[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: ExtremeSpeed
move 4: Stone Edge / Ice Punch / Crunch
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant / Jolly
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>A set that causes devastation to the unprepared, Swords Dance Lucario can create massive holes in the opponent’s team. With its excellent typing, well-distributed stats, and its rather large movepool, Lucario is not an easy threat to take down head-on. Lucario only needs a single Swords Dance before unleashing hell on the opponent. Close Combat is Lucario’s main attack. STAB Fighting takes down many physical walls that are present in the OU environment. With an Adamant nature, even Skarmory and Bronzong are easily exterminated with one Close Combat after the Swords Dance. ExtremeSpeed is the butter on the bread, allowing Lucario to strike many frail opponents first before being scathed itself, examples being Azelf and Infernape.</p>
<p>The final move is the most difficult one to choose from. If bulky Ghost and Psychic-types are of concern, Crunch is the best option. If Flying-types are giving Lucario the blues, Stone Edge is the best option. Ice Punch hits somewhere in the middle: it hits many Flying-types for super effective damage while punishing Pokemon such as Salamence and Shaymin-S. Unfortunately, it misses beating Ghost and Psychic-types effectively.</p>
<p>An Adamant nature and Life Orb complete the given set. It would be foolish to use a different item and foregoing the Adamant nature makes Lucario miss some of the important OHKOes against Skarmory and Donphan. With Ice Punch, Jolly makes a better option. It allows Lucario to outpace Modest Zapdos and most Gliscor and follow up with an OHKO from a Swords Danced Ice Punch. Bullet Punch can replace ExtremeSpeed to hit Ghost-types and Pokemon that resist Normal yet are faster than Lucario most of the time.</p>
<p>To show how powerful this set is, here are some calculations against many defensive Pokemon after a single Swords Dance. These calculations are assuming an Adamant nature.</p>
<h3>Damage Calculations</h3>
<pre>
Close Combat vs. max HP / Def Skarmory 84.4% - 99.7%
Close Combat vs. max HP / Def Bronzong: 95.2% - 100% (67% chance to OHKO)
Close Combat vs. max HP / Def Hippowdon: 75.7% - 89.3%
Close Combat vs. max HP / Def Forretress: 79.7% - 93.8%
Close Combat vs. max HP / Def Donphan: 82.0% - 96.9%
Crunch vs. max HP / Def Cresselia: 63.5% - 74.8%
Crunch vs. max HP Cresselia: 85.1% - 100% (2.6% chance to OHKO)
Crunch vs. max HP / Def Dusknoir: 88.4% - 100% (21% chance to OHKO)
Crunch vs. max HP / Def Celebi: 78.7% - 93.1%
Crunch vs. max HP / Def Rotom - Appliance: 100.0%
</pre>
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Aura Sphere
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Rock
move 4: Vacuum Wave
item: Choice Specs
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Modest / Timid
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Lucario with Choice Specs may not seem effective on paper due to Blissey walling this set; however, one must look at the bigger picture. Many of Lucario’s counters consist of Pokemon that are physically adaptive. With Choice Specs, Lucario hits many of these Pokemon’s weaker defensive side. If that wasn’t enough, it is coming off of Lucario’s higher offensive stat. Aura Sphere is an excellent attack on Lucario. It not only has a great base power, it also has perfect accuracy. Shadow Ball follows Aura Sphere for perfect coverage. It is Lucario’s best attack against Ghost and Psychic-types that otherwise resist Aura Sphere. Hidden Power Ice and Rock comes down to preference of hitting Gliscor or hitting Gyarados. Vacuum Wave finishes the set with yet another priority move that Lucario has to offer.</p>
<p>Modest allows Lucario to hit as hard as possible while Timid outpaces neutral base 100s at the cost of power. Close Combat can replace Vacuum Wave if Blissey is a dilemma for Lucario and its teammates.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: ExtremeSpeed
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Crunch / Ice Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant / Jolly
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a Choice Band, Lucario obtains 525 Attack, with an Adamant nature, or 478 Attack, with a Jolly nature. Close Combat is Lucario’s best attack, as it produces massive dents to Pokemon that don’t resist Fighting. Remember that in terms of power, a neutral Close Combat does more damage than a super effective Crunch or Ice Punch. ExtremeSpeed hits Pokemon that are usually faster than Lucario such as Starmie and Raikou for neutral damage. Stone Edge is an excellent attack to eliminate Gyarados and Zapdos with one attack. Crunch allows Lucario to hit Cresselia and Dusknoir for a 2HKO. Ice Punch will destroy any Gliscor that is foolish enough to switch into Lucario. Jolly can outpace Modest Zapdos; however, Adamant is the preferred nature to take advantage of the boost from Choice Band since ExtremSpeed will hit most of the Pokemon that are faster hard enough.</p>
<p>Close Combat and ExtremeSpeed are the best choices for the first and second slots. Slots three and four become hazy from here. Any combination of Crunch, Ice Punch, or Stone Edge is acceptable on this set. Bullet Punch is a fine option on this set over ExtremeSpeed. It is Lucario’s best attack against Aerodactyl, Weavile, and Gengar. In terms of Bullet Punch versus ExtremeSpeed, ExtremeSpeed is recommended not only because of its higher base power, but also hitting more Pokemon for neutral damage.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Dark Pulse
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Mild
EVs: 40 Atk / 216 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set utilizes Choice Scarf in conjunction with Lucario's large movepool and impressive attacking stats in order to create an effective sweeper. Inner Focus is chosen as the choice of ability over Steadfast due to the fact that Choice Scarf already boosts Lucario's Speed, and additional Speed is almost superfluous. Additionally, Lucario will take a hefty 33.8% damage from an Ambipom's Fake Out, meaning if Lucario was flinched, Ambipom could theoretically switch in and switch out in order to defeat Lucario in almost 3 turns.</p>
<p>Close Combat is chosen over Aura Sphere in order to do more damage to Blissey and OHKO Tyranitar. Hidden Power Ice is chosen because Gliscor, Hippowdon and Salamence will often switch into Lucario. Dark Pulse is preferred over Shadow Ball for its ability to potentially flinch the opponent, a valuable characteristic when facing defensive threats like Cresselia or Celebi. Finally, Stone Edge was chosen in order to deal damage to Zapdos and Gyarados, especially on the switch. Stone Edge has the potential to 2HKO standard defensive versions of both assuming the omnipresent Sandstorm and Stealth Rock are in play.</p>
<p>The EVs are designed to allow Lucario to always outspeed Choice Scarf Heatran (another common switch into Lucario due to Heatran's resistance to both Bullet Punch and ExtremeSpeed) as well as Adamant Dragonite and Gyarados after a Dragon Dance. Emphasis is placed in Special Attack over Attack because the main Pokemon hit by Close Combat, Blissey and Tyranitar, are already dealt huge damage and the main Pokemon hit by Stone Edge, Zapdos and Gyarados, are usually 2HKOed provided Sandstorm and Stealth Rock are in play. 352 Special Attack allows Lucario to always 2HKO standard 252 HP / 4 SpD Celebi with Dark Pulse provided Stealth Rock is in play.</p>
[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Dark Pulse / Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Lonely / Naughty
EVs: 188 Atk / 128 SpA / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Lucario is a fearsome threat in the metagame known for his versatility and for his ability as a powerful wall breaker. While Lucario is a powerful threat, his base 90 speed, although still respectable, can limit his ability to sweep due to the myriad of faster threats such as Salamence and Gengar as well as the abundance of Choice Scarfed Pokemon. This can be fixed with the use of Agility which allows Lucario to outrun positive speed base 110 Pokemon, notably Timid Gengar, holding a Choice Scarf. It even outruns Modest Shaymin-S with a Choice Scarf after Agility.</p>
<p>The coverage given by Close Combat and Shadow Ball is impeccable and allows Lucario to hit every Pokemon in the game for at least neutral damage. Close Combat maims any Blissey and at least 2HKOes Bronzong most of the time. Shadow Ball is here to hit everything that Close Combat can't, most notably Ghost-types, and this Lucario appreciates the 20% chance of lowering the opponent's Special Defense which turns many expected 3HKOs to 2HKOs. Dark Pulse is an option over Shadow Ball for the 20% chance of flinching the opponent, although the loss of coverage is marginal. Hidden Power Ice complements this set nicely allowing Lucario to OHKO Gliscor and Salamence and 2HKO most Zapdos. It should be noted that while this set can function well as a late game cleaner it particularly shines when it is passed a Nasty Plot or two which enables it to take out most of its potential counters, granted that Lucario is using Aura Sphere over Close Combat.</p>
<p>This set is very adaptable with the physical and special spectrum. If you opt for a pure physical version, simply use an Adamant nature and max out its Attack stat and use the remaining EVs in either Speed or HP. Close Combat is recommended for this set backed up with Stone Edge. The difference of Crunch and Ice Punch comes down to issues with either Cresselia or Gliscor respectively. A pure special set is also acceptable with Aura Sphere replacing Close Combat. Simply move the Attack EVs into Special Attack and Speed.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSalac Sweeper
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Crunch / Rock Slide
item: Salac Berry
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
IVs: 30 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Once your opponent's team is weak, this Lucario with a Swords Dance and a Salac Berry boost sweeps the floor with its broom of doom, outspeeding even Jolteon, Aerodactyl, and Adamant Choice Scarf Heracross. First priority moves aside from Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave will never OHKO a 25% HP Lucario without Defense falls from Close Combat. Unfortunately, Gliscor laughs at Lucario's attempts to set up.</p>
<p>The reason for the 30 HP IV is that you want your HP to be divisible by 4. This will allow your Salac Berry to activate at 25% HP instead of 1%, meaning you can survive a hit from something like ExtremeSpeed or Quick Attack.</p>
[SET]
name: Luke (Rev)olution!
move 1: Endure / Substitute
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Reversal
move 4: Crunch
item: Salac Berry
ability: Inner Focus
nature: Adamant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>A revolutionary set for Lucario. This set has two things going for it: immunity to sandstorm and STAB on Reversal.</p>
<p>The gist for this set is simple: Swords Dance and attempt to get your HP down to max out Reversal's base power. There are two ways to do this. Substitute is the easiest way since it blocks status and could easily give Lucario a chance to Swords Dance. This strategy becomes hampered even if Lucario is simply scratched. Stealth Rock and three Substutes will leave you at 63 HP, making Reversal an 80 base power move. Endure solves the problem of entry hazards and damage ruining the chances of Reversal, though it will be difficult to get a Swords Dance unless the opponent switches.</p>
<p>Focus Sash isn't a recommended item; however, it has a few things going for it. The first is the allowance of a third move: Ice Punch, Stone Edge, and ExtremeSpeed are acceptable options over Endure and Substitute. The issue is the same as Substitute, though support from Rapid Spin can fix this problem.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Choice Specs has a couple of options. Flash Cannon is a secondary STAB that can at least be useful against Gliscor if Lucario lacks Hidden Power Ice. Dragon Pulse is also acceptable for neutrality as well as hitting Kingdra. Psychic hits Poison and Fighting-types. Finally, Focus Blast is only recommended for a 2HKO against Blissey, albeit only a 50% chance to actually pull this off. Zen Headbutt is Lucario's best option at thwarting Fighting-types, though adapted to the physical spectrum. ThunderPunch can decimate Gyarados, though it not only has poor coverage, but is also outclassed by a neutral Close Combat. Calm Mind is another option for Lucario to boost its Special Attack while Metal Sound lowers the opponent's Special Defense two stages.</p>
<p>Dark Pulse and Shadow Ball comes down to the flinch rate versus the Special Defense drop. Dark Pulse is best with Lucario that tend to be faster than normal such as the Agility and Choice Scarf sets. Shadow Ball hits Heracross for neutral damage as well as being more applicable on the slower sets to take advantage of the Special Defense drop.</p>
[EVs]
<p>Maxing out Attack and Speed is recommended for the Swords Dancer, Choice Band, SubSalac Sweeper, and the Luke Revolution sets. Max Special Attack and Speed is also recommended for the Choice Specs set and any other pure special sweeping set. Otherwise, the given EVs will do for the appropriate sets. A slightly bulkier spread for the Swords Dancer is 252 HP / 96 Def / 136 SpD / 24 Spe with Adamant nature and Leftovers, which makes better use of Lucario's numerous resistances and gives you some extra durability when setting up.</p>
[Opinion]
<p>To say Lucario is versatile is an understatement. You’ll never know when you’re face to face with the dreadful Swords Dancer or the powerful Choice Specs set. There’s even the worry of Lucario’s other sets that could make handling it rather difficult. To have a “true” Lucario counter is puzzling due to its vast movepool that is available to it. Luckily, once the set is revealed, Lucario becomes slightly easier to counter. Its weaker defensive stats make it prone to damage from many neutral attacks. Lucario isn’t as fast as Gengar, Starmie, and Salamence; however, moves such as ExtremeSpeed and Vacuum Wave can easily patch this problem. To say what to do once Lucario switches in is simple: watch out!</p>
[Counters]
<p>The first step to countering Lucario is knowing the set. Physical variants are the most difficult to counter due to the fact that there are many combinations of attacks that are possible. Gliscor springs to mind as physical Lucario’s number one counter. It can take any physical attack from Lucario barring Ice Punch. On top of that, Gliscor can outpace most Lucario and shut it down with a swift Earthquake. The absence of Stone Edge and ThunderPunch makes Gyarados a contender. Intimidate makes Lucario a little less frightening while eliminating said Lucario with an Earthquake or Waterfall, especially if Lucario used Close Combat beforehand. With only Stone Edge, Close Combat, and ExtremeSpeed present, Celebi makes a fine counter providing said Celebi has Psychic, Earth Power, or Hidden Power Fire to fight back. If Stone Edge and Ice Punch are absent, Salamence can switch into Lucario thanks to Intimidate, survive a boosted ExtremeSpeed, and follow up with numerous attacks. Skarmory, Hippowdon, and Bronzong can survive a non-boosted Close Combat and have their own ways of dealing with Lucario thanks to their high Defense stats. While this is not highly recommended, Jirachi can use Substitute twice while Lucario fights back with Close Combat. After two Special Defense drops, Jirachi can OHKO with Psychic with little problems.</p>
<p>On the Special Spectrum, Blissey beats most Lucario. Calm Blissey isn’t 2HKOed by a Modest Specs Aura Sphere and has Thunder Wave, Seismic Toss, and Flamethrower to juggle Lucario around. Softboiled, Wish, and Protect also make it difficult to kill a healthy Blissey with Lucario. The only fear that Blissey should have is if Close Combat is present on the Specs set. Spiritomb falls next in line thanks to being immune to Aura Sphere while taking neutral damage from Hidden Power as well as Dark Pulse and Shadow Ball. The Special Defense drops from Shadow Ball and flinches from Dark Pulse can prove annoying; however, the only attack Spiritomb should fear is a 2HKO from a Specs Flash Cannon. Gyarados can prove useful if Hidden Power Rock is absent. Thanks to its naturally high Special Defense, Gyarados can switch into an Aura Sphere and scare Lucario off. The Rest + Sleep Talk strategy is Gyarados’s best way of countering the Specs set. Zapdos fears Hidden Power; however, it can switch into every other attack and send Lucario to the grim reaper with STAB Thunderbolt and Heat Wave.</p>
<p>Cresselia and Dusknoir are fine switch-ins for Lucario provided they aren’t switching into Crunch or Shadow Ball. Cresselia can set-up Reflect and use Thunder Wave to slow Lucario down while retaliating with Psychic, Rest off the damage, or use Moonlight to recover health. Dusknoir is immune to any Fighting-type attack and ExtremeSpeed. It is also taking little damage from any non-Ghost and Dark-type attack. Will-O-Wisp will cripple Lucario’s Attack and quick strokes of Fire Punch, Earthquake, or Brick Break make Lucario crumble before Dusknoir. Rotom Appliances have to be careful of Dark Pulse, Crunch, and Shadow Ball; however, they have numerable ways of handling Lucario ranging from Trick and Will-O-Wisp to Discharge or, in Rotom-H’s case, Overheat. Choice Scarf Heatran cannot switch into Lucario directly but is a good check against it. It resists Bullet Punch and ExtremeSpeed and has Earth Power or its STAB Fire moves to finish Lucario off.</p>
