I got annoyed. So I made this guide. True story.
Introduction
Information
About Pika Prompts
Using this Guide
Pika Prompts
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Coffee Notes
Detective Tips
General Pika Prompts
Credits & Disclaimers
Introduction
Overview
Hello, and welcome to my in-depth guide on the Pika Prompts for Detective Pikachu. This guide was born out of my frustration at completing the game, so I hope I spare someone that exasperation!
Throughout the game Detective Pikachu, you can touch the Pikachu icon on the bottom screen and get various scenes. There are over 150 of these sequences, and this guide will show you how to get all of them. Note that you can unlock all Pika Prompts by completing the game and using the Detective Pikachu Amiibo, but hey, who wants to spend a whole bunch of money on a single-use Amiibo that’s currently out-of-print?
Guide Version Differences
1.0 – First version done.
Information
About Pika Prompts
Pika Prompts are shown every time you touch the Pikachu icon on the touchscreen or press the X button.
The game divides Pika Prompts as such:
- Chapter 1-9 (one list per chapter)
- Coffee Notes
- Detective Tips
- General Pika Prompts
Chapter Pika Prompts are just as they say: Pika Prompts that are activated in that specific chapter. In general, Detective Tips are unlocked more in the first half of the game while Coffee Notes start appearing in the second half. General Pika Prompts are seen throughout the game. That being said, each of them have exceptions where some can only be activated in certain chapter(s).
Essentially, there are four types of requirements to activate the various Pika Prompts:
- Timing: which chapter and/or when during the chapter
- Location: in the entire locale or a specific spot
- Interactions: after meeting or talking with others
- Other: miscellaneous requirements
Some prompts can be activated at any point in the game; others have a very small window. Some are completely random. At times, you may need to keep touching the Pikachu icon (or X button) several times in a row to get all the new Pika Prompts because there are several in the same time/location. Other instances you may need to keep trying just due to random luck. There are some very small sections where you are unable to activate any Pika Prompts because of the story, but they’re very short.
None are missable in the strictest sense of the word. Yes, it is possible to keep moving through the chapter and have passed by a Pika Prompt, especially since you can’t revisit many areas. But after completing a chapter, you can replay it. Pika Prompts are also saved separately from the three save slots. So once a Prompt is unlocked, once you save and go back to the title screen, it is available to watch. I’d still keep a completed save file in one slot just in case though.
The downside is that every time you reload a chapter, the game also “resets” whether you’ve seen a scene or not. Once you have seen a Pika Prompt, you can use the B button to avoid rewatching it. Unfortunately, that only applies when you do not restart the game or jump straight into a chapter. Combined with the fact that you can’t skip cutscenes or save whenever you want to means that you do NOT want to do this too much.
Using this Guide
So most of you are going to jump right to the Pika Prompts. That’s fine, but here’s how I organized the bulk of this guide. Pika Prompts are listed in the same order as they are in the game, in the “View Pika Prompts” section. This order does not necessarily match up with the order in which you can unlock them in the game.
That’s where the Notes sections come into play: I try to remind you of getting these other Prompts right in that chapter. The Notes sections will also include any additional information on unlocking the Prompts.
If you have any questions, please use the contact form on my website.
Pika Prompts
Chapter 1
1 | Pika Prompts | In the first area, after talking to the woman near the shutter |
2 | A Trace of the Culprit | In the first area, after interviewing all witnesses |
3 | A Trace of Aipom | In the first area, after interviewing all witnesses |
4 | The Ketchup Stains | In the first area, after examining the red stain |
5 | Imagine You’re the Victim | After moving Aipom, be near where it had fallen |
6 | Who’s the Owner of the Black Feather? | After finding the black feather |
7 | The Soccer Ball | In the fountain area |
8 | We Can Always Talk | Go to another area and return to fountain area |
9 | Inside the Trash Can | Be near the trash can in the café area |
10 | A Coffee Sale | In the café area |
11 | Aipom’s Mischief | In the nature area, after “Investigate the Murkrow’s Nest”, be near Aipom |
12 | A Fletching Hat | In the office, be near Fletchling |
Notes:
- Get the first four Pika Prompts in the opening area before figuring out where Aipom went.
- Talk to Tepig in the café area, who is hiding in the bushes near the old man. Use the conversation trigger “About his hiding” to get the coin, which is used for the “Try Your Luck” General Pika Prompt.
Chapter 2
1 | Case Documents | In Harry’s room, after investigating the desk |
2 | How Far to the Exit? | Under the hole in the cave roof, be near pointy rock |
3 | Drifting Drifloon | Be near Drifloon, after talking to Noibat |
4 | The Place Where the Wind Blows | After finding Drifblim |
5 | The Water in the Cave | Be near the river, before river is frozen |
6 | Echoes | On the ice, after the river is frozen |
7 | Careless on the Ice | On the ice, after the river is frozen |
Notes:
- The opening of Chapter 2 is one of two times the General Pika Prompt “Begging for Coffee” can be seen. Examine the coffee maker for it to activate.
- “Water in the Cave” can’t be seen after river is frozen.
Chapter 3
1 | What’s Your Name? | Outside PCL, before going in |
2 | A Troubled Pikachu | Anytime in this chapter |
3 | Fridge’s Room | In Fridge’s lab |
4 | Garbodor’s Stench | In Fridge’s lab |
5 | The Garbodor Machine | Be near the Garbodor Machine |
6 | Intensely Spicy Cake | Anytime in this chapter |
7 | Sour Cake | Anytime in this chapter |
8 | Looking for the Vial | In the hallway, right after visiting Fridge’s lab for the first time |
9 | Pikachu Came Running Out! | Be near the shrubs on the back left hand side, after Dorothy returns |
10 | Fennekin’s Favorite Food | In the courtyard after incident, be near Fennekin |
11 | Shuckle’s Observations | In the courtyard, be near Shuckle |
12 | Looking for the Key | Go to another area and return to Klefki |
13 | Wallace’s Room | In Wallace’s lab, PCL Day 2 |
14 | A Glance from Minccino | In Dorothy’s office, after talking to Minccino, before visiting the storeroom |
15 | No Need to Stick Around | In the courtyard after incident |
16 | A Cold Room | In the library, before unlocking the courtyard |
17 | Sad Creatures | In the courtyard after incident, after Gengar escapes the library |
18 | How to Catch Gengar | After Gengar escapes the library |
Notes:
- Chapter 3 is one of two times the General Pika Prompt “Begging for Coffee” can be seen. Examine the coffee maker for it to activate.
- While they could be available on Day 2, get “Cold Room” and “A Glance from Minccino” on Day 1.
- Try to have successfully completed (no mistakes) a quick time event by the end of this chapter. Otherwise, in subsequent chapters, which successful minigame Pika Prompt you get will be random.
Chapter 4
1 | Accelgor and the Doughnut | In the office, by the corner near the door |
2 | Ludicolo’s Dance Moves | In the café, be near Ludicolo |
3 | Seasick | Right after arriving on the island |
4 | Flight of the Wingull | After talking to Wingull, be near Wingull |
5 | Louise’s Scent? | After talking to Louise, be near Spritzee |
6 | Lovely Locale | After talking to Louise |
7 | Scent of a Potion | In Dr. Waal’s home |
8 | Manectric Stare-Down | After starting “What’s the truth behind the fog situation?” |
9 | Tropius’s Fruit | After talking to Tropius, be near Tropius |
10 | Sticky Shellos | After talking to Shellos, be near Shellos |
11 | Grown-Up Problems | Right after seeing Amanda and Brad together |
12 | Manectric and the Flying Disc | After seeing Amanda and Brad together, be near Manectric |
13 | Feebas’s Evolution | After meeting Milotic, be near Milotic |
Notes:
- Nab the first few Pika Prompts in this chapter in order before starting the investigation.
- See “Coffee Note #8” before finishing the chapter.
- Play for an hour or more starting with this chapter to get “Break Time” General Pika Prompt. It took about an hour and a half for me, so it still is a bit random.
- “Pikachu’s Teachings” can be seen starting with this chapter. It may be random if you haven’t gotten “Cover Me!” yet.
Chapter 5
1 | Nightmare | Right at the beginning of this chapter |
2 | Rain | After arriving at Fine Park |
3 | Waiting Out the Rain | Be under the red & white awning |
4 | Coffee Cup | Be near the broken cup ride next to entrance |
5 | Pokémon Food | After examining Pokémon food bowl |
6 | The One That Matches the Doughnut | Be near the large doughnut signs |
7 | Comparing Voices with Loudred | After talking to Loudred, be near Loudred |
8 | Portrait | After talking to Litten, be near Smeargle |
9 | The Stufful Disconnect | After talking to Stufful, be near Stufful |
10 | Flamethrower | After talking to Litten, be near Litten |
11 | Thunder | After moving the barricade to the next area |
12 | Gashes on the Wall | Be near the marks on the ramp to the ferris wheel |
13 | The Ferris Wheel | Be near the ferris wheel carriage |
14 | What’s Stuck to It? | After finding three Joltik |
15 | The Cannon | Be near the cannon, after rescuing Buneary |
Notes:
- Look for “Coffee Note #7” in this chapter.
Chapter 6
1 | Even If I Become a TV Star… | Right at the beginning of this chapter |
2 | Hoothoot’s Feet | In the sub-control room, be near Hoothoot, after Pikachu rejoins |
3 | Dancing with Kricketune | In Carina’s dressing room, be near Kricketune |
4 | Who’s in the Mirror? | In a dressing room, be near mirror |
5 | Carina’s Voice? | In Max’s dressing room, be near Chatot, after meeting Carina |
6 | Drink Server | In the hallway in front of drink machine |
7 | What’s inside Mimikyu’s Disguise? | In the waiting room, be near Mimikyu |
8 | Purugly’s Whereabouts | Be near Purugly after finding it |
9 | Pikachu’s Poses | In studio in front of backstage curtain, after all alibis established |
10 | Don’t Dillydally! | In the hallway during the chase |
11 | Just a Little More | In the hallway during the chase |
12 | A Chance to Show Our Skills | In the hallway during the chase |
Notes:
- “Pikachu’s Poses” can’t be seen until Mimikyu is hanging out in the studio. Be in the center area, where you head backstage.
- The last three can be activated one after another as soon as the chase starts. You still could get a duplicate though, so if so, just try again.
- While there is a quick time event here, there is no time for a Pika Prompt after it.
Chapter 7
1 | The Freighter | On the wharf, be near the freighter |
2 | The Crane | On the wharf, be near the crane |
3 | The Man at the Port | On the wharf, be near one of the poles used to anchor ships |
4 | Infiltrate and Investigate | Right after sneaking into the warehouse |
5 | The Conveyor Belt | In warehouse 1F, be near conveyor belt |
6 | Machamp’s Misunderstanding | In warehouse 1F |
7 | Pansage’s Leaves | In Simon’s laboratory, be near Pansage |
8 | Mewtwo’s Cells | In Simon’s laboratory |
9 | A Shard of Memory | In the R storeroom |
Notes:
- Get the first three before figuring out where the warehouse is.
- Last chance for a quick time event-related Pika Prompt.
Chapter 8
1 | Containers | Right at the beginning of chapter, before climbing stairs |
2 | Deck Chairs | Be near a deck chair |
3 | A Cup at the Café | Right after talking to Emilia |
4 | How about These Piano Skills? | In the lounge, be near 2F piano |
5 | Krokorok Security | In lounge, be near Krokorok |
6 | The One | In hallway, after talking to Emilia |
7 | A Glance from Cinccino | Be near Cinccino, after talking to Emilia |
8 | Nosepass Faces North | In the captain’s quarters, be near Nosepass |
9 | Mythical Coffee | After obtaining auction catalog |
10 | The Necktie | After changing clothes |
11 | Chandelure’s Flames | In the auction room, be near Chandelure |
12 | A New Cape | In the auction room, win cape |
Notes:
- See “Coffee Note #30”.
- Make sure to get “Surf” and “The Nature of the Great Detective” after the theft case starts.
- “The Necktie” can be seen in Rose’s room or at the auction, but “Detective Tip #2” can only be seen in Rose’s room. Either way, Pikachu needs to have his bowtie on.
- “Mythical Coffee” can be viewed in the auction room.
- Win the auction for the cape for a Pika Prompt.
- Three bonus Pika Prompts are available after Keith appears, but they are not included in the game’s lists.
Chapter 9
1 | Rush to the Agency | Right at the beginning of this chapter, before entering office |
2 | Pikachu’s Resolve | Right at the beginning of this chapter, be near Pablo and Ludicolo |
3 | Where’s the Scene of the Crime? | In the office, before solving R’s location |
4 | Find the R Dispersing Machines | Right after arriving in central square |
5 | The Clock Tower | On stairs to clock tower in central square, before third R search |
6 | Do Your Best! | Anytime in this chapter |
7 | Calm Down | Right after arriving in central square |
8 | Who’s the Mastermind? | Right after arriving in central square |
9 | The First R Dispersing Machine | After finding one R machine, before finding the second |
10 | The Second R Dispersing Machine | After finding two R machines, before finding the third |
11 | The Third R Dispersing Machine | After finding three R machines |
Notes:
- Go slow through the beginning portions to nab Pika Prompts, then activate a bunch when officially starting the search.
- Make sure to stop and use the Pika Prompt icon every time you find R. You might want to talk to Emilia and only think about one R first. Then find it. This way, you don’t accidentally rush ahead and find two R machines and miss a Prompt.
Coffee Notes
1 | Coffee Note #7 | Chapter 5 |
2 | Coffee Note #8 | Chapter 4 |
3 | Coffee Note #13 | Chapters 6-8 |
4 | Coffee Note #16 | Chapters 4-5 |
5 | Coffee Note #21 | Chapters 6-8 |
6 | Coffee Note #22 | Chapters 7-8 |
7 | Coffee Note #29 | Chapters 7-8 |
8 | Coffee Note #30 | Chapter 8 |
Notes:
- In short, don’t worry about them until Chapter 4 and beyond.
Detective Tips
1 | Detective Tip #1 | Chapters 1-3 |
2 | Detective Tip #2 | Chapter 8, after changing clothes, before auction |
3 | Detective Tip #4 | Chapters 1-3 |
4 | Detective Tip #5 | Chapters 1-3 |
5 | Detective Tip #8 | Chapters 1-3 |
6 | Detective Tip #11 | Chapters 1-3 |
7 | Detective Tip #12 | Chapters 4-6 |
8 | Detective Tip #15 | Chapters 1-3 |
9 | Detective Tip #17 | Chapters 4-6 |
10 | Detective Tip #24 | Chapters 4-6 |
11 | Detective Tip #28 | Chapters 1-3 |
12 | Detective Tip #33 | Chapters 1-3 |
13 | Detective Tip #34 | Chapters 7-9 |
14 | Detective Tip #45 | Chapters 4-6 |
15 | Detective Tip #48 | Chapters 7-9 |
Notes:
- “Detective Note #2” is seen one time only.
General Pika Prompts
1 | Hey Now! | Anytime |
2 | Contents of Your Notes | Anytime |
3 | Top-Notch Stamina | Anytime |
4 | Aerobics with Pikachu | Anytime |
5 | Know How to Fall | Anytime |
6 | Gear Maintenance | Anytime |
7 | Leave the Interrogation to Me | Anytime |
8 | Begging for Coffee | Chapter 2, in Harry’s room; Chapter 3, in conference room |
9 | The Mystery of Pikachu | Chapters 3-9 |
10 | Steady Effort | Anytime |
11 | A Busy Fellow | Anytime |
12 | Let’s Talk More | Chapters 4-9 |
13 | Try Your Luck | Chapters 1-3, after meeting Tepig in Chapter 1 |
14 | Break Time | Chapters 4-9, play for an hour or more |
15 | Slow Reflexes? | Right after failing a quick time event |
16 | Cover Me! | Right after passing a quick time event |
17 | Pikachu’s Teachings | Chapters 4-5 & 7, right after passing the quick time event |
18 | A Bolt of…? | Chapters 3-9 |
19 | Quick Attack | Chapters 3-9 |
20 | Iron Tail | Chapters 3-9 |
21 | Fly | Chapters 4-9 |
22 | Thunderbolt | Chapters 5-9 |
23 | Double Team | Chapters 6-9 |
24 | Surf | Chapter 8, after the start of “Solve the theft!”, by the pool |
25 | The Nature of a Great Detective | Chapter 8, after meeting Rose |
26 | First Impression | Chapters 8-9 |
Notes:
- While I have them listed as “Anytime”, technically, “Leave the Interrogation to Me” and “A Busy Fellow” unlock from the start. The others are available after going to the park. Otherwise, they are available the whole game.
- While available in Chapter 3, “Quick Attack” appears to be available starting on PCL Day 2 and “Iron Tail” after Gengar escapes.
- “Iron Tail”, “Surf”, and “The Mystery of Pikachu” are seen one time only.
- Pika Prompts when you have a new mystery, unsolved mystery, a bunch of evidence, etc. are not included in the game’s lists.
Credits
Thanks to you for reading this guide.
Thanks to Game Opera and ヘイグ for their detailed guides on Pika Prompts (Pikachu Signs).
Thanks to Warhawk for their Detective Pikachu guide with prompts.
Legal
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Um, wow. . .
In the game, Pikachu is always telling you to write things down. Well, guess what, Pikachu? I wrote a bunch of things down!! ?