1. Understanding Raichu’s Base Moveset
Raichu possesses a diverse base moveset, allowing it to access various abilities from the very beginning. Let’s examine how this shapes its early gameplay.
1.1. Initial Moves at Level 1
At level 1 in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Raichu knows several moves, including Thunder. The full list includes:
- Agility
- Charm
- Discharge
- Double Team
- Electro Ball
- Feint
- Growl
- Iron Tail
- Light Screen
- Nasty Plot
- Nuzzle
- Play Nice
- Quick Attack
- Spark
- Sweet Kiss
- Tail Whip
- Thunder
- Thunder Shock
- Thunder Wave
1.2. Significance of Early Access to Thunder
Starting with Thunder provides Raichu with a significant offensive advantage early in the game. Thunder is a powerful Electric-type move with a high damage output. This allows Raichu to deal substantial damage to opponents right from the start, making it a valuable asset in battles and training. Having immediate access to such a strong move enhances Raichu’s viability and strategic options.
2. TM Compatibility and Thunder
Technical Machines (TMs) offer another avenue for Raichu to learn Thunder, providing flexibility in move customization.
2.1. Using TM166 to Teach Thunder
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, TM166 contains Thunder, which can be taught to Raichu. This method allows you to teach Thunder to Raichu at any point in the game, provided you have the TM. TMs are especially useful if you want to re-teach Thunder after Raichu has forgotten it, or if you prefer to have it learn the move later in its training.
2.2. Acquisition and Availability of TM166
TM166 can be acquired through various means in the game. Typically, TMs are found in specific locations throughout the game world, obtained as rewards for completing certain tasks or defeating Gym Leaders, or purchased from TM shops. The availability of TM166 ensures that players have a reliable way to teach Thunder to their Raichu, regardless of its current level or moveset.
3. Analyzing Raichu’s Level-Up Moves
Raichu learns a variety of moves through leveling up, complementing its initial abilities and TMs.
3.1. Comprehensive List of Level-Up Moves
Raichu learns a set of moves as it levels up, enhancing its capabilities. Here’s the list:
| Lv. | Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Agility | Psychic | — | — | — |
| 1 | Charm | Fairy | — | 100 | |
| 1 | Discharge | Electric | 80 | 100 | |
| 1 | Double Team | Normal | — | — | |
| 1 | Electro Ball | Electric | — | 100 | |
| 1 | Feint | Normal | 30 | 100 | |
| 1 | Growl | Normal | — | — | 100 |
| 1 | Iron Tail | Steel | 100 | 75 | |
| 1 | Light Screen | Psychic | — | — | — |
| 1 | Nasty Plot | Dark | — | — | |
| 1 | Nuzzle | Electric | 20 | 100 | |
| 1 | Play Nice | Normal | — | — | |
| 1 | Quick Attack | Normal | 40 | 100 | |
| 1 | Spark | Electric | 65 | 100 | |
| 1 | Sweet Kiss | Fairy | — | — | 75 |
| 1 | Tail Whip | Normal | — | 100 | |
| 1 | Thunder | Electric | 110 | 70 | |
| 1 | Thunder Shock | Electric | 40 | 100 | |
| 1 | Thunder Wave | Electric | — | — | 90 |
| 5 | Thunderbolt | Electric | 90 | 100 |
3.2. Complementary Moves That Enhance Raichu’s Battle Prowess
Several moves in Raichu’s level-up moveset can enhance its performance in battle. Agility increases Raichu’s Speed, making it faster and more likely to attack first. Thunderbolt is a strong Electric-type move with high accuracy, complementing Thunder. Nasty Plot sharply raises Raichu’s Special Attack, boosting the power of its special moves like Thunder and Thunderbolt. These moves, combined with Thunder, make Raichu a formidable opponent.
4. Egg Moves: Expanding Raichu’s Potential
Egg Moves provide additional options for customizing Raichu, adding unique abilities to its repertoire.
4.1. Egg Moves Raichu Can Learn
Raichu can inherit several useful moves through breeding, known as Egg Moves. These moves can provide Raichu with abilities it wouldn’t normally learn, expanding its strategic options. Here are some notable Egg Moves:
- Charge
- Disarming Voice
- Fake Out
- Flail
- Present
- Tickle
- Wish
4.2. How Egg Moves Can Influence Raichu’s Strategy
Egg Moves can significantly influence Raichu’s strategy by adding versatility and utility to its moveset. Fake Out provides a priority move that can disrupt opponents, while Wish offers valuable healing support. Disarming Voice is a Fairy-type move that bypasses accuracy checks, ensuring it always hits. Charge can boost the power of Raichu’s Electric-type moves, like Thunder, while also raising its Defense. These Egg Moves allow Raichu to take on different roles and adapt to various battle situations.
5. Evolution Moves: What Raichu Learns Upon Evolving
The moment of evolution brings new capabilities to Raichu, granting it access to powerful moves that can define its combat role.
5.1. Moves Learned Immediately After Evolution
Upon evolving, Raichu immediately learns Thunder Punch. Alolan Raichu learns Psychic upon evolution.
| Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder Punch | Electric | 75 | 100 |
For Alolan Raichu:
| Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychic | Psychic | 90 | 100 |
5.2. Impact on Raichu’s Movepool and Battle Strategy
Thunder Punch and Psychic significantly impact Raichu’s movepool and battle strategy. Thunder Punch provides a strong physical Electric-type move, offering a different offensive option compared to Raichu’s special Electric moves like Thunder and Thunderbolt. Psychic gives Alolan Raichu a powerful Psychic-type move, which can be crucial for dealing with opponents resistant to Electric attacks. These moves diversify Raichu’s offensive capabilities, making it more versatile and effective in battles.
6. Raichu’s Compatibility With Technical Machines (TMs)
Technical Machines (TMs) offer extensive customization options for Raichu, allowing it to learn a wide array of moves that can augment its core abilities.
6.1. A Detailed List of Compatible TMs
Raichu is compatible with many TMs, offering a broad selection of moves. Here is a list of TMs Raichu can learn in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:
| TM | Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Take Down | Normal | 90 | 85 | |
| 02 | Charm | Fairy | — | — | 100 |
| 03 | Fake Tears | Dark | — | 100 | |
| 04 | Agility | Psychic | — | — | — |
| 07 | Protect | Normal | — | — | |
| 18 | Thief | Dark | 60 | 100 | |
| 19 | Disarming Voice | Fairy | 40 | ∞ | |
| 20 | Trailblaze | Grass | 50 | 100 | |
| 23 | Charge Beam | Electric | 50 | 90 | |
| 25 | Facade | Normal | 70 | 100 | |
| 32 | Swift | Normal | 60 | ∞ | |
| 37 | Draining Kiss | Fairy | 50 | 100 | |
| 43 | Fling | Dark | — | 100 | |
| 47 | Endure | Normal | — | — | — |
| 48 | Volt Switch | Electric | 70 | 100 | |
| 50 | Rain Dance | Water | — | — | — |
| 55 | Dig | Ground | 80 | 100 | |
| 58 | Brick Break | Fighting | 75 | 100 | |
| 66 | Body Slam | Normal | 85 | 100 | |
| 68 | Thunder Punch | Electric | 75 | 100 | |
| 70 | Sleep Talk | Normal | — | — | |
| 72 | Electro Ball | Electric | — | 100 | |
| 74 | Reflect | Psychic | — | — | |
| 75 | Light Screen | Psychic | — | — | — |
| 81 | Grass Knot | Grass | — | 100 | |
| 82 | Thunder Wave | Electric | — | — | 90 |
| 85 | Rest | Psychic | — | — | |
| 96 | Eerie Impulse | Electric | — | 100 | |
| 103 | Substitute | Normal | — | — | |
| 122 | Encore | Normal | — | — | 100 |
| 123 | Surf | Water | 90 | 100 | |
| 126 | Thunderbolt | Electric | 90 | 100 | |
| 127 | Play Rough | Fairy | 90 | 90 | |
| 130 | Helping Hand | Normal | — | — | — |
| 134 | Reversal | Fighting | — | 100 | |
| 136 | Electric Terrain | Electric | — | — | — |
| 140 | Nasty Plot | Dark | — | — | |
| 147 | Wild Charge | Electric | 90 | 100 | |
| 152 | Giga Impact | Normal | 150 | 90 | |
| 158 | Focus Blast | Fighting | 120 | 70 | |
| 163 | Hyper Beam | Normal | 150 | 90 | |
| 166 | Thunder | Electric | 110 | 70 | |
| 171 | Tera Blast | Normal | 80 | 100 | |
| 173 | Charge | Electric | — | — | — |
| 181 | Knock Off | Dark | 65 | 100 | |
| 192 | Focus Punch | Fighting | 150 | 100 | |
| 205 | Endeavor | Normal | — | 100 | |
| 211 | Electroweb | Electric | 55 | 95 | |
| 227 | Alluring Voice | Fairy | 80 | 100 | |
| 229 | Upper Hand | Fighting | 65 | 100 |
For Alolan Raichu:
| TM | Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Take Down | Normal | 90 | 85 | |
| 02 | Charm | Fairy | — | — | 100 |
| 03 | Fake Tears | Dark | — | 100 | |
| 04 | Agility | Psychic | — | — | — |
| 07 | Protect | Normal | — | — | |
| 18 | Thief | Dark | 60 | 100 | |
| 20 | Trailblaze | Grass | 50 | 100 | |
| 23 | Charge Beam | Electric | 50 | 90 | |
| 25 | Facade | Normal | 70 | 100 | |
| 32 | Swift | Normal | 60 | ∞ | |
| 37 | Draining Kiss | Fairy | 50 | 100 | |
| 41 | Stored Power | Psychic | 20 | 100 | |
| 43 | Fling | Dark | — | 100 | |
| 47 | Endure | Normal | — | — | — |
| 48 | Volt Switch | Electric | 70 | 100 | |
| 50 | Rain Dance | Water | — | — | — |
| 54 | Psyshock | Psychic | 80 | 100 | |
| 55 | Dig | Ground | 80 | 100 | |
| 58 | Brick Break | Fighting | 75 | 100 | |
| 66 | Body Slam | Normal | 85 | 100 | |
| 68 | Thunder Punch | Electric | 75 | 100 | |
| 70 | Sleep Talk | Normal | — | — | — |
| 72 | Electro Ball | Electric | — | 100 | |
| 74 | Reflect | Psychic | — | — | — |
| 75 | Light Screen | Psychic | — | — | |
| 81 | Grass Knot | Grass | — | — | 100 |
| 82 | Thunder Wave | Electric | — | 90 | |
| 85 | Rest | Psychic | — | — | — |
| 96 | Eerie Impulse | Electric | — | 100 | |
| 98 | Skill Swap | Psychic | — | — | — |
| 103 | Substitute | Normal | — | — | — |
| 120 | Psychic | Psychic | 90 | 100 | |
| 122 | Encore | Normal | — | — | 100 |
| 123 | Surf | Water | 90 | 100 | |
| 126 | Thunderbolt | Electric | 90 | 100 | |
| 127 | Play Rough | Fairy | 90 | 90 | |
| 129 | Calm Mind | Psychic | — | — | |
| 130 | Helping Hand | Normal | — | — | — |
| 134 | Reversal | Fighting | — | 100 | |
| 136 | Electric Terrain | Electric | — | — | — |
| 138 | Psychic Terrain | Psychic | — | — | |
| 140 | Nasty Plot | Dark | — | — | — |
| 147 | Wild Charge | Electric | 90 | 100 | |
| 152 | Giga Impact | Normal | 150 | 90 | |
| 158 | Focus Blast | Fighting | 120 | 70 | |
| 163 | Hyper Beam | Normal | 150 | 90 | |
| 166 | Thunder | Electric | 110 | 70 | |
| 171 | Tera Blast | Normal | 80 | 100 | |
| 173 | Charge | Electric | — | — | |
| 181 | Knock Off | Dark | 65 | 100 | |
| 192 | Focus Punch | Fighting | 150 | 100 | |
| 205 | Endeavor | Normal | — | — | 100 |
| 211 | Electroweb | Electric | 55 | 95 | |
| 218 | Expanding Force | Psychic | 80 | 100 | |
| 227 | Alluring Voice | Fairy | 80 | 100 | |
| 228 | Psychic Noise | Psychic | 75 | 100 | |
| 229 | Upper Hand | Fighting | 65 | 100 |
6.2. Strategic TM Choices for Raichu
Several TMs can significantly enhance Raichu’s strategic capabilities. Thunderbolt (TM126) provides a reliable Electric-type move with high accuracy, complementing Thunder. Nasty Plot (TM140) sharply raises Raichu’s Special Attack, boosting the power of its special moves. Volt Switch (TM48) allows Raichu to deal damage and switch out, maintaining momentum. Focus Blast (TM158) offers a powerful Fighting-type move for coverage, while Grass Knot (TM81) can deal with heavier opponents. These TMs provide Raichu with a versatile moveset to handle various threats.
7. How to Optimize Raichu’s Moveset
Optimizing Raichu’s moveset involves combining its natural abilities, TMs, and Egg Moves to create a versatile and effective battle strategy.
7.1. Balancing Power, Coverage, and Utility
A balanced moveset for Raichu includes moves that provide power, coverage, and utility. Thunder (or Thunderbolt) serves as the primary Electric-type attack, offering significant damage output. Coverage moves like Focus Blast or Grass Knot allow Raichu to handle opponents resistant to Electric attacks. Utility moves such as Nasty Plot, Thunder Wave, or Light Screen provide strategic advantages by boosting stats, inflicting status conditions, or providing defensive support. Balancing these elements ensures that Raichu is prepared for a variety of battle situations.
7.2. Sample Movesets for Different Battle Scenarios
Here are a few sample movesets for Raichu tailored to different battle scenarios:
7.2.1. Offensive Powerhouse
- Thunderbolt: Reliable Electric-type damage.
- Focus Blast: Coverage against Rock, Steel, and Dark types.
- Nasty Plot: Boosts Special Attack for higher damage output.
- Volt Switch: Maintains momentum and provides tactical switching.
7.2.2. Status Support
- Thunder Wave: Inflicts paralysis to slow down opponents.
- Thunderbolt: Consistent Electric-type damage.
- Light Screen: Provides special defense support for the team.
- Encore: Disrupts opponents by forcing them to repeat a move.
7.2.3. Mixed Attacker
- Thunder: High-power Electric-type attack.
- Thunder Punch: Physical Electric-type attack.
- Brick Break: Coverage against dual-screen strategies.
- Nasty Plot: Boosts Special Attack for special moves.
7.3. Adapting to the Metagame
The metagame, or the current popular strategies and Pokémon used by competitive players, can significantly impact how you should build Raichu’s moveset. Keeping up with the metagame involves analyzing which Pokémon are commonly used, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and adjusting Raichu’s moveset to counter them effectively. For example, if Ground-type Pokémon are prevalent, including moves like Grass Knot can be beneficial.
8. Raichu’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Understanding Raichu’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial for effective usage in battles.
8.1. Type Matchups and Battle Advantages
Raichu, as an Electric-type Pokémon, has several type matchups that define its advantages and disadvantages in battle. It is strong against Water, Flying, and other Electric-type Pokémon, making it an excellent choice for dealing with these threats. However, Raichu is weak against Ground-type moves, which can deal double damage. Understanding these matchups helps you make strategic decisions about when to use Raichu and which opponents to avoid.
8.2. Vulnerabilities and How to Mitigate Them
Raichu’s main vulnerability is its weakness to Ground-type moves. To mitigate this, consider the following strategies:
- Team Composition: Include Pokémon in your team that can effectively handle Ground-type threats.
- Move Coverage: Teach Raichu moves like Grass Knot to deal with Ground-type Pokémon.
- Strategic Switching: Avoid directly confronting Ground-type Pokémon by switching to a more suitable teammate.
- Held Items: Items like the Air Balloon can temporarily negate Raichu’s weakness to Ground-type moves.
8.3. Stats and Abilities That Define Raichu
Raichu’s stats and abilities play a significant role in defining its battle performance. Raichu typically has high Speed and Special Attack, making it a fast and powerful special attacker. Its abilities, such as Static (which can paralyze opponents upon contact) and Lightning Rod (which draws in Electric-type moves), can provide additional strategic advantages. Understanding these attributes helps you leverage Raichu’s strengths and compensate for its weaknesses.
9. Comparing Raichu to Other Electric-Type Pokémon
When building a team, it’s essential to understand how Raichu compares to other Electric-type Pokémon.
9.1. Unique Attributes That Set Raichu Apart
Raichu possesses unique attributes that distinguish it from other Electric-type Pokémon. Its access to moves like Nasty Plot, Volt Switch, and various coverage moves gives it a versatile offensive and support presence. Alolan Raichu, with its Electric/Psychic typing and access to Psychic, offers a different strategic niche. These unique features make Raichu a distinct choice for trainers looking for a flexible Electric-type Pokémon.
9.2. Situations Where Raichu Excels
Raichu excels in situations where its high Speed and Special Attack can be leveraged effectively. It is particularly useful against teams that rely on Water or Flying-type Pokémon. Raichu’s ability to use Nasty Plot to boost its Special Attack makes it a formidable sweeper, capable of quickly taking down opponents. Its access to utility moves like Thunder Wave and Light Screen also allows it to provide valuable support to the team.
9.3. Team Synergies and Complements
Raichu benefits from team synergies that cover its weaknesses and amplify its strengths. Pokémon that can handle Ground-type threats are essential teammates. Pokémon with abilities like Intimidate or moves like Reflect can provide additional defensive support. Partners that can set up entry hazards like Stealth Rock or Spikes can also help Raichu secure KOs more easily.
10. Training Tips and Strategies for Raichu
Effective training strategies are essential for maximizing Raichu’s potential.
10.1. EV Training for Optimal Performance
EV (Effort Value) training is crucial for optimizing Raichu’s performance. Focus on training Raichu in Speed and Special Attack to capitalize on its strengths. This can be achieved by battling specific Pokémon that yield these EVs, or by using items like Vitamins and Power items. A common EV spread for Raichu is 252 Special Attack, 252 Speed, and 4 in a defensive stat.
10.2. Nature Selection and Its Impact
The nature of a Pokémon affects its stat growth, so selecting the right nature for Raichu is important. A Timid nature (increases Speed, decreases Attack) or a Modest nature (increases Special Attack, decreases Attack) are generally recommended for Raichu. These natures align with Raichu’s strengths as a special attacker and speedy sweeper.
10.3. Held Items That Enhance Raichu’s Capabilities
Selecting the right held item can significantly enhance Raichu’s capabilities. Here are a few recommended items:
- Life Orb: Boosts the power of Raichu’s moves but causes slight HP recoil.
- Choice Specs: Greatly increases Special Attack but locks Raichu into one move.
- Focus Sash: Allows Raichu to survive a one-hit KO, giving it a chance to set up or attack.
- Air Balloon: Temporarily negates Raichu’s weakness to Ground-type moves.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
11.1. At What Level Does Raichu Learn Thunder?
Raichu learns Thunder at
