Exclusive Insight: Pokémon Horizons Introduces Pikachu with Unprecedented Powers

Summary

Captain Pikachu has a special ability of flying, giving it a tactical advantage in battle and superior maneuverability.

The potential Flying Tera Type of Captain Pikachu may impact its character and have implications for other Pokémon in terms of its flying capabilities. The series is making intriguing choices with its characters, including Pokémon, which sets Captain Pikachu apart from Ash's Pikachu.

In Pokémon Horizons, Captain Pikachu possesses a distinct ability that sets it apart from Ash's Pikachu. This special ability grants Captain Pikachu significant tactical advantages during battles. Notably, Captain Pikachu showcases its prowess as a formidable combatant in its encounters with Amethio, Roy, and Liko. What makes Captain Pikachu's movements intriguing is its effortless evasion and midair maneuverability, a skill that regular Pikachu lack. In episode 17, while battling against Roy's Wattrel and Fuecoco, Captain Pikachu exhibits its aerial finesse by gracefully landing on its feet, defying the usual Pikachu's descent. It is important to note that Captain Pikachu isn't merely bouncing haphazardly in the sky; it is, in fact, flying. This revelation is confirmed in the subsequent episode's title, referencing a "Flying Pikachu."

Captain Pikachu Might Have a Flying Tera Type

The airship Pikachu's "Captain" naturally has a deep love for the skies. More about Captain Pikachu's background and how it acquired this unique ability will be unveiled in the next episode. However, it is truly remarkable that Captain Pikachu possesses this skill. Referred to as "Cap" by Friede, the Captain appears to harness momentum and alter its course using its tail while in flight, granting it superior agility when compared to most opponents. Though Ash's Pikachu was already swift and nimble, it never demonstrated the explicit ability to maneuver midair like Cap does.

The Captain's flying prowess might provide a clue to its Tera Type, a secondary classification introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which can be activated by utilizing a Tera Orb—an item known to be in Friede's possession. For example, Friede's Charizard possesses a Dark Tera Type, a classification ordinarily not associated with Charizard. It is possible that Captain Pikachu may possess a Flying Tera Type, resulting in a crown of air balloons if it undergoes Terastallization. If true, this decision to have a Pokémon's Tera Type influence its traits is intriguing and could potentially have implications for the Tera Types of other Pokémon in the series that have yet to undergo Terastallization.

There's no telling when Cap's Tera Type will be confirmed, but his ability to "fly" sets him apart from Ash's Pikachu. Cap's tail was used to launch himself into the air during episode 7's special training, making his ability make sense in retrospect. Pokémon Horizons is making intriguing choices with its characters, now including Pokémon like Captain Pikachu.