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.
When its electricity builds, its muscles are stimulated, and it becomes more aggressive than usual.
It can loose 100,000-volt bursts of electricity, instantly downing foes several times its size.
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 12 more.
Click Volt Switch, bring in a teammate, repeat. Raichu's pivot game is backed by Air Balloon for temporary Ground immunity and max HP and Speed EVs. Lightningrod works in the background while utility options covers bad matchups.
Best Build
Best Raichu Moveset
- Fake Out
- Volt Switch
- Encore
- Nuzzle
Recommended Teammates
The egg pool carries weight here. Bestow and Bide aren't available any other way for Raichu, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Volt Tackle and Thunder for solid options.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
Grab Pikachu from the locations below, it shows up in the wild. Drop it at the nursery to hatch Pichu. From there, level the baby through the remaining stages to Raichu.
How to Obtain Raichu in X & Y
Pichu is your first catch on the way to Raichu. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 3-5 across 4 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Breed Pichu from PikachuBreed from Pikachu at the Day Care.
Step 2Catch or Evolve PikachuCHALLENGINGSantalune ForestXGrassLv.3-4RareEarlyForestCHALLENGINGSantalune ForestYGrassLv.3-4RareEarlyForestCHALLENGINGRoute 3XGrassLv.4-5RareEarlyRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 3YGrassLv.4-5RareEarlyRouteor 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 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