Lucario (Full Revamp) (GP 2/2)

sirndpt · Dec 21, 2011

Lucario

[Overview]

The fifth generation of competitive Pokemon, Black and White, has given Lucario a handful of useful toys, making it a better sweeper than ever before. First of all is Nasty Plot, which allows Lucario to function as a threatening special sweeper. It also gained a boost in ExtremeSpeed's +2 priority, which enables it to sweep more easily on the physical side. Fantastic offensive stats in base 110 Attack and 115 Special Attack, several great Fighting-type STAB attacks, and excellent coverage options all allow Lucario to hit hard with either offensive stat. Additionally, immunity to Toxic Spikes and a 4x resistance to Stealth Rock means Lucario isn't crippled by entry hazards, making it an excellent user of Choice items. However, with the introduction of many faster Pokemon, such as Landorus and Latios, as well as powerful priority users, most notably Conkeldurr, Lucario will have a hard time cleanly punching its way through teams. Furthermore, Lucario has severe four-moveslot syndrome and has difficulty covering every relevant threat. Nevertheless, Lucario is still ready to demolish unprepared teams.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: ExtremeSpeed
move 4: Ice Punch / Crunch / Bullet Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario's standard boosting set from DPP has come back with a vengeance. Not much has changed since then in terms of Lucario's movepool, but then again, not much has to; Lucario has all it needs to pull off a lethal lategame sweep. Swords Dance boosts Lucario's Attack to sky-high levels, preparing it for a sweep. Close Combat serves as Lucario's main STAB move, allowing it to OHKO even physically defensive Skarmory after a Swords Dance. With ExtremeSpeed's boost to +2 priority, Lucario can now outspeed all other offensive priority moves except for Fake Out, which means it no longer has to worry about weakened or frail Pokemon looking to pick it off with Mach Punch or Vacuum Wave. Finally, Lucario has several options for its last move; the move you pick should depend on how well the rest of your team fares against each of these groups of threats. Ice Punch hits Gliscor and Landorus on the switch in, while Crunch decimates Ghost- and Psychic-type foes, most notably Jellicent and Reuniclus. A last option is Bullet Punch, which allows Lucario to pick off faster Rock- and Ghost-types, particularly Terrakion and Gengar, as well as the occasional Choice Scarf Tyranitar. It should be noted that if one chooses to run Bullet Punch, Lucario's moveset is fully compatible with the Justified ability; therefore, Lucario's Dream World ability is a solid option worth considering.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Stone Edge can be used in the last moveslot in order to hit Flying-types such as Gyarados, Salamence, and Dragonite, the first two of whom can ruin Lucario's sweep with Intimidate and can survive a +1 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed even after Stealth Rock. Bullet Punch still has some utility in hitting Gengar, Terrakion, and Choice Scarf Tyranitar, but Lucario loses a useful coverage move in the process. Lucario can also use a Jolly nature to outspeed positive-natured Gyarados, Dragonite, and Rotom-W, but in general, most Pokemon that run a Speed-boosting nature in order to outpace Lucario are KOed by Adamant Lucario's ExtremeSpeed.

Stealth Rock is very useful in helping Lucario set up a sweep, because it gradually wears down the opposing team. Jirachi, Heatran, Celebi, Ferrothorn, and Hippowdon are all great choices to set it up. In order to fully assist Lucario's sweep, Pokemon that are weak to Dark-type moves are good partners, as they lure Pursuit or Crunch, great opportunities for Lucario to set up. Both Latias and Latios are either resistant or immune to all three of Lucario's weaknesses, and can smash through opposing Pokemon with STAB Draco Meteor. Meanwhile, Lucario resists all five of their weaknesses, and can comfortably set up on the moves that threaten them.

If Lucario is not using Bullet Punch, a Pursuit user is useful for eliminating Gengar, who is immune to two of Lucario's moves and can KO with Focus Blast. Choice Scarf Tyranitar is a great check to Gengar, because it can outspeed Gengar and OHKO with Pursuit. Gliscor is also a problematic Pokemon if Lucario is not carrying Ice Punch, as it has the defenses to take any hit Lucario can dish out and retaliate with STAB Earthquake; speedy variants also outrun Lucario due to Gliscor's higher base Speed. To fix this weakness, Rotom-W is immune to Ground-type moves and can hit Gliscor with Hydro Pump. Bulky Mach Punch users, Conkeldurr in particular, can survive a boosted ExtremeSpeed and OHKO. As such, a Gliscor of your own can come in handy; it takes all Conkeldurr's assaults and can threaten it with Earthquake. A different take on partners for Lucario is to use other Fighting-types, such as Double Dance Terrakion or Dragon Dance Scrafty. Despite their shared weaknesses, they have great offensive synergy as one can break walls for the other to sweep.

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Aura Sphere
move 3: Dark Pulse
move 4: Vacuum Wave / Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

With access to Nasty Plot, Lucario can finally pull off a special sweep efficiently. The strong threat of Swords Dance Lucario results in many opponents switching in a physical wall, only to be met by a +2 Special Attack Lucario. However, surprise value isn't all that Nasty Plot Lucario has going for it; after a boost and Stealth Rock damage, Lucario is overwhelmingly likely to OHKO even the gold standard of special walling, Blissey. Similarly, even Eviolite Chansey and specially defensive Jirachi fall in two hits. 

Lucario's sweeping prowess is due to its access to not only Nasty Plot, but also the excellent and rare special Fighting-type move, Aura Sphere, which combines reliable power with perfect accuracy. Alongside Dark Pulse, it gains gain near-perfect coverage, failing to hit only Heracross and Toxicroak with at least neutral effectiveness. Dark Pulse swiftly eliminates Psychic-types, particularly Latias, and gets the nod over Shadow Ball due to the former's handy flinch rate, which can be helpful in taking down bulkier Pokemon such as Reuniclus. Additionally, the two moves have great synergy: there's little fear of Dark- and Steel-type Pokemon switching into Dark Pulse because of their weakness to Aura Sphere. Vacuum Wave serves as priority to take down Terrakion, along with weakened opposing Pokemon. Hidden Power Ice can hit Dragonite, Landorus, Gliscor, Salamence, and other part-Flying-type Pokemon that resist Aura Sphere.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

A Modest nature gives Lucario maximum power in order to sweep through the opposing team. Timid has more merit on this set than Jolly does on the Swords Dance set, however, due to the very real power gap between ExtremeSpeed and Vacuum Wave. The extra Speed will enable Lucario to outspeed Pokemon such as positive-natured Togekiss, Dragonite, Gyarados, Suicune, and Nidoking.

As with the Swords Dance set, Stealth Rock support is appreciated to make Lucario's job easier. Heatran and Hippowdon are both great partners for Lucario, as Heatran is immune to Fire-type moves, and Hippowdon has the physical bulk to take Earthquakes and Mach Punches. Pokemon that bait Pursuit, such as Latios, Latias, and Gengar, are still helpful; again, Latios and Latias can smash through the opposing team with STAB Draco Meteors, while Gengar can wear down Blissey and Chansey enough so that Aura Sphere can KO. If Lucario and Heatran are not using Hidden Power Ice, Gliscor can be checked by Rotom-W, who can threaten a KO with STAB Hydro Pump, whereas if Lucario chooses to forgo Vacuum Wave, Terrakion can be checked by Gliscor, who can survive any of its attacks and hit back with a super effective Earthquake. Gliscor can also check Conkeldurr, whom Lucario can't OHKO with a boosted Vacuum Wave.

[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Close Combat / Hi Jump Kick
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario also has access to a third boosting move: Agility. The previous sets suffer from being outsped by revenge killers, such as Terrakion. In order to combat this weakness, this set concentrates on boosting Lucario's Speed so that common revenge killers won't be able to outspeed and revenge kill it. However, this does leave the user with a weaker Lucario, who will have no means of boosting its attack. Agility is the main move on this set, enabling Lucario to overtake not only the many threats populating the base 100 and base 108 Speed tiers, but also Choice Scarf variants of these threats.

Close Combat gives Lucario the strong STAB attack it needs in order to overcome its lack of raw power; unlike Hi Jump Kick, it has 100% accuracy, so it won't miss at a crucial juncture. However, Hi Jump Kick is worth consideration because its slightly greater power compensates for this Lucario's lack of Attack boosts. Hi Jump Kick also doesn't cause defense drops, which would otherwise make Lucario more vulnerable to being revenge killed by priority moves. Crunch hits Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon, particularly Jellicent and Reuniclus, who are immune and resistant to Close Combat, respectively. Ice Punch rounds out the set by hitting Flying-type Pokemon, such as Landorus and Dragonite, who resist Lucario's main STAB move. It also hits Gliscor, but don't be misled by Gliscor's 4x weakness to Ice-type moves; Ice Punch won't KO the bat unless it's been severely weakened.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Due to the Speed boost from Agility, Lucario can choose to drop some Speed EVs in order to increase its bulk. 188 Speed EVs enable Lucario to outspeed positive-natured Choice Scarf base 110 foes after a boost, while 132 Speed EVs allow Lucario to outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus. Without the ability to increase its power, Lucario appreciates entry hazard support to weaken the opposing team. Spikes support is more necessary here than on the previous sets, making Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory prized teammates. Skarmory is immune to Ground-type moves, while Ferrothorn can switch into and set up on much of the metagame. Ghost-type Pokemon work well with Lucario, as they block Rapid Spin and bait Pursuits for Lucario to set up on; Jellicent is one of the better choices here because it is resistant or immune to two of Lucario's weaknesses.

Again, there are still a handful of Pokemon that can easily check Lucario. Conkeldurr can bypass Lucario's Agility boosts with Mach Punch, while a healthy Gliscor can survive a relatively weak Ice Punch and KO back with Earthquake. Your own Gliscor and Rotom-W can help check both Conkeldurr and Gliscor. Powerhouses such as Haxorus and Dragonite can smash through the opposing defenses, and have good defensive synergy with Lucario as well. Latios, too, can launch Choice Specs Draco Meteors at the opposing team to quickly decimate it.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Aura Sphere
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Vacuum Wave
item: Choice Specs
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario is fully capable of hitting hard off the bat without boosting its stats. While the first three sets are concerned with taking advantage of a free turn to set up, this set attempts to hit the opposing team hard and never look back. Furthermore, this variant of Lucario can catch physically defensive Pokemon off guard should they switch in expecting a physical move. Aura Sphere leads the set off, boasting both STAB and perfect accuracy. Dark Pulse, in conjunction with Aura Sphere, attains nearly perfect coverage in just two moves. Additionally, Dark Pulse can flinch the opposing Pokemon, allowing Lucario to get off an additional attack. Hidden Power Ice hits Gliscor, a major threat to Lucario, as well as Dragonite and Landorus. Vacuum Wave can be used to KO weakened Pokemon and deals massive damage to Terrakion, making Lucario a decent revenge killer.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Dragon Pulse can be used over Hidden Power Ice as a general move covering all of Gyarados, Conkeldurr, and Gliscor. However, one of Lucario's main boasts is the ability to nab a quick KO on Gliscor, making forgoing Hidden Power Ice an inferior option. The question between more power and more Speed is evident once again. Since this set is based around hitting hard and switching when needed, Modest is more beneficial. However, a Timid nature is still useful for outspeeding Pokemon such as Gyarados, Dragonite, and Rotom-W.

With the pressure that Lucario places on the opposing team, Stealth Rock support is once again vital to capitalize on forced switches. Hippowdon and Ferrothorn both have the bulk to take hits should Lucario be forced to retreat. Choice Specs Lucario also fulfills a role for offensive teams, luring Gliscor in and KOing it with Hidden Power Ice. This makes Pokemon such as Conkeldurr good partners, because they greatly appreciate the removal of Gliscor. Furthermore, a Pokemon that doesn't mind repeatedly switching into Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon is useful to support Lucario after it locks itself into Aura Sphere. Calm Mind Jirachi and Latias, as well as specially defensive Scizor with Roost, help against the likes of Reuniclus and Gengar, due to their bulk and STAB attacks. Tyranitar is a shakier choice due to its significant Fighting-type weakness, but it can put the Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon into a checkmate position with STAB Pursuit and Crunch.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: ExtremeSpeed
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch / Stone Edge / Bullet Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Although Lucario's base 110 Attack may be lower than its Special Attack, it can still utilize a Choice Band set effectively due to the sheer power of its physical moves—Close Combat in particular. A STAB Choice Band Close Combat will destroy anything that doesn't resist it, and can still potentially maim enemies unless they are completely immune to it. ExtremeSpeed moves before all other offensive priority moves except for Fake Out, allowing Lucario to easily pick off opposing Pokemon thanks to the Choice Band boost. Lucario's coverage moves should be familiar by now: Ice Punch hits Gliscor, Landorus, and Dragonite, while Crunch decimates Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon that resist or are immune to Close Combat, such as Reuniclus and Jellicent. As possible alternatives, Stone Edge may appear to have overlapping type coverage with Ice Punch, but the former does more damage to Gyarados and Tornadus. Bullet Punch enables Lucario to cover and even revenge kill Gengar, Tyranitar, and Terrakion; while the type coverage may be missed, it is of less consequence on a Choice set.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Similar to the Choice Specs set, an Adamant nature enables Lucario to hit harder with ExtremeSpeed, while Jolly lets Lucario outpace opposing Adamant Lucario, as well as Timid Suicune. Stealth Rock is helpful in deterring switching, and makes it harder for the opposing team to take Lucario's powerful attacks. Ferrothorn and Hippowdon are both good choices for providing Stealth Rock support. With Ghost-type Pokemon being immune to two moves on this set, a Choice Scarf or specially defensive Tyranitar can be used to Pursuit them, enabling Lucario to freely launch Close Combats. Choice Band Scizor is also a good choice for this role, but bear in mind that both Tyranitar and Scizor share a weakness or two with Lucario. Gliscor can check Lucario if it doesn't come in on Ice Punch, making Rotom-W a good partner to switch in on Earthquakes. Terrakion and Conkeldurr both outspeed Lucario and can KO it, so your own Gliscor, to check both of them, will be very valuable.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario is extremely versatile in both movepool and potential set options. With its wide type coverage, Lucario can use a Choice Scarf to patch up its shaky Speed and revenge kill many Pokemon on the opposing teams. Additionally, immunity to sandstorm and Toxic Spikes, as well as a 4x resistance to Stealth Rock, means Lucario can come in many times if necessary. Close Combat serves as Lucario's main STAB move, granting it the power it needs to KO some opposing Pokemon; the extra Speed from Choice Scarf also leaves many weakened teams hard-pressed to stand against a continuing barrage of STAB Close Combats. Stone Edge hits Flying-type Pokemon, such as Tornadus and Gyarados, for massive damage. Ice Punch is more specific, covering Dragonite, Gliscor, Landorus, and other Pokemon; both these moves are used because Lucario's decreased power leaves it even more dependent on nabbing super effective hits. With excellent neutral coverage alongside Close Combat, Crunch rounds out the set, allowing Lucario to hit Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Jellicent and Reuniclus.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The moves listed grant Lucario great coverage, allowing it to hit most Pokemon for super effective damage. There is, however, one change one should consider: ThunderPunch over Stone Edge. While Stone Edge hits most Flying-types harder than ThunderPunch, the latter allows Lucario to specifically remove Gyarados from the game, possibly opening a sweep for other Fighting-type teammates. Note, however, that STAB Close Combat does more damage to Politoed and other Water-types than ThunderPunch does.

Bulky Water- and Ground-type Pokemon can easily switch into Lucario because of the lack of power behind its attacks. Hippowdon can tank anything Lucario throws at it, while Ferrothorn can come into three of Lucario's moves and freely set up entry hazards. To check those Pokemon, your own Ferrothorn is helpful. Not only can it launch strong Power Whips, but it can also set up Spikes, compensating for Lucario's decreased damage output with residual damage. Latias can come into the various Water-type Pokemon and set up Calm Minds to stop them in their tracks, whereas Latios can fire off powerful Draco Meteors.

[Other Options]

Anywhere you see Dark Pulse, Shadow Ball can be used over it. The latter move has a chance to reduce the opposing Pokemon's Special Defense, meaning subsequent attacks will hit harder. Special Defense drops also encourage the opponent to switch out, causing more entry hazard damage. Additionally, Shadow Ball obtains perfect coverage with Aura Sphere. Hi Jump Kick can be used over Close Combat on any of the physical sets for a slightly stronger STAB move. However, it has imperfect accuracy, and with Lucario's defenses, or lack thereof, a miss can be fatal. Moreover, again due to Lucario's poor defensive stats, the stat drops from Close Combat don't matter as much. Calm Mind can be used on Lucario to take weaker special hits. However, it doesn't boost as efficiently as Nasty Plot, which is unappealing when considering Lucario's general defensive frailty. A mixed Work Up set can work to utilize both of Lucario's offensive stats, but you'll likely find Lucario's base 110 Attack and base 115 Special Attack surprisingly lackluster without full EV investment; its ever-disappointing Speed and defensive stats only compound the problem.

Air Balloon can work on the Swords Dance set, allowing Lucario to set up on and beat mono-attacking Hippowdon and Gliscor, as well as Pokemon such as Landorus Choice-locked into Earthquake. However, without Life Orb, Lucario's ExtremeSpeed becomes significantly weaker, which severely hampers Lucario's sweeping abilities. Reversal is an option due to Lucario's immunity to sandstorm and Toxic Spikes. However, as with the Swords Dance set, it faces issues with coverage. Additionally, the prevalence of priority, due in particular to the popularity of Scizor and Conkeldurr, makes it harder to pull off a successful Reversal sweep.

Lucario's secondary ability, Steadfast, may seem useful at first glance: Lucario resists all common flinching moves, such as Fake Out and Iron Head, and the boost can let it outspeed a few significant Pokemon, most notably faster variants of Gliscor. However, common users of flinching strategies, namely Jirachi and Togekiss, almost always carry moves that inflict paralysis as well, which would effectively negate the Speed boosts. Additionally, even with a Speed boost, Lucario will still be unable to outpace speedy Choice Scarf users, such as Landorus and Terrakion, and will of course still fall to Mach Punch users, such as Conkeldurr.

Conversely, Lucario's released Dream World ability, Justified, is a very useful one, especially for Swords Dance variants. It means that coming in on attacks such as Crunch and Dark Pulse nets Lucario an Attack boost, which can prove very significant indeed: for example, just some of the Pokemon Lucario can OHKO with +3 ExtremeSpeed but not +2 include Landorus, Hydreigon, Virizion, Choice Scarf Rotom-W, Moxie Gyarados and Salamence without Stealth Rock, and Intimidate Gyarados and Salamence after Stealth Rock. The Choice Band and Choice Scarf sets also appreciate the extra added power.

With Justified, Lucario gives up Inner Focus, but since the Pokemon that force it out don't utilize flinching moves, that's not really an issue. The loss of Inner Focus makes itself more apparent against Fake Out users or paraflinch users, namely Jirachi and Togekiss. More significantly, due to breeding and tutoring incompatibilities, Lucario loses out on Agility, Crunch, Ice Punch, and ThunderPunch, meaning it has to use Stone Edge as its main coverage move, or resort to Bullet Punch or Shadow Claw. As for special Lucario variants, they should stick to Inner Focus, unless you want to bluff a physical set. However, the loss of Vacuum Wave hardly justifies (pun not intended) whatever benefit could come from Justified mind games.

[Checks and Counters]

Gliscor can come in on anything except for Hidden Power Ice or boosted Ice Punch and KO back with Earthquake. Conkeldurr's bulk allows it to survive even +2 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed, and it can deal massive damage back with Mach Punch or Drain Punch. Though less commonly seen, one should note that Lucario has a hard time getting past Quagsire as Quagsire's Unaware ability negates any Swords Dance or Nasty Plot boosts Lucario might have gained; it can burn Lucario with Scald or simply eliminate it with Earthquake or Earth Power, and can Recover off damage taken in the process.

Intimidate can put a damper on Swords Dance Lucario's sweep, and helps its users check Lucario more easily. Salamence can survive +1 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed and KO back with Earthquake or Fire Blast, while RestTalk Gyarados has the bulk necessary to take any hit bar Stone Edge. If Lucario doesn't have ExtremeSpeed or doesn't hit it on the switch with an Ice-type move, Landorus outspeeds Lucario and can KO with Earthquake. Reuniclus can survive any hit bar Crunch, Shadow Ball, and Dark Pulse, and KO back with Focus Blast. Gengar can come in on Aura Sphere, Close Combat, or ExtremeSpeed, and either KO with Focus Blast or deal large amounts of damage with Hidden Power Fire. It should be noted, however, that the majority of the Pokemon listed above are not true counters, and will take heavy damage back or be outright destroyed should they switch into the wrong attack. Some of the Pokemon listed, such as Salamence, take large amounts of damage even on a resisted move.

Alternatively, one can prey on Lucario's relatively poor Speed and defenses to prevent it from sweeping your whole team. Choice Scarf users such as Heatran and Tyranitar, as well as speedy Pokemon such as Terrakion, are all capable of safely revenge killing Lucario with super effective moves. However, weakened or frail revenge killers can be picked off by Lucario's powerful ExtremeSpeed, so be sure to step carefully.

Darkmalice · Dec 21, 2011

DW Lucario got released earlier today in Japan, confirmed in Famitsu.

Lucario is Male at Level 10 with its Hidden Ability of Justified and knows the special move Bullet Punch in addition to the normal moves Detect, Counter and Metal Claw. The distribution runs from December 22nd 2011 to January 31st 2012 and is accessed with a special unique serial code included in the current issue of Famitsu.

The DW section will now have to be incorporated into the rest of the analysis. Justified deserves at least an OO mention for physical sets, as it's more useful than Inner Focus, but comes at the price of Crunch and Ice Punch. It probably deserves an AC mention for SD, as Ice Punch / Crunch can be replaced with Stone Edge or Bullet Punch; maybe for the Choice as well, but they would involve giving up both Ice Punch and Crunch, where as SD sets usually only run one of those two moves.

Adamant Zoroark · Dec 21, 2011

IMO Ice Punch shouldn't even be mentioned on the Swords Dance set; its only target is Gliscor, who can invest in enough Speed to outspeed and kill Luke with Earthquake. Due to the Justified release, Justified should be mentioned on the Swords Dance set; Bullet Punch can be mentioned instead of Ice Punch, which is nice for allowing Lucario to bypass Terrakion. Possibly mention Stone Edge as well to hit Gyarados. (also mention that Luke cannot have Crunch if it uses Justified)

I wouldn't mention Justified on the Choice or Agility sets, since these sets end up needing to run Ice Punch.

New World Order · Dec 21, 2011

Bullet Punch might deserve a slash, simply due to the omnipresence of Terrakion in the metagame. Furthermore, the SD+Close Combat+Double priority set wreaks havoc after bulky Pokes, such as Jellicent and Gliscor, have been eliminated.

Darkmalice · Dec 21, 2011

It's worth noting that Justified Lucario can use Shadow Claw to replace Crunch, which is essentially a slightly weaker Crunch that still hits Ghost- and Psychic-types hard. The power difference mainly only makes a significant difference against Jellicent with the SD set, as +2 Crunch is likely to OHKO with SR support, where as +2 Shadow Claw cannot. However, it's unlikely that Jellicent will be at full HP by the time you use Lucario, +3 Shadow Claw will always Jellicent with SR, and no smart opponent will use Jellicent as their main Lucario check (Jellicent doesn't check a +2 Lucario with either Crunch or Shadow Claw).

Techniloom · Dec 21, 2011

I really don't get why Inner Focus is used over the far superior Steadfast when he resists all the most used flinching moves like Fake Out and Iron Head. The extra Speed makes SO much of a difference when you are trying to Sweep because you don't get stopped by every single Pokemon faster than you that resists or can just take an Extreme Speed. People's biggest argument against it is he could set up a SD instead but really when is this more important that becoming faster? against Iron Head Jirachi you easily take the Iron Head get a good boost to speed then can just SD next turn. And with it you can just switch it to common Fake Out users like Mienshao then Outspeed and kill them.

Now can any of you give me a GOOD reason why Steadfast is worse than Inner Focus?

Adamant Zoroark · Dec 21, 2011

Techniloom said:
I really don't get why Inner Focus is used over the far superior Steadfast when he resists all the most used flinching moves like Fake Out and Iron Head. The extra Speed makes SO much of a difference when you are trying to Sweep because you don't get stopped by every single Pokemon faster than you that resists or can just take an Extreme Speed. People's biggest argument against it is he could set up a SD instead but really when is this more important that becoming faster? against Iron Head Jirachi you easily take the Iron Head get a good boost to speed then can just SD next turn. And with it you can just switch it to common Fake Out users like Mienshao then Outspeed and kill them.

Now can any of you give me a GOOD reason why Steadfast is worse than Inner Focus?

With Inner Focus, you can't get paraflinched by Jirachi. You can get paraflinch-haxed to death if you use Steadfast.

Tobes · Dec 21, 2011

LucaroarkZ said:
IMO Ice Punch shouldn't even be mentioned on the Swords Dance set; its only target is Gliscor, who can invest in enough Speed to outspeed and kill Luke with Earthquake. Due to the Justified release, Justified should be mentioned on the Swords Dance set; Bullet Punch can be mentioned instead of Ice Punch, which is nice for allowing Lucario to bypass Terrakion. Possibly mention Stone Edge as well to hit Gyarados. (also mention that Luke cannot have Crunch if it uses Justified)

I wouldn't mention Justified on the Choice or Agility sets, since these sets end up needing to run Ice Punch.

Ice Punch is the only option (besides Stone Edge) Lucario has for hitting Dragonite or Salamence (the latter on switch-in of course). It's fine where it is imo.

sandshrewz · Dec 21, 2011

Lucario can't handle flinching moves too well... Choice Scarf Jirachi can Iron Head Lucario twice before Lucario can even outspeed it. I remember somewhere in DPP analysis mentioning this. I can't be too sure though :/ apparently not flinching is more important than the speed boost. For example, it can set up on Choice-locked Jirachi's Iron Head with Inner Focus, but with Steadfast, you'll take a beating and put Lucario at low health, outweighing the Speed boost.

So I guess Inner Focus allows Lucario to set up on resisted flinching moves (Fake Out and Iron Head), and Steadfast will put Lucario at risk of fainting even before it gains the required Speed boosts. And yes, setting up is probably more important than the Speed boost. Without +2 Atk or SpA, Lucario is not going to sweep. +1 Speed is not very important, and it has Agility to get to +2 anyway.

That's all I have I guess.. More info from DPP analysis I think?

edit: ninja'd by 2 people ._. lol...

sirndpt · Dec 21, 2011

Ice Punch was useful previously when most Gliscor ran bulk, now that they're back to running speed Crunch deserves first slash imo. QC weigh in?

And yeah, Jirachi will paralyze you anyway, making those Speed boosts useless. I'm surprised it doesn't have at least an OO mention, though - will fix that.

Stone Edge is mentioned is SD AC, I'll put Justified both in SD AC and in OO, but where should Bullet Punch go, slashed on or in AC? I was under the impression double priority was more a surprise value / novelty thing tbqh, I've never actually used it--I'll try to soon--but it seems like it needs too much team support to really be effective.

Also, I'm kind of iffy about the Choice sets - do they really all deserve individual sets? According to the usage stats (/shot) ~3.2% of Lucario run 'Other' items.

thanks again guys!

sandshrewz · Dec 21, 2011

Yea, choice sets should be individual sets as they are now. They have different roles apparently...

Stone Edge is mainly for Gyarados and Bullet Punch is for Terrakion and the rare Choice Scarf Ttar ?_?

Adamant Zoroark · Dec 21, 2011

I agree that the choiced sets should be individual sets. Though I think SpecsLuke can go, since there's no more Excadrill to fuck up with a Specs Vacuum Wave (Specs Vacuum Wave won't OHKO Terrakion in a sandstorm).

Also, I think Bullet Punch should be slashed just because of the disgusting overuse of Terrakion, and the fact that it also beats Gengar with a boost (75% chance to KO without rocks, guaranteed KO with), who Lucario can't normally beat. Crunch should definitely be first slash though, since it's often Luke's only hope of beating Jellicent.

AccidentalGreed · Dec 22, 2011

Please change all instances of implied set gender to "it", or "Lucario."

sirndpt · Dec 22, 2011

spelling and grammar standards said:
You may use the pronoun "who" instead of "which" or "that" and use "he" or "she" to refer to Pokemon as people if you so desire. It must be consistent for the entire article or analysis if this is done, however.

that said i probably will change it if / when i get un-lazy enough (it's a really long analysis!)

Darkmalice · Dec 22, 2011

sirndpt said:
[Other Options]

Lucario's released Dream World ability, Justified, is a very useful one, especially for Swords Dance variants. It means that coming in on attacks such as Crunch and Dark Pulse nets Lucario an Attack boost, which can prove very significant indeed: for example, Salamence will be KOed by +2 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed after Stealth Rock. Being physically based, the Choice Band and Choice Scarf sets also appreciate the extra added power. With Justified, Lucario gives up Inner Focus, but since the Pokemon that force him out don't utilize flinching moves, that's not really an issue. The loss of Inner Focus makes itself more apparent against Fake Out users or paraflinch users, namely Jirachi and Togekiss. More significantly, due to breeding and tutoring incompatibilities, Lucario loses out on Agility, Crunch, Ice Punch, and ThunderPunch, and Bullet Punch, meaning he has to use Stone Edge as his main coverage move, or resort to Shadow Claw. As for special Lucario variants, they should stick to Inner Focus, unless you want to bluff a physical set. However, the loss of Vacuum Wave hardly justifies (pun not intended) whatever benefit could come from Justified mind games.

I'm wondering if this analysis should go back through QC due to queries about the 4th move of the SD set, a matter complicated by Justified, and possibly due to removing the Choice sets.

sirndpt · Dec 22, 2011

nice catch there, can't believe I forgot to make that change.

I asked Oglemi about this and was told to just put it through GP, but that was before the matter of the DW release came up. PMing a few QC members now.

Delta 2777 · Dec 22, 2011

Ok I talked it over with Setsuna and this is what we/I decided

-No Justified until it is legal with Ice Punch and/or Crunch
-Slash Bullet Punch in the last slot of the SD set for Terrakion, Gengar, and ScarfTar.
-Slash Hi Jump Kick next to Close Combat on the Agility set. While less reliable, the power boost helps and you are less vulnerable to being picked off by priority because you don't get Defense drops.
-Make the Choice Band set look like this:

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: ExtremeSpeed
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch / Stone Edge / Bullet Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

-List the Choice Specs set before the Choice Band set

QC Approved (3/3)
eggcellent

sirndpt · Dec 22, 2011

Thanks Delta (and Setsuna)! Changes implemented.

May I clarify why Ice Punch is listed before Crunch both on the CB and SD sets - Gliscor, Dragonite, anything else?

(also, changes are in that weird format so I know what to edit in the write-up; don't worry, I'll fix that eventually)

Darkmalice · Dec 22, 2011

Delta 2777 said:
-No Justified until it is legal with Ice Punch and/or Crunch
-Slash Bullet Punch in the last slot of the SD set for Terrakion, Gengar, and ScarfTar

If Bullet Punch is getting a slash, wouldn't it be better to slash Justified with Inner Focus whilst stating in the set comments that it should only be used with Bullet Punch? If using Bullet Punch, you're not using Ice Punch or Crunch, so it's superior to Inner Focus.

Terrador · Dec 23, 2011

deletions in red
additions in blue
comments in green

I'd like to note first off that the majority of these changes are somewhat subjective, implemented in the hopes of making the prose more fluid and easy to read. Please take them with a grain of salt.

[Overview]

The fifth generation of competitive Pokemon, Black and White, has given Lucario a handful of useful toys, making it a better sweeper than ever before. First of all is Nasty Plot, which allows Lucario to function as a threatening special sweeper. iIt also gained a boost in ExtremeSpeed's +2 priority, which enables it to sweep more easily on the physical side. Combined with base 110 Attack and 115 Special Attack, several great Fighting-type STAB attacks, and excellent coverage options, these tools allow Lucario to it can hit hard with either offensive stat. Additionally, immunity to Toxic Spikes and a 4x resistance to Stealth Rock means Lucario isn't crippled by entry hazards, making it an excellent user of Choice items. However, with the introduction of many faster Pokemon, such as Landorus and Latios, as well as powerful priority users, most notably Conkeldurr, Lucario will have a hard time cleanly punching its way through teams. Furthermore, Lucario has severe four-moveslot syndrome, and has difficulty covering every relevant threat. Nevertheless, Lucario is still ready to demolish unprepared teams.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: ExtremeSpeed
move 4: Ice Punch / Crunch / Bullet Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario's standard boosting set from DPP has come back with a vengeance. Not much has changed since then in terms of Lucario's movepool, but then again, not much has to; it has all it needs to pull off a lethal lategame sweep. Swords Dance boosts Lucario's Attack to sky-high levels, preparing it for a sweep. Close Combat serves as Lucario's main STAB move, allowing it to OHKO even physically defensive Skarmory after a Swords Dance. With ExtremeSpeed's boost to +2 priority, Lucario can now outspeed all other offensive priority moves except for Fake Out, which means it no longer has to worry about weakened or frail Pokemon looking to pick it off with Mach Punch or Vacuum Wave. Finally, Lucario has several options for its last move; the move you pick should depend on how well the rest of your team fares against each of these groups of threats. Ice Punch hits Gliscor and Landorus on the switch in, while Crunch decimates Ghost- and Psychic-type foes, most notably Jellicent and Reuniclus. A last option is Bullet Punch, which allows Lucario to pick off faster Rock- and Ghost-types, particularly Terrakion and Gengar, as well as the occasional Choice Scarf Tyranitar. It should be noted that if one chooses to run Bullet Punch, Lucario's moveset is fully compatible with the Justified ability; therefore, Lucario's Dream World ability is a solid option worth considering.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Stone Edge can be used in the last moveslot in order to hit Flying-types such as Gyarados, Salamence, and Dragonite, the first two of whom can ruin Lucario's sweep with Intimidate and can survive a +1 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed even after Stealth Rock. Bullet Punch still has some utility in hitting Gengar, Terrakion, and Choice Scarf Tyranitar, but Lucario loses a useful coverage move in the process. Lucario can also use a Jolly nature to outspeed positive-natured Gyarados, Dragonite, and Rotom-W, but in general, most Pokemon that run a Speed-boosting nature in order to outpace Lucario are KOed by Adamant Lucario's ExtremeSpeed.

Stealth Rock is very useful in helping Lucario set up a sweep, because it gradually wears down the opposing team. Jirachi, Heatran, Celebi, Ferrothorn, and Hippowdon are all great choices to set it up. In order to fully assist Lucario's sweep, Pokemon that are weak to Dark-type moves are good partners, as they lure Pursuit or Crunch, great opportunities for Lucario to set up on a up. Both Latias and Latios are both either resistant or immune to all three of Lucario's weaknesses, and can smash through opposing Pokemon with STAB Draco Meteor. Meanwhile, Lucario resists all five of their weaknesses, and can comfortably set up on the moves that threaten them.

If Lucario is not using Bullet Punch, a Pursuit user is useful for eliminating Gengar, who is immune to two of Lucario's moves and can KO with Focus Blast. Choice Scarf Tyranitar is a great check to Gengar, because it can outspeed Gengar and OHKO with Pursuit. Gliscor is also a problematic Pokemon if Lucario is not carrying Ice Punch, as it has the defenses to take any hit that Lucario can dish out and KO back with STAB Earthquake; speedy variants also outrun Lucario due to Gliscor's higher base Speed. However, Rotom-W is immune to Ground-type moves and can hit Gliscor with Hydro Pump. Bulky Mach Punch users, Conkeldurr in particular, can survive a boosted ExtremeSpeed and OHKO, but a. A Gliscor of your own can take any of Conkeldurr's assaults and threaten it with Earthquake.

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Aura Sphere
move 3: Dark Pulse
move 4: Vacuum Wave / Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

With access to Nasty Plot, Lucario can finally pull off a special sweep efficiently. The strong threat of Swords Dance Lucario results in many opponents switching in a physical wall, only to be met by a +2 Special Attack Lucario. However, surprise value isn't all that Nasty Plot Lucario has going for it; after a boost and Stealth Rock damage, Lucario is overwhelmingly likely to OHKO even the gold standard of special walling, Blissey. Similarly, even Eviolite Chansey and specially defensive Jirachi fall in two hits. 

This is due to Lucario's Lucario's sweeping prowess is due to its access to not only Nasty Plot, but also the excellent and rare special Fighting-type move, Aura Sphere, which combines reliable power with perfect accuracy. Alongside Dark Pulse, it gains gain near-perfect coverage, failing to hit only missing out on Heracross and Toxicroak with neutral (or better) effectiveness. Dark Pulse swiftly eliminates Psychic-types, particularly Latias, and gets the nod over Shadow Ball due to its handy flinch rate, which can be helpful in taking down bulkier Pokemon such as Reuniclus. Additionally, the two moves have great synergy: there's little fear of Dark- and Steel-type Pokemon switching into Dark Pulse because of their weakness to Aura Sphere. Vacuum Wave serves as priority to take down Terrakion, along with weakened opposing Pokemon. Hidden Power Ice can hit Dragonite, Landorus, Gliscor, Salamence, and other part-Flying-type Pokemon that resist Aura Sphere.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

A Modest nature gives Lucario gain maximum power in order to sweep through the opposing team. Timid has more merit on this set than Jolly does on the Swords Dance set, however, due to the very real power gap between ExtremeSpeed and Vacuum Wave. The extra Speed will enable Lucario to outspeed Pokemon such as positive-natured Togekiss, Dragonite, Gyarados, Suicune, and Nidoking.

As with the Swords Dance set, Stealth Rock support is appreciated to make Lucario's job easier. Heatran and Hippowdon are both great partners for Lucario, as Heatran is immune to Fire-type moves, and Hippowdon has the physical bulk to take Earthquakes and Mach Punches. Pokemon that bait Pursuit, such as Latios, Latias, and Gengar, are still helpful; again, Latios and Latias can smash through the opposing team with STAB Draco Meteors, while Gengar can wear down Blissey and Chansey enough so that Aura Sphere can KO. If Lucario as and Heatran is are not using Hidden Power Ice, Gliscor can be checked by Rotom-W, who can threaten a KO with STAB Hydro Pump; , whereas if Lucario chooses to forgo Vacuum Wave, Terrakion can be checked by Gliscor, who can survive any of its attacks and hit back with a super effective Earthquake. Gliscor can also check Conkeldurr, whom Lucario can't OHKO with a boosted Vacuum Wave.

[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Close Combat / Hi Jump Kick
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario also has access to a third boosting move: Agility. The previous sets suffer from being outsped by revenge killers, such as Terrakion. In order to combat this weakness, this set concentrates on boosting Lucario's Speed so that common revenge killers won't be able to outspeed and revenge kill it. However, this does leave the user with a weaker Lucario, who has no means of boosting its attack. Agility is the main move on this set, enabling Lucario to overtake not only the many threats populating the base 100 and base 108 Speed tiers, but even Choice Scarf variants of these threats.

Close Combat gives Lucario the strong STAB attack it needs in order to overcome its lack of raw power; unlike Hi Jump Kick, it has 100% accuracy, so it won't miss at a crucial juncture. However, Hi Jump Kick is worth consideration because its slightly greater power compensates for this Lucario's lack of Attack boosts. Hi Jump Kick also doesn't cause defense drops, which would otherwise make Lucario more vulnerable to being revenge killed by priority moves. Crunch hits Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon, particularly Jellicent and Reuniclus, who are immune and resistant to Close Combat, respectively. Ice Punch rounds out the set by hitting Flying-type Pokemon, such as Landorus and Dragonite, who resist Lucario's main STAB move. It also hits Gliscor, but don't be misled by Gliscor's 4x weakness to Ice-type moves; Ice Punch won't OHKO the bat unless it's been severely weakened.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Due to the Speed boost from Agility, Lucario can choose to drop some Speed EVs in order to increase its bulk. 188 Speed EVs enable Lucario to outspeed positive-natured Choice Scarf base 110 foes after a boost, while 132 Speed EVs allow Lucario to outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus. Without the ability to increase its power, Lucario appreciates entry hazard support to weaken the opposing team. Spikes support is more necessary here than on the previous sets, making Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory prized teammates. Skarmory is immune to Ground-type moves, while Ferrothorn can switch into (and set up on) much of the metagame. Ghost-type Pokemon work well with Lucario, as they block Rapid Spin and enable Lucario to set up on Pursuit. Jellicent is (Consider adding "arguably" here; I can think of at least one reason why one might use Gengar over Jellicent as Lucario's Ghost-type partner) the best choice because it is resistant or immune to two of Lucario's weaknesses.

Again, there are still a handful of Pokemon that can easily check Lucario. Conkeldurr can bypass Lucario's Agility boosts with Mach Punch, while a healthy Gliscor can survive a relatively weak Ice Punch and KO back with Earthquake. Your own Gliscor and Rotom-W can help check both Conkeldurr and Gliscor. Powerhouses such as Haxorus and Dragonite can smash through the opposing defenses, and have good defensive synergy with Lucario as well. Latios, too, can launch Choice Specs Draco Meteors at the opposing team to quickly decimate it.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Aura Sphere
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Vacuum Wave
item: Choice Specs
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario is fully capable of hitting hard off the bat without the need to boosting its stats. While the first three sets are concerned with taking advantage of a free turn to set up, this set attempts to hit the opposing team hard and never look back. Furthermore, this variant of Lucario can catch physically defensive Pokemon off guard should they switch in expecting a physical move. Aura Sphere leads the set off, boasting both STAB and perfect accuracy. Dark Pulse, in conjunction with Aura Sphere, attains nearly perfect coverage in just two moves. Additionally, Dark Pulse can flinch the opposing Pokemon, allowing Lucario to get off an second additional attack. Hidden Power Ice hits Gliscor, a major threat to Lucario, as well as Dragonite and Landorus, while Vacuum Wave can KO weakened Pokemon and deals massive damage to Terrakion, making Lucario a decent revenge killer.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Dragon Pulse can be used over Hidden Power Ice as a general move covering all of Gyarados, Conkeldurr, and Gliscor. However, one of Lucario's main boasts is the ability to nab a quick KO on Gliscor, making forgoing Hidden Power Ice an inferior option. The question between more power and more Speed is evident once again. Since this set is based around hitting hard and switching when needed, Modest is more beneficial. However, a Timid nature is still useful to for outspeeding Pokemon such as Gyarados, Dragonite, and Rotom-W.

With the pressure that Lucario places on the opposing team, Stealth Rock support is once again vital to capitalize on forced switches. Hippowdon and Ferrothorn both have the bulk to take hits should Lucario be forced to retreat. Choice Specs Lucario also fulfills a role for offensive teams, luring Gliscor in and KOing it with Hidden Power Ice. This makes Pokemon such as Conkeldurr good partners, because they greatly appreciate the removal of Gliscor. Furthermore, a Pokemon that doesn't mind repeatedly switching into Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon is useful to support Lucario after it locks itself into Aura Sphere. Calm Mind Jirachi and Latias, as well as specially defensive Scizor with Roost, help against the likes of Reuniclus and Gengar, due to their bulk and STAB attacks. Tyranitar is a shakier choice due to its significant Fighting-type weakness, but it can put the Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon into a checkmate position with STAB Pursuit and Crunch.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: ExtremeSpeed
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch / Stone Edge / Bullet Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Although Lucario's base 110 Attack may be lower than its Special Attack, it can still utilize a Choice Band set effectively due to the sheer power of its physical moves, Close Combat in particular. A STAB Choice Band Close Combat will destroy anything that doesn't resist it, and can still potentially maim enemies unless they are completely immune to it. ExtremeSpeed moves before all other offensive priority moves except for Fake Out, allowing Lucario to easily pick off opposing Pokemon thanks to the Choice Band boost. Lucario's coverage moves should be familiar by now: Ice Punch hits Gliscor, Landorus, and Dragonite, while Crunch decimates Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon that resist or are immune to Close Combat, such as Reuniclus and Jellicent. As possible alternatives, Stone Edge may appear to have overlapping type coverage with Ice Punch, but it Stone Edge[/red] does more damage to Gyarados and Tornadus. Bullet Punch enables Lucario to cover and even revenge kill Gengar, Tyranitar, and Terrakion; while the type coverage may be missed, it is of less consequence on a Choice set.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Similar to the Choice Specs set, an Adamant nature enables Lucario to hit harder with ExtremeSpeed, while Jolly lets Lucario outpace opposing Adamant Lucario, as well as Timid Suicune. Stealth Rock is helpful in deterring switching, and makes it harder for the opposing team to take Lucario's powerful attacks. Ferrothorn and Hippowdon are both good choices for providing Stealth Rock support. With Ghost-type Pokemon being immune to two moves on this set, a Choice Scarf or specially defensive Tyranitar can be used to Pursuit them, enabling Lucario to freely launch Close Combats. Choice Band Scizor is also a good choice for this role, but bear in mind that both Tyranitar and Scizor share a weakness or two with Lucario. Gliscor can check Lucario if it doesn't come in on Ice Punch, making Rotom-W a good partner to tank switch in on Earthquakes. Terrakion and Conkeldurr both outspeed Lucario and can KO it, so your own Gliscor, to check both of them, will be very valuable.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario is extremely versatile in both movepool and potential set options. With its wide type coverage, Lucario can use a Choice Scarf to patch up its shaky Speed and revenge kill many Pokemon on the opposing teams. Additionally, immunity to sandstorm and Toxic Spikes, as well as a 4x resistance to Stealth Rock, means Lucario can come in many times if necessary. Close Combat serves as Lucario's main STAB move, granting it the power it needs to KO some opposing Pokemon; the extra Speed from Choice Scarf also leaves many weakened teams hard-pressed to stand against a continuing barrage of STAB Close Combats. Stone Edge hits Flying-type Pokemon, such as Tornadus and Gyarados, for massive damage. Ice Punch is more specific, covering Dragonite, Gliscor, Landorus, and other Pokemon; both these moves are used because Lucario's decreased power leaves it even more dependent on nabbing super effective hits. With excellent neutral coverage alongside Close Combat, Crunch rounds out the set, allowing it Lucario to hit Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Jellicent and Reuniclus.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The moves listed grant Lucario great coverage, allowing it to hit most Pokemon for super effective damage. There is, however, one change one should consider: ThunderPunch over Stone Edge. While Stone Edge hits most Flying-types harder than ThunderPunch, the latter allows Lucario to specifically remove Gyarados from the game, possibly opening a sweep for other Fighting-type teammates. Note, however, that STAB Close Combat does more damage to Politoed and other pure-*space*Water-types than ThunderPunch does.

Bulky Water- and Ground-type Pokemon can easily switch into Lucario because of the lack of power behind its attacks. Hippowdon can tank anything Lucario throws at it, while Ferrothorn can come into three of Lucario's moves and freely set up entry hazards. To check those Pokemon, your own Ferrothorn is helpful. Not only can it launch strong Power Whips, but it can also set up Spikes, compensating for Lucario's decreased damage output with residual damage. Latias can come into the various Water-type Pokemon and set up Calm Minds to stop them in their tracks, whereas Latios can fire off powerful Draco Meteors.

[Other Options]

Anywhere you see Dark Pulse, Shadow Ball can be used over it. The latter move has a chance to reduce the opposing Pokemon's Special Defense, meaning subsequent attacks will hit harder. Special Defense drops also encourage the opponent to switch out, causing more entry hazard damage. Additionally, Shadow Ball obtains perfect coverage with Aura Sphere. Hi Jump Kick can be used over Close Combat on all any of the physical sets for a slightly stronger STAB move. However, it has imperfect accuracy, and with Lucario's defenses, or lack thereof, a miss can be fatal. Moreover, again due to Lucario's poor defensive stats, the stat drops from Close Combat don't matter as much. Calm Mind can be used on Lucario to take weaker special hits. However, it doesn't boost as efficiently as Nasty Plot, which is unappealing when considering Lucario's general defensive frailty. A mixed Work Up set can work to utilize both of Lucario's offensive stats, but you'll likely find Lucario's just barely above average slightly underwhelming base 110 Attack and base 115 Special Attack surprisingly lackluster without full EV investment;, and its ever-disappointing Speed and defensive stats only compounds the problem.

Air Balloon can work on the Swords Dance set, allowing Lucario to set up on and beat mono-attacking Hippowdon and Gliscor, as well as Pokemon such as Landorus Choice-locked into Earthquake. However, without Life Orb, Lucario's ExtremeSpeed becomes significantly weaker, which severely hampers ~~its~~ Lucario's sweeping abilities. Reversal is an option due to Lucario's immunity to sandstorm and Toxic Spikes. However, as with the Swords Dance set, it faces issues with coverage. Additionally, the prevalence of priority, due in particular to the popularity of Scizor and Conkeldurr, makes it harder to pull off a successful Reversal sweep.

Lucario's secondary ability, Steadfast, may seem useful at first glance: Lucario resists all common flinching moves, such as Fake Out and Iron Head, and the boost can let it outspeed a few significant Pokemon, most notably faster variants of Gliscor. However, common users of flinching strategies, namely Jirachi and Togekiss, almost always carry moves that inflict paralysis as well, which would effectively negate the Speed boosts. Additionally, even with a Speed boost, Lucario will still be unable to outpace speedy Choice Scarf users, such as Landorus and Terrakion, and will of course still fall to Mach Punch users, such as Conkeldurr.

Conversely, Lucario's released Dream World ability, Justified, is a very useful one, especially for Swords Dance variants. It means that coming in on attacks such as Crunch and Dark Pulse nets Lucario an Attack boost, which can prove very significant indeed: for example, Salamence will be KOed by +2 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed after Stealth Rock Slightly less relevant with the release of MoxieMence; perhaps a different calc will illustrate the point better?. Being physically based, the Choice Band and Choice Scarf sets also appreciate the extra added power. With Justified, Lucario gives up Inner Focus, but since the Pokemon that force it out don't utilize flinching moves, that's not really an issue. The loss of Inner Focus makes itself more apparent against Fake Out users or paraflinch users, namely Jirachi and Togekiss. More significantly, due to breeding and tutoring incompatibilities, Lucario loses out on Agility, Crunch, Ice Punch, and ThunderPunch, meaning it has to use Stone Edge as its main coverage move, or resort to Shadow Claw. As for special Lucario variants, they should stick to Inner Focus, unless you want to bluff a physical set. However, the loss of Vacuum Wave hardly justifies (pun not intended) whatever benefit could come from Justified mind games.

[Checks and Counters]

Gliscor can come in on anything except for Hidden Power Ice or boosted Ice Punch and KO back with Earthquake. Conkeldurr's bulk allows it to survive even +2 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed, and it can deal massive damage back with Mach Punch or Drain Punch. Though less commonly seen, one should note that Quagsire is a full stop to boosting Lucario as Unaware negates any Swords Dance or Nasty Plot boosts Lucario might have gained; it can burn Lucario with Scald or simply eliminate it with Earthquake or Earth Power, and can Recover off damage taken in the process.

Intimidate can put a damper on Swords Dance Lucario's sweep, and helps its users check Lucario more easily. Salamence ends up living a +1 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed and can KO back with Earthquake or Fire Blast, while RestTalk Gyarados has the bulk necessary to take any hit bar Stone Edge. If Lucario doesn't have ExtremeSpeed or doesn't hit it on the switch with an Ice-type move, Landorus outspeeds Lucario and can KO with Earthquake. Reuniclus can survive any hit bar Crunch, Shadow Ball, and Dark Pulse, and KO back with Focus Blast. Gengar can come in on Aura Sphere, Close Combat, or ExtremeSpeed, and either KO with Focus Blast or deal large amounts of damage with Hidden Power Fire. It should be noted, however, that the majority of the Pokemon listed above are not true counters, and will take heavy damage back or be outright destroyed should they switch into the wrong attack. Some of the Pokemon listed, such as Salamence, take large amounts of damage even on a resisted move.

Alternatively, one can prey on Lucario's relatively poor Speed and defenses to prevent it from sweeping your whole team. Choice Scarf users such as Heatran and Tyranitar, as well as speedy Pokemon such as Terrakion, are all capable of safely revenge killing Lucario with super effective moves. However, weakened or frail revenge killers can be picked off by Lucario's powerful ExtremeSpeed, so be sure to step carefully.

sirndpt · Dec 23, 2011

changes fully written up, gave Darkmalice's last post a set comments mention. if anyone has any additional content-related comments, now's your last chance. :)

@below - that's my opinion too, but Delta put Ice Punch in move 3 and Crunch below that. Hopefully I hear back from QC soon, but if not, I'll VM them in a couple days or so.

doughboy · Dec 24, 2011

On the Choice Band set I would put Crunch in the third slot while Ice Punch in the fourth slot. More often than not, I would find myself using Extremespeed to revenge kill Dragons as opposed to hitting them with Ice Punch, I would just never get the chance. With this in mind, Gliscor was the only major threat hit by Ice Punch. Meanwhile; Reuniclus, Gengar, Jellicent, Tentacruel, and even Slowbro would switch in. There are much wider variety of targets hit by Crunch, not to mention he can still even hit Gliscor for a pretty good chunck as opposed to the others you wouldn't be touching them at all. Dark+Fighting gives much better coverage. The last niche thing I would like to mention is that Crunch hits the Lati's just a bit harder.

Edit: Not to mention if you run Crunch, you can still run Stone Edge to hit Gliscor neutrally for 100 Base Power.

bugmaniacbob · Dec 24, 2011

As a minor note, can we change the title to "Lucario (Full Revamp)" since you're changing what's already on-site

Many thanks

sirndpt · Dec 24, 2011

stamping Terrador's check

power abuse 1/2

Lemonade · Dec 24, 2011

merry christmas

[Overview]

The fifth generation of competitive Pokemon, Black and White, has given Lucario a handful of useful toys, making it a better sweeper than ever before. First of all is Nasty Plot, which allows Lucario to function as a threatening special sweeper. It also gained a boost in ExtremeSpeed's +2 priority, which enables it to sweep more easily on the physical side. Fantastic offensive stats in base 110 Attack and 115 Special Attack, several great Fighting-type STAB attacks, and excellent coverage options all allow Lucario to hit hard with either offensive stat. Additionally, immunity to Toxic Spikes and a 4x resistance to Stealth Rock means Lucario isn't crippled by entry hazards, making it an excellent user of Choice items. However, with the introduction of many faster Pokemon, such as Landorus and Latios, as well as powerful priority users, most notably Conkeldurr, Lucario will have a hard time cleanly punching its way through teams. Furthermore, Lucario has severe four-moveslot syndrome and has difficulty covering every relevant threat. Nevertheless, Lucario is still ready to demolish unprepared teams.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: ExtremeSpeed
move 4: Ice Punch / Crunch / Bullet Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario's standard boosting set from DPP has come back with a vengeance. Not much has changed since then in terms of Lucario's movepool, but then again, not much has to; it has all it needs to pull off a lethal lategame sweep. Swords Dance boosts Lucario's Attack to sky-high levels, preparing it for a sweep. Close Combat serves as Lucario's main STAB move, allowing it to OHKO even physically defensive Skarmory after a Swords Dance. With ExtremeSpeed's boost to +2 priority, Lucario can now outspeed all other offensive priority moves except for Fake Out, which means it no longer has to worry about weakened or frail Pokemon looking to pick it off with Mach Punch or Vacuum Wave. Finally, Lucario has several options for its last move; the move you pick should depend on how well the rest of your team fares against each of these groups of threats. Ice Punch hits Gliscor and Landorus on the switch in, while Crunch decimates Ghost- and Psychic-type foes, most notably Jellicent and Reuniclus. A last option is Bullet Punch, which allows Lucario to pick off faster Rock- and Ghost-types, particularly Terrakion and Gengar, as well as the occasional Choice Scarf Tyranitar. It should be noted that if one chooses to run Bullet Punch, Lucario's moveset is fully compatible with the Justified ability; therefore, Lucario's Dream World ability is a solid option worth considering.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Stone Edge can be used in the last moveslot in order to hit Flying-types such as Gyarados, Salamence, and Dragonite, the first two of whom can ruin Lucario's sweep with Intimidate and can survive a +1 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed even after Stealth Rock. Bullet Punch still has some utility in hitting Gengar, Terrakion, and Choice Scarf Tyranitar, but Lucario loses a useful coverage move in the process. Lucario can also use a Jolly nature to outspeed positive-natured Gyarados, Dragonite, and Rotom-W, but in general, most Pokemon that run a Speed-boosting nature in order to outpace Lucario are KOed by Adamant Lucario's ExtremeSpeed.

Stealth Rock is very useful in helping Lucario set up a sweep, because it gradually wears down the opposing team. Jirachi, Heatran, Celebi, Ferrothorn, and Hippowdon are all great choices to set it up. In order to fully assist Lucario's sweep, Pokemon that are weak to Dark-type moves are good partners, as they lure Pursuit or Crunch, great opportunities for Lucario to set up. Both Latias and Latios are either resistant or immune to all three of Lucario's weaknesses, and can smash through opposing Pokemon with STAB Draco Meteor. Meanwhile, Lucario resists all five of their weaknesses, and can comfortably set up on the moves that threaten them.

If Lucario is not using Bullet Punch, a Pursuit user is useful for eliminating Gengar, who is immune to two of Lucario's moves and can KO with Focus Blast. Choice Scarf Tyranitar is a great check to Gengar, because it can outspeed Gengar and OHKO with Pursuit. Gliscor is also a problematic Pokemon if Lucario is not carrying Ice Punch, as it has the defenses to take any hit Lucario can dish out and retaliate with STAB Earthquake; speedy variants also outrun Lucario due to Gliscor's higher base Speed. To fix this weakness, Rotom-W is immune to Ground-type moves and can hit Gliscor with Hydro Pump. Bulky Mach Punch users, Conkeldurr in particular, can survive a boosted ExtremeSpeed and OHKO. As such, a Gliscor of your own can come in handy; it takes all Conkeldurr's assaults and can threaten it with Earthquake.

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Aura Sphere
move 3: Dark Pulse
move 4: Vacuum Wave / Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

With access to Nasty Plot, Lucario can finally pull off a special sweep efficiently. The strong threat of Swords Dance Lucario results in many opponents switching in a physical wall, only to be met by a +2 Special Attack Lucario. However, surprise value isn't all that Nasty Plot Lucario has going for it; after a boost and Stealth Rock damage, Lucario is overwhelmingly likely to OHKO even the gold standard of special walling, Blissey. Similarly, even Eviolite Chansey and specially defensive Jirachi fall in two hits. 

Lucario's sweeping prowess is due to its access to not only Nasty Plot, but also the excellent and rare special Fighting-type move, Aura Sphere, which combines reliable power with perfect accuracy. Alongside Dark Pulse, it gains gain near-perfect coverage, failing to hit only Heracross and Toxicroak with at least neutral effectiveness. Dark Pulse swiftly eliminates Psychic-types, particularly Latias, and gets the nod over Shadow Ball due to its handy flinch rate, which can be helpful in taking down bulkier Pokemon such as Reuniclus. Additionally, the two moves have great synergy: there's little fear of Dark- and Steel-type Pokemon switching into Dark Pulse because of their weakness to Aura Sphere. Vacuum Wave serves as priority to take down Terrakion, along with weakened opposing Pokemon. Hidden Power Ice can hit Dragonite, Landorus, Gliscor, Salamence, and other part-Flying-type Pokemon that resist Aura Sphere.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

A Modest nature gives Lucario maximum power in order to sweep through the opposing team. Timid has more merit on this set than Jolly does on the Swords Dance set, however, due to the very real power gap between ExtremeSpeed and Vacuum Wave. The extra Speed will enable Lucario to outspeed Pokemon such as positive-natured Togekiss, Dragonite, Gyarados, Suicune, and Nidoking.

As with the Swords Dance set, Stealth Rock support is appreciated to make Lucario's job easier. Heatran and Hippowdon are both great partners for Lucario, as Heatran is immune to Fire-type moves, and Hippowdon has the physical bulk to take Earthquakes and Mach Punches. Pokemon that bait Pursuit, such as Latios, Latias, and Gengar, are still helpful; again, Latios and Latias can smash through the opposing team with STAB Draco Meteors, while Gengar can wear down Blissey and Chansey enough so that Aura Sphere can KO. If Lucario and Heatran are not using Hidden Power Ice, Gliscor can be checked by Rotom-W, who can threaten a KO with STAB Hydro Pump, whereas if Lucario chooses to forgo Vacuum Wave, Terrakion can be checked by Gliscor, who can survive any of its attacks and hit back with a super effective Earthquake. Gliscor can also check Conkeldurr, whom Lucario can't OHKO with a boosted Vacuum Wave.

[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Close Combat / Hi Jump Kick
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario also has access to a third boosting move: Agility. The previous sets suffer from being outsped by revenge killers, such as Terrakion. In order to combat this weakness, this set concentrates on boosting Lucario's Speed so that common revenge killers won't be able to outspeed and revenge kill it. However, this does leave the user with a weaker Lucario, who has no means of boosting its attack. Agility is the main move on this set, enabling Lucario to overtake not only the many threats populating the base 100 and base 108 Speed tiers, but even Choice Scarf variants of these threats.

Close Combat gives Lucario the strong STAB attack it needs in order to overcome its lack of raw power; unlike Hi Jump Kick, it has 100% accuracy, so it won't miss at a crucial juncture. However, Hi Jump Kick is worth consideration because its slightly greater power compensates for this Lucario's lack of Attack boosts. Hi Jump Kick also doesn't cause defense drops, which would otherwise make Lucario more vulnerable to being revenge killed by priority moves. Crunch hits Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon, particularly Jellicent and Reuniclus, who are immune and resistant to Close Combat, respectively. Ice Punch rounds out the set by hitting Flying-type Pokemon, such as Landorus and Dragonite, who resist Lucario's main STAB move. It also hits Gliscor, but don't be misled by Gliscor's 4x weakness to Ice-type moves; Ice Punch won't KO the bat unless it's been severely weakened.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Due to the Speed boost from Agility, Lucario can choose to drop some Speed EVs in order to increase its bulk. 188 Speed EVs enable Lucario to outspeed positive-natured Choice Scarf base 110 foes after a boost, while 132 Speed EVs allow Lucario to outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus. Without the ability to increase its power, Lucario appreciates entry hazard support to weaken the opposing team. Spikes support is more necessary here than on the previous sets, making Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory prized teammates. Skarmory is immune to Ground-type moves, while Ferrothorn can switch into and set up on much of the metagame. Ghost-type Pokemon work well with Lucario as they block Rapid Spin and bait Pursuits for Lucario to set up on; Jellicent is one of the better choices here because it is resistant or immune to two of Lucario's weaknesses.

Again, there are still a handful of Pokemon that can easily check Lucario. Conkeldurr can bypass Lucario's Agility boosts with Mach Punch, while a healthy Gliscor can survive a relatively weak Ice Punch and KO back with Earthquake. Your own Gliscor and Rotom-W can help check both Conkeldurr and Gliscor. Powerhouses such as Haxorus and Dragonite can smash through the opposing defenses, and have good defensive synergy with Lucario as well. Latios, too, can launch Choice Specs Draco Meteors at the opposing team to quickly decimate it.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Aura Sphere
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Vacuum Wave
item: Choice Specs
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario is fully capable of hitting hard off the bat without boosting its stats. While the first three sets are concerned with taking advantage of a free turn to set up, this set attempts to hit the opposing team hard and never look back. Furthermore, this variant of Lucario can catch physically defensive Pokemon off guard should they switch in expecting a physical move. Aura Sphere leads the set off, boasting both STAB and perfect accuracy. Dark Pulse, in conjunction with Aura Sphere, attains nearly perfect coverage in just two moves. Additionally, Dark Pulse can flinch the opposing Pokemon, allowing Lucario to get off an additional attack. Hidden Power Ice hits Gliscor, a major threat to Lucario, as well as Dragonite and Landorus, while Vacuum Wave can KO weakened Pokemon and deals massive damage to Terrakion, making Lucario a decent revenge killer.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Dragon Pulse can be used over Hidden Power Ice as a general move covering all of Gyarados, Conkeldurr, and Gliscor. However, one of Lucario's main boasts is the ability to nab a quick KO on Gliscor, making forgoing Hidden Power Ice an inferior option. The question between more power and more Speed is evident once again. Since this set is based around hitting hard and switching when needed, Modest is more beneficial. However, a Timid nature is still useful for outspeeding Pokemon such as Gyarados, Dragonite, and Rotom-W.

With the pressure that Lucario places on the opposing team, Stealth Rock support is once again vital to capitalize on forced switches. Hippowdon and Ferrothorn both have the bulk to take hits should Lucario be forced to retreat. Choice Specs Lucario also fulfills a role for offensive teams, luring Gliscor in and KOing it with Hidden Power Ice. This makes Pokemon such as Conkeldurr good partners, because they greatly appreciate the removal of Gliscor. Furthermore, a Pokemon that doesn't mind repeatedly switching into Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon is useful to support Lucario after it locks itself into Aura Sphere. Calm Mind Jirachi and Latias, as well as specially defensive Scizor with Roost, help against the likes of Reuniclus and Gengar, due to their bulk and STAB attacks. Tyranitar is a shakier choice due to its significant Fighting-type weakness, but it can put the Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon into a checkmate position with STAB Pursuit and Crunch.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: ExtremeSpeed
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch / Stone Edge / Bullet Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Although Lucario's base 110 Attack may be lower than its Special Attack, it can still utilize a Choice Band set effectively due to the sheer power of its physical moves, Close Combat in particular. A STAB Choice Band Close Combat will destroy anything that doesn't resist it, and can still potentially maim enemies unless they are completely immune to it. ExtremeSpeed moves before all other offensive priority moves except for Fake Out, allowing Lucario to easily pick off opposing Pokemon thanks to the Choice Band boost. Lucario's coverage moves should be familiar by now: Ice Punch hits Gliscor, Landorus, and Dragonite, while Crunch decimates Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon that resist or are immune to Close Combat, such as Reuniclus and Jellicent. As possible alternatives, Stone Edge may appear to have overlapping type coverage with Ice Punch, but the former does more damage to Gyarados and Tornadus. Bullet Punch enables Lucario to cover and even revenge kill Gengar, Tyranitar, and Terrakion; while the type coverage may be missed, it is of less consequence on a Choice set.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Similar to the Choice Specs set, an Adamant nature enables Lucario to hit harder with ExtremeSpeed, while Jolly lets Lucario outpace opposing Adamant Lucario, as well as Timid Suicune. Stealth Rock is helpful in deterring switching, and makes it harder for the opposing team to take Lucario's powerful attacks. Ferrothorn and Hippowdon are both good choices for providing Stealth Rock support. With Ghost-type Pokemon being immune to two moves on this set, a Choice Scarf or specially defensive Tyranitar can be used to Pursuit them, enabling Lucario to freely launch Close Combats. Choice Band Scizor is also a good choice for this role, but bear in mind that both Tyranitar and Scizor share a weakness or two with Lucario. Gliscor can check Lucario if it doesn't come in on Ice Punch, making Rotom-W a good partner to switch in on Earthquakes. Terrakion and Conkeldurr both outspeed Lucario and can KO it, so your own Gliscor, to check both of them, will be very valuable.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario is extremely versatile in both movepool and potential set options. With its wide type coverage, Lucario can use a Choice Scarf to patch up its shaky Speed and revenge kill many Pokemon on the opposing teams. Additionally, immunity to sandstorm and Toxic Spikes, as well as a 4x resistance to Stealth Rock, means Lucario can come in many times if necessary. Close Combat serves as Lucario's main STAB move, granting it the power it needs to KO some opposing Pokemon; the extra Speed from Choice Scarf also leaves many weakened teams hard-pressed to stand against a continuing barrage of STAB Close Combats. Stone Edge hits Flying-type Pokemon, such as Tornadus and Gyarados, for massive damage. Ice Punch is more specific, covering Dragonite, Gliscor, Landorus, and other Pokemon; both these moves are used because Lucario's decreased power leaves it even more dependent on nabbing super effective hits. With excellent neutral coverage alongside Close Combat, Crunch rounds out the set, allowing Lucario to hit Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Jellicent and Reuniclus.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The moves listed grant Lucario great coverage, allowing it to hit most Pokemon for super effective damage. There is, however, one change one should consider: ThunderPunch over Stone Edge. While Stone Edge hits most Flying-types harder than ThunderPunch, the latter allows Lucario to specifically remove Gyarados from the game, possibly opening a sweep for other Fighting-type teammates. Note, however, that STAB Close Combat does more damage to Politoed and other Water-types than ThunderPunch does.

Bulky Water- and Ground-type Pokemon can easily switch into Lucario because of the lack of power behind its attacks. Hippowdon can tank anything Lucario throws at it, while Ferrothorn can come into three of Lucario's moves and freely set up entry hazards. To check those Pokemon, your own Ferrothorn is helpful. Not only can it launch strong Power Whips, but it can also set up Spikes, compensating for Lucario's decreased damage output with residual damage. Latias can come into the various Water-type Pokemon and set up Calm Minds to stop them in their tracks, whereas Latios can fire off powerful Draco Meteors.

[Other Options]

Anywhere you see Dark Pulse, Shadow Ball can be used over it. The latter move has a chance to reduce the opposing Pokemon's Special Defense, meaning subsequent attacks will hit harder. Special Defense drops also encourage the opponent to switch out, causing more entry hazard damage. Additionally, Shadow Ball obtains perfect coverage with Aura Sphere. Hi Jump Kick can be used over Close Combat on any of the physical sets for a slightly stronger STAB move. However, it has imperfect accuracy, and with Lucario's defenses, or lack thereof, a miss can be fatal. Moreover, again due to Lucario's poor defensive stats, the stat drops from Close Combat don't matter as much. Calm Mind can be used on Lucario to take weaker special hits. However, it doesn't boost as efficiently as Nasty Plot, which is unappealing when considering Lucario's general defensive frailty. A mixed Work Up set can work to utilize both of Lucario's offensive stats, but you'll likely find Lucario's base 110 Attack and base 115 Special Attack surprisingly lackluster without full EV investment; its ever-disappointing Speed and defensive stats only compound the problem.

Air Balloon can work on the Swords Dance set, allowing Lucario to set up on and beat mono-attacking Hippowdon and Gliscor, as well as Pokemon such as Landorus Choice-locked into Earthquake. However, without Life Orb, Lucario's ExtremeSpeed becomes significantly weaker, which severely hampers Lucario's sweeping abilities. Reversal is an option due to Lucario's immunity to sandstorm and Toxic Spikes. However, as with the Swords Dance set, it faces issues with coverage. Additionally, the prevalence of priority, due in particular to the popularity of Scizor and Conkeldurr, makes it harder to pull off a successful Reversal sweep.

Lucario's secondary ability, Steadfast, may seem useful at first glance: Lucario resists all common flinching moves, such as Fake Out and Iron Head, and the boost can let it outspeed a few significant Pokemon, most notably faster variants of Gliscor. However, common users of flinching strategies, namely Jirachi and Togekiss, almost always carry moves that inflict paralysis as well, which would effectively negate the Speed boosts. Additionally, even with a Speed boost, Lucario will still be unable to outpace speedy Choice Scarf users, such as Landorus and Terrakion, and will of course still fall to Mach Punch users, such as Conkeldurr.

Conversely, Lucario's released Dream World ability, Justified, is a very useful one, especially for Swords Dance variants. It means that coming in on attacks such as Crunch and Dark Pulse nets Lucario an Attack boost, which can prove very significant indeed: for example, just some of the Pokemon Lucario can OHKO with +3 ExtremeSpeed but not +2 include Landorus, Hydreigon, Virizion, Choice Scarf Rotom-W, Moxie Gyarados and Salamence without Stealth Rock, and Intimidate Gyarados and Salamence after Stealth Rock. The Choice Band and Choice Scarf sets also appreciate the extra added power.

With Justified, Lucario gives up Inner Focus, but since the Pokemon that force it out don't utilize flinching moves, that's not really an issue. The loss of Inner Focus makes itself more apparent against Fake Out users or paraflinch users, namely Jirachi and Togekiss. More significantly, due to breeding and tutoring incompatibilities, Lucario loses out on Agility, Crunch, Ice Punch, and ThunderPunch, meaning it has to use Stone Edge as its main coverage move, or resort to Bullet Punch or Shadow Claw. As for special Lucario variants, they should stick to Inner Focus, unless you want to bluff a physical set. However, the loss of Vacuum Wave hardly justifies (pun not intended) whatever benefit could come from Justified mind games.

[Checks and Counters]

Gliscor can come in on anything except for Hidden Power Ice or boosted Ice Punch and KO back with Earthquake. Conkeldurr's bulk allows it to survive even +2 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed, and it can deal massive damage back with Mach Punch or Drain Punch. Though less commonly seen, one should note that Quagsire is a full stop to boosting Lucario as Unaware negates any Swords Dance or Nasty Plot boosts Lucario might have gained; it can burn Lucario with Scald or simply eliminate it with Earthquake or Earth Power, and can Recover off damage taken in the process.

Intimidate can put a damper on Swords Dance Lucario's sweep, and helps its users check Lucario more easily. Salamence can survive +1 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed and KO back with Earthquake or Fire Blast, while RestTalk Gyarados has the bulk necessary to take any hit bar Stone Edge. If Lucario doesn't have ExtremeSpeed or doesn't hit it on the switch with an Ice-type move, Landorus outspeeds Lucario and can KO with Earthquake. Reuniclus can survive any hit bar Crunch, Shadow Ball, and Dark Pulse, and KO back with Focus Blast. Gengar can come in on Aura Sphere, Close Combat, or ExtremeSpeed, and either KO with Focus Blast or deal large amounts of damage with Hidden Power Fire. It should be noted, however, that the majority of the Pokemon listed above are not true counters, and will take heavy damage back or be outright destroyed should they switch into the wrong attack. Some of the Pokemon listed, such as Salamence, take large amounts of damage even on a resisted move.

Alternatively, one can prey on Lucario's relatively poor Speed and defenses to prevent it from sweeping your whole team. Choice Scarf users such as Heatran and Tyranitar, as well as speedy Pokemon such as Terrakion, are all capable of safely revenge killing Lucario with super effective moves. However, weakened or frail revenge killers can be picked off by Lucario's powerful ExtremeSpeed, so be sure to step carefully.

srry no engihsh

[Overview]

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[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: ExtremeSpeed
move 4: Ice Punch / Crunch / Bullet Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

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[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

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[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Aura Sphere
move 3: Dark Pulse
move 4: Vacuum Wave / Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Close Combat / Hi Jump Kick
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Aura Sphere
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Vacuum Wave
item: Choice Specs
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt .

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: ExtremeSpeed
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch / Stone Edge / Bullet Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Saifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt 

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[Other Options]

aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt .

[Checks and Counters]

Gaifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt aifujawioefj iojoi jopfwei jf ejpaofiefi ja;lskjf;lrkj lasdklj asdkj fklajel;tk a;welj l;kadfjl;aj wioej f;aoiejf o;awjefo; aj;f jasdklfj al;skdjf askl;dfj lkasdjf; lasdj fkladjfklajsd flkajsdfkjekljfiawejatiow toriwhtpoq4ht o4 vklsdnfklg asjg wiof opairjtiop aerj t9pajwrotj aoprjt

[Overview]

The fifth generation of competitive Pokemon, Black and White, makes it sound like BW is new, maybe a rephrase? has given Lucario a handful of useful toys, making it a better sweeper than ever before. First of all is Nasty Plot, which allows Lucario to function as a threatening special sweeper. It also gained a boost in ExtremeSpeed's +2 priority, which enables it to sweep more easily on the physical side. Fantastic offensive stats in base 110 Attack and 115 Special Attack, several great Fighting-type STAB attacks, and excellent coverage options all allow Lucario to hit hard with either offensive stat. Additionally, immunity to Toxic Spikes and a 4x resistance to Stealth Rock means Lucario isn't crippled by entry hazards, making it an excellent user of Choice items. However, with the introduction of many faster Pokemon, such as Landorus and Latios, as well as powerful priority users, most notably Conkeldurr, Lucario will have a hard time cleanly punching its way through teams. Furthermore, Lucario has severe four-moveslot syndrome and has difficulty covering every relevant threat. Nevertheless, Lucario is still ready to demolish unprepared teams.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: ExtremeSpeed
move 4: Ice Punch / Crunch / Bullet Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario's standard boosting set from DPP has come back with a vengeance. Not much has changed since then in terms of Lucario's movepool, but then again, not much has to; it Lucario has all it needs to pull off a lethal lategame sweep. Swords Dance boosts Lucario's Attack to sky-high levels, preparing it for a sweep. Close Combat serves as Lucario's main STAB move, allowing it to OHKO even physically defensive Skarmory after a Swords Dance. With ExtremeSpeed's boost to +2 priority, Lucario can now outspeed all other offensive priority moves except for Fake Out, which means it no longer has to worry about weakened or frail Pokemon looking to pick it off with Mach Punch or Vacuum Wave. Finally, Lucario has several options for its last move; the move you pick should depend on how well the rest of your team fares against each of these groups of threats. Ice Punch hits Gliscor and Landorus on the switch in, while Crunch decimates Ghost- and Psychic-type foes, most notably Jellicent and Reuniclus. A last option is Bullet Punch, which allows Lucario to pick off faster Rock- and Ghost-types, particularly Terrakion and Gengar, as well as the occasional Choice Scarf Tyranitar. It should be noted that if one chooses to run Bullet Punch, Lucario's moveset is fully compatible with the Justified ability; therefore, Lucario's Dream World ability is a solid option worth considering.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Stone Edge can be used in the last moveslot in order to hit Flying-types such as Gyarados, Salamence, and Dragonite, the first two of whom can ruin Lucario's sweep with Intimidate and can survive a +1 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed even after Stealth Rock. Bullet Punch still has some utility in hitting Gengar, Terrakion, and Choice Scarf Tyranitar, but Lucario loses a useful coverage move in the process. Lucario can also use a Jolly nature to outspeed positive-natured Gyarados, Dragonite, and Rotom-W, but in general, most Pokemon that run a Speed-boosting nature in order to outpace Lucario are KOed by Adamant Lucario's ExtremeSpeed.

Stealth Rock is very useful in helping Lucario set up a sweep, because it gradually wears down the opposing team. Jirachi, Heatran, Celebi, Ferrothorn, and Hippowdon are all great choices to set it up. In order to fully assist Lucario's sweep, Pokemon that are weak to Dark-type moves are good partners, as they lure Pursuit or Crunch, great opportunities for Lucario to set up. Both Latias and Latios are either resistant or immune to all three of Lucario's weaknesses, and can smash through opposing Pokemon with STAB Draco Meteor. Meanwhile, Lucario resists all five of their weaknesses, and can comfortably set up on the moves that threaten them.

If Lucario is not using Bullet Punch, a Pursuit user is useful for eliminating Gengar, who which is immune to two of Lucario's moves and can KO with Focus Blast. Choice Scarf Tyranitar is a great check to Gengar, because it can outspeed Gengar and OHKO with Pursuit. Gliscor is also a problematic Pokemon if Lucario is not carrying Ice Punch, as it has the defenses to take any hit Lucario can dish out and retaliate with STAB Earthquake; speedy variants also outrun Lucario due to Gliscor's higher base Speed. To fix this weakness, Rotom-W is immune to Ground-type moves and can hit Gliscor with Hydro Pump. Bulky Mach Punch users, Conkeldurr in particular, can survive a boosted ExtremeSpeed and OHKO. As such, a Gliscor of your own can come in handy; it takes all Conkeldurr's assaults and can threaten it with Earthquake. maybe squeeze in how DD Scrafty and / or Double Dance Terrakion are good partners since one eliminates walls and the other sweeps

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Aura Sphere
move 3: Dark Pulse
move 4: Vacuum Wave / Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

With access to Nasty Plot, Lucario can finally pull off a special sweep efficiently. The strong threat of Swords Dance Lucario results in many opponents switching in a physical wall, only to be met by a +2 Special Attack Lucario. However, surprise value isn't all that Nasty Plot Lucario has going for it; after a boost and Stealth Rock damage, Lucario is overwhelmingly likely to OHKO even the gold standard of special walling, Blissey. Similarly, even Eviolite Chansey and specially defensive Jirachi fall in two hits. 

Lucario's sweeping prowess is due to its access to not only Nasty Plot, but also the excellent and rare special Fighting-type move, Aura Sphere, which combines reliable power with perfect accuracy. Alongside Dark Pulse, it gains gain near-perfect coverage, failing to hit only Heracross and Toxicroak with at least neutral effectiveness. Dark Pulse swiftly eliminates Psychic-types, particularly Latias, and gets the nod over Shadow Ball due to its the former's handy flinch rate, which can be helpful in taking down bulkier Pokemon such as Reuniclus. Additionally, the two moves have great synergy: there's little fear of Dark- and Steel-type Pokemon switching into Dark Pulse because of their weakness to Aura Sphere. Vacuum Wave serves as priority to take down Terrakion, along with weakened opposing Pokemon. Hidden Power Ice can hit Dragonite, Landorus, Gliscor, Salamence, and other part-Flying-type Pokemon that resist Aura Sphere.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

A Modest nature gives Lucario maximum power in order to sweep through the opposing team. Timid has more merit on this set than Jolly does on the Swords Dance set, however, due to the very real power gap between ExtremeSpeed and Vacuum Wave. The extra Speed will enable Lucario to outspeed Pokemon though, such as positive-natured Togekiss, Dragonite, Gyarados, Suicune, and Nidoking.

As with the Swords Dance set, Stealth Rock support is appreciated to make Lucario's job easier. Heatran and Hippowdon are both great partners for Lucario, as Heatran is immune to Fire-type moves, and Hippowdon has the physical bulk to take Earthquakes and Mach Punches. Pokemon that bait Pursuit, wouldn't they get trapped and KOed?? or....? such as Latios, Latias, and Gengar, are still helpful; again, Latios and Latias can smash through the opposing team with STAB Draco Meteors, while Gengar can wear down Blissey and Chansey enough so that Aura Sphere can KO. If Lucario and Heatran are not using Hidden Power Ice, Gliscor can be checked by Rotom-W, who which can threaten a KO with STAB Hydro Pump, whereas if Lucario chooses to forgo Vacuum Wave, Terrakion can be checked by Gliscor, who which can survive any of its attacks and hit back with a super effective Earthquake. Gliscor can also check Conkeldurr, whom which Lucario can't OHKO with a boosted Vacuum Wave.

[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Close Combat / Hi Jump Kick
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Ice Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario also has access to a third boosting move: Agility. The previous sets suffer from being outsped by revenge killers, such as Terrakion. In order to combat this weakness, this set concentrates on boosting Lucario's Speed so that common revenge killers won't be able to outspeed and revenge kill it. However, this does leave the user with a weaker Lucario, who which will have has no means of boosting its attack. Agility is the main move on this set, enabling Lucario to overtake not only the many threats populating the base 100 and base 108 Speed tiers, but even also Choice Scarf variants of these threats.

Close Combat gives Lucario the strong STAB attack it needs in order to overcome its lack of raw power; unlike Hi Jump Kick, it has 100% accuracy, so it won't miss at a crucial juncture. However, Hi Jump Kick is worth consideration because its slightly greater power compensates for this Lucario's lack of Attack boosts. Hi Jump Kick also doesn't cause defense drops, which would otherwise make Lucario more vulnerable to being revenge killed by priority moves. Crunch hits Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon, particularly Jellicent and Reuniclus, who which are immune and resistant to Close Combat, respectively. Ice Punch rounds out the set by hitting Flying-type Pokemon, such as Landorus and Dragonite, who which resist Lucario's main STAB move. It also hits Gliscor, but don't be misled by Gliscor's 4x weakness to Ice-type moves; Ice Punch won't KO the bat unless it's been severely weakened.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Due to the Speed boost from Agility, Lucario can choose to drop some Speed EVs in order to increase its bulk. 188 Speed EVs enable Lucario to outspeed positive-natured Choice Scarf base 110 foes after a boost, while 132 Speed EVs allow Lucario to outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus. Without the ability to increase its power, Lucario appreciates entry hazard support to weaken the opposing team. Spikes support is more necessary here than on the previous sets, making Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory prized teammates. Skarmory is immune to Ground-type moves, while Ferrothorn can switch into and set up on much of the metagame. Ghost-type Pokemon work well with Lucario,[comma] as they block Rapid Spin and bait Pursuits for Lucario to set up on; Jellicent is one of the better choices here because it is resistant or immune to two of Lucario's weaknesses.

Again, there are still a handful of Pokemon that can easily check Lucario. Conkeldurr can bypass Lucario's Agility boosts with Mach Punch, while a healthy Gliscor can survive a relatively weak Ice Punch and KO back with Earthquake. Your own Gliscor and Rotom-W can help check both Conkeldurr and Gliscor. Powerhouses such as Haxorus and Dragonite can smash through the opposing defenses, and have good defensive synergy with Lucario as well. Latios, too, can launch Choice Specs Draco Meteors at the opposing team to quickly decimate it.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Aura Sphere
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Vacuum Wave
item: Choice Specs
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario is fully capable of hitting hard off the bat without boosting its stats. While the first three sets are concerned with taking advantage of a free turn to set up, this set attempts to hit the opposing team hard and never look back. Furthermore, this variant of Lucario can catch physically defensive Pokemon off guard should they switch in expecting a physical move. Aura Sphere leads the set off, boasting both STAB and perfect accuracy. Dark Pulse, in conjunction with Aura Sphere, attains nearly perfect coverage in just two moves. Additionally, Dark Pulse can flinch the opposing Pokemon, allowing Lucario to get off an additional attack. Hidden Power Ice hits Gliscor, a major threat to Lucario, as well as Dragonite and Landorus, while and Vacuum Wave can be used to KO weakened Pokemon, also dealing and deals massive damage to Terrakion, making Lucario a decent revenge killer.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Dragon Pulse can be used over Hidden Power Ice as a general move covering all of Gyarados, Conkeldurr, and Gliscor. However, one of Lucario's main boasts is the ability to nab a quick KO on Gliscor, making forgoing Hidden Power Ice an inferior option. The question between more power and more Speed is evident once again. Since this set is based around hitting hard and switching when needed, Modest is more beneficial. However, a Timid nature is still useful for outspeeding Pokemon such as Gyarados, Dragonite, and Rotom-W.

With the pressure that Lucario places on the opposing team, Stealth Rock support is once again vital to capitalize on forced switches. Hippowdon and Ferrothorn both have the bulk to take hits should Lucario be forced to retreat. Choice Specs Lucario also fulfills a role for offensive teams, luring Gliscor in and KOing it with Hidden Power Ice. This makes Pokemon such as Conkeldurr good partners, because they greatly appreciate the removal of Gliscor. Furthermore, a Pokemon that doesn't mind repeatedly switching into Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon is useful to support Lucario after it locks itself into Aura Sphere. Calm Mind Jirachi and Latias, as well as specially defensive Scizor with Roost, help against the likes of Reuniclus and Gengar, due to their bulk and STAB attacks. Tyranitar is a shakier choice due to its significant Fighting-type weakness, but it can put the Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon into a checkmate position with STAB Pursuit and Crunch.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: ExtremeSpeed
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch / Stone Edge / Bullet Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Although Lucario's base 110 Attack may be lower than its Special Attack, it can still utilize a Choice Band set effectively due to the sheer power of its physical moves, [elevator_music dash]Close Combat in particular. A STAB Choice Band Close Combat will destroy anything that doesn't resist it, and can still potentially maim enemies unless they are completely immune to it. ExtremeSpeed moves before all other offensive priority moves except for Fake Out, allowing Lucario to easily pick off opposing Pokemon thanks to the Choice Band boost. Lucario's coverage moves should be familiar by now: Ice Punch hits Gliscor, Landorus, and Dragonite, while Crunch decimates Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon that resist or are immune to Close Combat, such as Reuniclus and Jellicent. As possible alternatives, Stone Edge may appear to have overlapping type coverage with Ice Punch, but the former does more damage to Gyarados and Tornadus. Bullet Punch enables Lucario to cover and even revenge kill Gengar, Tyranitar, and Terrakion; while the type coverage may be missed, it is of less consequence on a Choice set.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Similar to the Choice Specs set, an Adamant nature enables Lucario to hit harder with ExtremeSpeed, while Jolly lets Lucario outpace opposing Adamant Lucario, as well as Timid Suicune. idk how common Suicune is Stealth Rock is helpful in deterring switching, and makes it harder for the opposing team to take Lucario's powerful attacks. Ferrothorn and Hippowdon are both good choices for providing Stealth Rock support. With Ghost-type Pokemon being immune to two moves on this set, a Choice Scarf or specially defensive Tyranitar can be used to Pursuit them, enabling Lucario to freely launch Close Combats. Choice Band Scizor is also a good choice for this role, but bear in mind that both Tyranitar and Scizor share a weakness or two with Lucario. Gliscor can check Lucario if it doesn't come in on Ice Punch, making Rotom-W a good partner to switch in on Earthquakes. Terrakion and Conkeldurr both outspeed Lucario and can KO it, so your own Gliscor, to check both of them, will be very valuable.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Crunch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Lucario is extremely versatile in both movepool and potential set options. With its wide type coverage, Lucario can use a Choice Scarf to patch up its shaky Speed and revenge kill many Pokemon on the opposing teams. Additionally, immunity to sandstorm and Toxic Spikes, as well as a 4x resistance to Stealth Rock, means Lucario can come in many times if necessary. Close Combat serves as Lucario's main STAB move, granting it the power it needs to KO some opposing Pokemon; the extra Speed from Choice Scarf also leaves many weakened teams hard-pressed to stand against a continuing barrage of STAB Close Combats. Stone Edge hits Flying-type Pokemon, such as Tornadus and Gyarados, for massive damage. Ice Punch is more specific, covering Dragonite, Gliscor, Landorus, and other Pokemon; both these moves are used because Lucario's decreased power leaves it even more dependent on nabbing super effective hits. With excellent neutral coverage alongside Close Combat, Crunch rounds out the set, allowing Lucario to hit Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Jellicent and Reuniclus.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The moves listed grant Lucario great coverage, allowing it to hit most Pokemon for super effective damage. There is, however, one change one should consider: ThunderPunch over Stone Edge. While Stone Edge hits most Flying-types harder than ThunderPunch, the latter allows Lucario to specifically remove Gyarados from the game, possibly opening a sweep for other Fighting-type teammates. Note, however, that STAB Close Combat does more damage to Politoed and other Water-types than ThunderPunch does.

Bulky Water- and Ground-type Pokemon can easily switch into Lucario because of the lack of power behind its attacks. Hippowdon can tank anything Lucario throws at it, while Ferrothorn can come into three of Lucario's moves and freely set up entry hazards. To check those Pokemon, your own Ferrothorn is helpful. Not only can it launch strong Power Whips, but it can also set up Spikes, compensating for Lucario's decreased damage output with residual damage. Latias can come into the various Water-type Pokemon and set up Calm Minds to stop them in their tracks, whereas Latios can fire off powerful Draco Meteors.

[Other Options]

Anywhere you see Dark Pulse, Shadow Ball can be used over it. The latter move has a chance to reduce the opposing Pokemon's Special Defense, meaning subsequent attacks will hit harder. Special Defense drops also encourage the opponent to switch out, causing more entry hazard damage. Additionally, Shadow Ball obtains perfect coverage with Aura Sphere. Hi Jump Kick can be used over Close Combat on any of the physical sets for a slightly stronger STAB move. However, it has imperfect accuracy, and with Lucario's defenses, or lack thereof, a miss can be fatal. Moreover, again due to Lucario's poor defensive stats, the stat drops from Close Combat don't matter as much. Calm Mind can be used on Lucario to take weaker special hits. However, it doesn't boost as efficiently as Nasty Plot, which is unappealing when considering Lucario's general defensive frailty. A mixed Work Up set can work to utilize both of Lucario's offensive stats, but you'll likely find Lucario's base 110 Attack and base 115 Special Attack surprisingly lackluster without full EV investment; its ever-disappointing Speed and defensive stats only compound the problem.

Air Balloon can work on the Swords Dance set, allowing Lucario to set up on and beat mono-attacking Hippowdon and Gliscor, as well as Pokemon such as Landorus Choice-locked into Earthquake. However, without Life Orb, Lucario's ExtremeSpeed becomes significantly weaker, which severely hampers Lucario's sweeping abilities. Reversal is an option due to Lucario's immunity to sandstorm and Toxic Spikes. However, as with the Swords Dance set, it faces issues with coverage. Additionally, the prevalence of priority, due in particular to the popularity of Scizor and Conkeldurr, makes it harder to pull off a successful Reversal sweep.

Lucario's secondary ability, Steadfast, may seem useful at first glance: Lucario resists all common flinching moves, such as Fake Out and Iron Head, and the boost can let it outspeed a few significant Pokemon, most notably faster variants of Gliscor. However, common users of flinching strategies, namely Jirachi and Togekiss, almost always carry moves that inflict paralysis as well, which would effectively negate the Speed boosts. Additionally, even with a Speed boost, Lucario will still be unable to outpace speedy Choice Scarf users, such as Landorus and Terrakion, and will of course still fall to Mach Punch users, such as Conkeldurr.

Conversely, Lucario's released Dream World ability, Justified, is a very useful one, especially for Swords Dance variants. It means that coming in on attacks such as Crunch and Dark Pulse nets Lucario an Attack boost, which can prove very significant indeed: for example, just some of the Pokemon Lucario can OHKO with +3 ExtremeSpeed but not +2 include Landorus, Hydreigon, Virizion, Choice Scarf Rotom-W, Moxie Gyarados and Salamence without Stealth Rock, and Intimidate Gyarados and Salamence after Stealth Rock. The Choice Band and Choice Scarf sets also appreciate the extra added power.

With Justified, Lucario gives up Inner Focus, but since the Pokemon that force it out don't utilize flinching moves, that's not really an issue. The loss of Inner Focus makes itself more apparent against Fake Out users or paraflinch users, namely Jirachi and Togekiss. More significantly, due to breeding and tutoring incompatibilities, Lucario loses out on Agility, Crunch, Ice Punch, and ThunderPunch, meaning it has to use Stone Edge as its main coverage move, or resort to Bullet Punch or Shadow Claw. As for special Lucario variants, they should stick to Inner Focus, unless you want to bluff a physical set. However, the loss of Vacuum Wave hardly justifies (pun not intended) whatever benefit could come from Justified mind games.

[Checks and Counters]

Gliscor can come in on anything except for Hidden Power Ice or boosted Ice Punch and KO back with Earthquake. Conkeldurr's bulk allows it to survive even +2 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed, and it can deal massive damage back with Mach Punch or Drain Punch. Though less commonly seen, one should note that Quagsire is a full stop IRC to boosting Lucario as Unaware negates any Swords Dance or Nasty Plot boosts Lucario might have gained; it can burn Lucario with Scald or simply eliminate it with Earthquake or Earth Power, and can Recover off damage taken in the process.

Intimidate can put a damper on Swords Dance Lucario's sweep, and helps its users check Lucario more easily. Salamence can survive +1 Life Orb ExtremeSpeed and KO back with Earthquake or Fire Blast, while RestTalk Gyarados has the bulk necessary to take any hit bar Stone Edge. If Lucario doesn't have ExtremeSpeed or doesn't hit it on the switch with an Ice-type move, Landorus outspeeds Lucario and can KO with Earthquake. Reuniclus can survive any hit bar Crunch, Shadow Ball, and Dark Pulse, and KO back with Focus Blast. Gengar can come in on Aura Sphere, Close Combat, or ExtremeSpeed, and either KO with Focus Blast or deal large amounts of damage with Hidden Power Fire does Gengar really run HP Fire commonly ?_?. It should be noted, however, that the majority of the Pokemon listed above are not true counters, and will take heavy damage back or be outright destroyed should they switch into the wrong attack. Some of the Pokemon listed, such as Salamence, take large amounts of damage even on a resisted move.

Alternatively, one can prey on Lucario's relatively poor Speed and defenses to prevent it from sweeping your whole team. Choice Scarf users such as Heatran and Tyranitar, as well as speedy Pokemon such as Terrakion, are all capable of safely revenge killing Lucario with super effective moves. However, weakened or frail revenge killers can be picked off by Lucario's powerful ExtremeSpeed, so be sure to step carefully.

2/2

Lucario (Full Revamp) (GP 2/2)

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Darkmalice

Level 3

Adamant Zoroark

catchy catchphrase

New World Order

Licks Toads

Darkmalice

Level 3

Techniloom

Adamant Zoroark

catchy catchphrase

Tobes

sandshrewz

POTATO

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sandshrewz

POTATO

Adamant Zoroark

catchy catchphrase

AccidentalGreed

Sweet and bitter as chocolate.

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Darkmalice

Level 3

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Delta 2777

Machampion

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Darkmalice

Level 3

Terrador

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doughboy

bugmaniacbob

Was fun while it lasted

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Lemonade

WOOPAGGING