How to get Alolan Raichu in Pokémon GO in 2023

Pikachu is one of the most beloved Pokémon in the franchise. It’s no wonder then, that many players try to get their hands on all kinds of Pikachu variants, including its evolution.

In the Nintendo video game series, Pikachu will evolve into Raichu if you use a Thunder Stone. In Pokémon GO, the use of 25 candy will evolve your cute electric mouse into the more power Raichu. Since generation seven that was released with Sun and Moon, Alolan Pokémon have been spotted. Players can find Alolan Pokémon in the Alolan region.

But what if you play Pokémon GO? How do you find these Alolan Pokémon? There’s no Alolan Pikachu, so how does one discover Alolan Raichu? Let’s take a look.

Electric/Psychic mouse

In the Nintendo game series and anime, Alolan Pokémon can be found in the Alolan region. Some Alolan Pokémon even evolve from generation one Kanto Pokémon. This includes Exeggcute, Cubone, and Pikachu. In the Nintendo game and series players who want an Alolan Raichu must first catch a Pichu. Evolving Pichu into Pikachu whilst it has high happiness is the key. Players can then use a Thunder Stone to evolve Pikachu into Alolan Raichu.

Alolan Raichu is an Electric-Psychic type and looks like it is surfing on its own tail. This cool appearance and ideal type makes it a desirable mon. Completing the Pokémon GO Pokédex is another reason for players to covet the mouse Pokémon.

There is really only one way to obtain an Alolan Raichu in Pokémon GO. Previously this adorable floating mon was available through Research Breakthrough Rewards, but those days are long gone. Unfortunately you can’t simply make your Pichu happy and use candy to evolve it.

Instead you’ll need to catch an Alolan Raichu from a raid battle. Alolan Raichu appear in three star raids. Grab a few people when one pops up and take it down. It’s possible to take down this raid by yourself. Tyranitar with bite/crunch combo is a good choice. Its dark moves are super effective against Alolan Raichu’s Psychic type, and Electric attacks won’t be effective against Tyranitar’s Ground type.

Once you’ve defeated Alolan Raichu in the raid, you’ll be able to catch the mon. Shiny variants of Alolan Raichu are also available in Pokémon GO. Unfortunately Alolan Raichu isn’t currently in the raid rotation. You’ll need to wait until the sparky mouse pops up again. Raid Pokémon regularly change and common ones like Alolan Raichu are sure to spring up again soon.

Of course if you really want an Alolan Raichu and you can’t wait, you can always trade a friend for one.