Stats & Training
Everything pushes toward mixed damage here. Raichu's Speed does the work, Defense pays the price. But you're still getting 3 Speed EVs per KO. Moderately hard to find, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
Its tail discharges electricity into the ground, protecting it from getting shocked.
If the electric pouches in its cheeks become fully charged, both ears will stand straight up.
Raichu Weakness
Type-wise, Raichu takes extra damage from Ground. Not many exploitable gaps in the Electric typing defensive chart. Lightning Rod grants an additional Electric immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Raichu's special bulk (base 80 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Ground |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Electric, Flying, Steel |
 Landorus Ground | S | |
Ground is super effective against RaichuView Landorus → | ||
 Krookodile GroundDark | A | |
Ground is super effective against RaichuView Krookodile → | ||
In Legends: Z-A, Vaporeon deals 43-51% with Scald.
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves View Talonflame builds →
| ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Corviknight builds →U Turn28-33% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityWaterabsorb ItemLeftovers NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Vaporeon builds →Scald43-51% Flip Turn26-30% | ||
Legends: Z-A Evolution
Raichu evolved from Pichu's chain using an evolution item. It's a non-standard trigger, so check the details below. Breed this form to get Pichu eggs (quick to hatch). The evolution from Pichu pushed Raichu to 485 total stats. Sp.Atk saw the largest single gain at +55. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Legends: Z-A Raichu Best Moveset
Click Volt Switch, bring in a teammate, repeat. Raichu's pivot game is backed by Focus Sash for a guaranteed survive from full HP and max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs. Lightningrod works in the background while double STAB covers bad matchups.
Best Build
Raichu best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Doubles Special Sweeper Moveset
- Fake Out
- Nuzzle
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
Recommended Teammates
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Surf
- Alluring Voice
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Nasty Plot
- Thunderbolt
- Draining Kiss
- Discharge
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Most of Raichu's flexibility comes from TMs. Same-type output runs through Volt Tackle and Thunder, but Normal and Fighting and the rest of the TM pool push it from predictable to genuinely threatening.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
How to Get Raichu in Legends: Z-A
Raichu can't be caught in Legends: Z-A. Transfer Pichu from Crystal, Diamond, or Scarlet and evolve through the 3-stage chain to get it. The step cards below map the full chain.
How to Obtain Raichu in Legends: Z-A
Step 3Raichu ✓
Raichu Guide
In Legends: Z-A, Raichu looks average on paper at 485 BST. But Lightning Rod is why it sees play. Build around that and it pulls its weight. C-Tier pivot on our tier list. Fakeout with Focus Sash is the standard set.
In Legends: Z-A, Raichu's biggest threats include Golem (Ground), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about. Raichu's base 110 Speed lets it outpace many threats and strike first, which matters more than trying to tank hits.
Raichu gets Lightning Rod and Static. But Lightning Rod is the one that matters. It's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that.
Raichu is a mixed attacker with base 90 Attack and 90 Sp. Atk. Speed tells the real story. Base 110 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. Fits the pivot role.
In Legends: Z-A, Lightning Rod is the hidden ability. It redirects single-target electric moves to this Pokémon where possible. Worth hunting for if you want Raichu to compete at a higher level.
Game Availability
Available since Red & Blue, Raichu appears in 23 games spanning 10 generations. Beyond its original form, it gained an Alolan form in Generation 7.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SMAlolan
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves