Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon. When its electricity builds, its muscles are stimulated, and it becomes more aggressive than usual. Its tail discharges electricity into the ground, protecting it from getting shocked. If the electric pouches in its cheeks become fully charged, both ears will stand straight up.
Overview
The evolution of Pokémon’s mascot, Raichu has benefitted greatly from the movepool additions Pikachu has received over the years, allowing it to break the mold of the standard Electric type. Raichu’s coverage is insane in comparison to the average Electric type, boasting Surf and Grass Knot for the Ground types that typically trouble Electric types along with Alluring Voice or Play Rough for Electric resistant Dragons. As a result, Raichu is quite adept at subverting normal Electric checks, allowing it to use its STABs with little restriction. Coverage is not the only area where Raichu excels, boasting an expansive disruptive movepool including the Taunt proof Nuzzle, Knock Off, Encore, Charm, Eerie Impulse and Endeavor to slash an opponent’s HP, Raichu is very adept at leaving opponents in a very sorry state for its teammates to capitalize on. All of this is enabled by Raichu’s fantastic base 110 Speed, getting the jump on not only popular Mega Evolutions, but even Pokémon valued for outspeeding them like Garchomp, Mega Glimmora, Mega Excadrill, and Alolan Ninetales.
Despite Raichu’s expansive movepool, it does not have a move that can solve its underlying issues. Raichu is as durable as you would expect a mouse to be, which is not at all. A poor base 60 HP makes Raichu rather frail to begin with and at base 55 Defense, Raichu’s physical bulk could be compared to a wet paper bag. Add in pure Electric typing which is much maligned for its lack of resistances and Raichu struggles to take any hits at all. While 90 in both Attack and Special Attack is balanced, giving Raichu some unpredictability, both are insufficient after generations of power creep for a Pokémon as frail as Raichu to apply offensive pressure when not exploiting weaknesses. While Raichu can address its Special Attack with Nasty Plot, safely setting up when it is that frail is a labor in of itself. Furthermore, even with Nasty Plot, Raichu doesn’t have any moves to handle Grass types, which makes such Pokémon consistent walls to offensive sets. Generations of speed creep do Raichu no favors either with a stable of faster threats that can stop Raichu before it can begin.
Positives
Expansive coverage with Raichu able to hit just about everything for neutral.
Incredible disruptive movepool that can ruin a Pokémon in just about every way one can imagine.
Base 110 is a solid speed tier, outspeeding many offensive staples and just about every defensive one.
Negatives
60/55/80 defenses are quite frail and with no resistances to compensate, Raichu struggles to take hits.
90 in both offenses is quite underwhelming, leaving Raichu struggling to pick up knockouts in neutral matchups.
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Movesets
Raistorm
-Thunderbolt
-Grass Knot
-Alluring Voice
-Nasty Plot
Ability: Lightning Rod
Item: Focus Sash
Stat Points and Nature:
2 HP / 32 SAtk / 32 Spe
Timid Nature
This is an offensive Raichu set looking to make the most of its wide coverage and good speed to threaten and pick off weakened threats. Thunderbolt is primary STAB and best for opposing Water and Flying types, like Corviknight, Primarina, Basculegion, Gyarados, etc. Grass Knot handles the Ground types like Swampert, Mamoswine and Hippowdon that would otherwise freely come in on Thunderbolt. Alluring Voice is anti Dragon coverage, fantastic into Kommo-o and Hydreigon while dealing respectable damage to the likes of Garchomp. If one can find a moment to setup, perhaps against a weakened foe that Raichu can force out, Nasty Plot addresses Raichu's power issues, allowing it to secure OHKOs with its coverage and Thunderbolt against bulkier targets like having a 31% chance to OHKO Garchomp with Alluring Voice, OHKO Primarina, 12% to OHKO Max HP/Special Defense Toxapex, etc.
Stat Points and Items:
Max Speed and Special Attack are recommended. Timid is preferred for the speed boosting nature in part due to Raichu's extreme frailty mandating it outspeed foes. Even dropping down to Modest leaves Raichu exposed to the base 100 crowd if such representatives are running Speed boosting natures. As Base 100 Speed is a significant benchmark for many offensive Pokémon, especially Mega Evolutions, Raichu struggles to afford Modest despite desperately needing the extra boost given its low Special Attack. Items are up to preference. Focus Sash gives Raichu a lot more wiggle room and can enable setup against bulkier foes. Life Orb is a general power boost that can be instrumental in getting knockouts and Raichu is so frail the HP tax is insignificant.
Partners:
Answers to Grass types are a must. Raichu has no direct coverage for them, so barring Fairy weak Grass types like Meowscarada and Hydrapple, Raichu needs all the help it can get in taking such foes out. Mega Charizard X is a notable example, its resistances allowing it to pivot into Grass attacks with ease before incinerating them as well as offensively checking Dragon types, while Raichu returns the favor in removing aggravating physical walls like Iron Defense Corviknight and Skarmory that Mega Charizard X can struggle to break. Mega Charizard Y or Mega Pyroar benefit even more from Raichu given their weakness to Water types that Raichu can check. Mega Charizard Y especially given its ability to pivot into Ground attacks looking to obliterate Raichu. Corviknight and Skarmory are also notable for being hard stops to Ground and Grass types alike, with the latter setting Spikes to facilitate knockouts and the former removing hazards to keep Focus Sash intact.
Other Options:
Surf is Raichu's other option for Ground types and while better into Grass neutral Grounds like Gliscor and Excadrill, it does not do as much damage to heavy Ground types like Hippowdon.
Volt Switch is always a potent option, making progress while repositioning, but can be stopped by Ground types and Electric immune Pokémon.
Focus Blast threatens Hisuian Goodra and to a lesser extent, Tyranitar who can soak even a boosted attack and threaten back.
Craime and Punishment
-Fake Out
-Nuzzle
-Endeavor
-Encore
Ability: Lightning Rod
Item: Focus Sash
Stat Points and Nature:
32 HP / 2 Def / 32 Spe
Jolly Nature
This Raichu set makes the most of Raichu’s incredible disruptive movepool to cripple opponents and leave them fodder for Raichu’s teammates. Fake Out, while an unusual choice in Singles is incredible priority, great for finishing off Pokémon hanging on by a Focus Sash, as well as breaking effects that rely on the target being at full HP like Multiscale, Sturdy and Focus Sash at little risk to Raichu. Nuzzle is one of the main reasons to use Raichu, as it is guaranteed Paralysis that cannot be stopped by Taunt, allowing Raichu to reliably paralyze most targets. Endeavor pairs well with Focus Sash, allowing Raichu to turn any non Ghost type wall into a target a single HP away from removal. Encore rounds out the set, allowing Raichu to punish passive play or setup to give its allies free opportunities to come in and setup on their own or removal said target.
Stat Points and Items:
Max HP and Speed are recommended. While the HP investment seems anti-synergistic with Endeavor, the more attacks Raichu survives, the more attacks it gets to fire off to cripple the opposition. Max Speed investment with Jolly nature is preferred. Raichu sits at a crowded Speed tier and dropping speed opens it up to a whole host of foes. Furthermore, Encore works better the faster the user is allowing Raichu’s trainer to better control what move they lock the opponent into. Focus Sash is key to this set as even with HP investment, Raichu is still incredibly frail on the physical side.
Partners:
This Raichu set is all about enabling setup sweepers and powerful attackers with mediocre speed. Mega Chandelure is a fantastic recipient of this support, loving the speed control Mega Raichu provides in allowing it to strike first while bringing truly terrifying offense. (Mega) Gyarados and Mega Farliagtr are also solid recipients, able to take advantage of Encore for easy setup and love Raichu compromising potential checks with Endeavor.
Other Options:
Charm and Eerie Impulse cut an offensive stat in half, making it so much easier for Raichu to force an opponent out or create setup opportunities.
Knock Off deprives opponents of their items, making Pokémon less efficient at their roles.
Countering Raichu
While Raichu’s movepool presents a dizzying array of options for every situation, it can’t exercise all of them and its poor defenses means if its tool doesn't do the job it is summarily removed.
For offensive Raichu, Grass types are preferred, given Raichu’s inability to hit them with anything stronger than a non STAB Alluring Voice or Play Rough. Mega Sceptile especially stands out thanks to its Lightning Rod blocking surprise Nuzzles and boosting it up, though Venusaur, Mega Victreebel Meowscarada (after Protean), and Mega Meganium all solidly wall Raichu and take it out.
For special Raichu, sponges can work given Raichu’s poor Special Attack. Unaware Clefable walls Raichu completely irrespective of Nasty Plots as can Skeledirge (with Surf only dealing 36-43%). Galarian-Slowking is also a nightmare, taking 40-48% from a Nasty Plot boosted Thunderbolt, while easily 2HKOing back with Sludge Bomb. Hisuian Goodra takes even less from a +2 Alluring Voice, only fearing the unreliable Focus Blast. Max HP Tyranitar takes 67-80% by +2 Grass Knot and cannot withstand Focus Blast at all but otherwise soaks multiple unboosted attacks with ease and KOs through Focus Sash thanks to Sand Stream.
Supportive Raichu is much more difficult to handle as between Nuzzle, its high speed, and supportive movepool, there is little that can stop it from turning a target into setup fodder. Breaking Focus Sash beforehand is paramount as Raichu can otherwise all but remove a Pokémon with 1 HP Endeavor. Spikes, Stealth Rock and Sand Stream all lessen this threat before it starts, while multi-hit attackers and Fake Out users like Meowscarada, Weavile, Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Lopunny can greatly reduce the havoc that Raichu can wreak.
Ground types tend to do best against Support Raichu given their immunity to Nuzzle and ability to OHKO even after Charm. Hippowdon is notable among Ground types for setting up Sand Stream to break Focus Sash but can be punished by Encore if it plays passively. Scarf Garchomp and Sand Rush Excadrill are even faster than Raichu and thus can remove it before it can do anything.
Alolan Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon. It uses psychokinesis to control electricity. It hops aboard its own tail, using psychic power to lift the tail and move about while riding it.
Overview
Kantonian-Raichu’s surfing cousin crashes on the scene as a slightly more focused Raichu with a fresh tan and typing. Being more focused on Special Attack, Alolan Raichu takes great advantage of not only the same expansive movepool that Pikachu has been gifted but also its brand-new Psychic STAB giving Alolan Raichu a larger offensive profile than ever before. This added STAB is amazing for Alolan Raichu, giving it a solid answer into Grass types, especially Grass-Poison types that all other Raichu forms struggle against. Add on to this coverage a fantastic subversive movepool with just about every disruptive tool one could ask for and a solid base 110 Speed to reliably make use of and there is little that Alolan Raichu cannot bypass in theory.
Alolan Raichu however does not stray far enough from its Kantonian cousin. Despite gaining an extra typing, Alolan Raichu in many cases winds up be frailer than Kantonian-Raichu. Base 60 HP is already a bad start but a base 50 defense leaves Alolan Raichu reeling from any physical attack if not outright removed. While the added Psychic and Fighting resistances are nice, Dark and Ghost offenses are far more prevalent and concerning, especially with Sucker Punch and Shadow Sneak easily bypassing Alolan Raichu’s good speed. Even the loss of Lightning Rod hurts, as even though Electric offense is rare at the time of this writing, an effective immunity is still valuable defensive utility that Alolan Raichu lacks. Surge Surfer seems to be a cruel prank on Alolan Raichu. With Surger Surfer doubling Alolan Raichu’s peerless speed to umatched levels and Electric Terrain fueling Rising Voltage, Alolan Raichu should be a nightmare in its favored terrain, especially given Electric Surge is the only Terrain setting ability available. However, Electric Surge is on Mega Raichu X, having Alolan Raichu run hard into the species clause and never benefit from its ability unless one manually sets Electric Terrain or the opposing team is running a Mega Raichu X. Furthermore, while Alolan Raichu has better Special Attack, it is only by 5 points and still woefully below where one would want an offensive attacker to be to break through neutral targets. Just how it is that a vacation doesn’t completely change you, Raichu’s Alolan sojourn leaves it in many of the same ruts it was in before.
Positives
Even more expansive coverage than even base Raichu with even less that can resist Alolan Raichu’s assault.
Incredible disruptive movepool that can ruin a Pokémon in just about every way one can imagine.
Base 110 is a solid speed tier, outspeeding many offensive staples and just about every defensive one.
Incredible in Electric Terrain between Surge Surfer and Rising Voltage.
Negatives
60/50/85 defenses are quite frail and with added Ghost and Dark weaknesses and no Lightning Rod, Alolan Raichu is often frailer than its nominate form.
Base 95 Special Attack is quite underwhelming, leaving Alolan Raichu struggling to pick up knockouts in neutral matchups.
Only Electric Surge user is another Raichu, running into species clause, and all Electric Surge users exasperate Ground weakness.
Movesets
Surf Storm
-Thunderbolt
-Psyshock
-Surf
-Volt Switch
Ability: Surge Surfer
Item: Life Orb
Stat Points and Nature:
2 HP / 32 SAtk / 32 Spe
Timid Nature
This Alolan Raichu set acts as a pseudo revenge killer, using its wide coverage and excellent speed tier to threaten a wide range of foes. Thunderbolt is primary STAB with the wide coverage of Electric handling prominent Water and Flying types like Gyarados, Primarina, Corviknight, Hisuian Samurott Mega Charizard Y, Mega Clefable, Toxapex, Pelipper, (Mega) Skarmory, etc. Psyshock is secondary STAB, invaluable for hitting Poison types, especially Venusaur and Mega Victreebel that trouble other Raichus, but also Glimmora, and Sneasler. Its ability to hit Defense instead of Special Defense is also invaluable against Clam Mind users, especially Mega Floette. Surf is for Ground types like Hippowdon, Excadrill Rhyperior and Mamoswine but its ability to catch Fire and Rock types like Rotom-Heat, Tyranitar and Volcarona are welcome as well. Rounding out the set is Volt Switch for valuable pivoting utility, allowing Alolan Raichu to damage an opponent and switch out, thus maintaining momentum while preserving its revenge KOing abilities for later.
Stat Points and Items:
Max Speed and Special attack are recommended given Alolan Raichu’s crowded speed tier and underwhelming Special Attack. Even dropping down to Modest leaves Alolan Raichu exposed to the base 100 crowd if such representatives are running Speed boosting natures. As Base 100 Speed is a significant benchmark for many offensive Pokémon, especially Mega Evolutions, Alolan Raichu struggles to afford Modest despite desperately needing the extra boost given its low Special Attack. If one is able to get reliable Electric Terrain support, then Modest could be justified as at +2 with full speed investment Alolan Raichu outruns even positive speed natured Choice Scarf Dragapult, while only 15 Speed points are needed to outrun Scarf Meowscarada. Life Orb is recommended as it maintains Alolan Raichu’s move flexibility so that Ground or Dark types cannot come in for free while being a significant blanket power boost that Alolan Raichu desperately needs. If it returns, Choice Specs offers an even larger boost but does make Alolan Raichu easier to pivot around. Focus Sash is also a solid option giving Alolan Raichu more wiggle room and ensures it isn’t immediately eviscerated by priority.
Partners:
Given Alolan Raichu’s vulnerability to Shadow Sneak and Sucker Punch, having a Pokémon to absorb such attacks is invaluable. Dark types are best at this and adore Alolan Raichu for its solid matchups into Fighting types like Mega Staraptor and Mega Barbarancle. Meowscarada, while on the frail side, is one of the best options given its Grass STAB also making quick work of Ground types and Triple Axel handling Dragon types. Hydreigon also works well, with Levitate allowing it to pivot into Ground attacks while boasting solid coverage into the likes of Kingambit and Aegislash that Meowscarada can struggle with. Hisuian Samurott, while on the slow side is great especially if Alolan Raichu is running Grass Knot instead, its Ceaseless Edge great at chipping down Pokémon into knockout range while the Flying types immune to spikes want little to do with Alolan Raichu.
If they return, Pinurchin and Tapu Koko are amazing partners for Alolan Raichu given their ability to passively setup Electric Terrain. Especially the latter given its ability to handle Dark types, though Pinurchin is valuable for its slow Volt Switch getting Alolan Raichu in safely. However one will need to have a strong answer into Ground types and attacks given how focused this composition is on Electric attacks. Gyarados is notable for Intimidate, Ground Immunity and Water STAB allowing it to check most Ground type attackers with ease, while Corviknight and Skarmory solidly wall off most Ground type attackers.
Other Options:
Electric Terrain does so much for Alolan Raichu that it is arguably worthwhile for Alolan Raichu to manually set it itself.
Rising Voltage is an incredible STAB option in Electric Terrain given the damage multiplication, though one will likely want a secondary Electric STAB given Rising Voltage is only as strong as Volt Switch on the Flying types you would want Alolan Raichu to check.
Nasty Plot does answer Alolan Raichu’s power problems, but requires giving up coverage and is difficult to setup with Alolan Raichu’s frailty.
Alluring Voice is solid coverage handling the Dark and Dragon types that resist Alolan Raichu’s Psychic and Electric STABs respectively.
Grass Knot is alternative anti-Ground coverage, and hits weighty ground types even harder than Surf, but misses out on the Fire type coverage that Surf provides.
Alolan Raichu is just as capable as Kantonian-Raichu in running a disruptive set. Kantonian-Raichu tends to be preferred due to its abilities having more use on such sets.
Countering Alolan Raichu
While Alolan Raichu’s extra STAB and incredible performance in Electric Terrain can make it incredibly deadly, it comes at the cost of even more frailty.
If facing Alolan Raichu in Electric Terrain, Ground types are one’s best bet. Rising Voltage hits incredibly hard with all the damage multipliers involved so the immunity and super effective STABs of Ground types are invaluable, though this is obfuscated by Alolan Raichu’s anti-Ground coverage. Garchomp does best, as while Life Orb Alluring Voice can do 64-77% to Garchomp, it can’t OHKO. If not running Surf or Focus Blast, Excadrill tanks Grass Knot and Alluring Voice with ease. Conversely, Mega Swampert does better if Alolan Raichu is running Surf over Grass Knot, though Surf in the Rain is likely to 2HKO. Unburden Sneasler also deserves mention as the one Pokémon that does outspeed Alolan Raichu in Electric Terrain, and can OHKO with Throat Chop.
If not in Electric Terrain, sponges can work given Alolan Raichu’s poor Special Attack. Unaware Clefable walls Alolan Raichu completely irrespective of Nasty Plots. Galarian-Slowking is also a nightmare, taking 53-64% from a Nasty Plot boosted Life Orb Thunderbolt, while easily 2HKOing back with Sludge Bomb after Life Orb recoil. Hisuian Goodra takes even less from a +2 Alluring Voice, only fearing the unreliable Focus Blast. Max HP Tyranitar can be OHKO’d by +2 Life Orb Grass Knot and cannot withstand Focus Blast at all but otherwise soaks multiple unboosted attacks with ease and KOs through Focus Sash thanks to Sand Stream. Mega Meganium is notable for being a bulky Grass type not weak to Psychic, and thus can tank any non boosted attack with ease, though a Nasty Plot Psychic does 77-91% to Max HP Mega Meganium.
Alolan Raichu’s new Psychic typing also causes issues. Kingambit OHKOs with Sucker Punch even when uninvested. Adamant Spell Tag Ceruledge OHKOs with Shadow Sneak and even has a better than coinflip odds to do so without Spell Tag. Adamant Mega Bannette only has a 31% chance to OHKO with Shadow Sneak, but that can be perfect for picking off weakened Alolan Raichu. Mega Kangaskhan deals 56-67% with Fake Out on top of always OHKOing with Sucker Punch. Other priority users can also cause issues. Mega Lopunny lacks Sucker Punch but still deals 44-53% with Fake Out, while Silk Scarf Dragonite can deal 77-91% with Extreme Speed.
Otherwise, if not in Electric terrain Alolan Raichu is easily handled by the scores of naturally faster attackers to the point there are too many to list.
Mega Raichu X, the Mouse Pokémon. It resembles an X as it flies through the air with 50 million volts of electricity sparking from its ears and forked tail.
Overview
Mega Raichu X is the culmination of years of Pikachu’s popularity power spilling forth, not only being one of few branching Mega Evolutions, but also making excellent use of the Volt Tackle granted to the Pikachu line generations ago. Mega Raichu X received a massive bump to its Attack over its base form now sitting at an incredible Base 135 allowing Mega Raichu to wield only Volt Tackle, but the many other physical attacks granted to the Pikachu line to great effect. Mega Raichu’s power goes even beyond its Attack, as it was also granted the amazing Electric Surge ability. Terrain setting abilities are some of the strongest in the game and Electric Surge works well with Mega Raichu X, pushing its Volt Tackle’s and any other Electric STAB into absurd levels of power. Improved base 95 defenses brings the package together, addressing Raichu’s historic frailty while giving Mega Raichu X the longevity its needs to stick around to repeatedly establish Electric Terrain. All of this on top of an excellent base 110 Speed tier that has Mega Raichu X easily pressuring a wide swathe of offensive Pokémon.
Yet it doesn't take much for the package to fall to pieces. Volt Tackle is equal parts blessing and curse for Mega Raichu X, with its paltry base 60 HP having it struggle to endure the recoil induced. This same recoil also renders Mega Raichu X’s improved defenses moot when it is bashing itself apart. Even without the recoil of Volt Tackle, Mega Raichu X bulk is wholly unimpressive. Base 95 defenses are decent but entirely let down by that poor base 60 HP and pure Electric leaves Mega Raichu X with few workable resistances. Electric Surge’s worth is questionable as well. While Mega Raichu X greatly benefits from the terrain, it is just Mega Raichu X benefitting given how grounded Electric types exasperate Mega Raichu X’s Ground weakness and the immunity to Sleep is niche. Ground types being an issue at all points to the disjoint between Mega Raichu X’s movepool and its statline, as Mega Raichu X often finds itself wanting for more Special Attack. Mega Raichu X’s best anti Ground options in Surf and Grass Knot are both Special and while it has access to Trailblaze on the physical side, its low power, lack of STAB and the general high defense of Ground types leaves it insufficient. Even more so, the best attack in Electric Terrain, Rising Voltage is Special depriving Mega Raichu X of a powerful tool because of its below average Special Attack. This does not change the fact that Mega Raichu X is a reliable Electric Terrain setter in the vein of Tapu Koko with the movepool and coverage to make use of its higher Attack and with all the power and utility contained within.
Positives
Base 135 Attack is amazing ensuring Mega Raichu X’s physical attacks hit hard.
Electric Surge is an amazing ability, pushing Mega Raichu X’s Electric STABs through the roof and providing Terrain support.
Base 110 is a solid speed tier, outspeeding many offensive staples and just about every defensive one.
Negatives
Poor base 60 HP and lacking resistances severely cuts into Mega Raichu X’s hit taking ability.
Lacks sufficiently strong answers into Ground types and direct answers to Grass types.
Movesets
Gorochu X at Home
-Volt Tackle
-Drain Punch
-Knock Off
-Play Rough
Ability: Lightning Rod -> Electric Surge
Item: Raichunite X
Stat Points and Nature:
2 HP / 32 Atk / 32 Spe
Jolly Nature
This Mega Raichu X set is an all-out attacker who gets in, sets Electric Terrain and brutalizes opponents with boosted STABs. In this case, Volt Tackle, which between Mega Raichu X’s sky high attack, its own high base power, STAB and Electric Terrain deals obscene damage to anything that doesn’t resist Electric, dealing 61-73% to Max HP Aeglislash, 64-76% to Max HP Mega Kangaskhan, and 76-89% to Scizor, with Electric weak walls like Corviknight and Skarmory unable to stand up to Mega Raichu X. Drain Punch is both coverage for Fighting weak Electric resists like Archaludon, Meowscarada, Krookodile, Mamoswine, Excadrill, Ursaluna, and Magnezone and also a recovery measure against Volt Tackle’s recoil, allowing Mega Raichu X to stick around for longer. Knock Off is invaluable disruption in item removal, depriving targets of Leftovers, type resist Berries, Choice Scarf and more, making it harder for walls to stave off Mega Raichu X and depriving Scarf users of the speed they need to excel. Play Rough rounds out the set, answering Dragon types that Volt Tackle can’t, like Dragapult, Garchomp, and Kommo-o, making Mega Raichu X that much harder to wall.
Stat Points and Items:
Max Speed and Attack are recommended. Base 110 Speed is a great benchmark to hit, but with Garchomp and Mega Floette sitting at base 102 Speed, as well as Mega Excadrill at base 103, Mega Raichu X desperately needs to outspeed these targets and thus max Speed and Jolly are recommended. Dropping down to Adamant also leaves Mega Raichu X outsped by base 100s like the Mega Charizards, Volcarona, Mega Dragonite, Mega Kangaskhan, greatly increasing the number of targets that can pressure it. Attack investment is recommended as Mega Raichu X still misses knockouts even with Volt Tackle and its inability to hold another item to make up for its non-Electric coverage power hurts even more. Item is locked to the Raichunite X.
Partners:
Answers to Ground and Grass types in general are greatly appreciated given how well such Pokémon can soak up Mega Raichu X’s Volt Tackles. Hisuian Samurott makes for a good offensive check, drawing in physical walls and compromising them while setting up Spikes with Ceaseless Edge making Mega Raichu X’s attacks that much harder to resist. Gyarados is another excellent anti-Ground answer between its Flying Sub-typing granting immunity, and Water STAB and Power Whip to threaten most Ground types. Gyarados can also make good use of Electric Seed to facilitate Dragon Dance sweeps.
Allies that can benefit from Electric Terrain are natural picks for Mega Raichu X. Once Electric Seeds return, this greatly expands the pool of Pokémon that benefits from Mega Raichu X’s Electric Surge. Unburden Sneasler is greatly enabled by Electric Terrain, not only doubling its speed but also unlocking powerful coverage in Acrobatics while having that and Poison STAB for Grass types that Mega Raichu X struggles with. Calm Mind Primarina is another Pokémon that greatly benefits from Electric Seeds, giving its lower Defense a much-needed boost, allowing it to setup Calm Minds that much more reliably. Primarina also handles Ground and Dragon types that can be difficult for Mega Raichu X to deal with.
Other Options:
Volt Switch is a STAB option boosted by Electric Terrain, allowing Mega Raichu X deal notable chip damage while pivoting and enabling it to reestablish Electric Terrain.
Rising Voltage is an absurdly powerful option, even with Mega Raichu X’s unimpressive Special Attack, while not as strong as Volt Tackle, it doesn’t cause recoil. Sadly, it does not get the bonus against Flying targets, which are some of the most important Pokémon Mega Raichu X is tasked to handle.
Doubles and VGC Options
Normally, with terrains it is much like weather where Terrains are much more impactful in Doubles than in singles due to field effects impacting four Pokémon at once as opposed to just two. However, the current situation with Mega Raichu X is a bit different. Mega Raichu X is currently the only passive Terrain setter available meaning instead of having to fight for Terrain control, it automatically wins. This would be great, but there are scarce few ways for allies to take advantage of the Terrain, with the current absence of Seeds, Quark Drive users, scarcity of viable grounded Electric attackers and Alolan Raichu running hard into species clause. That is not to say that Mega Raichu X is without merit. Between its potent Electric STABs and Electric Terrain providing immunity to Sleep, Mega Raichu X is a solid check to Mega Charizard Y + Venusaur cores a common composition in Reg M-A. Even without fighting for Terrain, Mega Raichu X benefits greatly from the absurd disruptive movepool that base Raichu has previously used in VGC to great effect, to the point it can ape the role of Rillaboom as a dangerous Fake Out cycler. Mega Raichu X will likely only get stronger as more items and Pokémon are reintroduced. With Electric Terrain difficult to benefit from unless building for it, Mega Raichu X can greatly disrupt teams reliant on other Terrains to succeed, especially given as a Mega Evolution it is very good at winning Terrain wars. However, this cuts both ways in that Mega Raichu X is nowhere near as splashable as Rillaboom especially considering it costs one’s precious Mega Evolution to do so.
X Field Charger
-Fake Out
-Volt Switch
-Rising Voltage
-Volt Tackle
Ability: Lightning Rod -> Electric Surge
Item: Raichunite X
Stat Points and Nature:
7 HP / 9 Atk / 15 SAtk / 3 SDef / 32 Spe
Hasty Nature
This Mega Raichu X set is a combination Fake Out cycler and deadly Electric attacker. Fake Out is an absurdly good move in Doubles, preventing a target from acting, allowing Mega Raichu X to stop setup, break Focus Sashes or simply supress a target for a slower ally to take out. Fake Out is so powerful even the threat of Fake Out can cause opponents to play passively, which can be exploited by Mega Raichu X or its teammate. Volt Switch is what allows Mega Raichu X to pivot so freely and as is a STAB Terrain boosted attack, while it won't be picking up knockouts left and right, the damage isn't insignificant either. While it may be unusual in running two Electric STABs, both perform different purposes. Rising Voltage is not impacted by Intimidate or Mega Scovillain's Spicy Spray while doing considerable damage against most targets. However, Rising Voltage does not get the damage boost against Flying types, and will be doing the exact same damage as Volt Switch, which while still good, does miss out on crucial OHKOs. Volt Tackle conversely is far more powerful and will get knockouts, but the recoil brings back Mega Raichu X's frailty issues. Volt Tackle is what one wants to be using against Flying types, especially Mega Charizard Y and Mega Staraptor.
Max Speed is recommended, given the crowded Speed tier Mega Raichu X finds itself in, with the Hasty nature ensuring Mega Raichu outspeeds not only Mega Floette and Garchomp, but also a whole mess of Mega Evolutions including the Mega Charizards, Mega Dragonite, Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Glimmora. As Mega Raichu X is being used as a counter pick to Mega Charizard Y, Hasty Nature is preferred, keeping Mega Raichu X’s up while not impacting the power of Rising Voltage or Volt Tackle. 9 Attack ensures that Mega Raichu X always OHKOs Mega Staraptor after Intimidate or when Mega Staraptor is at +1 Defense as well as OHKOing Max HP and Defense Bold Milotic. The given HP and Special Defense ensures Mega Raichu X always survives Mega Charizard Y’s Heat Wave, while still having enough bulk to not be OHKO’d by Kingambit’s Blackglasses Kowtow Cleave. More supportive Mega Raichu X’s can invest in even more bulk to keep it around longer. 12 HP and 9 Defense points would be a notable benchmark for bulkier Mega Raichu X, guaranteeing it survives a Jolly Garchomp’s Earthquake (Mega Raichu X needs a non Hasty nature to do so), while 11 HP and 5 Special Defense points is the minimum necessary to survive Timid Mega Floette’s Moonblast.
Preferred Partners & Other Options:
Rain teams love Mega Raichu X for its ability to destroy Mega Charizard Y and stop Venusaur’s Sleep power while being loaded with Water and Flying types that can handle the Ground types that give Mega Raichu X trouble. Archaludon is also notable on such team compositions for being a rare grounded Electric attacker with its Electro Shots doing obscene damage in Mega Raichu X’s Electric terrain while having a great matchup into most Electric resistant Grass and Dragon types.
Mega Raichu X loathes Ground types since it struggles to carry anti Ground coverage and Ground types can pivot in and ruin a Volt Switch attempt out to say nothing of Rising Voltage/Volt Tackle, so allies that can punish such threats are welcome. Whimsicott does incredibly well into Garchomp and is a fantastic enabler of Mega Raichu X between Encore synergizing well with Fake out and Fake Tears to help Mega Raichu X deal serious damage with Rising Voltage or Volt Switch. Palafin is also a solid anti Ground option, loves Fake Out for enabling a safe initial Flip Turn and can easily pivot back to Mega Raichu X with its own Flip Turns and Mega Raichu X deals with opposing Water types that Palafin can struggle against.
As in singles, Unburden Sneasler is greatly enabled by Mega Raichu X’s Electric Surge if Electric Seeds are reintroduced, while being another Fake Out user and strong option against opposing Grass types like Mega Venusaur, Whimsicott and Mega Meganium.
Play Rough is worth considering, given the most popular Ground type is Garchomp who is Fairy weak on top of checking other Electric resistant Dragon types.
Encore is a powerful option when combined with Fake Out given how the former forces opponents to Protect.
Protect is the best move in Doubles and is always worth consideration on any Pokémon not running a Choice item.
Upper Hand is a solid option for opposing Fake Out users in stopping their shenanigans and getting chip damage even when Mega Raichu X can’t Fake Out, with the only Fake Out users outspeeding Mega Raichu X being Sneasler, Mega Raichu Y and Mega Lopunny.
Countering Mega Raichu X
While Mega Raichu X’s power is significant, its damage potential is largely tied to Volt Tackle and Rising Voltage and all the problems therewithin.
Ground types are a serious issue for Mega Raichu X, given how it rarely carries direct coverage for them and how all Mega Raichu X’s power is concentrated into its STABs as well as its pivoting tool with Volt Switch. Bulky Ground types like Hippowdon, Ursaluna and Gliscor wall Mega Raichu X out completely with Mega Raichu X struggling to deal damage. Others like Garchomp, Mamoswine, and Mega Excadrill can’t switch in due to Mega Raichu X threatening them with 2HKOs from their secondary typings but once in can survive one blow and OHKO with Ground STAB.
As with Base Raichu, bulky Grass types are Mega Raichu X’s bane given the lack of direct coverage for them. Mega Venusaur and Mega Meganium especially take pittance from all Mega Raichu X’s moves while able to 1-2HKO back and outlast Mega Raichu X with their bounty of recovery options. Mega Victreebel is 3HKO’d by Volt Tackle at best and can fully recover and outlast Mega Raichu X with Strength Sap. Mega Chestnaught while being 3HKO’d by Play Rough, otherwise deals considerable damage and OHKOs with Earthquake. Mega Sceptile, while a frail Grass type, is notable for Lightning Rod turning Volt Tackle, Rising Voltage and Volt Switch into setup, but struggles to tank a Play Rough.
Offensively checking Mega Raichu X can be difficult due to its improved bulk and great speed, though sets running Volt Tackle will rarely remain at full health. Mega Starmie is notable for being one of the rare non-Ground types that can get a OHKO while outspeeding Mega Raichu X, though it can’t switch in for the obvious reasons. Mega Delphox can also pull this feat off, but requires Overheat to do so. Meowscarada, Weavile, Mega Gengar, and Mega Lopunny outspeed and deal ~70-80% and thus are great at picking Mega Raichu X off after Volt Tackle recoil.
Mega Raichu Y, the Mouse Pokémon. It fires bolts of electricity from the tip of its tail and from the spiky tufts of fur growing out of its temples. This electricity forms the letter Y.
Overview
Generations after X and Y, Mega Raichu Y coming to Champions realizes the promise of the Pikachu line of lightning speed and explosive electric power. That explosive is near literal too, with an absurd base 160 Special Attack, Mega Raichu Y hits incredibly hard, but that is taken to the next level by Mega Raichu Y’s favored attacks. Instead of relying on mere Thunderbolts to threaten foes, Mega Raichu Y wields Zap Cannon to terrifying effect thanks to its No Guard ability bypassing Zap Cannon’s horrid accuracy. It isn’t just power that makes Zap Cannon terrifying, but its guaranteed Paralysis chance all but ensuring anything that isn’t outright immune to Electric is going to be in a sorry state with its speed slashed and all but certain to having taken considerable damage. Mega Raichu Y is going to get that Zap Cannon off in more cases than not too, with an incredible base 130 Speed outrunning even Pokémon famed for their speed, making Mega Raichu Y even harder to handle. Add in a perfect accuracy Focus Blast that obliterates prominent sponges like Tyranitar, and Hisuian Goodra on top of moves to check Ground types in Grass Knot and Surf and there is very little that can switch into Mega Raichu Y safely.
However, power and speed are all that Mega Raichu Y has over its base form. Mega Raichu Y is still saddled with the same horrid defenses as Kantonian Raichu, leaving it reeling even from most attacks. Mega Raichu Y’s defensive profile is even worse than its base form, as while Kantonian-Raichu can be immune to Electric attacks with Lightning Rod, Mega Raichu Y does not even have that immunity, instead having to contend with every move hitting it no matter how inaccurate. This leaves Mega Raichu Y with almost no defensive utility and entirely predicated on getting knockouts to thrive. This is already a tall ask when there is a faster and stronger Mega Evolution in Mega Alakazam who similarly struggles with its nonexistent defensive profile. Additionally, Mega Raichu Y has no answer for Grass types outside of the threat of Paralysis from Zap Cannon, leaving bulky examples like Mega Venusaur and Mega Meganium reliable stops to Mega Raichu Y. However, the sheer power and utility of Zap Cannon cannot be denied and may be enough for Mega Raichu Y to shine.
Positives
Base 160 Special Attack goes into superlative defying levels of power ensuring any Special Attack from Mega Raichu Y has horrendous power.
Base 130 Speed is phenomenal even among other fast Pokémon Mega Raichu Y can be expected to go first.
No Guard Zap Cannon is absurdly good, between its high power and guaranteed Paralysis all but requires an immunity to tank safely.
Incredible coverage between No Guard Focus Blast, Alluring Voice, Grass Knot and Surf leaves little safe from Mega Raichu Y’s assault.
Negatives
60/55/80 defenses are quite frail and with no resistances to compensate, Mega Raichu Y struggles to take hits.
No direct answers for bulky Grass types.
Movesets
Gorochu Y at Home
-Zap Cannon
-Focus Blast
-Surf
-Charge Beam
Ability: Lightning Rod -> No Guard
Item: Raichunite Y
Stat Points and Nature:
2 HP / 32 SAtk / 32 Spe
Timid Nature
This Mega Raichu Y set looks to make the most of its speed and power as an instant threat akin to a Scarf user that can easily pick off weakened foes while still dealing considerable damage to bulky targets. Zap Cannon is Mega Raichu Y’s claim to fame and for good reason too. With its insane power, Zap Cannon deals 50-59% to offensive Archaludon something that resists Zap Cannon, as well as 53-63% to max HP Aegislash on top of 71-84% to offensive Volcarona. This damage, in conjunction with the guaranteed Paralysis is what makes Mega Raichu Y so difficult to pivot into as even though Electric resists like Archaludon, Hydreigon, Serperior and Meowscarada, can reliably survive Zap Cannon, the resulting Paralysis makes them easy pickings for Mega Raichu Y or its teammates even if they are carrying Choice Scarf. Focus Blast is secondary coverage and thanks to No Guard, reliable coverage for once, removing Fighting weak Electric resists and immunities like Archaludon, Hydreigon, Meowscarada and Excadrill on top of dealing with bulky Steel types like Kingambit. Surf is general coverage for Ground types looking to switch in to absorb a Zap Cannon, with Hippowdon, Mamoswine, Krookodile and more left reeling. Charge Beam in this circumstance acts akin to Fell Stinger on Mega Beedrill, being used to pick off a weakened Pokémon and fish for a probable Special Attack boost, making Mega Raichu Y even harder to handle for whatever pivots in.
Stat Points and Items:
Standard sweeper allotment of max Speed and Special Attack are recommended. While Base 130 Speed is truly an excellent speed tier, it does change the fact that Mega Raichu Y is speed tying with Mega Gengar and going to Modest allows leaves Mega Raichu Y exposed to positive speed natured Sneasler, Mega Froslass, Mega Starmie, Greninja, Meowscarada, Adamant Dragon Dance Dragonite, and Adamant Dragon Dance Gyarados, all targets Mega Raichu Y would outspeed with Timid. However, the power boost from Modest improves Mega Raichu Y’s damage ranges, making OHKO of Max HP Scizor possible while guaranteeing the one shotting of Glimmora, and fully specially Defensive Toxapex, and possibly 2HKO fully specially defensive Galarian-Slowking. While defensive investment is generally not recommended, 16 points in HP does have a 2 Ally Supreme Overlord or Black Glasses Kingambit only have a 1/8 chance of OHKOing Mega Raichu Y with Sucker Punch. Item is locked to the Raichunite Y.
Partners:
Answers to Ground types are recommended, as even with access to tools like Surf and Grass Knot, opponents are likely to field a Ground type due to the threat of Zap Cannon. Meowscarada does well with not only Flower Trick, but Triple Axel to handle Grass neutral Ground types as well as opposing Grass types while able to carry Choice Scarf to counter other Scarf users looking to outrun Mega Raichu Y. Greninja, can fulfill many of the same niches as Meowscarada, though trading out Grass for Water coverage, and Mega Raichu Y can better handle Water types that Greninja can struggle with without Greninja having to give up a slot for Grass Knot. Corviknight is notable for its ability to completely wall out most Ground and Grass types by dint of typing alone, making it a good pivot option for Mega Raichu Y to pivot into as well as a slow pivot to get Mega Raichu Y in safely.
Other Options:
Grass Knot is another potent anti Ground option in Mega Raichu Y’s tool kit, though it can do poorly against lightweight Ground types and Ground-Flying types like Gliscor.
Alluring Voice is Fairy coverage and Mega Raichu Y’s best option against Garchomp.
If one can find a moment to Nasty Plot safely, the resulting power boost make Mega Raichu Y nearly impossible to tank.
Encore can be used to punish opponents who think they can safely wall Mega Raichu Y, further punishing passive play.
Doubles and VGC Options
Mega Raichu Y’s Zap Cannon is no less fearsome in Doubles than it is in Singles. Weaker attacks like Nuzzle, Electroweb and Icy Wind have been valued for the speed control they provided on top of chipping down Pokémon, breaking Focus Sashes, Sturdy, and Multiscale and have been a mainstay in VGC for generations. Now in comes No Guard Zap Cannon, which is several magnitudes power stronger while providing the same potent speed control capabilities. Persistent speed control at that, where even if the target survives, it may find itself moving last for the rest of the match. However, Mega Raichu Y’s frailty makes it rather volatile, and a single misplay can result in Mega Raichu being knocked out, a situation further exasperated by the fact that Mega Raichu Y cannot hold other items to improve its longevity. Furthermore, Mega Raichu Y’s speed control isn’t always helpful and can be an active detriment against Trick Room teams. Mega Raichu Y begins looking even less impressive when a single Fake Out or Protect can render Mega Raichu Y’s turn for naught. Mega Raichu Y can be a potent win condition but needs support to get there reliably.
Electric Mouse Cannon
-Zap Cannon
-Focus Blast
-Protect
-Encore
Ability: Lightning Rod -> No Guard
Item: Raichunite Y
Stat Points and Nature:
2 HP / 32 SAtk / 32 Spe
Timid Nature
Mega Raichu Y is a glass cannon par excellence boasting an excellent speed tier of base 130, while packing enough power to OHKO or at least compromise almost every attacker around. Zap Cannon is the reason you are using Mega Raichu Y as very little that is outright immune likes taking a Zap Cannon. For example, even Mega Floette with its insane Special Defense still takes 56-68% from Zap Cannon and the resulting Paralysis is incredibly crippling given how reliant it is on its speed. Focus Blast is secondary coverage, but is amazing coverage given it is no longer shackled to its horrid accuracy. With Focus Blast, Excadrill and Archaludon cannot wall off Mega Raichu Y, and Kingambit needs to play carefully around it as well as even with Chople Berry, Focus Blast still has a chance to OHKO. Protect is the best move in doubles and vital for Mega Raichu Y so it does get KO'd by Fake Out and another attack on top of the usually utility like stalling for allied setup, stalling out detrimental field effects, etc. Encore is incredible disruption in VGC given the number of moves that do nothing or are actively detrimental when repeated. Works even better if pairing Mega Raichu Y with a Fake Out user, as most people would rather Protect on a Fake Out turn than risk the double up which is very punishable.
Max Speed and Special Attack are recommended. Mega Raichu Y unfortunately shares its speed tier with Aerodactyl and Mega Gengar, two opponents it cannot afford to be outsped by and going down to Modest leaves Mega Raichu Y outsped by positive speed natured base 120s like Sneasler, Mega Froslass and Mega Starmie as well as Adamant Scarf Basculegion. Alternatively one could invest in bulk to get more wiggle room out of Mega Raichu Y. 24 HP allows Mega Raichu Y to survive two Rock Slides from Aerodactyl, 20 HP points guarantees survival against Blackglasses Adamant Kingambit’s Sucker Punch and 11 HP points guarantees the survival of uninvested Incineroar’s Flare Blitz.
Preferred Partners & Other Options:
Anti Priority measures are heavily recommended for Mega Raichu Y given who vulnerable it is to being picked off. Tsareena is a rather synergistic option, handling Ground types that Raichu struggles with while Raichu threatens most Flying types that give Tsareena trouble. Tsareena even packs Triple Axel that can easily dispatch Garchomp. Farigiraf while unorthodox with such a speedy Pokémon, is also much more durable and can stick around to protect Mega Raichu Y longer. Both also have access to Helping Hand, allowing Mega Raichu Y to OHKO offensive Garchomp with Alluring Voice and pull off feats like oneshotting opposing Farigiraf with Zap Cannon and 32 HP/20+ SDef Incineroar with Focus Blast.
Redirectors are also invaluable in keeping Mega Raichu Y alive. Sinistcha stands out especially given its Ground resistance allowing it to soak Super Effective attacks mean for Mega Raichu Y with ease, on top of the healing from Hospitality and Life Dew and spreading burns with Matcha Gatcha keeping Mega Raichu Y healthy. As with Tsareena, Sinistcha loves Mega Raichu Y's ability to threaten out Flying typed attackers, allowing it to stick around longer to protect Mega Raichu Y. Maushold is another fantastic redirector, its Friend Guard and Follow Me doing a lot to alleviate Mega Raichu Y's fragility. Super Fang is also an amazing enabler for Mega Raichu Y as very few Pokémon can take a Zap Cannon or Focus Blast when at 50%.
Fake Out is incredibly valuable in Doubles and Mega Raichu Y is the second fastest available user after Mega Lopunny making it adept at flinching other Fake Out users.
Volt Switch allows Mega Raichu Y to deal a serious blow while pivoting out, making progress while repositioning.
Discharge is a STAB spread option to quickly blast an opposing team down, but its friendly fire nature requires planning to get the most out of it.
Electroweb is spread damage and speed control, though may not be the best fit with Mega Raichu Y’s poor durability.
Feint is a priority option good for picking off Pokémon hanging by a Focus Sash and can break Protect to have an ally’s move land for sure.
Countering Mega Raichu Y
Mega Raichu Y’s sheer power combined with the Paralysis of Zap Cannon make it a difficult foe, but once you get past that, it is easily managed due to its frailty.
Bulky Grass types are Mega Raichu Y’s bane, given its lack of coverage for them and their bulk making Zap Cannon’s paralysis less impactful. Mega Venusaur is a complete wall to Mega Raichu Y, resisting all its special coverage, while being bulky enough that Modest Zap Cannon deals 29-35% at most. Mega Meganium also does well, with Zap Cannon only dealing 31-36% while Mega Meganium threatens a quick knockout with Solar Beam or Earth Power. Fully special defensive Mega Scovillain can do well, taking 41-48% from Focus Blast while Overheat plus a Spicy Spray burn is a 50% chance to effectively one-hit KO Mega Raichu Y, but that damage does make checking opposing physical attackers harder.
Special Sponges in general work well against Raichu Y given how hard of a time it has finding chances to boost. Specially Defensive (32/32+) Galarian-Slowking does quite well, taking 44-52% from Modest Zap Cannon while already being so slow that the speed drop from Paralysis is inconsequential while 2HKOing with Sludge Bomb and outlasting with Slack Off. Chople Berry Snorlax can bait in and absorb a Focus Blast for 34-40% and OHKO back with Earthquake, but unless it is running Special Defense investment, it cannot switch in safely as Zap Cannon will 2HKO. Fully Specially Defensive Blissey if it returns soaks up even Focus Blasts without issue, can Calm Mind itself to the point of invulnerability and heal off Paralysis with Natural cure, though Encore ruins Blissey’s day.
Ground types are invaluable against Mega Raichu Y given their immunity to Zap Cannon, and reliably OHKO with STAB, but have a rough time as most Mega Raichu Y’s will be holding coverage explicitly for them. Scarf Garchomp is one of the best given it isn’t one-shot by any of Mega Raichu Y’s coverage, outspeeds and solidly OHKOs with Earthquake. Sand Rush Excadrill can’t tank a Focus Blast at all but outspeeds in Sand and can solidly check Mega Raichu Y that way. Scarf Krookodile is much the same as Excadrill, save for needing the Sand to outspeed. Mamoswine can’t switch at all due to beaking weak to most coverage, but if running Focus Sash, it will survive whatever Mega Raichu Y throws at it and remove it with Earthquake without being Paralyzed.
Otherwise crushing Mega Raichu Y by exploiting its frailty can be the best way to limit its damage. Choice Scarf users are invaluable for being able to strike down Mega Raichu Y while avoiding Zap Cannon, though cannot switch into Mega Raichu Y (excepting the aforementioned Ground types) as the resulting Paralysis ruins what utility they have. Scarf users like Meowscarada, Eternal-Floette, Basculegion, Hydreigon can all outspeed and OHKO with their STABs (though Hydreigon specifically requires Draco Meteor). Rotom-Heat has a small chance to OHKO with Overheat and is immune to Zap Cannon’s paralysis, though Surf and Focus Blast both still 2HKO. Dragapult is one of the few Pokémon that natively outspeeds Mega Raichu Y and physical variants can OHKO with Dragon Darts. Mega Greninja also natively outspeeds but only gets a OHKO 6% of the time with Hydro Pump and requires Stealth Rocks chip damage to get the OHKO with Liquidation. Kingambit can oHKO with a Blackglasses boosted Sucker Punch, but that is easily punished by Encore and Focus Blast will OHKO unless running a Chople Berry.
Locations in Games
Red/Blue/Yellow:
Cerulean Cave (Red/Blue)
Power Plant (Blue)
Gold/Silver/Crystal:
Evolve Pikachu
Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald:
Evolve Pikachu
FireRed/LeafGreen:
Evolve Pikachu
Colosseum/XD:
Trade from Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed or LeafGreen
Diamond/Pearl/Platinum:
Evolve Pikachu
HeartGold/SoulSilver:
Evolve Pikachu
Black/White:
Transfer from Generation IV
Black 2/White 2:
Transfer from Generation IV
X/Y:
Evolve Pikachu
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire:
Evolve Pikachu
Sun/Moon:
Evolve Pikachu
Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon:
Evolve Pikachu
Let's Go, Pikachu!/Let's Go, Eevee!:
Evolve Pikachu (Kanto Form)
Saffron City Trade (Alola Form)
Sword/Shield:
Soothing Wetlands, Forest of Focus, Challenge Beach
Max Raid Battles: Giant's Cap, Motostoke Riverbank, Fields of Honor, Forest of Focus, Challenge Beach, Honeycalm Sea
Dynamax Adventures
Alolan Form
Gift from Diglett Master
Dynamax Adventures
Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl:
Not in game
Legends: Arceus:
Crimson Mirelands: Golden Lowlands or nearby
Obsidian Fieldlands: Massive Mass Outbreak
Scarlet/Violet:
Area Zero, Socarrat Trail
Fixed: West Province Area Two
Tera Raid Battles: 4 Star Raid Battles, 5 Star Raid Battles
Legends: Z-A:
Wild Zone 20
Hyperspace Lumiose - Electric (4 Star)
Alolan Form
Hyperspace Lumiose - Electric (4 Star)
Anime Appearences
