Raichu
Raichu is an Electric-type Pokémon, known as the evolved form of Pikachu when exposed to a Thunder Stone.
| National Pokedex No: 0026 |
| Type: |
| Category: Mouse Pokémon |
| Height: 0.8 m (2′07″) |
| Weight : 30.0 kg (66.1 lbs) |
| Gender: 50% ♂, 50 % ♀ |
| Abilities/Hidden abilities:Static/Lightning Rod |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Raichu, the Electric-type Pokémon, exhibits distinctive physical characteristics.
Raichu has a compact and well-defined body structure. It is bipedal, standing on two hind legs, and it has a small, thin tail. Raichu’s fur is primarily yellow, giving it a vibrant appearance. The shade of yellow may vary slightly among individual Raichu.
Raichu has large, round ears with pointed tips resembling lightning bolts. Its facial features include round red eyes and a small, triangular-shaped mouth. Raichu’s paws have three digits each, with visible claws. These appendages contribute to its dexterity and are useful in both movement and combat.
Raichu’s tail is relatively short with a lightning bolt-shaped end. This tail plays a role in its electrical abilities. Raichu’s size is larger than its pre-evolution, Pikachu, but it is not overly large. The proportions are balanced, giving it an agile and nimble appearance.
These physical characteristics contribute to Raichu’s overall design, making it a visually distinct and recognizable Pokémon in the Pokémon franchise.
Alolan form
In the Alola region, Pikachu can evolve into a regional variant known as Alolan Raichu. This unique form gains the Electric/Psychic typing and has a distinctive appearance with psychic powers allowing it to surf on its own tail.
Unlike some Pokémon that have multiple evolutionary stages, Raichu does not have a known devolution process. Once it evolves from Pikachu, it remains in its Raichu form.
Understanding the evolution of Raichu is crucial for trainers who seek to strengthen their Pokémon team and explore the unique traits and abilities that it brings to battles.
Behaviour
Raichu, like many Pokémon, exhibits various behaviors shaped by its nature and instincts. Here are some aspects of Raichu’s behavior.
Raichu is an Electric-type Pokémon, and it can generate and control electricity. In battles, Raichu often employs its electric powers for offensive moves, such as Thunderbolt and Thunder Punch.
Raichu is known for its speed and agility. It can move quickly and gracefully, making it an adept and nimble combatant. This agility is useful in both evading attacks and launching rapid assaults.
While the specific behavior can vary among individual Raichu, they are known to form social bonds with other Pokémon and trainers. Raichu may display affection towards its trainer, and in the wild, it might interact with other Electric-type Pokémon.
Raichu, like many Pokémon, can exhibit playful behavior. It may engage in playful activities, both with other Pokémon and in various environments. Play is not only a source of enjoyment for Raichu but also a way to maintain physical fitness.
Raichu can be protective of its territory, trainer, or fellow Pokémon. If it senses a threat, Raichu may use its electric abilities to ward off potential dangers. While Raichu does not communicate in human language, it can express emotions and intentions through vocalizations, body language, and the use of its electric powers.
In its natural habitat, Raichu likely follows carnivorous feeding habits, preying on smaller Pokémon or foraging for food. Trained Raichu may consume specialized Pokémon food provided by its trainer.
Understanding Raichu’s behavior is crucial for trainers to form strong bonds with their Pokémon and to harness Raichu’s full potential in battles and various activities.
Evolution
Raichu evolves from Pikachu when exposed to a Thunder Stone. The process of evolution involves a transformation from its pre-evolutionary form, Pikachu, into the more advanced and powerful Electric-type Pokémon, Raichu. Here are the key details about Raichu’s evolution.
The evolutionary line starts with Pichu, the baby form. Pichu evolves into Pikachu when it forms a strong bond of friendship with its trainer.
Pikachu, the middle stage, is the most recognizable form in the evolutionary line. It evolves into Raichu when exposed to a Thunder Stone.
The final form in the line is Raichu, which is the result of Pikachu’s exposure to a Thunder Stone. Raichu does not have a known evolution into another Pokémon.
The evolution of Pikachu into Raichu is triggered by the use of a Thunder Stone. When a Pikachu is exposed to this evolutionary stone, it undergoes a rapid transformation into Raichu. The Thunder Stone is a special evolutionary item in the Pokémon world. It is known for inducing evolution in certain Electric-type Pokémon, including Pikachu. Once used, the Thunder Stone causes an immediate evolution.
Evolution into Raichu brings several benefits, including increased stats, enhanced abilities, and access to more powerful moves. Raichu’s overall strength and capabilities are heightened compared to its pre-evolutionary forms.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
Lt. Surge’s Raichu
Lt. Surge‘s Raichu made its debut in the Pokémon anime during Ash Ketchum‘s Gym battle against Lt. Surge in the episode titled “Electric Shock Showdown” (Season 1, Episode 14). It demonstrated exceptional strength and speed during the Gym battle against Ash’s Pikachu. Raichu’s agility and formidable Electric-type moves made it a formidable opponent.
In the ”Electric Shock Showdown”, Lt. Surge’s Raichu faced off against Ash’s Pikachu. Despite Pikachu’s determination and agility, it struggled against the more experienced and evolved Raichu who won the battle.
Goh’s Raichu
A female Pikachu, owned by Goh evolved in the ”Gotta Catch a What?!” into Raichu by using Tunder Storm.
In various Pokémon episodes:
- Raichu caused trouble at the Pokémon Theme Park in ”Pikachu’s Vacation”.
- Katrina used her Raichu, Raichie, in a film in ”Lights, Camera, Quack-tion”.
- Kay’s timid Raichu overcame stage fright and helped defeat Team Rocket in ”Stage Fight!”.
- Ellen used a Raichu to round up Mareep with Thunderbolt in ”Mild ‘n Wooly”.
- Abigail’s missing Pikachu evolved into Raichu in ”Cooking Up a Sweet Story”.
- Sho’s Raichu battled Ash’s Pikachu in ”Pika and Goliath!” and later battled during the Pokémon Summer Academy.
- Volkner’s Raichu was his main battling Pokémon in ”Flint Sparks the Fire!” and ”The Fleeing Tower of Sunyshore!”.
- Tierno’s Raichu battled in ”Good Friends, Great Training!” and ”Valuable Experience for All!”.
- Nina’s Alolan Raichu participated in the Pokémon Pancake Race in ”Racing to a Big Event!”.
- Hau’s Alolan Raichu reached Top 16 in the Battle Royal round in ”Battle Royal 151!”.
- Visquez’s Raichu defeated a Trainer’s Hypno in ”Destination: Coronation!” but lost to Ash’s Gengar.
- Multiple Pikachu evolved into Raichu using Thunder Stones in ”Gotta Catch a What?!”.
Anime Minor Appearances
In the episode ”School of Hard Knocks”, a Raichu was depicted on a teapot. In ”Pokémon Fashion Flash”, a Raichu was spotted at Scissor Street. The ”Battling Eevee Brothers” featured a Raichu as a guest during the evolution party in Stone Town. A Trainer’s Raichu made an appearance in ”Mewtwo Strikes Back”. In ”The Power of One”, multiple Raichu were exposed to the disturbance caused by Lawrence III. ”Pokémon Double Trouble” showcased a Raichu working out at the Kumquat Gym. In ”Tricks of the Trade”, a Raichu attended the Pokémon Swap Meet in Palmpona.
In ”Beauty and the Breeder”, a Raichu belonging to a Pokémon Breeder competed in a Pokémon breeding contest. ”The Legend of Thunder!” featured a Raichu among the Electric Pokémon drawn to the Miracle Crystal wielded by Attila and Hun. Raichu attempted to strike Attila’s robot to save other Pokémon from capture, but its attack rebounded.
”As Clear As Crystal” depicted a Raichu affected by a healing crystal that enhanced a lake’s ability to heal Electric-type Pokémon. Brock’s demonstration in ”A Bite to Remember” showcased a Raichu evolving from Pikachu. A Coordinator’s Raichu was seen in ”Lessons in Lilycove” and also participated in the Hoenn Grand Festival in ”Deceit and Assist’‘. ”Sticking With Who You Know!” showed a Raichu falling in love with a Squirtle due to Professor Kodama’s machine.
”Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!” featured three Raichu, while Clemont’s demonstration in ”To Catch a Pokémon Smuggler!” saw a Pikachu evolve into Raichu using a Thunder Stone. In ”Alola, Kanto!”, Sophocles encountered a Raichu at Professor Oak’s Laboratory, where Togedemaru playfully circled around it. Additionally, another Raichu appeared in a fantasy sequence. A Trainer’s Alolan Raichu made an appearance in ”A Young Royal Flame Ignites!” and was admired by Rapp in ”The Shape of Love to Come!”.
In ”I Choose Paradise!”, a Trainer’s Alolan Raichu was seen enjoying the Pokémon Paradise Resort. During ”From Z to Shining Z!”, a Trainer’s Raichu observed the battle between Ash’s Pikachu and Tapu Koko. In ”That New Old Gang of Mine!”, ”Take My Thief! Please!”, ”Curtain Up! Fight the Fights!”, ”It’s… Champion Time!” and ”Whittle While You Work!”, various Trainers’ Raichu, including Alolan forms, made appearances. Additionally, a Raichu was spotted in ”Distant Blue Sky!”.
Manga Appearances
Magical Pokémon Journey
In “Raichu’s Best Friend,” the spirit of Trainer Sandy yearns for a reunion with her cherished Raichu companion.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
Raichu owned by Visquez (the Vermilion City Gym Leader in the absence of Lt. Surge), apperaes in ”Destination: Coronation!” (for the first time) and in ”Toughing It Out!”. Lt. Surge’s also appeares in ”Toughing It Out!”, in a fantasy.
Pokémon Adventures
In the Red, Green & Blue arc, Lt. Surge’s Raichu makes its debut, aiding him in a crucial battle against the Masked Man.
In the Gold, Silver & Crystal arc, a Raichu participates in the climactic fight in Ilex Forest.
In the Emerald arc, a Raichu is spotted at the Battle Pike and later stolen by Guile Hideout.
Volkner showcases his Raichu in the Diamond & Pearl arc, facing off against Platinum.
Lastly, a Raichu appears in the HeartGold & SoulSilver arc during a Pokéathlon event.
Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All
Raichu appeares in GDZ21, and in GDZ23 chapters of the Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All manga.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
A Raichu appeares in ”Clefairy Evolves… At Last?!”, the twenty-third chapter of the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga.
Blue’s Raichu participiated in a battle against Red in the episode ”The Pokémon Banana League” (Part 1), the fifty-fourth chapter of the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga.
Pokémon Zensho
Satoshi caught one Pikachu in the first chapter of the Pokémon Zensho manga (PZ02), which later evolves into Raichu in the ninth and final chapter of the Pokémon Zensho manga (PZ10) in order to help him defeat the Elite Four (four Pokémon Trainers who were regarded as the toughest in their regional Pokémon League).
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red | Cerulean Cave |
| Pokémon Blue | Power Plant, Cerulean Cave |
| Pokémon Yellow | Power Plant, Cerulean Cave |
| Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | Evolve Pikachu |
| Pokémon Crystal | Evolve Pikachu |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Evolve Pikachu |
| Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen | Evolve Pikachu |
| Pokémon Emerald | Evolve Pikachu |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD | Trade |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Evolve Pikachu |
| Pokémon Platinum | Evolve Pikachu |
| Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Evolve Pikachu |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Poké Transfer |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Poké Transfer |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Evolve Pikachu |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Evolve Pikachu |
| Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Trade (Kantonian Form), Evolve Pikachu (Alolan Form) |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon | Evolve Pikachu |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! And Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Trade (Kantonian Form), Evolve Pikachu (Alolan Form) |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Giant's Cap, Motostoke Riverbank (Kantonian Form), Trade (Alolan Form) |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | Evolve Pikachu |
| Legends Arceus | Golden Lowlands |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Tagtree Thicket, Casseroya Lake, North Province (Area One), North Province (Area Two), East Province (Area One), East Province (Area Two), South Province (Area One), South Province (Area Two), South Province (Area Four), West Province (Area Three), The Great Crater of Paldea |
Raichu's origin name
Raichu’s name originates from a combination of Japanese words. In English and other languages, its name remains generally consistent with its Japanese counterpart.
English: Raichu – The English name “Raichu” directly derives from the Japanese name ライチュウ (Raichū), maintaining a close transliteration.
Japanese (Kanji and Kana):
- Japanese Kanji: The name Raichu is written in Japanese kanji as 雷 (rai), meaning “thunder,” and 鼠 (chu), meaning “mouse” or “rat”.
- Japanese Kana: In hiragana and katakana, Raichu is written as らいちゅう (Raichū).
German: Raichu – The German name for Raichu is also “Raichu.” German often adopts the original Japanese names for Pokémon.
French: Raichu – Similarly, in French, Raichu retains its original name as “Raichu”.
Spanish: Raichu – The Spanish name for Raichu is “Raichu”, reflecting the consistency with the original Japanese and English names.
Italian: Raichu – In Italian, Raichu is referred to as “Raichu,” maintaining the name’s global consistency.
Korean: 라이츄 (Raichu) – In Korean, Raichu is written as “라이츄,” and the pronunciation is similar to the Japanese and English versions.
Chinese (Mandarin): 雷丘 (Léiqiū) – The Mandarin Chinese name for Raichu is “雷丘,” with “雷” meaning “thunder” and “丘” meaning “hill” or “mound”.
Chinese (Cantonese): 雷丘 (Leoi4 jau4) – In Cantonese, Raichu is pronounced as “Leoi4 jau4”.
These variations across languages demonstrate a common theme of retaining the essence of the Japanese name while accommodating the phonetics of each language. The core elements of “thunder” and “mouse” in the name Raichu emphasize its Electric-type nature and rodent-like appearance.