[Overview]
<p> Another generation of Pokemon has come, but again, Raichu was left where it always was: at the bottom of the barrel, the NeverUsed tier. However, Raichu was not completely overlooked in BW; it received a nice new toy in the form of Lightningrod. The Lightningrod ability grants Raichu an immunity to Electric-type moves, as well as a Special Attack boost when hit by them. Additionally, Raichu still has the tools it has always had: a wide movepool, excellent Speed, and good Special Attack. Raichu's poor defenses hold it back from being a threat in the higher tiers, but in the NU tier, Raichu shines as one of the top offensive threats. All in all, Raichu is a decent Pokemon that can find a place on any team that is weak to Water- or Flying-types, or one in need of a strong, fast Electric-type Pokemon.</p>
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Encore / Grass Knot
item: Life Orb
ability: Lightningrod
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Raichu might seem outclassed by other Electric-types, such as Rotom-S, in terms of stats, but the one thing Raichu has going for it is a wider movepool. This set takes advantage of all Raichu's key selling points: its high Special Attack, high Speed, and vast movepool, which combine to make it a great late-game sweeper. Raichu is one of the few Pokemon in the NU tier with access to Nasty Plot, and hits 558 Special Attack after just one boost. Thunderbolt is its primary STAB move; not only does Thunderbolt hit anything that doesn't resist it for a good amount of damage, it also hits common Water- and Flying-types, such as Gorebyss and Swellow, for super effective damage. Hidden Power Ice destroys Ground-types such as Torterra which are immune to Thunderbolt, and also hits Grass- and Dragon-types, such as Tangela and Druddigon, that often switch in looking to shrug off Thunderbolt. Encore can be used against Electric-type moves, or set-up moves such as Stealth Rock or Calm Mind, to give Raichu a chance to Nasty Plot as the opponent switches. Grass Knot is a powerful move that decimates heavier Pokemon that are weak to Grass-type moves, such as Regirock.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Timid is the preferred nature here, as Nasty Plot increases Raichu's Special Attack to high enough levels that Modest is not necessary. A Speed-boosting nature also allows Raichu to outspeed various offensive threats, such as Haunter and Jynx. Lightningrod is Raichu's preferred ability, as Static is very situational and Raichu's poor Defense will likely leave it OHKOed by almost any strong physical attack. With maximum Special Attack and Speed EVs, Raichu can more easily pull off a sweep. Life Orb boosts Raichu's already good Special Attack, allowing it to hit even harder. Alternatively, Leftovers can be used to increase Raichu's survivability, and also allows Raichu to set up more Substitutes, if you opt to run it. Focus Blast is an option over Grass Knot to hit Normal-, Dark-, and Steel-type Pokemon, such as Lickilicky, Bastiodon, and Shiftry. As previously mentioned, Substitute is another move that can be used; it works well with Nasty Plot by making Raichu harder to revenge kill, and preventing it from being afflicted with status conditions.</p>
<p>Eelektross is an amazing teammate due to its immunity to Ground-type moves, as well as its ability to provide support with Toxic or Thunder Wave. Entry hazard support is also useful to provide Raichu with guaranteed OHKOs. For example, after a boost, Stealth Rock damage allows Raichu to assure the OHKO on Cryogonal and Amoonguss with Focus Blast and Hidden Power Ice, respectively. Toxic Spikes support helps Raichu against defensive threats, such as Quagsire; good teammates for this role include Garbodor. As Raichu is vulnerable to all forms of entry hazards, Rapid Spin support is very useful. Dual Screen support, especially Reflect, is also helpful as it allows Raichu to survive one or two hits. Both these forms of support can be provided by Cryogonal. Wish support is a lesser option that can be used to heal Raichu, as it has no reliable form of recovery; Pokemon such as Alomomola and Audino can provide large Wishes. Bulky Water-types, such as the aforementioned Alomomola, are also useful teammates to have, because they attract Electric-type attacks. Finally, Rain Dance support from the likes of Alomomola will also be appreciated, as rain grants Raichu a perfectly accurate Thunder to spam.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
ability: Lightningrod
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Raichu's good Speed, respectable Special Attack, and access to Volt Switch make it a great scout when equipped with a Choice Scarf, and a deadly special attacker when a Choice Specs is used. Thunderbolt is Raichu's STAB move of choice, as it provides the best combination of power and accuracy. In addition to hitting the common Water- and Flying-type Pokemon, Braviary and Gorebyss, super effectively, Thunderbolt also hits other Pokemon that don't resist it, such as Absol and Magmortar, for a good amount of damage. Hidden Power Ice has great synergy with Thunderbolt, as it destroys Grass- and Dragon-types that resist Raichu's STAB, such as Altaria and Zweilous, and Ground-types, that are immune to Thunderbolt. Focus Blast hits Dark-types for super effective damage, and also provides added coverage against Rock- and Steel-types, such as Regirock and Probopass. Volt Switch is an amazing move that can be used for scouting purposes, as well as for inflicting some token damage on Raichu's counters.<p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The choice (pun not intended) between Choice Scarf and Choice Specs comes down to a question of Speed versus power: Choice Scarf provides increased Speed, and Choice Specs grants a power boost. A Timid nature works well with Choice Specs as it provides a much-needed increase to Raichu's Speed, whereas a Modest nature adds some punch to Choice Scarf Raichu's attacks. The EV spread used is, again, standard: maximum Special Attack and maximum Speed. Any other EV spread should not even be considered, thanks to Raichu's poor defenses. Lightningrod is without a doubt Raichu's best ability, as it grants Raichu an immunity to Electric-type moves. As for teammates, Flying-types, such as Swellow, work well with Raichu, as they are immune to Ground-type moves, Raichu's lone elemental weakness; in return, they attract Electric-type attacks for Raichu to switch in on. Swellow and Raichu work well together in another way: by keeping the offensive momentum with U-turn and Volt Switch. Pokemon that can take physical hits, such as Alomomola, are good teammates as they can take physical hits aimed at Raichu. Entry hazard support is necessary as it helps Raichu while it attempts to sweep; Cacturne and Regirock can provide this. Dual Screen support is useful, as it allows Raichu to take one or two hits, especially from priority. Lastly, Rapid Spin support from Cryogonal doesn't hurt, because Raichu is hurt by all forms of entry hazards, and will be doing a significant amount of switching.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Raichu has a few other viable options. A set consisting of Substitute and Focus Punch, along with two other physical moves, such as Volt Tackle and Iron Tail, can be used with an EV spread of 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe and either a Jolly or an Adamant nature. Unfortunately, Focus Punch and Lightningrod are illegal together, meaning that a SubPunch set must utilize the Static ability. A physical set with Choice Band or Life Orb is another viable option, as Raichu has a decent physical movepool, which includes its signature move, Volt Tackle. Agility is another viable option over Nasty Plot on the first set to increase Raichu's Speed, allowing it to outspeed just about the entire NU metagame; however, one will likely find that Raichu doesn't hit hard enough. A more gimmicky move, Magnet Rise, can be used to grant Raichu immunity to its only weakness, Ground-type moves. Yawn can be used to force a switch, giving Raichu a window of opportunity to set up, but Encore usually suffices, as Yawn requires Raichu to possibly take a hit. Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit certain lighter Ground-types, most notably Quagsire, harder than Grass Knot would. Lastly, Teeter Dance, Charm, and Tickle can be used, but they are not very effective options, as Raichu's isn't fit—both stat- and typing-wise—for the role of a support Pokemon.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Quagsire is a solid counter to any Raichu that doesn't carry Hidden Power Grass or Grass Knot, as Quagsire's ability, Unaware, negates any boosts Raichu obtains, and Quagsire can easily OHKO Raichu with STAB Earthquake. Lightningrod Seaking also counters Raichu to an extent as it is immune to Electric-type moves and can OHKO back with STAB Waterfall. Due to Raichu's frailty on the physical side, almost any considerably strong physical attacker, such as Swellow and Tauros, can OHKO it. Choice Scarf users, such as Glaceon, can also comfortably revenge kill Raichu. Motor Drive Zebstrika can freely switch into an Electric-type move and get a Speed boost, while also being able to force a switch. Priority from the likes of Absol is also a problem for Raichu due to its poor defenses. Lastly, Volt Absorb Chinchou, though practically nonexistent in NU, can counter Raichu pretty well.</p>
<p> Another generation of Pokemon has come, but again, Raichu was left where it always was: at the bottom of the barrel, the NeverUsed tier. However, Raichu was not completely overlooked in BW; it received a nice new toy in the form of Lightningrod. The Lightningrod ability grants Raichu an immunity to Electric-type moves, as well as a Special Attack boost when hit by them. Additionally, Raichu still has the tools it has always had: a wide movepool, excellent Speed, and good Special Attack. Raichu's poor defenses hold it back from being a threat in the higher tiers, but in the NU tier, Raichu shines as one of the top offensive threats. All in all, Raichu is a decent Pokemon that can find a place on any team that is weak to Water- or Flying-types, or one in need of a strong, fast Electric-type Pokemon.</p>
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Encore / Grass Knot
item: Life Orb
ability: Lightningrod
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Raichu might seem outclassed by other Electric-types, such as Rotom-S, in terms of stats, but the one thing Raichu has going for it is a wider movepool. This set takes advantage of all Raichu's key selling points: its high Special Attack, high Speed, and vast movepool, which combine to make it a great late-game sweeper. Raichu is one of the few Pokemon in the NU tier with access to Nasty Plot, and hits 558 Special Attack after just one boost. Thunderbolt is its primary STAB move; not only does Thunderbolt hit anything that doesn't resist it for a good amount of damage, it also hits common Water- and Flying-types, such as Gorebyss and Swellow, for super effective damage. Hidden Power Ice destroys Ground-types such as Torterra which are immune to Thunderbolt, and also hits Grass- and Dragon-types, such as Tangela and Druddigon, that often switch in looking to shrug off Thunderbolt. Encore can be used against Electric-type moves, or set-up moves such as Stealth Rock or Calm Mind, to give Raichu a chance to Nasty Plot as the opponent switches. Grass Knot is a powerful move that decimates heavier Pokemon that are weak to Grass-type moves, such as Regirock.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Timid is the preferred nature here, as Nasty Plot increases Raichu's Special Attack to high enough levels that Modest is not necessary. A Speed-boosting nature also allows Raichu to outspeed various offensive threats, such as Haunter and Jynx. Lightningrod is Raichu's preferred ability, as Static is very situational and Raichu's poor Defense will likely leave it OHKOed by almost any strong physical attack. With maximum Special Attack and Speed EVs, Raichu can more easily pull off a sweep. Life Orb boosts Raichu's already good Special Attack, allowing it to hit even harder. Alternatively, Leftovers can be used to increase Raichu's survivability, and also allows Raichu to set up more Substitutes, if you opt to run it. Focus Blast is an option over Grass Knot to hit Normal-, Dark-, and Steel-type Pokemon, such as Lickilicky, Bastiodon, and Shiftry. As previously mentioned, Substitute is another move that can be used; it works well with Nasty Plot by making Raichu harder to revenge kill, and preventing it from being afflicted with status conditions.</p>
<p>Eelektross is an amazing teammate due to its immunity to Ground-type moves, as well as its ability to provide support with Toxic or Thunder Wave. Entry hazard support is also useful to provide Raichu with guaranteed OHKOs. For example, after a boost, Stealth Rock damage allows Raichu to assure the OHKO on Cryogonal and Amoonguss with Focus Blast and Hidden Power Ice, respectively. Toxic Spikes support helps Raichu against defensive threats, such as Quagsire; good teammates for this role include Garbodor. As Raichu is vulnerable to all forms of entry hazards, Rapid Spin support is very useful. Dual Screen support, especially Reflect, is also helpful as it allows Raichu to survive one or two hits. Both these forms of support can be provided by Cryogonal. Wish support is a lesser option that can be used to heal Raichu, as it has no reliable form of recovery; Pokemon such as Alomomola and Audino can provide large Wishes. Bulky Water-types, such as the aforementioned Alomomola, are also useful teammates to have, because they attract Electric-type attacks. Finally, Rain Dance support from the likes of Alomomola will also be appreciated, as rain grants Raichu a perfectly accurate Thunder to spam.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
ability: Lightningrod
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Raichu's good Speed, respectable Special Attack, and access to Volt Switch make it a great scout when equipped with a Choice Scarf, and a deadly special attacker when a Choice Specs is used. Thunderbolt is Raichu's STAB move of choice, as it provides the best combination of power and accuracy. In addition to hitting the common Water- and Flying-type Pokemon, Braviary and Gorebyss, super effectively, Thunderbolt also hits other Pokemon that don't resist it, such as Absol and Magmortar, for a good amount of damage. Hidden Power Ice has great synergy with Thunderbolt, as it destroys Grass- and Dragon-types that resist Raichu's STAB, such as Altaria and Zweilous, and Ground-types, that are immune to Thunderbolt. Focus Blast hits Dark-types for super effective damage, and also provides added coverage against Rock- and Steel-types, such as Regirock and Probopass. Volt Switch is an amazing move that can be used for scouting purposes, as well as for inflicting some token damage on Raichu's counters.<p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The choice (pun not intended) between Choice Scarf and Choice Specs comes down to a question of Speed versus power: Choice Scarf provides increased Speed, and Choice Specs grants a power boost. A Timid nature works well with Choice Specs as it provides a much-needed increase to Raichu's Speed, whereas a Modest nature adds some punch to Choice Scarf Raichu's attacks. The EV spread used is, again, standard: maximum Special Attack and maximum Speed. Any other EV spread should not even be considered, thanks to Raichu's poor defenses. Lightningrod is without a doubt Raichu's best ability, as it grants Raichu an immunity to Electric-type moves. As for teammates, Flying-types, such as Swellow, work well with Raichu, as they are immune to Ground-type moves, Raichu's lone elemental weakness; in return, they attract Electric-type attacks for Raichu to switch in on. Swellow and Raichu work well together in another way: by keeping the offensive momentum with U-turn and Volt Switch. Pokemon that can take physical hits, such as Alomomola, are good teammates as they can take physical hits aimed at Raichu. Entry hazard support is necessary as it helps Raichu while it attempts to sweep; Cacturne and Regirock can provide this. Dual Screen support is useful, as it allows Raichu to take one or two hits, especially from priority. Lastly, Rapid Spin support from Cryogonal doesn't hurt, because Raichu is hurt by all forms of entry hazards, and will be doing a significant amount of switching.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Raichu has a few other viable options. A set consisting of Substitute and Focus Punch, along with two other physical moves, such as Volt Tackle and Iron Tail, can be used with an EV spread of 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe and either a Jolly or an Adamant nature. Unfortunately, Focus Punch and Lightningrod are illegal together, meaning that a SubPunch set must utilize the Static ability. A physical set with Choice Band or Life Orb is another viable option, as Raichu has a decent physical movepool, which includes its signature move, Volt Tackle. Agility is another viable option over Nasty Plot on the first set to increase Raichu's Speed, allowing it to outspeed just about the entire NU metagame; however, one will likely find that Raichu doesn't hit hard enough. A more gimmicky move, Magnet Rise, can be used to grant Raichu immunity to its only weakness, Ground-type moves. Yawn can be used to force a switch, giving Raichu a window of opportunity to set up, but Encore usually suffices, as Yawn requires Raichu to possibly take a hit. Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit certain lighter Ground-types, most notably Quagsire, harder than Grass Knot would. Lastly, Teeter Dance, Charm, and Tickle can be used, but they are not very effective options, as Raichu's isn't fit—both stat- and typing-wise—for the role of a support Pokemon.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Quagsire is a solid counter to any Raichu that doesn't carry Hidden Power Grass or Grass Knot, as Quagsire's ability, Unaware, negates any boosts Raichu obtains, and Quagsire can easily OHKO Raichu with STAB Earthquake. Lightningrod Seaking also counters Raichu to an extent as it is immune to Electric-type moves and can OHKO back with STAB Waterfall. Due to Raichu's frailty on the physical side, almost any considerably strong physical attacker, such as Swellow and Tauros, can OHKO it. Choice Scarf users, such as Glaceon, can also comfortably revenge kill Raichu. Motor Drive Zebstrika can freely switch into an Electric-type move and get a Speed boost, while also being able to force a switch. Priority from the likes of Absol is also a problem for Raichu due to its poor defenses. Lastly, Volt Absorb Chinchou, though practically nonexistent in NU, can counter Raichu pretty well.</p>
