Raichu - A Complete Guide to Every Form

In the world of Pokémon, no shadow is longer or more imposing than the one cast by Pikachu. For decades, its evolved form, Raichu, has lived a strange existence as one of the most recognizable yet consistently overlooked creatures in the franchise. But that is all about to change. With the stunning reveal of not one, but two new Mega Evolutions—Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y—coming in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC, Raichu is finally set to step out of the shadow and claim the spotlight it has long deserved.

Table of Contents

1.1 The Original Thunder Mouse: Kantonian Raichu
1.1.1 Design and Origins
1.1.2 In Battle
1.1.3 The Shadow of Pikachu
1.2 The Surfing Psychic: Alolan Raichu
1.2.1 A Taste of the Tropics
1.2.2 A New Way to Battle
1.3 The Future is Mega: Speculating on Mega Raichu X & Y
1.3.1 What Could Mega Raichu X Be?
1.3.2 What Could Mega Raichu Y Be?

This guide is a celebration of the Mouse Pokémon in all its forms. We will take a deep dive into its entire history, exploring its classic Kantonian roots, its quirky and powerful Alolan variant, and the exciting future promised by its long-awaited Mega Evolutions. From its strategic prowess in battle to its unique place in Pokémon lore, it’s time to give Raichu its due.

The Original Thunder Mouse: Kantonian Raichu

First introduced in Generation I, the original Kantonian Raichu is the classic final form of the Pichu line. It’s a powerful and confident Pokémon that represents the full potential of a Pikachu that has been exposed to a Thunder Stone.

Design and Origins

Raichu’s design is a natural evolution of its previous forms. It’s a bipedal rodent-like Pokémon with orange fur, a white belly, and long, rabbit-like ears. Its most distinctive features are its long, thin tail that ends in a massive lightning bolt shape, and its yellow electrical cheek sacs. Its design is believed to be inspired by a mix of rodent species like the kangaroo rat, while its name and electrical power are a nod to the Raijū, a legendary lightning beast from Japanese mythology. The lore states that Raichu can store up to 100,000 volts of electricity and uses its long tail as a ground to prevent it from shocking itself—a necessary precaution for a creature that can become aggressive when it stores too much power.

In Battle

As a pure Electric-type, Kantonian Raichu has always been a solid performer. Its stats are well-suited for a fast offensive role, with high Attack, Special Attack, and an excellent Speed stat. This allows it to function as either a physical or special attacker. However, its true strategic value comes from its Hidden Ability, Lightning Rod. This ability not only grants Raichu a complete immunity to Electric-type moves but also redirects all single-target Electric attacks toward it in a Double Battle. When struck by an Electric move, instead of taking damage, Raichu’s Special Attack is raised by one stage. This makes it one of the best strategic checks to common and powerful Electric-type threats in the entire game. Its other ability, Static, which has a chance to paralyze opponents on contact, is also a useful tool for in-game playthroughs.

The Shadow of Pikachu

A huge part of Raichu’s identity is tied to its relationship with its pre-evolution. In both the games and the anime, a recurring theme is the choice of whether to evolve a Pikachu. The most famous example of this is the iconic battle between Ash’s Pikachu and Lt. Surge’s Raichu in the anime. The show presented a powerful dilemma: evolve for raw power or remain in a cuter, less powerful form out of loyalty and friendship. Because Ash’s Pikachu chose not to evolve and still won, and because Pikachu became the global mascot of the franchise, Raichu was inadvertently cast in a supporting role, a fact even referenced in some of its Pokédex entries.

The Surfing Psychic: Alolan Raichu

Generation VII introduced regional variants, and Alola gave Raichu a fantastic and wildly different new form that breathed new life into the Pokémon.

A Taste of the Tropics

After evolving from a Pikachu in the Alola region, Raichu takes on a new form with a unique typing and ability. Alolan Raichu has a darker, sleeker coat, bright blue eyes, and a rounder, more playful appearance. Its most dramatic change is its tail, which is now thick and flat, allowing Raichu to ride on it as if it were a surfboard. The charming in-game lore suggests this change was caused by a diet of the Alola region’s famously sweet and fluffy pancakes, which somehow unlocked psychic powers within it.

A New Way to Battle

Alolan Raichu is an Electric/Psychic-type, giving it a powerful dual-STAB combination. But its true power comes from its signature ability, Surge Surfer. This ability doubles its Speed stat whenever Electric Terrain is active on the field. With its already high base Speed, this makes Alolan Raichu one of the fastest Pokémon in the entire game under the right conditions, capable of out-speeding virtually any opponent. This has made it a premier threat on competitive teams built around Electric Terrain setters like Tapu Koko or Pincurchin. It functions as a devastatingly fast special attacker, using its Psychic powers and star-shaped thunderbolts to sweep opposing teams.

The Future is Mega: Speculating on Mega Raichu X & Y

The announcement of Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y is the ultimate validation for a Pokémon that has waited decades for a top-tier power-up. Following the pattern of the only other Pokémon with X and Y Mega forms (Charizard and Mewtwo), we can make some educated guesses about what these two powerful new forms will bring to the table.

What Could Mega Raichu X Be?

The “X” Mega Evolutions are typically associated with a more physical, aggressive design and often a change or addition to their typing. It is highly likely that Mega Raichu X will be a physical attacker. A popular and fitting theory is that it could become an Electric/Fighting-type, a powerful offensive combination. This would give it a new set of physical STAB moves to work with, finally giving a proper outlet for its solid base Attack stat. We can imagine a design that is more muscular and grounded, with its electrical energy crackling around its fists and feet, ready to deliver a devastating Thunder Punch.

What Could Mega Raichu Y Be?

Conversely, the “Y” Mega Evolutions tend to enhance a Pokémon’s existing strengths, often resulting in a sleeker design and a massive boost to its special stats. It is very likely that Mega Raichu Y will be a special attacker that leans into the psychic powers introduced by its Alolan form. It could remain an Electric/Psychic-type or become a pure Electric-type with a colossal Special Attack stat. Its design might become more ethereal and sleek, perhaps with it permanently levitating on its tail, channeling immense psychic and electric power. This form would likely be one of the fastest and most powerful special sweepers in the game.

From the overlooked original to the speedy Alolan surfer, Raichu’s journey has been a long one. Now, with a starring role and two new Mega Evolutions on the horizon in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC, Raichu is finally ready to step out of the shadows and show the world the true power of Pikachu’s final form.

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Raichu – A Complete Guide to Every Form