Stats & Training
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
Type-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.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Ground |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Electric, Flying, Steel |
In X & Y, Excadrill can KO Raichu with Earthquake (168-198%). Landorus threatens a KO with Earthquake (152-179%).
 Excadrill GroundSteel | S | |
Recommended Build AbilityMold Breaker ItemLeftovers NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Excadrill builds →Earthquake 2x168-198%KO Rapid Spin28-33% | ||
 Landorus Ground | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySheerforce ItemLife Orb NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Landorus builds →Focus Blast58-68% Earthquake 2x152-179%KO | ||
X & Y Evolution
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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Raichu to get Pichu eggs easily using 47 partners from the Fairy and Ground egg groups. Notable egg moves include Bestow, Bide, Charge and 12 more.
X & Y Raichu Best Moveset
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
Raichu best EVs are HP and Speed
Doubles Pivot Moveset
- Fake Out
- Volt Switch
- Encore
- Nuzzle
Recommended Teammates
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Focus Blast
- Grass Knot
- Nasty Plot
Recommended Teammates
Moves
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
How to Get Raichu in X & Y
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.
Raichu Guide
In X & Y, 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. Fakeout with Air Balloon is the standard set.
In X & Y, 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 with base 90 Attack and 90 Sp. Atk. Speed tells the real story. Base 110 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. Fits the pivot role.
In X & Y, Lightning Rod is the hidden ability. It redirects single-target electric moves to this Pokémon where possible. Worth hunting for if you want Raichu to compete at a higher level.
Game Availability
Available since Red & Blue, Raichu appears in 23 games spanning 10 generations. Beyond its original form, it gained an Alolan form in Generation 7.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
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 7SMAlolan
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