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NU Luxray (3/∞) (2/2) DOOOOOOOOOONE FINALLY!!!!!!!!!
- Thread starter CanadianWifier
- Start date
TheCanadianWifier write this nerd
CanadianWifier
Run Away With Me
I ain't no nerd :[
Alright, this has been fully written with mentions and comparisons of/to Quagsire and Heliolisk where appropriate.
Ready for the last QC check to get this finally done and posted :]
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Overview
#########
Sporting very decent bulk coupled with Intimidate and pure Electric-typing, (remove hyphen) Sinnoh's most popular Electric hound Luxray can be surprisingly tough to take down. Combine that with very impressive mixed attacking stats and Luxray is very capable of holding its own in NU. However, it's held back by its low Speed and shallow offensive movepool, making it hard to accomplish much outside of pivoting around. It also faces heavy competition from other Electric-types in the tier like such as Heliolisk, Raichu, and Electivire, who that sport better coverage options and better speed. Despite these shortcomings, Luxray is a viable option in NU for those who wish to give it a try.
Offensive Pivot
########
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Superpower
move 3: Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Water]
move 4: Volt Switch
ability: Intimidate
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spe
nature: Rash
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is used for it's sheer power, being able to OHKO 252 HP Feraligatr, and 2HKO many Physical (lowercase) walls trying to switch-in. Volt Switch is used in order keep up offensive momentum when predicting the opponent to switch into a non Ground-type. Superpower gives ita strong options nice coverage against Steel-types pokemon like such as Steelix, Klingklang, Probopass, and Ferroseed. Hidden Power Water is used to hit Mega-Camerupt, (remove hyphen) as it avoids the 2HKO from Superpower, and is immune to everything else. Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit other pokemon (capitalize) that are immune to Volt Switch, such as Seismitoed, Quagsire, Rhydon, and Sandslash. Signal Beam can be used over Volt Switch as a way to deal super effective damage to Psychic-, and Grass-types such as Malamar, (RC) and Mesprit. Volt Switch is preferred however, as it's generally better to simply Volt Switch on their predicted switch, and send out an appropriate check.
Set Details
========
Max speed (capitalize) is used to tie with all other 252 Speed base 70s, including important Water-types like Ludicolo, Poliwrath, and Samurott. Intimidate is used to lessen the damage taken specifically from a Feraligatr on the switch, and to encourage theopponent foe to switch out. It's also useful for switching into Flying-type attacks from Swellow, Dodrio, and Archeops. Life Orb is used to ensure the OHKO on all variants of Feraligatr, as without Life Orb you it'll need a lot of prior damage. It also makes up for Luxray's very average Special Attack, and adds a significant power increase to every attack Luxray manages to throw out. Leftovers can be used, however, if you want to keep Luxray alive longer as Life Orb damage + attacks add up quickly. A Naive nature can be used, as it allows you to outrun neutral nature max speed (capitalize) base 80s, such as Mesprit.
Usage Tips
========
Generally switch Luxray in as soon as the opponent goes to their Feraligatr, as this set's main draw is to beat it with offensive pressure combined with Intimidate. Intimidate is generally a useful ability to have as well, if there's a physical attacker that's threatening to sweep, you can use Luxray as death fodder to get off an Intimidate. Additionally, you canalmost always click use Volt Switch if you have a free turn; (start a new sentence and add period) Hidden Power Grass / Water deters Ground-types like Steelix, Seismitoad, Quagsire, and Mega-Camerupt (remove hyphen) from coming in. Against slower teams, (AC) you should try to click Volt Switch as much as possible, as it builds momentum and can effectively wear down opposing walls throughout the game.
Team Options
========
Offensive pokemon (capitalize) that appreciate opposing offensive Water-types weakened / removed are great teammates for this Luxray. Such pokemon include Typhlosion, Pyroar, and Archeops. Audino is also a decent choice, as it can heal Luxray back with Wishes and switch-in on many special attacks aimed at Luxray; as well as Luxray supporting Audino with Intimidates on physical attackers. Having pokemon (capitalize) that can deal with Grass- and Ground-type switch-ins, such as Vileplume or Virizion, are also a good idea.
Guts
########
name: Guts
move 1: Facade
move 2: Wild Charge
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Crunch / Quick Attack
ability: Guts
item: Toxic Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant / Jolly
Moves
========
Facade is the strongest moveon in this set, and is useful for not having to take recoil damage from Wild Charge vs neutral hits. It also hits Grass- and Ground-types harder than Ice Fang. Wild Charge is the STAB move on this set, doing absolutely insane damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Superpower is one of Luxray's best coverage moves, and is used to hit pokemon such as Audino, (RC) and Lickilicky to avoid massive recoil, and Steel-types like such as Steelix and Probopass. Crunch is an option if you're Luxray worried about Rotom and Golurk walling the set, and is also useful for wearing down bulky Psychic-types like Mesprit, Musharna, and Uxie. Quick Attack can be used as a form of priority, allowing for situational revenge killing, and finishing off faster pokemon (capitalize) that survive one of Luxray's powerful attacks.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature is used to hit as hard as possible, as Luxray is meant to break down walls. A Jolly nature can be used as it allows you to outrun neutral nature max speed (capitalize) base 80s, such as Mesprit; however, the drop in power is very noticeable. Toxic Orb is used over Flame Orb as it's unlikely that Luxray will be staying in for more than 4 turns at a time, which is the threshold at which Toxic Orb will have done more overall damage than Flame Orb. Therefore, to limit overall damage, Toxic Orb is the preferred option. Luxray Faces (lowercase) heavy competition as a guts user from Zangoose; though, (AC) not being weak to Gurdurr's Mach Punch, and having an easier time getting past Qwilfish give it a small niche.
Usage Tips
========
Try to bring it in on something it forces to switch-out, such as Feraligatr or Prinplup, giving it a free turn to activate its status orb. Avoid switching Luxray directly into attacks, as between Wild Charge and Toxic Orb it already takes a lot of residual damage. Slow U-turns or Volt Switches from pokemon (capitalize) such as Probopass, Lumineon, or Musharna are very useful for this, as they also activate the Toxic Orb for free.
Team Options
========
Slow Volt Switch / Baton Pass users are very helpful, as they can give Luxray a safe switch-in to activate its status orb. Pokemon that can do this include Probopass and Musharna. Sticky Web support could be used, aiding Luxray with it's sweep by lessening the damage it needs to take before attacking as most things will be slower under webs. Healing Wish Mespirit is also a decent teammate, as it can literally give Luxray two chances at sweeping. Pairing it with a Zangoose is also very effective, as they share similar checks and counters and Zangoose appreciates having them worn down. Having hazard support of your own helps Luxray wear down the opponent's team even more effectively, as it forces a lot of switches. Roselia and Garbodor are decent options for setting up spikes. (capitalize)
Other Options
########
A Choice Scarf with Intimidate + and Volt Switch is a decent option, but should be left to faster Electric-types like Heliolisk. A Choice Band set is a possibility, but Luxray would prefer to just use Guts, (AC) as it gets access to super strong Facade, and can still switch moves. A defensive set with RestTalk and Baby-Doll Eyes could be used, but defensive electric types are better left to Stunfisk as it gets Stealth Rock; and a defensive Flying-type resist is better left to Steelix or Regirock.
Checks & Counters
########
**Ground-types** Bulky ones such as Quagsire, Seismitoad, and Steelix can switch in relatively safely to any attack Luxray wants to throw at it, barring an HP Grass in the case ofcase Quagsire and Siesmitoad, and threaten to KO back with their STAB. Offensive Gound-types, such as Sandslash, can switch-in on a predicted STAB attack and threaten to KO the next turn.
**Bulky Grass-types** Pokemon such as Vileplume, Gourgiest, Virizion, and Tangela can switch into most attacks and shrug off the hit rather unscathed. They can then threaten it offensively, or stall out Luxray to rack up Status Orb damage.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon** Specially bulky pokemon (capitalize) that aren't weak to Superpower, such as Musharna and Mega-Audino, (remove hyphen) can easily switch into Luxray, take any hit, (RC) and recover off the damage.
**Faster Attackers** Faster pokemon (capitalize) can come in after a kill and force out Luxray due to its low speed.
#########
Sporting very decent bulk coupled with Intimidate and pure Electric
Offensive Pivot
########
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Superpower
move 3: Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Water]
move 4: Volt Switch
ability: Intimidate
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spe
nature: Rash
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is used for it's sheer power, being able to OHKO 252 HP Feraligatr, and 2HKO many Physical (lowercase) walls trying to switch-in. Volt Switch is used in order keep up offensive momentum when predicting the opponent to switch into a non Ground-type. Superpower gives it
Set Details
========
Max speed (capitalize) is used to tie with all other 252 Speed base 70s, including important Water-types like Ludicolo, Poliwrath, and Samurott. Intimidate is used to lessen the damage taken specifically from a Feraligatr on the switch, and to encourage the
Usage Tips
========
Generally switch Luxray in as soon as the opponent goes to their Feraligatr, as this set's main draw is to beat it with offensive pressure combined with Intimidate. Intimidate is generally a useful ability to have as well, if there's a physical attacker that's threatening to sweep, you can use Luxray as death fodder to get off an Intimidate. Additionally, you can
Team Options
========
Offensive pokemon (capitalize) that appreciate opposing offensive Water-types weakened / removed are great teammates for this Luxray. Such pokemon include Typhlosion, Pyroar, and Archeops. Audino is also a decent choice, as it can heal Luxray back with Wish
Guts
########
name: Guts
move 1: Facade
move 2: Wild Charge
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Crunch / Quick Attack
ability: Guts
item: Toxic Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant / Jolly
Moves
========
Facade is the strongest move
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature is used to hit as hard as possible, as Luxray is meant to break down walls. A Jolly nature can be used as it allows you to outrun neutral nature max speed (capitalize) base 80s, such as Mesprit; however, the drop in power is very noticeable. Toxic Orb is used over Flame Orb as it's unlikely that Luxray will be staying in for more than 4 turns at a time, which is the threshold at which Toxic Orb will have done more overall damage than Flame Orb. Therefore, to limit overall damage, Toxic Orb is the preferred option. Luxray Faces (lowercase) heavy competition as a guts user from Zangoose; though, (AC) not being weak to Gurdurr's Mach Punch, and having an easier time getting past Qwilfish give it a small niche.
Usage Tips
========
Try to bring it in on something it forces to switch-out, such as Feraligatr or Prinplup, giving it a free turn to activate its status orb. Avoid switching Luxray directly into attacks, as between Wild Charge and Toxic Orb it already takes a lot of residual damage. Slow U-turns or Volt Switches from pokemon (capitalize) such as Probopass, Lumineon, or Musharna are very useful for this, as they also activate the Toxic Orb for free.
Team Options
========
Slow Volt Switch / Baton Pass users are very helpful, as they can give Luxray a safe switch-in to activate its status orb. Pokemon that can do this include Probopass and Musharna. Sticky Web support could be used, aiding Luxray with it's sweep by lessening the damage it needs to take before attacking as most things will be slower under webs. Healing Wish Mespirit is also a decent teammate, as it can literally give Luxray two chances at sweeping. Pairing it with a Zangoose is also very effective, as they share similar checks and counters and Zangoose appreciates having them worn down. Having hazard support of your own helps Luxray wear down the opponent's team even more effectively, as it forces a lot of switches. Roselia and Garbodor are decent options for setting up spikes. (capitalize)
Other Options
########
A Choice Scarf with Intimidate + and Volt Switch is a decent option, but should be left to faster Electric-types like Heliolisk. A Choice Band set is a possibility, but Luxray would prefer to just use Guts, (AC) as it gets access to super strong Facade, and can still switch moves. A defensive set with RestTalk and Baby-Doll Eyes could be used, but defensive electric types are better left to Stunfisk as it gets Stealth Rock; and a defensive Flying-type resist is better left to Steelix or Regirock.
Checks & Counters
########
**Ground-types** Bulky ones such as Quagsire, Seismitoad, and Steelix can switch in relatively safely to any attack Luxray wants to throw at it, barring an HP Grass in the case of
**Bulky Grass-types** Pokemon such as Vileplume, Gourgiest, Virizion, and Tangela can switch into most attacks and shrug off the hit rather unscathed. They can then threaten it offensively, or stall out Luxray to rack up Status Orb damage.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon** Specially bulky pokemon (capitalize) that aren't weak to Superpower, such as Musharna and Mega-Audino, (remove hyphen) can easily switch into Luxray, take any hit, (RC) and recover off the damage.
**Faster Attackers** Faster pokemon (capitalize) can come in after a kill and force out Luxray due to its low speed.
GP 1/2 CanadianWifier
Overview
#########
Sporting very decent bulk coupled with Intimidate and pure Electric typing, Luxray can be surprisingly tough to take down. Combine that with very impressive mixed attacking stats and Luxray is very capable of holding its own in NU. However, it's held back by its low Speed and shallow offensive movepool, making it hard to accomplish much outside of pivoting around. It also faces heavy competition from other Electric-types in the tier such as Heliolisk, Raichu, and Electivire,who all of which sport better coverage options and better speed.
Offensive Pivot
########
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Superpower
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Water
move 4: Volt Switch
ability: Intimidate
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
evs: 4 Atk / 252SAtk SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Rash
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is used forit's its sheer power, being able to OHKO 252 HP Feraligatr, (remove comma) and 2HKO many physical walls on the switch trying to switch-in. Volt Switch is used in order allows you to keep up offensive momentum when you predict the opponent will switch into a Pokemon that isn't a predicting the opponent to switch into a non Ground-type. Superpower gives it Luxray nice coverage against Steel-types such as Steelix, Klinklang, Probopass, and Ferroseed. Hidden Power Water is used to hit Mega-Camerupt (remove dash), which as it avoids the 2HKO from Superpower, (remove comma) and is immune to Luxray's STAB moves everything else. Hidden Power Grass can be used instead to hit other Pokemon that are immune to Volt Switch, such as Seismitoad, Quagsire, Rhydon, and Sandslash (the last two are hit equally hard by HP Water though, right?). Signal Beam can be used over Volt Switch as a way to deal super effective damage to Psychic-, and Grass-types such as Malamar, and Mesprit (mention a Grass-type?). Volt Switch is preferred, (comma) however, as it's generally better to simply Volt Switch on their predicted switch, (remove comma) and send out an appropriate check.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed is used to tie with all other 252 Speed base 70s Pokemon, including important Water-types such as like Ludicolo, Poliwrath, and Samurott. Intimidate is used to lessen the damage taken specifically from a Feraligatr on the switch, (remove comma) and to encourage the foe to switch out. It's also useful for switching into Flying-type attacks from Swellow, Dodrio, and Archeops. Life Orb is used to ensure the OHKO on all variants of Feraligatr, as without Life Orb Luxray will it'll need a lot of prior damage to do so. It also makes up for Luxray's very average Special Attack, (remove comma) and adds a significant power increase to every attack Luxray throws out manages to throw out. Leftovers can be used, however, if you want to keep Luxray alive longer, (comma) as Life Orb recoil and damage from damage + attacks add up quickly. A Naive nature can be used, as it allows Luxray to outrun neutral-natured maximum Speed base 80 Pokemon you to outrun neutral nature max Speed base 80s, such as Mesprit.
Usage Tips
========
Generally, you should switch Luxray in as soon as the opponent goes to their Feraligatr, as this set's main draw is its ability to beat Feraligatrto beat it with offensive pressure combined with Intimidate. Intimidate is generally (you used generally in the previous sentence, consider changing one?) a useful ability to have as well,; (semicolon) if there's a physical attacker that's threatening to sweep, you can use Luxray as death fodder to get off an Intimidate. Additionally, you can click Volt Switch if you ever have a free turn, as Hidden Power Grass and / Water deters Ground-types such as like Steelix, Seismitoad, Quagsire, and Mega Camerupt from coming in. Against slower teams, you should try to Volt Switch as much as possible, as it builds momentum and can effectively wear down opposing walls throughout the game.
Team Options
========
Offensive Pokemon that appreciate Luxray's ability to weaken or removeopposing offensive Water-types weakened / removed are great teammates for this Luxray. Such Pokemon include Typhlosion, Pyroar, and Archeops. Audino is also a decent teammate choice, as it can heal Luxray back with Wishes and switch in on many special attacks aimed at Luxray; in return, Luxray's Intimidate weakens physical attackers as well as Luxray supporting Audino with Intimidates on physical attackers. Having Pokemon that can deal with Grass- and Ground-type switch-ins, such as Vileplume or Virizion, (are Vileplume and Virizion examples of Grass-type switch-ins, or examples of Pokemon that can deal with them? if the former, remove the commas around 'such as Vileplume or Virizion') are is also a good idea.
Guts
########
name: Guts
move 1: Facade
move 2: Wild Charge
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Crunch / Quick Attack
ability: Guts
item: Toxic Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant / Jolly
Moves
========
Facade is the strongest move on this set, (remove comma) and is useful for not having to take recoil damage from Wild Charge. It also hits Grass- and Ground-types harder than Ice Fang. Wild Charge is the STAB move on this set, doing absolutely insane (maybe tone this down a bit?) damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Superpower is one of Luxray's best coverage moves, hitting Normal- and Steel-types such as Audino, Lickilicky, Steelix, and Probopass and is used to hit pokemon such as Audino, and Lickilicky to avoid massive recoil, and Steel-types such as Steelix and Probopass. Crunch prevents Rotom and Golurk from walling the set is an option if Rotom and Golurk walling the set is worrying, and is also useful for wearing down bulky Psychic-types such as like Mesprit, Musharna, and Uxie. Quick Attack can be used as a form of priority, allowing Luxray to revenge kill if necessary and finish for situational revenge killing, and finishing off faster Pokemon that survive one of Luxray's its powerful attacks.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature is used to hit as hard as possible, as Luxray is meant to break down walls. A Jolly nature can be used, (comma) as it allows Luxray to outrun neutral-natured maximum Speed base 80 Pokemonyou to outrun neutral nature max Speed base 80s, such as Mesprit; however, the drop in power is very noticeable. Guts gives a significant power boost when Luxray has a status condition, and it works well with a status Orb. Toxic Orb is used over Flame Orb, (comma) as it's unlikely that Luxray will be staying in for more than four 4 turns at a time, which is the threshold at which Toxic Orb will have done more overall damage than Flame Orb. Therefore, to limit overall damage, Toxic Orb is the preferred option. (I feel like you explained this well enough in the previous sentence, up to you if you want to keep it though) Luxray faces heavy competition as a guts user from Zangoose; though, not being weak to Gurdurr's Mach Punch, and having an easier time getting past Qwilfish give it a small niche. (this probably belongs somewhere else. I added in another sentence above to address the ability)
Usage Tips
========
Try to bringit Luxray in on something a Pokemon (just to be more formal) it forces to switch-out, such as Feraligatr or Prinplup, giving it a free turn to activate its status Orb. Avoid switching Luxray directly into attacks, as between Wild Charge and Toxic Orb it already takes a lot of residual damage. Slow U-turns, or Volt Switches, or Baton Passes (Musharna?) from Pokemon such as Probopass, Lumineon, or Musharna are very useful for getting Luxray in safely this, as they also activate the Toxic Orb for free.
Team Options
========
Slow Volt Switch/ or Baton Pass users such as Probopass and Musharna are very helpful, as they can give Luxray a safe switch in to activate its status Orb. Pokemon that can do this include Probopass and Musharna. Sticky Web support aids Luxray's sweep by slowing down grounded foes, could be used, aiding Luxray with it's sweep by lessening the damage it needs to take before attacking as most things will be slower under webs. Healing Wish Mesprit is also a decent teammate, as it can literally give Luxray two chances at sweeping. Pairing it Luxray (unclear whether it was referring to Mesprit or Luxray) with a Zangoose is also very effective, as they share similar checks and counters and (would it be okay to change the following to "can wear them down for each other", or is it generally Zangoose that cleans?) Zangoose appreciates having them worn down. Entry hazard support wears Having hazard support of your own helps Luxray wear down the opponent's team even more effectively, as it Luxray forces a lot of switches. Roselia and Garbodor are decent options for Spikes setters setting up Spikes.
Other Options
########
A Choice Scarf set with Intimidate and+ Volt Switch is a decent option, (remove comma) but should be left to faster Electric-types like such as Heliolisk. A Choice Band set is a possibility, but Luxray would prefer to just use Guts, as it works well with the powerful Facade and allows Luxray to as it gets access to super strong Facade, and can still switch moves. A defensive set with RestTalk and Baby-Doll Eyes could be used, but Luxray is outclassed as a defensive Electric-type by Stunfisk, which has access to Stealth Rock, and outclassed as a defensive Pokemon that resists Flying by Steelix and Regirock defensive electric types are better left to Stunfisk as it gets Stealth Rock; and a defensive Flying-type resist is better left to Steelix or Regirock.
Checks & Counters
########
**Ground-types**: (colon) Bulky Ground-typesones such as Quagsire, Seismitoad, and Steelix can switch in relatively safely to any of Luxray's attacks attack Luxray wants to throw at it, barring Hidden Power Grass in Quagsire and Seismitoad's cases an HP Grass in the case of Quagsire and Siesmitoad, and threaten to KO back with their STAB moves. Offensive Ground-types, such as Sandslash, can switch in switch-in on a predicted STAB attack and threaten to KO the next turn.
(space)
**Bulky Grass-types**: (colon) Pokemon such as Vileplume, GourgeistGourgiest, Virizion, and Tangela can switch into most attacks and shrug off the hit rather unscathed. They can then threaten it Luxray offensively, (remove comma) or stall it out Luxray to rack up status Orb (status is lowercase but orb is capitalized, according to the Standards) damage.
(space)
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: (colon) Specially bulky Pokemon that aren't weak to Superpower, such as Musharna and Mega Audino, can easily switch into Luxray, take any hit, (comma) and recover off the damage.
(space)
**Faster Attackers**: (colon) Faster Pokemon can come in after a kill and forceout Luxray out due to its low Speed.
#########
Sporting very decent bulk coupled with Intimidate and pure Electric typing, Luxray can be surprisingly tough to take down. Combine that with very impressive mixed attacking stats and Luxray is very capable of holding its own in NU. However, it's held back by its low Speed and shallow offensive movepool, making it hard to accomplish much outside of pivoting around. It also faces heavy competition from other Electric-types in the tier such as Heliolisk, Raichu, and Electivire,
Offensive Pivot
########
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Superpower
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Water
move 4: Volt Switch
ability: Intimidate
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
evs: 4 Atk / 252
nature: Rash
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is used for
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed is used to tie with all other 252 Speed base 70
Usage Tips
========
Generally, you should switch Luxray in as soon as the opponent goes to their Feraligatr, as this set's main draw is its ability to beat Feraligatr
Team Options
========
Offensive Pokemon that appreciate Luxray's ability to weaken or remove
Guts
########
name: Guts
move 1: Facade
move 2: Wild Charge
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Crunch / Quick Attack
ability: Guts
item: Toxic Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant / Jolly
Moves
========
Facade is the strongest move on this set
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature is used to hit as hard as possible, as Luxray is meant to break down walls. A Jolly nature can be used, (comma) as it allows Luxray to outrun neutral-natured maximum Speed base 80 Pokemon
Usage Tips
========
Try to bring
Team Options
========
Slow Volt Switch
Other Options
########
A Choice Scarf set with Intimidate and
Checks & Counters
########
**Ground-types**: (colon) Bulky Ground-types
(space)
**Bulky Grass-types**: (colon) Pokemon such as Vileplume, Gourgeist
(space)
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: (colon) Specially bulky Pokemon that aren't weak to Superpower, such as Musharna and Mega Audino, can easily switch into Luxray, take any hit, (comma) and recover off the damage.
(space)
**Faster Attackers**: (colon) Faster Pokemon can come in after a kill and force
Last edited:
CanadianWifier
REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS
2/2
Also, be sure to remove mentions of heliolisk and mega steelix
REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS
Overview
#########
Sporting very decent bulk coupled with Intimidate and pure Electric typing, Luxray can be surprisingly tough to take down. Combine that with very impressive mixed attacking stats and Luxray is very capable of holding its own in NU. However, it's held back by its low Speed and shallow offensive movepool, making it hard to accomplish much outside of pivoting around. It also faces heavy competition from other Electric-types in the tier such as Heliolisk, Raichu, and Electivire, all of which sport better coverage options and better Speed.
Offensive Pivot
########
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Superpower
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Water
move 4: Volt Switch
ability: Intimidate
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Rash
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is used for its sheer power, being able to OHKO 252 HP Feraligatr and 2HKO many physical walls on the switch. Volt Switch allows you to keep up offensive momentum when you predict the opponent will switch into a Pokemon that isn't a Ground-type. Superpower gives Luxray nice coverage against Steel-types such as Steelix, Klinklang, Probopass, and Ferroseed. Hidden Power Water is used to hit Mega Camerupt, which avoids the 2HKO from Superpower, (RC) and is immune to Luxray's STAB moves. Hidden Power Grass can be used instead to hit other Pokemon that are immune to Volt Switch, such as Seismitoad and Quagsire. Signal Beam can be used over Volt Switch as a way to deal super effective damage to Psychic- and Grass-types such as Malamar, Ludicolo, and Mesprit. Volt Switch is preferred, however, as it's generally better to simply Volt Switch on their predicted switch and send out an appropriate check.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed is used to tie with all other 252 Speed base 70 Pokemon, including important Water-types such as Ludicolo, Poliwrath, and Samurott. Intimidate is used to lessen the damage taken specifically from Feraligatr on the switch and to encourage the foe to switch out. It's also useful for switching into Flying-type attacks from Swellow, Dodrio, and Archeops. Life Orb is used to ensure the OHKO on all variants of Feraligatr, as without Life Orb Luxray will need a lot of prior damage to do so. It also makes up for Luxray's very average Special Attack and adds a significant power increase to every attack Luxray throws out. Leftovers can be used, however, if you want to keep Luxray alive longer, as Life Orb recoil and damage from attacks add up quickly. A Naive nature can be used, as it allows Luxray to outrun neutral-natured maximum Speed base 80 Pokemon, such as Mesprit.
Usage Tips
========
Generally you should switch Luxray in as soon as the opponent goes to their Feraligatr, as this set's main draw is its ability to beat Feraligatr with offensive pressure combined with Intimidate. Intimidate is a useful ability; if there's a physical attacker that's threatening to sweep, you can use Luxray as death fodder to get off an Intimidate. Additionally, you can click Volt Switch if you ever have a free turn, as Hidden Power Grass and Water deter Ground-types such as Steelix, Seismitoad, Quagsire, and Mega Camerupt from coming in. Against slower teams, you should try to Volt Switch as much as possible, as it builds momentum and can effectively wear down opposing walls throughout the game.
Team Options
========
Offensive Pokemon that appreciate Luxray's ability to weaken or remove offensive Water-types are great teammates. Such Pokemon include Typhlosion, Pyroar, and Archeops. Audino is also a decent teammate, as it can heal Luxray with Wishes and switch in on many special attacks aimed at Luxray; in return, Luxray's Intimidate weakens physical attackers. Having Pokemon that can deal with Grass- and Ground-type switch-ins, such as Vileplume or Virizion, is also a good idea.
Guts
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name: Guts
move 1: Facade
move 2: Wild Charge
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Crunch / Quick Attack
ability: Guts
item: Toxic Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant / Jolly
Moves
========
Facade is the strongest move on this set and is useful for not having to take recoil damage from Wild Charge. It also hits Grass- and Ground-types harder than Ice Fang. Wild Charge is the STAB move on this set, doing massive damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Superpower is one of Luxray's best coverage moves, hitting Normal- and Steel-types such as Audino, Lickilicky, Steelix, and Probopass. Crunch prevents Rotom and Golurk from walling the set, and is also useful for wearing down bulky Psychic-types such as Mesprit, Musharna, and Uxie. Quick Attack can be used as a form of priority, allowing Luxray to revenge kill if necessary and finish faster Pokemon that survive one of its powerful attacks.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature is used to hit as hard as possible, as Luxray is meant to break down walls. A Jolly nature can be used, as it allows Luxray to outrun neutral-natured maximum Speed base 80 Pokemon, such as Mesprit; however, the drop in power is very noticeable. Guts gives a significant power boost when Luxray has a status condition, and it works well with a status Orb. Toxic Orb is used over Flame Orb, as it's unlikely that Luxray will be staying in for more than four turns at a time, which is the threshold at which Toxic Orb will have done more overall damage than Flame Orb.
Usage Tips
========
Try to bring Luxray in on a Pokemon it forces out, such as Feraligatr or Prinplup, giving it a free turn to activate its status Orb. Avoid switching Luxray directly into attacks, as between Wild Charge and Toxic Orb it already takes a lot of residual damage. Slow U-turns, Volt Switches, or Baton Passes from Pokemon such as Probopass, Mesprit, or Musharna are very useful for getting Luxray in safely, as this also activates the Toxic Orb for free.
Team Options
========
Slow Volt Switch or Baton Pass users such as Probopass and Musharna are very helpful, as they can give Luxray a safe switch in to activate its status Orb. Sticky Web support aids Luxray's sweep by slowing down grounded foes, lessening the damage it needs to take before attacking. Healing Wish Mesprit is also a decent teammate, as it can literally give Luxray two chances at sweeping. Pairing Luxray with Zangoose is also very effective, as they share similar checks and counters and Zangoose appreciates having them worn down. Entry hazard support wears down the opponent's team even more effectively, as Luxray forces a lot of switches. Roselia and Garbodor are decent options for Spikes setters.
Other Options
########
A Choice Scarf set with Intimidate and Volt Switch is a decent option but should be left to faster Electric-types such as Heliolisk. A Choice Band set is a possibility, but Luxray would prefer to just use Guts, as it works well with the powerful Facade and allows Luxray to switch moves. A defensive set with RestTalk and Baby-Doll Eyes could be used, but Luxray is outclassed as a defensive Electric-type by Stunfisk, which has access to Stealth Rock, and outclassed as a defensive Pokemon that resists Flying by Steelix and Regirock.
Checks & Counters
########
**Ground-types**: Bulky Ground-types such as Quagsire, Seismitoad, and Steelix can switch in relatively safely to any of Luxray's attacks, barring Hidden Power Grass in Quagsire and Seismitoad's cases, and threaten to KO back with their STAB moves. Offensive Ground-types, such as Sandslash, can switch in on a predicted STAB attack and threaten to KO the next turn.
**Bulky Grass-types**: Pokemon such as Vileplume, Gourgeist, Virizion, and Tangela can switch into most attacks and shrug off the hit rather unscathed. They can then threaten Luxray offensively, (RC) or stall it out to rack up status Orb damage.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Specially bulky Pokemon that aren't weak to Superpower, such as Musharna and Mega Audino, can easily switch into Luxray, take any hit, and recover off the damage.
**Faster Attackers**: Faster Pokemon can come in after a kill KO and force Luxray out due to its low Speed.
#########
Sporting very decent bulk coupled with Intimidate and pure Electric typing, Luxray can be surprisingly tough to take down. Combine that with very impressive mixed attacking stats and Luxray is very capable of holding its own in NU. However, it's held back by its low Speed and shallow offensive movepool, making it hard to accomplish much outside of pivoting around. It also faces heavy competition from other Electric-types in the tier such as Heliolisk, Raichu, and Electivire, all of which sport better coverage options and better Speed.
Offensive Pivot
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name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Superpower
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Water
move 4: Volt Switch
ability: Intimidate
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Rash
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is used for its sheer power, being able to OHKO 252 HP Feraligatr and 2HKO many physical walls on the switch. Volt Switch allows you to keep up offensive momentum when you predict the opponent will switch into a Pokemon that isn't a Ground-type. Superpower gives Luxray nice coverage against Steel-types such as Steelix, Klinklang, Probopass, and Ferroseed. Hidden Power Water is used to hit Mega Camerupt, which avoids the 2HKO from Superpower, (RC) and is immune to Luxray's STAB moves. Hidden Power Grass can be used instead to hit other Pokemon that are immune to Volt Switch, such as Seismitoad and Quagsire. Signal Beam can be used over Volt Switch as a way to deal super effective damage to Psychic- and Grass-types such as Malamar, Ludicolo, and Mesprit. Volt Switch is preferred, however, as it's generally better to simply Volt Switch on their predicted switch and send out an appropriate check.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed is used to tie with all other 252 Speed base 70 Pokemon, including important Water-types such as Ludicolo, Poliwrath, and Samurott. Intimidate is used to lessen the damage taken specifically from Feraligatr on the switch and to encourage the foe to switch out. It's also useful for switching into Flying-type attacks from Swellow, Dodrio, and Archeops. Life Orb is used to ensure the OHKO on all variants of Feraligatr, as without Life Orb Luxray will need a lot of prior damage to do so. It also makes up for Luxray's very average Special Attack and adds a significant power increase to every attack Luxray throws out. Leftovers can be used, however, if you want to keep Luxray alive longer, as Life Orb recoil and damage from attacks add up quickly. A Naive nature can be used, as it allows Luxray to outrun neutral-natured maximum Speed base 80 Pokemon, such as Mesprit.
Usage Tips
========
Generally you should switch Luxray in as soon as the opponent goes to their Feraligatr, as this set's main draw is its ability to beat Feraligatr with offensive pressure combined with Intimidate. Intimidate is a useful ability; if there's a physical attacker that's threatening to sweep, you can use Luxray as death fodder to get off an Intimidate. Additionally, you can click Volt Switch if you ever have a free turn, as Hidden Power Grass and Water deter Ground-types such as Steelix, Seismitoad, Quagsire, and Mega Camerupt from coming in. Against slower teams, you should try to Volt Switch as much as possible, as it builds momentum and can effectively wear down opposing walls throughout the game.
Team Options
========
Offensive Pokemon that appreciate Luxray's ability to weaken or remove offensive Water-types are great teammates. Such Pokemon include Typhlosion, Pyroar, and Archeops. Audino is also a decent teammate, as it can heal Luxray with Wishes and switch in on many special attacks aimed at Luxray; in return, Luxray's Intimidate weakens physical attackers. Having Pokemon that can deal with Grass- and Ground-type switch-ins, such as Vileplume or Virizion, is also a good idea.
Guts
########
name: Guts
move 1: Facade
move 2: Wild Charge
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Crunch / Quick Attack
ability: Guts
item: Toxic Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant / Jolly
Moves
========
Facade is the strongest move on this set and is useful for not having to take recoil damage from Wild Charge. It also hits Grass- and Ground-types harder than Ice Fang. Wild Charge is the STAB move on this set, doing massive damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Superpower is one of Luxray's best coverage moves, hitting Normal- and Steel-types such as Audino, Lickilicky, Steelix, and Probopass. Crunch prevents Rotom and Golurk from walling the set, and is also useful for wearing down bulky Psychic-types such as Mesprit, Musharna, and Uxie. Quick Attack can be used as a form of priority, allowing Luxray to revenge kill if necessary and finish faster Pokemon that survive one of its powerful attacks.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature is used to hit as hard as possible, as Luxray is meant to break down walls. A Jolly nature can be used, as it allows Luxray to outrun neutral-natured maximum Speed base 80 Pokemon, such as Mesprit; however, the drop in power is very noticeable. Guts gives a significant power boost when Luxray has a status condition, and it works well with a status Orb. Toxic Orb is used over Flame Orb, as it's unlikely that Luxray will be staying in for more than four turns at a time, which is the threshold at which Toxic Orb will have done more overall damage than Flame Orb.
Usage Tips
========
Try to bring Luxray in on a Pokemon it forces out, such as Feraligatr or Prinplup, giving it a free turn to activate its status Orb. Avoid switching Luxray directly into attacks, as between Wild Charge and Toxic Orb it already takes a lot of residual damage. Slow U-turns, Volt Switches, or Baton Passes from Pokemon such as Probopass, Mesprit, or Musharna are very useful for getting Luxray in safely, as this also activates the Toxic Orb for free.
Team Options
========
Slow Volt Switch or Baton Pass users such as Probopass and Musharna are very helpful, as they can give Luxray a safe switch in to activate its status Orb. Sticky Web support aids Luxray's sweep by slowing down grounded foes, lessening the damage it needs to take before attacking. Healing Wish Mesprit is also a decent teammate, as it can literally give Luxray two chances at sweeping. Pairing Luxray with Zangoose is also very effective, as they share similar checks and counters and Zangoose appreciates having them worn down. Entry hazard support wears down the opponent's team even more effectively, as Luxray forces a lot of switches. Roselia and Garbodor are decent options for Spikes setters.
Other Options
########
A Choice Scarf set with Intimidate and Volt Switch is a decent option but should be left to faster Electric-types such as Heliolisk. A Choice Band set is a possibility, but Luxray would prefer to just use Guts, as it works well with the powerful Facade and allows Luxray to switch moves. A defensive set with RestTalk and Baby-Doll Eyes could be used, but Luxray is outclassed as a defensive Electric-type by Stunfisk, which has access to Stealth Rock, and outclassed as a defensive Pokemon that resists Flying by Steelix and Regirock.
Checks & Counters
########
**Ground-types**: Bulky Ground-types such as Quagsire, Seismitoad, and Steelix can switch in relatively safely to any of Luxray's attacks, barring Hidden Power Grass in Quagsire and Seismitoad's cases, and threaten to KO back with their STAB moves. Offensive Ground-types, such as Sandslash, can switch in on a predicted STAB attack and threaten to KO the next turn.
**Bulky Grass-types**: Pokemon such as Vileplume, Gourgeist, Virizion, and Tangela can switch into most attacks and shrug off the hit rather unscathed. They can then threaten Luxray offensively, (RC) or stall it out to rack up status Orb damage.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Specially bulky Pokemon that aren't weak to Superpower, such as Musharna and Mega Audino, can easily switch into Luxray, take any hit, and recover off the damage.
**Faster Attackers**: Faster Pokemon can come in after a kill KO and force Luxray out due to its low Speed.
2/2
Also, be sure to remove mentions of heliolisk and mega steelix
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Oh man I didn't manage to see this but:
You can make a note on some Pokemon hit noticeably harder by Wild Charge than by Facade, such as Pelipper, Poliwrath, Archeops, and defensive Xatu.
CanadianWifier
Run Away With Me
What started off as a simple niche mon from the SD XY Gatr meta has evolved greatly over the 7 entire months it took to finally complete this. Along the way it was locked, unlocked, and re-locked again; but never did we lose hope. Finally, we stand here today with a written analysis proudly constructed before us. Thank you guys for all your help!