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 stat exp per KO. Moderately hard to find, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
When its electricity builds, its muscles are stimulated, and it becomes more aggressive than usual.
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. 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 |
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
In Gold & Silver, Golem can KO Raichu with Earthquake (156-184%).
 Golem RockGround | A | |
Recommended Build ItemLeftovers Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Golem builds →Earthquake 2x156-184%KO Explosion130-152%KO Rapid Spin26-31% | ||
Gold & Silver 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 475 total stats. Sp.Atk saw the largest single gain at +55. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Raichu to get Pichu eggs easily using 16 partners from the Fairy and Ground egg groups. Notable egg moves include Bide, Double Slap, Encore and 2 more.
Gold & Silver Raichu Best Moveset
Best Build
Support Moveset
- Thunder
- Surf
- Encore
- Thunder Wave
Recommended Teammates
Moves
The egg pool carries weight here. Bide and Double Slap aren't available any other way for Raichu, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Zap Cannon and Thunder for solid options.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
How to Get Raichu in Gold & Silver
This 3-stage chain starts with Pichu, a baby that doesn't spawn wild. Breed Pikachu at the nursery to hatch one, then level through the stages to reach Raichu.
Raichu Guide
In Gold & Silver, Raichu works as a pivot with 475 BST behind it. C-Tier on our list: a niche pick in Gold & Silver's meta. Thunder with Leftovers is the standard set.
In Gold & Silver, 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 100 Speed lets it outpace many threats and strike first, which matters more than trying to tank hits.
Raichu is a special attacker with base 90 Sp. Atk. Speed tells the real story. Base 100 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. Fits the pivot role.
In Gold & Silver, the best way to handle Raichu: Super-effective STAB from faster Pokemon is the simplest answer. Ground-type attackers hit hardest.
In Gold & Silver, Raichu plays as a pivot. It outspeeds most threats, so it can pressure opponents before they move. Thunder is the primary attack.
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