Pikachu vs Raichu
Raichu has the higher base stat total (485 vs 320), Raichu is faster (base Speed 110 vs 90), and neither has a super-effective hit from its own types (Pikachu: ½× at best against Raichu; Raichu: ½× at best against Pikachu).
The classic question: is Raichu worth it, or is Pikachu enough?
Base stats side by side
| Stat | Pikachu | Raichu |
|---|---|---|
| HP | 35 | 60 (higher) |
| Attack | 55 | 90 (higher) |
| Defense | 40 | 55 (higher) |
| Sp. Atk | 50 | 90 (higher) |
| Sp. Def | 50 | 80 (higher) |
| Speed | 90 | 110 (higher) |
| Total | 320 | 485 (higher) |
| Bulk | 125 | 195 (higher) |
Who has the edge?
Raichu is faster (110 vs 90 base Speed), has the higher Attack (90 vs 55), has the higher Sp. Atk (90 vs 50), has more bulk, counting HP, Defense and Sp. Def together (195 vs 125), and resists Pikachu’s own-type moves (½× at best), but Pikachu resists Raichu’s own-type moves (½× at best).
Pikachu is ahead on
- resists Raichu’s own-type moves (½× at best)
Raichu is ahead on
- is faster (110 vs 90 base Speed)
- has the higher Attack (90 vs 55)
- has the higher Sp. Atk (90 vs 50)
- has more bulk, counting HP, Defense and Sp. Def together (195 vs 125)
- resists Pikachu’s own-type moves (½× at best)
This compares base numbers and the type chart; it does not predict a winner. A real battle also depends on level, nature and EVs, the moves each one knows (a Pokémon does not always learn a move of its own type), held items, weather and terrain, and abilities (Pikachu: Static, Lightning Rod; Raichu: Static, Lightning Rod), so either one can come out ahead.
Who moves first?
At Level 50 with 252 Speed EVs, 31 IVs and a neutral nature, Pikachu has 142 Speed and Raichu has 162, so Raichu moves first when both use moves of the same priority and no item, ability, status or stat change gets in the way.
| Speed | Pikachu | Raichu |
|---|---|---|
| Base Speed | 90 | 110 |
| Level 50, 252 EVs, neutral nature | 142 | 162 |
Type matchup, both ways
Pikachu (Electric) attacking Raichu
Electric ½×. Using only its own type, Pikachu hits Raichu for ½× with Electric moves (not very effective).
Raichu (Electric) attacking Pikachu
Electric ½×. Using only its own type, Raichu hits Pikachu for ½× with Electric moves (not very effective).
What hits each one for 2× or more
The multipliers come from the 18×18 type chart; what a Pokémon can actually use depends on the moves it learns.
Abilities
Pikachu
- Static. Has a 30% chance of paralyzing attacking Pokémon on contact.
- Lightning Rod (hidden ability). Redirects single-target Electric moves to this Pokémon where possible. Absorbs Electric moves, raising Special Attack one stage.
Raichu
- Static. Has a 30% chance of paralyzing attacking Pokémon on contact.
- Lightning Rod (hidden ability). Redirects single-target Electric moves to this Pokémon where possible. Absorbs Electric moves, raising Special Attack one stage.
Size, generation and evolution
Raichu is taller (0.8 m vs 0.4 m for Pikachu), and Raichu is heavier (30 kg vs 6 kg for Pikachu).
| Detail | Pikachu | Raichu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 0.4 m | 0.8 m |
| Weight | 6 kg | 30 kg |
| Generation | 1 (Kanto) | 1 (Kanto) |
| Evolution line | Pichu → Pikachu → Raichu | Pichu → Pikachu → Raichu |
Pikachu (#0025) is an Electric-type Mouse Pokémon from Kanto, first seen in Generation 1. Its evolution line is Pichu → Pikachu → Raichu.
Raichu (#0026) is an Electric-type Mouse Pokémon from Kanto, first seen in Generation 1. Its evolution line is Pichu → Pikachu → Raichu.