NationalDex
raichu
#026

Raichu

Mouse Pokémon

Electric

When its electricity builds, its muscles are stimulated, and it becomes more aggressive than usual.

Base Stats

HP 60
Attack 90
Defense 55
Sp. Atk 90
Sp. Def 80
Speed 110
Total 485

Type Effectiveness

Abilities

Held Items

Forms

Evolution Chain

Moves

Details

Category Mouse Pokémon
Height 0.8 m
Weight 30.0 kg
Base Exp 218
Growth Rate Medium
Capture Rate 75
Base Happiness 70
Gender 50% ♂ / 50% ♀
Habitat Forest
Egg Groups Ground ,Fairy

Sprites

raichu Front Front
raichu Back Back
raichu Front Shiny Front Shiny
raichu Back Shiny Back Shiny
raichu Front ♀ Front ♀
raichu Back ♀ Back ♀
raichu Front Shiny ♀ Front Shiny ♀
raichu Back Shiny ♀ Back Shiny ♀
raichu Official Art Official Art
raichu Official Art (Shiny) Official Art (Shiny)

Competitive

Fast Support
Moves
Encore / Feint
Volt Switch / Thunderbolt
Nuzzle / Feint
Item
Air Balloon / Focus Sash
Ability
Lightning Rod
Nature
Timid
EVs
HP 252
SpA 4
Spe 252

Strategy Overview

Raichu is one of the fastest Fake Out users, sporting a base Speed of 110 that lets it outspeed the likes of Mega Kangaskhan and Infernape. It also has Lightning Rod, which neuters opposing Electric-types by redirecting Electric-type attacks, benefiting teams that struggle with foes such as Thundurus. With access to a good utility movepool containing options such as Fake Out, Encore, Nuzzle, and Feint, Raichu controls game flow and provides speed control. On the other hand, its poor bulk leaves it easily KOed by strong attacks such as Mega Kangaskhan's Return and Talonflame's Flare Blitz. In addition, Raichu provides little offensive pressure by itself, as it lacks the ability to deal meaningful damage and is walled by Grass- and Ground-types. Compared to other Electric-types in the metagame—Rotom-W, Thundurus, and Zapdos—Raichu lacks the natural Ground immunity, bulk, and offensive pressure the other options provide, making it a niche option for teams requiring its specific support.

Most Used Moves

Fake Out
94.5%
Nuzzle
67.0%
Encore
34.5%

Most Used Items

Competitive data from Smogon University via data.pkmn.cc