ThePokemonseries of games and anime adaptations have been with the world for 25 years, and its rich history includes well over 900 different species of catchable companions. The arrival ofPokemon RedandBlue, orPokemon Greenfor anyone living in Japan, captured the hearts of millions of gaming fans around the world.
The introduction toPokemongaming brought the three lovable starters — Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle — while the alternate version ofPokemon Yellowincluded mascot Pokemon Pikachu as its starter. While its refusal to evolve into the much-more powerful Raichu was a built-in mechanic, the evolved form is just as cherished as its counterpart.
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Raichu, listed as number 26 on the National Pokedex and titled the Mouse Pokemon, evolves from its base form of Pikachu by using a Thunder Stone. While Ash’s Pikachu refuses to evolve becauseit wishes to grow stronger as a Pikachu, its evolved form boasts greater base stats. Its combination of a strong physical attack and high speed made it such a powerful Pokemon that Pokemon Gym Leader LT. Surge featured one of his own in his party. As powerful as it may be, Reddit user diegomenagin14 took to the social media platform to declare that Raichu was due for a buffing to its base stats.
They point out that Raichu’s base stat total of 485 is considerably low considering it’s the evolved form of the series' most-famous Pokemon and that the Eevee line of evolutions received buffs of their own recently. Because Raichu received an alternate form in the introduction ofPokemon SunandMoon’s Alolan Raichu, many believe it’s a good time for Raichu to receive some love, with the ninth generation on its way. Adding to the commentary, diegomenagin14 believes Raichu should also receive additions to its move pool as it’s currently too shallow and predictable, especially in a competitive setting. Its most-powerful move is Thunder, which boasts a base power of 110 but is crippled by its 70% accuracy rate, while Thunderbolt is the more-versatile move with 100% accuracy and 90 base power.
The recommendation of a 350 stat total would place Raichu on the same level as starting Pokemon lines like Blastoise, Decidueye, and Cinderace, along with the likes of Aggron, Golisopod, and Walrein. While many of the responding users agreed with the general statement, some point out that the versatility behind Raichu’s utilization is not as deep as it could be, with strategies revolving around out-speeding opposing Pokemon and attempting to one-hit KO them. It’s worth noting that Raichu did receive a minor boost in the release ofPokemon SwordandShield, with its Speed stat raising up to 110. Pairing this with the Lightning Rod ability and Fake Out as a supportive move has some thinking the lovable, chubby mouse is fine the way it is.
