edge of a novel dual typing. An adorable icon of Gen 5 that remains known for its role in a gym leader’s team, it more easily separates itself from the clone label.
A-Tier
Examples of Inspiration Done Right
While Pachirisu has always been cute and charming, it has also been somewhat forgettable overall due to being rather weak in terms of gameplay. Ever since it appeared in the team of aPokemon World Championship winner, however, this simple squirrel has felt elevated to an unexpectedly legendary status.
Marill is a bit dubious when considering it as a Pikachu clone due to lacking the Electric-type, but it’s also clearly inspired by the mascot. Once known as “Pikablu”, its evolution line, with the endearing Azuril and competitively viable Azumarill even seem to parallel Pichu and Raichu.
Morpeko, despite being newer, has won over the hearts of many fans through its highly original Hunger Switch ability giving it the gimmick of having two opposing, forms. Through its duality of cuteness and Dark-type attitude, it’s easily one of the Gen 8 standouts.
B-Tier
Adorable Designs Held Back Through Being Derivative
It may potentially be the cutest of all the clones, but Dedenne’s design doesn’t necessarily make the most of its Fairy-type. After its notable role in the anime has waned, the most mouse-liketake on a Pikachu clone that lacks an evolutioncan often be overshadowed.
With its unique hedgehog-inspired design and signature gameplay design complementing an Electric/Steel typing, Togedemaru should be more relevant in theory. It would be difficult for any clone to compete with Mimikyu in Gen 7, but even past iterations seem to have nailed the concept better.
Pichu is an icon in its own right that could be considered the “original” Pikachu clone, maintaining the Electric-type unlike Marill. It added to the legacy of the original and is still a fan-favorite, but Pichu likely peaked in terms of novelty during Gen 2.
C-Tier
The More Lackluster Takes on Pikachu
The adorable design ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Pawmiand its status as being able to evolve set it up for success, but it’s ultimately held back by the redundancy of its line’s designs. With Pawmo and Pawmot being nearly identical, their cuteness alone doesn’t make them less underwhelming.
Their synergy in theme and gameplay – intended to represent the introduction of Double Battles in Gen 3 – make Plusle and Minun creative, but they have been outshined in nearly every way. They thrived in the age ofPokemon Rangerand other media, but now remain rather forgotten as essentially the same creature taking up two Pokedex slots.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
WHERE TO PLAY
The school that you’ve enrolled in as you playPokémon ScarletandPokémon Violethosts a special independent study project. The theme of this assignment is “A Treasure Hunt.” Explore the world and seek out your very own treasure!Three stories will be woven into your adventure while traversing the sprawling Paldea region. Along Victory Road, you will go to Gyms in different locations in order to to achieve Champion Rank. On the Path of Legends, you can join Arven in search of rare ingredients. And in ★ Starfall Street ★, you’ll challenge Team Star, a group of delinquents causing trouble for the school.These stories are set in an open world, so where you go is all up to you. A world teeming with Pokémon and people to meet is waiting for you—traverse the Paldea region wherever you heart desires.
