![[Image: raikou_by_sanguisgelidus-d49q6zi.jpg]](http://img09.deviantart.net/6865/i/2011/256/5/d/raikou_by_sanguisgelidus-d49q6zi.jpg)
Credit to: JoJoesArt
Raikou, the most underused of the Legendary dogs. Raikou serves as a more offensive answer to bulky waters, while being more defensive than Mega Manectric. What sets Raikou apart from more defensive Electric types like Zapdos and Thundurus is Raikou's amazing base speed of 115. Raikou is set apart from Mega Manectric is Raikou's ability to use a held item to boost its defensive or offensive capabilities dependent on the needs of the team, not taking up a Mega evolution slot and higher base defences allowing for Raikou to hold a more supportive role with moves such as Snarl and Light Screen (Although Manectric has intimidate and has much higher base Special Attack and Speed, and lacks Lightningrod to protect partners from Thunder Waves).
![[Image: 243.gif]](http://pldh.net/media/pokemon/gen6/xy-animated/243.gif)
Type: Electric
Weaknesses: Ground (x2)
Resistances: Flying (x0.5), Steel (x0.5), Electric (x0.5)
Abilities:
Pressure - When a Pokémon with Pressure is targeted by a foe's move, one additional PP is deducted upon execution. Consequently, extra PP is deducted even if the foe's move misses, has multiple targets, or is rendered ineffective due to immunity. If the move of a Pokémon targets several foes with Pressure, one additional PP will be deducted for each one.
Volt Absorb* - When a Pokémon with Volt Absorb is hit by an Electric-type move (including status moves), its HP is restored by one quarter of its maximum HP, and the move will have no effect on that Pokémon (if a Pokémon with this Ability already has full HP, the Electric-type move will do nothing).
*Unavailable in the VGC15 format
Base Stats: 90 HP / 85 ATK / 75 DEF / 115 SpA / 100 SpD / 115 Spe
Special Attacker
Raikou @ Assault Vest
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Extrasensory/Volt Switch
- Snarl
Raikou has an amazing base speed, and to make best use of it, max speed investment with a Timid nature are used to outspeed Pokemon like Adamant Talonflame and Mega Salamence, Jolly Garchomp, Terrakion and Virizion and speed tie with Modest Max speed Scarf Politoed. Raikou appreciates max special attack investment to better check bulky waters such as Suicune and Milotic, having a much higher chance to 2HKO. The item Assault Vest allows Raikou survive some very powerful attacks such as 252+ Specs Hydreigon Draco Meteor, 252+ Zard Y Overheat in the sun most of the time and two 252+ Specs Sylveon Hyper voices most of the time. The moveset is fairly simple. Thunderbolt for STAB to deal with bulky waters and flying types. HP Ice for Lando-T and Salamence. Extrasensory to hit Mega Venusaur. Volt switch can be used to gain momentum on obvious switches. Snarl is used to reduce both opposing Pokemon's special attack (beware of Milotic and Bisharp switch ins)
Damage Calculations
Defensive:
Offensive:
Potential Teammates include, but aren't limited to;
- Raikou appreciates intimidate support, as with it it can survive some fairly strong physical moves such as 252+ Double-edge from M-Khan and 252+ Earthquake from Landorus-T. Landorus-T and Mega Salamence are good teammates, as Raikou deals with the bulky waters that they struggle with, while they provide intimidate support for Raikou.
- Due to Raikou's ground weakness, Wide guard users such as Aegislash and Swampert make good partners.
- Raikou appreciates chip damage to turn 2HKOs in to OHKOs and to guarantee 2HKOs. For this spread move users are appreciated.
Threats include but aren't limited to;
- While Assault Vest makes Raikou fairly specially bulky, he struggles with physical attackers. Specifically bulkier physical attackers like Kangaskhan and Conkeldurr which can take your attacks and OHKO/2HKO in return.
- Ground types such as Swampert and Excadrill can be an issue for for Raikou to deal with, as Raikou cannot touch them while they can OHKO/2HKO in return, and can use Earth power and drill run respectively to get past Wide Guard support.
- Specially defensive Pokemon, particularly ones which resist Thunderbolt such as Tyranitar cannot be touched by Raikou while being able to 2HKO in return.
Other notable moves
- Protect - On builds without Assault Vest, Protect is an amazing option, preventing Raikou from being double targeted and can allow its partner to use earthquake for a turn.
- Light Screen/Reflect - These moves give Raikou some unique opportunities to support your team by reducing Special or physical damage respectively for 5 turns.
- Discharge - Next to Manectric, Raichu or Mega Sceptile, Discharge can be used to increase the Special attack of your teammate while damaging both of your opponent's Pokemon, with a 30% chance to paralyze.
- Thunder Wave - A form of speed control which your opponent is not likely to expect.
- Swagger - Confuses the opponent while increasing their physical attack.
Other Notable Items
- Shuca Berry - Allows Raikou to survive a ground type attack and OHKO back with HP Ice against Pokemon like Landorus-T and Garchomp.
- Life Orb - Can be used to increase the damage output of Raikou, making its damage output exceed that of Mega Manectric.
- Choice Specs - Can be used to nab KOs that would otherwise be unobtainable, such as guaranteeing OHKOs on all popular Mega Mence and non-assault vest/yache berry Landorus.
- Expert Belt - Similarly to expert belt Zapdos, can be used to get surprise KOs and avoid the recoil damage/being locked in to a move.
- Light clay - For more supportive sets to ensure screens are up for the majority of the game.
