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

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

In Alola, Raichu has a dual-type Electric/Psychic regional form. It evolves from Pikachu when exposed to a Thunder Stone. All Pikachu in Alola will evolve into this form regardless of their origin. It is the final form of Pichu in the Alola region.

Table of Contents

Biology

Raichu is a bipedal, rodent-like Pokémon. Raichu is covered in dark orange fur with a white belly. Its bifurcated ears are brown on the outside, yellow on the insides, and end in a distinctive curl. There is a circular yellow marking on each cheek where its electric sacs are, and it has a triangular, dark brown nose. Its arms and feet have patches of brown fur at the end, and the soles of its long feet are tan with a circular orange pad in the center. On its back are two horizontal brown stripes. Its long, thin tail has a lightning bolt-shaped end. This lightning bolt is chipped on females. Raichu exudes a weak electrical charge from its body and glows slightly in the dark.

Raichu's tail is used to gather electricity from the atmosphere, or it can be planted in the ground to search for electricity. It also protects Raichu from its high-voltage power. Raichu can store over 100,000 volts of electricity, enough to knock out a Copperajah. If Raichu's sacs are fully charged, its ears will stand straight up and its muscles become stimulated. However, it will become aggressive if it has stored too much electricity and stress. To keep from reaching this state, it discharges electricity through its tail into the ground. This leads to scorched patches near its nest. Being the result of evolution via Evolution stone, Raichu is rarely found in the wild, though they can be found in forests and woodlands. The main reason Raichu is rarely seen with Pokémon trainers is because people prefer the look it had as Pikachu. As revealed in the Pokémon the Series episode Electric Shock Showdown, Raichu is not capable of learning speed attacks upon evolving and can only learn them when they're still Pikachu. As shown in Pokémon Sleep, Raichu is known to sleep while discharging electricity, and a long tail is planted into the ground like a rod. It can electrocute anyone who comes near it while sleeping.[1]

Raichu and its pre-evolved forms are the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Volt Tackle.

Forms

Alolan Raichu are rarely seen on the ground, preferring to float on their tails, classic hodad behavior

Raichu has a regional form: Alolan Raichu.

In Alola, Raichu has lighter coloring and more rounded features. Its eyes are blue with yellow half-circles along the bottom. It has large yellow ears with an inner spiral toward the base and brown on the inside. These ears are thicker and less pointed than a standard Raichu's ear. In addition to its white belly, Alolan Raichu has white markings on its paws with bright yellow lines between its digits. The stripes on its back have also turned white, and there is a small, white circular marking on each heel. The lightning bolt-shaped tip of its tail has rounded edges. By collecting its psychic power in its tail, it can ride it like a surfboard and float in the air. While its cheek sacs are still used to store electricity, rubbing them releases a sweet aroma while also getting a light shock. This is also thought to be connected to its Psychic abilities.

Alolan Raichu's origins were initially a mystery at the time. The people of Alola suggested it ate too many sweet and fluffy pancakes,[2] especially those made with a secret Alolan recipe. However, researchers believe the change is related to Alolan Raichu's diet in general. It is also believed the weather and climate of the Alola region played a role in the transformation. Alolan Raichu is capable of unleashing star-shaped thunderbolts. It is also known by the name hodad.

Alolan Raichu is the only known Pokémon capable of using the Z-Move Stoked Sparksurfer. It is also the only known Pokémon that can have Surge Surfer as an Ability.

Evolution

Raichu evolves from Pikachu and is the final form of Pichu.

In Alola, Raichu has a regional form that evolves from Pikachu and is the final form of Pichu in the Alola region.

(For specifics on this Pokémon's evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)

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Game data

NPC appearances

Pokédex entries

Generation I Kanto#026
Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
Green
Red(ENG) 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 Johto#023
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 Hoenn#157 Kanto#026
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 Sinnoh#105 Johto#023
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 Unova#—
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 KalosCentral #037 Hoenn#164
X When its electricity builds, its muscles are stimulated, and it becomes more aggressive than usual.
Y It can loose 100,000-volt bursts of electricity, instantly downing foes several times its size.
Omega Ruby If the electrical sacs become excessively charged, Raichu plants its tail in the ground and discharges. Scorched patches of ground will be found near this Pokémon's nest.
Alpha Sapphire This Pokémon exudes a weak electrical charge from all over its body that makes it take on a slight glow in darkness. Raichu plants its tail in the ground to discharge electricity.
Generation VII Alola S  M : #026 Alola US  UM : #033 Kanto#026
Sun It unleashes electric shocks that can reach 100,000 volts. When agitated, it can knock out even an Indian elephant.
Moon It becomes aggressive when it has electricity stored up. At such times, even its Trainer has to take care to avoid being attacked.
Ultra Sun As electricity builds up inside its body, it becomes more aggressive. One theory is that the electricity buildup is actually causing stress.
Ultra Moon Because so many Trainers like the way Pikachu looks, you don't see this Pokémon very often.
Let's Go Pikachu When electricity builds up inside its body, it becomes feisty. It also glows in the dark.
Let's Go Eevee
Alolan Raichu
Sun It only evolves to this form in the Alola region. According to researchers, its diet is one of the causes of this change.
Moon It uses psychokinesis to control electricity. It hops aboard its own tail, using psychic power to lift the tail and move about while riding it.
Ultra Sun It focuses psychic energy into its tail and rides it like it's surfing. Another name for this Pokémon is “hodad.”
Ultra Moon When you rub its cheeks, a sweet fragrance comes wafting out. However, you'll also get a light shock!
Let's Go Pikachu It loves pancakes prepared with a secret Alolan recipe. Some wonder whether that recipe holds the key to this Pokémon's evolution.
Let's Go Eevee
Generation VIII Galar#195 GalarIsle of Armor #086 Sinnoh#105 Hisui#057
Sword Its long tail serves as a ground to protect itself from its own high-voltage power.
Shield If its electric pouches run empty, it raises its tail to gather electricity from the atmosphere.
Brilliant Diamond It turns aggressive if it has too much electricity in its body. It discharges power through its tail.
Shining Pearl It can loose 100,000-volt bursts of electricity, instantly downing foes several times its size.
Legends: Arceus It can discharge bursts of electricity exceeding 100,000 volts—a single strike with that amount of power would incapacitate one of the Copperajah of my homeland.
Alolan Raichu
Sword 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.
Shield This Pokémon rides on its tail while it uses its psychic powers to levitate. It attacks with star-shaped thunderbolts.
Generation IX Paldea#75 Kitakami#22 Blueberry#—
Scarlet Its tail discharges electricity into the ground, protecting it from getting shocked.
Violet If the electric pouches in its cheeks become fully charged, both ears will stand straight up.

Game locations

Generation I
Generation II
Generation III
Generation IV
Generation V
Generation VI
Generation VII
Generation VIII
Generation IX

In side games

Generation I
Generation II
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
Generation III
Generation IV
Generation V
Generation VI
Generation VII
Rumble Rush
Zapdos Sea, Celebi Sea, Mewtwo Sea, Rowlet Sea, Lugia Sea, Butterfree Sea, Charizard Sea2020, Bulbasaur Sea, Celebi SeaFinal, Mewtwo SeaFinal, Rowlet SeaFinal (Kantonian Form)Mewtwo Sea, Rowlet Sea, Butterfree Sea, Mewtwo SeaFinal, Rowlet SeaFinal (Alolan Form)
Generation VIII
Generation IX
Cross-Generation

In events

Wild Area News
Raichu
Alolan Raichu

Held items

Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear. In Pokémon Emerald, Raichu can only be found in the Battle Frontier.

Stats

Base stats

Raichu
Generations I-V
Generation VI onward
Alolan Raichu

Pokéathlon stats

Power
4/5 ★★★★☆
Skill
4/5 ★★★★☆

Type effectiveness

Raichu

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
Damagednormally by:
Immune to:
Resistant to:

Alolan Raichu

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
Damagednormally by:
Immune to:
Resistant to:

Learnset

By leveling up

Raichu
Generation IX
  • 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
Alolan Raichu
Generation IX
  • 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

Raichu
Generation IX
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raichu
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or an alternate form of Raichu
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
Alolan Raichu
Generation IX
  • 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 breeding

Generation IX
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Raichu
  • 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 a prior evolution

Raichu
Generation IX
  • 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
Alolan Raichu
Generation IX
  • 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

Special moves

Raichu
Generation IX
  • A superscript level indicates that Raichu can learn this move normally in Generation IX
  • 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

Raichu

Alolan Raichu

Pokémon Rumble Rush
Walking Speed: 1.58 seconds Base HP: 51
Base Attack: 78 Base Defense: 52 Base Speed: 70

Evolution data

Sprites

Generation I
Generation II
Generation III
Generation IV
Generation V
Generation VI
Generation VII
Generation VIII
Cross-Generation

In the anime

Main series

A female Raichu in Pokémon the Series
Alolan Raichu in Pokémon the Series

Major appearances

Lt. Surge's Raichu

In Electric Shock Showdown, Lt. Surge has a Raichu that defeated Ash's Pikachu with its sheer power during Ash's Gym battle. After unsuccessfully discussing the prospect of evolution with Pikachu to match Raichu's power, Ash used a strategy relying on Pikachu's speed to defeat Raichu during a rematch the next day.

Goh's Raichu

In Gotta Catch a What?!, a female Pikachu that was newly caught by Goh evolved into Raichu by using a Thunder Stone.

Other

In Pikachu's Vacation, a Raichu caused trouble for Pikachu and his friends at the Pokémon Theme Park, alongside a Marill, Snubbull, and Cubone.

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

In Stage Fight!, Kay's Raichu was a part a stage show that featured "talking" Pokémon, but it had stage fright and was very timid around others due to an incident where it startled Kay with its electricity when they first met. Raichu eventually gained back its confidence around Kay and helped defeat Team Rocket.

In Mild 'n Wooly, Ellen commonly used a Raichu to round up a herd of Mareep with its Thunderbolt.

In Cooking Up a Sweet Story, Abigail's missing Pikachu was revealed to have evolved into a Raichu when it returned.

A Raichu appeared in Pika and Goliath!, under the ownership of Sho, who sought to have possession of one Pokémon each from the Pikachu evolutionary line. It battled Ash's Pikachu twice in that episode, with Raichu being victorious the first time and Pikachu triumphing during the rematch.

In Camping It Up!, the Pokémon Summer Academy lent a Raichu to Ash for training. It has a very skittish Raichu for its students.

In Flint Sparks the Fire! and The Fleeing Tower of Sunyshore!, Volkner has a Raichu that is his main battling Pokémon. Raichu briefly reappeared again alongside Volkner during the ending credits of Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

A female Raichu debuted in Good Friends, Great Training!, under the ownership of Tierno. She reappeared in Valuable Experience for All!, where Tierno used her in his battle against Ash along with Wartortle, battling Pikachu and Goodra, but they were both eventually defeated. Raichu later battled Sawyer, defeating Aegislash before being recalled after fighting Slurpuff. Raichu later battled Sceptile but soon lost.

In Racing to a Big Event!, Nina used an Alolan Raichu during the Pokémon Pancake Race, where it tied second place with Pikachu. It has since made further appearances in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon.

In Battle Royal 151!, Hau used an Alolan Raichu during the Battle Royal round of the Manalo Conference. It helped reached its Trainer the Top 16 position. In Battling Besties!, it battled Samson Oak and his Alolan Exeggutor and won.

In Destination: Coronation!, Visquez used a Raichu to defeat a Trainer's Hypno. In Ash's match, Raichu went up against Ash's Pikachu, but Ash withdrew Pikachu and sent out Gengar in his place where the Shadow Pokémon managed to defeat Raichu.

In Gotta Catch a What?!, multiple Pikachu evolved into Raichu using the Thunder Stones they had dug up.

Minor appearances

In School of Hard Knocks, a Raichu appeared on a teapot.

In Pokémon Fashion Flash, a Raichu was at Scissor Street.

In The Battling Eevee Brothers, a Raichu was a guest at the evolution party in Stone Town.

A Trainer's Raichu appeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back.

In The Power of One, multiple Raichu sensed the disturbance caused by Lawrence III.

In Pokémon Double Trouble, a Raichu was working out at the Kumquat Gym.

In Tricks of the Trade, a Raichu was at the Pokémon Swap Meet in Palmpona.

In Beauty and the Breeder, a Pokémon Breeder's Raichu participated in a Pokémon breeding competition.

In The Legend of Thunder!, a Raichu was one of the Electric Pokémon that were lured by the "Miracle Crystal" that Attila and Hun were using. Raichu tried to hit the robot controlled by Attila to save the other Pokémon from being kidnapped, but his attack ricocheted off.

In As Clear As Crystal, a Raichu was affected by a crystal that gave a lake the ability to heal Electric-type Pokémon.

A Raichu appeared in Brock's demonstration in A Bite to Remember, where it evolved from a Pikachu.

A Coordinator's Raichu appeared in Lessons in Lilycove.

In Deceit and Assist, a Coordinator's Raichu participated in the Hoenn Grand Festival.

In Sticking With Who You Know!, a Raichu fell in love with a Squirtle due to the effect of Professor Kodama's machine.

Three Raichu appeared in Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!

A Raichu appeared in Clemont's demonstration in To Catch a Pokémon Smuggler!, where it evolved from a Pikachu using a Thunder Stone.

In Alola, Kanto!, a Raichu appeared in a fantasy, while another was found by Sophocles at Professor Oak's Laboratory, after which Togedemaru began running circles around it.

A Trainer's Alolan Raichu appeared in A Young Royal Flame Ignites!.

In The Shape of Love to Come!, an Alolan Raichu was approached by Rapp, who found it cute.

In I Choose Paradise!, a Trainer's Alolan Raichu was at the Pokémon Paradise Resort.

In From Z to Shining Z!, a Trainer's Raichu watched the battle between Ash's Pikachu and Tapu Koko.

A Trainer's Alolan Raichu appeared in That New Old Gang of Mine!.

A Trainer's Raichu appeared in Take My Thief! Please!.

A Trainer's Alolan Raichu appeared in Curtain Up! Fight the Fights!, It's... Champion Time!, and Whittle While You Work!.

A Raichu appeared in Distant Blue Sky!.

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.
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.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
XY065 Raichu Serena's Pokédex Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon and the evolved form of Pikachu. Raichu's tail functions as a ground and releases electricity into the surface, which keeps it from shocking itself.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
SM013 Raichu Rotom Pokédex Raichu, Alola Form. The Mouse Pokémon. An Electric and Psychic type. Raichu manipulates electricity with its mind, and its psychic powers allow it to use its tail as transportation.
Episode Pokémon Source Entry
JN018 Raichu Goh's Rotom Phone Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon. An Electric type, and the evolved form of Pikachu. As Raichu's body fills with electricity, its demeanor becomes more aggressive.

Pokémon Origins

Lt. Surge's Raichu

Red battled Lt. Surge's Raichu in File 2: Cubone.

Other

In File 1: Red, a Raichu was one of the Pokémon seen in Professor Oak's introduction.

GOTCHA!

Lt. Surge's Raichu

A Raichu briefly appeared in GOTCHA!, under the ownership of Lt. Surge.

In the manga

Magical Pokémon Journey

Main article: Sandy's Raichu

A Raichu appears in Raichu's Best Friend. The ghost of a Trainer named Sandy wishes to be reunited with her old friend Raichu.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Visquez's Raichu debuted in Destination: Coronation!. It reappeared in a flashback in Toughing It Out!.

Main article: Lt. Surge's Raichu

Lt. Surge's Raichu appeared in a fantasy in Toughing It Out!.

Pocket Monsters DP

A Raichu appeared in PMDP16.

Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure

Main article: Lt. Surge's Raichu

Lt. Surge's Raichu only appeared as a silhouette in JBA5 along with its Trainer and the other Kanto Gym Leaders.

Pokémon Adventures

Red, Green & Blue arc

Main article: Lt. Surge's Raichu

Lt. Surge has a Raichu, which was first seen in Silph Co. in Go for the Golbat. However, it 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.

Gold, Silver & Crystal arc

A Raichu appeared in The Last Battle XIII as one of the Pokémon sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.

Emerald arc

A Raichu appeared at the Battle Pike in Moving Past Milotic.

The Battle Tower rented a Raichu, which was stolen by Guile Hideout in The Final Battle VII. It reappeared in The Final Battle IX.

Diamond & Pearl arc

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

HeartGold & SoulSilver arc

A Raichu appeared in Out-Odding Oddish, under the ownership of a Pokéathlon participant.

Pokédex entries

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

Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All

A Raichu appeared in GDZ21.

A Raichu appeared in GDZ23.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

A Raichu appeared in Clefairy Evolves... At Last?!.

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

Pokémon Zensho

Satoshi had a Pikachu that chose to evolve into a Raichu to help him defeat the Elite Four in PZ10.

In the TCG

Main article: Raichu (TCG)

In the TFG

One Raichu figure has been released.

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Alolan Raichu appears as a Pokémon summoned from the Poké Ball. It attacks with Surge Surfer, surfing with its tail across the stage and damaging passersby with electricity.

Trivia

Concept and development

Raichu and Alolan Raichu were designed by Atsuko Nishida.[3] The concept of Alolan Raichu came from Masafumi Nukita, which also involved writing its Pokédex entries.[4]

Raichu originally had an evolved form named "Gorochu" (Japanese: ゴロチュウ Gorochū), which would have had two horns and fangs.[5][6] Ken Sugimori stated that while there was nothing wrong with its appearance, it was nonetheless omitted from Pokémon Red and Green, as the staff found that the game balance was better without it, and the limited game space meant that some Pokémon originally designed to evolve twice were changed to evolve only once.[7]

Origin

Raichu's legs and long tail resemble those of a jerboa or kangaroo rat.

Alolan Raichu may be based on the concept of surfing Pikachu and the sport of surfing itself, which originated in Hawaii (the inspiration for the Alola region), as well as the hodad concept of being a fake surfer; hodad is referred to as another name for Alolan Raichu in its Pokédex entry in Pokémon Ultra Sun. Its design and Psychic typing may have been influenced by Puka, a surfing Pikachu that appeared in Pokémon the Series which had psychic powers and blue eyes. In the Pokémon Stadium series, Colosseum, XD, and Battle Revolution, Raichu rides on its tail when using the move Surf.

According to Ken Sugimori, he asked Atsuko Nishida to design Alolan Raichu since she was the one who had worked on the original Raichu design. Nishida insisted that Raichu "has always been cuter than people might think", and designed Alolan Raichu to emphasize Raichu's cuteness; in particular, she designed it with the motif of bread. The in-game lore of people believing that its evolution is induced by eating pancakes was added afterward to play up the concept.[3] The fact that Alolan Raichu was designed after bread may have also inspired the sweet fragrance it can release from its cheeks, as well as the look of its paws which resemble whipped cream decorations, cream puffs, or baozi.

Name origin

Raichu may be a combination of 雷 rai (thunder) and チューチュー chūchū (onomatopoeia for the squeak of a mouse).

In other languages

See also

References