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 only evolves to this form in the Alola region. According to researchers, its diet is one of the causes of this change.
It uses psychokinesis to control electricity. It hops aboard its own tail, using psychic power to lift the tail and move about while riding it.
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. Notable egg moves include Bestow, Bide, Charge and 13 more.
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
Best Raichu Moveset
- Fake Out
- Brick Break
- Volt Tackle
- Nuzzle
Recommended Teammates
Hard to wall, honestly. Raichu threatens 11 types beyond its own STAB, with Normal and Fighting standing out. Pair that with Volt Tackle and Zap Cannon and switchins need to think twice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
You're catching Pichu first, not Raichu. Pichu appears at moderate rates in the encounters below. The step cards map the full 3-stage chain with evolution methods between each stage.
How to Obtain Raichu in Sun & Moon
To get Raichu, start by catching Pichu through walking encounters at Lv. 3-8. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch PichuCHALLENGINGRoute 1 - WestMoonGrassLv.3-55%EarlyRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 1 - WestSunGrassLv.3-55%EarlyRouteCHALLENGINGHau'oli City - Shopping DistrictMoonGrassLv.5-85%EarlyCityCHALLENGINGHau'oli City - Shopping DistrictSunGrassLv.5-85%EarlyCity
Step 2Catch or Evolve PikachuRoute 1 - WestMoonGrassLv.3-5EarlyRouteSOS from PichuRoute 1 - WestSunGrassLv.3-5EarlyRouteSOS from PichuHau'oli City - Shopping DistrictMoonGrassLv.5-8EarlyCitySOS from PichuHau'oli City - Shopping DistrictSunGrassLv.5-8EarlyCitySOS from Pichuor 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. B-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 special attacker with base 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