As a Legendary, Raikou gets solid stats across the board, though it doesn't dominate any single category. Electric from Gen 2 gives it a unique niche. Only weak to Ground. Known as the Thunder Pokemon. The stat spread leans into special offense.
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.
Raikou Weakness
GoodRaikou's Electric typing leaves it vulnerable to Ground moves. 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.
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.
How to Evolve
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
Best Raikou Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Calm Mind
Recommended Teammates
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.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
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.
Raikou doesn't evolve. As a Legendary Pokemon, it stands on its own without an evolutionary line. It's a Electric type with 580 BST.
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 appears in 17 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Raikou has appeared in 17 games since Gold & Silver, spanning 8 generations. As a Legendary, it's typically a one-per-save encounter tied to the story or post-game content.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
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 VIISM
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