Raichu (Pokémon)

Pikachu #025: Pikachu
Pokémon
#027: Sandshrew Sandshrew
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Raichu (disambiguation).
Raichu
ライチュウ Raichu
#026
026Raichu.png
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type
Electric Unknown
Category
Mouse Pokémon
Abilities
Static Lightningrod
Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100
1,000,000
Regional Pokédex numbers
Kanto
#026
Johto
#023
Hoenn
#157
Sinnoh
#105
Regional Browser numbers
Fiore
R-024
Almia
R-003
Oblivia
R-006 N-155
Height
2'07"
Imperial
0.8 m
Metric
Weight
66.1 lbs.
Imperial
30.0 kg
Metric
Dex color
Yellow
Catch rate
75 (9.8%)
Body style
Body06.png BodyUnknown.png
Blue-Striped
Footprint
 F026.png   F487O.png
Blue-Striped
Gender ratio
50% male, 50% female
Breeding
Field and
Fairy groups
21 cycles
(5355 minimum steps)
EV yield
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
3
Base Exp.: 122 Battle Exp.: 1221*

Raichu (Japanese: ライチュウ Raichu) is an Electric-type Pokémon.

It evolves from Pikachu when exposed to a Thunder Stone. It is the final form of Pichu.

Biology

Raichu is a bipedal, rodent-like Pokémon. Raichu is covered in dark orange fur with a white belly. Its arms and feet have patches of brown fur at the end, and the soles of its big feet are tan with a circular orange pad. Its bifurcated ears are brown on the outside and yellow on the insides and ends in a distinctive curl. The electric sacs on its cheeks are yellow. It has two horizontal brown stripes on its back. Its long, thin tail has a lightning bolt shaped end. This lightning bolt is smaller on females. Its tail is used to gather electricity from the atmosphere, or it can be planted in the ground to search for electricity. Its tail also serves to protect itself from its own power.

Raichu exudes a weak electrical charge from all its body and slightly glows in the dark, and is capable of storing over 100,000 volts of electricity. However, it will become aggressive if it has stored too much electricity. To keep from reaching this state, it discharges electricity through its tail into the ground. This leads to scorched patches near its nest. If Raichu’s sacs are fully charged, its ears will stand straight up and its muscles become stimulated. Raichu is found in forests and woodlands.

In the anime

 
Raichu in the anime

Major appearances

Lt. Surge's Raichu

Lt. Surge, the Gym Leader of Vermilion City, has a Raichu that defeated Ash's Pikachu with its sheer power in Electric Shock Showdown. After discussing evolution with Pikachu to match Raichu's power, Ash used a strategy relying on Pikachu's speed to defeat Raichu the next day.

Other

Raichu was one of the four Pokémon causing trouble for Pikachu and co. in Pikachu's Vacation, along with Marill, Snubbull and Cubone.

In Lights, Camera, Quack-tion, a girl named Katrina decided to use her Raichu in the Cleavon Schpielbunk film "Pokémon in Love".

Stage Fight! was about a stage show that featured "talking" Pokémon. Kay's Raichu was supposed be a part of these shows, but it had stage fright.

A Raichu named Sugar appeared in Cooking Up a Sweet Story. It evolved from the restaurant owners' missing Pikachu.

Another Raichu appeared in Pika and Goliath!, owned by Sho. It battled against Ash's Pikachu twice in that episode.

The Pokémon Summer Academy has a very skittish Raichu for its students. It appeared in Camping It Up! where it was trained by Ash.

Another Raichu appeared in Flint Sparks the Fire! and The Fleeing Tower of Sunyshore! under the ownership of Volkner.

Minor appearances

A Raichu also appeared in Pokémon Fashion Flash.

A Raichu appeared in The Battling Eevee Brothers during the evolution party in Stone Town.

A Raichu appeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back.

Multiple Raichu also appeared in The Power of One.

A Raichu appeared in Pokémon Double Trouble.

A Raichu was seen herding Mareep in Mild'n Wooley.

A Raichu was one of the Pokémon seen at the Pokémon Swap Meet in Tricks of the Trade.

A Raichu appeared in Beauty and the Breeder where it participated in a Pokémon breeding competition.

Raichu made a cameo in The Legend of Thunder!. It was one of the Electric Pokémon that were lured by the "Miracle Crystal" that Attila and Hun were using. Raichu tried to be the hero by zapping the crystal, but the attack bounced back to itself.

Raichu is one of the Pokémon that were affected by the crystal in As Clear As Crystal.

A Raichu under the ownership of a Pokémon Coordinator appeared in Deceit and Assist.

Another Raichu appeared in Sticking With Who You Know!, falling in love with a Squirtle due to the effect Professor Kodama's machine.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry
EP014 Raichu Ash's Pokédex Raichu, a Mouse Pokémon of the Electric element. Raichu is the evolved form of Pikachu. It can shock with more than 100,000 volts, enough to render a Dragonite unconscious.
Original series entries continue below.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
PK01 Raichu Dexter Raichu, the evolved form of Pikachu. Pikachu and Raichu are both Mouse Pokémon of the electric variety. Combined voltage approaching shockingly dangerous levels.

In the manga

In the Magical Pokémon Journey manga

Main article: Sandy's Raichu

In the Magical Pokémon Journey manga series, a Raichu appears in the bonus chapter Raichu's Best Friend. In the chapter, the ghost of a Trainer named Sandy wishes to be reunited with her old friend Raichu.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Lt. Surge has a Raichu in Pokémon Adventures, which was first seen in Silph Co. but never participated in battles until fighting the Masked Man in his Mahogany Hideout, where it helped Surge break in and seemingly backed the mastermind into a corner, until his Houndour called upon dozens of wild Houndour to thwart Surge, instead. The former Team Rocket triad member barely escaped with his life after having many of his Electrode self-destruct.

Volkner has a Raichu which he used it in his battle against Platinum in VS. Elekid.

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

Satoshi had a Pikachu that chose to evolve into a Raichu to help him defeat the Elite Four in Pokémon Zensho.

In the Pokémon Pocket monsters manga

Blue has a Raichu which he used to battle Red in The Pokémon Banana League (Part 1).

Pokédex entries

Manga Chapter Entry
Pokémon Adventures PS139 When the electricity accumulated in Raichu's cheeks reach a maximum, its ears will become pointed.*

In the TCG

Main article: Raichu (TCG)

In the TFG

One Raichu figure has been released.

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I
Red Its long tail serves as a ground to protect itself from its own high voltage power.
Blue
Yellow When electricity builds up inside its body, it becomes feisty. It also glows in the dark.
Stadium Its electrical attacks may reach 10,000 volts. It discharges electricity from its tail, so it is not harmed by its own power.
Generation II
Gold When its electricity builds, its muscles are stimulated, and it becomes more aggressive than usual.
Silver If the electric pouches in its cheeks become fully charged, both ears will stand straight up.
Crystal If its electric pouches run empty, it raises its tail to gather electricity from the atmosphere.
Stadium 2 When its electricity builds, its muscles are stimulated, and it becomes more aggressive than usual.
Generation III
Ruby If the electrical sacks become excessively charged, Raichu plants its tail in the ground and discharges. Scorched patches of ground will be found near this Pokémon's nest.
Sapphire This Pokémon exudes a weak electrical charge from all over its body that makes it take on a slight glow in darkness. Raichu searches for electricity by planting its tail in the ground.
Emerald If it stores too much electricity, its behavior turns aggressive. To avoid this, it occasionally discharges excess energy and calms itself down.
FireRed Its electric charges can reach even 100,000 volts. Careless contact can cause even an Indian elephant to faint.
LeafGreen Its long tail serves as ground to protect itself from its own high-voltage power.
Generation IV
Diamond It turns aggressive if it has too much electricity in its body. It discharges power through its tail.
Pearl It can loose 100,000-volt bursts of electricity, instantly downing foes several times its size.
Platinum Its tail discharges electricity into the ground, protecting it from getting shocked.
HeartGold When its electricity builds, its muscles are stimulated, and it becomes more aggressive than usual.
SoulSilver If the electric pouches in its cheeks become fully charged, both ears will stand straight up.
Generation V
Black Its tail discharges electricity into the ground, protecting it from getting shocked.
White
Black 2 Its tail discharges electricity into the ground, protecting it from getting shocked.
White 2
Generation VI
X Unknown
Y Unknown


Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I
Red Blue
Uncommon Power PlantB
Cerulean CaveRB
Blue (Japan)
Unknown Power Plant, Cerulean Cave
Yellow
None Trade
Generation II
Gold Silver
None Evolve Pikachu
Crystal
None Evolve Pikachu
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
None Evolve Pikachu
Emerald
None Evolve Pikachu
FireRed LeafGreen
None Evolve Pikachu
Colosseum
None Trade
XD
None Trade
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
None Evolve Pikachu
Platinum
None Evolve Pikachu
HeartGold SoulSilver
None Evolve Pikachu
Pal Park
Forest
Pokéwalker
None
Generation V
Black White
None Poké Transfer
Black 2 White 2
None Poké Transfer
Dream World
None
Generation VI
X Y
None Trade



In side games

Game Location
Pokémon Channel Viridian Forest
Pokémon Pinball Evolve Pikachu
Pokémon Pinball:
Ruby & Sapphire
Evolve Pikachu
Pokémon Trozei! Secret Storage 8
Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red/Blue Rescue Team
Evolve Pikachu
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time/Darkness
Sky Stairway
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Gates to Infinity
Magnagate dungeons, Silent Tundra, Cape at the Edge, Silent Tundra (Mapless Street), Dreamy Island (Mapless Street)
Pokémon Ranger Sekra Range
Fiore Temple
Pokémon Ranger:
Shadows of Almia
Ice Lake
Almia Castle
Volcano Cave
Pokémon Ranger:
Guardian Signs
Sophian Road
Mt. Sorbet
Canal Ruins
Oblivia Ruins
Thunder Temple
Pokémon Rumble Silent Forest Normal Mode B & S
Pokémon Rumble Blast Autumnwood: Firebreathing Mountain
Forest: World Axle - B1F
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure Cavern Zone, Haunted Zone
Pokémon Conquest Evolve Pikachu

Held items

Game Held Item(s)
Red* Blue* Gold Leaf (100%)
Yellow*
Emerald*   Oran Berry (5%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
60
120 - 167 230 - 324
90
85 - 156 166 - 306
55
54 - 117 103 - 229
90
85 - 156 166 - 306
80
76 - 145 148 - 284
100
94 - 167 184 - 328
Total:
475
Other Pokémon with this total
  • Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
  • Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
  • This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 90.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed
2/3 ★★
Power
4/5 ★★★★
Skill
4/5 ★★★★
Stamina
4/5 ★★★★
Jump
2/3 ★★
Total
16/21 ★★★


Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
Damaged
normally by:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Notes:

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation V
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
00Start ThunderShock Electric Special 04040 100100% 30
00Start Tail Whip Normal Status 0000 100100% 30
00Start Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30
00Start Thunderbolt Electric Special 09595 100100% 15
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raichu
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Raichu
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation V
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
  TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000 090}}90% 10
  TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 0000 100}}100% 15
  TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5
  TM16 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 30
  TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
  TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 —}}—% 5
  TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
  TM24 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09595 100}}100% 15
  TM25 Thunder Electric Special 120120 070}}70% 10
  TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
  TM28 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10
  TM31 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15
  TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 15
  TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
  TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 10
  TM45 Attract Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 15
  TM46 Thief Dark Physical 04040 100}}100% 10
  TM48 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15
  TM49 Echoed Voice Normal Special 04040 100}}100% 15
  TM52 Focus Blast Fighting Special 120120 070}}70% 5
  TM56 Fling Dark Physical 0000 100}}100% 10
  TM57 Charge Beam Electric Special 05050 090}}90% 10
  TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5
  TM70 Flash Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 20
  TM72 Volt Switch Electric Special 07070 100}}100% 20
  TM73 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000 100}}100% 20
  TM86 Grass Knot Grass Special 0000 100}}100% 20
  TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000 090}}90% 15
  TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
  TM93 Wild Charge Electric Physical 09090 100}}100% 15
  TM94 Rock Smash Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15
  HM04 Strength Normal Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raichu
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Raichu
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation V
Other generations:
II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Father   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
Bestow Normal Status 100% 15
Bide Normal Physical —% 10
Charge Electric Status —% 20
DoubleSlap Normal Physical 15 85% 10
Encore Normal Status 100% 5
Endure Normal Status —% 10
Fake Out Normal Physical 40 100% 10
Flail Normal Physical 100% 15
Lucky Chant Normal Status —% 30
Present Normal Physical 90% 15
Reversal Fighting Physical 100% 15
ThunderPunch Electric Physical 75 100% 15
Tickle Normal Status 100% 20
Any Pokémon in the Field or
Fairy Egg Groups
Volt Tackle Electric Physical 120 100% 15
Wish Normal Status —% 10
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Raichu in Generation V
  • Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation.
  • Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Raichu in that game.
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raichu
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Raichu
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation V
Other generations:
II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
B W B2 W2 Covet Normal Physical 60 100% 40
B W B2 W2 Helping Hand Normal Status —% 20
B W B2 W2 Iron Tail Steel Physical 100 75% 15
B W B2 W2 Knock Off Dark Physical 20 100% 20
B W B2 W2 Magnet Rise Electric Status —% 10
B W B2 W2 Signal Beam Bug Special 75 100% 15
B W B2 W2 Sleep Talk Normal Status —% 10
B W B2 W2 Snore Normal Special 40 100% 15
B W B2 W2 ThunderPunch Electric Physical 75 100% 15
  • A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Raichu can be tutored the move in that game
  • A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Raichu cannot be tutored the move in that game
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raichu
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Raichu
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

Generation V
Other generations:
I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
  Charm Normal Status 100% 20
  Sweet Kiss Normal Status 75% 10
  Nasty Plot Dark Status —% 20
  Growl Normal Status 100% 40
  Electro Ball Electric Special 100% 10
  Slam Normal Physical 80 75% 20
  Feint Normal Physical 30 100% 10
  Agility Psychic Status —% 30
  Discharge Electric Special 80 100% 15
 * UproarB2W2 Normal Special 90 100% 10
  Fly Flying Physical 90 95% 15
  Iron TailBW Steel Physical 100 75% 15
  Teeter Dance Normal Status 100% 20
  Sing Normal Status 55% 15
  ExtremeSpeed Normal Physical 80 100% 5
  Headbutt Normal Physical 70 100% 15
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raichu
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Raichu
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
   
Acquisition: Evolve
Pokémon Pinball RS
   
Acquisition: Evolve
Pokémon Trozei!
   
Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
File:MDP RT 026.png Body size: 1
Recruit rate: Evolve
Friend Area: Energetic Forest
Phrases
51%-100% HP I'll send foes flying with my Thunderbolt!
26%-50% HP Urf... My health is down to half.
1%-25% HP I'm staggering...If I don't recharge somewhere, I'll drop...
Level up Leveled up! Electric power is overflowing!
Partner phrases
51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%.
26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%.
1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%.
Level up Leveled up! Electric power is overflowing!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness
,
and Explorers of Sky
  Body size: 1
Recruit rate: -12%
IQ group: D
Pokémon Ranger
Group:  Electric  Poké Assist:  
( Electric )
Field move:    
(Recharge ×3)
Loops: 3 Min. exp.: 15 Max. exp.: 15
Browser entry  
Raichu discharges energy to greatly recharge the Styler's energy.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
Group:  Electric  Poké Assist: None Field move:  
(Recharge ×4)
Browser entry  
It attacks by powerfully blasting thunderbolts from its body.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs
Group: Poké Assist: Field move:
 Electric  None Past
 
( Normal )
 
(Recharge ×4)
Past
 
(Electrify ×1)
Browser entry  
It restores the Styler Energy.
Attack ●●●
Defense ●●●
Speed ●●●●
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack ●●●
Defense ●●●
Speed ●●●●
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure
  PokéPark Pad entry:
Raichu often play in the Cavern Zone or the Haunted Zone. Their favorite Attractions are Bastiodon's Block Barrage and Tangrowth's Swing-Along.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond
  Strong: Weak:  
PokéPark Pad entry:
When it comes to Electric-Type moves, he has no equal. He saw the potential in Pikachu and made him his apprentice.
  HP: ★★ Move: Volt Tackle
Attack: ★★★ Ability 1: Static
Defense: ★★ Ability 2: Instinct
Speed: ★★★★ Ability 3: Lightningrod
Evolves from Pikachu when its link is improved while its Warrior is equipped with a Thunder Stone
Range: 3 Perfect Links: Akizane, Hanbei, and Sōrin

Evolution

 
Baby form
Pichu
 Electric 
Breed


 
Friendship
 
First evolution
Pikachu
 Electric 
 
Thunder Stone
 
Second evolution
Raichu
 Electric 


Sprites

Gen Game
I Red Blue Yellow Red (Ja) Green Back
       
II Gold Silver Crystal   Back
       
       
III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Back
       
       
IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Back
       
       
       
       
V Black White Black 2 White 2 Back
     
     
     
     
  For other sprites and images, please see Raichu images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Other sprites

   
Crystal back FireRed/LeafGreen Shiny back

Trivia

Origin

Raichu's legs and long tail are like those of a kangaroo rat.

Name origin

Raichu is a combination of 雷 rai (thunder) and チューチュー chūchū (the sound of squeaking).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
  Japanese ライチュウ Raichu Rai and チューチュー chūchū (the sound of squeaking)
  French Raichu Same as English/Japanese name
  Spanish Raichu Same as English/Japanese name
  German Raichu Same as English/Japanese name
  Italian Raichu Same as English/Japanese name
  Korean 라이츄 Raichyu Transliteration of Japanese name
  Mandarin Chinese 雷丘 Léiqiū Transliteration of its Japanese name, also 雷 léi means "thunder"
  Cantonese Chinese 雷超 Lèuihchīu Transliteration of Japanese name. Also from lèuih and chīu



Related articles

External links

Notes


  #025: Pikachu
Pokémon
#027: Sandshrew  


  This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.