Pokémon Legends: Z-A and its DLC gave us several new Mega Evolutions, but hardly any of the new additions have been as unexpected and shocking as Raichu getting the Mega treatment. This underrated Electric mouse has always lived in the shadow of its iconic pre-evolution, the mascot of the franchise and Ash Ketchum’s ace, Pikachu.
Even Pokémon GO players often kept their Hundo/Shundo Pikas as is, not evolving it even if they have all the Candy, and as long as Raichu was registered to their ‘dex. Now, with not one, but two Megas (a rare distinction shared by Charizard, Mewtwo, and the trio of Z Megas), and the Super Mega Raichu Raid Day incoming, Pokémon GO players are definitely going to evolve Pikachu and salvage the electrifying powers of Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y!
But are they worth the effort? Can the Mega Evolution(s) of a Pokémon more ignored than Mimikyu make an impact on the meta? And which one is better, X or Y?
Let us explore their stats first!
Mega Raichu X & Y Overview
Mega X Raichu
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Mega Y Raichu
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| Typing | Electric | Electric |
| Max CP | 3969 | 4274 |
| ATK | 277 | 339 |
| DEF | 203 | 157 |
| HP | 155 | 155 |
| Weak to | Ground | Ground |
| Resists |    |
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Rubbing your eyes? And no, that’s not an error… Mega Raichu Y, raised from the humble and largely forgotten Raichu, has an insane ATK stat of 339. Yes, Mega Raichu X also has a pretty neat ATK of 277, but that’s more in line with lesser Megas (like Mega Charizard X) and regular, strong Legendaries. Mega Raichu Y’s offensive strength is tremendous, and it’s in the league of top-notch Megas and Legendaries. For comparison, Mega Raichu Y’s ATK is the same as Mega Garchomp and higher than even Zacian Crowned Sword.
Even though Mega Raichu X is bulkier, and can offer the Mega Boost to its teammates for longer, the difference in their ATK and, as a result, the DPS (Damage Per Second) is bound to be significant, and almost analogous to how Mega Charizard Y is way stronger than X in the Fire department. At least Mega Charizard X has the Dragon subtyping to distinguish itself, but with both Mega Raichu variants being pure Electric, how much better is Y than X?
Mega Raichu X & Y in the Electric Meta
Using our trusted GO Hub DPS Comparer Tool:
Talk about exceeding expectations! Mega Raichu Y stuns with an absolutely incredible debut, taking over as the best Electric type in Pokémon GO until the recently added Zeraora gets its Mega Evolution added in the game. While Mega Raichu Y is a glass cannon and would need immaculate dodging for survivability in Raids, its DPS is phenomenal, dealing nearly 7.7% more damage than the current ruler of Electric types: Regieleki. Not to mention, Mega Raichu Y also has a higher TDO and provides the perks of the Mega Boost, completely dethroning Regieleki in the process.
On the other hand, Mega Raichu X is quite outclassed, doing marginally higher damage than Zekrom, but still trailing behind Mega Raichu Y’s damage figures by around 18.5%. Of course, it is easier to power up a Mega Raichu X over the likes of Zekrom, Thundurus Therian, Xurkitree, and the high-tier Electric-type Shadows. As such, you can technically run Mega Raichu X in Raids, but when its Y counterpart shares the same Electric typing (unlike Mega Charizard and Mewtwo), Mega Raichu Y is the definitive choice between the two Mega Evolutions.
Mega Raichu Y or Mega Zeraora?
Down the line, Mega Zeraora will surpass Mega Raichu Y in power, inflicting more than 27% damage. So, while Mega Zeraora is the stronger Mega Evolution, is it better than Mega Raichu Y?
The comparison arises from the fact that Raichu is super easy to power up and even max out compared to Zeraora. Pikachu is one of the most widely accessible grabs in Pokémon GO, even available via its various costumed forms. With a Buddy distance of only 1 km, you can farm Candy XL for Raichu without breaking much of a sweat. Zeraora, however, is a Mythical, making it even less accessible than Legendaries, and therefore very difficult for any trainer to farm Candy.
Both these Mega Evolutions are pure Electric types, so there are no pointers regarding their typing, it all boils down to accessibility and ease of maxing out. You can literally have a Level 50 Mega Raichu Y at the end of the Super Mega Raichu Raid Day with ease!
Yes, Mega Zeraora will eventually overtake it in damage numbers, but with the painful grind associated with the Mythical, and everyone getting the chance to catch the Electric type table topper, this is a monumental event for all! You are even going to get good use out of Mega Raichu Y in the future.
Give Raichu the love it deserves, and enjoy zapping around Raids with the strongest Electric type in Pokémon GO!
