Raichu (Pokémon)

← #025: Pikachu	Pokémon	#027: 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 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Electric Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Static Cacophony Cacophony Lightning Rod Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Cacophony
Gender ratio Unknown 50% male, 50% female	Catch rate 75 (17.5%)
Breeding Egg Groups Field and Fairy Hatch time 21 cycles
Height 2'07" 0.8 m Raichu 0'0" 0 m {{{form2}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 66.1 lbs. 30.0 kg Raichu 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form2}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 122 Gen. I-IV Unknown IV 214 V+	Leveling rate Medium Fast
EV yield Total: 3 Raichu 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 3 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 70
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 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 cream 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.

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

A Raichu appeared in a fantasy in To Catch a Pokémon Smuggler!, evolving from a Pikachu using a Thunder Stone.

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

Raichu in Pokémon Adventures

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. in Go for the Golbat 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.

In The Last Battle XIII a Raichu was one of the Pokémon sent to help the fight in Ilex Forest.

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.

• Next Quest: Raichu

Game data

Pokédex entries

Generation I 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 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 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.

Game locations

Generation I Red Cerulean Cave Blue Power Plant, Cerulean Cave Blue (Japan) Power Plant, Cerulean Cave Yellow Trade

Generation II Gold Silver Evolve Pikachu Crystal Evolve Pikachu

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Evolve Pikachu Emerald Evolve Pikachu FireRed LeafGreen Evolve Pikachu Colosseum Trade XD Trade

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Evolve Pikachu Platinum Evolve Pikachu HeartGold SoulSilver Evolve Pikachu Pal Park Forest

Generation V Black White Poké Transfer Black 2 White 2 Poké Transfer

Generation VI X Y Evolve Pikachu Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Evolve Pikachu

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

Generation I-V

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.

Generation VI

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: 110		103 - 178	202 - 350
Total: 485	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 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 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

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

Learnset

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  00Start Thunder Shock Electric Special 04040 100100% 30 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0   00Start Tail Whip Normal Status 0000— 100100% 30 Cute 2 ♥♥ 0   00Start Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30 Cool 3 ♥♥♥ 0   00Start Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100100% 15 Cool 4 ♥♥♥♥ 0

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

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  TM06 TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 ??? 0   0   TM10 TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 ??? 0   0   TM15 TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 ??? 0   0   TM16 TM16 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 30 ??? 0   0   TM17 TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 ??? 0   0   TM18 TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— —}}—% 5 ??? 0   0   TM21 TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 ??? 0   0   TM24 TM24 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15 ??? 0   0   TM25 TM25 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10 ??? 0   0   TM27 TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 ??? 0   0   TM28 TM28 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10 ??? 0   0   TM31 TM31 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 ??? 0   0   TM32 TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 15 ??? 0   0   TM42 TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 ??? 0   0   TM44 TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 10 ??? 0   0   TM45 TM45 Attract Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 ??? 0   0   TM46 TM46 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25 ??? 0   0   TM48 TM48 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 ??? 0   0   TM49 TM49 Echoed Voice Normal Special 04040 100}}100% 15 ??? 0   0   TM52 TM52 Focus Blast Fighting Special 120120 070}}70% 5 ??? 0   0   TM56 TM56 Fling Dark Physical 0000— 100}}100% 10 ??? 0   0   TM57 TM57 Charge Beam Electric Special 05050 090}}90% 10 ??? 0   0   TM68 TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 ??? 0   0   TM70 TM70 Flash Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 ??? 0   0   TM72 TM72 Volt Switch Electric Special 07070 100}}100% 20 ??? 0   0   TM73 TM73 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 ??? 0   0   TM86 TM86 Grass Knot Grass Special 0000— 100}}100% 20 ??? 0   0   TM87 TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000— 090}}90% 15 ??? 0   0   TM88 TM88 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 ??? 0   0   TM90 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 ??? 0   0   TM93 TM93 Wild Charge Electric Physical 09090 100}}100% 15 ??? 0   0   TM94 TM94 Rock Smash Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15 ??? 0   0   XTM100 TM100 Confide Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 20 ??? 0   0   ZHM04 HM04 Strength Normal Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 ??? 0   0

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

By breeding

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

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  Bestow Normal Status — 100% 15 Bide Normal Physical — —% 10 Charge Electric Status — —% 20 Disarming Voice Fairy Special 40 —% 15 Double Slap 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 Thunder Punch 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 VI 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 VI Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VII - VIII - IX

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP   Contest   Appeal   Jamming  X Y OR AS Covet Normal Physical 60 100% 25 Cool 0   0   X Y OR AS Electroweb Electric Special 55 95% 15 Cool 0   0   X Y OR AS Focus Punch Fighting Physical 150 100% 20 Cool 0   0   X Y OR AS Helping Hand Normal Status — —% 20 Cool 0   0   X Y OR AS Iron Tail Steel Physical 100 75% 15 Cool 0   0   X Y OR AS Knock Off Dark Physical 65 100% 25 Cool 0   0   X Y OR AS Magnet Rise Electric Status — —% 10 Cool 0   0   X Y OR AS Shock Wave Electric Special 60 —% 20 Cool 0   0   X Y OR AS Signal Beam Bug Special 75 100% 15 Cool 0   0   X Y OR AS Snore Normal Special 50 100% 15 Cool 0   0   X Y OR AS Thunder Punch Electric Physical 75 100% 15 Cool 0   0

A black or white 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 VI Other generations:
	Charm	Fairy	Status	—	100%	20
	Sweet Kiss	Fairy	Status	—	75%	10
	Nasty Plot	Dark	Status	—	—%	20
	Growl	Normal	Status	—	100%	40
	Play Nice	Normal	Status	—	—%	20
	Electro Ball	Electric	Special	—	100%	10
	Nuzzle	Electric	Physical	20	100%	20
	Slam	Normal	Physical	80	75%	20
	Feint	Normal	Physical	30	100%	10
	Agility	Psychic	Status	—	—%	30
	Discharge	Electric	Special	80	100%	15
	Spark	Electric	Physical	65	100%	20
	Wild Charge	Electric	Physical	90	100%	15
†	Celebrate	Normal	Status	—	—%	40
†	Mega Kick	Normal	Physical	120	75%	5
†	Surf	Water	Special	90	100%	15
†	Hold Hands	Normal	Status	—	—%	40
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.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast 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.
Pokémon Conquest 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

Generation I Red Green Red Blue Yellow Front Back Front Back Front Back

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

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

Trivia

• In Pokémon Red and Blue, there is a Scientist at the Pokémon Lab in Cinnabar Island who will trade a Raichu for an Electrode. If the player talks to him after the trade, he will 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.
• Raichu's FireRed Pokédex entry references a 1903 documentary film called Electrocuting an Elephant 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".
• Raichu appears in every regional Pokédex except the Unova Pokédex.
• Although Pikachu is the starter of Pokémon Yellow, it is not possible to directly evolve it into Raichu in the game, and must be traded in from Red and Blue. This inability to evolve Pikachu is a reference to Ash's Pikachu in the anime.
• Raichu and its pre-evolved form share their species name with Rattata, Raticate, Sandshrew, and Sandslash. They are all known as the Mouse Pokémon.

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 From 雷 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 Same as English/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 雷 lèuih and 超 chīu

More languages Thai ไรจู Raichu Same as English/Japanese name

Related articles

• Lt. Surge's Raichu
• Red's Raichu
• Sandy's Raichu

External links

• Article on Wikipedia

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.