Pokemon GO Raichu: Ultimate Guide for 2024

Raichu is a popular Electric-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 2,182, Raichu is a viable option for Great League PvP battles where its unique typing and moveset can shine.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Raichu in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.

📊 Raichu Base Stats & Overview

Raichu (#026) is a Electric-type Pokemon from Generation 1.

Base Stats
Attack	193
Defense	151
Stamina	155
Total Stats	499
Max CP	2,182
Buddy Distance	3 km

With 193 Attack, 151 Defense, and 155 Stamina, Raichu has a total stat product of 499. While not the highest in any single stat, Raichu’s balanced stats make it versatile in various battle situations.

⚔️ Best Moveset for Raichu

Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Raichu’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Raichu for raids, gym battles, or PvP.

Best Raid & Gym Moveset

For PvE content like raids and gym battles, you want moves that maximize DPS (Damage Per Second). The best Electric-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.

Best PvP Moveset

In PvP battles, energy generation and coverage moves become more important. You’ll want a fast move that charges energy quickly and charged moves that provide good type coverage.

🎯 Raichu Type Effectiveness

Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Raichu effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Electric-type Pokemon, Raichu has specific strengths and weaknesses.

⚠️ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)

Raichu is weak to: Ground-type moves. When battling against Raichu, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.

• Ground – Deals increased damage

🛡️ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)

Raichu resists: Electric, Flying, Steel-type moves. This means Raichu takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.

• Electric – Reduced damage
• Flying – Reduced damage
• Steel – Reduced damage

🏆 Raichu PvP Analysis

Raichu can be used in Pokemon GO’s GO Battle League PvP battles. Here’s how it performs in each league:

Great League (1500 CP Limit)

With a max CP of 2,182, Raichu would need to be under-leveled for Great League. Check if the stats at 1500 CP are competitive before investing resources.

Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)

Raichu fits well in Ultra League with a max CP of 2,182. It can compete effectively against the meta threats in this league.

Master League (No CP Limit)

Raichu is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (2,182). Focus on other leagues instead.

⚔️ Raichu Raid Guide

Raichu is primarily used as a raid attacker rather than a raid boss. Here’s how to use it effectively in raids:

Using Raichu in Raids

When using Raichu as a raid attacker:

• Best against raid bosses weak to Electric-type moves
• Power up to at least level 30-35 for decent performance
• Ensure you have the optimal moveset for maximum DPS

🎯 Best Counters for Raichu

Whether you’re battling Raichu in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Raichu:

Top Counter Pokemon

The best counters exploit Raichu’s weaknesses to Ground-type moves:

Pokemon	Type	Why It Works
Garchomp	Dragon/Ground	Mud Shot + Earth Power deals massive damage
Groudon	Ground	Legendary with Precipice Blades
Excadrill	Ground/Steel	High Ground DPS

Counter Strategy Tips

1. Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Raichu
2. Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
3. Watch for Coverage Moves: Raichu may have moves that counter its own counters
4. Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks

📍 How to Get Raichu in Pokemon GO

There are several ways to obtain Raichu in Pokemon GO:

• Wild Encounters: Raichu can spawn in the wild, especially in areas matching its type
• Eggs: May hatch from 3km eggs
• Evolution: Evolve from its pre-evolution using Candy
• Raids: Occasionally appears in raid battles
• Research Tasks: Complete field research for a chance to encounter
• Trading: Trade with friends

Shiny Raichu

Yes, Shiny Raichu is available in Pokemon GO! The shiny variant has a different coloration and is highly sought after by collectors. The shiny rate for wild encounters is approximately 1 in 500, though this can be boosted during special events like Community Days or Spotlight Hours.

Raichu Evolution

Check the Pokédex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Pro Tips for Using Raichu

Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Raichu’s potential in Pokemon GO:

1. IV Optimization

For raids and gym battles, prioritize Raichu with high Attack IVs (15 Attack is ideal). The Attack stat contributes most to damage output in PvE content.

For PvP battles, the ideal IVs depend on the league:

• Great League: Look for low Attack, high Defense and HP (0/15/15 is often ideal)
• Ultra League: Similar to Great League, optimize for stat product under 2500 CP
• Master League: Perfect 15/15/15 IVs are best since there’s no CP cap

2. Power Up Priority

Before investing Stardust and Candy into Raichu, consider:

• Do you have enough resources? (Powering to level 50 costs 296,000 Stardust and 296 Candy)
• Will this Pokemon fill a gap in your battle team?
• Are there better alternatives for the same role?
• Do you have the optimal moveset or need Elite TMs?

3. Team Composition

Raichu works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Electric type weak to Ground, consider adding team members that resist these types.

4. Weather Considerations

Take advantage of weather boosts:

• When catching: Weather-boosted Raichu spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
• When battling: Weather that boosts Electric moves increases your damage output
• When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather

📚 Raichu in the Pokemon Franchise

Raichu first appeared in Generation 1 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Raichu’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.

In Pokemon GO, Raichu was introduced as part of the Generation 1 Pokemon rollout. Being a Generation 1 Pokemon, Raichu has been available since the game’s launch in July 2016.

📊 How Raichu Compares

Let’s see how Raichu stacks up against other Electric-type Pokemon:

Stat	Raichu	Type Average	Rating
Attack	193	~180	⭐⭐
Defense	151	~160	⭐⭐
Stamina	155	~170	⭐⭐
Max CP	2,182	~2,500	⭐

🎯 Conclusion

Raichu is a versatile Electric-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 2,182 and solid base stats (193/151/155), it can shine in Great League PvP where its unique typing and moveset options provide interesting strategic possibilities.

Remember to:

• Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
• Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
• Build a team that covers Raichu’s weaknesses
• Take advantage of weather boosts when possible

For more Pokemon guides and the complete Pokedex, visit our Pokemon GO Database. Check out our PvP Rankings for the current meta and Raid Guides for battle strategies.

Last updated: January 2026. Information based on the latest Pokemon GO game data.

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