#0026

Raichu

Best moveset, PvP rankings, counters & stats for Pokemon GO.

Max CP 2,467 Charm + Skull Bash Rainy
Raichu Pokemon GO sprite

Raichu is a Electric-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Kanto region (#26, Generation 1). With a max CP of 2,467 and base stats of 193/151/155 (Atk/Def/Sta), Raichu has a total stat product of 499.

Raichu is weak to Ground-type moves. It resists Electric, Flying, Steel-type attacks. Raichu is a 1.0 km buddy Pokemon. Raichu is currently available as a 3-Star Raids raid boss.

Stats

Max CP
2,467
Lv.40: 2,182 Lv.50: 2,467
Attack 193
Defense 151
Stamina 155
Total 499
Buddy 1.0 km Gen 1 · Kanto 2nd Move: 10,000 Dust · 25 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Fairy
13.3
DPS
20.0 PWR 11 EN 1.5s DUR 7.3 EPS Cloudy
Electric
Spark STAB
8
DPS
4.0 PWR 6 EN 0.5s DUR 12 EPS Rainy
Electric
8
DPS
4.0 PWR 7 EN 0.5s DUR 14 EPS Rainy
Electric
8.7
DPS
13.0 PWR 20 EN 1.5s DUR 13.3 EPS Rainy

Charged Moves

Fighting
26.7
DPS
40.0 PWR 33 EN 1.5s DUR
Normal
Skull Bash Buff
43.3
DPS
130.0 PWR 100 EN 3.0s DUR
Water
40
DPS
60.0 PWR 50 EN 1.5s DUR
Electric
25
DPS
50.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR
Grass
Trailblaze Buff
32.5
DPS
65.0 PWR 50 EN 2.0s DUR
Electric
Wild Charge STAB Buff
36
DPS
90.0 PWR 50 EN 2.5s DUR
Electric
Thunder STAB Elite
40
DPS
100.0 PWR 100 EN 2.5s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Charm (13.3 DPS), while Thunder Shock generates energy the fastest (14 EPS). Note that Thunder is an Elite TM move and cannot be obtained through regular TMs.

Evolution

Raid Guide

How to Get Raichu

Raichu evolves from Pikachu using 50 Candy.

Raichu is currently available as a 3-Star Raids raid boss. After defeating it in a raid, you can catch it at level 20 (1247 CP for a perfect 15/15/15 IV) or level 25 with weather boost (1558 CP).

Walking Raichu as your buddy earns 1 candy every 1.0 km.

Raichu Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Raichu in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
53 – 1,886 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
53 – 2,042 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
1,210 – 1,278 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
1,505 – 1,590 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
1,210 – 1,278 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
915 – 966 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
1,210 – 1,278 CP

A 100% IV Raichu from raids or eggs will show 1,247 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Raichu is a Electric-type Pokemon with a stat total of 499. With its high Attack stat (193), Raichu is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

Watch out for Ground-type moves when using Raichu. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Raichu's performance.

Raichu's moves get a damage boost in Rainy weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 10,000 Stardust and 25 Candy. With 7 charged moves available, a second move gives Raichu much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Raichu?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Raichu is a Electric-type Pokemon with base stats of 193/151/155 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 2,467. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Raichu may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Raichu in Pokemon GO?
Raichu has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. The ideal moveset varies based on whether you are using Raichu for raids, gym battles, or PvP — check the moves section above for a full breakdown of each move's DPS, energy cost, and coverage.
What are Raichu's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Raichu is weak to Ground-type moves. On the other hand, Raichu resists Electric, Flying, Steel-type attacks, so avoid using those types against it. To counter Raichu effectively in raids and gyms, build a team using its weakest type matchups and pick attackers that have STAB moves of those types.
What is Raichu's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Raichu's maximum CP is 2,467 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 2,182 at level 40. Reaching level 50 requires XL Candy, which is only available to trainers level 31 and above — earning XL Candy involves catching, hatching, transferring, and walking Pokemon. Raichu's CP is calculated from its base stats: 193 Attack, 151 Defense, and 155 Stamina. Powering up from level 40 to 50 requires a significant investment of XL Candy and Stardust, so plan your resources carefully. A 100% IV Raichu caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 1,247 CP, or 1,558 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Raichu?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Raichu has the following CP at key levels: 935 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 1,247 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 1,558 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 2,467 CP at level 50 fully powered up. If you catch a perfect IV Raichu, it is worth investing Stardust and Candy to power it up, especially if Raichu ranks well in raids or PvP. A 100% IV (also called a "hundo") is the rarest IV combination, so tag and favorite it to make sure you don't accidentally transfer it.
How to get Raichu in Pokemon GO?
Raichu is obtained by evolving its pre-evolution (Pikachu with 50 Candy). Currently available as a 3-Star Raids raid boss. Raichu can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.
Can Raichu be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Shiny Raichu's availability depends on whether Niantic has released its shiny form. Not all Pokemon have their shiny forms available yet. Check the current events page and Community Day announcements for any updates on shiny Raichu availability and boosted shiny rates during special events.

Max CP per Level

L1 30 CP
L5 294 CP
L10 623 CP
L15 935 CP
L20 1,247 CP
L25 1,558 CP
L30 1,870 CP
L35 2,026 CP
L40 2,182 CP
L50 2,467 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #26
Generation Gen 1
Region Kanto
Height 0.80 m
Weight 30.00 kg
Buddy Distance 1.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 10,000 Dust / 25 Candy