0026 Raichu(Alolan)

Volt Switch is now one of the best fast moves in PvP, and despite having slightly lower energy gains compared to Thunder Shock, it adds a lot of consistency to Raichu's performance with its higher damage output. Spark is strictly inferior to both other options.

Thunder Punch is needed to bait shields thanks to its lower energy cost, in addition to benefiting from STAB. Psychic and Grass Knot have great stats and add extra coverage, the former on Grass, the latter on Ground, both commonly used to counter Raichu. Wild Charge hits very hard if you're not concerned about getting walled by those.

AlolaChu is really good at doing a couple things. It is good at dealing lots of neutral damage and pressuring shields with the fast charging sparks and good charge moves to choose from, including the fast shield busting Thunder Punch. It is good at zapping Fliers and Toasting Water types. t is good at serving as the electric role in your team while also soft countering Fighting Types. Now for the downsides. AlolaChu NEEDS shields. It is super duper squishy. This means that it will usually only take down one mon and then put a dent into a second one, even in a good scenario. Also, it can get walled out pretty hard by Ground or Rock types. Even with the addition of Grass Knot to the kit, those matchups become a question of energy and shields, and then you are probably giving up Thunder Punch, making AlolaChu worse at its original function. AlolaChu is really good at what it does, but its lack of bulk and struggle to cover itself well without giving up its main function keep it from being a top flight PvP pick. 

RUN, don’t even dare try to fight Giratina. Just run!

Just no hope, ever.