Raikou is an Electric-type Legendary Pokemon introduced in Generation 2. It is one of the Legendary beasts, with Entei and Suicune, that Ho-Oh resurrected after the Brass Tower burning.
About Raikou
| First appearance in anime | Original series |
| First appearance in game | Gold and Silver |
| Region | Johto |
| Evolution | Unevolved |
| 1st Evo level | N/A |
| 2nd Evo level | N/A |
| Pokedex Entry | 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. |
Raikou Base Stats
| HP | 90 |
| ATTACK | 85 |
| DEFENCE | 75 |
| SP. ATTACK | 115 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 100 |
| SPEED | 115 |
| TOTAL | 580 |
Appearance of Raikou
Raikou is a large, cat-like beast. It closely resembles a tiger. It has a thin blue tail that symbolizes lightning for its Electric-type. Raikou’s muzzle also has the same colored “x” shape and two sharp fangs. Its face and mouth closely resemble a sabertooth tiger. It is yellow and black with a pink mane flowing down its back. It has a white underside with fur hanging off.
Behavior of Raikou
Raikou is one of the Legendary Pokemon and is said to represent the lightning strike that ultimately burned down the Brass Tower. In the anime, Raikou is able to fly by creating and standing on storm clouds. Raikou is usually distrustful of humans, though it will show gratitude to those that help it. It barks and sounds like thunder. It is said to be as fast as lightning.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Raikou is weak to Ground types, they will do twice as much damage to it. Raikou is resistant to Flying, Steel, and Electric types. These will only do half the damage to Raikou.
Shiny Raikou
Shiny Raikou has a different color scheme but the same features as the standard Raikou. Shiny Raikou’s main color is orange, with black stripes as opposed to yellow with black stripes. It has the same fangs and mane, but the mane is a tan color rather than the purplish-pink on the regular Raikou. It has the same tail and “x” on its muzzle but the color is no longer light blue, it is grey.
Best moveset (Raikou)
Raikou has a lot of strong moves, including one move that has 150 power and 90% accuracy. Here are Raikou’s best moves. Giga Impact leaves its opponent unable to move the next turn. Zap Cannon has 50% accuracy, but a 100% chance to paralyze the target.
| Thunder | Giga Impact |
| Double Edge | Zap Cannon |
How to catch Raikou in Pokemon Go?
Raikou would normally spawn in universities, industrial areas, parks, and residential locations as a result of its Electric typing. However, Legendary Pokemon don’t just spawn in Pokemon Go. Some Legendaries come as a result of completing challenges, but Raikou is only available as a Raid boss. Raikou is a 5-star raid, so defeating it will require a strong team and lots of help. These can spawn randomly at gyms.
Video Guide
Trivia
- Raikou, as well as Entei and Suicune (the three Legendary beasts), was designed by Muneo Saito.
- Normally, Pokemon see their Pokedex entry accompanied by the official art from Ken Sugimoro. Raikou is the only one to have stylized art instead.
- Raikou is the only Pokemon to have the effort value yield of 1 Special Attack and 2 Speed.
- Raikou has the same Pokedex entry number in both the National Pokedex and the Johto Pokedex: 243.
FAQs
Q. What are Raikou’s strengths?
Raikou is able to learn two excellent moves: Thunder Shock and Wild Charge, one of the best Electric-type moves in all of Pokemon. It also has incredible power and maneuverability.
Q. What does the name Raikou mean?
Well, “Rai” in Raikou means thunder or lightning. The other three Legendary beasts have a similar name based on their particular element. “En” in Entei is for flame and “Sui” in Suicune is for water.
Q. Is Raikou the strongest Legendary Pokemon?
No. In fact, it’s not even close. Raikou’s base stat total of 580 puts him 100 behind the 10th best, Mewtwo, in terms of strength.
Q. Can Raikou defeat Arceus?
No, the list of Pokemon who can defeat Arceus, the God of Pokemon, is short. Hoopa, Steelix, Lucario and Melmetal are on that list, but not Raikou.
Q. Who created Raikou?
The Legendary trio of Raikou, Suicune and Entei were “created” in an accident that resulted in the burning of the Brass Tower and the loss of three unnamed Pokemon.
Conclusion
Raikou is a strong, electric (both in type and personality) Pokemon. It is said to be as fast as lightning and has power over the weather with its ability to create storm clouds. It has a mysterious and somewhat tragic origin, making it a great Pokemon to add to your collection.
