Raichu Pokémon GO is a Electric-type Pokémon with its own GO stats, move pool and evolution requirements. This guide covers whether Raichu can be Shiny, how its evolution works, its weaknesses, current move pool and the main details worth knowing before you spend Candy or Stardust.
If you are building your collection or preparing for a future event, the Raichu Pokémon GO information below keeps the permanent details in one place. Exact encounter availability changes through seasons and events, so current event guides should always be checked alongside this evergreen page.
Can Raichu Be Shiny in Pokémon GO?
Yes, Shiny Raichu is available in Pokémon GO. A Shiny encounter is never guaranteed, but Raichu Pokémon GO can be collected in its alternate colour when an eligible encounter method is available.
Shiny Raichu has been obtainable through wild encounters, Raid Battles, research encounters, evolution and photobomb encounters. Those methods can rotate in and out of the game, so their presence here does not mean every method is active at all times.
How to Evolve Raichu Pokémon GO
PikachuRaichuRaichu evolves from Pikachu using 50 Candy. Evolution requirements in Pokémon GO can be different from the main-series games, so the Candy, item, Buddy or time requirements above are the ones that matter in GO.
Raichu Pokémon GO Weaknesses
Raichu is weak against Ground attacks in Pokémon GO. These are the attacking types to prioritise when you need super-effective damage against Raichu.
Raichu resists Electric, Flying and Steel attacks. Pokémon GO uses its own battle multipliers, so the amount of damage differs from the main-series games even when the general type matchup is familiar.
Raichu Pokémon GO Stats
Pokémon GO base stats are not currently available for Raichu.
Raichu Pokémon GO Moves
Raichu can currently draw from the move pool below. The strongest choice depends on whether you are building for raids, Gyms, Team GO Rocket or PvP, so this evergreen guide lists the available moves rather than pretending one moveset is automatically best for every format.
| Move type | Available moves |
|---|---|
| Fast Moves | Volt Switch, Spark, Charm, Thunder Shock |
| Charged Moves | Brick Break, Thunder Punch, Wild Charge, Skull Bash, Trailblaze, Surf |
| Elite Charged Moves | Thunder |
Elite moves are not normally available from a standard TM. When an Elite Fast TM or Elite Charged TM is required, it is worth checking the exact battle format and current meta before using such a limited item.
How to Get Raichu in Pokémon GO
Raichu is released in Pokémon GO, but its exact encounter methods can change as seasons, events, raids, eggs and research rotate. For that reason, the safest way to hunt Raichu Pokémon GO is to check the current Pokémon GO guides on The Click alongside this evergreen page rather than relying on an old spawn list.
When Raichu is set as your Buddy Pokémon, it requires 1 km of walking per Buddy Candy. Buddy walking can therefore provide another steady Candy source when Raichu is not appearing frequently.
Is Raichu Worth Catching in Pokémon GO?
Yes, there are good reasons to keep catching Raichu Pokémon GO when it is available. Its Shiny form gives collectors another target. Whether you should invest Stardust in a particular Raichu depends on its IVs and the battle format you actually plan to use.
More About Raichu
For the wider species information outside Pokémon GO, including main-series stats, abilities, forms and game appearances, visit the Raichu Pokédex. The Raichu Pokémon GO guide can then stay focused on GO-specific mechanics. You can also visit the official Pokémon GO website for official game announcements.
