You’re standing there in Viridian Forest. The music is chirping, nostalgia is hitting hard, and you’re ready to catch ‘em all. But then it hits you. You bought the version with the yellow mouse on the cover, and suddenly, that Bellsprout you wanted for your team is nowhere to be found. It’s a classic Nintendo move. They’ve been doing this since the 90s, and honestly, it’s kinda brilliant and frustrating at the same time. The Let's Go Pikachu version exclusives aren't just a list of names; they fundamentally change how you build your team before you even face Brock.
If you picked up the Pikachu edition, you're locked into a specific set of biological wonders that your Eevee-playing friends can't touch without a trade. It’s about more than just filling a Pokedex entry. It's about the fact that your rival has a different evolutionary line-up and your endgame strategy has to shift because you have access to different Type coverage.
The Sandshrew and Oddish Factor
The first thing you’ll notice is the grass. Or rather, what’s hiding in it. In the Pikachu version, you get the Oddish line. Vileplume is a tanky, Status-inflicting monster that can carry you through the mid-game with Mega Drain and Sleep Powder. If you were hoping for a Victreebel, you’re out of luck. That’s an Eevee exclusive.
Then there’s Sandshrew.
I’ve always felt Sandslash is underrated. In this game, since you can see the Pokémon roaming the overworld, hunting for a Shiny Sandshrew becomes a legitimate pastime. You won’t find Alolan Sandshrew in the wild, of course—you have to trade for those at the Pokémon Centers—but the base Ground-type is a Pikachu-only perk. If you want a Vulpix? Nope. That’s for the other guys. You get the fire-breathing dog instead. Growlithe is your boy here. Honestly, Arcanine is statistically superior in many ways due to its high base attack and access to Flare Blitz, so Pikachu players might actually have the edge in the Fire-type department.
Why Growlithe Beats Vulpix for Casual Play
Let's be real. Arcanine looks cooler. But beyond the aesthetics, the Move Pool in Let's Go is slightly simplified compared to the main series. Having a high-HP physical attacker like Arcanine helps when you're dealing with the Elite Four's Lorelei. You need something that can take a hit and dish one back without folding like a paper map. Vulpix and Ninetales are graceful, sure, but they’re "glass cannons" without the massive "cannon" part in this specific meta.
The Scyther Problem
This is the big one. Scyther is a Let's Go Pikachu version exclusive that makes Eevee players jealous. It’s fast. It’s cool. It has scythes for hands. What’s not to love?
The trade-off is Pinsir. Now, Pinsir is fine. It’s a Bug-type powerhouse with a terrifying Guillotine move, but it lacks the iconic status of Scyther. Plus, in the Kanto region, having a Flying/Bug type like Scyther gives you a bit more utility against the sheer number of Grass and Fighting types you run into. Just watch out for the 4x weakness to Rock. One "Rock Slide" from a hiker’s Golem and your prized Bug is history.
Grimer, Mankey, and the Competitive Edge
If you’re into the competitive scene—or what’s left of it in the Let's Go ecosystem—you have to talk about Muk. Specifically, Alolan Muk. While you catch standard Grimer in the Power Plant (Pikachu version only!), the ability to trade for an Alolan Grimer in-game gives you access to a Poison/Dark powerhouse. This is a massive deal because it completely shuts down Psychic types like Alakazam, which usually dominate Kanto.
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Then you have Mankey.
Primeape is a rage-filled ball of fur that hits like a truck.
You get Mankey early.
By the time you hit Mt. Moon, you can have a Fighting-type ready to demolish the various Geodudes and Onix that populate the caves. Eevee players have to wait much longer or rely on different strategies to get that kind of early-game physical pressure.
A Quick Look at the Exclusives List
- Oddish, Gloom, Vileplume: Your primary Grass/Poison utility.
- Sandshrew and Sandslash: Reliable Ground-type physical defense.
- Growlithe and Arcanine: High-stat Fire-type attackers.
- Grimer and Muk: The "Stall" kings of the Poison world.
- Mankey and Primeape: Pure physical Fighting aggression.
- Scyther: High-speed Bug/Flying scouting.
Don't Forget the Alolan Forms
This is where people get confused. You don't just "catch" Alolan forms in the wild. You find NPCs in Pokémon Centers who want to trade their Alolan version for your Kanto version. Because the base forms are Let's Go Pikachu version exclusives, the Alolan forms are effectively exclusive too.
You want an Alolan Muk? You need a Grimer. You can only catch Grimer in Pikachu. Therefore, without outside help, Alolan Muk is a Pikachu-exclusive luxury. It’s a chain reaction of exclusivity that most people don't think about until they're halfway through the game and realize their "perfect team" requires a trade.
How to Work Around the Limitations
Look, the whole point of these games is social interaction. Nintendo wants you to find a friend. But what if you don't have friends who play Pokémon? Or what if you're playing this in 2026 and the local scene is quiet?
- Pokémon GO Integration: This is the ultimate "cheat code." If you have Pokémon GO on your phone, you can transfer almost any Kanto Pokémon into the "Go Park" in Fuchsia City. This completely bypasses the version exclusive locks. You can catch a Bellsprout on your walk to work and put it into your Pikachu version.
- Online Trading: Even years after launch, the "Pikachu-Pikachu-Pikachu" trade code usually has people looking to swap version exclusives. It’s a bit of a gamble, but it works.
- NPC Trades: Always talk to everyone in the Pokémon Centers. Those Alolan trades are 1:1 and repeatable. If you want a Shiny Alolan Sandslash, you’re going to be sitting there trading hundreds of Sandshrews to that NPC. It’s a grind. It’s exhausting. But it’s the only way to get those specific variants with your own Trainer ID.
The Strategy of Choice
Choosing your version based on the exclusives is a rite of passage. If you’re a fan of Arcanine and Scyther, Pikachu is the obvious choice. If you prefer the elegance of Ninetales and the weirdness of Meowth, you’re an Eevee person.
The Let's Go Pikachu version exclusives provide a more "bruiser" style of gameplay. You have Primeape and Arcanine, which are built for hitting hard and fast. The Eevee side feels a bit more tactical and status-heavy. Neither is objectively better, but they definitely dictate the "flavor" of your journey through Kanto.
Next Steps for Your Journey
To make the most of your Pikachu version, head over to the Power Plant as soon as you have the "Sea Skim" technique. That’s where you’ll find Grimer and Electabuzz (another Pikachu favorite). If you’re looking to round out your team, start stockpiling Mankey early on Route 3. Having a high-level Primeape will make the mid-game gyms like Erika’s much easier to navigate if you play your cards right with U-turn or Ice Punch.
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Finally, if you’re serious about completing the Pokedex, make sure you’ve linked your Pokémon GO account. It saves you hours of looking for rare spawns and is the only way to get Meltan and Melmetal into the game anyway. Happy hunting.
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