Raikou (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #242: Blissey	Pokémon	#244: Entei →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Raikou (disambiguation).

Raikou Thunder Pokémon ライコウ Raikou #243 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Electric Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Pressure Cacophony Cacophony Inner Focus Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Cacophony Volt Absorb Hidden Ability Gen. V-VI*
Gender ratio Gender unknown	Catch rate 3 (1.6%)
Breeding Egg Group Undiscovered Hatch time 80 cycles Egg not obtainable
Height 6'03" 1.9 m Raikou 0'0" 0 m {{{form2}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 392.4 lbs. 178.0 kg Raikou 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form2}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 216 Gen. II-IV Unknown IV 261 V+	Leveling rate Slow
EV yield Total: 3 Raikou 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 1 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 2 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint {{{form2}}}
Pokédex color   Yellow	Base friendship 35
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Raikou (Japanese: ライコウ Raikou) is an Electric-type Legendary Pokémon introduced in Generation II.

It is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon.

Along with Entei and Suicune, it is one of the Legendary beasts resurrected by Ho-Oh after the burning of the Brass Tower. Of the three Legendary beasts, Raikou is said to represent the lightning strike which ignited the fire that consumed the Brass Tower.

Biology

Raikou is a quadruped, yellow, tiger-like Pokémon with black stripes and a white underside. It has a thin, light blue tail with sharp angles and a spark-shaped formation at the end. Most of its face consists of thick, white fur and shorter yellow fur around its red eyes. Raikou's muzzle is a light blue "X" and it has a black faceplate with two bumps that cover its forehead, nose, and ears. Raikou has two long fangs that make its appearance similar to the saber-toothed cat. Its large claws each converge to form a single point and never retract. Extra fur hangs off its body in front of its thighs. Raikou has a mane across its back that resembles dull purple rain clouds and allows it to shoot bolts of lighting.

As seen in the anime, Raikou is able to fly by creating storm clouds. It is shown to be distrustful of humans, though it may form some friendship with those who help it. Raikou tends to appear during thunderstorms and when other Electric-type Pokémon are in danger. Raikou races across grasslands while barking cries that sound like thunder.

In the anime

In the main series

Raikou in the anime

Shiny Raikou in the anime

Major appearances

Raikou (The Legend of Thunder!)

In The Legend of Thunder!, Team Rocket members Attila and Hun attempted to capture a Raikou but failed.

Raikou (M13)

A Shiny Raikou appeared alongside the other members of its trio in Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

Other

A Raikou appeared at the end of Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs (Part 2).

Minor appearances

In Houndoom's Special Delivery, Togepi and a Houndoom spotted a Raikou before it disappeared.

A Raikou appeared in a flashback in For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll!.

A Raikou appeared in the opening sequence of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.

A Raikou appeared in the opening sequence of Arceus and the Jewel of Life.

In Three Sides to Every Story!, Dawn's Piplup's dream featured a Raikou.

In I Choose You!, Ash, Verity, and Sorrel saw a Raikou as they approached Mount Tensei, but it disappeared before they could get a better look.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry The Legend of Thunder! Raikou Jimmy's Pokédex Raikou, the Thunder Pokémon. It's said to have descended to earth on a bolt of lightning.

In Pokémon Generations

Raikou in Pokémon Generations

A wild Raikou appeared in Ecruteak City in The Reawakening, during a flashback about the creation of the legendary beasts.

In the GOTCHA! music video

A Raikou briefly appeared as a silhouette in GOTCHA!.

In the manga

Raikou in Pokémon Adventures

In the movie adaptations

Main article: Raikou (M13)

Raikou appeared in the manga adaptation of the fourth and final Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl movie, Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

In the Pocket Monsters HGSS manga

A Raikou appeared in PMHGSS04 and PMHGSS05.

In the Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure manga

A Raikou appeared in JBA3.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Raikou (Adventures)

Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.

Raikou first appeared as a beam of light in Slugging It Out With Slugma. Its first proper appearance was in Really Raikou & Entirely Entei I. It was revealed in Hello, Lickitung that Yellow had unintentionally freed the Legendary beasts from their imprisonment at the Burned Tower, from which they then left to roam Johto and Kanto in search for a Trainer to team up with in the battle against the Masked Man. Raikou eventually chose Lt. Surge as its Trainer. After the Masked Man was defeated, Raikou returned to the wild.

In Never Spritz a Knotty Sudowoodo, Anabel was revealed to have caught Raikou in Johto for use at the Battle Frontier.

	Spoilers end here.

In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga

A Raikou appeared in Gold and Black VS Team Rocket and The Legendary Pokémon.

In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga

A Raikou first appeared in GDZ58.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

A Raikou appeared in Find the Legendary Pokémon!!.

In the TCG

Main article: Raikou (TCG)

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. Melee

When released from a Poké Ball, Raikou releases a powerful Spark attack that electrocutes any opponents that get caught in it. Raikou is the only Legendary beast that does not return in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Trophy information

These Thunder Pokémon travel near and far, blasting out electrified whirlwinds. They carry storm clouds on their backs, so they can produce lightning regardless of the local weather; it's even said that they descended to the earth with via lightning bolts. Their extreme quickness lends itself to flight, so they're very hard to capture.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Raikou appears as a trophy.

Trophy information

NA: Was that a bolt of lightning flashing by, on the ground instead of the air? Then it could have been Raikou. A rumble of thunder in the distance, but not a cloud in the sky? Sounds like Raikou's roar to us. It is said that this wild Pokémon perished in the Johto region once, but Ho-Oh was so filled with sorrow at the loss that Raikou was resurrected.

PAL: If you see a bolt of lightning flash across the ground instead of from the sky, you may have just caught a glimpse of Raikou. And if you hear a peal of thunder that lasts longer than it should, that may be Raikou's roar. It's said that this wild yet majestic Pokémon once perished in the Johto region, but Ho-Oh, filled with sorrow, resurrected it.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Raikou appears as a Spirit alongside Entei and Suicune.

Game data

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: Raikou first appears alongside Suicune up on Revelation Mountain where they confronted Krookodile believing he turned Entei to stone but discovered Nuzleaf was responsible and was turned to stone. Raikou later helped the player and partner escape from the Voidlands.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II Johto #238 Gold The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning. Silver A Pokémon that races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder. Crystal This rough Pokémon stores energy in its body, then sweeps across the land, shooting off electricity. Stadium 2 The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Generation III Hoenn #— Kanto #— Ruby Raikou embodies the speed of lightning. The roars of this Pokémon send shock waves shuddering through the air and shake the ground as if lightning bolts had come crashing down. Sapphire Emerald Raikou embodies the speed of lightning. Its roars send shock waves shuddering through the air and ground as if lightning bolts were crashing down. FireRed This Pokémon races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder. LeafGreen The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Generation IV Sinnoh #— Johto #243 Diamond It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back. Pearl Platinum HeartGold The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning. SoulSilver A Pokémon that races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder.
Generation V Unova #— Black It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back. White Black 2 It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back. White 2
Generation VI Kalos #— Hoenn #— X The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning. Y This rough Pokémon stores energy inside its body, then sweeps across the land, shooting off electricity. Omega Ruby Raikou embodies the speed of lightning. The roars of this Pokémon send shock waves shuddering through the air and shake the ground as if lightning bolts had come crashing down. Alpha Sapphire
Generation VII Alola #— Kanto #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VII.
Generation VIII Galar #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VIII.

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II Gold Silver Roaming Johto Crystal Roaming Johto
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Trade Emerald Trade FireRed LeafGreen Roaming Kanto (if the player chose Squirtle) (only one) Colosseum Shadow PKMN Lab (Shadow) XD Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Trade Platinum Trade HeartGold SoulSilver Roaming Johto Pal Park Mountain
Generation V Black White Poké Transfer Relocator (Shiny event Raikou only) Black 2 White 2 Poké Transfer
Generation VI X Y Trade Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Trackless Forest (requires Ho-Oh or Lugia in the party) (only one)
Generation VII Sun Moon Trade Ultra Sun Ultra Space Wilds (Rocky World) (Only one) Ultra Moon Trade Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee Unobtainable
Generation VIII Sword Shield TradeVersion 1.3.0+ Expansion Pass Dynamax Adventures (Only one)

In side games

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
Generation III Trozei! Random Agent Cards, Mr. Who's Den MD Red MD Blue Lightning Field (30F) Ranger Fiore Temple
Generation IV MD Time MD Darkness Concealed Ruins (B20F) MD Sky Southeastern Islands (B12F-B24F; appears on random floor after accepting challenge letter) Ranger: GS Wireless Tower, Rand's House
Generation V Rumble Blast Meadow: World Axle - B1F (post-ending) Rumble U Conductor Room: Rumbling Magnetic Motors (Reward), Entranceway: Battle Royale - Cage Match
Generation VI Battle Trozei Island of Haste: Stage 2 Shuffle Expert Stage: Stage EX16 Event: Raikou Appears Rumble World Dark Land: Royal Armory (Special Boss) Picross Area 20: Stage 06
Generation VII Rumble Rush Lugia Sea, Charizard Sea2020, Entei SeaFinal

In events

Games	Event	Language	Location	Level	Distribution period
GSC	Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Raikou	English	United States	40	November 22 to 29, 2001; December 7 to 20, 2001; June 22 to 28, 2002; July 5 to 11, 2002; November 15 to 21, 2002
RSEFRLG	Journey Across America Raikou	English	United States	70	February 25 to July 23, 2006
RSEFRLG	Top 10 Distribution Raikou	English	United Kingdom	70	June 10, 2006; October 14 to November 19, 2006
RSEFRLG	Top 10 Distribution Raikou	Italian	Italy	70	June 23 to 25, 2006
RSEFRLG	Top 10 Distribution Raikou	Spanish	Spain	70	June 27 to August 27, 2006
RSEFRLG	Party of the Decade Raikou	English	United States	70	August 8, 2006
RSEFRLG	Top 10 Distribution Raikou	German	Germany	70	September 24 to November 5, 2006
RSEFRLG	Top 10 Distribution Raikou	French	France	70	September 26, 2006
DPPtHGSS	Crown Raikou	Japanese	Japan	30	June 18 to August 31, 2010
DPPtHGSS	Shinsegae Raikou	Korean	South Korea	30	September 11 to October 24, 2010
DPPtHGSS	Crown City Raikou	Korean	South Korea	30	December 16, 2010 to January 9, 2011
DPPtHGSS	GameStop Raikou	English	North America	30	January 3 to 9, 2011
DPPtHGSS	Winter 2011 Raikou	English	Wi-Fi	30	February 7 to 13, 2011
DPPtHGSS	Winter 2011 Raikou	French	Wi-Fi	30	February 7 to 13, 2011
DPPtHGSS	Winter 2011 Raikou	German	Wi-Fi	30	February 7 to 13, 2011
DPPtHGSS	Winter 2011 Raikou	Italian	Wi-Fi	30	February 7 to 13, 2011
DPPtHGSS	Winter 2011 Raikou	Spanish	Wi-Fi	30	February 7 to 13, 2011
M	Legendary Pokémon Celebration Raikou	American region	Online	60	April 2 to July 23, 2018
UM	Legendary Pokémon Celebration Raikou	American region	Online	100	April 2 to July 23, 2018
M	Legendary Pokémon Celebration Raikou	PAL region	Nintendo Network	60	April 4 to 25, 2018
UM	Legendary Pokémon Celebration Raikou	PAL region	Nintendo Network	100	April 4 to 25, 2018
M	Legendary Pokémon Celebration Raikou	Taiwanese region	Nintendo Network	60	April 4 to 25, 2018
UM	Legendary Pokémon Celebration Raikou	Taiwanese region	Nintendo Network	100	April 4 to 25, 2018
UM	Korean League Season 1 Raikou	Korean	South Korea	100	December 22 to 23, 2018

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Events*		Micle Berry (100%)	Gold Bottle Cap (100%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 90		150 - 197	290 - 384
Attack: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Defense: 75		72 - 139	139 - 273
Sp. Atk: 115		108 - 183	211 - 361
Sp. Def: 100		94 - 167	184 - 328
Speed: 115		108 - 183	211 - 361
Total: 580	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.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 5/5 ★★★★★	Power 3/4 ★★★☆
Skill 4/4 ★★★★	Stamina 3/3 ★★★
Jump 3/3 ★★★	Total 18/19 ★★★

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Extreme Speed Normal Physical 08080 100100% 5 011 Thunder Shock Electric Special 04040 100100% 30 011 Leer Normal Status 0000— 100100% 30 011 Charge Electric Status 0000— 00——% 20 011 Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30 066 Spark Electric Physical 06565 100100% 20 1212 Bite Dark Physical 06060 100100% 25 1818 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000— 00——% 20 2424 Roar Normal Status 0000— 00——% 20 3030 Thunder Fang Electric Physical 06565 09595% 15 3636 Howl Normal Status 0000— 00——% 40 4242 Crunch Dark Physical 08080 100100% 15 4848 Extrasensory Psychic Special 08080 100100% 20 5454 Discharge Electric Special 08080 100100% 15 6060 Reflect Psychic Status 0000— 00——% 20 6666 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00——% 5 7272 Thunder Electric Special 110110 07070% 10 7878 Zap Cannon Electric Special 120120 05050% 5

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raikou Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/TR

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM08 TM08 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM09 TM09 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM14 TM14 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000— 090}}90% 20 TM15 TM15 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10 TM17 TM17 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TM18 TM18 Reflect Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM21 TM21 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM24 TM24 Snore Normal Special 05050 100}}100% 15 TM25 TM25 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM32 TM32 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM33 TM33 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM34 TM34 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM39 TM39 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM40 TM40 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 20 TM41 TM41 Helping Hand Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM46 TM46 Weather Ball Normal Special 05050 100}}100% 10 TM66 TM66 Thunder Fang Electric Physical 06565 095}}95% 15 TM76 TM76 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM80 TM80 Volt Switch Electric Special 07070 100}}100% 20 TM81 TM81 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20 TM85 TM85 Snarl Dark Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM90 TM90 Electric Terrain Electric Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM93 TM93 Eerie Impulse Electric Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TR01 TR01 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100}}100% 15 TR08 TR08 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TR09 TR09 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10 TR12 TR12 Agility Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TR20 TR20 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TR26 TR26 Endure Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TR27 TR27 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TR31 TR31 Iron Tail Steel Physical 100100 075}}75% 15 TR32 TR32 Crunch Dark Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TR33 TR33 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TR49 TR49 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TR56 TR56 Aura Sphere Fighting Special 08080 00—}}—% 20 TR74 TR74 Iron Head Steel Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TR84 TR84 Scald Water Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TR86 TR86 Wild Charge Electric Physical 09090 100}}100% 15 TR95 TR95 Throat Chop Dark Physical 08080 100}}100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raikou Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding.

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Raikou in Generation VIII 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 Raikou in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raikou Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Sw Sh EP BD SP Rising Voltage Electric Special 70 100% 20

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raikou Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By transfer from another generation

Generation VIII Other generations: IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Gen.   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  II III IV V VI VII Charge Beam Electric Special 05050 090}}90% 10 II III IV V VI VII Confide Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 II III IV V VI VII Curse Ghost Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 II III IV V VI VII Cut Normal Physical 05050 095}}95% 30 II III IV V VI VII Detect Fighting Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 II III IV V VI VII Double Team Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 15 II III IV V VI VII Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100}}100% 15 II III IV V VI VII Flash × Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 II III IV V VI VII Frustration × Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 II III IV V VI VII Headbutt Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 15 II III IV V VI VII Hidden Power × Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 II III IV V VI VII Laser Focus Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 II III IV V VI VII Magnet Rise Electric Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 II III IV V VI VII Mimic Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 II III IV V VI VII Mud-Slap Ground Special 02020 100}}100% 10 II III IV V VI VII Natural Gift × Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 15 II III IV V VI VII Psych Up Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 II III IV V VI VII Quash Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 II III IV V VI VII Return × Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 II III IV V VI VII Rock Smash Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15 II III IV V VI VII Secret Power × Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 II III IV V VI VII Shock Wave Electric Special 06060 00—}}—% 20 II III IV V VI VII Signal Beam × Bug Special 07575 100}}100% 15 II III IV V VI VII Strength Normal Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 II III IV V VI VII Swagger Normal Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 II III IV V VI VII Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10

Transferred Pokémon only retain these moves in Pokémon Sword and Shield A striped background indicates a generation in which the move can only be obtained via event or as a special move Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Raikou × indicates a move that cannot be used in Sword and Shield Click on the generation numbers at the top to see transfer-only moves for other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Trozei! Rarity: Rare

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 0.1% Friend Area: Sacred Field Phrases 51%-100% HP I am the thunderbolt that races through the fields! 26%-50% HP I don't like this... My HP is cut to half? 1%-25% HP This is it... The power of lightning fails here... Level up I gained a level! May lightning bolts empower me!

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 2 Recruit rate: 5% IQ group: D

Pokémon Ranger Group: Electric Poké Assist: Electric Field move: (Recharge ×3) Loops: 11 Min. exp.: 500 Max. exp.: 600 Browser entry R-203 Raikou is a legendary Pokémon that dashes while dropping thunderbolts.

Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Electric Poké Assist: (present) Electric Field move: (present) (None ×-) Not available in the past. Browser entry R-126 It creates waves of electricity around it and launches thunderbolts to attack.

Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●●

Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 1.19 seconds Base HP: 57 Base Attack: 83 Base Defense: 57 Base Speed: 70

Pokémon Battle Trozei Electric Attack Power: ★★★★★ Flinch Attack Briefly stops wild Pokémon from taking action.

Pokémon Shuffle Electric Attack Power: 70 - 110 5 #152 Power of 5 Increases damage when you make a match of five. Swappable Skill(s): Barrier Bash+, Astonish

Pokémon GO Base HP: 207 Base Attack: 241 Base Defense: 195 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 20 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Thunder Shock, Volt Switch Charged Attacks: Thunder, Thunderbolt, Wild Charge, Shadow Ball*, Frustration‡, Return‡

Evolution

Unevolved Raikou  Electric

Sprites

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II Gold Silver Crystal Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back
Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back
Generation VII Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Front Back Front Back

For other sprites and images, please see Raikou images on the Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

Raikou in Jimmy's Pokédex

• Raikou, along with Entei and Suicune, was designed by Muneo Saitō.
• Raikou is the only Pokémon in the anime whose image on the anime Pokédex was of stylized art rather than Ken Sugimori's official artwork.
• Raikou's effort value yield of 1 Special Attack and 2 Speed is unique.
• Raikou's number in the National Pokédex and the Johto Pokédex is the same: 243.

Origin

Raikou may be particularly based on the thunder and lightning gods of most cultures surrounding the world, mostly the 雷獣 raijū (lit. thunder beast), a thunder demon of Japanese lore and is said to be Raijin's companion. It is said to be a creature that could take the form of a tiger, monkey, blue wolf wrapped in lightning, and many other animals. Raikou is specifically based on its tiger form, while the Pokémon Manectric is based on its wolf form.

In terms of physical build, Raikou may be based on the Smilodon, a well-known but extinct species of wildcat often referred to as a saber-toothed tiger. Its color and pattern scheme are reminiscent of that of a Bengal tiger. The stripes that decorate Raikou's body also can be compared to zigzagging thunderbolts and perhaps even scars from claws. The white ruff around Raikou's face is akin to the Siberian tiger's thick fur around its neck. In the anime, Raikou is shown to be very agile, swift, stealthy, and a powerful attacker, just like a tiger. The gray "plate" on its forehead may be similar to Entei's head ornament, being either a helmet or crown that signifies courage and power. The flowing purple cloud on its back is likely meant to invoke the image of a cumulonimbus cloud, the cloud type most often associated with thunderstorms.

Name origin

Raikou could be taken to mean 雷光 raikou (lightning), which is also the inspiration for the name of raijū, or it may be a combination of 雷 rai (thunder) and 皇 kō (emperor). It may also derive from 雷公 raikō (thunder duke), the on'yomi reading of Lei Gong, a Taoist/Daoist deity.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ライコウ Raikou From 雷公 raikō, 雷 rai, 雷光 raikou, and 皇 kō French Raikou Same as Japanese name Spanish Raikou Same as Japanese name German Raikou Same as Japanese name Italian Raikou Same as Japanese name Korean 라이코 Raikou Transliteration of its Japanese name Mandarin Chinese 雷公 Léigōng From 雷公 Raikou. Also a reference to the ancient Chinese god of thunder, Lei Gong. Cantonese Chinese

More languages Hindi रायकू Raikou Transcription of English name Russian Райку Rayku Transcription of English name Thai ไรโค Raikou Transcription of Japanese name

Related articles

• Legendary beasts
• Raikou (The Legend of Thunder!)
• Legendary beasts (M13)
• Raikou (Adventures)
• Legendary beasts (Super Mystery Dungeon)
• Legendary Pokémon
• Myths and legends involving Legendary Pokémon

External links

Legendary Pokémon

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Generation VIII

Generation IX

See also: Mythical Pokémon

Super Smash Bros. series Games: Super Smash Bros. • Super Smash Bros. Melee • Super Smash Bros. Brawl Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Characters: Pikachu • Jigglypuff • Mewtwo • Pichu Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle • Ivysaur • Charizard) • Lucario • Greninja • Incineroar Stages: Saffron City • Pokémon Stadium • Poké Floats • Pokémon Stadium 2 • Spear Pillar Prism Tower • Unova Pokémon League • Kalos Pokémon League Poké Ball and Master Ball: Abomasnow • Abra • Alolan Exeggutor • Alolan Raichu • Alolan Vulpix • Arceus • Articuno • Beedrill Bellossom • Bewear • Blastoise • Bonsly • Celebi • Chansey • Charizard • Chespin • Chikorita • Clefairy Cyndaquil • Darkrai • Dedenne • Deoxys • Ditto • Eevee • Electrode • Entei • Fennekin Fletchling • Gardevoir • Genesect • Giratina • Gogoat • Goldeen • Groudon • Gulpin • Hitmonlee Ho-Oh • Inkay • Jirachi • Keldeo • Koffing • Kyogre • Kyurem • Latias and Latios Lugia • Lunala • Manaphy • Marill • Marshadow • Meloetta • Meowth • Mew • Metagross • Mimikyu Moltres • Munchlax • Onix • Oshawott • Palkia • Piplup • Porygon2 • Pyukumuku • Raikou • Scizor • Snivy Snorlax • Solgaleo • Spewpa • Staryu • Starmie • Suicune • Swirlix • Tapu Koko • Togedemaru • Togepi Torchic • Unown • Venusaur • Victini • Vulpix • Weavile • Weezing • Wobbuffet • Xerneas • Zapdos • Zoroark Collectables: Trophies (Melee • Brawl • for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U) Stickers Spirits Misc: The Subspace Emissary • My Music • Final Smash • Pokémon Change • Brawl cameos

← #242: Blissey

Pokémon

#244: Entei →

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