Raikou (Pokémon)

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For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
0242MS.png #0242: Blissey
Pokémon
#0244: Entei 0244MS.png
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Raikou (disambiguation).
Raikou
Thunder Pokémon
ライコウ
Raikou
#0243
Raikou



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
No Eggs Discovered
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
Body08.png
Footprint
F0243.png F000.png
{{{form2}}}
Pokédex color
Yellow
Base friendship
35
External Links

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.

It appears to be distantly related to the Paradox Pokémon Raging Bolt.

Biology

Raikou is a quadrupedal, 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 lightning.

A proverb claims that Raikou descended from the sky with a lightning bolt. 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 is said to represent the speed of lightning and can control storm clouds at will. Raikou races across grasslands while barking cries that sound like thunder. Raikou's cries can also send shock waves in the air while shaking the ground at the same time.

In the anime

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

Raikou debuted in Houndoom's Special Delivery, where Togepi and a Houndoom briefly spotted it 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.

A silhouetted Raikou appeared in a fantasy in Healing the Healer!.

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.

Pokémon Generations

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

GOTCHA!

A Raikou briefly appeared as a silhouette in GOTCHA!.

In the manga

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.

Pocket Monsters HGSS

A Raikou appeared in PMHGSS04 and PMHGSS05.

Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure

A Raikou appeared in JBA3.

Pokémon Adventures

Main article: Raikou (Adventures)
201
Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
201

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.

201 Spoilers end here. 201

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

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

Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All

A Raikou first appeared in GDZ58.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

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

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
#—
Sinnoh
#—
Hisui
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Sword, Shield, and Legends: Arceus.
Brilliant Diamond It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Shining Pearl
Generation IX Paldea
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation IX.


Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II
Gold Silver
Roaming Johto (Only one)
Crystal
Roaming Johto (Only one)
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
Trade, Event
Emerald
Trade, Event
FireRed LeafGreen
Roaming Kanto (if the player chose Squirtle) (Only one)
Colosseum
Shadow PKMN Lab (Shadow)
XD
Trade
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Trade, Event
Platinum
Trade, Event
HeartGold SoulSilver
Roaming Johto (Only one)
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
Trade
Moon
Trade, Event
Ultra Sun
Ultra Space Wilds (Rocky World) (Only one)
Ultra Moon
Trade, Event
Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee
Unobtainable
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
TradeVersion 1.3.0+
Expansion Pass
Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure) (Only one)
Brilliant Diamond
Ramanas Park (requires Johto Slate) (Only one)
Shining Pearl
Trade
Legends: Arceus
Unobtainable
Generation IX
Scarlet Violet
Unobtainable


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 40Shiny 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 30Shiny June 18 to August 31, 2010
DPPtHGSS Shinsegae Raikou Korean South Korea 30Shiny September 11 to October 24, 2010
DPPtHGSS Crown City Raikou Korean South Korea 30Shiny December 16, 2010 to January 9, 2011
DPPtHGSS GameStop Raikou English North America 30Shiny January 3 to 9, 2011
DPPtHGSS Winter 2011 Raikou English Wi-Fi 30Shiny February 7 to 13, 2011
DPPtHGSS Winter 2011 Raikou French Wi-Fi 30Shiny February 7 to 13, 2011
DPPtHGSS Winter 2011 Raikou German Wi-Fi 30Shiny February 7 to 13, 2011
DPPtHGSS Winter 2011 Raikou Italian Wi-Fi 30Shiny February 7 to 13, 2011
DPPtHGSS Winter 2011 Raikou Spanish Wi-Fi 30Shiny 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 Micle Berry (100%) Gold Bottle Cap Gold Bottle Cap (100%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
90
150 - 197 290 - 384
85
81 - 150 157 - 295
75
72 - 139 139 - 273
115
108 - 183 211 - 361
100
94 - 167 184 - 328
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
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None

Learnset

Raikou is available in Sword and Shield Version 1.3.0+ and Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

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

SwSh

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

BDSP

Generation VIII
Other generations:
II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX
   TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
TM04
Bag TM Psychic SwSh Sprite.png
TM04 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 20
TM05
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM05 Roar Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 20
TM11
Bag TM Fire SwSh Sprite.png
TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000 —}}—% 5
TM15
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5
TM16
Bag TM Psychic SwSh Sprite.png
TM16 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 30
TM17
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM18
Bag TM Water SwSh Sprite.png
TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 —}}—% 5
TM23
Bag TM Steel SwSh Sprite.png
TM23 Iron Tail Steel Physical 100100 075}}75% 15
TM24
Bag TM Electric SwSh Sprite.png
TM24 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15
TM25
Bag TM Electric SwSh Sprite.png
TM25 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10
TM28
Bag TM Ground SwSh Sprite.png
TM28 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10
TM30
Bag TM Ghost SwSh Sprite.png
TM30 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15
TM32
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 15
TM33
Bag TM Psychic SwSh Sprite.png
TM33 Reflect Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 20
TM34
Bag TM Electric SwSh Sprite.png
TM34 Shock Wave Electric Special 06060 —}}—% 20
TM37
Bag TM Rock SwSh Sprite.png
TM37 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM42
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM43
Bag TM Electric SwSh Sprite.png
TM43 Volt Switch Electric Special 07070 100}}100% 20
TM44
Bag TM Psychic SwSh Sprite.png
TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM49
Bag TM Water SwSh Sprite.png
TM49 Scald Water Special 08080 100}}100% 15
TM57
Bag TM Electric SwSh Sprite.png
TM57 Charge Beam Electric Special 05050 090}}90% 10
TM58
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM58 Endure Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM68
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5
TM70
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM70 Flash Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 20
TM73
Bag TM Electric SwSh Sprite.png
TM73 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000 090}}90% 20
TM77
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM77 Psych Up Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM78
Bag TM Dark SwSh Sprite.png
TM78 Snarl Dark Special 05555 095}}95% 15
TM82
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM82 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM83
Bag TM Ground SwSh Sprite.png
TM83 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20
TM87
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000 085}}85% 15
TM90
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM93
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM93 Cut Normal Physical 05050 095}}95% 30
TM96
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM96 Strength Normal Physical 08080 100}}100% 15
TM98
Bag TM Fighting SwSh Sprite.png
TM98 Rock Smash Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15
XTM100
Bag TM Normal SwSh Sprite.png
TM100 Rock Climb Normal Physical 09090 085}}85% 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 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!
Trozeiani243.png
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
MDP E 243.png Body size: 2
Recruit rate: 5%
IQ group: D
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
MDP 3DS 243.png

Body size: Standard (1 tile)
How to Recruit: Meet up with at Isle of Light
Connected to: Entei, Suicune
Connection Orb Set: 1

Phrases
Normal Do as I say, and don't do anything spontaneously!
Low HP (< 50%) When I'm trapped like this...is when my lightning shines the most!
Pokémon Ranger
Group:
Electric
Poké Assist: Electric PA.png
Electric
Field move: Recharge fm.pngRecharge fm.pngRecharge fm.png
(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 Assist.png
Electric
Field move:
(present)
None - field move.png
(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
Rush243Body.png Walking Speed: 1.19 seconds Base HP: 57
Base Attack: 83 Base Defense: 57 Base Speed: 70
Pokémon Battle Trozei
Electric
Attack Power: ★★★★

BT243.png

Flinch Attack
Briefly stops wild Pokémon from taking action.
Pokémon Shuffle
None Shuffle.png
Electric
None Shuffle.png Attack Power: 70 - 110 Raise Max Level.png 5

#152
Shuffle243.png

Power of 5
Increases damage when you make a match of five.
Skill Swapper.png Swappable Skill(s): Barrier Bash+, Astonish


Pokémon GO
GO243.png 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*, FrustrationAs Shadow Pokémon, ReturnAs Purified Pokémon

Evolution

0243Raikou.png
Unevolved
Raikou
 Electric 



Sprites

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II
Gold Silver Crystal
Spr 2g 243.png Spr b 2g 243.png Spr 2s 243.png Spr b 2s 243.png Spr 2c 243.png Spr b 2c 243.png
Spr 2g 243 s.png Spr b 2g 243 s.png Spr 2s 243 s.png Spr b 2s 243 s.png Spr 2c 243 s.png Spr b 2c 243 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen
Spr 3r 243.png Spr b 3r 243.png Spr 3e 243.png Spr b 3e 243.png Spr 3f 243.png Spr b 3f 243.png
Spr 3r 243 s.png Spr b 3r 243 s.png Spr 3e 243 s.png Spr b 3e 243 s.png Spr 3f 243 s.png Spr b 3f 243 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver
Spr 4d 243.png Spr b 4d 243.png Spr 4p 243.png Spr b 4p 243.png Spr 4h 243.png Spr b 4h 243.png
Spr 4d 243 s.png Spr b 4d 243 s.png Spr 4p 243 s.png Spr b 4p 243 s.png Spr 4h 243 s.png Spr b 4h 243 s.png
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V
Black White Black 2 White 2
Spr 5b 243.png Spr b 5b 243.png Spr 5b2 243.png Spr b 5b2 243.png
Spr 5b 243 s.png Spr b 5b 243 s.png Spr 5b2 243 s.png Spr b 5b2 243 s.png
Front Back Front Back
Generation VI
X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Spr 6x 243.png
Spr b 6x 243.png
Spr 6o 243.png
Spr b 6o 243.png
Spr 6x 243 s.png
Spr b 6x 243 s.png
Spr 6o 243 s.png
Spr b 6o 243 s.png
Front Back Front Back
Generation VII
Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Spr 7s 243.png
Spr b 7s 243.png
Spr 7s 243.png
Spr b 7s 243.png
Spr 7s 243 s.png
Spr b 7s 243 s.png
Spr 7s 243 s.png
Spr b 7s 243 s.png
Front Back Front Back
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation IX.
Cross-Generation
HOME
HOME243.png HOME243 s.png
243MS.png For other sprites and images, please see Raikou images on the Bulbagarden Archives.


Trivia

Raikou in Jimmy's Pokédex

Origin

When asked about the basis behind Raikou's design, Muneo Saitō described the process to be difficult, as "Raikou took many twists and turns; there was even a blue thunder version with a drum on its back", but it eventually fell into a tiger-like design.[3] Its long upper fangs bear a resemblance to those of the smilodon, commonly known as the saber-toothed tiger.

Raikou may have also been inspired by 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 various animals. Similarly, it may also draw inspiration from the Nue, a legendary creature that is depicted with the legs or body of a tiger and a snake for a tail that can shape-shift into a black cloud. The flowing purple cloud on its back seems to be based on a cumulonimbus cloud, which is most often associated with thunderstorms.

Electric-type Raikou corresponds to the lightning that striked the Brass Tower according to its legend, at the same time Entei represents the fire that burned it and Suicune represents the rain that put it out.

Name origin

Raikou may be derived from 雷 rai (thunder) or 雷光 raikō (lightning) and 公 (lord) or 皇 (emperor), where the former forms a reference to 雷公 Léigōng (god of thunder in Chinese mythology).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
Japan Flag.png Japanese ライコウ Raikou From rai, 雷光 raikō, , and , as well as 雷公 Léigōng
France Flag.png French Raikou Same as English/Japanese name
Spain Flag.png Spanish Raikou Same as English/Japanese name
Germany Flag.png German Raikou Same as English/Japanese name
Italy Flag.png Italian Raikou Same as English/Japanese name
South Korea Flag.png Korean 라이코 Raikou Transcription of Japanese name
China and Taiwan Flags.png Mandarin Chinese 雷公 Léigōng From 雷公 Léigōng
Hong Kong Flag.png Cantonese Chinese 雷公 Lèuihgūng From 雷公 Lèuihgūng


Related articles

References

  1. Yoshida, Yuuya (May 1, 2014). 伝説ポケモンのイラストを手がける斉藤むねお、キャラデザ講座開講! Kai-You.
  2. (January 3, 2012). Ken Sugimori (@SUPER_32X) on Twitter. (archive)
  3. (January 3, 2012). Muneo Saitō (@muneondo) on Twitter. (archive)

External links


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0242MS.png #0242: Blissey
Pokémon
#0244: Entei 0244MS.png
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