Raichu's stats are solid on their own, but Lightning Rod is what pushes it over the line. It redirects Electric moves and boosts its Sp. Atk. Only weak to Ground. A longtime staple going back to Gen 1.
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.
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
GoodType-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.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
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.
How to Evolve
Breed with Raichu to get Pichu eggs easily using 35 partners from the Fairy and Ground egg groups. Notable egg moves include Bide, Charge, Double Slap and 8 more.
double STAB is what separates a good sweep from a wasted boost. After Nasty Plot, Raichu threatens a wide range with max HP and Sp. Atk EVs and Wiseglasses backing every hit.
Best Build
Best Raichu Moveset
- Nasty Plot
- Thunderbolt
- Thunder
- Grass Knot
Recommended Teammates
Hard to wall, honestly. Raichu threatens 10 types beyond its own STAB, with Normal and Fighting standing out. Pair that with Volt Tackle and Thunder and switchins need to think twice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
Can't catch Raichu directly. Start with Pichu but it's a rare spawn from the locations below, then evolve through a special method. The 3-stage chain from Pichu to Raichu is where the leveling time goes.
How to Obtain Raichu in HeartGold & SoulSilver
Pichu is your first catch on the way to Raichu. You'll find fixed and walking encounters from Lv. 4-30 across 8 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch PichuHARDIlex ForestSoulSilverInteract with PokemonLv.30LimitedMidForestRequires Pikachu-colored PichuHARDIlex ForestHeartGoldInteract with PokemonLv.30LimitedMidForestRequires Pikachu-colored Pichu- Step 2Catch or Evolve PikachuCHALLENGINGViridian ForestHeartGoldGrassLv.4-7RareEarlyForestMorning/dayCHALLENGINGViridian ForestSoulSilverGrassLv.4RareEarlyForestNightCHALLENGINGViridian ForestSoulSilverGrassLv.4-7RareEarlyForestMorning/dayCHALLENGINGViridian ForestHeartGoldGrassLv.4RareEarlyForestNightLEGENDARYSaffron CityHeartGoldIn-game tradeLimitedCityTrade for (give Pikachu)LEGENDARYSaffron CitySoulSilverIn-game tradeLimitedCityTrade for (give Pikachu)or evolve from Pichu (Step 1)
- Step 3Raichu ✓
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.
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 — base 90 Attack and 90 Sp. Atk. But the speed tells the real story — base 110 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. Fits the pivot role.
Raichu appears in 22 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Available since Red & Blue, Raichu appears in 22 games spanning 9 generations. Beyond its original form, it gained an Alolan form in Generation 7.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISMAlolan
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A