Raichu

by Sasami Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:29 pm

Raichu's Smogon Sets
Raichu 026-m

Static
--Attacks which make contact with Raichu have a 30% chance of Paralyzing their user.

Stat	Base	MAX
HP	60	324
Atk	90	306
Def	55	229
Sp.Atk	90	306
Sp.Def	80	284
Spd	100	328

Raichu was one of the most debated Pokemon at the start of NU's creation. With just one turn of set-up, it can spell disaster to any unprepared team. It's slightly less powerful than it's pre-evolution, Pikachu, but it makes up for that loss in it's great speed and freedom to change items (Pikachu is basically stuck with a Light Ball). Raichu is almost always played offensively, and can hit hard from both sides of the spectrum. There's a reason it has such high usage.

Nasty Plot Sweeper

Raichu @Life Orb
-Substitute/Grass Knot
-Nasty Plot
-Thunderbolt
-Hidden Power Ice
Static, Timid
252 Sp.Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP

This is the standard Raichu set, and for good reason. This is best used by switching in after losing a Pokemon, since Raichu is frail and has problems getting on the field otherwise. Substitute on something that can't hurt you or on a predicted switch, and Nasty Plot away afterward. BoltBeam gives you great coverage, as the only thing in NU that resists it is Shedinja.

I personally feel that Substitute is what makes the set so effective, because it gives Raichu protection from status and priority moves. However, you can alternatively run Grass Knot in order to OHKO Quagsire and Whiscash.

Shedinja is by far the best counter to this set, just watch out for Stealth Rock. Calm Whiscash and Bastiodon counter Raichu that lack Grass Knot. And remember, if Raichu has Grass Knot, it's probably missing Substitute, leaving it very vulnerable to Sucker Punch and other priority moves.

Easy Set-Up

Raichu @Life Orb
-Substitute
-Nasty Plot/Grass Knot
-Encore
-Thunderbolt
Static, Timid
252 Sp.Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP

Be careful using this set. While it might look nearly identical to the one above, it's played quite differently. This Raichu absolutely must be used late-game, after defeating the many counters that this moveset must get around. However, it's also easier to set up, thanks to an Encore/Substitute combination. And once set up, it can be very difficult to stop if your opponent's ground type has been taken out.

Grass Knot can be used over Nasty Plot to prevent you from being walled completely by ground types. You'll lose out on a lot of power, though.

Shedinja remains a surefire counter, and any ground type will beat this Raichu unless it has Grass Knot (once again, if it has Grass Knot, it's missing something).

ShineChu

Raichu @Life Orb
-Substitute
-Wish
-Volt Tackle
-Focus Punch
Static, Jolly
252 Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP

It's true that Pikachu can run this set with more power, but Raichu does have a couple of things over it's pre-evolution...it's more durable and has a great speed for NU (Pikachu tends to tie with a lot of things). Simply Substitute on a free turn and deal loads of damage between Volt Tackle and Focus Punch. Wish not only heals the recoil from Life Orb and Volt Tackle, but it also allows you to make more substitutes.

Shedinja is still your best bet at countering Raichu. Sandslash is another option, happily switching in on Volt Tackles, taking Focus Punch with ease, and hitting back hard with STAB Earthquake. Whiscash can do the same thing, although it doesn't take Focus Punch quite as well as Sandslash.

Mixed Sweeper

Raichu @Life Orb
-Encore/Grass Knot
-Substitute/Grass Knot
-Focus Punch
-Charge Beam/Thunderbolt
Static, Hasty
176 Atk, 80 Sp.Atk, 252 Spd

Pikachu is generally considered the better mixer, but Raichu's amazing NU speed can give him a definite edge. This set requires a good amount of prediction to use correctly, but when used properly can break many common NU walls. Encore and Substitute can give you an easier time setting up, but Grass Knot may be used instead for better coverage (and to score a OHKO on Whiscash and Quagsire). Charge Beam gives you a chance to set up for a sweep, but Thunderbolt's extra power alone may warrant it's use instead.

Shedinja, as usual, remains a counter. Defensive variants of Parasect switch in and threaten with ease, but should take care not to be Encore'd into Spore.

GhostBuster

Raichu @Life Orb
-Knock Off
-Substitute
-Thunderbolt
-Hidden Power Ice
Static, Timid
252 Sp.Atk, 252 Spd, 6 HP

This is the standard Raichu with a twist...it not only isn't walled by the ever-common Shedinja, but it can actually OHKO it! Knock Off OHKO's Shedinja and removes it's Focus Sash on the same turn...so no matter what, it's knocked out. It sounds gimmicky, but with Shedinja becoming a known Raichu counter, this set can really shake up a team.

Whiscash and Bastiodon have no problems dealing with this set, although they don't enjoy losing their Leftovers.