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’s believed that the weather, climate, and food of the Alola region all play a part in causing Pikachu to evolve into this form of Raichu.
This Pokémon rides on its tail while it uses its psychic powers to levitate. It attacks with star-shaped thunderbolts.
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 using 41 partners from the Fairy and Ground egg groups. Notable egg moves include Charge, Disarming Voice, Fake Out and 4 more.
the remaining moves is what separates a good sweep from a wasted boost. After Nasty Plot, Raichu threatens a wide range with max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs and Life Orb backing every hit.
Best Build
Best Raichu Moveset
- Protect
- Discharge
- Fake Out
- Nasty Plot
Recommended Teammates
The egg pool carries weight here. Charge and Disarming Voice aren't available any other way for Raichu, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Thunder and Thunderbolt for solid options.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
This 3-stage chain starts with Pichu, a baby that doesn't spawn wild. Breed Pikachu at the nursery to hatch one, then level through the stages to reach Raichu.
How to Obtain Raichu in Sword & Shield
To get Raichu, start by catching Pichu through walking encounters at Lv. 10-30. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
Step 1Breed Pichu from PikachuBreed from Pikachu at the Day Care.
- Step 2Catch or Evolve PikachuMODERATEForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestNormal WeatherMODERATEForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestThunderstormMODERATEForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestSnowstormMODERATEForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestIntense SunMODERATEForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestSnowingMODERATEForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestSandstormMODERATEForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestThunderstormMODERATEForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestRainingMODERATEForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestIntense SunMODERATEForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestHeavy FogMODERATEForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestSnowingMODERATEForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestOvercastMODERATEForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestSandstormMODERATEForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestNormal WeatherMODERATEForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestRainingMODERATEForest of FocusSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestSnowstormMODERATEForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestHeavy FogMODERATEForest of FocusShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyForestOvercastMODERATERoute 4SwordOverworldLv.14-165%EarlyRouteAll WeatherHARDRoute 4ShieldOverworldLv.14-161%EarlyRouteAll WeatherMODERATEStony WildernessShieldGrassLv.26-2810%MidRainingMODERATEStony WildernessSwordGrassLv.26-2810%MidRainingMODERATEStony Wilderness - 3SwordOverworldLv.28-3010%MidThunderstormMODERATEStony WildernessShieldOverworldLv.28-305%MidThunderstormMODERATEStony WildernessSwordOverworldLv.28-305%MidThunderstormMODERATEStony Wilderness - 2SwordOverworldLv.28-305%MidThunderstormMODERATEStony Wilderness - 2ShieldOverworldLv.28-305%MidThunderstormMODERATEStony Wilderness - 3ShieldOverworldLv.28-305%MidThunderstormor 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 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