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.
It loves pancakes prepared with a secret Alolan recipe. Some wonder whether that recipe holds the key to this Pokémon's evolution.
It loves pancakes prepared with a secret Alolan recipe. Some wonder whether that recipe holds the key to this Pokémon's evolution.
Type-wise, Raichu takes extra damage from Ground, Bug, Ghost, and Dark. The Electric/Psychic typing picks up 5 resistances to work with. Raichu's special bulk (base 85 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Ground, Bug, Ghost, Dark |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Electric, Fighting, Flying, Psychic, Steel |
 Nidoking PoisonGround | B | |
 Dugtrio Ground | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Dugtrio builds →Earthquake 2x145-171%KO Dig 2x117-138%KO Sucker Punch 2x67-80% | ||
 Marowak Ground | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Marowak builds →Bone Club 2x79-93% Bonemerang 2x62-73% | ||
 Graveler RockGround | C | |
 Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Onix builds →Earthquake 2x79-93% Dig 2x64-76% | ||
In Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Scizor can KO Raichu with U-turn (251-295%). Incineroar threatens a KO with Knock Off (143-168%). Chandelure's Shadow Ball also KOs at 125-147%.
 Scizor BugSteel | S | |
Recommended Build AbilityTechnician ItemChoice Band NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Scizor builds →Bullet Punch36-43% Superpower72-84% U Turn 2x251-295%KO | ||
 Incineroar FireDark | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityIntimidate ItemAssault Vest NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Incineroar builds →Flare Blitz131-154%KO Knock Off 2x143-168%KO U Turn 2x103-121%KO | ||
 Chandelure GhostFire | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemLeftovers NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Chandelure builds →Shadow Ball 2x125-147%KO Flamethrower70-83% | ||
 Swampert WaterGround | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityTorrent ItemLife Orb NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Swampert builds →Earthquake 2x277-326%KO Scald39-46% Waterfall110-130%KO | ||
 Landorus Ground | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySheerforce ItemLife Orb NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Landorus builds →Sludge Bomb51-61% | ||
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 +60. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
This build takes hits and hits back. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn, Lightningrod supports the gameplan, and max Attack and Speed EVs mean Raichu doesn't crumble to chip damage. Plus the remaining moves backing it up.
Best Build
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Moves
Most of Raichu's flexibility comes from TMs. Same-type output runs through Thunder and Psychic, 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
The way to get Alolan Raichu in this game is through an NPC trade at Saffron City. Bring the right Pokemon and it's yours. The details below list the exact trade requirements.
How to Obtain Raichu in Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee
The path to Raichu starts with Pichu at Lv. 3-30 via gift and walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Breed Pichu from PikachuBreed from Pikachu at the Day Care.
Step 2Catch or Evolve PikachuPallet TownLet's Go PikachuGift from NPC Lv.5 CityEarlyStarter choiceViridian ForestLet's Go EeveeGrass Lv.3-6 Forest5%EarlyViridian ForestLet's Go PikachuGrass Lv.3-6 Forest5%Earlyor evolve from Pichu (Step 1)
Step 3Raichu ✓Saffron CityLet's Go PikachuIn-game trade Lv.30 CityMidTrade for (give Raichu)Saffron CityLet's Go EeveeIn-game trade Lv.30 CityMidTrade for (give Raichu)or evolve from Pikachu (Step 2)
In Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Raichu works as a pivot with 485 BST behind it. B-Tier on our list: a solid option in Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee for the right team. Fakeout with Leftovers is the standard set.
In Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, Raichu's biggest threats include Golem (Ground), Pinsir (Bug), and Gengar (Ghost), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Dark-type attackers are also a problem. Raichu's base 110 Speed lets it outpace many threats and strike first, which matters more than trying to tank hits.
Surge Surfer is the go-to ability for Raichu. It doubles this Pokémon's Speed on Electric Terrain. It's Raichu's only ability.
Raichu is a special attacker with base 95 Sp. Atk. Speed tells the real story. Base 110 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. Fits the pivot role.
In Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, the best way to handle Raichu: Super-effective STAB from faster Pokemon is the simplest answer. Ground, Bug, and Ghost-type attackers hit hardest.
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