Monotype Lucario (Steel)

[maroon]

[OVERVIEW]

Steel
========

Lucario is a strong wallbreaker for Steel teams thanks to its access to Swords Dance making it a potent setup sweeper. Extreme Speed allows Lucario to also be a fantastic late-game cleaner against offensive teams. Lucario helps Steel teams in many matchups, such as against Dark, Normal, and opposing Steel, as it is capable of taking on threatening Pokemon such as Mandibuzz, Chansey, and Heatran. However, Lucario does not provide any defensive utility to Steel teams and compounds the natural weakness to Fire-, Fighting-, and Ground-type attacks. Due to Lucario's rather middling Speed, it is threatened by most speedy attackers and relies on Extreme Speed to take on faster Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Mega Charizard X, which would otherwise beat it. Lucario also does not appreciate being burned or paralyzed, and it competes for a slot on Steel teams with other Swords Dance sweepers such as Bisharp, which can take on Psychic-type Pokemon such as Victini and Mega Latios.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance (Steel)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Extreme Speed
move 4: Earthquake
item: Life Orb
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance turns Lucario into a very threatening wallbreaker and lets it gain important OHKOs, such as against Mandibuzz with Close Combat after Stealth Rock. Close Combat is Lucario's main STAB attack and its most spammable attack. Extreme Speed allows Lucario to revenge kill faster weakened foes such as Mega Charizard Y and Tapu Koko throughout the battle. Lucario uses Earthquake to reliably hit Fighting-resistant Poison-types like Toxapex, which would otherwise easily wall Lucario. Ice Punch is an option that allows Lucario to reliably hit Dragon-, Ground-, and Flying-type Pokemon, most notably Gliscor, which is otherwise a nuisance to Steel-type teams and can easily overwhelm the rest of the team.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment alongside a Jolly nature lets Lucario hit as hard as possible while outspeeding threats such as Nidoking and Suicune, which Lucario cannot outspeed if running an Adamant nature. Life Orb boosts Lucario's damage output, allowing it to secure many more OHKOs and 2HKOs, such as against Toxapex and Mandibuzz, respectively. Justified lets Lucario take advantage of passive walls such as Mandibuzz that check setup sweepers with Foul Play as well as other weak Dark-type attacks such as Alolan Muk's Knock Off.

Usage Tips
========

Since Lucario is not very bulky, it cannot reliably set up multiple times throughout the match and needs to set up Swords Dance at the right time, such as against non-threatening Choice-locked Pokemon such as Hydreigon locked into Dark Pulse. Lucario should set up safely once its main checks such as Mega Sableye have been weakened enough to a point where Lucario can handle them. Lucario should be used as a revenge killer by bringing it in after a teammate has fainted and either setting up with Swords Dance or just attacking with Close Combat, depending on the opposing team. Like other setup sweepers, Lucario does not appreciate status conditions and should avoid being burned or paralyzed, as they severely hinder its ability to sweep.

Team Options
========

All Steel-type Pokemon appreciate Lucario's wallbreaking potential, ability to beat Pokemon such as Toxapex, and ability to revenge kill Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y. Celesteela is a Ground-immune partner that can switch into fast attackers such as Excadrill for Lucario. Celesteela can also help Lucario set up safely by providing Leech Seed support. In return, Lucario can take on walls like Toxapex and Mandibuzz for Celesteela. Heatran can check Fire-types for Lucario and break Pokemon that it has difficulty against such as Mega Venusaur with Magma Storm and Taunt. Skarmory is another Ground-immune partner; however, instead of supporting Lucario with Leech Seed, Skarmory can set entry hazards so Lucario can more easily clean late-game. Lucario can also take care of Pokemon such as Choice Specs Magnezone that try to trap and kill Skarmory. Mega Scizor is a fantastic slow offensive pivot that can bring in Lucario safely. Mega Scizor and Lucario also form an insane offensive Swords Dance spam core; they can whittle down each other's checks such as Keldeo and are walled by only a few Pokemon together, such as Zapdos. Choice Scarf Excadrill can outspeed many key threats such as Tapu Koko that trouble Lucario, and it appreciates Lucario's ability to take on some of its counters such as Skarmory and Celesteela. Ferrothorn can stack hazards for Lucario while also providing Leech Seed support and acting as a blanket check to many special attackers such as Greninja and Latios. It also sports a resistance to Water, letting it check foes such as Mega Swampert, which Mega Lucario otherwise struggles with. Bisharp also forms a fantastic Swords Dance spam core with Lucario, as it can take on Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon that give Lucario trouble such as Victini and Blacephalon. Z-Happy Hour Jirachi can to take on troublesome Poison- and Fighting-types such as Mega Venusaur and Keldeo for Lucario.

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

Steel
--------
An Adamant nature allows Lucario to hit insanely hard and 2HKO Celesteela while still outspeeding key threats such as Heatran, but this leaves it walled by many Pokemon, such as Nidoking and Jolly Diggersby. However, its ability to revenge kill Pokemon such as Keldeo with +2 Extreme Speed with less chip damage while also almost always OHKOing Swampert with +2 Close Combat makes Adamant better in the Water matchup. Thunder Punch with Electrium Z and a Jolly Nature is an option over Earthquake, as Gigavolt Havoc can KO Pokemon that traditionally wall Lucario such as Mantine and Slowbro after Stealth Rock chip at +2. Meteor Mash is Lucario's most reliable Steel-type STAB move and allows it to take on Fairy-type Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Mega Sableye. However, Meteor Mash is a bit redundant on Lucario, as its teammates run Steel-type STAB moves, and forgoing Earthquake or Ice Punch leaves Lucario unable to check Pokemon such as Toxapex and Gliscor, respectively.

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

Steel
--------
**Fighting-types**: Faster Fighting-type Pokemon such as Terrakion, Keldeo, and Mega Gallade all threaten to OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB attacks. However, Mega Gallade should watch out for Extreme Speed, as spamming Close Combat severely lowers its Defense.

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon such as Infernape, Mega Charizard X, and Blacephalon all threaten to OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB moves. Bulky Fire-type Pokemon such as Torkoal can easily tank a boosted Close Combat and threaten to OHKO Lucario in return.

**Ground-types**: Ground-type Pokemon such as Landorus and Sand Rush Excadrill and Landorus threaten to outspeed and OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB moves. Bulky Ground-type Pokemon such as Hippowdon can easily tank a boosted Close Combat and OHKO it in return.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Mega Sableye and Slowbro can easily tank any of Lucario's attacks and, recover off the damage, and cripple it with Will-O-Wisp or Scald, respectively.

**Revenge Killers**: Fast Pokemon with strong STAB moves such as Landorus-T, Victini, Tapu Koko, and Mega Lopunny can outspeed Lucario and OHKO it with their STAB attacks. However, all of these Pokemon can't easily take on Lucario if it has set up a Swords Dance, as they are threatened by Extreme Speed.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[maroon, 305839]]
- Steel analysis by: [[maroon, 305839]]
- Quality checked by: [[Moosical, 215618], [Eien, 100418], [Misaka Mikoto, 240969]]
- Grammar checked by: [[A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]

 

[Moosical]

[OVERVIEW]

Steel
========

* Lucario finds itself on Steel teams as a strong wallbreaker with access to Swords Dance and Extreme Speed allowing it to become a very potent setup sweeper and cleaner. Extreme Speed allows Lucario is a fantastic late-game cleaner against Offensive teams.
* Lucario helps Steel teams in many match ups such as Dark-, Normal-, and other Steel-type teams as it is capable of taking on threatening Pokemon such as Mandibuzz, Chansey, and Heatran respectively.
* Lucario does not give Steel teams resistances to any types they are weak to as its Fighting-type does not provide any defensive utility. Rephrase this to compounding Steel's weaknesses to types such as Fire, Ground, and Fighting.
* Due to Lucario's rather middling speed it is threatened by most speedy attackers and relies on Extreme Speed to take on faster Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Mega Charizard X, which would otherwise beat it.
* Lucario does not appreciate being Burnt or Paralyzed as they affect its ability to sweep by cutting its Attack and Speed in half, respectively.
* Lucario competes for a slot on Steel teams with other Swords Dance sweepers such as Bisharp which can take on Psychic-type Pokemon such as Victini and Mega Latios for Steel teams.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance (Steel)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Extreme Speed
move 4: Earthquake
item: Life Orb
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

* Swords Dance allows Lucario to become a very threatening wallbreaker allowing it to pick up OHKO's such as against Mandibuzz with Close Combat after Stealth Rock chip.
* Close Combat is Lucario's main STAB attack and its most spammable attack as nothing bar Ghost-types can easily switch into it. I wouldn't say "nothing bar Ghost-types can easily switch into it"...there are plenty of Pokemon that aren't Ghost-type and can easily switch into even a boosted Close Combat. Fighting has a lot of major resistances like Poison, Fairy, Flying, and Psychic.
* Extreme Speed allows Lucario to become a fantastic late-game cleaner allowing it to clean through weakened teams, especially against Offensive teams. Mention how it lets Lucario revenge kill faster but weakened foes.
* Earthquake allows Lucario to hit defensive walls allowing it to 2HKO Toxapex, which would otherwise easily wall Lucario. Specifically mention hitting Poison-types, as they resist CC.
* Ice Punch allows Lucario to reliably hit Gliscor, which otherwise is a nuisance to Steel-type teams and can easily overwhelm the rest of the team. It hits more than just Gliscor. Being this specific in the moves section makes it sound like you're running Ice Punch solely to hit Gliscor, which isn't true nor super justifiable for a "general" build.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Attack and Speed investment alongside a Jolly Nature allow Lucario to hit as hard and fast as possible allowing it to outspeed threats such as Nidoking and Suicune, which an Adamant nature otherwise would not.
* Life Orb boosts Lucario's damage output allowing it to secure many more OHKO's and 2HKO's such as against Gliscor and Mandibuzz respectively. Use a different example than Gliscor (having Ice Punch not even on the main set means it's a meh example here).
* Justified allows Lucario to take advantage of passive walls such as Mandibuzz that check setup sweepers with Foul Play while also allowing Lucario to switch into weak Dark-type attacks such as Alolan Muk's Knock Off.
* Adamant Nature allows Lucario to hit insanely powerfully while still outspeeding key threats such as Heatran, however an Adamant Nature leaves it outspeed by many Pokemon such as Nidoking and Jolly Diggersby. Is there any KOs that Adamant gets that Jolly doesn't? There are a lot of important milestone Pokemon that Adamant cannot outspeed, so I think you need to justify doing so with some important calcs that the additional damage gets you.

Usage Tips
========

* Like with other setup sweepers Lucario does not appreciate status conditions and should avoid being burnt or paralyzed, as they severely hinder its ability to sweep. This should be the last bullet
* Since Lucario is not extremely bulky it need to setup Swords Dance at the right time such as against Bulky walls such as Chansey as it forces it out and gives Lucario a safe opportunity to setup Swords Dance.
* Other opportunities to use SD such as vs. choice-locked pokemon that do not threaten it [examples]
* With access to Swords Dance and Extreme Speed, Lucario becomes a very potent as a late-game cleaner and should be used as such especially against Offensive teams. This is not a usage tip
* Lucario should setup safely once its main checks such as x and x have been weakened enough to a point where Lucario can handle them. This is because Lucario can not reliably setup Swords Dance multiple times through the game as its natural bulk it rather poor and needs to be timed well.
* Using Lucario as a revenge killer

Team Options
========

* All Steel-type Pokemon appreciate Lucario's ability to become a threatening wallbreaker and can easily revenge kill threats to Steel teams such as Mega Charizard Y with Extreme Speed. These are kinda two different points mashed together. 1) it's a wallbreaker 2) its a revenge killer
* Celesteela provides Lucario with a solid Ground-type immunity and can provide switch-ins to powerful wallbreakersfast attackers such as Sand Rush Excadrill for Lucario. Celesteela can also help Lucario setup safely by providing Leech Seed support giving it more health allowing it to setup. In return Lucario can take on walls like Toxapex and Mandibuzz for Celesteela.
* Heatran provides Lucario with a solid Fire-type immunity and can stall break Pokemon that it has difficulty against such as Mega Venusaur for Lucario with Magma Storm and Taunt.
* Skarmory provides another Ground-type immunity, however instead of supporting Lucario with Leech Seed, Skarmory can setup hazards allowing Lucario to more easily clean late-game. Lucario can also take care of Pokemon such as Magnezone which try to trap and kill Skarmory.
* Mega Scizor provides a fantastic slow offensive pivot which allows it to bring in Mega Lucario safely. Mega Scizor and Lucario form an insane offensive Swords Dance core and can breakwhittle down each other's checks such as Keldeo and are walled by only a few Pokemon together such as Zapdos.
* Excadrill makes a nice Speed control core with Lucario as it can outspeed many key threats such as Tapu Koko with Choice Scarf and Lucario can clean after Excadrill weaken's the team with its STAB attacks. Excadrill appreciates Lucario's ability to take on some of its counters such as Skarmory and Celesteela. The part I marked in orange is very poorly worded and doesn't fit into the sentence
* Ferrothorn can hazard stack for Lucario while also providing Leech Seed support and act as a blanket check to many Special Attackers such as Greninja and Latios. It also provides a solid Water-type resistance and can take on foe's such as Mega Swampert, which Mega Lucario otherwise struggles with.
* Bisharp also forms a fantastic Swords Dance core with Lucario as it can take on Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon that give Lucario trouble such as Victini and Blacephalon.
* Magnezone is able to take on Water- and Flying-type Pokemon on for Lucario such as Mantine and Skarmory, which can wall Lucario. Magnezone also has the added benefit of being able to trap other Steel-type Pokemon such as Doublade, which completely wall Lucario. I think you should remove Magnezone. You talk throughout the analysis about Lucario being able to help Steel with the mirror - which kind of negates a reason to use them together. You also say earlier in this section that Lucario beats Skarmory...then say it walls Lucario here.
* Jirachi can act as Poison- and Fighting-type killer for Lucario able to take on troublesome Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur and Keldeo with Z-Celebrate.

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

Steel
--------
* Meteor Mash is Lucario's most reliable Steel-type STAB and allows it to take on Fairy-type Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Togekiss (Scarf Bulu OHKOs Lucario, Togekiss also OHKOs & outspeeds [if max Speed] - if it's not max Speed then it's probably running Babiri berry - any better examples of Pokemon you hit with Meteor Mash? Maybe Pokemon that resist/take little damage from its common coverage?). However running Meteor Mash means that Lucario will not be able to run Earthquake andor Ice Punch, which leaves it unable to check Pokemon such as Toxapex and Gliscor, respectively. You can run Iron Tail for the extra power over Meteor Mash however it is generally not recommended as it is not nearly as reliable and the power level is barely noticeable.

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

Steel
--------
**Fighting-types**: All faster Fighting-type Pokemon such as Terrakion, Keldeo, and Mega Gallade all threaten to OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB. However Mega Gallade should watch out for Extreme Speed, as spamming Close Combat severely lowers its Defense making it vulnerable to Extreme Speed.

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon such as Infernape, Mega Charizard X, and Blacephalon all immediately threaten to OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB. Bulky Fire-type Pokemon such as Torkoal can easily tank a boosted Close Combat and threaten to OHKO it back with Lava Plume.

**Ground-types**: Ground-type Pokemon such as Sand Rush Excadrill and Landorus threaten to outspeed and OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB. Bulky Ground-type Pokemon such as Hippowdon can easily tank a boosted Close Combat and OHKO it back with Earthquake.

**Physically Defensive Walls**: Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur and Slowbro can easily tank any of Lucario's attacks and easily recover off the damage and cripple it with Leech Seed or Scald, respectively. Idk if MVenu is the best example here, or if you want to include it maybe rephrase? Leech Seed isn't that crippling, especially if Lucario gets to SD. Another example could be Mega Sableye

**Revenge Killers**: Fast Pokemon with strong STAB such as Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Victini, Tapu Koko, and Mega Lopunny are all faster than Lucario and can OHKO it with their STAB attacks. However all of these Pokemon can not easily take on Lucario if it has setup a Swords Dance as they are threatened by Extreme Speed.

QC 1/3

 

[Eien]

Set:
- I think Jolly is a must in SM. You really love the extra Speed for Nidoking (you mentioned Diggersby, which is another great threat but Nidoking is the super valuable one).

[SET]
name: Swords Dance (Steel)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Extreme Speed
move 4: Earthquake
item: Life Orb
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

Set Details:
- Adamant can be OO. I really don't think it's worth being here.

Other Options:
- Adamant here. In addition to Celesteela, you should mention that it makes Extreme Speed noticeable stronger, requiring less chip on Keldeo to KO at +2 and almost always OHKOing Swampert with Close Combat as well, making it a much better nature against Water teams.
- Electrium Z with Thunder Punch is a pretty decent tech to take out many of the bulky Waters that can stop Lucario (Mantine, Slowbro, etc.).

Looks great, good job. QC 2/3

 

[Misaka Mikoto]

Usage Tips:
- Should also put how Lucario can also be preserved until late-game, which is important for a sweeper / cleaner that really lacks bulk. Also shouldn't be switching in recklessly.

Team Options:
- I would mention Choice Specs Magnezone it's able to take out. Lucario won't be able to beat Scarf if Magnezone is constantly Volt Switching.

Other Options:
- Also add how its teammates are already running reliable Steel-type attacks such as Iron Head from Excadrill and Heavy Slam from Celesteela. It just gives more of a reason why Lucario prefers coverage over a Steel move on Steel teams.

QC 3/3

 

[Jisoo]

amcheck implement what you want
Additions (AC = Add comma, AP = Add period)
Removals (RC = Remove comma, RP = Remove period)
Comments

Hide

[OVERVIEW]



Steel

========



Lucario finds itself on Steel teams as a strong wallbreaker with access to Swords Dance and Extreme Speed, (AC) allowing it to become a very potent setup sweeper and cleaner. Extreme Speed allows Lucario to be a fantastic late-game cleaner against Offensive offensive teams. Lucario helps Steel teams in many match ups matchups such as Dark-, Normal-, and other Steel-type teams as it is capable of taking on threatening Pokemon such as Mandibuzz, Chansey, and Heatran, (AC) respectively. Lucario does not provide any Defensive defensive utility to Steel teams and compounds the natural weakness to Fire-, Fighting-, and Ground-type attacks. Due to Lucario's rather middling speed it is threatened by most speedy attackers and relies on Extreme Speed to take on faster Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Mega Charizard X, which would otherwise beat it. Lucario does not appreciate being Burnt burned (burnt is British English, burned is American English (smogon uses american english)) or Paralyzed paralyzed as they affect its ability to sweep by cutting its Attack and Speed in half, respectively. Lucario competes for a slot on Steel teams with other Swords Dance sweepers such as Bisharp which can take on Psychic-type Pokemon such as Victini and Mega Latios for Steel teams.



[SET]

name: Swords Dance (Steel)

move 1: Swords Dance

move 2: Close Combat

move 3: Extreme Speed

move 4: Earthquake

item: Life Orb

ability: Justified

nature: Jolly

evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

name: Swords Dance (Steel)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Extreme Speed
move 4: Earthquake
item: Life Orb
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

Moves

========



Swords Dance allows Lucario to become a very threatening wallbreaker, (AC) allowing enabling it to pick up OHKO's OHKO Pokemon such as against Mandibuzz with Close Combat after Stealth Rock chip. damage. Close Combat is Lucario's main STAB attack and its most spammable frequently used attack. Extreme Speed allows Lucario to revenge kill faster weakened foes such as Mega Charizard Y and Tapu Koko throughout the battle. Earthquake allows Lucario to hit reliably hit Poison-type Pokemon that resist Close Combat and defensive walls such as Toxapex, which would otherwise easily wall Lucario. Ice Punch allows Lucario to reliably hit Dragon, Ground-, and Flying-type Pokemon, notably Gliscor, which otherwise is a nuisance to Steel-type teams and can easily overwhelm the rest of the team.



Set Details
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========
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Maximum Attack and Speed investment alongside a Jolly Nature nature allow Lucario to hit as hard and fast as possible. (AP) allowing A Jolly nature allows Lucario it to outspeed threats such as Nidoking and Suicune, which an Adamant nature otherwise would not. Life Orb boosts Lucario's damage output allowing it to secure many more OHKO's and 2HKO's such as against Toxapex and Mandibuzz respectively. Justified allows Lucario to take advantage of passive walls such as Mandibuzz that check setup sweepers with Foul Play while also allowing Lucario to switch into weak Dark-type attacks such as Alolan Muk's Knock Off.
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Usage Tips
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========
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Since Lucario is not extremely bulky it need to setup Swords Dance at the right time such as against Bulky bulky walls such as Chansey as it forces it out with the threat of Close Combat and gives Lucario a safe opportunity to setup set up Swords Dance. Lucario can setup set up on non-threatening nonthreatening choice locked Pokemon such as Hydreigon locked into Dark Pulse. Lucario should setup safely once its main checks such as Mega Sableye have been weakened enough to a point where Lucario can handle them. This is because Lucario can not cannot setup reliably set up Swords Dance multiple times through the game as its natural bulk it rather poor and needs to be timed well. Lucario should be used as a revenge killer by bringing it in after a teammate has fainted and either setup set up Swords Dance if a teammate the opposing Pokemon is not threatened by Close Combat or just attack with Close Combat if it has no switch-ins. Like with other setup sweepers Lucario does not appreciate status conditions and should avoid being burnt burned or paralyzed, as they severely hinder its ability to sweep. function as a setup sweeper and wallbreaker.
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Team Options
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========
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All Steel-type Pokemon appreciate Lucario's ability to become a threatening wallbreaker and take on Pokemon such as Toxapex while also being a fantastic revenge killer with access to Extreme Speed allowing it to take on Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y. Celesteela provides Lucario with a solid Ground-type immunity and can provide switch-ins switch into to fast attackers such as Excadrill . (AP) for Lucario. (redundant) Celesteela can also help Lucario setup set up safely by providing Leech Seed support , (AC) giving it more health allowing and allowing it to setup. set up. In return Lucario can take on walls like Toxapex and Mandibuzz for Celesteela. (To my own knowledge, Celesteela does not gain an advantage from these Pokemon being removed relevant enough for this sentence to be included) Heatran provides Lucario with a solid Fire-type immunity and can stall break Pokemon that it has difficulty against such as Mega Venusaur with Magma Storm and Taunt. Skarmory provides another Ground-type immunity, immunity. however However, instead of supporting Lucario with Leech Seed, Skarmory can setup set up hazards allowing Lucario to more easily clean late-game. Lucario can also take care of Pokemon such as Choice Specs Magnezone which try to can trap and kill Skarmory. Mega Scizor provides a fantastic slow offensive pivot which allows it to bring in Mega Lucario safely. Mega Scizor and Lucario form an insane a potent offensive Swords Dance core and can whittle down each other's checks such as Keldeo and are walled by only a few Pokemon together such as Zapdos. Excadrill makes a nice Speed control core with Lucario as it can outspeed many key threats such as Tapu Koko with Choice Scarf. Excadrill appreciates Lucario's ability to take on some of its counters such as Skarmory and Celesteela. Ferrothorn can hazard stack for Lucario while also providing Leech Seed support and act as a blanket check to many Special Attackers such as Greninja and Latios. It also provides a solid Water-type resistance and can take on foe's foes such as Mega Swampert, which Mega Lucario otherwise struggles with. to beat. Bisharp also forms a fantastic Swords Dance core with Lucario as it can take on Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon that give Lucario trouble such as Victini and Blacephalon. Jirachi can act as Poison- and Fighting-type killer check for Lucario , as it is able to take on troublesome Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur and Keldeo with Z-Celebrate.
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[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
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Other Options
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=============



Steel

--------

An Adamant Nature nature allows Lucario to hit insanely powerfully and pick up the 2HKO on Celesteela while still outspeeding key threats such as Heatran, however an Adamant Nature nature leaves it outspeed outsped by many Pokemon such as Nidoking and Jolly Diggersby. An Adamant nature also noticeably boosts the power of Extreme Speed, and Close Combat, allowing it to revenge kill Pokemon such as Keldeo at +2 with Extreme Speed with less chip damage while also almost always picking up the OHKO against Swampert with +2 Close Combat, making Adamant the superior option for the Water matchup. Z-Thunder Punch with a Jolly Nature is an option over Earthquake as it can hit Pokemon that traditionally wall Lucario such as Mantine and Slowbro after Stealth Rock chip at +2. +2 Attack. Meteor Mash is Lucario's most reliable Steel-type STAB and allows it to take on Fairy-type Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Mega Sableye. (Mega Sableye is not a fairy type.) However, (AC) Meteor Mash is a bit redundant on Lucario as its teammates run Steel-type STAB attacks and running Meteor Mash also means that Lucario will not be able to run Earthquake and Ice Punch, which leaves it unable to check Pokemon such as Toxapex and Gliscor, respectively.



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



Steel

--------

**Fighting-types**: All faster Fighting-type Pokemon such as Terrakion, Keldeo, and Mega Gallade all threaten to OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB. However, (AC) Mega Gallade should watch out for Extreme Speed, as spamming Close Combat severely lowers its Defense making it vulnerable to Extreme Speed.
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**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon such as Infernape, Mega Charizard X, and Blacephalon all immediately threaten to OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB. Bulky Fire-type Pokemon such as Torkoal can easily tank survive a boosted Close Combat and threaten to OHKO it back with Lava Plume.
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**Ground-types**: Ground-type Pokemon such as Sand Rush Excadrill (To my knowledge most if not fast Excadrills run Jolly? As Sand Rush is not the only option, it does not need a special mention) and Landorus threaten to outspeed and OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB. Bulky Ground-type Pokemon such as Hippowdon can easily tank survive a boosted Close Combat and OHKO it back with Earthquake.
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**Physically Defensive Walls**: Pokemon such as Mega Sableye and Slowbro can easily tank any of Lucario's attacks and recover off the damage and cripple it with Will-O-Wisp or Scald, potential Scald burns, respectively.
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**Revenge Killers**: Fast Pokemon with strong STAB such as Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Victini, Tapu Koko, and Mega Lopunny are all faster than Lucario and can OHKO it with their STAB attacks. However, (AC) all of these Pokemon can not cannot easily take on Lucario if it has setup set up a Swords Dance as they are threatened by Extreme Speed.[/QUOTE]

 

[A Cake Wearing A Hat]

some comments for future grammar improvement:
-do not capitalize terms like "offensive", "defensive", "bulky", "burn", "paralysis", "special attackers", and "nature".
-Try to add some variation in your sentence structure. Almost every sentence in moves and set details is "X allows Lucario to Y".
-OHKOs is the plural form of the noun OHKO
-in Monotype analyses, you can refer to team types as just the type names rather than "X teams" if you want to.
-setup is a noun (or part of noun phrases) that means things having to do with the process of setting up, set up is the verb that means actually setting up.
-teammates cannot provide lucario with immunities, as lucario, itself, does not obtain an immunity from having Celesteela on the same team.
-STAB refers to the bonus, not the move affected by the bonus.
add remove comments

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Steel
========

Lucario finds itself on Steel teams as is a strong wallbreaker with access to Swords Dance and Extreme Speed allowing it to become a very potent setup sweeper and cleaner. Extreme Speed allows Lucario to also be a fantastic late-game cleaner against Offensive offensive teams. Lucario helps Steel teams in many match ups such as Dark-, Normal-, and other Steel-type teams as matchups, such as against Dark, Normal, and opposing Steel, as it is capable of taking on threatening Pokemon such as Mandibuzz, Chansey, and Heatran, (AC) respectively. Lucario does not provide any Defensive defensive utility to Steel teams and compounds the natural weakness to Fire-, Fighting-, and Ground-type attacks. Due to Lucario's rather middling speed it Speed, it is threatened by most speedy attackers and relies on Extreme Speed to take on faster Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Mega Charizard X, which would otherwise beat it. Lucario does not appreciate being Burnt or Paralyzed as they affect burned or paralyzed, as this affects its ability to sweep by cutting its Attack and or Speed in half, respectively. Lucario competes for a slot on Steel teams with other Swords Dance sweepers such as Bisharp, (AC) which can take on Psychic-type Pokemon such as Victini and Mega Latios for Steel teams.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance (Steel)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Extreme Speed
move 4: Earthquake
item: Life Orb
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance allows Lucario to become turns Lucario into a very threatening wallbreaker allowing it to pick up OHKO's and lets it gain important OHKOs, such as against Mandibuzz with Close Combat after Stealth Rock chip. Close Combat is Lucario's main STAB attack and its most spammable attack. Extreme Speed allows Lucario to revenge kill faster weakened foes such as Mega Charizard Y and Tapu Koko throughout the battle. Earthquake allows Lucario uses Earthquake to hit reliably hit Poison-type Pokemon that resist Close Combat and defensive walls such as Fighting-resistant Poison-types like Toxapex, which would otherwise easily wall Lucario. Ice Punch allows Lucario to reliably hit Dragon Dragon-, Ground-, and Flying-type Pokemon, most notably Gliscor, which is otherwise is a nuisance to Steel-type teams and can easily overwhelm the rest of the team.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment alongside a Jolly Nature allow nature lets Lucario to hit as hard and fast as possible allowing it to outspeed while outspeeding threats such as Nidoking and Suicune, which an Adamant nature otherwise would not Lucario cannot outspeed if running an Adamant nature. Life Orb boosts Lucario's damage output, (AC) allowing it to secure many more OHKO's and 2HKO's OHKOs and 2HKOs, such as against Toxapex and Mandibuzz, (AC) respectively. Justified allows Lucario to lets Lucario take advantage of passive walls such as Mandibuzz that check setup sweepers with Foul Play while also allowing Lucario to switch into weak Dark-type attacks such as Alolan Muk's Knock Off as well as other weak Dark-type attacks such as Alolan Muk's Knock Off. (Luc switches into it either way, justified just lets luc take advantage of it.)

Usage Tips
========

Since Lucario is not extremely bulky it need to setup very bulky, it needs to set up Swords Dance at the right time, (AC) such as against Bulky walls (walls are by definition bulky) such as Chansey as it forces it out and gives Lucario a safe opportunity to setup Swords Dance. Lucario can setup set up on non-threatening choice locked Choice-locked Pokemon such as Hydreigon locked into Dark Pulse. Lucario should setup set up safely once its main checks such as Mega Sableye have been weakened enough to a point where Lucario can handle them. This is because Lucario can not setup reliably Swords Dance set up multiple times through the throughout a game, (AC) as its natural bulk it is rather poor and needs to be timed well. (how do you time bulk?) Lucario should be used as a revenge killer by bringing it in after a teammate has fainted and either setup setting up with Swords Dance if a teammate is not threatened by Close Combat or just attack attacking with Close Combat if it has no switch-ins, (AC) depending on the opposing team. Like with other setup sweepers, (AC) Lucario does not appreciate status conditions and should avoid being burnt or paralyzed, as they severely hinder its ability to sweep.

Team Options
========

All Steel-type Pokemon appreciate Lucario's ability to become a threatening wallbreaker and take on Pokemon such as Toxapex while also being a fantastic revenge killer with access to Extreme Speed allowing it to take on Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y wallbreaking potential, ability to beat Pokemon such as Toxapex, and ability to revenge kill Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y. Celesteela provides Lucario with a solid Ground-type immunity and can provide switch-ins to is a Ground-immune partner that can switch into fast attackers such as Excadrill for Lucario. Celesteela can also help Lucario setup set up safely by providing Leech Seed support giving it more health allowing it to setup. (really not necessary to go that into detail with "Leech Seed support" even for new users. It's bordering on very redundant.) In return, (AC) Lucario can take on walls like Toxapex and Mandibuzz for Celesteela. Heatran provides Lucario with a solid Fire-type immunity and can stall can check Fire-types for Lucario and break Pokemon that it has difficulty against such as Mega Venusaur with Magma Storm and Taunt. Skarmory provides another Ground-type immunity, however is another Ground-immune partner; however, instead of supporting Lucario with Leech Seed, Skarmory can setup set entry hazards allowing so Lucario to can more easily clean late-game. Lucario can also take care of Pokemon such as Choice Specs Magnezone which that try to trap and kill Skarmory. Mega Scizor provides is a fantastic slow offensive pivot which allows it to bring in Mega that can bring in Lucario safely. Mega Scizor and Lucario also form an insane offensive Swords Dance spam core and; (ASC) they can whittle down each other's checks such as Keldeo and are walled by only a few Pokemon together, (AC) such as Zapdos. Choice Scarf Excadrill makes a nice Speed control core with Lucario as it (speed control core is both not a thing and incorrect in terms of the definition of speed control in smogon writing) can outspeed many key threats such as Tapu Koko with Choice Scarf. Excadrill that trouble Lucario, and it appreciates Lucario's ability to take on some of its counters such as Skarmory and Celesteela. Ferrothorn can hazard stack hazards for Lucario while also providing Leech Seed support and act acting as a blanket check to many Special Attackers special attackers such as Greninja and Latios. It also provides a solid Water-type resistance and can take on foe's sports a resistance to Water, letting it check foes such as Mega Swampert, which Mega Lucario otherwise struggles with. Bisharp also forms a fantastic Swords Dance spam core with Lucario, (AC) as it can take on Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon that give Lucario trouble such as Victini and Blacephalon. Z-Celebrate Jirachi can act as Poison- and Fighting-type killer for Lucario able to take on troublesome Pokemon Poison- and Fighting-types such as Mega Venusaur and Keldeo with Z-Celebrate for Lucario.

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

Steel
--------
Adamant Nature An Adamant nature allows Lucario to hit insanely powerfully hard and pick up the 2HKO on Celesteela while still outspeeding key threats such as Heatran, however an Adamant Nature but this leaves it outspeed by many Pokemon, (AC) such as Nidoking and Jolly Diggersby. An Adamant nature also noticeably boosts the power of Extreme Speed, allowing it to revenge kill Pokemon such as Keldeo at +2 with Extreme Speed with less chip damage while also almost always picking up the OHKO against OHKOing Swampert with +2 Close Combat, making Adamant the superior option for the better in the Water matchup. Z-Thunder Punch with Thunder Punch with Electrium Z and a Jolly Nature is an option over Earthquake, (AC) as it Gigavolt Havoc can hit KO Pokemon that traditionally wall Lucario such as Mantine and Slowbro after Stealth Rock chip at +2. Meteor Mash is Lucario's most reliable Steel-type STAB move and allows it to take on Fairy-type Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Mega Sableye. However, (AC) Meteor Mash is a bit redundant on Lucario, (AC) as its teammates run Steel-type STAB moves and running Meteor Mash also means that Lucario will not be able to run Earthquake and or Ice Punch, which leaves it unable to check Pokemon such as Toxapex and Gliscor, respectively.

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

Steel
--------
**Fighting-types**: All faster Fighting-type Pokemon such as Terrakion, Keldeo, and Mega Gallade all threaten to OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB attacks. However, (AC) Mega Gallade should watch out for Extreme Speed, as spamming Close Combat severely lowers its Defense making it vulnerable to Extreme Speed.

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon such as Infernape, Mega Charizard X, and Blacephalon all immediately threaten to OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB moves. Bulky Fire-type Pokemon such as Torkoal can easily tank a boosted Close Combat and threaten to OHKO it back with Lava Plume in return.

**Ground-types**: Ground-type Pokemon such as Landorus and Sand Rush Excadrill and Landorus threaten to outspeed and OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB moves. Bulky Ground-type Pokemon such as Hippowdon can easily tank a boosted Close Combat and OHKO it back with Earthquake in return. (this is literally exactly the same sentence structure as fire-types and it's really, really noticeable)

**Physically Defensive Walls Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Mega Sableye and Slowbro can easily tank any of Lucario's attacks and, (AC) recover off the damage, (AC) and cripple it with Will-O-Wisp or Scald, respectively.

**Revenge Killers**: Fast Pokemon with strong STAB moves such as Choice Scarf Landorus-T, (Landot outspeeds lucario no matter whether or not it's scarfed so long as it's max speed.) Victini, Tapu Koko, and Mega Lopunny are all faster than Lucario and can can outspeed Lucario and OHKO it with their STAB attacks. However, (AC) all of these Pokemon can not can't easily take on Lucario if it has setup set up a Swords Dance, (AC) as they are threatened by Extreme Speed.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[maroon, 305839]]
- Steel analysis by: [[maroon, 305839]]
- Quality checked by: [[Moosical, 215618], [Eien, 100418], [Misaka Mikoto, 240969]]
- Grammar checked by: [[A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157], [username2, username2]]

1/2

 

[maroon]

ready for next check

 

[Lumari]

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

check

[OVERVIEW]

Steel
========

Lucario is a strong wallbreaker for Steel teams thanks to its access to Swords Dance making it a potent setup sweeper. Extreme Speed allows Lucario to also be a fantastic late-game cleaner against offensive teams. Lucario helps Steel teams in many matchups, such as against Dark, Normal, and opposing Steel, as it is capable of taking on threatening Pokemon such as Mandibuzz, Chansey, and Heatran, respectively. However, Lucario does not provide any defensive utility to Steel teams and compounds the natural weakness to Fire-, Fighting-, and Ground-type attacks. Due to Lucario's rather middling Speed, it is threatened by most speedy attackers and relies on Extreme Speed to take on faster Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Mega Charizard X, which would otherwise beat it. Lucario also does not appreciate being burned or paralyzed, as this affects its ability to sweep by cutting its Attack or Speed in half, respectively. Lucario and it competes for a slot on Steel teams with other Swords Dance sweepers such as Bisharp, which can take on Psychic-type Pokemon such as Victini and Mega Latios.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance (Steel)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Extreme Speed
move 4: Earthquake
item: Life Orb
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance turns Lucario into a very threatening wallbreaker and lets it gain important OHKOs, such as against Mandibuzz with Close Combat after Stealth Rock. Close Combat is Lucario's main STAB attack and its most spammable attack. Extreme Speed allows Lucario to revenge kill faster weakened foes such as Mega Charizard Y and Tapu Koko throughout the battle. Lucario uses Earthquake to reliably hit Fighting-resistant Poison-types like Toxapex, which would otherwise easily wall Lucario. Ice Punch is an option that allows Lucario to reliably hit Dragon-, Ground-, and Flying-type Pokemon, most notably Gliscor, which is otherwise a nuisance to Steel-type teams and can easily overwhelm the rest of the team.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack and Speed investment alongside a Jolly nature lets Lucario hit as hard as possible while outspeeding threats such as Nidoking and Suicune, which Lucario cannot outspeed if running an Adamant nature. Life Orb boosts Lucario's damage output, allowing it to secure many more OHKOs and 2HKOs, such as against Toxapex and Mandibuzz, respectively. Justified lets Lucario take advantage of passive walls such as Mandibuzz that check setup sweepers with Foul Play as well as other weak Dark-type attacks such as Alolan Muk's Knock Off.

Usage Tips
========

Since Lucario is not very bulky, it cannot reliably set up multiple times throughout the match and needs to set up Swords Dance at the right time, such as against Lucario can set up on non-threatening Choice-locked Pokemon such as Hydreigon locked into Dark Pulse. Lucario should set up safely once its main checks such as Mega Sableye have been weakened enough to a point where Lucario can handle them. This is because Lucario can not reliably set up multiple times throughout a game, as its natural bulk is rather poor. Lucario should be used as a revenge killer by bringing it in after a teammate has fainted and either setting up with Swords Dance or just attacking with Close Combat, depending on the opposing team. Like with other setup sweepers, Lucario does not appreciate status conditions and should avoid being burnt burned or paralyzed, as they severely hinder its ability to sweep.

Team Options
========

All Steel-type Pokemon appreciate Lucario's wallbreaking potential, ability to beat Pokemon such as Toxapex, and ability to revenge kill Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y. Celesteela is a Ground-immune partner that can switch into fast attackers such as Excadrill for Lucario. Celesteela can also help Lucario set up safely by providing Leech Seed support. In return, Lucario can take on walls like Toxapex and Mandibuzz for Celesteela. Heatran can check Fire-types for Lucario and break Pokemon that it has difficulty against such as Mega Venusaur with Magma Storm and Taunt. Skarmory is another Ground-immune partner; however, instead of supporting Lucario with Leech Seed, Skarmory can set entry hazards so Lucario can more easily clean late-game. Lucario can also take care of Pokemon such as Choice Specs Magnezone that try to trap and kill Skarmory. Mega Scizor is a fantastic slow offensive pivot that can bring in Lucario safely. Mega Scizor and Lucario also form an insane offensive Swords Dance spam core; they can whittle down each other's checks such as Keldeo and are walled by only a few Pokemon together, such as Zapdos. Choice Scarf Excadrill can outspeed many key threats such as Tapu Koko that trouble Lucario, and it appreciates Lucario's ability to take on some of its counters such as Skarmory and Celesteela. Ferrothorn can stack hazards for Lucario while also providing Leech Seed support and acting as a blanket check to many special attackers such as Greninja and Latios. It also sports a resistance to Water, letting it check foes such as Mega Swampert, which Mega Lucario otherwise struggles with. Bisharp also forms a fantastic Swords Dance spam core with Lucario, as it can take on Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon that give Lucario trouble such as Victini and Blacephalon. Z-Celebrate Z-Happy Hour Jirachi can to take on troublesome Poison- and Fighting-types such as Mega Venusaur and Keldeo for Lucario.

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

Steel
--------
An Adamant nature allows Lucario to hit insanely hard and 2HKO Celesteela while still outspeeding key threats such as Heatran, but this leaves it walled by many Pokemon, such as Nidoking and Jolly Diggersby. However, An Adamant nature also noticeably boosts the power of Extreme Speed, allowing it its ability to revenge kill Pokemon such as Keldeo at with +2 Extreme Speed with less chip damage while also almost always OHKOing Swampert with +2 Close Combat, making makes Adamant better in the Water matchup. Thunder Punch with Electrium Z and a Jolly Nature is an option over Earthquake, as Gigavolt Havoc can KO Pokemon that traditionally wall Lucario such as Mantine and Slowbro after Stealth Rock chip at +2. Meteor Mash is Lucario's most reliable Steel-type STAB move and allows it to take on Fairy-type Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Mega Sableye. However, Meteor Mash is a bit redundant on Lucario, as its teammates run Steel-type STAB moves, (AC) and running Meteor Mash also means that Lucario will not be able to run forgoing Earthquake or Ice Punch (RC) which leaves it Lucario unable to check Pokemon such as Toxapex and Gliscor, respectively.

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

Steel
--------
**Fighting-types**: All Faster Fighting-type Pokemon such as Terrakion, Keldeo, and Mega Gallade all threaten to OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB attacks. However, Mega Gallade should watch out for Extreme Speed, as spamming Close Combat severely lowers its Defense.

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon such as Infernape, Mega Charizard X, and Blacephalon all threaten to OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB moves. Bulky Fire-type Pokemon such as Torkoal can easily tank a boosted Close Combat and threaten to OHKO it Lucario in return.

**Ground-types**: Ground-type Pokemon such as Landorus and Sand Rush Excadrill and Landorus threaten to outspeed and OHKO Lucario with their powerful STAB moves. Bulky Ground-type Pokemon such as Hippowdon can easily tank a boosted Close Combat and OHKO it in return.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Mega Sableye and Slowbro can easily tank any of Lucario's attacks and, recover off the damage, and cripple it with Will-O-Wisp or Scald, respectively.

**Revenge Killers**: Fast Pokemon with strong STAB moves such as Landorus-T, Victini, Tapu Koko, and Mega Lopunny can outspeed Lucario and OHKO it with their STAB attacks. However, all of these Pokemon can't easily take on Lucario if it has set up a Swords Dance, as they are threatened by Extreme Speed.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[maroon, 305839]]
- Steel analysis by: [[maroon, 305839]]
- Quality checked by: [[Moosical, 215618], [Eien, 100418], [Misaka Mikoto, 240969]]
- Grammar checked by: [[A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157], [username2, username2]]

 

[Eien]

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