Raichu (Pokémon)

← #025: Pikachu

Pokémon

#027: Sandshrew →

Raichu ライチュウ Raichu #026
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Electric ' Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Mouse Pokémon
Abilities Static Blue-Striped ----- Lightningrod Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 1,000,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #026 Johto #023 Hoenn #157 Sinnoh #105 Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R-024 Almia R-003 Oblivia R-006 N-155
Height 2'07" Imperial 0.8 m Metric 2'07"/0.8 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 66.1 lbs. Imperial 30.0 kg Metric 66.1 lbs./30.0 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Yellow	Catch rate 75 (9.8%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 50% male, 50% female
Breeding Ground 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*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Raichu (Japanese: ライチュウ Raichu) is an Template:Type2 Pokémon.

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

Biology

Physiology

Raichu is a rather small bipedal rodent. It's able to run faster on all fours. Like Pikachu, from which it evolves, Raichu has long ears and feet, and stubby arms. Also like Pikachu, Raichu has two horizontal brown stripes on its back. Its long, thin tail has a broad, lightning bolt-shaped end. Unlike Pikachu however, it does not have fingers.

Raichu is yellow-brownish in color, with a white belly. Its arms are halfway brown, as well as its feet. The soles of its feet are tan colored. Its bifurcated ears are brown on the outsides and yellow on the insides, and end in a distinctive curl at their bottom-most point. The electric sacs on its cheeks are yellow.

Gender differences

A female Raichu has a smaller, blunted lightning bolt at the end of its tail.

Special abilities

Although quite small in comparison to many other Pokémon, Raichu is capable of storing over 100,000 volts of electricity in its body. If Raichu’s electricity sacs are fully charged, its ears will stand straight up. Raichu exudes a weak electrical charge from all over its body that makes it take slight glow in the dark. Raichu is also capable of wielding various fighting moves, such as Focus Punch, Brick Break and many more. Now that Raichu is a fully evolved Pokémon, it is capable of using powerful moves like Hyper Beam and Giga Impact.

Raichu, and its evolution family, Pichu and Pikachu, are the only known Pokémon that can learn Volt Tackle.

Behavior

Raichu is much more aggressive than Pikachu, especially if it has stored too much electricity in its body. It needs to discharge this electricity through its tail into the ground, leading to scorched patches of earth near its nest. However, Raichu can sometimes be timid Pokémon, using Dig to hide or zapping people from fear.

It will constantly electrify objects, people, and Pokémon until its electricity level is back to normal. When searching for electricity, Raichu will raise its tail to gather electricity from the atmosphere or plant its tail in the ground.

Habitat

File:Forest.gif

Forest Pokémon

Raichu are found in forests and vibrant woodlands. It shares its range with that of Pikachu.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Much like Pikachu, it's likely that it feeds on nuts, seeds and berries.

In the anime

File:Sumschoolraichu.png

Raichu in the anime

Major appearances

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

Raichu also 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.

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

In Lights, Camera, Quacktion!, a girl named Katrina decided to use her Raichu in the 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 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 Sticking With Who You Know!, falling in love with a Squirtle.

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

Minor appearances

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

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

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

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.

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 thward Surge, instead. The former Team Rocket triad member barely escaped with his life after having many of his Electrode self-destruct.

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 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 TCG

Main article: Raichu (TCG)

In the TFG

One Raichu figure has been released.

• Next Quest: Raichu

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 しっぽが　アースの　やくめをはたして　でんきを　じめんに　にがすので　じぶんじしんは　しびれたりしない。 White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue Uncommon Power PlantWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc., Cerulean Cave Blue (Japan) None Trade 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 Trade Black 2 White 2 None Trade 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 Ranger	Sekra Mountain Range Fiore Temple
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia	The Ice Lake Almia Castle Volcano Cave
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs	Sophian Highway Mt. Sorbet Canal Ruins Oblivia Ruins Thunder Temple
Pokémon Rumble	Silent Forest

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Gold Leaf (100%)
Yellow*

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 60		120 - 167	230 - 324
Attack: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Defense: 55		54 - 117	103 - 229
Sp. Atk: 90		85 - 156	166 - 306
Sp. Def: 80		76 - 145	148 - 284
Speed: 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 V, 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× 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× 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× 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× None

Notes: If this Pokémon has Lightningrod, the effectiveness of  Electric-type  moves is 0×.

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	Canon	Normal	Special	06060	100}}100%	15
	TM49	Echo 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 Change	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 Bolt	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
	Bide	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
	Charge	Electric	Status	—	—%	20
	DoubleSlap	Normal	Physical	15	85%	10
	Encore	Normal	Status	—	100%	5
	Endure	Normal	Status	—	100%	10
	Fake Out	Normal	Physical	40	100%	10
	Flail	Normal	Physical	—	100%	15
	Gift Pass	Normal	Status	—	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
	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
This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.
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

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.
Pokémon Rumble N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}} PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
Pokémon Conquest HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}} Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}} Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}} Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}} Does not evolve. Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Baby form Pichu  Electric

Friendship → ← Breed

First Evolution Pikachu  Electric

Thunderstone Thunderstone →

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.

Trivia

• In Pokémon Red and Blue there is a Scientist at the Pokémon Lab in Cinnabar Island that would trade a Raichu for an Electrode. If the player talked to him after the trade, he would mention that the Raichu evolved, which is not possible. This mistake was due to the original translation of the script of the Japanese Blue (in which this person traded a Graveler for a Kadabra) rather than that of Pokémon Red and Green. This error was corrected in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, as the script was retranslated.
  • This in turn was also the major reason that Marill was dubbed "Pikablu" by fans. Marill was one of the first Pokémon shown from pre-release screenshots of Pokémon Gold and Silver and due to its strikingly similarity to the Pikachu family (and the fact that they could learn Surf) lead many to believe that Raichu would evolve into a "Pikablu".
• Raichu's FireRed Pokédex entry references an early documentary film by Thomas Edison.
• Several Pokédex entries claim Raichu can discharge up to 100,000 volts. However, its Stadium entry claims it can only discharge up to 10,000 volts. This is likely a translation error due to the way numbers are read in Japanese, where 100,000 literally reads "ten ten-thousands".
• At the start of Template:Generation III Raichu's normal color and shiny color were swapped, replacing Raichu's normal orange color with a more sandy-like color

Origin

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

Name origin

Raichu comes from the combination of 雷 rai, thunder, and チューチュー chūchū, which is Japanese onomatopoeia for squeaking.

In other languages

• German: Raichu
• French: Raichu
• Korean: 라이츄 Raichyu
• Chinese (Taiwan): 雷丘 Léi Qiu - Transliteration of its original name. 雷 Léi also means thunder.
• Chinese (Hong Kong): 雷超 Léi Chao - Transliteration of its original name. Also note that 雷 means "thunder".

Related articles

• Lt. Surge's Raichu

External links

• Thunder Mouse, the fanlisting for Raichu.

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 species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.