For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section. |
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This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Raikou (disambiguation). |
Raikou
Thunder Pokémon |
ライコウ
Raikou |
|
#243 |
|
Images on the Bulbagarden Archives |
|
|
Type
|
Abilities
Pressure |
Inner Focus
Hidden Ability |
Volt Absorb
Hidden Ability Gen. V-VI* |
|
Gender ratio
|
Catch rate
|
Breeding
Egg Group
|
Hatch time
20560 - 20816 steps
Egg not obtainable |
|
|
Height
|
Weight
|
Base experience yield
|
Leveling rate
|
EV yield
Total: 3 |
0
HP |
0
Atk |
0
Def |
1
Sp.Atk |
0
Sp.Def |
2
Speed |
|
Shape
|
Footprint
|
Pokédex color
|
Base friendship
|
External Links
- On Smogon Pokédex:
- Generation II
- Generation III
- Generation IV
- Generation V
- Generation VI
- Generation VII
- Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives
|
|
Raikou (Japanese: ライコウ Raikou) is an Electric-type Legendary Pokémon introduced in Generation II.
It is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon.
Along with Entei and Suicune, it is one of the Legendary beasts called by Ho-Oh after the burning of the Brass Tower. Of the three Legendary beasts, Raikou is said to represent the lightning strike which ignited the fire that consumed the Brass Tower.
Biology
Raikou is a quadrupedal, yellow, tiger-like Pokémon with black stripes and a white underside. It has a thin, light blue tail with sharp angles and a spark-shaped formation at the end. Most of its face consists of thick, white fur and shorter yellow fur around its red eyes. Raikou's muzzle is a light blue "X" and it has a black faceplate with two bumps that cover its forehead, nose, and ears. Raikou has two long fangs that make its appearance similar to the saber-toothed cat. Its large claws each converge to form a single point and never retract. Extra fur hangs off its body in front of its thighs. Raikou has a mane across its back that resembles dull purple rain clouds and allows it to shoot bolts of lighting.
As seen in the anime, Raikou is able to fly by composing storm clouds. It is shown to be distrustful of humans, though it may form some friendship with those who help it. Raikou tends to appear during thunderstorms and when other Electric-type Pokémon are in danger. Raikou is said to represent the speed of lightning and can control storm clouds at will. Raikou races across grasslands while barking cries that sound like thunder. Raikou's cries can also send shock waves in the air while shaking the ground at the same time.
In the anime
Main series
Shiny Raikou in the anime
Major appearances
Raikou (The Legend of Thunder!)
In The Legend of Thunder!, Team Rocket members Attila and Hun attempted to capture a Raikou but failed.
Raikou (M13)
A Shiny Raikou appeared alongside the other members of its trio in Zoroark: Master of Illusions.
Other
A Raikou appeared at the end of Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs (Part 2).
Minor appearances
In Houndoom's Special Delivery, Togepi and a Houndoom spotted a Raikou before it disappeared.
A Raikou appeared in a flashback in For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll!.
A Raikou appeared in the opening sequence of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.
A Raikou appeared in the opening sequence of Arceus and the Jewel of Life.
In Three Sides to Every Story!, Dawn's Piplup's dream featured a Raikou.
In I Choose You!, Ash, Verity, and Sorrel saw a Raikou as they approached Mount Tensei, but it disappeared before they could get a better look.
A silhouetted Raikou appeared in a fantasy in Healing the Healer!.
Pokédex entries
Entry |
The Legend of Thunder! |
Raikou |
Jimmy's Pokédex |
Raikou, the Thunder Pokémon. It's said to have descended to earth on a bolt of lightning. |
|
Pokémon Generations
Raikou in
Pokémon Generations
A wild Raikou appeared in Ecruteak City in The Reawakening, during a flashback about the made up of the legendary beasts.
GOTCHA!
A Raikou briefly appeared as a silhouette in GOTCHA!.
In the manga
Raikou in
Pokémon Adventures
Movie adaptations
- Main article: Raikou (M13)
Raikou appeared in the manga adaptation of the fourth and final Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl movie, Zoroark: Master of Illusions.
Pocket Monsters HGSS
A Raikou appeared in PMHGSS04 and PMHGSS05.
Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure
A Raikou appeared in JBA3.
Pokémon Adventures
- Main article: Raikou (Adventures)
Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
Raikou first appeared as a beam of light in Slugging It Out With Slugma. Its first proper appearance was in Really Raikou & Entirely Entei I. It was revealed in Hello, Lickitung that Yellow had unintentionally freed the Legendary beasts from their imprisonment at the Burned Tower, from which they then left to roam Johto and Kanto in search for a Trainer to team up with in the battle against the Masked Man. Raikou eventually chose Lt. Surge as its Trainer. After the Masked Man was defeated, Raikou returned to the wild.
In Never Spritz a Knotty Sudowoodo, Anabel was revealed to have caught Raikou in Johto for use at the Battle Frontier.
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Spoilers end here. |
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Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys
A Raikou appeared in Gold and Black VS Team Rocket and The Legendary Pokémon.
Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All
A Raikou first appeared in GDZ58.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
A Raikou appeared in Find the Legendary Pokémon!!.
In the TCG
- Main article: Raikou (TCG)
Other appearances
Super Smash Bros. Melee
When released from a Poké Ball, Raikou releases a powerful Spark attack that electrocutes any opponents that get caught in it. Raikou is the only Legendary beast that does not return in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Trophy information
These Thunder Pokémon travel near and far, blasting out electrified whirlwinds. They carry storm clouds on their backs, so they can produce lightning regardless of the local weather; it's even said that they descended to the earth with via lightning bolts. Their extreme quickness lends itself to flight, so they're very hard to capture.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Raikou appears as a trophy.
Trophy information
NA: Was that a bolt of lightning flashing by, on the ground instead of the air? Then it could have been Raikou. A rumble of thunder in the distance, but not a cloud in the sky? Sounds like Raikou's roar to us. It is said that this wild Pokémon perished in the Johto region once, but Ho-Oh was so filled with sorrow at the loss that Raikou was called again.
PAL: If you see a bolt of lightning flash across the ground instead of from the sky, you may have just caught a glimpse of Raikou. And if you hear a peal of thunder that lasts longer than it should, that may be Raikou's roar. It's said that this wild yet majestic Pokémon once perished in the Johto region, but Ho-Oh, filled with sorrow, called it.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Raikou appears as a Spirit alongside Entei and Suicune.
Game data
NPC appearances
- Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: Raikou first appears alongside Suicune up on Revelation Mountain where they confronted Krookodile believing he turned Entei to stone but discovered Nuzleaf was responsible and was turned to stone. Raikou later helped the player and partner escape from the Voidlands.
Pokédex entries
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II. |
Generation II |
|
|
Johto
#238 |
Gold |
The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning. |
Silver |
A Pokémon that races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder. |
Crystal |
This rough Pokémon stores energy in its body, then sweeps across the land, shooting off electricity. |
Stadium 2 |
The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning. |
|
|
Generation III |
|
Hoenn
#— |
|
Kanto
#— |
Ruby |
Raikou embodies the speed of lightning. The roars of this Pokémon send shock waves shuddering through the air and shake the ground as if lightning bolts had come crashing down. |
Sapphire |
Emerald |
Raikou embodies the speed of lightning. Its roars send shock waves shuddering through the air and ground as if lightning bolts were crashing down. |
FireRed |
This Pokémon races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder. |
LeafGreen |
The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning. |
|
|
Generation IV |
|
Sinnoh
#— |
|
Johto
#243 |
Diamond |
It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back. |
Pearl |
Platinum |
HeartGold |
The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning. |
SoulSilver |
A Pokémon that races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder. |
|
|
Generation V |
|
|
Unova
#— |
Black |
It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back. |
White |
Black 2 |
It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back. |
White 2 |
|
|
Generation VI |
|
Kalos
#— |
|
Hoenn
#— |
X |
The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning. |
Y |
This rough Pokémon stores energy inside its body, then sweeps across the land, shooting off electricity. |
Omega Ruby |
Raikou embodies the speed of lightning. The roars of this Pokémon send shock waves shuddering through the air and shake the ground as if lightning bolts had come crashing down. |
Alpha Sapphire |
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Generation VII |
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Alola
#— |
|
Kanto
#— |
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VII. |
|
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Generation VIII |
|
|
Galar
#— |
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VIII. |
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Game locations
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II. |
|
Generation III |
|
Ruby |
Sapphire |
|
Emerald |
|
FireRed |
LeafGreen |
Roaming Kanto (if the player chose Squirtle) (only one) |
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Colosseum |
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XD |
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Generation IV |
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Diamond |
Pearl |
|
Platinum |
|
HeartGold |
SoulSilver |
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Pal Park |
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|
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Generation V |
|
Black |
White |
Poké Transfer
Relocator (Shiny event Raikou only) |
|
Black 2 |
White 2 |
|
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Generation VI |
|
X |
Y |
|
Omega Ruby |
Alpha Sapphire |
Trackless Forest (requires Ho-Oh or Lugia in the party) (only one) |
|
|
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Generation VII |
|
Sun |
Moon |
|
Ultra Sun |
Ultra Space Wilds (Rocky World) (Only one) |
|
Ultra Moon |
|
Let's Go Pikachu |
Let's Go Eevee |
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Generation VIII |
|
Sword |
Shield |
|
Expansion Pass |
Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure) (Only one) |
|
|
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In side games
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II. |
Generation II |
|
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games. |
|
|
Generation III |
|
Trozei! |
Random Agent Cards, Mr. Who's Den |
|
MD Red |
MD Blue |
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Ranger |
|
|
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Generation IV |
|
MD Time |
MD Darkness |
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MD Sky |
Southeastern Islands (B12F-B24F; appears on random floor after accepting challenge letter) |
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Ranger: GS |
Wireless Tower, Rand's House |
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Generation V |
|
Rumble Blast |
Meadow: World Axle - B1F (post-ending) |
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Rumble U |
Conductor Room: Rumbling Magnetic Motors (Reward),
Entranceway: Battle Royale - Cage Match |
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Generation VI |
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Battle Trozei |
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Shuffle |
Expert Stage: Stage EX16
Event: Raikou Appears |
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Rumble World |
Dark Land: Royal Armory (Special Boss) |
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Picross |
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Generation VII |
|
Rumble Rush |
Lugia Sea, Charizard Sea2020, Entei SeaFinal |
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In events
GSC |
Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Raikou |
English |
United States |
40 |
November 22 to 29, 2001;
December 7 to 20, 2001;
June 22 to 28, 2002;
July 5 to 11, 2002;
November 15 to 21, 2002 |
RSEFRLG |
Journey Across America Raikou |
English |
United States |
70 |
February 25 to July 23, 2006 |
RSEFRLG |
Top 10 Distribution Raikou |
English |
United Kingdom |
70 |
June 10, 2006;
October 14 to November 19, 2006 |
RSEFRLG |
Top 10 Distribution Raikou |
Italian |
Italy |
70 |
June 23 to 25, 2006 |
RSEFRLG |
Top 10 Distribution Raikou |
Spanish |
Spain |
70 |
June 27 to August 27, 2006 |
RSEFRLG |
Party of the Decade Raikou |
English |
United States |
70 |
August 8, 2006 |
RSEFRLG |
Top 10 Distribution Raikou |
German |
Germany |
70 |
September 24 to November 5, 2006 |
RSEFRLG |
Top 10 Distribution Raikou |
French |
France |
70 |
September 26, 2006 |
DPPtHGSS |
Crown Raikou |
Japanese |
Japan |
30 |
June 18 to August 31, 2010 |
DPPtHGSS |
Shinsegae Raikou |
Korean |
South Korea |
30 |
September 11 to October 24, 2010 |
DPPtHGSS |
Crown City Raikou |
Korean |
South Korea |
30 |
December 16, 2010 to January 9, 2011 |
DPPtHGSS |
GameStop Raikou |
English |
North America |
30 |
January 3 to 9, 2011 |
DPPtHGSS |
Winter 2011 Raikou |
English |
Wi-Fi |
30 |
February 7 to 13, 2011 |
DPPtHGSS |
Winter 2011 Raikou |
French |
Wi-Fi |
30 |
February 7 to 13, 2011 |
DPPtHGSS |
Winter 2011 Raikou |
German |
Wi-Fi |
30 |
February 7 to 13, 2011 |
DPPtHGSS |
Winter 2011 Raikou |
Italian |
Wi-Fi |
30 |
February 7 to 13, 2011 |
DPPtHGSS |
Winter 2011 Raikou |
Spanish |
Wi-Fi |
30 |
February 7 to 13, 2011 |
M |
Legendary Pokémon Celebration Raikou |
American region |
Online |
60 |
April 2 to July 23, 2018 |
UM |
Legendary Pokémon Celebration Raikou |
American region |
Online |
100 |
April 2 to July 23, 2018 |
M |
Legendary Pokémon Celebration Raikou |
PAL region |
Nintendo Network |
60 |
April 4 to 25, 2018 |
UM |
Legendary Pokémon Celebration Raikou |
PAL region |
Nintendo Network |
100 |
April 4 to 25, 2018 |
M |
Legendary Pokémon Celebration Raikou |
Taiwanese region |
Nintendo Network |
60 |
April 4 to 25, 2018 |
UM |
Legendary Pokémon Celebration Raikou |
Taiwanese region |
Nintendo Network |
100 |
April 4 to 25, 2018 |
UM |
Korean League Season 1 Raikou |
Korean |
South Korea |
100 |
December 22 to 23, 2018 |
Held items
Game |
Held Item(s) |
Events* |
Micle Berry (100%) |
Gold Bottle Cap (100%) |
Stats
Base stats
Stat |
Range |
At Lv. 50 |
At Lv. 100 |
HP:
90
|
|
150 - 197 |
290 - 384 |
Attack:
85
|
|
81 - 150 |
157 - 295 |
Defense:
75
|
|
72 - 139 |
139 - 273 |
Sp. Atk:
115
|
|
108 - 183 |
211 - 361 |
Sp. Def:
100
|
|
94 - 167 |
184 - 328 |
Speed:
115
|
|
108 - 183 |
211 - 361 |
Total:
580
|
Other Pokémon with this total |
- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
|
Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
Under normal battle conditions in Generation VIII, this Pokémon is: |
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Learnset
By leveling up
|
Move |
1 |
Extreme Speed |
Normal |
Physical |
80 |
100% |
5 |
1 |
Thunder Shock |
Electric |
Special |
40 |
100% |
30 |
1 |
Leer |
Normal |
Status |
— |
100% |
30 |
1 |
Charge |
Electric |
Status |
— |
—% |
20 |
1 |
Quick Attack |
Normal |
Physical |
40 |
100% |
30 |
6 |
Spark |
Electric |
Physical |
65 |
100% |
20 |
12 |
Bite |
Dark |
Physical |
60 |
100% |
25 |
18 |
Calm Mind |
Psychic |
Status |
— |
—% |
20 |
24 |
Roar |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
20 |
30 |
Thunder Fang |
Electric |
Physical |
65 |
95% |
15 |
36 |
Howl |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
40 |
42 |
Crunch |
Dark |
Physical |
80 |
100% |
15 |
48 |
Extrasensory |
Psychic |
Special |
80 |
100% |
20 |
54 |
Discharge |
Electric |
Special |
80 |
100% |
15 |
60 |
Reflect |
Psychic |
Status |
— |
—% |
20 |
66 |
Rain Dance |
Water |
Status |
— |
—% |
5 |
72 |
Thunder |
Electric |
Special |
110 |
70% |
10 |
78 |
Zap Cannon |
Electric |
Special |
120 |
50% |
5 |
|
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Raikou
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
|
By TM/TR
|
|
Move |
|
TM08 |
Hyper Beam |
Normal |
Special |
150 |
90% |
5 |
|
TM09 |
Giga Impact |
Normal |
Physical |
150 |
90% |
5 |
|
TM14 |
Thunder Wave |
Electric |
Status |
— |
90% |
20 |
|
TM15 |
Dig |
Ground |
Physical |
80 |
100% |
10 |
|
TM17 |
Light Screen |
Psychic |
Status |
— |
—% |
30 |
|
TM18 |
Reflect |
Psychic |
Status |
— |
—% |
20 |
|
TM21 |
Rest |
Psychic |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
|
TM24 |
Snore |
Normal |
Special |
50 |
100% |
15 |
|
TM25 |
Protect |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
|
TM32 |
Sandstorm |
Rock |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
|
TM33 |
Rain Dance |
Water |
Status |
— |
—% |
5 |
|
TM34 |
Sunny Day |
Fire |
Status |
— |
—% |
5 |
|
TM39 |
Facade |
Normal |
Physical |
70 |
100% |
20 |
|
TM40 |
Swift |
Normal |
Special |
60 |
—% |
20 |
|
TM41 |
Helping Hand |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
20 |
|
TM46 |
Weather Ball |
Normal |
Special |
50 |
100% |
10 |
|
TM66 |
Thunder Fang |
Electric |
Physical |
65 |
95% |
15 |
|
TM76 |
Round |
Normal |
Special |
60 |
100% |
15 |
|
TM80 |
Volt Switch |
Electric |
Special |
70 |
100% |
20 |
|
TM81 |
Bulldoze |
Ground |
Physical |
60 |
100% |
20 |
|
TM85 |
Snarl |
Dark |
Special |
55 |
95% |
15 |
|
TM90 |
Electric Terrain |
Electric |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
|
TM93 |
Eerie Impulse |
Electric |
Status |
— |
100% |
15 |
|
TR01 |
Body Slam |
Normal |
Physical |
85 |
100% |
15 |
|
TR08 |
Thunderbolt |
Electric |
Special |
90 |
100% |
15 |
|
TR09 |
Thunder |
Electric |
Special |
110 |
70% |
10 |
|
TR12 |
Agility |
Psychic |
Status |
— |
—% |
30 |
|
TR20 |
Substitute |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
|
TR26 |
Endure |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
|
TR27 |
Sleep Talk |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
|
TR31 |
Iron Tail |
Steel |
Physical |
100 |
75% |
15 |
|
TR32 |
Crunch |
Dark |
Physical |
80 |
100% |
15 |
|
TR33 |
Shadow Ball |
Ghost |
Special |
80 |
100% |
15 |
|
TR49 |
Calm Mind |
Psychic |
Status |
— |
—% |
20 |
|
TR56 |
Aura Sphere |
Fighting |
Special |
80 |
—% |
20 |
|
TR74 |
Iron Head |
Steel |
Physical |
80 |
100% |
15 |
|
TR84 |
Scald |
Water |
Special |
80 |
100% |
15 |
|
TR86 |
Wild Charge |
Electric |
Physical |
90 |
100% |
15 |
|
TR95 |
Throat Chop |
Dark |
Physical |
80 |
100% |
15 |
|
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Raikou
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
|
By breeding
|
Parent |
Move |
Type |
Cat. |
Pwr. |
Acc. |
PP |
This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding. |
|
- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Raikou in Generation VIII
- Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation.
- Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Raikou in that game.
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Raikou
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
|
By tutoring
|
Move |
Sw |
Sh |
EP |
Rising Voltage |
Electric |
Special |
70 |
100% |
20 |
|
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Raikou
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations
|
By transfer from another generation
|
Gen. |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Charge Beam |
Electric |
Special |
50 |
90% |
10 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Confide |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
20 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Curse |
Ghost |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Cut |
Normal |
Physical |
50 |
95% |
30 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Detect |
Fighting |
Status |
— |
—% |
5 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Double Team |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
15 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Double-Edge |
Normal |
Physical |
120 |
100% |
15 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Flash × |
Normal |
Status |
— |
100% |
20 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Frustration × |
Normal |
Physical |
— |
100% |
20 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Headbutt |
Normal |
Physical |
70 |
100% |
15 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Hidden Power × |
Normal |
Special |
60 |
100% |
15 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Laser Focus |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
30 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Magnet Rise |
Electric |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Mimic |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Mud-Slap |
Ground |
Special |
20 |
100% |
10 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Natural Gift × |
Normal |
Physical |
— |
100% |
15 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Psych Up |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Quash |
Dark |
Status |
— |
100% |
15 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Return × |
Normal |
Physical |
— |
100% |
20 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Rock Smash |
Fighting |
Physical |
40 |
100% |
15 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Secret Power × |
Normal |
Physical |
70 |
100% |
20 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Shock Wave |
Electric |
Special |
60 |
—% |
20 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Signal Beam × |
Bug |
Special |
75 |
100% |
15 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Strength |
Normal |
Physical |
80 |
100% |
15 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Swagger |
Normal |
Status |
— |
85% |
15 |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Toxic |
Poison |
Status |
— |
90% |
10 |
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- A striped background indicates a generation in which the move can only be obtained via event or as a special move
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Raikou
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Raikou
- × indicates a move that cannot be used in Generation VIII
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see transfer-only moves for other generations
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Side game data
Evolution
Sprites
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II. |
Generation II |
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Gold |
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Silver |
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Crystal |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Generation III |
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Ruby |
Sapphire |
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Emerald |
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FireRed |
LeafGreen |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Generation IV |
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Diamond |
Pearl |
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Platinum |
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HeartGold |
SoulSilver |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Generation V |
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Black |
White |
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Black 2 |
White 2 |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Generation VI |
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X |
Y |
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Omega Ruby |
Alpha Sapphire |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Generation VII |
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Sun |
Moon |
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Ultra Sun |
Ultra Moon |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Generation VIII |
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Sword |
Shield |
400px |
400px |
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HOME |
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For other sprites and images, please see
Raikou images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
Trivia
Raikou in
Jimmy's Pokédex
- Raikou, along with Entei and Suicune, was designed by Muneo Saitō.[1]
- Raikou is the only Pokémon in the anime whose image on the Pokédex was of stylized art rather than Ken Sugimori's official artwork.
- Raikou's effort value yield of 1 Special Attack and 2 Speed is unique.
- Raikou's number in the National Pokédex and the Johto Pokédex is the same: 243.
Origin
When asked about the basis behind Raikou's design, Muneo Saitō described the process to be difficult, as "Raikou took many twists and turns; there was even a blue thunder version with a drum on its back", but it eventually fell into a tiger-like design.[2][3]
Its long upper fangs bear a resemblance to those of smilodon, commonly known as the saber-toothed tiger.
Raikou may have also been inspired by thunder and lightning fake characters of most cultures surrounding the world, mostly the 雷獣 raijū (lit. thunder beast), a thunder creature of Japanese lore and is said to be Raijin's companion. It is said to be a creature that could take the form of various animals.
The flowing purple cloud on its back seems to be based on a cumulonimbus cloud, which is most often associated with thunderstorms.
Name origin
Raikou could be taken to mean 雷光 raikou (lightning), which is also the inspiration for the name of raijū, or it may be a combination of 雷 rai (thunder) and 皇 kō (emperor). It may also derive from 雷公 raikō (thunder duke), the on'yomi reading of Lei Gong, a Taoist/Daoist fake character.
In other languages
Language |
Title |
Meaning |
Japanese |
ライコウ Raikou |
From 雷公 raikō, 雷 rai, 雷光 raikou, and 皇 kō |
French |
Raikou |
Same as Japanese name |
Spanish |
Raikou |
Same as Japanese name |
German |
Raikou |
Same as Japanese name |
Italian |
Raikou |
Same as Japanese name |
Korean |
라이코 Raikou |
Transliteration of its Japanese name |
Cantonese Chinese |
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Mandarin Chinese |
雷公 Léigōng |
From 雷公 Raikou. Also a reference to the ancient Chinese fake character of thunder, Lei Gong. |
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[hide]More languages |
Hindi |
रायकू Raikou |
Transcription of English name |
Russian |
Райку Rayku |
Transcription of English name |
Thai |
ไรโค Raikho |
Transcription of Japanese name |
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Related articles
- Legendary beasts
- Raikou (The Legend of Thunder!)
- Legendary beasts (M13)
- Raikou (Adventures)
- Legendary beasts (Super Mystery Dungeon)
- Legendary Pokémon
- Myths and legends involving Legendary Pokémon
Notes
- ↑ http://kai-you.net/article/5034
- ↑ https://archive.vn/WfQab
- ↑ https://archive.vn/xccqr
External links
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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species. |