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.
It loves pancakes prepared with a secret Alolan recipe. Some wonder whether that recipe holds the key to this Pokémon’s evolution.
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.
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 from the Fairy and Ground egg groups.
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.
Most of Raichu's flexibility comes from TMs. Same-type output runs through Thunder and Thunderbolt, 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 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 NPCLv.5EarlyCityStarter choiceCHALLENGINGViridian ForestLet's Go EeveeGrassLv.3-65%EarlyForestCHALLENGINGViridian ForestLet's Go PikachuGrassLv.3-65%EarlyForestor evolve from Pichu (Step 1)
Step 3Raichu ✓Saffron CityLet's Go PikachuIn-game tradeLv.30MidCityTrade for (give Raichu)Saffron CityLet's Go EeveeIn-game tradeLv.30MidCityTrade for (give Raichu)or evolve from Pikachu (Step 2)
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