Raikou is a legendary Electric-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II. It is one of the three Legendary Beasts of Johto, alongside Entei and Suicune. Raikou embodies the speed of lightning and is said to have descended from the sky with a thunderbolt. This majestic creature can generate thunderclouds on its back, allowing it to fire thunderbolts at will. Raikou's roars are incredibly powerful, sending shock waves through the air and shaking the ground as if lightning bolts had struck. It races across grasslands while barking cries that sound like crashing thunder. Raikou is known for its ability to control storm clouds and appears during thunderstorms or when other Electric-type Pokémon are in danger. Interestingly, Raikou cannot breed and is genderless. According to legend, Raikou was one of three Pokémon resurrected by Ho-Oh after perishing in a fire at the Brass Tower 150 years ago.
Pokédex Data
- Category: Thunder Pokémon
- Type: Electric
- Height: 1.9 m (6'03")
- Weight: 178.0 kg (392.4 lbs)
- Abilities: Pressure (Inner Focus as Hidden Ability)
- Catch Rate: 3 (0.4% with PokéBall, full HP)
- Base Friendship: 35 (lower than normal)
Breeding
Raikou cannot breed and belongs to the Undiscovered egg group.
Pokédex Entries Across Versions
- 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 inside its body, then sweeps across the land, shooting off electricity.
- Ruby/Sapphire: 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.
- Diamond/Pearl: It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Evolutions
Raikou does not evolve into or from any other Pokémon.
Habits and Additions Across Generations
- In Generations 5-6, Raikou's hidden ability changed to Volt Absorb.
- In Generations 2-4, Raikou had a base experience yield of 216.
- In Generation 2, Raikou had a base Friendship value of 70.
- Raikou's design has evolved slightly since its introduction, with its final design featuring a purple mane resembling storm clouds.
- In Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs, Raikou is depicted as being able to fly by creating storm clouds.