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.
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
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 Sword & Shield, Excadrill can KO Raichu with Earthquake (209-246%). Landorus's Sludge Bomb hits Raichu for 54-64%.
 Excadrill GroundSteel | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityMold Breaker ItemLeftovers NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Excadrill builds →Earthquake 2x209-246%KO Rapid Spin35-41% | ||
 Landorus Ground | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySheerforce ItemLife Orb NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Raichu View Landorus builds →Sludge Bomb54-64% Psychic54-64% | ||
Sword & Shield 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 43 partners from the Fairy and Ground egg groups. Notable egg moves include Charge, Disarming Voice, Fake Out and 4 more.
Sword & Shield Raichu Best Moveset
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
Raichu best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Doubles Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Protect
- Discharge
- Fake Out
- Nasty Plot
Recommended Teammates
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Surf
- Focus Blast
- Encore
Recommended Teammates
Special Revenge Killer Moveset
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Focus Blast
- Grass Knot
Recommended Teammates
Moves
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
How to Get Raichu in Sword & Shield
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 PikachuForest of FocusShieldOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlyNormal WeatherForest of FocusSwordOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlyThunderstormForest of FocusShieldOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlySnowstormForest of FocusSwordOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlyIntense SunForest of FocusSwordOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlySnowingForest of FocusSwordOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlySandstormForest of FocusShieldOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlyThunderstormForest of FocusSwordOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlyRainingForest of FocusShieldOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlyIntense SunForest of FocusSwordOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlyHeavy FogForest of FocusShieldOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlySnowingForest of FocusSwordOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlyOvercastForest of FocusShieldOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlySandstormForest of FocusSwordOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlyNormal WeatherForest of FocusShieldOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlyRainingForest of FocusSwordOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlySnowstormForest of FocusShieldOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlyHeavy FogForest of FocusShieldOverworld Lv.10-15 Forest5%EarlyOvercastRoute 4SwordOverworld Lv.14-16 Route5%EarlyAll WeatherRoute 4ShieldOverworld Lv.14-16 Route1%EarlyAll WeatherStony WildernessShieldGrass Lv.26-2810%MidRainingStony WildernessSwordGrass Lv.26-2810%MidRainingStony Wilderness - 3SwordOverworld Lv.28-3010%MidThunderstormStony WildernessShieldOverworld Lv.28-305%MidThunderstormStony WildernessSwordOverworld Lv.28-305%MidThunderstormStony Wilderness - 2SwordOverworld Lv.28-305%MidThunderstormStony Wilderness - 2ShieldOverworld Lv.28-305%MidThunderstormStony Wilderness - 3ShieldOverworld Lv.28-305%MidThunderstormor evolve from Pichu (Step 1)
Step 3Raichu ✓
Raichu Guide
In Sword & Shield, 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. Protect with Life Orb is the standard set.
In Sword & Shield, 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. Speed tells the real story. Base 110 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. Fits the pivot role.
In Sword & Shield, 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