Monotype Lucario (Fighting) [GP 2/2]

[OVERVIEW]

Fighting
========

Lucario's great secondary Steel typing, access to Swords Dance, and access to strong priority moves in Bullet Punch and Extreme Speed make it a decent offensive option for Fighting teams. Its typing gives Lucario a neutrality to all of Fighting's weaknesses and allows it to become effective in matchups such as Fairy and Psychic. Additionally, it offers utility in matchups like Dragon thanks to its numerous resistances and immunities. Lucario is the only Pokemon in the metagame with access to both Swords Dance and Extreme Speed, compensating for its average Speed stat and allowing Lucario to wallbreak while potentially avoiding revenge killers such as Greninja after a boost. However, it is often very difficult to successfully set up with Lucario, as its average Speed, bad bulk, and dependency on Life Orb in order to wallbreak make it extremely easy to wear down. Lucario's typing, despite offering many useful resistances, leaves it weak to very common offensive types like Fighting, Ground, and Fire, allowing revenge killers such as Garchomp and Infernape to easily check it. Lastly, it is often very difficult to fit Lucario on teams, as it shares a typing with Fighting's best entry hazard setter, Cobalion. Other setup sweepers such as Breloom also give Lucario competition, taking on threats that Lucario cannot, such as Swampert.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance (Fighting)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Extreme Speed
move 4: Meteor Mash / Bullet Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Lucario to become a dangerous wallbreaker in tandem with its STAB move combination, breaking past problematic Pokemon such as Skarmory after a boost. Close Combat is Lucario's strongest and most spammable move, hitting Steel-types that resist its other moves such as Mega Scizor. Extreme Speed is used to give Lucario a strong form of priority, giving it the ability to clean weakened teams late-game after a boost and revenge kill weakened faster Pokemon throughout the battle. Meteor Mash allows Lucario to mainly hit problematic Fairy-types such as Tapu Bulu while offering great neutral coverage, being able to hit Pokemon that resist Close Combat such as Mega Venusaur as well as threaten them with a decent chance to raise its Attack by one stage. Bullet Punch, although much weaker than Meteor Mash, is another priority move that most notably OHKOes Mega Diancie while still dealing with threats like the aforementioned Tapu Bulu after a Swords Dance.

Set Details
========

252 Attack EVs, an Adamant nature, and Life Orb all combine to make Lucario as strong as possible, compensating for its average Attack stat and threatening many defensive Pokemon like Celesteela. The rest of the EVs are invested into Speed, which, even with a neutral nature, allow Lucario to outspeed Pokemon such as Heatran and Tapu Bulu. All of Lucario's abilities are very situational, but Inner Focus is chosen in order to avoid flinches from Pokemon such as Togekiss.

Usage Tips
========

Lucario can be used as both a strong wallbreaker with its STAB moves and a late-game cleaner and revenge killer thanks to Extreme Speed. To expand on this, Lucario depends on a boost from Swords Dance in order to perform either of these roles, and it can usually only find setup opportunities by forcing switches. Switch-ins such as Mega Venusaur can be taken care of if Lucario uses Swords Dance on the predicted switch, eliminating many of its potential counters. When dangerous Pokemon such as Latios and Alolan Raichu are present, it is wise to preserve Lucario in order to revenge kill them once they have been weakened. It is especially important to play carefully with Lucario in the Fairy matchup, as it is Fighting's best Pokemon in the matchup, threatening almost any potential switch-in. Furthermore, Lucario's frailty allows it to be easily checked by Pokemon like Tapu Koko, so it is important to bring it out late-game when these Pokemon have been put in range of its priority moves. Lucario should be used as a late-game sweeper in other matchups such as Dragon, as most Pokemon are susceptible to its priority moves once weakened, especially after a Swords Dance. Furthermore, it is generally recommended to not bring out Lucario on any strong attack, as even resisted moves from the likes of Tapu Bulu will heavily damage it due to its poor bulk. Lucario should avoid getting worn down as much as possible altogether, as the recoil from Life Orb combined with its poor bulk makes it not difficult to revenge kill. Although Lucario's immunity to poison can be taken advantage of, it still heavily dislikes all other forms of status, as getting burned will remove its offensive presence while getting paralyzed allows it to be easily outsped.

Team Options
========

Lucario's teammates appreciate its wallbreaking and setup ability in matchups such as Fairy. Keldeo is an essential teammate that benefits Lucario and the rest of the team alike by providing a much-needed special wallbreaker, able to deal with threats like Mega Sableye while Lucario can revenge kill threats like Greninja in return. Choice Scarf Terrakion's ability to keep faster foes in check is very appreciated, as Lucario's lackluster Speed stat prevents it from breaking past faster Pokemon like Blacephalon. Mega Gallade forms a deadly wallbreaking core with Lucario, being able to break past troublesome Poison- and Water- types like Toxapex and Mantine while Lucario can threaten offensive playstyles with priority and Fairy-types with its super effective STAB moves. Due to Lucario's shared typing with Cobalion, other teammates that can provide Stealth Rock support are appreciated. Infernape is a decent suicide lead, and Kommo-o can compress a Stealth Rock role while posing as another dangerous special sweeper. Pokemon that can aid Lucario in the troublesome Psychic matchup make for good teammates. Heracross and Buzzwole are both great Choice Scarf users that can easily sweep when combined with Lucario's ability to revenge kill foes like Latios. Breloom is another user of priority that can provide utility with its unique access to Spore, allowing it to become a dangerous setup threat while also giving Lucario safe opportunities to switch in and set up as well. Although Lucario generally isn't bothered by most entry hazards, Defog support from Hawlucha is appreciated, as it prevents Lucario from getting worn down as quickly. Additionally, Defog helps Lucario heavily in the Fairy matchup by removing Klefki's Reflect.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Fighting
--------
A Jolly nature may be useful for outspeeding certain Pokemon such as Nidoking and Suicune, but this generally isn't worth the loss of wallbreaking power that comes with an Adamant nature and loses out on important OHKOs on Pokemon like Skarmory after Swords Dance and Stealth Rock. Justified is usable as an ability to allow Lucario to steadily take on Foul Play and Knock Off users, but that role is usually occupied by other Pokemon with the ability such as Terrakion and Keldeo.

Checks and Counters
===================

Fighting
--------
**Super Effective Attackers**: While unboosted, Lucario usually lacks the power to OHKO opposing Ground-, Fire-, and Fighting-types such as Landorus-T, Volcarona, and Keldeo, which can all KO it in return with their super effective STAB moves.

**Defensive Pokemon**: Lucario struggles to break past bulky walls such as Slowbro and Mantine, as they take minimal damage from its moves and can threaten Lucario by means of status and Haze.

**Toxapex**: Toxapex's fantastic physical bulk and resistance to both of Lucario's STAB moves make it an excellent defensive counter to Lucario. Additionally, Toxapex can burn Lucario with Scald and clear its Swords Dance boosts with Haze.

**Flying-types**: In a similar vein, Flying-types like Mega Charizard Y resist Lucario's Fighting-type STAB attacks and can easily beat it with their coverage moves.

**Revenge Killers**: Even with Lucario's access to priority, it is unable to make use of its lackluster Speed to handle revenge killers like Latios without heavy chip damage or prior Swords Dance boosts.

**Status**: Although it is immune to poison, Lucario's sweeping ability is disabled by burns and paralysis.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Moosical

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[OVERVIEW]

Fighting
========

* Lucario's great secondary Steel typing, access to Swords Dance, and access to strong priority moves in Bullet Punch and Extreme Speed make it a decent option for Fighting teams.
* Its typing gives Lucario a neutrality to all of Fighting's weaknesses and allows it to become effective in matchups such as Fairy and Psychic. Additionally, it offers utility in matchups like Dragon and Poison thanks to its numerous resistances and immunities. You say it's good vs. Poison here, but then list Poison-types in C&C
* Lucario is the only Pokemon in the metagame with access to both Swords Dance and Extreme Speed, compensating for its average Speed stat and allowing Lucario to wallbreak while potentially avoiding revenge killers such as Greninja after a boost.
* However, it is often very difficult to successfully set up with Lucario, as its average Speed, bad bulk, and dependency on Life Orb in order to wallbreak make it extremely easy to wear down.
* Lucario's typing, although offering many useful resistances, leave it weak to very common offensive types like Fighting, Ground, and Fire, allowing revenge killers such as Garchomp and Infernape to easily check it.
* It is often very difficult to fit Lucario on teams, as it shares a typing with Fighting's best entry hazard setter, Cobalion. Other setup sweepers such as Breloom and Infernape also give Lucario competition.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance (Fighting)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Extreme Speed
move 4: Meteor Mash / Bullet Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Swords Dance allows Lucario to become a dangerous wallbreaker in tandem with its STAB move combination, breaking past problematic Pokemon such as Skarmory after a boost.
* Close Combat is Lucario's strongest and most spammable move, hitting Steel-types that resist its other moves such as Mega Scizor.
* Extreme Speed is used to give Lucario a strong form of priority, giving it the ability to clean weakened teams late-game after a boost and avoid being revenge killed by Pokemon such as Latios after some chip damage. Instead of "and avoid being revenge killed by Pokemon..." I would say "and can revenge kill weakened but faster Pokemon throughout the battle" or something like that
* Meteor Mash allows Lucario to mainly hit problematic Fairy-types such as Tapu Bulu while offering great neutral coverage, being able to hit Pokemon that resist Close Combat such as Mega Venusaur. Could probably mention the 20% Attack boost and why that's beneficial.
* Bullet Punch, although a much weaker alternative to Meteor Mash, is another priority move that most notably OHKOes Mega Diancie while still dealing with threats like the aforementioned Tapu Bulu after a Swords Dance.

Set Details
========

* 252 Attack EVs, an Adamant nature, and Life Orb all combine to make Lucario as strong as possible, compensating for its average Attack stat and threatening many defensive Pokemon like Celesteela.
* The rest of the EVs are invested into Speed, as maxed Speed with a neutral nature still allows Lucario to outspeed Pokemon such as Heatran and Choice Band Tapu Bulu.
* All of Lucario's abilities are very situational, but Inner Focus is chosen in order to avoid being flinched by Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny and Togekiss. No mans clicking fake out with MLop against Lucario - even so, you probably wouldn't use MLop to check Lucario when Ditto exists.

Usage Tips
========

* Lucario can be used as both a strong wallbreaker with its STAB moves and a late-game cleaner and revenge killer thanks to Extreme Speed.
* To expand on this, Lucario solely depends on a boost from Swords Dance in order to perform either of these roles, and can usually only find setup opportunities by forcing switches.
* Talk about examples where you can effectively force switches to SD
* When dangerous Pokemon such as Thundurus and Alolan Raichu are present, it is wise to preserve Lucario in order to revenge kill them with Extreme Speed once they have been weakened.
* It is especially important to play carefully with Lucario in the Fairy matchup, as it is Fighting's best Pokemon in the matchup, threatening almost any potential switch-in. I think you need to be a little more specific in your wording for why it's good in the Fairy matchup / how to effectively use it besides the obvious Steel-typing. Lucario is OHKOd by even Magnet Koko, MDiancie threatens a high chance to KO after 1 Spikes (if you're not Bullet Punch), Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu threatens to OHKO with Superpower, Azumarill has a high chance to KO with Play Rough after 1 Spikes, Klefki threatens TWave. Can't do much to OO like Mimikyu either. This is even worsened if they have Reflect up.
* Furthermore, it is generally recommended to not bring out Lucario on any strong attack, as even resisted moves from the likes of Tapu Bulu will heavily damage Lucario due to its poor bulk.
* Talk about matchups where preserving Lucario in order to be a late game sweeper is warranted, as you mention it can do this in a previous section
* Lucario should avoid getting worn down as much as possible altogether, as the recoil from Life Orb combined with its bulk makes it not difficult to revenge kill.
* Although Lucario's immunity to poison can be taken advantage of, it still heavily dislikes all other forms of status, as getting burned will remove its offensive presence while getting paralyzed allows it to be easily outsped.

Team Options
========

* Keldeo benefits Lucario and the rest of the team alike by providing a much-needed special wallbreaker, able to deal with threats like Mega Sableye for it while Lucario can revenge kill threats like Greninja in return.
* Terrakion's Speed control with a Choice Scarf is very appreciated, as Lucario's lackluster Speed stat prevents it from breaking past faster Pokemon that Terrakion can beat like Blacephalon.
* Mega Gallade forms a deadly wallbreaking core with Lucario, being able to break past troublesome Poison- and Water- types like Toxapex and Mantine while Lucario can threaten offensive playstyles with priority and Fairy-types with its super effective STAB moves.
* Due to Lucario's shared typing with Cobalion, other teammates that can provide Stealth Rock support are appreciated. Infernape is a decent suicide lead, and Kommo-o can compress a Stealth Rock role while posing as another dangerous special sweeper.
* Pokemon that can aid Lucario in the troublesome Psychic matchup make for good teammates. Heracross and Buzzwole are both great Choice Scarf users that can easily sweep when combined with Lucario's ability to revenge kill foes like Latios.
* Breloom is another user of priority that can provide utility with its unique access to Spore, allowing it to become a dangerous setup threat while also giving Lucario safe opportunities to switch in and set up as well.
* Although Lucario generally isn't bothered by most entry hazards, Defog support from Hawlucha is appreciated as it prevents Lucario from getting worn down as quickly. Removing Spikes/Reflect is especially important in the Fairy matchup as I mentioned before.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Fighting
--------
* A Jolly nature may be useful for outspeeding certain Pokemon such as Nidoking and Suicune, but this generally isn't worth the loss of wallbreaking power that comes with an Adamant nature.
* Justified - takes on KOff/Foul Play users more effectively, but that role is generally handled by Terrakion

Checks and Counters
===================

Fighting
--------
**Super Effective Attackers**: While unboosted, Lucario usually lacks the power to OHKO faster opposing Ground-, Fire-, and Fighting-types such as Landorus-T, Volcarona, and Keldeo with Extreme Speed, which can all KO it in return with their super effective STAB moves.

**Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon like Toxapex / Mega Sableye / Jellicent / Slowbro / Hippowdon / Mantine depending on the EVs - Lucario can't touch these and are threatened by Haze/Phaze/SE coverage/Burns from them

**Poison-types**: Poison-types that can resist Lucario's Close Combat such as Mega Venusaur and Toxapex are all huge nuisances to it, as they can take advantage of Lucario's poor bulk and wall it. I think you should specifically highlight Toxapex a lot more, since Lucario can't do anything to it with the set you provide.

**Flying-types**: In a similar vein, Flying-types like Mega Charizard Y resist Lucario's Fighting-type STAB and can easily beat it with their coverage moves.

**Revenge Killers**: Even with Lucario's access to priority, it is unable to make use of its lackluster Speed to handle revenge killers like Latios without heavy chip damage or prior boosts with Swords Dance.

**Status**: Although it is immune to poison, Lucario’s sweeping ability is disabled by potential burns and paralysis, as they halve Lucario's Attack and Speed, respectively.
QC 1/3
 
I'm not QC, so take this with a pinch of salt, but do you think it could be worth mentioning a Nasty Plot set in OO? Fighting doesn't have too many special attackers, and STAB Flash Cannon lets it threaten Fairy teams.
 
Last edited:
Haaku. please implement torkool's check.

ChrystalFalchion Nasty Plot's priority is Vacuum Wave, which tends to be the problem with the set. Swords Dance having STAB Bullet Punch or Extreme Speed helps more against Fairy than Flash Cannon would. Especially since Meteor Mash is incredibly strong anyway.
 
Checks and Counters:
- I would probably say that Toxapex should just have its own mention instead of Poison-types since that thing can haze and scald can burn it. Mega Venusaur doesn't necessarily wall Lucario because of a Swords Dance, Meteor Mash has a chance to potentially KO it.

All I can think of, Lucario is a pretty straightforward mon.

QC 2/3
 

maroon

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RMT & Mono Leader
Overview:
Other setup sweepers such as Breloom also give Lucario competition.
- Name something Breloom beats that Lucario cant like Swampert or Hippowdon

Set Details:
The rest of the EVs are invested into Speed, as maxed Speed with a neutral nature still allows Lucario to outspeed Pokemon such as Heatran and Choice Band Tapu Bulu.
- Make Tapu Bulu Swords Dance, has seen more usage in the current meta

Usage Tips:
When dangerous Pokemon such as Thundurus and Alolan Raichu are present, it is wise to preserve Lucario in order to revenge kill them once they have been weakened.
- change Thundurus to a more relevant example like Choice Scarf Latios
* also add a bullet on setting up Lucario after its checks have been weakened to a point where Lucario can beat them

Team Options:
* Lucario - at the top of usage tips mention how its teammates generally benefit from Lucario on the team

Other Options:
A Jolly nature may be useful for outspeeding certain Pokemon such as Nidoking and Suicune, but this generally isn't worth the loss of wallbreaking power that comes with an Adamant nature.
- add an example of what Lucario is able to OHKO or 2HKO with an Adamant nature that Jolly misses out on

QC 3/3
 
Red: Original text from the analysis that I felt should be deleted and or re-phrased

Blue: My grammar and prose suggestions transplanted on top of the original analysis text

[OVERVIEW]

Fighting
========


Lucario's great secondary Steel typing, access to Swords Dance, and access to strong priority moves in Bullet Punch and Extreme Speed make it a decent offensive option for Fighting teams. Its typing gives grants Lucario a neutrality to all of Fighting's weaknesses and allows it to become effective enables an effective performance in matchups such as against Fairy and Psychic type teams. Additionally, it offers utility in matchups like Dragon thanks to its numerous resistances and immunities. Lucario is the only Pokemon in the metagame with access to both Swords Dance and Extreme Speed, compensating for its average Speed stat and allowing Lucario to both wallbreak through bulky mons while potentially avoiding and threaten revenge killers such as Greninja after a swords dance boost. However, it is often very difficult to successfully set up with Lucario, as its average Speed, bad poor bulk, and dependency on Life Orb in order to wallbreak makes leaves it extremely easy to wear down. Lucario's typing, although offering many useful resistances, leaves it weak to very common offensive types like in Fighting, Ground, and Fire, allowing revenge killers such as Garchomp and Infernape to easily check it. Lastly, it is often very is challenging to fit Lucario onto teams, as it shares an identical typing with Fighting's best entry hazard setter, Cobalion. Other setup sweepers such as Breloom also give Lucario competition, taking on threats that Lucario cannot, such as Swampert.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance (Fighting)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Extreme Speed
move 4: Meteor Mash / Bullet Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance allows Lucario to become a dangerous wallbreaker in tandem with its STAB move combination, breaking past problematic Pokemon such as Skarmory after a swords dance boost. Close Combat is Lucario's strongest and most spammable move, hitting Steel-types that resist its other moves such as Mega Scizor. Extreme Speed is used to give Lucario a strong form of priority, giving it the ability to clean weakened teams late-game after a boost and revenge kill weakened but faster Pokemon throughout the battle. Meteor Mash allows Lucario to mainly primarily hit problematic Fairy-types such as like Tapu Bulu while offering at the same time providing great neutral coverage , being that is capable to of hit damaging Pokemon that otherwise resist Close Combat such as Mega Venusaur, as well as further threatening them with a through its decent chance to raise its user's Attack by 1 stage. Bullet Punch, although a much weaker alternative to Meteor Mash, is another a priority move that most notably OHKOes Mega Diancie while still dealing with handling threats like the aforementioned Tapu Bulu after Lucario is a Swords Dance boosted.

Set Details
========

252 Attack EVs, an Adamant nature, and Life Orb all combine to make Lucario as strong as possible, compensating for its average Attack stat and threatening many defensive Pokemon like Celesteela. The rest of the EVs are invested into Speed, as maxed Speed with a neutral nature still allows Lucario to outspeed Pokemon such as Heatran and Tapu Bulu. All of Lucario's abilities are very situational, but Inner Focus is chosen in order to avoid being flinched by Pokemon such as Togekiss.

Usage Tips
========

Lucario can be used as both a strong wallbreaker, late game cleaner, and revenge killer thanks to its STAB moves and priority options in Extreme Speed and Bullet Punch with its STAB moves and a late-game cleaner and revenge killer thanks to Extreme Speed. To expand on this, Lucario solely depends on a boost from Swords Dance in order to perform either of these any of the aforementioned roles and can usually only find setup opportunities by forcing switches. Switch-ins such as Mega Venusaur can be taken care of if Lucario uses Swords Dance on the predicted switch, eliminating many of its potential counters. When dangerous Pokemon such as Latios and Alolan Raichu are present, it is wise to preserve Lucario in order to revenge kill them once they have been weakened. It is especially important to play carefully with Lucario in the Fairy matchup, as it is Fighting's best Pokemon in the matchup, threatening almost any potential switch-in. Furthermore, Lucario's frailty allows it to be easily checked by Pokemon like Tapu Koko, so it is important to bring it out late-game when these Pokemon have been put in the range of its priority moves. Lucario should be used as a late-game sweeper in other matchups such as Dragon, as most Pokemon are susceptible to its priority moves once weakened, especially after a Swords Dance. Furthermore, it is generally recommended to not bring out Lucario on any strong attack, as even resisted moves from the likes of Tapu Bulu will heavily damage Lucario due to its poor bulk. Lucario should avoid getting worn down as much as possible altogether, as the recoil from Life Orb combined with its bulk makes it not so difficult to revenge kill. Although Lucario's immunity to poison can be taken advantage of, it still heavily dislikes all other forms of status, as getting burned will remove its offensive presence while getting paralyzed allows it to be easily outsped.

Team Options
=========

Lucario's teammates appreciate its wallbreaking and setup ability in matchups such as Fairy. Keldeo is an essential teammate that benefits Lucario and the rest of the team alike by providing a much-needed special wallbreaker, able to deal with threats like Mega Sableye for it while Lucario can revenge kill threats like Greninja in return. Terrakion's Speed control with a Choice Scarf is very appreciated, as Lucario's lackluster Speed stat prevents it from breaking past faster Pokemon that Terrakion can beat like Blacephalon. Mega Gallade forms a deadly wallbreaking core with Lucario, being capable to of breaking past troublesome Poison- and Water- types like Toxapex and Mantine while Lucario, can in turn, can threaten offensive playstyles with through priority attacks and at the same time threaten Fairy-types with its through super effective STAB moves. Due to Lucario's shared typing with Cobalion, other teammates that can provide Stealth Rock support are appreciated. Infernape is a decent suicide lead, and Kommo-o can compress a Stealth Rock role while posing as another dangerous special sweeper. Pokemon that can aid Lucario in the troublesome Psychic matchup make for good teammates. Heracross and Buzzwole are both great Choice Scarf users that can easily sweep when combined with Lucario's ability to revenge kill foes like Latios. Breloom is another user of priority that can provide a utility with through its unique access to Spore, allowing enabling it to become a dangerous setup threat while also giving that also provides Lucario safe opportunities to switch in and set up as well. Although Lucario generally isn't bothered by most entry hazards, Defog support from Hawlucha is appreciated as it prevents Lucario from getting worn down as quickly. Additionally In addition, Defog helps Lucario heavily in the Fairy matchup by removing Klefki's Reflect.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Fighting
--------
A Jolly nature may be useful for outspeeding certain Pokemon such as Nidoking and Suicune, but this generally isn't worth the loss of wallbreaking power that comes with an Adamant nature, and loses out on important OHKOes on Pokemon like Skarmory after Swords Dance and Stealth Rock. Justified is usable as an ability to allow Lucario to steadily take on Foul Play and Knock Off users, but that role is usually occupied by other Pokemon with the ability such as Terrakion and Keldeo.

Checks and Counters
===================

Fighting
--------
**Super Effective Attackers**: While unboosted, Lucario usually lacks the power to OHKO opposing Ground-, Fire-, and Fighting-types such as Landorus-T, Volcarona, and Keldeo, which can all KO it in return with their super effective STAB moves.

**Defensive Pokemon**: Lucario struggles to break past bulky walls such as Slowbro and Mantine, as they take minimal damage from its moves and can threaten Lucario by means of status and Haze.

**Toxapex**: Toxapex's fantastic physical bulk in tandem with resisting both of Lucario's STAB moves make it an excellent defensive counter to Lucario. Additionally, Toxapex can burn it with Scald and clear its Swords Dance boosts with Haze.

**Flying-types**: In a similar vein, Flying-types like Mega Charizard Y resist Lucario's Fighting-type STAB and can easily beat it with their coverage moves.

**Revenge Killers**: Even with Lucario's access to priority, it is unable to make use of its lackluster Speed to handle revenge killers like Latios without heavy chip damage or prior Swords Dance boosts.

**Status**: Although it is immune to poison, Lucario’s sweeping ability is disabled by potential burns and paralysis, as they halve Lucario's Attack and Speed, respectively.

hopefully, I did okay in my first GP :x
 
Last edited:

Lumari

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TFP Leader
@ above as a tip for future checks, make sure to focus on objective stuff first; "this is wrong" is the reason why (at least when you're starting out) you should be making changes, not "I think it sounds better this way", esp. when it comes to one-word changes

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

Fighting
========

Lucario's great secondary Steel typing, access to Swords Dance, and access to strong priority moves in Bullet Punch and Extreme Speed make it a decent offensive option for Fighting teams. Its typing gives Lucario a neutrality to all of Fighting's weaknesses and allows it to become effective in matchups such as Fairy and Psychic. Additionally, it offers utility in matchups like Dragon thanks to its numerous resistances and immunities. Lucario is the only Pokemon in the metagame with access to both Swords Dance and Extreme Speed, compensating for its average Speed stat and allowing Lucario to wallbreak while potentially avoiding revenge killers such as Greninja after a boost. However, it is often very difficult to successfully set up with Lucario, as its average Speed, bad bulk, and dependency on Life Orb in order to wallbreak make it extremely easy to wear down. Lucario's typing, although offering many useful resistances, leave leaves it weak to very common offensive types like Fighting, Ground, and Fire, allowing revenge killers such as Garchomp and Infernape to easily check it. Lastly, it is often very difficult to fit Lucario on teams, as it shares a typing with Fighting's best entry hazard setter, Cobalion. Other setup sweepers such as Breloom also give Lucario competition, taking on threats that Lucario cannot, such as Swampert.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance (Fighting)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Extreme Speed
move 4: Meteor Mash / Bullet Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Lucario to become a dangerous wallbreaker in tandem with its STAB move combination, breaking past problematic Pokemon such as Skarmory after a boost. Close Combat is Lucario's strongest and most spammable move, hitting Steel-types that resist its other moves such as Mega Scizor. Extreme Speed is used to give Lucario a strong form of priority, giving it the ability to clean weakened teams late-game after a boost and revenge kill weakened but faster Pokemon throughout the battle. Meteor Mash allows Lucario to mainly hit problematic Fairy-types such as Tapu Bulu while offering great neutral coverage, being able to hit Pokemon that resist Close Combat such as Mega Venusaur as well as threaten them with a decent chance to raise its Attack by 1. Bullet Punch, although a much weaker alternative to than Meteor Mash, is another priority move that most notably OHKOes Mega Diancie while still dealing with threats like the aforementioned Tapu Bulu after a Swords Dance.

Set Details
========

252 Attack EVs, an Adamant nature, and Life Orb all combine to make Lucario as strong as possible, compensating for its average Attack stat and threatening many defensive Pokemon like Celesteela. The rest of the EVs are invested into Speed, as maxed Speed which even with a neutral nature still allows Lucario to outspeed Pokemon such as Heatran and Tapu Bulu. All of Lucario's abilities are very situational, but Inner Focus is chosen in order to avoid being flinched by flinches from Pokemon such as Togekiss.

Usage Tips
========

Lucario can be used as both a strong wallbreaker with its STAB moves and a late-game cleaner and revenge killer thanks to Extreme Speed. To expand on this, Lucario solely depends on (weird wording, do you mean requires?) a boost from Swords Dance in order to perform either of these roles, and it can usually only find setup opportunities by forcing switches. Switch-ins such as Mega Venusaur can be taken care of if Lucario uses Swords Dance on the predicted switch, eliminating many of its potential counters. When dangerous Pokemon such as Latios and Alolan Raichu are present, it is wise to preserve Lucario in order to revenge kill them once they have been weakened. It is especially important to play carefully with Lucario in the Fairy matchup, as it is Fighting's best Pokemon in the matchup, threatening almost any potential switch-in. Furthermore, Lucario's frailty allows it to be easily checked by Pokemon like Tapu Koko, so it is important to bring it out late-game when these Pokemon have been put in range of its priority moves. Lucario should be used as a late-game sweeper in other matchups such as Dragon, as most Pokemon are susceptible to its priority moves once weakened, especially after a Swords Dance. Furthermore, it is generally recommended to not bring out Lucario on any strong attack, as even resisted moves from the likes of Tapu Bulu will heavily damage Lucario it due to its poor bulk. Lucario should avoid getting worn down as much as possible altogether, as the recoil from Life Orb combined with its poor bulk makes it not difficult to revenge kill. Although Lucario's immunity to poison can be taken advantage of, it still heavily dislikes all other forms of status, as getting burned will remove its offensive presence while getting paralyzed allows it to be easily outsped.

Team Options
========

Lucario's teammates appreciate its wallbreaking and setup ability in matchups such as Fairy. Keldeo is an essential teammate that benefits Lucario and the rest of the team alike by providing a much-needed special wallbreaker, able to deal with threats like Mega Sableye for it while Lucario can revenge kill threats like Greninja in return. Choice Scarf Terrakion's Speed control with a Choice Scarf ability to keep faster foes in check is very appreciated, as Lucario's lackluster Speed stat prevents it from breaking past faster Pokemon that Terrakion can beat (implied) like Blacephalon. Mega Gallade forms a deadly wallbreaking core with Lucario, being able to break past troublesome Poison- and Water- types like Toxapex and Mantine while Lucario can threaten offensive playstyles with priority and Fairy-types with its super effective STAB moves. Due to Lucario's shared typing with Cobalion, other teammates that can provide Stealth Rock support are appreciated. Infernape is a decent suicide lead, and Kommo-o can compress a Stealth Rock role while posing as another dangerous special sweeper. Pokemon that can aid Lucario in the troublesome Psychic matchup make for good teammates. Heracross and Buzzwole are both great Choice Scarf users that can easily sweep when combined with Lucario's ability to revenge kill foes like Latios. Breloom is another user of priority that can provide utility with its unique access to Spore, allowing it to become a dangerous setup threat while also giving Lucario safe opportunities to switch in and set up as well. Although Lucario generally isn't bothered by most entry hazards, Defog support from Hawlucha is appreciated, (AC) as it prevents Lucario from getting worn down as quickly. Additionally, Defog helps Lucario heavily in the Fairy matchup by removing Klefki's Reflect.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Fighting
--------
A Jolly nature may be useful for outspeeding certain Pokemon such as Nidoking and Suicune, but this generally isn't worth the loss of wallbreaking power that comes with an Adamant nature (RC) and loses out on important OHKOes OHKOs on Pokemon like Skarmory after Swords Dance and Stealth Rock. Justified is usable as an ability to allow Lucario to steadily take on Foul Play and Knock Off users, but that role is usually occupied by other Pokemon with the ability such as Terrakion and Keldeo.

Checks and Counters
===================

Fighting
--------
**Super Effective Attackers**: While unboosted, Lucario usually lacks the power to OHKO opposing Ground-, Fire-, and Fighting-types such as Landorus-T, Volcarona, and Keldeo, which can all KO it in return with their super effective STAB moves.

**Defensive Pokemon**: Lucario struggles to break past bulky walls such as Slowbro and Mantine, as they take minimal damage from its moves and can threaten Lucario by means of status and Haze.

**Toxapex**: Toxapex's fantastic physical bulk in tandem with resisting and resistance to both of Lucario's STAB moves make it an excellent defensive counter to Lucario. Additionally, Toxapex can burn it Lucario with Scald and clear its Swords Dance boosts with Haze.

**Flying-types**: In a similar vein, Flying-types like Mega Charizard Y resist Lucario's Fighting-type STAB attacks and can easily beat it with their coverage moves.

**Revenge Killers**: Even with Lucario's access to priority, it is unable to make use of its lackluster Speed to handle revenge killers like Latios without heavy chip damage or prior Swords Dance boosts.

**Status**: Although it is immune to poison, Lucario’s sweeping ability is disabled by potential burns and paralysis, as they halve Lucario's Attack and Speed, respectively.
 

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[OVERVIEW]

Fighting
========

Lucario's great secondary Steel typing, access to Swords Dance, and access to strong priority moves in Bullet Punch and Extreme Speed make it a decent offensive option for Fighting teams. Its typing gives Lucario a neutrality to all of Fighting's weaknesses and allows it to become effective in matchups such as Fairy and Psychic. Additionally, it offers utility in matchups like Dragon thanks to its numerous resistances and immunities. Lucario is the only Pokemon in the metagame with access to both Swords Dance and Extreme Speed, compensating for its average Speed stat and allowing Lucario to wallbreak while potentially avoiding revenge killers such as Greninja after a boost. However, it is often very difficult to successfully set up with Lucario, as its average Speed, bad bulk, and dependency on Life Orb in order to wallbreak make it extremely easy to wear down. Lucario's typing, although despite offering many useful resistances, leaves it weak to very common offensive types like Fighting, Ground, and Fire, allowing revenge killers such as Garchomp and Infernape to easily check it. Lastly, it is often very difficult to fit Lucario on teams, as it shares a typing with Fighting's best entry hazard setter, Cobalion. Other setup sweepers such as Breloom also give Lucario competition, taking on threats that Lucario cannot, such as Swampert.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance (Fighting)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Extreme Speed
move 4: Meteor Mash / Bullet Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Lucario to become a dangerous wallbreaker in tandem with its STAB move combination, breaking past problematic Pokemon such as Skarmory after a boost. Close Combat is Lucario's strongest and most spammable move, hitting Steel-types that resist its other moves such as Mega Scizor. Extreme Speed is used to give Lucario a strong form of priority, giving it the ability to clean weakened teams late-game after a boost and revenge kill weakened faster Pokemon throughout the battle. Meteor Mash allows Lucario to mainly hit problematic Fairy-types such as Tapu Bulu while offering great neutral coverage, being able to hit Pokemon that resist Close Combat such as Mega Venusaur as well as threaten them with a decent chance to raise its Attack by 1 one stage. Bullet Punch, although much weaker than Meteor Mash, is another priority move that most notably OHKOes Mega Diancie while still dealing with threats like the aforementioned Tapu Bulu after a Swords Dance.

Set Details
========

252 Attack EVs, an Adamant nature, and Life Orb all combine to make Lucario as strong as possible, compensating for its average Attack stat and threatening many defensive Pokemon like Celesteela. The rest of the EVs are invested into Speed, which,(AC) even with a neutral nature,(AC) allows Lucario to outspeed Pokemon such as Heatran and Tapu Bulu. All of Lucario's abilities are very situational, but Inner Focus is chosen in order to avoid flinches from Pokemon such as Togekiss.

Usage Tips
========

Lucario can be used as both a strong wallbreaker with its STAB moves and a late-game cleaner and revenge killer thanks to Extreme Speed. To expand on this, Lucario depends on a boost from Swords Dance in order to perform either of these roles, and it can usually only find setup opportunities by forcing switches. Switch-ins such as Mega Venusaur can be taken care of if Lucario uses Swords Dance on the predicted switch, eliminating many of its potential counters. When dangerous Pokemon such as Latios and Alolan Raichu are present, it is wise to preserve Lucario in order to revenge kill them once they have been weakened. It is especially important to play carefully with Lucario in the Fairy matchup, as it is Fighting's best Pokemon in the matchup, threatening almost any potential switch-in. Furthermore, Lucario's frailty allows it to be easily checked by Pokemon like Tapu Koko, so it is important to bring it out late-game when these Pokemon have been put in range of its priority moves. Lucario should be used as a late-game sweeper in other matchups such as Dragon, as most Pokemon are susceptible to its priority moves once weakened, especially after a Swords Dance. Furthermore, it is generally recommended to not bring out Lucario on any strong attack, as even resisted moves from the likes of Tapu Bulu will heavily damage it due to its poor bulk. Lucario should avoid getting worn down as much as possible altogether, as the recoil from Life Orb combined with its poor bulk makes it not difficult to revenge kill. Although Lucario's immunity to poison can be taken advantage of, it still heavily dislikes all other forms of status, as getting burned will remove its offensive presence while getting paralyzed allows it to be easily outsped.

Team Options
========

Lucario's teammates appreciate its wallbreaking and setup ability in matchups such as Fairy. Keldeo is an essential teammate that benefits Lucario and the rest of the team alike by providing a much-needed special wallbreaker, able to deal with threats like Mega Sableye while Lucario can revenge kill threats like Greninja in return. Choice Scarf Terrakion's ability to keep faster foes in check is very appreciated, as Lucario's lackluster Speed stat prevents it from breaking past faster Pokemon like Blacephalon. Mega Gallade forms a deadly wallbreaking core with Lucario, being able to break past troublesome Poison- and Water- types like Toxapex and Mantine while Lucario can threaten offensive playstyles with priority and Fairy-types with its super effective STAB moves. Due to Lucario's shared typing with Cobalion, other teammates that can provide Stealth Rock support are appreciated. Infernape is a decent suicide lead, and Kommo-o can compress a Stealth Rock role while posing as another dangerous special sweeper. Pokemon that can aid Lucario in the troublesome Psychic matchup make for good teammates. Heracross and Buzzwole are both great Choice Scarf users that can easily sweep when combined with Lucario's ability to revenge kill foes like Latios. Breloom is another user of priority that can provide utility with its unique access to Spore, allowing it to become a dangerous setup threat while also giving Lucario safe opportunities to switch in and set up as well. Although Lucario generally isn't bothered by most entry hazards, Defog support from Hawlucha is appreciated, as it prevents Lucario from getting worn down as quickly. Additionally, Defog helps Lucario heavily in the Fairy matchup by removing Klefki's Reflect.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Fighting
--------
A Jolly nature may be useful for outspeeding certain Pokemon such as Nidoking and Suicune, but this generally isn't worth the loss of wallbreaking power that comes with an Adamant nature and loses out on important OHKOs on Pokemon like Skarmory after Swords Dance and Stealth Rock. Justified is usable as an ability to allow Lucario to steadily take on Foul Play and Knock Off users, but that role is usually occupied by other Pokemon with the ability such as Terrakion and Keldeo.

Checks and Counters
===================

Fighting
--------
**Super Effective Attackers**: While unboosted, Lucario usually lacks the power to OHKO opposing Ground-, Fire-, and Fighting-types such as Landorus-T, Volcarona, and Keldeo, which can all KO it in return with their super effective STAB moves.

**Defensive Pokemon**: Lucario struggles to break past bulky walls such as Slowbro and Mantine, as they take minimal damage from its moves and can threaten Lucario by means of status and Haze.

**Toxapex**: Toxapex's fantastic physical bulk and resistance to both of Lucario's STAB moves make it an excellent defensive counter to Lucario. Additionally, Toxapex can burn Lucario with Scald and clear its Swords Dance boosts with Haze.

**Flying-types**: In a similar vein, Flying-types like Mega Charizard Y resist Lucario's Fighting-type STAB attacks and can easily beat it with their coverage moves.

**Revenge Killers**: Even with Lucario's access to priority, it is unable to make use of its lackluster Speed to handle revenge killers like Latios without heavy chip damage or prior Swords Dance boosts.

**Status**: Although it is immune to poison, Lucario’(straight apostrophe)'s sweeping ability is disabled by potential burns and paralysis.

GP 2/2
 

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