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.
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. 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 |
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Flygon can KO Raichu with Earthquake (137-161%).
 Flygon GroundDragon | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemChoice Scarf NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Flygon builds →Earthquake 2x137-161%KO Outrage82-96% U Turn32-38% | ||
HeartGold & SoulSilver 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 35 partners from the Fairy and Ground egg groups. Notable egg moves include Bide, Charge, Double Slap and 8 more.
HeartGold & SoulSilver Raichu Best Moveset
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
Raichu best EVs are HP and Sp. Atk
Special Tank Moveset
- Nasty Plot
- Thunderbolt
- Thunder
- Grass Knot
Recommended Teammates
Moves
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
How to Get Raichu in HeartGold & SoulSilver
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 PichuIlex ForestSoulSilverInteract with Pokemon Lv.30 ForestLimitedMidRequires Pikachu-colored PichuIlex ForestHeartGoldInteract with Pokemon Lv.30 ForestLimitedMidRequires Pikachu-colored Pichu- Step 2Catch or Evolve PikachuViridian ForestHeartGoldGrass Lv.4-7 ForestRareEarlyMorning/dayViridian ForestSoulSilverGrass Lv.4 ForestRareEarlyNightViridian ForestSoulSilverGrass Lv.4-7 ForestRareEarlyMorning/dayViridian ForestHeartGoldGrass Lv.4 ForestRareEarlyNightSaffron CityHeartGoldIn-game trade CityLimitedTrade for (give Pikachu)Saffron CitySoulSilverIn-game trade CityLimitedTrade for (give Pikachu)or evolve from Pichu (Step 1)
Step 3Raichu ✓
Raichu Guide
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Raichu looks average on paper at 475 BST. But Lightning Rod is why it sees play. Build around that and it pulls its weight. C-Tier pivot on our tier list. Nasty Plot with Wiseglasses is the standard set.
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, 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 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 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 HeartGold & SoulSilver, 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