Raikou (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #0242: Blissey	Pokémon	#0244: Entei →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Raikou (disambiguation).

Raikou Thunder Pokémon ライコウ Raikou #0243 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Electric Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Pressure Cacophony Cacophony Inner Focus Gen VII+ Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Cacophony Volt Absorb Gen V-VI* Hidden Ability
Gender ratio Gender unknown	Catch rate 3 (1.6%)
Breeding Egg Group No Eggs Discovered Hatch time 80 cycles Egg not obtainable
Height 6'03" 1.9 m Raikou 0'0" 0 m {{{form2}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 392.4 lbs. 178.0 kg Raikou 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form2}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 216 Gen. II-IV Unknown IV 261 V+	Leveling rate Slow
EV yield Total: 3 Raikou 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 1 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 2 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint {{{form2}}}
Pokédex color   Yellow	Base friendship 35
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX 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 resurrected by Ho-Oh after the burning of the Brass Tower, said to represent the lightning strike which ignited the fire.

The Paradox Pokémon Raging Bolt is said to be either an ancient relative of Raikou or a counterpart of it from a parallel timeline.

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 lightning.

150 years ago, Brass Tower in Johto was hit by a lightning bolt, causing it to catch on a huge fire and would be later put out by a sudden downpout. Three unnamed Pokémon perished in the fire, however, the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh granted the trio new life, one of those Pokémon was revived as Raikou, which represents the lightning that struck the now Burned Tower.

A proverb claims that Raikou descended from the sky with a lightning bolt. Raikou is able to fly by creating storm clouds, as depicted in the Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs (animated special). In The Legend of Thunder!, Raikou 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. Raikou loves Raikou Treats made by Snacksworth, who once encountered and raced up a mountain with it in the past. Raging Bolt bears a resemblance to Raikou. According to Occulture, Raging Bolt is believed to be an ancestor of Raikou.

As mentioned in the Sleep Style Dex, while Raikou is sleeping, its breath makes a rumbling sound similar to distant thunder. The moment Raikou awakens, it will quickly travel the lands, with a roar sounding similar to a crashing thunder. Raikou is known to enjoy eating Raikou Biscuits. Raikou can be lured over to a sleeping spot using the Raikou Incense. Raikou has three different sleep styles it sleeps in: Energy-Storing Sleep, Meditative Sleep, and Lightning Sleep.

Game data

NPC appearances

Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.

• Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: Raikou first appears alongside Suicune up on Revelation Mountain, where they confront Krookodile, believing he turned Entei to stone, only to discover that Nuzleaf was the actual culprit. Raikou later helps the player and partner escape from the Voidlands. He goes by the title "Raikou the Lightning".

	Spoilers end here.

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 inside 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. (Pokémon Red, Silver, or Crystal inserted) A Pokémon that races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder. (Pokémon Blue, Gold, or Yellow inserted)
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
Generation VII Alola #— Kanto #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VII.
Generation VIII Galar #— Sinnoh #— Hisui #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Sword, Shield, and Legends: Arceus. Brilliant Diamond It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back. Shining Pearl
Generation IX Paldea #— Kitakami #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation IX.

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II Gold Silver Roaming Johto (Only one) Crystal Roaming Johto (Only one)
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Trade, Event Emerald Trade, Event FireRed LeafGreen Roaming Kanto (if the player chose Squirtle) (Only one) Colosseum Shadow PKMN Lab (Shadow) XD Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Trade, Event Platinum Trade, Event HeartGold SoulSilver Roaming Johto (Only one) Pal Park Mountain
Generation V Black White Poké Transfer Relocator (Shiny event Raikou only) Black 2 White 2 Poké Transfer
Generation VI X Y Trade Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Trackless Forest (requires Ho-Oh or Lugia in the party) (Only one)
Generation VII Sun Trade Moon Trade, Event Ultra Sun Ultra Space Wilds (Rocky World) (Only one) Ultra Moon Trade, Event Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee Unobtainable
Generation VIII Sword Shield TradeVersion 1.3.0+ Expansion Pass Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure) (Only one) Brilliant Diamond Ramanas Park (requires Johto Slate) (Only one) Shining Pearl Trade Legends: Arceus Unobtainable
Generation IX Scarlet Violet TradeVersion 3.0.0+ The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (Scarlet) West Province: Area One after receiving the Raikou Treat from Snacksworth (Only one) (Solo Quest) The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (Violet) West Province: Area One after receiving the Raikou Treat from Snacksworth (Only one) (Group Quest) Legends: Z-A Unobtainable

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 Lightning Field (30F) Ranger Fiore Temple
Generation IV MD Time MD Darkness Concealed Ruins (B20F) MD Sky Southeastern Islands (B12F-B24F; appears on random floor after accepting challenge letter) Ranger: GS Wireless Tower, Rand's House
Generation V Rumble Blast Meadow: World Axle - B1F (post-ending) Rumble U Conductor Room: Rumbling Magnetic Motors (Reward), Entranceway: Battle Royale - Cage Match
Generation VI Battle Trozei Island of Haste: Stage 2 Rumble World Dark Land: Royal Armory (Special Boss) Super MD Complete Raikou's Connection Orb mission Picross Area 20: Stage 06
Generation VII Rumble Rush Lugia Sea, Charizard Sea2020, Entei SeaFinal
Generation VIII MD DX Lightning Field (30F)
Generation IX Sleep Greengrass Isle (from Master 9) Old Gold Power Plant (from Master 2) Greengrass IsleExpert (from Ultra 3)
Cross-Generation Shuffle Expert Stage: Stage EX16 Event: Raikou Appears Masters EX BP Sync Pair Super Voucher: Scottie/Bettie & Raikou

In events

Games	Event	Language	Location	Level	Distribution period
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

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 IX, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Notes: If this Pokémon has Volt Absorb, the effectiveness of  Electric-type  moves is 0×.

Learnset

Raikou is available in Scarlet and Violet Version 3.0.0+.

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Extreme Speed Normal Physical 08080 100100% 5 011 Thunder Shock Electric Special 04040 100100% 30 011 Leer Normal Status 0000— 100100% 30 011 Charge Electric Status 0000— 00——% 20 011 Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30 066 Spark Electric Physical 06565 100100% 20 1212 Bite Dark Physical 06060 100100% 25 1818 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000— 00——% 20 2424 Roar Normal Status 0000— 00——% 20 3030 Thunder Fang Electric Physical 06565 09595% 15 3636 Howl Normal Status 0000— 00——% 40 4242 Crunch Dark Physical 08080 100100% 15 4848 Extrasensory Psychic Special 08080 100100% 20 5454 Discharge Electric Special 08080 100100% 15 6060 Reflect Psychic Status 0000— 00——% 20 6666 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00——% 5 7272 Thunder Electric Special 110110 07070% 10 7878 Zap Cannon Electric Special 120120 05050% 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

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

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM001 TM001 Take Down Normal Physical 09090 085}}85% 20 TM004 TM004 Agility Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TM005 TM005 Mud-Slap Ground Special 02020 100}}100% 10 TM006 TM006 Scary Face Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM007 TM007 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM009 TM009 Thunder Fang Electric Physical 06565 095}}95% 15 TM020 TM020 Trailblaze Grass Physical 05050 100}}100% 20 TM023 TM023 Charge Beam Electric Special 05050 090}}90% 10 TM025 TM025 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM030 TM030 Snarl Dark Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM032 TM032 Swift Normal Special 06060 00—}}—% 20 TM047 TM047 Endure Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM048 TM048 Volt Switch Electric Special 07070 100}}100% 20 TM049 TM049 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM050 TM050 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM051 TM051 Sandstorm Rock Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM066 TM066 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100}}100% 15 TM070 TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM072 TM072 Electro Ball Electric Special 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM074 TM074 Reflect Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM075 TM075 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TM082 TM082 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000— 090}}90% 20 TM085 TM085 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM096 TM096 Eerie Impulse Electric Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM099 TM099 Iron Head Steel Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TM103 TM103 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM108 TM108 Crunch Dark Physical 08080 100}}100% 15 TM112 TM112 Aura Sphere Fighting Special 08080 00—}}—% 20 TM114 TM114 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM126 TM126 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM129 TM129 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM130 TM130 Helping Hand Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM136 TM136 Electric Terrain Electric Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM147 TM147 Wild Charge Electric Physical 09090 100}}100% 15 TM152 TM152 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM163 TM163 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM166 TM166 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10 TM171 TM171 Tera Blast Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10 TM172 TM172 Roar Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM173 TM173 Charge Electric Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM188 TM188 Scald Water Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM193 TM193 Weather Ball Normal Special 05050 100}}100% 10 TM204 TM204 Double-Edge Normal Physical 120120 100}}100% 15 TM210 TM210 Supercell Slam Electric Physical 100100 095}}95% 15 TM211 TM211 Electroweb Electric Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM221 TM221 Throat Chop Dark 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 or an alternate form of Raikou Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

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

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 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

Side game data

Pokémon Trozei! Rarity: Rare

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team 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!

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 2 Recruit rate: 5% IQ group: D

Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon Body size: Standard (1 tile) How to Recruit: Meet up with at Isle of Light Connected to: Entei, Suicune Connection Orb Set: 1 Phrases Normal Do as I say, and don't do anything spontaneously! Low HP (< 50%) When I'm trapped like this...is when my lightning shines the most!

Pokémon Ranger Group: Electric Poké Assist: Electric Field move: (Recharge ×3) Loops: 11 Min. exp.: 500 Max. exp.: 600 Browser entry R-203 Raikou is a legendary Pokémon that dashes while dropping thunderbolts.

Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Electric Poké Assist: (present) Electric Field move: (present) (None ×-) Not available in the past. Browser entry R-126 It creates waves of electricity around it and launches thunderbolts to attack.

Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●●

Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 1.19 seconds Base HP: 57 Base Attack: 83 Base Defense: 57 Base Speed: 70

Pokémon Battle Trozei Electric Attack Power: ★★★★★ Flinch Attack Briefly stops wild Pokémon from taking action.

Pokémon Shuffle Electric Attack Power: 70 - 110 5 #152 Power of 5 Increases damage when you make a match of five. Swappable Skill(s): Barrier Bash+, Astonish

Pokémon GO Base HP: 207 Base Attack: 241 Base Defense: 195 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 20 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Thunder Shock, Volt Switch Charged Attacks: Thunder, Thunderbolt, Wild Charge, Shadow Ball*, Aura Sphere*, Frustration, Return

Pokémon Sleep Special Pokémon Sleep type: Snoozing Pokémon type: Electric Points to befriend: 30 Specialty: Skills Berry: Grepa Berry ×1 Primary ingredient: Bean Sausage ×1 Possible ingredients: Bean Sausage Fiery Herb Large Leek Main skill: Helper Boost (Electric) Base carry limit: 22 Instantly gets you ×2 the usual help from all Pokémon on your team. Meet certain conditions to boost effect. For Special Pokémon, the first befriended individual's Nature and sub skills are identical for all researchers. Nature: Docile Level 10 sub skill: Sleep EXP Bonus Level 25 sub skill: Skill Level Up S Level 50 sub skill: Inventory Up L Level 75 sub skill: Helping Speed S Level 100 sub skill: Skill Trigger S This Pokémon embodies the speed of lightning. It's said that when Raikou sleeps deeply, you can hear a rumbling like distant thunder in its breath. When it wakes, it sweeps once more across the land, roaring like crashing thunder. Energy-Storing Sleep Meditative Sleep Lightning Sleep ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Evolution data

Unevolved Raikou  Electric

Sprites

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II Gold Silver Crystal Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back
Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back
Generation VII Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Front Back Front Back
Generation VIII Sword Shield
Cross-Generation HOME

For other sprites and images, please see Raikou images on the Bulbagarden Archives.

In animation

Main series

Raikou in Pokémon Horizons: The Series

Shiny Raikou in Zoroark: Master of Illusions

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

Raikou debuted in Houndoom's Special Delivery, where Togepi and a Houndoom briefly spotted it 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 had a dream where he battled a Raikou to protect his Trainer.

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!.

A Raikou appeared in Entei's Fierce Battle Cry!, gathering with the other legendary beasts to celebrate the birth of an island.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source 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 creation 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 (Part 1). 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.

	Spoilers end here.

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

A Raikou appeared in Gold and Black VS Team Rocket and The Legendary Pokémon.

Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!

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 resurrected.

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, resurrected it.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Raikou appears as a Spirit alongside Entei and Suicune.

Music

This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: Where does this play in Sleep? Other songs

Games	Location	Song name	Composition	Arrangement
Pokémon Sleep	???	Raikou Research Event	Junichi Masuda Go Ichinose	Shota Kageyama yas nakajima
Song names marked with an asterisk are unofficial, as they have not received a soundtrack release.

Trivia

Raikou in Jimmy's Pokédex

• Raikou is the only Pokémon in the animated series whose image on the Pokédex was of stylized art rather than the standard art by the series character designer.
• Raikou's effort value yield of 1 Special Attack and 2 Speed is unique.
• Raikou's numbers in the National Pokédex and the Johto Pokédex are identical: 0243 and 243, respectively.

Concept and development

In the Nintendo Space World '97 demo of Pokémon Gold and Silver, Raikou is seen with a design resembling a jackal. In the final game, Raikou is seen with an orange mane, more subdued faceplate, and lacking its blue "whiskers". This was changed in Pokémon Crystal, which more accurately depicts Raikou's final design.

Raikou, along with Entei and Suicune, was designed by Muneo Saitō.

When asked if the legendary beasts were based on any particular animals, Muneo Saitō explained that after Entei's design came to be lion-like, he decided to incorporate leopard-like and tiger-like elements for Suicune and Raikou, respectively. Raikou's creation process was described as difficult, as "Raikou took many twists and turns; there was even a blue thunder version with a drum on its back".

• 
  Space World '97 demo sprite
• 
  Gold and Silver sprite
• 
  Crystal sprite

Origin

Raikou is partially based on a tiger. Raikou's long upper fangs bear a resemblance to those of a saber-toothed tiger. Raikou and its Electric typing represent the lightning that struck the Brass Tower according to its legend; while Entei represents the fire that burned it, and Suicune represents the rain that put it out.

One of the earlier designs for Raikou having a drum on its back may hint at it also being based on Raijin— a Japanese god of lightning and thunder, depicted as carrying taiko drums to create the sound of thunder. Raijin is often given oni features, a supernatural creature often associated with tiger pelts. It may have also been inspired by raijū, a lightning creature that can take the form of various animals and is said to be Raijin's companion.

The flowing purple cloud on Raikou's back seems to be based on a dark nimbostratus cloud or cumulonimbus cloud, the latter being associated with thunderstorms. This detail may also hint at Raikou being based on the Nue, a chimeric creature depicted with the limbs (and sometimes the body) of a tiger and accompanied by black clouds that it can shapeshift into.

Name origin

Raikou may be derived from 雷 rai (thunder) or 雷光 raikō (lightning) and 公 kō (lord/duke) or 皇 kō (emperor), where the former forms a reference to 雷公 Léigōng (Thunder Duke, god of thunder in Chinese mythology).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ライコウ Raikou From 雷 rai, 雷光 raikō, 公 kō, and 皇 kō, as well as 雷公 Léigōng French Raikou Same as English/Japanese name Spanish Raikou Same as English/Japanese name German Raikou Same as English/Japanese name Italian Raikou Same as English/Japanese name Korean 라이코 Raikou Transcription of Japanese name Mandarin Chinese 雷公 Léigōng From 雷公 Léigōng Cantonese Chinese 雷公 Lèuihgūng From 雷公 Lèuihgūng

More languages Hindi राइको Raikou Transcription of English name Russian Райку Rayku Transcription of English name Thai ไรโค Raikho Transcription of Japanese name

See also

• Legendary beasts
• Raikou (The Legend of Thunder!)
• Legendary beasts (M13)
• Raikou (Adventures)
• Legendary beasts (Super Mystery Dungeon)
• Legendary Pokémon
• Myths and legends involving Legendary and Mythical Pokémon
• List of event Pokémon with in-game effects

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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.