Raichu is an Electric-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It is the final evolution of Pichu, evolving from Pikachu when exposed to a Thunder Stone. Raichu is known for its powerful electrical attacks and quick speed, making it a formidable opponent in battle. This mouse-like Pokémon has a long, thin tail with a distinctive lightning bolt-shaped end, which it uses to gather electricity from the atmosphere. Raichu can store over 100,000 volts of electricity in its body, enough to knock out even an Indian elephant.
Interestingly, Raichu has a regional variant in the Alola region, where it gains Psychic-type abilities in addition to its Electric typing. Alolan Raichu is known to levitate using its psychic powers and attacks with star-shaped thunderbolts. The exact cause of this regional variation is unknown, but researchers believe it may be related to the Alolan diet and climate.
Despite its power, Raichu is rarely seen with Pokémon trainers, as many prefer the appearance of its pre-evolved form, Pikachu. When Raichu's electrical sacs become fully charged, its ears will stand straight up and its muscles become stimulated, potentially leading to aggressive behavior. To prevent overcharging, Raichu discharges excess electricity through its tail into the ground, often leaving scorched patches near its nest.
Pokédex Data
- Category: Mouse Pokémon
- Height: 2'07" (0.8 m)
- Weight: 66.1 lbs (30.0 kg)
- Abilities: Static, Lightning Rod (Hidden Ability)
Breeding
- Egg Groups: Field, Fairy
- Gender Ratio: 50% male, 50% female
- Egg Cycles: 10 (2,314–2,570 steps)
Pokédex Entries Across Versions
- Red/Blue: Its long tail serves as a ground to protect itself from its own high voltage power.
- Yellow: When electricity builds up inside its body, it becomes feisty. It also glows in the dark.
- Gold: When its electricity builds, its muscles are stimulated, and it becomes more aggressive than usual.
- Ruby/Sapphire: 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.
Evolutions
Pichu (happiness) → Pikachu (Thunder Stone) → Raichu
Habits and Additions Across Generations
In later generations, Raichu gained the ability to learn new moves such as Volt Tackle as an egg move when bred with a Light Ball. The introduction of Alolan Raichu in Generation VII added a new dimension to this Pokémon, giving it psychic abilities and the unique Surge Surfer ability, which doubles its speed on Electric Terrain. In Pokémon Sleep, it was revealed that Raichu sleeps while discharging electricity, with its long tail planted into the ground like a rod.