Raichu
Its long tail serves as a ground to protect itself from its own high-voltage power.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Thunderbolt is the STAB anchor of this set. The Electric-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Raichu's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Electric weaknesses.
Psychic rounds out the moveset with Psychic-type coverage. Use this move when Raichu's STAB attacks would be resisted, as it can hit targets that would otherwise wall Raichu's primary attacks.
Focus Blast adds Fighting coverage to Raichu's arsenal. This move catches opponents off guard who switch in expecting only Electric damage, providing super-effective against Flying, Psychic, Fairy.
Nasty Plot rounds out the moveset with Normal-type coverage. Use this move when Raichu's STAB attacks would be resisted, as it can hit targets that would otherwise wall Raichu's primary attacks.
Strengths
- ▸Thanks to its Electric typing, Raichu can leverage STAB-boosted Thunderbolt to punch through opponents weak to Electric attacks
- ▸Raichu takes reduced damage from Electric, Flying, Steel moves, giving it valuable switch-in opportunities
- ▸Raichu's speed stat of 110 is a defining feature that shapes its competitive identity
- ▸Raichu's 485 base stat total, while not top-tier, is well-distributed enough to serve its intended role
Weaknesses
- ▸Vulnerability to Ground types means Raichu must avoid switching into these attack types
- ▸The low defense of 55 is a significant liability that opponents can exploit
- ▸Raichu can struggle against common meta picks that exploit its typing or stat distribution
Pro Tips
Consider a mixed VP build for Raichu since both offensive stats are comparable. Consider Life Orb or Choice Scarf to boost Raichu's damage or speed further. Use Raichu's resistances to Electric, Flying to find safe entry points. Build teams that cover Raichu's weaknesses while it handles the matchups it's strong against.
Competitive Role
Raichu's competitive identity is that of a speedy attacker. The 485 BST distribution, highlighted by 110 speed, defines how Raichu should be built and deployed. Its Electric typing creates vulnerabilities to Ground types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Electric, Flying, Steel provide switch-in opportunities. Overall, Raichu is a viable option that rewards players who understand its strengths and limitations.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Raichu brings a 485 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a speed-focused build. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Thunderbolt) with coverage moves (Psychic, Focus Blast), giving Raichu answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Ground mean Raichu must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Electric, Flying, Steel provide safe switch-in opportunities. The Tier B rating indicates Raichu is a viable mid-tier pick that needs the right team to shine. Raichu's balanced offenses allow for flexible VP investment—choose based on your team's needs.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Ground-type opponents: Raichu is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Raichu in against Ground types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Ground. If forced to fight, use Thunderbolt and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Electric-type opponents: Raichu has the advantage here. Its Electric typing reduces incoming Electric damage, allowing Raichu to tank hits and retaliate with Thunderbolt. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: With 110 Speed, Raichu outspeeds most of the unboosted metagame. It will move first against anything slower than base 110, giving it initiative in most matchups. Watch out for Choice Scarf users and priority moves. Against Ground-type opponents: Raichu has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Electric moves deal super-effective damage to Ground types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Raichu when you expect Ground types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Raichu, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a offensive sweeper with 485 total base stats, Raichu should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Ground coverage, save Raichu for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Thunderbolt and Psychic while assessing the opponent's team composition.
Mid-game is where Raichu needs to make its biggest impact.
With moves like Psychic and Focus Blast, Raichu can adapt to different threats.
If the opponent brings out a Ground type, immediately switch to a teammate that resists it.
Remember that Raichu's speed of 110 is its greatest asset—play to that strength.
By the endgame, Raichu should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 485 total stats, it's best deployed to weaken the last opponent Pokemon for a teammate to finish.
Use Thunderbolt to chip damage, then switch to your win condition.
The tier B rating indicates Raichu needs team support to succeed.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸A Grass-type teammate covers Raichu's Ground weakness, creating a solid defensive core
- ▸Pair with a Pokemon that can set up screens (Reflect, Light Screen) to extend Raichu's survivability
- ▸Raichu pairs well with frail sweepers that need a safe switch-in partner—use Raichu to absorb hits they can't
How to Counter
- ▸Opponents with Ground coverage moves should target Raichu immediately for a guaranteed KO
- ▸Choice Scarf users can outspeed Raichu and hit it before it acts
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Raichu's low Defense (55) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Toxic poison wears Raichu down over time, especially if it lacks recovery moves
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Raichu with a Grass-type Pokemon that can switch into Ground attacks. This defensive core covers Raichu's primary weakness while Raichu handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Offensive Core: Combine Raichu with a setup sweeper that benefits from Raichu's ability to weaken walls. Use Thunderbolt to chip down tanks, then bring in your sweeper to clean up. Add a priority user to handle faster threats.
Weather Team: If building a weather team, Raichu's Electric typing provides neutral coverage regardless of weather. Add a weather setter and Pokemon that benefit from the same conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Raichu good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Raichu is a mid-tier option in Pokemon Champions (Tier B). Its 485 base stat total and Electric typing give it a niche, but it requires careful team building to succeed. Consider Raichu if you need its specific typing coverage or if you enjoy using unconventional picks.
Q:What's the best item for Raichu?
A:The best items for Raichu are Life Orb (for extra damage with the cost of some HP), Choice Scarf (to outspeed even more threats), or Focus Sash (to guarantee survival against a super-effective hit). Given Raichu's high Speed of 110, Life Orb is often the optimal choice for maximizing damage output.
Q:What nature should I use for Raichu?
A:Since Raichu has nearly equal Attack (90) and Special Attack (90), the nature choice depends on your build. For physical sets, use Adamant; for special sets, use Modest. A Hasty or Naive nature works for mixed sets that use both offensive stats.
Q:How do I counter Raichu?
A:Raichu's biggest counters are Ground-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Raichu before it acts, especially given its 110 Speed. To beat Raichu, use Ground STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.