Raikou's built around special offense. Sp. Atk leads the charge, Defense pays for it. Near-impossible to catch, worth 3 Sp. Atk and Speed EVs. Follows a slow 1.25M XP grind.
It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Raikou's Electric typing leaves it vulnerable to Ground. Its Electric typing keeps the defensive matchups simple. Raikou's special bulk (base 100 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Ground |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Electric, Flying, Steel |
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilitySturdy ItemRocky Helmet NatureBold Moves View Skarmory builds →
| ||
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureRelaxed Moves
Damage vs Raikou View Alomomola builds →Flip Turn21-24% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Raikou View Corviknight builds →U Turn18-21% | ||
 Pelipper Water | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityDrizzle ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Raikou View Pelipper builds →Hurricane22-26% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Raikou View Moltres builds →Flamethrower37-43% U Turn18-21% | ||
You can't breed Raikou or evolve it into anything else. This Electric legendary packs 580 stats and doesn't need a chain to be relevant. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Water coverage is what separates a good sweep from a wasted boost. After Calm Mind, Raikou threatens a wide range with max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs and Heavy-Duty Boots backing every hit.
Best Build
Raikou best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Scald
- Thunderbolt
- Calm Mind
- Volt Switch
Recommended Teammates
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Scald
- Thunderbolt
- Aura Sphere
- Volt Switch
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Bulky Support Moveset
- Aura Sphere
- Scald
- Thunderbolt
- Electroweb
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Attacker Moveset
- Electroweb
- Thunderbolt
- Snarl
- Scald
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Utility Moveset
- Aura Sphere
- Electroweb
- Thunderbolt
- Scald
Recommended Teammates
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Calm Mind
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Sweeper Moveset
- Extreme Speed
- Aura Sphere
- Discharge
- Thunder Wave
Recommended Teammates
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Calm Mind
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Sweeper Moveset
- Extreme Speed
- Aura Sphere
- Discharge
- Thunder Wave
Recommended Teammates
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice
- Calm Mind
- Reflect
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Sweeper Moveset
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Shadow Ball
- Wild Charge
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Without TMs, Raikou's movepool is bare bones. With them, you get coverage across 9 types on top of Zap Cannon and Thunder for STAB. The natural kit handles basics, but TMs are doing the real work.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Raikou develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Thunder and Zap Cannon show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
Without TMs, Raikou's movepool is bare bones. With them, you get coverage across 8 types on top of Zap Cannon and Thunder for STAB. The natural kit handles basics, but TMs are doing the real work.
Without TMs, Raikou's movepool is bare bones. With them, you get coverage across 8 types on top of Zap Cannon and Thunder for STAB. The natural kit handles basics, but TMs are doing the real work.
Raikou can't be caught in Scarlet & Violet. Bring it over from Gold, Crystal, or Ultra Sun instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Raikou doesn't appear in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Transfer it from Gold, Crystal, or Ultra Sun to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Raikou can't be caught in Sword & Shield. Bring it over from Gold, Crystal, or Ultra Sun instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
You'll find Raikou at Ultra Space Wilds as a set encounter. It's always there at that location, so come prepared for the battle. The location details below cover exact positioning.
Best Locations to Catch Raikou in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
At 580 BST, Raikou is built different. We rank it A-Tier. As a Legendary Pokemon, the raw stats back up the reputation. Best used as a sweeper.
Watch for Rhydon (Ground) when using Raikou. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Pressure increases the PP cost of moves targetting the Pokémon by one. That's the one you want on Raikou. Inner Focus is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses.
Raikou fills the sweeper role. It's a special attacker with base 115 Sp. Atk. Base 115 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Raikou has answers, but so do you. Priority moves (Mach Punch, Aqua Jet, Ice Shard) bypass its speed. Bulky walls that resist its STAB also shut it down.
Raikou has appeared in 17 games since Gold & Silver, spanning 9 generations. As a Legendary, it's typically a one-per-save encounter tied to the story or post-game content.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 2GSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves