Raichu evolution, forms, and stats explained (Pokémon)

Raichu is the Mouse Pokémon and the Electric-type evolution of Pikachu, sitting at National Pokédex number 0026. It comes in a standard Electric form, an Electric/Psychic Alolan form, and two Mega Evolutions introduced in Legends: Z-A. Getting one is simple, but which version you end up with depends entirely on where you trigger the evolution.

Quick answer: Use a Thunder Stone on Pikachu. Outside Alola you get the standard Electric Raichu. Use it on a Pikachu in the Alola region, and you get Alolan Raichu instead.

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Pikachu itself evolves from Pichu when its Friendship is high enough, so the full line is Pichu → Pikachu → Raichu.

Image credit: Nintendo/The Pokémon Company (via YouTube/@RandomRam)

How to get Raichu and Alolan Raichu

Raichu does not evolve by leveling up. It needs a Thunder Stone, and the region where you use that stone decides the result.

Step 1: Raise a Pichu to high Friendship so it evolves into Pikachu, or catch a Pikachu directly.

Step 2: Open your Bag and use a Thunder Stone on the Pikachu. Anywhere outside Alola, this produces the standard Electric-type Raichu.

Step 3: To get the Alolan form, evolve a Pikachu with a Thunder Stone while you are in the Alola region. The result is an Electric/Psychic Alolan Raichu.

Evolve a Pikachu with a Thunder Stone while you are in the Alola region | Image credit: Nintendo/The Pokémon Company (via YouTube/@RandomRam)

You'll know it worked when the Pokémon's animation completes, and its Pokédex entry updates to Raichu (or Alolan Raichu) with the new type shown on its summary screen.

In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Raichu can also Mega Evolve. Mega Raichu X requires Raichunite X, and Mega Raichu Y requires Raichunite Y, and both stones come from completing Side Mission 139 in the Mega Dimension DLC. An Alolan Raichu is also available as a reward for finishing Side Mission 108 in that game.

Raichu forms and types

All Raichu forms share the Mouse Pokémon classification and the same 50% male, 50% female gender ratio. They differ in typing, ability, and physical size.

The Alolan form gains its Psychic typing and Surge Surfer ability, which doubles its Speed on Electric Terrain. Its tail acts as a surfboard that it rides using psychic power, which is why it picked up the nickname "hodad."

Raichu base stats (all forms)

Standard Raichu is a fast, balanced attacker with 110 base Speed and matching 90 Attack and Special Attack. The Mega forms push that further, with Mega X favoring physical Attack and Mega Y leaning hard into Special Attack and Speed.

Every form yields 3 Speed EVs when defeated, uses the Medium Fast growth rate, and belongs to the Fairy and Field egg groups. Standard and Alolan Raichu have a catch rate of 75 and a base experience yield of 243.

Image credit: Nintendo/The Pokémon Company (via YouTube/@RandomRam)

Raichu type weaknesses and resistances

Because the two main forms have different typings, their defensive matchups differ a lot. Keep standard Raichu away from Ground moves, and keep the Alolan form away from Bug, Dark, and Ghost attacks on top of Ground.

Raichu in Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, Raichu is a pure Electric type with a maximum of 2467 CP and base stats of 193 Attack, 151 Defense, and 155 HP. It is weak only to Ground moves and resists Electric, Flying, and Steel. Encounters are boosted in Rain, and a shiny version is available.

Its strongest Electric moveset is Thunder Shock paired with Wild Charge. That said, Raichu is not a competitive raid attacker or gym defender, so it sits in the lower tiers for PvE.

Trainer Battles are where it earns its keep. With a moveset built around Volt Switch or Thunder Shock, Wild Charge or Thunder Punch, and Brick Break, Raichu performs well in the Great League and reasonably in the Ultra League.

Where to find Raichu across the games

In most titles, evolving a Pikachu with a Thunder Stone is the only way to obtain a Kanto Raichu. A handful of games let you encounter it in the wild or trade for it.

One thing worth keeping in mind before you reach for that Thunder Stone: Raichu cannot learn the moves Pikachu picks up at higher levels, so most trainers wait until Pikachu has the attacks they want before evolving it. The choice between the two forms is permanent for that Pokémon, so make the region call deliberately.