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Raikou (JP) is a species of Pokémon in the series of the same name. It is a Electric legendary Pokémon that made its first appearance in the second generation games Gold and Silver. It is a part of the Legendary beasts alongside Entei and Suicune.

It appears to be distantly related to the Paradox Pokémon Raging Bolt.

Physiology and Behavior[]

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.

A proverb claims that Raikou descended from the sky with a lightning bolt. Raikou is able to fly by creating storm clouds. 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.

Appearances[]

Main Pokémon games[]

Other Pokémon games[]

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.

Super Smash Bros. series[]

Raikou appeared in 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 onwards. However, it appeared as a Trophy or a Spirit.

Trophy descriptions[]

In the anime[]

RaikouTheLegendofThunder

Raikou in The Legend of Thunder!

Raikou was featured in The Legend of Thunder!

A Shiny Raikou appeared alongside the other members of its trio in Zoroark: Master of Illusions.

A Raikou appeared at the end of Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs (Part 2).

Origin and inspiration[]

In-game information[]

Pokédex entries[]

Title Entry
Second Pokémon generation
Pokémon Gold The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Pokémon Silver A Pokémon that races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder.
Pokémon Crystal This rough Pokémon stores energy in its body, then sweeps across the land, shooting off electricity.
Third Pokémon generation
Pokémon 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.
Pokémon Sapphire 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.
Pokémon 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.
Pokémon FireRed This Pokémon races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder.
Pokémon LeafGreen The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Fourth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Diamond It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Pokémon Pearl It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Pokémon Platinum It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Pokémon HeartGold The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Pokémon SoulSilver A Pokémon that races across the land while barking a cry that sounds like crashing thunder.
Fifth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Black It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Pokémon White It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Pokémon Black 2 It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Pokémon White 2 It is said to have fallen with lightning. It can fire thunderbolts from the rain clouds on its back.
Sixth Pokémon generation
Pokémon X The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Pokémon Y The rain clouds it carries let it fire thunderbolts at will. They say that it descended with lightning.
Pokémon 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.
Pokémon Alpha Sapphire 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.


Game locations[]

Title Location(s)
Second Pokémon generation
Pokémon Gold
Roaming Johto
Pokémon Silver
Roaming Johto
Pokémon Crystal
Roaming Johto
Third Pokémon generation
Pokémon Ruby
Trade
Pokémon FireRed
Roaming Kanto (Player chooses Squirtle)
Pokémon LeafGreen
Roaming Kanto (Player chooses Squirtle)
Fourth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Platinum
Trade
Pokémon HeartGold
Roaming Johto
Pokémon SoulSilver
Roaming Johto
Sixth Pokémon generation
Pokémon X
Trade
Pokémon Omega Ruby
Trackless Forest (requires Ho-Oh or Lugia in the party)
Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
Trackless Forest (requires Ho-Oh or Lugia in the party)
Ninth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Scarlet
West Province: Area One
Pokémon Violet
West Province: Area One

Base Stats[]

Base Stats
HP 90
Attack 85
Defense 75
Sp. Attack 115
Sp. Defense 100
Speed 115
Total 580

Moveset[]

Main article: Raikou/moveset

Gallery[]

Sprites[]

Sprites
Gold
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Silver
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Crystal
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Ruby Sapphire
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Emerald
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Fire Leaf
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Diamond Pearl
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Platinum
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Heart Soul
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Black White
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Black 2 White 2
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X Y
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Sword Shield
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Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl
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Scarlet Violet
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Trivia[]

  • Raikou is the only Pokémon in the anime whose image on the Pokédex was of stylized art rather than the series' character designer.
  • Raikou's effort value yield of 1 Special Attack and 2 Speed is unique.
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