Raichu doesn't stand out in any single area, but it gets the job done for in-game teams. Only weak to Ground. Been around since Gen 1. It clears the crowded base-100 Speed benchmark. Known as the Mouse Pokemon.
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.
Its long tail serves as a ground to protect itself from its own high voltage power.
Raichu Weakness
AvgType-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.
- Only 15 types exist — Dark, Steel, and Fairy are absent
- Ghost has no effect on Psychic (a known bug, fixed in Gen II)
- Special stat governs both offense and defense — no Sp.Atk / Sp.Def split
Pichu's chain ends at Raichu (using a Thunder Stone). Despite 485 base stats, this Electric type doesn't breed. The evolution from Pichu pushed Raichu to 485 total stats. Sp.Atk saw the largest single gain at +55.
How to Evolve
Nothing fancy here. Raichu builds around an item for extra utility, a nature nature for the right stat lean, and flexible EVs EVs. An ability does its job quietly.
Best Build
Best Raichu Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Surf
- Thunder Wave
- Body Slam
Recommended Teammates
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
5 encounter spots for Raichu at decent spawn rates starting from late-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Raichu in Red & Blue
To get Raichu, start by catching Pikachu through walking encounters at Lv. 3-64. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch PikachuCHALLENGINGViridian ForestBlueGrassLv.3-5RareEarlyForestCHALLENGINGViridian ForestRedGrassLv.3-5RareEarlyForestEFFORTLESSPower PlantBlueGrassLv.20-24CommonMidPower-plantEFFORTLESSPower PlantRedGrassLv.20-24CommonMidPower-plant
Step 2Raichu ✓CHALLENGINGPower PlantBlueGrassLv.33-36RareLatePower-plantEASYCerulean Cave - B1FBlueGrassLv.64UncommonPostCaveEASYCerulean Cave - B1FRedGrassLv.64UncommonPostCaveCHALLENGINGCerulean Cave - 1FBlueGrassLv.53RarePostCaveCHALLENGINGCerulean Cave - 1FRedGrassLv.53RarePostCaveor evolve from Pikachu (Step 1)
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 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