Base:
Mega:
[OVERVIEW]
* Mega Lucario has a great offensive presence in the Ubers metagame, boasting a base 145 Attack, access to Swords Dance and powerful STAB moves in Meteor Mash and Close Combat, and a powerful means of priority to revenge kill foes with Bullet Punch.
* Mega Lucario is also one of the most difficult Pokemon in the tier to switch into thanks to its ability Adaptability and the fact that its STAB combination is only resisted by Ho-Oh and Toxapex.
* Although Mega Lucario's better matchups tend to be against more bulkier playstyles such as balance, the prevalence of Ho-Oh, Toxapex, and Zygarde hinders its viability and often forces it to run non-Adaptability-boosted moves such as Stone Edge, Earthquake, and Ice Punch to beat said threats.
* Mega Lucario faces competition from offensive Necrozma-DM, as Necrozma-DM's increased natural bulk allows it to have an easier time setting up, and switching in, and it also makes for a reliable Xerneas check, and it doesn't have to use up a Mega slot. Thus, Mega Lucario is primarily placed on hyper offense playstyles.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Bullet Punch
item: Lucarionite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Swords Dance raises Mega Lucario's Attack by two stages, making it harder for foes to switch into its attacks.
* Meteor Mash is Mega Lucario's most reliable Steel-type attack, dishing out heavy damage to common Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy, and is Lucario's most effective way of dishing out damage to Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and Arceus-Flying. It is also Lucario's only means of hitting common Ghost-types such as Marshadow, Mega Gengar, and both Giratina formes.
* Close Combat is Mega Lucario's most reliable Fighting-type attack and most powerful commonly ran STAB move, OHKOing Yveltal after Stealth Rock damage, Ferrothorn, and opposing Mega Lucario. Close Combat also 2HKOes many common threats such as Primal Groudon after Stealth Rock damage, Necrozma-DM, Primal Kyogre, and Magearna.
* Bullet Punch allows Mega Lucario to revenge kill faster, weakened foes and is especially useful for dealing with +2 Xerneas, as it does up to 50% to it.
* Stone Edge allows Mega Lucario to KO Ho-Oh, which otherwise resists Lucario's STAB moves.
* Earthquake can be used to deal more damage to Toxapex and to dish out heavy damage to some Steel-types without having to deal with defense drops, but it doesn't really serve any other purpose and Lucario doesn't appreciate giving up any of its other moves.
* Ice Punch can be used to deal with Zygarde-C, which otherwise walls Mega Lucario, and it also does heavy damage to Mega Salamence, but Lucario doesn't appreciate losing any of its over moves.
Set Details
========
* Justified is Mega Lucario's best ability to run prior to Mega Evolution, giving it an Attack raise if it switches into a Dark-type attack.
* Lucarionite is required in order for Lucario to Mega Evolve.
* Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature allows Mega Lucario to take advantage of its Speed tier, allowing it to outpace foes such as Yveltal and Palkia.
* Maximum Attack investment results in the best possible damage output.
* An Adamant nature can be a nice option if Lucario is used on Sticky Web teams, as it outspeeds every grounded foe in the tier if Sticky Web is up, and an Adamant nature enables it to OHKO Zygarde pre-transformation at +2 with Close Combat and potentially 2HKO Giratina-O with Meteor Mash.
Usage Tips
========
* Against offensive teams, it is often better to simply attack what's in front of Lucario, as offensive teams tend to run more frail Pokemon, and Lucario should be used more late-game, once everything has been weakened down to the point where Lucario does not need to set up in the first place.
* Lucario has rather mediocre bulk, so avoid bringing it in directly on attacks. Instead, bring it in by U-turn from partners such as Yveltal, double switching, or sacrificing a weakened partner.
* Despite the fact that Lucario gets an Attack raise if it switches in on a Dark-type attack prior to Mega Evolution thanks to its ability Justified, Lucario should avoid switching into Dark-type Pokemon, as it is 2HKOed by Dark Pulse from offensive Yveltal and Foul Play from defensive sets, and, while Arceus-Dark and Mega Sableye have significantly less damage output, both of them run Will-O-Wisp, which can render Lucario almost useless if it switches into it.
* Swords Dance is best used against bulkier teams where Lucario is going to take minimal damage if the opponent chooses not to switch out. Examples of setup targets are Celesteela, Chansey, Blissey, and Ferrothorn.
Team Options
========
* Mega Lucario tends to fit best on hyper offensive Sticky Web teams, as it outpaces every grounded foe in the tier if Sticky Web is on the field, thus making it less prone to being revenge killed. Therefore, it appreciates having Sticky Web setters such as Smeargle and Shuckle.
* Yveltal makes an excellent partner, as it deals with Mega Gengar, Marshadow, and Lugia. Yveltal also appreciates Mega Lucario's ability to threaten Xerneas, Arceus Fairy, and special walls such as Chansey and Blissey.
* Primal Groudon is a brilliant partner for Mega Lucario, as it sets up Stealth Rock, which weakens opposing Pokemon and makes it easier for Mega Lucario to sweep late-game. This is especially useful for dealing with Ho-Oh and Lugia, as Ho-Oh's HP is reduced by 50% if it switches in when Stealth Rock is on the field, and Lugia's ability to check Mega Lucario is reduced if its Multiscale is broken. Primal Groudon also provides teams with a primary check to Xerneas, which means that Mega Lucario either doesn't have to deal with it at all or has an easier time revenge killing it with Bullet Punch. Furthermore, Primal Groudon is able to easily deal with Toxapex, beat Marshadow one-on-one, and KO Ho-Oh if it opts to run a Rock-type attack.
* Primal Kyogre is a useful partner for Mega Lucario, as it threatens physically defensive Primal Groudon, Zygarde-C, Arceus-Ground, and Ho-Oh, all of which either outspeed Mega Lucario or have enough natural bulk to be able to survive a +2 Close Combat. Primal Kyogre also appreciates Mega Lucario's ability to break through many of its defensive checks such as Chansey, Blissey, and Ferrothorn.
* Xerneas has brilliant offensive synergy with Mega Lucario, as it is able to easily break through teams and deal with foes such as Yveltal, Zygarde-C, and Marshadow. Choice Scarf sets can also act as a cleric, removing burns or curing paralysis on Mega Lucario. Xerneas also appreciates Mega Lucario's ability to break through or weaken many of Xerneas's checks such as Necrozma-DM, Ferrothorn, Primal Groudon, Chansey, and Blissey.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* A special set can be run with Nasty Plot, Vacuum Wave, Flash Cannon, and either Focus Blast or Aura Sphere. However, this set is outclassed by the physical set, as it relies on Mega Lucario's lower Special Attack stat, has to rely on a 70% accurate move in Focus Blast for decent damage output because Aura Sphere doesn't even 2HKO Blissey, and prevents Mega Lucario from being able to revenge kill Xerneas, Marshadow, and Mega Gengar.
* High Jump Kick can be used over Close Combat, as a +2 High Jump Kick has a chance to OHKO Zygarde after Stealth Rock damage, but it is far less spammable than Close Combat, since Lucario risks losing 50% of its health if the move misses or if the opponent switches go a Ghost-type Pokemon.
* An all-out attacking set with Meteor Mash, Close Combat, Ice Punch, and Earthquake can be used with Mega Lucario, which solves the problem of Lucario being walled by certain Pokemon;(space)however, this means that its offensive presence isn't as dominating and it misses out on running priority, thus making it less efficient at revenge killing.
* Agility is an option that can be considered on Mega Lucario, placing it in a Speed tier where it's less prone to being revenge killed, but Mega Lucario doesn't really have the space in its moveslot for it, and it doesn't really have the bulk to pull off a Double Dance set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Toxapex**: Toxapex resists both of Mega Lucario's STAB moves and can remove any of Mega Lucario's boosts with Haze, recover off any damage with Recover, and potentially burn it with Scald. It does have to be careful of the rare Earthquake, though.
**Zygarde-C**: Zygarde has enough physical bulk to survive a +2 Close Combat even prior to becoming its Complete forme and can dish out heavy damage with Thousand Arrows. Defensive sets can also recover off any damage with Rest, paralyze Lucario with Glare, and phaze it with Dragon Tail. It does have to be careful for the rare Ice Punch, though, and it has a chance to be OHKOed after Stealth Rock by +2 Close Combat if it hasn't transformed yet.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh hard counters any set that is not running Stone Edge, as it resists both of Lucario's STAB moves and can OHKO it with Sacred Fire. It does have to be cautious switching into Mega Lucario if Stealth Rock is up, especially if it's at +2.
**Marshadow**: Marshadow is arguably the biggest offensive threat to Mega Lucario, as it outpaces Mega Lucario, has enough bulk to survive a +2 Bullet Punch, and can steal Mega Lucario's boosts with Spectral Thief.
**Lugia**: Lugia is 4x resistant to Fighting-type attacks, has enough natural bulk to not be too bothered by Lucario's Steel-type attacks, and can phaze it with Whirlwind. However, it does struggle to check a +2 Mega Lucario if Stealth Rock is up.
**Arceus Formes**: Arceus formes all tend to run enough Speed investment to specifically outpace Mega Lucario. Arceus-Ground can OHKO with Judgment or Earthquake, Arceus-Water dishes out heavy damage with Judgment and resists Steel-type attacks, and Arceus-Fairy also dishes out heavy damage with Judgement, but it doesn't appreciate switching into Steel-type attacks. Furthermore, both Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy occasionally run Fire Blast, which OHKOes Mega Lucario.
**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar outspeeds Mega Lucario and is able to OHKO it with Focus Blast, dish out heavy damage with Shadow Ball or Hex, or potentially trade KOs with Destiny Bond. However, Mega Gengar does not appreciate taking Steel-type attacks.
**Flying-type Pokemon**: Flying-type Pokemon such as Arceus-Flying and Mega Salamence pose a great threat to Mega Lucario, as they tend to outpace Mega Lucario and are immune to Sticky Web, so they are able to revenge kill Mega Lucario even if the hazard is on the field. While Mega Salamence often tends to run an Adamant nature over a Jolly nature, it cuts Mega Lucario's Attack by one stage prior to Mega Evolving and is able to OHKO it with an Aerilate-boosted Double-Edge. It is also worth noting that Double-Edge from Jolly Mega Salamence OHKOes Mega Lucario.
**Status**: While Mega Lucario's Steel typing allows it to be immune to Poison, it is heavily crippled by burns and paralysis, as burns cut its Attack in half and paralysis cuts its Speed in half, thus making it easy to revenge kill.
Mega:
[OVERVIEW]
* Mega Lucario has a great offensive presence in the Ubers metagame, boasting a base 145 Attack, access to Swords Dance and powerful STAB moves in Meteor Mash and Close Combat, and a powerful means of priority to revenge kill foes with Bullet Punch.
* Mega Lucario is also one of the most difficult Pokemon in the tier to switch into thanks to its ability Adaptability and the fact that its STAB combination is only resisted by Ho-Oh and Toxapex.
* Although Mega Lucario's better matchups tend to be against more bulkier playstyles such as balance, the prevalence of Ho-Oh, Toxapex, and Zygarde hinders its viability and often forces it to run non-Adaptability-boosted moves such as Stone Edge, Earthquake, and Ice Punch to beat said threats.
* Mega Lucario faces competition from offensive Necrozma-DM, as Necrozma-DM's increased natural bulk allows it to have an easier time setting up, and switching in, and it also makes for a reliable Xerneas check, and it doesn't have to use up a Mega slot. Thus, Mega Lucario is primarily placed on hyper offense playstyles.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Bullet Punch
item: Lucarionite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Swords Dance raises Mega Lucario's Attack by two stages, making it harder for foes to switch into its attacks.
* Meteor Mash is Mega Lucario's most reliable Steel-type attack, dishing out heavy damage to common Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy, and is Lucario's most effective way of dishing out damage to Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and Arceus-Flying. It is also Lucario's only means of hitting common Ghost-types such as Marshadow, Mega Gengar, and both Giratina formes.
* Close Combat is Mega Lucario's most reliable Fighting-type attack and most powerful commonly ran STAB move, OHKOing Yveltal after Stealth Rock damage, Ferrothorn, and opposing Mega Lucario. Close Combat also 2HKOes many common threats such as Primal Groudon after Stealth Rock damage, Necrozma-DM, Primal Kyogre, and Magearna.
* Bullet Punch allows Mega Lucario to revenge kill faster, weakened foes and is especially useful for dealing with +2 Xerneas, as it does up to 50% to it.
* Stone Edge allows Mega Lucario to KO Ho-Oh, which otherwise resists Lucario's STAB moves.
* Earthquake can be used to deal more damage to Toxapex and to dish out heavy damage to some Steel-types without having to deal with defense drops, but it doesn't really serve any other purpose and Lucario doesn't appreciate giving up any of its other moves.
* Ice Punch can be used to deal with Zygarde-C, which otherwise walls Mega Lucario, and it also does heavy damage to Mega Salamence, but Lucario doesn't appreciate losing any of its over moves.
Set Details
========
* Justified is Mega Lucario's best ability to run prior to Mega Evolution, giving it an Attack raise if it switches into a Dark-type attack.
* Lucarionite is required in order for Lucario to Mega Evolve.
* Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature allows Mega Lucario to take advantage of its Speed tier, allowing it to outpace foes such as Yveltal and Palkia.
* Maximum Attack investment results in the best possible damage output.
* An Adamant nature can be a nice option if Lucario is used on Sticky Web teams, as it outspeeds every grounded foe in the tier if Sticky Web is up, and an Adamant nature enables it to OHKO Zygarde pre-transformation at +2 with Close Combat and potentially 2HKO Giratina-O with Meteor Mash.
Usage Tips
========
* Against offensive teams, it is often better to simply attack what's in front of Lucario, as offensive teams tend to run more frail Pokemon, and Lucario should be used more late-game, once everything has been weakened down to the point where Lucario does not need to set up in the first place.
* Lucario has rather mediocre bulk, so avoid bringing it in directly on attacks. Instead, bring it in by U-turn from partners such as Yveltal, double switching, or sacrificing a weakened partner.
* Despite the fact that Lucario gets an Attack raise if it switches in on a Dark-type attack prior to Mega Evolution thanks to its ability Justified, Lucario should avoid switching into Dark-type Pokemon, as it is 2HKOed by Dark Pulse from offensive Yveltal and Foul Play from defensive sets, and, while Arceus-Dark and Mega Sableye have significantly less damage output, both of them run Will-O-Wisp, which can render Lucario almost useless if it switches into it.
* Swords Dance is best used against bulkier teams where Lucario is going to take minimal damage if the opponent chooses not to switch out. Examples of setup targets are Celesteela, Chansey, Blissey, and Ferrothorn.
Team Options
========
* Mega Lucario tends to fit best on hyper offensive Sticky Web teams, as it outpaces every grounded foe in the tier if Sticky Web is on the field, thus making it less prone to being revenge killed. Therefore, it appreciates having Sticky Web setters such as Smeargle and Shuckle.
* Yveltal makes an excellent partner, as it deals with Mega Gengar, Marshadow, and Lugia. Yveltal also appreciates Mega Lucario's ability to threaten Xerneas, Arceus Fairy, and special walls such as Chansey and Blissey.
* Primal Groudon is a brilliant partner for Mega Lucario, as it sets up Stealth Rock, which weakens opposing Pokemon and makes it easier for Mega Lucario to sweep late-game. This is especially useful for dealing with Ho-Oh and Lugia, as Ho-Oh's HP is reduced by 50% if it switches in when Stealth Rock is on the field, and Lugia's ability to check Mega Lucario is reduced if its Multiscale is broken. Primal Groudon also provides teams with a primary check to Xerneas, which means that Mega Lucario either doesn't have to deal with it at all or has an easier time revenge killing it with Bullet Punch. Furthermore, Primal Groudon is able to easily deal with Toxapex, beat Marshadow one-on-one, and KO Ho-Oh if it opts to run a Rock-type attack.
* Primal Kyogre is a useful partner for Mega Lucario, as it threatens physically defensive Primal Groudon, Zygarde-C, Arceus-Ground, and Ho-Oh, all of which either outspeed Mega Lucario or have enough natural bulk to be able to survive a +2 Close Combat. Primal Kyogre also appreciates Mega Lucario's ability to break through many of its defensive checks such as Chansey, Blissey, and Ferrothorn.
* Xerneas has brilliant offensive synergy with Mega Lucario, as it is able to easily break through teams and deal with foes such as Yveltal, Zygarde-C, and Marshadow. Choice Scarf sets can also act as a cleric, removing burns or curing paralysis on Mega Lucario. Xerneas also appreciates Mega Lucario's ability to break through or weaken many of Xerneas's checks such as Necrozma-DM, Ferrothorn, Primal Groudon, Chansey, and Blissey.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* A special set can be run with Nasty Plot, Vacuum Wave, Flash Cannon, and either Focus Blast or Aura Sphere. However, this set is outclassed by the physical set, as it relies on Mega Lucario's lower Special Attack stat, has to rely on a 70% accurate move in Focus Blast for decent damage output because Aura Sphere doesn't even 2HKO Blissey, and prevents Mega Lucario from being able to revenge kill Xerneas, Marshadow, and Mega Gengar.
* High Jump Kick can be used over Close Combat, as a +2 High Jump Kick has a chance to OHKO Zygarde after Stealth Rock damage, but it is far less spammable than Close Combat, since Lucario risks losing 50% of its health if the move misses or if the opponent switches go a Ghost-type Pokemon.
* An all-out attacking set with Meteor Mash, Close Combat, Ice Punch, and Earthquake can be used with Mega Lucario, which solves the problem of Lucario being walled by certain Pokemon;(space)however, this means that its offensive presence isn't as dominating and it misses out on running priority, thus making it less efficient at revenge killing.
* Agility is an option that can be considered on Mega Lucario, placing it in a Speed tier where it's less prone to being revenge killed, but Mega Lucario doesn't really have the space in its moveslot for it, and it doesn't really have the bulk to pull off a Double Dance set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Toxapex**: Toxapex resists both of Mega Lucario's STAB moves and can remove any of Mega Lucario's boosts with Haze, recover off any damage with Recover, and potentially burn it with Scald. It does have to be careful of the rare Earthquake, though.
**Zygarde-C**: Zygarde has enough physical bulk to survive a +2 Close Combat even prior to becoming its Complete forme and can dish out heavy damage with Thousand Arrows. Defensive sets can also recover off any damage with Rest, paralyze Lucario with Glare, and phaze it with Dragon Tail. It does have to be careful for the rare Ice Punch, though, and it has a chance to be OHKOed after Stealth Rock by +2 Close Combat if it hasn't transformed yet.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh hard counters any set that is not running Stone Edge, as it resists both of Lucario's STAB moves and can OHKO it with Sacred Fire. It does have to be cautious switching into Mega Lucario if Stealth Rock is up, especially if it's at +2.
**Marshadow**: Marshadow is arguably the biggest offensive threat to Mega Lucario, as it outpaces Mega Lucario, has enough bulk to survive a +2 Bullet Punch, and can steal Mega Lucario's boosts with Spectral Thief.
**Lugia**: Lugia is 4x resistant to Fighting-type attacks, has enough natural bulk to not be too bothered by Lucario's Steel-type attacks, and can phaze it with Whirlwind. However, it does struggle to check a +2 Mega Lucario if Stealth Rock is up.
**Arceus Formes**: Arceus formes all tend to run enough Speed investment to specifically outpace Mega Lucario. Arceus-Ground can OHKO with Judgment or Earthquake, Arceus-Water dishes out heavy damage with Judgment and resists Steel-type attacks, and Arceus-Fairy also dishes out heavy damage with Judgement, but it doesn't appreciate switching into Steel-type attacks. Furthermore, both Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy occasionally run Fire Blast, which OHKOes Mega Lucario.
**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar outspeeds Mega Lucario and is able to OHKO it with Focus Blast, dish out heavy damage with Shadow Ball or Hex, or potentially trade KOs with Destiny Bond. However, Mega Gengar does not appreciate taking Steel-type attacks.
**Flying-type Pokemon**: Flying-type Pokemon such as Arceus-Flying and Mega Salamence pose a great threat to Mega Lucario, as they tend to outpace Mega Lucario and are immune to Sticky Web, so they are able to revenge kill Mega Lucario even if the hazard is on the field. While Mega Salamence often tends to run an Adamant nature over a Jolly nature, it cuts Mega Lucario's Attack by one stage prior to Mega Evolving and is able to OHKO it with an Aerilate-boosted Double-Edge. It is also worth noting that Double-Edge from Jolly Mega Salamence OHKOes Mega Lucario.
**Status**: While Mega Lucario's Steel typing allows it to be immune to Poison, it is heavily crippled by burns and paralysis, as burns cut its Attack in half and paralysis cuts its Speed in half, thus making it easy to revenge kill.
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