Raichu, The Mouse Pokémon. It becomes aggressive when it has electricity stored up. At such times, even its Trainer has to take care to avoid being attacked. It unleashes electric shocks that can reach 100,000 volts. When agitated, it can knock out even an Indian elephant.
Overview
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the anime on Saturday, on this episode of the Pokémon Of The Week we'll be bringing you a special triple Pikachu/Raichu combo feature. First off is our friend, the classic Kanto Raichu, and in my opinion Pokémon's proper mascot. It outclasses Pikachu in literally every way. From its Base 110 Spe , or just the fact that it doesn't need an exclusive item like Light Ball to be effective so it's way more versatile and effective. Also it's not anywhere near as frail as well, and it's still can be somewhat useful even with Alolan Raichu surfing around if you play it correctly.
Positives
+ Decent Base 90 SpA and access to good lots of good coverage moves
+ Good Base 110 Spe
+ Functions pretty well as a late game wallbreaker and has access to Nasty Plot
+ some good utility options too like Fake Out, Feint and Encore
+ alot of same exclusive moves and event moves that Pikachu has access to like Volt Tackle and Surf. except it does it better
Negatives
- it's nowhere near as frail as Pikachu, but it's still pretty frail except on the SpD side
- it's still weak to a lot of common threats and hasn't gained much to combat them
- no reliable means of recovery too
- outclassed by its cousin from the Alola Region
- it's impossible to get as a Gen 7 native Pokémon
Abilities
Static: The opponent has a 30% chance of being induced with PARALYZE when using an attack, that requires physical contact, against this Pokémon. Lightning Rod is the superior ability. Only take this ability if you have to like if you're using an event Raichu carrying Surf.
Hidden Ability (Available):
Lightningrod: Electric-type moves are drawn to this Pokémon. Electric-type moves will do no damage and the Pokémon's SP ATK is raised one stage. If the Pokémon is Ground-type, moves are drawn to it, but it gets no boost. This is always the ability you should be using if it all possible. The possible SpA boost and immunity to damage from your enemies electric type attacks is just awesome.
Movesets
The New Classic
- Nasty PlotV
- Thunderbolt
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power Ice
Item Attached: Life Orb
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs and Nature:
252 Spe / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Timid Nature
This set is pretty self explanatory. Use Nasty Plot to boost our friend from Kanto's power to frightening levels of awesome and give it an easier time taking down your enemy's walls and sweeping everything up. Thunderbolt is your main stab. Use it, love it, embrace it. The rest are just coverage slots, so use whatever your team needs. Hidden Power Ice and Focus Blast provide the best overall coverage.
Other Options
- Grass Knot: hits water ground types and certain ground type a lot harder
- Surf: It's a good coverage move, but it's only obtainable from an event which means you'd be stuck with Static as an ability and it's pretty hard to find these days.
- Volt Switch: it's a great pivot move, but it's not worth sacrificing coverage for on this set
- Electrium Z: Particularly after a Nasty Plot few things will enjoy taking a Gigavolt Havoc
VGC, Double, & Triple Battle Options
Classic Raichu is still a great Pokemon for doubles. Although it cannot be used in VGC 2017, it is still a good support Pokemon in other formats where it is legal, such as Battle Spot Doubles. "Kantonian" Raichu was a great support Pokemon in VGC 2016, even winning the World Championships as a member of Wolfe Glick's team. It has a great support movepool to choose from, and its ability can help it shut down common annoyances like Thundurus. While its new Alolan cousin surfs the waves this year, Raichu still can be an important piece of successful teams outside of VGC 2017.
The Lieutenant
-Thunderbolt
-Hidden Power Ice
-Fake Out
-Encore / Feint
Item Attached: Focus Sash
Ability: Lightningrod
EVs and Nature:
4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
Raichu performs similarly to Pikachu in supporting with Fake Out and Lightningrod. It is a little faster, but also not quite as strong as Light Ball Pikachu. It is free to hold the Focus Sash though, guaranteeing Raichu can take any one attack. Just like the rest of the family, Raichu needs maximum speed and special attack since its bulk still is not anything noteworthy.
Thunderbolt is still the ideal STAB move, with HP Ice rounding out good coverage. Fake Out is Raichu's main role, and the 4th move plays off Fake Out typically. Encore can lock an opponent into a less than ideal move, particularly if they just Protected to avoid Fake Out, and Feint can break those Protects outright and KO weakened Pokemon.
Other Options & Team Ideas
-Life Orb gives Raichu a bit more power.
-Assault Vest was a very unique item seen on top teams in 2016 to give Raichu some surprising bulk on the special side.
-Thunder is stronger than Thunderbolt, but will need rain support.
-Volt Switch is great to gain momentum and switch Raichu out of tough situations while doing some chip damage.
-Discharge is still Raichu's only good spread move.
-Nuzzle has better accuracy than Thunder Wave and can break Focus Sashes while slowing an opponent down.
-Protect is tough to fit on a support set, but is still a good option as it is arguably the best move in doubles.
-Grass Knot provides additional coverage.
-Reflect and Light Screen can increase the team's overall bulk for a few turns.
-Volt Tackle was mainly used in VGC 2016 to hit Primal Kyogre, Ho-oh, and Yveltal very hard, but a pure physical set does have limited coverage moves. Brick Break and Quick Attack are notable options, as are Knock Off and the unreliable Iron Tail if you have access to the move tutors from Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
-Speaking of move tutors, Electroweb (to slow down the opponents) and Helping Hand (to boost your own teammate's attack) are other options if you can transfer up from ORAS.
-Any Pokemon weak to electric moves appreciates Raichu's support. If your team dislikes Thundurus in particular, Raichu can pretty much shut it down.
-As with any Fake Out Pokemon, teams that like to use set-up moves appreciate the partially free turn.
-Discharge spam again works well next to Raichu to give it a special attack boost.
Countering Raichu
There's any of a number of ways to counter Raichu now. It's definitely seen brighter days. The most obvious one that comes to mind is physical revenge killers. It's naturally a bit on the frail side in the Def and HP department so it won't take much effort for a physical attacker like Cacturne or something to come in and take it out. Life Orb recoil isn't doing any favors either there. You also especially need to watch out for Stunfisk and Golem. Stunfisk in particular will need to take some damage beforehand otherwise Raichu is a goner. There's plenty of others and in general you need to be careful using it because of frail it's, but if you support it well the original Raichu can still be quite effective.
Raichu, The Mouse Pokémon. It only evolves to this form in the Alola region. According to researchers, its diet is one of the causes of this change. It uses psychokinesis to control electricity. It hops aboard its own tail, using psychic power to lift the tail and move about while riding it.
Overview
Don't worry just because we're covering the original doesn't too mean we're going to leave out Raichu's cousin from the Alola Region. Meet the new kid on the block everyone Alola Raichu. It's a fantastic regional form. Its ability Surge Surfer doubles its speed on the Electric Terrain. It gained a secondary stab Psychic, and it's even stronger in the SpA department. I mean what's not to love about it.
Positives
+ Dual Type Electric and Psychic Typing gives it more coverage options than the original
+ Same great Base 110 Spe
+ even cuter than the original Raichu
+ its even slightly more powerful than Kanto Raichu sporting a base 95 SpA instead of 90
Negatives
- Like it's cousin it's pretty frail. Even frailer on the defensive unfortunately with Base 50
- Didn't get more HP as well same Base 60
- few extra weakness to go a long with its new Dual Typing
Abilities
Surge Surfer: Doubles the Pokémon's Speed stat on Electric Terrain. It can be a pretty terrific ability at times, but I do miss Lightning Rod.
Movesets
Soul Skater
- Thunderbolt
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Grass Knot
Item Attached: Choice Specs
Ability: Surge Surfer
EVs and Nature:
252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 SpD
Modest Nature
This set is all about maximizing Alolan Raichu's power. It works best on the Electric Terrain though so if your team isn't running that you might want to switch to a Timid nature and maybe run Life Orb instead. Anyways Thunderbolt is still going to be your main stab. Psychic is your awesome secondary stab which will help you take out Mega Venasaur and Nidoking. Focus Blast is for those pesky Rock and Steel Types like Magnezone, Tyrantiar, Ferrothorn and so on and so forth. Last but not least you have Grass Knot to round out your coverage in order to hit things like Hippowdon, Gastrodon and things like that much harder.
Other Options
Aloraichium Z: Alola Raichu gets a powerful Z-Move exclusive to its form. It's slightly less powerful than Gigavolt Havoc, but not by much and it comes with the added benefit of a guaranteed paralysis ontop of its already amazing power.
- Psychium Z: This is ridiculously strong especially on the Psychic Terrain.
- Electro Ball: Electro Ball can be downright scary good on the Electric Terrain because its power is dependent on how much faster you are than your opponent and thanks to its ability Surge Surfer its speed is doubled on that Terrain. However if you don't have Electric Terrain out Thunderbolt is way better.
- Volt Switch: Volt Switch can be a great pivot especially on Choice sets, but it comes at the expense of coverage so I don't recommend taking it
- Psyshock: Psyshock hits certain SpD oriented 'mons harder that are weaker on the Def side of the spectrum like Mega Venasaur or Dragalge but Psychic is more useful most of the time.
VGC, Double, & Triple Battle Options
Raichu has been a successful Pokemon over the past couple of years in VGC, even during the crazy Primal format of 2016. In 2017, Raichu has stuck around, but now with a new Alolan form and some new tricks. A new secondary typing, as well as a new ability, has increased Raichu's versatility and made it even stronger in some regards. Its great speed can be taken to even further extremes in the common Electric Terrain, and Z-Moves have unlocked even greater potential for Alolan Raichu.
Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride
-Thunderbolt
-Psychic
-Fake Out
-Encore / Protect
Item Attached: Aloraichium Z, Psychium Z, or Focus Sash
Ability: Surge Surfer
EVs and Nature:
4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid / Modest Nature
Alolan Raichu is typically built to hit hard and fast with some support features. Maximum special attack and speed is standard, and the choice of nature depends on what you want it to outspeed. Due to Surge Surfer, Raichu reaches just insane ridiculous levels of speed, so a Modest nature may be chosen to give it a bit more firepower. Timid is typically the safer choice, however, to always ensure Raichu outspeeds Pokemon like Kartana and Garchomp should the opponent have a Tailwind up or if you are not in Electric Terrain. Raichu then typically either holds a Focus Sash or a Z-Move. Focus Sash will ensure Raichu can live any one attack, which is a good choice due to its frail defenses. Aloraichium Z or Psychium Z, however, give Raichu an incredibly strong attack (and Raichu's signature Z-Move will always cause Paralysis), especially if either is backed up with their respective terrains.
Thunderbolt and Psychic are Alolan Raichu's best STAB moves. Fake Out has been a staple of Raichu sets in VGC. Raichu has one of the fastest Fake Outs around, allowing you to delay an opponent's Pokemon from attacking from a turn. Protect is not seen quite as much on Raichu since it typically takes on somewhat of a support role and uses a slot for Fake Out, but it is still a great choice in the 4th slot to keep Raichu alive from a threat or stall out opponent's speed control. Encore, however, works great especially if you can lock an opponent into the Protect they just used to dodge a Fake Out.
Other Options & Team Ideas
-Life Orb increases Raichu's damage output, especially if you add a third attack like a Hidden Power.
-Hidden Power Ice has always worked great alongside Thunderbolt for Pokemon like Garchomp. Hidden Power Fire is another good option to OHKO Kartana since you can outspeed it.
-Thunder is stronger than Thunderbolt, but typically needs rain support.
-Volt Switch can give you momentum to switch in something better, and to shuffle in Raichu's Fake Out later.
-Electro Ball has more potential than ever before due to Alolan Raichu's incredible speed in Electric Terrain, especially since it will get a boost in the terrain.
-Psyshock is an alternative to Psychic for Raichu's psychic move, and is a better choice to hit Nihilego.
-Discharge is a strong electric spread move, but can hit your teammate, so ideally Raichu needs a ground type or Lightning Rod user next to it.
-Grass Knot provides grass coverage for Pokemon like Gastrodon.
-Feint can pick off weakened opponents and break Protects (and Wide Guard), which is especially useful if the opponent predicts you to use Fake Out.
-Nuzzle is weak and sees less use due to paralysis being nerfed and Tapu Fini's terrain, but it does guarantee paralysis and lower the target's speed by half.
-Speed Swap is a niche move to either speed up a teammate (especially in Electric Terrain) or to slow down an opponent who set up Trick Room.
-Reflect and Light Screen are nice support moves to increase the team's bulk.
-Focus Blast is risky but gives fighting-type coverage.
-Rain Dance is particularly useful against Lilligant and Torkoals leads. With Electric Terrain up from Raichu's teammate in Tapu Koko, Lilligant can't put either of your Pokemon to sleep, and Raichu will outspeed it and can set up Rain Dance to nerf Torkoal's fire moves.
-Surge Surfer was created for Alolan Raichu to be paired with Tapu Koko and its terrain, and of course the Electric Terrain will boost Raichu's Thunderbolts.
-Tapu Lele's terrain will boost Alolan Raichu's psychic STABs, especially if you run the Z-Move. The only downside is that Raichu will not be able to use Fake Out in Psychic Terrain.
-Setup moves like Tailwind or Porygon Z's Z-Conversion appreciate the support from Raichu's Fake Out. Encore will also work great under Tailwind.
Countering Alolan Raichu
Alolan Raichu is a bit trickier to counter than its Kanto counterpart, but it does have more weaknesses to exploit because of its added Psychic type. It's extremely vulnerable to Pursuit Trappers like Tyranitar now especially this Choiced Set. Alolan Muk is a big problem as well since it can take any damage you dish out pretty easily if it's wearing an Assault Vest and KO you with a Knock Off or Poison Jab in retribution. Chansey walls you for days and days ...and days. Other Psychic Types with lots of SpD like Mew and Jirachi will give you problems as well There's also plenty of 'mons immune to electric attacks running around these days too like Alolan Marowak although it can't take more than 1 Psychic usually so if you predict the switch it's toast. There's plenty more, but those are the main things I would worry about.
Pre-Evolution Corner - Pikachu
Pikachu, The Mouse Pokémon. A plan was recently announced to gather many Pikachu and make an electric power plant. It’s in its nature to store electricity. It feels stressed now and then if it’s unable to fully discharge the electricity.
Locations in Games
Red/Blue/Yellow:
Cerulean Cave (Red)
Cerulean Cave, Power Plant (Blue)
Trade from Red/Blue (Yellow)
Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald:
Evolve Pikachu
FireRed/LeafGreen:
Evolve Pikachu
Colosseum/XD:
Trade from Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald/FireRed/LeafGreen
Diamond/Pearl/Platinum:
Evolve Pikachu
HeartGold/SoulSilver:
Evolve Pikachu
Black/White:
Transfer from Generation IV
Black 2/White 2:
Transfer from Generation IV
X/Y:
Evolve Pikachu
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire:
Evolve Pikachu
Sun/Moon:
Evolve Pikachu
Animé Appearences
