Raikou (Pokémon): Difference between revisions

From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
Jump to navigationJump to search
Line 313: Line 313:
====By [[Move tutor|tutoring]]====
====By [[Move tutor|tutoring]]====
{{learnlist/tutorh|Raikou|Electric|Electric|5|2}}
{{learnlist/tutorh|Raikou|Electric|Electric|5|2}}
{{learnlist/tutor5null}}
{{learnlist/tutor5|Iron Head|Steel|Physical|80|100|15|||no|yes}}
{{learnlist/tutor5|Iron Tail|Steel|Physical|100|75|15|||no|yes}}
{{learnlist/tutor5|Magnet Rise|Electric|Status|—|—|10|||no|yes}}
{{learnlist/tutor5|Signal Beam|Bug|Special|75|100|15|||no|yes}}
{{learnlist/tutor5|Sleep Talk|Normal|Status|—|—|10|||no|yes}}
{{learnlist/tutor5|Snore|Normal|Special|40|100|15|||no|yes}}
{{learnlist/tutorf|Raikou|Electric|Electric|5|2}}
{{learnlist/tutorf|Raikou|Electric|Electric|5|2}}



Revision as of 19:57, 12 July 2012

Blissey #242: Blissey
Pokémon
#244: Entei Entei
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Raikou (disambiguation).
Raikou
ライコウ Raikou
#243
243Raikou.png
Art by Ken Sugimori from HeartGold and SoulSilver
Type
Electric '
Category
Thunder Pokémon
Abilities
Pressure Volt Absorb
Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100
1,250,000
Regional Pokédex numbers
Johto
#243
Hoenn
#378
Regional Browser numbers
Fiore
R-203
Oblivia
R-126
Height
6'03"
Imperial
1.9 m
Metric
Weight
392.4 lbs.
Imperial
178.0 kg
Metric
Dex color
Yellow
Catch rate
3 (0.4%)
Body style
Body08.png BodyUnknown.png
Blue-Striped
Footprint
 F243.png   F487O.png
Blue-Striped
Gender ratio
Gender unknown
Breeding
Undiscovered group 81 cycles
(20655 minimum steps)
EV yield
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
1
Sp.Def
0
Speed
2
Base Exp.: 216 Battle Exp.: 2161*

Raikou (Japanese: ライコウ Raikou) is an Electric-type legendary Pokémon.

It is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon.

Along with Entei and Suicune, it is one of the legendary beasts created 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

Physiology

Raikou is a yellow tiger-like creature with black stripes that resemble lightning bolts and a white under-side. Raikou has a skinny, light-blue tail with an electric spark-shaped formation at the end. Raikou appears to have a grayish-purple cape that is supposedly made of thunderclouds. Most of Raikou's face is white with a light-blue "X" on its face and a gray crest on its forehead. Raikou has red eyes and long fangs in its upper jaws that make its appearance similar to the sabre-tooth cat.

Gender differences

Raikou is a genderless species.

Special abilities

Raikou has the ability to shoot bolts of lightning from the rain clouds on its back. Raikou can also attack using its fangs and has limited psychic powers. Raikou has also shown an ability to create storm clouds from its cape, allowing it to fly, however this ability has only been seen in the Pokémon Adventures manga, whilst attacking Falkner, and in a Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs special.

Behavior

Raikou is normally distrustful of humans due to the fact that humans have tried to capture the Legendary Beast of Thunder for many centuries, though it has shown some friendship with those that just wish to help it. Raikou tends to show up either when there is a thunderstorm or when other Electric-type Pokémon are in danger.

Habitat

As a member of the legendary beast trio, Raikou is constantly on the move and seems to lack any set place where they show up.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Raikou's large fangs suggest that it is a carnivore.

In the anime

Raikou in the anime
A Shiny Raikou in the anime

Major appearances

Raikou (Legend of Thunder)

Raikou appeared in the Pokémon Chronicles episode, The Legend of Thunder! where members of Team Rocket hunt down and attempt to catch Raikou.

Raikou (M13)

A Shiny Raikou made its first movie appearance alongside Celebi, and the other members of its trio in the thirteenth Pokémon movie, Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

Other

Raikou appears at the end of SS023, the second half of the special episode based on Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs.

Minor appearances

Raikou first appeared in Houndoom's Special Delivery. It was spotted by Togepi and a Houndoom before it disappeared.

The Mauville City Gym Leader Wattson owns many Raikou robots which he uses in his Gym.

Raikou made a small cameo at the opening of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew and Arceus and the Jewel of Life.

Raikou also had a minor appearance in Dawn's Piplup's dream in Three Sides to Every Story!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry
The Legend of Thunder! Raikou Jimmy's Pokédex Raikou, the Thunder Pokémon. It is said to have descended to earth on a bolt of lightning.

In the manga

Anabel and Raikou in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Raikou was awakened by Yellow along with its two counterparts, and the three raced around Kanto and Johto looking for Trainers to help them defeat the Masked Man to free Ho-Oh and repay the debt of the latter for saving its life. Nearing the end of the chapter, Raikou eventually pairs up with Lt. Surge after encountering and escaping Falkner, and later Gold. Once Ho-Oh is freed and Pryce, the true identity of the Masked Man, is defeated, it once again roams the lands of Johto with Suicune and Entei.

Anabel also owns a Raikou in the Battle Frontier saga. It has been confirmed that it is the same Raikou as the one that befriended Gold, having caught it sometime before the Emerald arc in Johto. Raikou is more powerful than any other Electric-type Pokémon in the manga because billowing thunder clouds follow it everywhere carried on its back, allowing it to perform powerful attacks, such as Thunder, more quickly and efficiently than regular Electric Pokémon. Despite clearly possessing sentient intelligence like its fellow beasts, it obeyed Anabel's commands to battle Emerald without question while she was under psychic control of Guile Hideout. After he is defeated and the Battle Frontier is saved, Raikou is seen interacting with Gold and Crystal, and has not appeared since.

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

Raikou also appears in Melee as a trophy.

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.

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation I
Red {{{redbluedex}}}
Blue
Yellow {{{yellowdex}}}
Stadium {{{stadiumdex}}}
Generation II
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
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
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
Black It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
White
Black 2 カミナリと ともに おちてきたと いわれている。せなかの あまぐもから カミナリを うちだすことが できる。
White 2
Generation VI
X Unknown
Y Unknown


Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation I
Red Blue
None Trade
Blue (Japan)
None Trade
Yellow
None Trade
Generation II
Gold Silver
One Roaming Johto
Crystal
One Roaming Johto
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
None Trade
Emerald
None Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
One Roaming Kanto (with Squirtle as starter)
Colosseum
One Shadow Pokémon Laboratory (Shadow)
XD
None Trade
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
None Trade
Platinum
None Trade
HeartGold SoulSilver
One Roaming Johto
Pal Park
Mountain
Pokéwalker
None
Generation V
Black White
None Poké Transfer
Relocator (Shiny event Raikou only)
Black 2 White 2
None Poké Transfer
Dream World
None
Generation VI
X Y
None Trade



In side games

Game Location
Pokémon Trozei! Random Agent Cards
Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red/Blue Rescue Team
Lightning Field (30F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time/Darkness
Concealed Ruins (B20F)*
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Sky
Southeastern Islands (B12F-B24F; appears on random floor after accepting challenge letter)
Pokémon Ranger Fiore Temple
Pokémon Ranger:
Guardian Signs
Wireless Tower
Rand's House
Pokémon Rumble Blast Meadow: World Axle - B1F (Post-ending)

In events

Games Event Language Location Level Distribution period
List of Nintendo event Pokémon in Generation II#Raikou Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! United States 2002 40 Never
List of 10th Anniversary event Pokémon#Raikou and Suicune 10th Anniversary United States 2006 70 Never
List of 10th Anniversary event Pokémon#Raikou and Suicune Top 10 Distribution United Kingdom 2006 70 Never
List of 10th Anniversary event Pokémon#Raikou and Suicune Top 10 Distribution Italy 2006 70 Never
List of 10th Anniversary event Pokémon#Raikou and Suicune Top 10 Distribution Spain 2006 70 Never
List of 10th Anniversary event Pokémon#Raikou and Suicune Top 10 Distribution Germany 2006 70 Never
List of 10th Anniversary event Pokémon#Raikou and Suicune Top 10 Distribution France 2006 70 Never
List of 10th Anniversary event Pokémon#Raikou and Suicune Bryant Park 10th Anniversary United States 2006 70 Never
List of Japanese Nintendo event Pokémon in 2010#Crown Raikou 13th Movie Premiere Japan 2010 30 Never
List of Korean Nintendo event Pokémon in 2010#Crown City Raikou Crown City Raikou South Korea 2010 30 Never
List of North American Nintendo event Pokémon in 2011#GameStop Raikou GameStop Distribution North America 2011 30 Never
List of North American Nintendo event Pokémon in 2011#Winter 2011 Raikou [[List of local Wi-Fi* event Pokémon distributions in Generation List of North American Nintendo event Pokémon in 2011#Winter 2011 Raikou#North American Winter 2011|North American Winter 2011]] Wi-Fi* 2011 30 Never
List of PAL Nintendo event Pokémon in 2011#English and German Winter 2011 Raikou [[List of local Wi-Fi* event Pokémon distributions in Generation List of PAL Nintendo event Pokémon in 2011#English and German Winter 2011 Raikou#English and German Winter 2011|English and German Winter 2011]] Wi-Fi* 2011 30 Never
List of PAL Nintendo event Pokémon in 2011#French Winter 2011 Raikou [[List of local Wi-Fi* event Pokémon distributions in Generation List of PAL Nintendo event Pokémon in 2011#French Winter 2011 Raikou#French Winter 2011|French Winter 2011]] Wi-Fi* 2011 30 Never
List of PAL Nintendo event Pokémon in 2011#Italian and Spanish Winter 2011 Raikou [[List of local Wi-Fi* event Pokémon distributions in Generation List of PAL Nintendo event Pokémon in 2011#Italian and Spanish Winter 2011 Raikou#Italian and Spanish Winter 2011|Italian and Spanish Winter 2011]] Wi-Fi* 2011 30 Never

Held items

Game Held Item(s)
Events* Micle Berry Micle Berry (100%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
90
150 - 197 290 - 384
85
81 - 150 157 - 295
75
72 - 139 139 - 273
115
108 - 183 211 - 361
100
94 - 167 184 - 328
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

Speed
5/5 ★★★★★
Power
3/4 ★★★
Skill
4/4 ★★★★
Stamina
3/3 ★★★
Jump
3/3 ★★★
Total
18/19 ★★★


Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:
Damaged
normally by:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying ½×
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire
Water
Grass
Electric ½×
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
None
Notes:

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation V
Other generations:
II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
00Start Bite Dark Physical 06060 100100% 25
00Start Leer Normal Status 0000 100100% 30
088 ThunderShock Electric Special 04040 100100% 30
1515 Roar Normal Status 0000 100100% 20
2222 Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30
2929 Spark Electric Physical 06565 100100% 20
3636 Reflect Psychic Status 0000 —% 20
4343 Crunch Dark Physical 08080 100100% 15
5050 Thunder Fang Electric Physical 06565 09595% 15
5757 Discharge Electric Special 08080 100100% 15
6464 Extrasensory Psychic Special 08080 100100% 30
7171 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 —% 5
7878 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000 —% 20
8585 Thunder Electric Special 120120 07070% 10
  • 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/HM

Generation V
Other generations:
II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM04 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 20
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM05 Roar Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Poison Sprite.png TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000 090}}90% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 0000 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Fire Sprite.png TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000 —}}—% 5
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM16 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 30
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Water Sprite.png TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 —}}—% 5
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM24 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09595 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM25 Thunder Electric Special 120120 070}}70% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Ground Sprite.png TM28 Dig Ground Physical 08080 100}}100% 10
Bag TM Ghost Sprite.png TM30 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 15
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM33 Reflect Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 20
Bag TM Rock Sprite.png TM37 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Psychic Sprite.png TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM48 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM57 Charge Beam Electric Special 05050 090}}90% 10
Bag TM Dark Sprite.png TM60 Quash Dark Status 0000 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM70 Flash Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM72 Volt Switch Electric Special 07070 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM73 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM77 Psych Up Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Ground Sprite.png TM78 Bulldoze Ground Physical 06060 100}}100% 20
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000 090}}90% 15
Bag TM Normal Sprite.png TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
Bag TM Electric Sprite.png TM93 Wild Charge Electric Physical 09090 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Fighting Sprite.png TM94 Rock Smash Fighting Physical 04040 100}}100% 15
Bag TM Dark Sprite.png TM95 Snarl Dark Special 05555 095}}95% 15
Bag HM Normal Sprite.png HM01 Cut Normal Physical 05050 095}}95% 30
Bag HM Normal Sprite.png HM04 Strength Normal Physical 08080 100}}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

Generation V
Other generations:
II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Father   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 V
  • 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

Generation V
Other generations:
II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
B W B2 W2 Iron Head Steel Physical 80 100% 15
B W B2 W2 Iron Tail Steel Physical 100 75% 15
B W B2 W2 Magnet Rise Electric Status —% 10
B W B2 W2 Signal Beam Bug Special 75 100% 15
B W B2 W2 Sleep Talk Normal Status —% 10
B W B2 W2 Snore Normal Special 40 100% 15
  • A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Raikou can be tutored the move in that game
  • A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Raikou cannot be tutored the move 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 Move Tutor moves from other generations

By events

Generation V
Other generations:
II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
 Event   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
This Pokémon has no special event moves.
  • A superscript level indicates that Raikou can learn this move normally in Generation V at that level
  • 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 event moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball
 N/A 
Not available
Pokémon Pinball RS
 N/A 
Not available
Pokémon Trozei!
 Trozeiani243.png 
Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
MDP RT 243.png Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 0.1%
Friend Area: Sacred Field
Phrases
51%-100% HP I am the thunderbolt that races through the fields!
26%-50% HP I don't like this... My HP is cut to half?
1%-25% HP This is it... The power of lightning fails here...
Level up I gained a level! May lightning bolts empower me!
Partner phrases
51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%.
26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%.
1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%.
Level up I gained a level! May lightning bolts empower me!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness
,
and Explorers of Sky
MDP E 243.png Body size: 2
Recruit rate: 5%
IQ group: D
Pokémon Ranger
Group:  Electric  Poké Assist: Electric PA.png
( Electric )
Field move: Recharge fm.pngRecharge fm.pngRecharge fm.png
(Recharge ×3)
Loops: 11 Min. exp.: 500 Max. exp.: 600
Browser entry  
Raikou is a legendary Pokémon that dashes while dropping thunderbolts.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None
Browser entry  
This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs
Group: Poké Assist: Field move:
 Electric  Electric Assist.png
( Electric )
Past
Electric Assist.png
( Normal )
None Past
Electrify 1 field move.png
(Electrify ×1)
Browser entry  
It creates waves of electricity around it and launches thunderbolts to attack.
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
N/A Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack ●●●●
Defense ●●●
Speed ●●●●
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
Attack Not
Available
Defense
Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure
None.png PokéPark Pad entry:
This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond
None.png Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}}
PokéPark Pad entry:
This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
None.png HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}}
Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}}
Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}}
Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}}
Does not evolve.
Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Raikou
Does not evolve
Raikou
 Electric 


Sprites

Gen Game
I Red Blue Yellow Red (Ja) Green Back
This Pokémon did not appear during Generation I.
II Gold Silver Crystal   Back
Spr 2g 243.png Spr 2s 243.png Spr 2c 243.png Spr b 2g 243.png
Spr 2g 243 s.png Spr 2s 243 s.png Spr 2c 243 s.png Spr b 2g 243 s.png
III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Back
Spr 3r 243.png Spr 3e 243.png Spr 3f 243.png Spr b 3r 243.png
Spr 3r 243 s.png Spr 3e 243 s.png Spr 3f 243 s.png Spr b 3r 243 s.png
IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Back
Spr 4d 243.png Spr 4p 243.png Spr 4h 243.png Spr b 4d 243.png
Spr 4d 243 s.png Spr 4p 243 s.png Spr 4h 243 s.png Spr b 4d 243 s.png
V Black White Black 2 White 2 Back
Spr 5b 243.png Spr 5b2 243.png Spr b 5b 243.png
Spr 5b 243 s.png Spr 5b2 243 s.png Spr b 5b 243 s.png
Raikou For other sprites and images, please see Raikou images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

File:RaikouEntry.png
Raikou in Jimmy's Pokédex
  • Raikou is the only Pokémon in the anime whose image on the anime Pokédex was of stylized art rather than Ken Sugimori's official artwork for it.
  • In the 4Kids dub of the anime, Raikou's name is frequently mispronounced as rai-kuu, rather than rai-ko.
  • Raikou is the only member of its trio not to be weak to another member of its trio. Entei is weak against Suicune and Suicune is weak against Raikou, but Raikou is not weak to either of them.
  • The order that the beasts appears in the National Pokédex is the order of the events that happened at the Burned Tower; the lightning that started the fire (Raikou), the fire that consumed the Brass Tower (Entei) and the rain that quenched the fire (Suicune).
  • Raikou's EV yield (1 Sp. Atk, 2 Speed) is unique.
  • Raikou's number in the National Pokédex and the Johto Pokédex are the same: 243.

Origin

Raikou is particularly based on the Thunder and Lightning gods of most cultures surrounding the world, mostly the 雷獣 raijū, a thunder demon of Japanese lore. It is said to be a creature that could take the form of a tiger, monkey, blue wolf wrapped in lightning, and many other animals. Raikou is specifically based on its tiger form, while the Pokémon Manectric is based on its wolf form. In terms of physical build, Raikou is based on the Smilodon fatalis, a well-known but extinct species of wildcat often referred to as a saber-toothed tiger. Its color and pattern scheme are reminiscent of that of a Bengal Tiger. The stripes that decorate Raikou's body also can be compared to zigzagging thunderbolts and perhaps even scars from claws. The white ruff around Raikou's face is akin to the Siberian Tiger's thick fur around its neck. In the anime, Raikou is shown to be very agile, swift, stealthy, and a powerful attacker, just like a tiger. The gray "plate" atop its head may be similar to Entei's head ornament, being either a helmet or crown that signifies courage and power. The flowing purple mane on its back is likely meant to invoke the image of a cumulonimbus cloud, the cloud type 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 (emperor). It may also derive from 雷公 raikō (thunder duke), identical to the name of the Taoist deity Lei Gong.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
Japan Flag.png Japanese ライコウ Raikou From 雷公 raikō, rai, 雷光 raikou, and
France Flag.png French Raikou Same as Japanese name
Spain Flag.png Spanish Raikou Same as Japanese name
Germany Flag.png German Raikou Same as Japanese name
Italy Flag.png Italian Raikou Same as Japanese name
South Korea Flag.png Korean 라이코 Raiko Transliteration of its Japanese name
China and Taiwan Flags.png Mandarin Chinese 雷公 Léigōng From 雷公 Raikou. Also a reference to the ancient Chinese god of thunder, Lei Gong.
Hong Kong Flag.png Cantonese Chinese


Related articles

External links

Notes

Generation I: ArticunoZapdosMoltresMewtwo
Generation II: RaikouEnteiSuicuneLugiaHo-Oh
Generation III: RegirockRegiceRegisteelLatias
LatiosKyogreGroudonRayquaza
Generation IV: UxieMespritAzelfDialgaPalkia
HeatranRegigigasGiratinaCresselia
Generation V: CobalionTerrakionVirizionTornadusThundurus
ReshiramZekromLandorusKyurem
Generation VI: XerneasYveltalZygarde
Generation VII: Type: NullSilvallyTapu KokoTapu LeleTapu BuluTapu Fini
CosmogCosmoemSolgaleoLunalaNecrozma
Generation VIII: ZacianZamazentaEternatusKubfuUrshifu
RegielekiRegidragoGlastrierSpectrierCalyrexEnamorus
Generation IX: Wo-ChienChien-PaoTing-LuChi-YuKoraidonMiraidon
OkidogiMunkidoriFezandipitiOgerponTerapagos
Games: Super Smash Bros.Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii USuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
Characters: PikachuJigglypuffMewtwoPichu
Pokémon Trainer (SquirtleIvysaurCharizard) • LucarioGreninjaIncineroar
Stages: Saffron CityPokémon StadiumPoké FloatsPokémon Stadium 2Spear Pillar
Prism TowerUnova Pokémon LeagueKalos Pokémon League
Poké Ball and Master Ball: AbomasnowAbraAlolan ExeggutorAlolan RaichuAlolan VulpixArceusArticunoBeedrill
BellossomBewearBlastoiseBonslyCelebiChanseyCharizardChespinChikoritaClefairy
CyndaquilDarkraiDedenneDeoxysDittoEeveeElectrodeEnteiFennekin
FletchlingGardevoirGenesectGiratinaGogoatGoldeenGroudonGulpinHitmonlee
Ho-OhInkayJirachiKeldeoKoffingKyogreKyuremLatias and Latios
LugiaLunalaManaphyMarillMarshadowMeloettaMeowthMewMetagrossMimikyu
MoltresMunchlaxOnixOshawottPalkiaPiplupPorygon2PyukumukuRaikouScizorSnivy
SnorlaxSolgaleoSpewpaStaryuStarmieSuicuneSwirlixTapu KokoTogedemaruTogepi
TorchicUnownVenusaurVictiniVulpixWeavileWeezingWobbuffetXerneasZapdosZoroark
Collectables: Trophies (MeleeBrawlfor Nintendo 3DS/Wii U)
Stickers
Spirits
Misc: The Subspace EmissaryMy MusicFinal SmashPokémon ChangeBrawl cameos
Blissey #242: Blissey
Pokémon
#244: Entei Entei


Project Pokédex logo.png This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.