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Swords Dance lets Lucario break through a number of defensive threats with its Life Orb-boosted Close Combat. Close Combat absolutely destroys bulky Pokemon like Rotom-W and Skarmory, OHKOing both after Stealth Rock. Meteor Mash separates Lucario from other setup sweepers, as it is uniquely capable of hitting Unaware Clefable super effectively. Meteor Mash is also incredibly useful for picking off weakened Gliscor while potentially giving Lucario the boost it needs to sweep. After a Swords Dance boost, Extreme Speed easily OHKOes faster Pokemon that would normally force Lucario out, notably OHKOing Infernape and Latias after Stealth Rock. An Adamant nature is near-required to OHKO Latias with Extreme Speed at +2 after Stealth Rock; however, a Jolly nature can be used if outspeeding Timid Rotom-W is necessary. Justified lets Lucario come in on a predicted Knock Off from Tangrowth or Throat Chop from Weavile to get an Attack boost, which all but ensures its sweep. Lucario fits best on hyper offense teams that can break holes for it to potentially sweep late-game. Lead Skarmory is an excellent partner, as Lucario needs Stealth Rock on the field to guarantee an OHKO on Latias, Infernape, and Starmie with +2 Extreme Speed. The Spikes Skarmory provides is also beneficial, chipping Pokemon like Garchomp and Tangrowth into range of its boosted attacks. Lucario should be paired with wallbreakers that can soften up the enemy team for it to an eventually sweep like Breloom, Dragonite, Feraligatr, and Alakazam. Breloom is particularly good, as it can give Lucario a free setup opportunity with Spore, while Alakazam notably forces Latias out. Azelf is an interesting teammate option that can keep opposing entry hazards off the field with its fast Taunt and weaken foes like Gliscor and Latias with Psychic and U-turn, respectively. Azelf can also run a lead set to support Lucario, setting up either Stealth Rock or dual screens, both of which ease Lucario's sweeping attempts. Water-types like Feraligatr, Cloyster, and Azumarill can set up on and force out Gliscor, which is the most common switch-in to Lucario. Lucario greatly appreciates speed control in the form of Sticky Web or paralysis spam, as these playstyles enable Lucario to pick up KOs with Close Combat on normally faster foes that can tank +2 Extreme Speed like Garchomp and Jolly Mamoswine.

Lucario serves as the premier special setup sweeper for Steel teams able to revenge kill threats with its priority Vacuum Wave. Nasty Plot makes Lucario a threatening sweeper; after one boost Lucario can OHKO Hydreigon with Vacuum Wave. Vacuum Wave also provides a form of priority that can be used to check faster threats such as Galarian Darmanitan and Heliolisk. At +2 Lucario can OHKO Hydreigon with Vacuum Wave. Dark Pulse is an option that allows Lucario to take on Aegislash, which can otherwise use Lucario as setup fodder. Life Orb allows Lucario to increase its damage output. Its EV spread and a Modest nature allow it to hit as fast and hard as possible. Lucario prefers to run a Modest nature to boost the power of its Vacuum Wave. Lucario should set up on Pokemon like Mandibuzz and Sableye that will try to cripple it with Foul Play and Will-O-Wisp, respectively. Since Lucario is a setup sweeper, try to set it up on Pokemon it can force out or Pokemon that can't touch it such as Galarian Corsola. All of its teammates appreciate its ability to take on Dark- and Steel-type Pokemon, as well as being able to revenge kill faster threats such as Excadrill with priority Vacuum Wave. Duraludon and Ferrothorn are Steel teams' main entry hazard setters and support Lucario by making its sweep easier. Corviknight can provide Lucario with a Ground-type immunity and can take on Ghost-type Pokemon for Lucario if it decides to not run Dark Pulse with Bulk Up + Power Trip. Aegislash, Excadrill, Durant, and Bisharp all appreciate its ability to help them break past physical walls; in return, they can take on Pokemon that Lucario struggles with such as Dragapult. Additionally, Bisharp and Aegislash can also help Lucario check faster threats with their priority moves in Sucker Punch and Shadow Sneak, respectively. Excadrill also can clear entry hazards for Lucario with Rapid Spin and take on Electric-type Pokemon such as Dracozolt.

Lucario is a great physical attacker due to having good Attack, Speed, and priority in Bullet Punch that helps greatly with the Fairy-type matchups. Bullet Punch is a great priority move that can help greatly in the Fairy- and Ice-type matchup, being able to hit Gardevoir, Ribombee, Mimikyu and Mamoswine. Meteor Mash is to help net KOs against slower Fairy-type Pokemon such as Togekiss and Clefable. Extreme Speed is used to be able to hit Pokemon like Salazzle and Dracovish. Lucario should try to set up on a predicted switch, on a passive Pokemon, or on a Pokemon it threatens out. Running an Adamant nature allows Lucario to take care of most Fairy-types after one Swords Dance, while running a Jolly nature with maximum Speed EVs allows Lucario to outpace Togekiss and Kommo-o. All Fighting-type Pokemon love Lucario for its Steel typing allowing it to threaten Fairy-types like Gardevoir and Togekiss. Cobalion is a much needed teammate to set down Stealth Rock, cripple Pokemon like Choice Scarf Gardevoir with Thunder Wave, and Taunt opposing leads such as Galarian Corsola. Terrakion is a great Choice Scarf user due to it outpacing Choice Scarf Excadrill and Gardevoir and being able to take on Fire-types like Charizard and Chandelure. Keldeo is also very helpful for Lucario due to it taking down Ground- and Fire-type Pokemon like Hippowdon, Excadrill, and Charizard while also stopping Toxapex using Recover, Haze or Toxic Spikes thanks to Taunt. Scrafty is needed, as it provides a useful Psychic immunity to the team, uses its ability Shed Skin to soak status for its teammates, which helps Lucario with not being burned, and takes on Ghost-type Pokemon such as Aegislash and Sableye for the team. Kommo-o is a great teammate for Lucario due to its Dragon typing, allowing it to threaten Dragon-types such as Dracozolt. Toxicroak forms a core with Lucario that can break through Fairy-types help greatly in the matchup thanks to its Poison typing.

Lucario boasts good mixed attacking stats and high Base Power moves, making it a tough wallbreaker to safely switch into. Steel Beam dents physical walls that switch in expecting a physical set, including Mandibuzz, Mew, and Skarmory. Close Combat is Lucario's best option against common special walls such as Blissey, Heatran, and RegenVest Swampert. Stone Edge targets several foes that resist both of its STAB moves, most notably Zapdos, Volcarona, and Moltres. For the last moveslot, Shadow Ball 2HKOes Slowbro and Doublade, while Nasty Plot pressures bulkier foes like Corviknight and Suicune. If Toxapex is of particular concern, then Psychic can be used instead. 228 Speed EVs and a Hasty nature outspeeds Adamant Galarian Zapdos, and the Attack investment always 2HKOes RegenVest Swampert with Close Combat. Hasty is preferred over Naive to survive +1 Draining Kiss from Tapu Lele. Lucario's excellent mixed attacking profile lets it effectively draw in and weaken opposing walls, making it a great fit for balance and bulky offense teams. Late-game cleaners like Azelf enjoy Lucario's ability to weaken walls for them, and other fast wallbreakers like Terrakion and Zarude synergize well by overwhelming shared checks. Lucario has limited defensive utility and thus should be built around a robust defensive core to shore up offense matchups. Pivoting teammates, such as Swampert, Blissey, and Corviknight, can repeatedly provide Lucario opportunities to switch in and punch holes in opposing teams, and they check powerful attackers such as Terrakion, Azelf, and Zapdos. Swampert and Ferrothorn have access to entry hazards to chip foes like Slowbro and RegenVest Landorus-T into KO range.

Moves Repeated usage of Substitute reduces Mega Lucario's HP and increases Reversal's power. At the same time, it safeguards Mega Lucario from Counter, Metal Burst, and status moves like Pain Split from Magearna and Leech Seed from stall Celesteela. Reversal is its main damaging move, reaching 200 Base Power on low health and, with the Adaptability boost, allowing it to KO the likes of Garchomp, Mega Aggron, and Celesteela. Meteor Mash is used to KO Fairy-type Pokemon like Tapu Lele, Mega Gardevoir, Tapu Bulu, non-Choice Scarf Togekiss, and Clefable. Swords Dance is a useful setup move that allows Mega Lucario to beat Magearna in conjunction with Substitute and even break through walls that resist Reversal, as well as take out bulky setup Pokemon like Curse Mega Aggron. Magnet Rise is used to allow Mega Lucario to defeat Pokemon that carry super effective Ground-type moves such as non-Choice Scarf Garchomp, Donphan, and Golem. Rock Tomb lets Mega Lucario outspeed Pokemon with Speed-boosting setup moves like Dragon Dance Mega Charizard X and Shell Smash + Earthquake Crustle, but it means it loses out against Blacephalon and bulkier variants of Mega Charizard Y. Set Details 240 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature let Mega Lucario outspeed base 110s such as Archeops, as well as Mega Charizard X and Y, non-Choice Scarf Garchomp, Mega Pinsir, non-Choice Scarf Blacephalon, and Durant. 28 Special Defense EVs ensure that Mega Lucario survives a Hyper Beam from Modest maximum Special Attack Choice Scarf Porygon-Z. The remaining 240 EVs are invested in Attack to enhance Mega Lucario's offensive capability by letting it hit as hard as possible. Inner Focus as the pre-Mega ability prevents Lucario from flinching, which lets it defeat Jirachi most of the time. Adaptability boosts Reversal's power after factoring in the STAB boost, making it a 400-Base Power move after four uses of Substitute. Usage Tips Against Tapunium Z Tapu Fini, use Meteor Mash first. If they use Guardian of Alola, use Substitute before unleashing a devastating 200-BP Reversal. Against Ground-type Pokemon like Donphan and Golem, use Counter after Magnet Rise to avoid a potential Counter. Use Rock Tomb as the first move against potential Choice Scarf users such as Porygon-Z to outspeed them on subsequent turns. When matched up against Jirachi, the best play is to start with Rock Tomb without Mega Evolving in order to outpace it. Mega Evolve on the next turn, and use Substitute to get Mega Lucario within range of high Base Power Reversal, which will let you win most of the time. Against stall Pokemon, use Swords Dance if Mega Lucario is faster; else, use Rock Tomb in order to avoid being Taunted by Pokemon such as Deoxys-S before boosting Mega Lucario's Attack. Team Options Choice Scarf Porygon-Z can be paired with Mega Lucario to defeat most of the Pokemon that outspeed it such as Greninja, Mega Lopunny, and Naganadel, and as well as physically bulky Pokemon including Zygarde-C and non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Concurrently, Mega Lucario checks Mega Aggron for Porygon-Z, as well as Magearna if running Swords Dance and Donphan and Golem if carrying Magnet Rise. Bulky Mega Charizard Y appreciates Mega Lucario's ability to take on non-Taunt Heatran, Donphan, and Golem. Mega Charizard Y can help it by checking non Choice-Scarf Landorus-T, Calm Mind Mega Slowbro, Greninja, Tapu Fini, and Mega Mawile, which usually defeat Mega Lucario. This Mega Lucario set doesn't have any powerful move to hit Ghost-type Pokemon, so it requires teammates that can deal with them. Taunt Mega Gyarados can take on most of the Ghost-types including Aegislash and Mega Sableye. In addition, it also defeats Dragonite, Choice Scarf Garchomp, and Choice Scarf Victini, which defeat Mega Lucario. At the same time, Mega Lucario defeats Magearna, bulky Mega Charizard Y, Mega Pinsir, and Kartana, which are common Mega Gyarados checks.

Moves High Jump Kick OHKOes Porygon-Z, Mega Aggron, and Meloetta most of the time. Meteor Mash lets Mega Lucario take on Psychium Z Tapu Lele and Mega Gardevoir. It also has a 20% chance to raise Mega Lucario's Attack stat by 1 stage, which can be helpful against Waterium Z Tapu Fini; however, this is naturally unreliable and should only be used as a last-resort tactic. Rock Tomb can be used to lower the Speed of stall Deoxys-S and Crustle while also OHKOing fast Mega Charizard Y, Volcarona, and Mega Pinsir. Magnet Rise helps Mega Lucario in defeating Ground-type Pokemon like non-Choice Scarf Garchomp, Groundium Z Landorus-T, Golem, and Donphan. Swords Dance allows Mega Lucario to break through bulky walls like Mega Venusaur, as well as bulky setup Pokemon like Curse Mega Aggron. Ice Punch can be considered for foes like Garchomp and Jumpluff. Close Combat and Rock Slide can be considered as alternatives to High Jump Kick and Rock Tomb, respectively. Close Combat trades raw power for accuracy, which leaves it unable to secure some matchups that High Jump Kick wins like against bulky Incineroar; Rock Slide, while beating bulky Mega Charizard Y and providing a chance to flinch, does not lower Speed, which means Mega Lucario cannot beat Pokemon like Crustle and stall Deoxys-S. Set Details 240 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature let Mega Lucario outspeed as many Pokemon as possible including Mega Gardevoir, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Pinsir, non-Choice Scarf Blacephalon, Mega Diancie, and Durant. 28 Special Defense EVs ensure that Mega Lucario survives a Hyper Beam from Modest maximum Special Attack Choice Scarf Porygon-Z. The remaining 240 EVs are invested in Attack to enhance Mega Lucario's offensive capability by letting it hit as hard as possible against foes like Magearna and Meloetta. Inner Focus as the pre-Mega ability prevents Lucario from flinching, which lets it defeat Jirachi. A set of 252 Atk / 96 SpD / 160 Spe with a Jolly nature can be utilized so that Mega Lucario can tank Choice Scarf Genesect Flamethrower and OHKO back with High Jump Kick. While means that it will underspeed Pokemon like Kartana and Durant, it still outspeeds base 100 Speed Pokemon like Mega Gardevoir and Volcarona. Usage Tips When matched up against Jirachi, start with Rock Tomb without Mega Evolving to avoid flinching and allow Lucario to outspeed it. Mega Evolve on the next turn and follow up with High Jump Kick to have the best possible chance to win. Use Magnet Rise when up against Pokemon like Donphan and Golem to avoid getting KOed by them. Even after using Magnet Rise, be wary of a potential Counter, so use Rock Tomb to break their Sturdy. Team Options Primarina is a good teammate for Mega Lucario, checking Mega Charizard X, Mega Gyarados, Mega Metagross, Landorus-T, and Genesect while Mega Lucario checks Mega Charizard Y, Porygon Z, Tapu Lele, and Mega Gardevoir. Since fast Pokemon like Zeraora, Pheromosa, and Mega Lopunny counter Mega Lucario, Flame Charge Mega Charizard X or Mega Blaziken can be used. In turn, Mega Lucario can beat Heatran, Meloetta, and Tapu Lele for them.

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 other 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 Timid Yveltal and Adamant Mega Salamence. 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.

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 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.

Moves Swords Dance allows Lucario to become a dangerous wallbreaker in tandem with its STAB move combination, breaking past problematic Pokemon such as Skarmory after a boost. Close Combat is Lucario's strongest and most spammable move, hitting Steel-types that resist its other moves such as Mega Scizor. Extreme Speed is used to give Lucario a strong form of priority, giving it the ability to clean weakened teams late-game after a boost and revenge kill weakened faster Pokemon throughout the battle. Meteor Mash allows Lucario to mainly hit problematic Fairy-types such as Tapu Bulu while offering great neutral coverage, being able to hit Pokemon that resist Close Combat such as Mega Venusaur as well as threaten them with a decent chance to raise its Attack by one stage. Bullet Punch, although much weaker than Meteor Mash, is another priority move that most notably OHKOes Mega Diancie while still dealing with threats like the aforementioned Tapu Bulu after a Swords Dance. Set Details 252 Attack EVs, an Adamant nature, and Life Orb all combine to make Lucario as strong as possible, compensating for its average Attack stat and threatening many defensive Pokemon like Celesteela. The rest of the EVs are invested into Speed, which, even with a neutral nature, allow Lucario to outspeed Pokemon such as Heatran and Tapu Bulu. All of Lucario's abilities are very situational, but Inner Focus is chosen in order to avoid flinches from Pokemon such as Togekiss. Usage Tips Lucario can be used as both a strong wallbreaker with its STAB moves and a late-game cleaner and revenge killer thanks to Extreme Speed. To expand on this, Lucario depends on a boost from Swords Dance in order to perform either of these roles, and it can usually only find setup opportunities by forcing switches. Switch-ins such as Mega Venusaur can be taken care of if Lucario uses Swords Dance on the predicted switch, eliminating many of its potential counters. When dangerous Pokemon such as Latios and Alolan Raichu are present, it is wise to preserve Lucario in order to revenge kill them once they have been weakened. It is especially important to play carefully with Lucario in the Fairy matchup, as it is Fighting's best Pokemon in the matchup, threatening almost any potential switch-in. Furthermore, Lucario's frailty allows it to be easily checked by Pokemon like Tapu Koko, so it is important to bring it out late-game when these Pokemon have been put in range of its priority moves. Lucario should be used as a late-game sweeper in other matchups such as Dragon, as most Pokemon are susceptible to its priority moves once weakened, especially after a Swords Dance. Furthermore, it is generally recommended to not bring out Lucario on any strong attack, as even resisted moves from the likes of Tapu Bulu will heavily damage it due to its poor bulk. Lucario should avoid getting worn down as much as possible altogether, as the recoil from Life Orb combined with its poor bulk makes it not difficult to revenge kill. Although Lucario's immunity to poison can be taken advantage of, it still heavily dislikes all other forms of status, as getting burned will remove its offensive presence while getting paralyzed allows it to be easily outsped. Team Options Lucario's teammates appreciate its wallbreaking and setup ability in matchups such as Fairy. Keldeo is an essential teammate that benefits Lucario and the rest of the team alike by providing a much-needed special wallbreaker, able to deal with threats like Mega Sableye while Lucario can revenge kill threats like Greninja in return. Choice Scarf Terrakion's ability to keep faster foes in check is very appreciated, as Lucario's lackluster Speed stat prevents it from breaking past faster Pokemon like Blacephalon. Mega Gallade forms a deadly wallbreaking core with Lucario, being able to break past troublesome Poison- and Water- types like Toxapex and Mantine while Lucario can threaten offensive playstyles with priority and Fairy-types with its super effective STAB moves. Due to Lucario's shared typing with Cobalion, other teammates that can provide Stealth Rock support are appreciated. Infernape is a decent suicide lead, and Kommo-o can compress a Stealth Rock role while posing as another dangerous special sweeper. Pokemon that can aid Lucario in the troublesome Psychic matchup make for good teammates. Heracross and Buzzwole are both great Choice Scarf users that can easily sweep when combined with Lucario's ability to revenge kill foes like Latios. Breloom is another user of priority that can provide utility with its unique access to Spore, allowing it to become a dangerous setup threat while also giving Lucario safe opportunities to switch in and set up as well. Although Lucario generally isn't bothered by most entry hazards, Defog support from Hawlucha is appreciated, as it prevents Lucario from getting worn down as quickly. Additionally, Defog helps Lucario heavily in the Fairy matchup by removing Klefki's Reflect.

Nasty Plot helps Lucario to take advantage of its special movepool while not having to care about Intimidate or Will-O-Wisp. Aura Sphere sacrifices power for accuracy, which is useful against Pokemon carrying Minimize including Alolan Muk or Pokemon with access to the ability Moody, most notably Glalie. Focus Blast can be used instead for sheer damage output at the risk of misses. Flash Cannon hits Fairy- and Ghost-types which Fighting STAB can't do reliably. Vacuum Wave can hit faster Pokemon, including Greninja, and common Choice Scarf Pokemon, such as Garchomp and Hydreigon, while Dark Pulse can be used to hit Slowbro, Alolan Marowak, and Aegislash, but has little utility with the inability to OHKO Aegislash even at +2. Without Dark Pulse, Lucario has no means of dealing with Aegislash, Alolan-Marowak, or Slowbro, so be sure to prepare for those threats if using Vacuum Wave. The given EV spread maximizes both power and Speed for a special sweeper.

Close Combat is Lucario's strongest and most reliable STAB attack, which deals massive damage even to Pokemon that resist Fighting such as Thundurus and Tapu Koko. Meteor Mash hits Fairy-types, including Clefable and Tapu Lele, and Ghost-type Pokemon, which would otherwise wall Mega Lucario, such as Mimikyu and Mega Gengar. Extreme Speed gives Lucario a +2 priority move, while Bullet Punch can be used instead to hit Ghost-type Pokemon with a priority attack, though it loses the benefits of hitting Blaziken harder. Swords Dance assists in breaking bulky threats like Celesteela and Cresselia, while Ice Punch takes on Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Thundurus. Earthquake can be used over Extreme Speed and Bullet Punch so that Lucario isn't walled by Alolan Marowak and Aegislash, but it comes at the cost of priority. While part Steel typing grants resistances, Lucario still needs support to take regular hits given its fairly bad bulk. Mega Lucario is best used as a mid- or late-game sweeper, as common Focus Sash leads such as Mamoswine can easily OHKO it. Maximum Attack and Speed EVs is the optimal spread for a physical setup sweeper. Aegislash, Blaziken, Slowbro, Gyarados, and Zapdos are all Pokemon that are a huge problem for Mega Lucario, so be sure to prepare for those. Will-O-Wisp can also cripple Mega Lucario heavily.

Moves Swords Dance allows Mega Lucario to break down stall teams by overpowering many of its checks such as Mega Sableye, Lugia, and Primal Groudon. It can also allow Mega Lucario to clean weakened offensive teams with Bullet Punch. Close Combat inflicts massive damage to anything without an immunity or resistance to it and is Mega Lucario's primary STAB move. Bullet Punch allows Mega Lucario to revenge kill a weakened Geomancy-boosted Xerneas and pick off weakened foes in general. Although it is inaccurate, Iron Tail is very potent alongside Close Combat, giving Mega Lucario an immediate way to eliminate healthy Fairy-types while rounding out coverage against Flying-types and other Pokemon that resist Fighting. If Ho-Oh is of concern to Mega Lucario's team, Stone Edge can be used over Bullet Punch or Iron Tail in order to OHKO it; however, Mega Lucario will notably have issues with Mega Sableye by forgoing Iron Tail, and it loses the little utility it has against offensive teams if the move is run over Bullet Punch. Set Details Maximum Attack and Speed investment allows Mega Lucario to hit as hard and as fast as possible. A Jolly nature is chosen to make full use of Mega Lucario's good base 112 Speed, letting Mega Lucario outspeed most of the tier. Justified is Mega Lucario's most useful ability before Mega Evolving, possibly allowing it to gain an Attack boost by switching into a Dark-type attack. Usage Tips In order to do anything significant with Mega Lucario, you must get an opportunity to safely Mega Evolve it. To do so, aggressively double switch Lucario into passive Steel and Dark-types that do not threaten it and are forced to switch out. Lucario can also safely Mega Evolve by revenge killing a weakened foe with Bullet Punch. If possible, utilize Lucario's pre-Mega ability Justified to gain a free Attack boost by switching it into a weak Dark-type attack, such as Dark Arceus's Judgment or non-Life Orb Darkrai's Dark Pulse. Against stall teams, set up Swords Dance on Pokemon such as Blissey, Clefable, Ferrothorn, Tyranitar, Lugia, and Arceus-Water. Exercise caution when setting up on a healthy Arceus-Water, though, as it can survive a +2 Close Combat and retaliate with Judgment, which can OHKO Mega Lucario after the Special Defense drop. Lastly, when using Mega Lucario as a revenge killer to Geomancy Xerneas, be sure to achieve prior damage on Xerneas before attempting to pick it off with Bullet Punch, as it can only 2HKO a healthy Xerneas at best. Team Options Primal Groudon provides Stealth Rock support and can absorb Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave aimed at Mega Lucario while also functioning as a secondary answer to Geomancy Xerneas. Wobbuffet is an outstanding partner to Mega Lucario, as it can easily trap support Arceus formes other than Arceus-Ghost and set up Safeguard to allow Lucario to Mega Evolve and set up Swords Dance without fear of a status ailment. Thunder Darkrai can eliminate Flying-types such as Ho-Oh and Ghost-types, allowing Mega Lucario to have an easier time punishing the opposing team with Close Combat. Primal Kyogre is an especially good teammate because it can lure in Pokemon that Mega Lucario can set up Swords Dance on, such as Ferrothorn and Blissey. Calm Mind Arceus formes such as Ghost, Fairy, and Ground pressure Ho-Oh well alongside Mega Lucario; alternatively, support Arceus formes of the same types that run Stone Edge can lure Ho-Oh and eliminate it so that Mega Lucario can have an easier time sweeping. Paralysis spreaders such as Primal Kyogre, Ho-Oh, and Primal Groudon can cripple walls or Pokemon faster than Mega Lucario, making its merely above average Speed less of a problem. Any offensive Pokemon that appreciates Mega Lucario chunking at its checks can make for a good partner. Extreme Killer Arceus with Refresh applies incredible pressure to Ghost-types alongside Mega Lucario. Mega Lucario's tendency to draw in and weaken Primal Groudon and other bulky Fire-types benefits Geomancy Xerneas greatly. Healing Wish from the likes of Latias and Shaymin-S can breathe new life into Mega Lucario if it has been severely weakened or inflicted with a status ailment.

Moves Nasty Plot is used to boost Lucario's Special Attack, making it a formidable sweeper. Flash Cannon is Lucario's most powerful special Steel-type STAB attack, capable of KOing Fairy-types. Dark Pulse is useful for hitting the Psychic- and Ghost-types that naturally threaten Fighting teams. Aura Sphere is the most reliable Fighting-type attack and deals great damage to anything that doesn't resist Fighting. Vacuum Wave is an alternative to Aura Sphere, giving Lucario priority to patch up its Speed. Focus Blast is a final option with huge power, capable of OHKOing Skarmory after breaking Sturdy and potentially OHKOing Klefki that don't predict the Lucario set correctly and use Reflect instead of Light Screen, but lacks accuracy. Set Details Maximum Special Attack EV investment, a Modest nature, and Life Orb make Lucario as powerful as possible, giving it the best chance to OHKO physically defensive Clefable and allowing +2 Lucario to OHKO Mew after Stealth Rock damage. In addition to being needed for certain KOs, Life Orb is necessary to give Lucario enough damage output to sweep, as its moves are quite lacking in Base Power. Maximum Speed EV investment makes Lucario faster than Timid Heatran and Excadrill out of sand. A Timid nature can also be used to outspeed certain threats such as Adamant Entei, Jolly Mamoswine, and Timid Chandelure without losing too much power. Inner Focus is used to avoid flinches from Togekiss and Jirachi so that Lucario can KO them in return with the appropriate move. Usage Tips Lucario should be saved for late-game so that it can sweep after its checks have been removed. Variants that lack Vacuum Wave should generally avoid being sent out early, as Life Orb recoil and entry hazard damage can slowly chip away at its health, putting it in more danger of being revenge killed. Nasty Plot is almost necessary to deal meaningful damage, so Lucario should be brought in safely against passive Pokemon to set up while generally not attacking before getting a boost. Due to its poor bulk, Lucario shouldn't be switched into even most resisted attacks, as any amount of damage can hurt Lucario's sweeping potential. Variants with Vacuum Wave can attempt to use it to revenge kill for their team, but generally setting up Nasty Plot on a retreating foe is more beneficial, as Vacuum Wave does very little damage. Lucario can bait defensive switch-ins that expect a physical set such as Skarmory, Doublade, and Slowbro and surprise them with the appropriate coverage. Lucario must avoid paralysis at all costs, as it cannot afford to be any slower than it already is. Team Options Stealth Rock support is necessary to chip away at foes to put them in range of Lucario's attacks. Cobalion can set up Stealth Rock, and its Volt Switch and Thunder Wave support is incredibly important for Lucario, which has a hard time switching in. Infernape can also set up Stealth Rock for Lucario, and with its Fire-type STAB moves it can handle Mega Scizor. Mega Gallade and Lucario pair up nicely, as they can set up easily on each other's checks, making it more likely that one of them can sweep late-game. Breloom can help Lucario find setup opportunities with its Spore support while providing more powerful priority in the form of Technician-boosted Mach Punch.

Moves Swords Dance is used to boost Lucario's Attack to make it both a strong wallbreaker and a sweeper. Close Combat is Lucario's most powerful and accurate STAB attack to wallbreak with. In spite of its low accuracy, Iron Tail is used to hit Fairy-types super effectively and also gives Lucario an option to hit Ghost-types such as Sableye. Extreme Speed is powerful priority that covers up Lucario's low Speed and can protect Lucario from +1-priority moves such as Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave. Bullet Punch is an option to be used over Extreme Speed to hit Pokemon that resist Normal such as Mega Diancie and Terrakion, but it makes Lucario weaker in most matchups. Crunch can be used to beat Slowbro, but one of Lucario's main niches is to beat Fairy-types, which now wall its set, so it is rarely worth using without significant team support, and the special set uses Dark-type coverage better. Set Details Maximum Attack EV investment, an Adamant nature, and Life Orb make Lucario as powerful as possible, giving it the best chance to OHKO Clefable and the potential to OHKO Skarmory at +2 and after Stealth Rock. Life Orb also helps Lucario deal meaningful damage without boosting, notably helping it revenge kill targets such as weakened Hawlucha and Gardevoir with Extreme Speed. With maximum Speed investment, Lucario is faster than Timid Heatran and can also outspeed Adamant Dragonite in order to use Extreme Speed first. Inner Focus is used to avoid flinches from Togekiss, which is OHKOed by +2 Extreme Speed after Stealth Rock damage, and Jirachi, which cannot even 2HKO Lucario with Heart Stamp, so that they can both be set up on. Steadfast might be tempting to sweep with a Speed boost, but it is simply not reliable in most cases, as Choice Scarf Jirachi requires two Steadfast activations to be outsped and Togekiss cannot be set up on without Inner Focus. While the Attack boost from Justified might benefit Lucario, Dark attacks are almost never used against Fighting teams, making it almost impossible to use. Usage Tips Lucario should be preserved until late-game, as Life Orb recoil and entry hazard damage will slowly chip away its health. That being said, do not hesitate to use Extreme Speed to revenge kill weakened foes such as Thundurus and Victini safely. As Lucario's bulk is quite poor, it should avoid being switched into any attack that isn't resisted. It will primarily set up Swords Dance against passive Pokemon like Forretress or Ferrothorn that cannot threaten Lucario. While bulky Water-types can be set up on and KOed with Close Combat, Scald can potentially cause a burn, ending Lucario's sweep, so they must be played around with caution. In general, burns and paralysis should be avoided, as they both spell the end of Lucario's sweep by halving its Attack or quartering its Speed. Because Lucario can at worst 2HKO most walls including even Mega Venusaur and Mandibuzz after a Swords Dance, setting up as the opponent sends out a defensive switch-in can allow Lucario to break its checks. Inner Focus should be taken advantage of to allow Lucario to set up Swords Dance against Choice Scarf Jirachi safely. Weakened Choice Scarf Togekiss can be used to set up a Swords Dance, as Extreme Speed will be able to take out Togekiss after one boost and Stealth Rock damage, although Iron Tail will always OHKO Togekiss even if no prior damage was dealt. If Lucario is running Crunch, it should not reveal it before the primary target, namely Slowbro, Doublade, or Jellicent, is switched in expecting a different coverage move. Team Options A second Swords Dance sweeper such as Hawlucha or Mega Gallade can work with Lucario to put huge pressure on shared checks. Stealth Rock support is necessary for getting many KOs, such as against Skarmory and Flying-type Pokemon in general. In addition to providing Stealth Rock, Cobalion is also useful for its Volt Switch and Thunder Wave support, both of which make Lucario's job much easier by giving it safe switches and easing the burden of its low Speed, respectively. Infernape, on the other hand, is a more offensive Stealth Rock user capable of checking Doublade, Mega Scizor, and Skarmory that can also run Grass Knot to heavily damage Slowbro and Gastrodon. Breloom is a great partner thanks to its Grass-type STAB moves making it easy to handle certain walls such as Slowbro and Jellicent, both of which Lucario has trouble with when it lacks Crunch. Breloom's Technician Mach Punch can be used to revenge kill Excadrill and in conjunction with Lucario's Extreme Speed can take out weakened threats such as Unburden Hawlucha and Swift Swim Kingdra. Finally, Breloom's unique access to Spore gives Lucario free turns and switches, helping it find chances to set up in spite of its lack of bulk.

Moves Swords Dance brings Lucario's Attack to a devastating level. Refrigerate-boosted Extreme Speed perfectly complements a Fighting STAB move, in addition to making up for Lucario's mediocre Speed. Close Combat is a very powerful STAB move with only a minor setback, allowing Lucario to break through most foes that aren't extremely physically bulky. The fourth move choice depends on the team's coverage needs. Crunch hits Levitate Doublade, which is Lucario's main check, while Stone Edge hits Volcarona and Moltres. Set Details Life Orb is the best item choice, as it significantly boosts Lucario's power while still allowing it to use Swords Dance. Adamant is the preferred nature, as it maxmizes Lucario's Attack without missing out on a key Speed benchmark; Jolly, however, does let Lucario outspeed specific threats, such as Entei. The EVs are set to maximize Lucario's Attack and Speed. Usage Tips Use Volt Switch or U-turn to get Lucario in safely. Taking advantage of predictable switches by the opponent to get a Swords Dance up can change a game. Lucario can be used to offensively check most Gale Wings users; however, it cannot switch in to them. It cannot take on physical walls such as Suicune and Hippowdon, unless it has previously gotten boosts up. Users must be wary of status, as a burn or paralysis will significantly decrease Lucario's effectiveness. Team Options Checks and pivot options to Doublade are very important; Zapdos and Suicune fill this role well. Volt Switch and U-turn users are great choices to give Lucario momentum. Tough Claws Scizor and Genesect as well as Storm Drain Rotom-H have good synergy with Lucario. Sheer Force special attackers such as Thundurus-T are good options to defeat bulky walls that Lucario struggles with, mainly Mew and Suicune.

Moves Swords Dance is pivotal for raising Lucario's Attack to a level that allows wallbreaking. Close Combat takes full advantage of Lucario's typing and Attack stat, with few setbacks. Extreme Speed makes up for Lucario's mediocre Speed by providing it with a strong Tough Claws-boosted priority move. Crunch is boosted by Tough Claws and provides coverage for Lucario's main counter, Doublade, as well as other Ghost- and Psychic-types. Set Details Using a Life Orb gives a significant boost to Lucario's Attack. Tough Claws provides a sizable boost to all of Lucario's moves that make contact, which suits its movepool perfectly. An Adamant nature is preferred to maximize its wallbreaking ability, in addition to a Jolly nature failing to reach a key Speed benchmark. However, Jolly can be used to outspeed certain threats such as Entei, preventing them from revenge killing Lucario. The EVs are set to maximize Lucario's Attack and Speed. Usage Tips ======== This set looks to get a Swords Dance boost whenever possible. Bringing Lucario in on slower foes provides the opportunity to do so, or at least to unleash a powerful Close Combat. Using a slow Volt Switch or U-turn is a great way to get Lucario into this position. Users must be wary of paralysis and burns; Suicune in particular should not be taken on unless Lucario is already boosted, and even if Lucario is boosted, an Unaware Suicune can take it down. Pairing Lucario with a strong special attacker is a great way to provide double switch opportunities to eliminate special walls. Team Options Special attackers such as Adaptability Latios appreciate Lucario's ability to eliminate special walls. Status absorbers such as Poison Heal Suicune and Mandibuzz pair well with Lucario. Suicune in particular is a great teammate as it can also switch into Doublade. Storm Drain Zapdos or Rotom-H are more great teammates, as they can eliminate Suicune and provide momentum with Volt Switch. Primordial Sea Rotom-W can switch into Fire-type attackers and Gale Wings users, as well as provide momentum with Volt Switch. Mold Breaker Deoxys-S is a great way to spread entry hazards, which make Lucario's job much easier.

Moves Nasty Plot brings Lucario's Special Attack to soaring heights after one boost. Aura Sphere is the preferred STAB option for Adaptability sets, while Focus blast gets boosted by both ability options and hits harder than Aura Sphere, but it comes with a high miss rate. Flash Cannon also gets boosted by both Adaptability and Sheer Force, and it provides Lucario with a strong secondary STAB move to hit foes that resist Fighting-type moves. Vacuum Wave is a special STAB priority move that gets boosted by Adaptability and often surprises opponents; it makes up for Lucario's mediocre Speed and works especially well on Modest sets. Dark Pulse should be heavily considered over Vacuum Wave when you're using Sheer Force, as it makes Lucario able to deal with Doublade. Set Details Adaptability makes Lucario's STAB moves stronger and works great with Vacuum Wave to beat some Gale Wings users. However, Sheer Force also provides a boost to Dark Pulse, giving Lucario more versatility. Life Orb boosts all of Lucario's moves while still allowing it to use Nasty Plot. The EVs are set to maximize Lucario's Special Attack and Speed. Modest is the preferred nature because Lucario does not reach a crucial Speed tier if running Timid. In addition, Modest Adaptability-boosted Vacuum Wave is more than enough to make up for Lucario's mediocre Speed. Usage Tips This set holds the surprise factor for opponents expecting a physical attacker, which allows Lucario to KO physical walls or get up a Nasty Plot boost. Bringing Lucario in during situations where it would be suspected that it is physical plays to this deceitfulness. With Adaptability, a Modest nature, and Life Orb, Lucario gets a guaranteed surprise KO on most Gale Wings users after one boost and Stealth Rock damage. Entry Hazards are thus important for lowering foes' initial HP levels. Lucario works very well as a late-game sweeper when its checks and counters have been eliminated. Team Options Deoxys-S and Deoxys-D are both excellent for spamming entry hazards. Adaptability Tyranitar pairs well with Adaptability Lucario, as it can Pursuit trap bulky Psychic-types as well as beat many special walls. Latios is another great partner, as it loves taking advantage of Lucario weakening opposing walls. Also, Latios beats certain threats that outspeed Lucario, such as Garchomp. A reliable special wall, such as RegenVest Escavalier, is a great partner to take on foes that outspeed Lucario and resist Vacuum Wave, such as Latios.

Moves Close Combat is Mega Lucario's strongest STAB move, which hits really hard in conjunction with Adaptability and should be its go-to move against Pokemon that don't resist Fighting. The Defense and Special Defense drops from Close Combat don't affect Mega Lucario too much considering its bulk isn't the best to begin with. Flash Cannon is Mega Lucario's secondary STAB move and hits Fairy-types as well as other Pokemon that resist Close Combat. Substitute allows Mega Lucario to take a hit or block status, such as burn and paralysis, both of which will cripple Mega Lucario immensely. Bullet Punch is a STAB priority move that can help Mega Lucario pick off weakened Pokemon that are faster than it, while Extreme Speed is another priority move that helps Mega Lucario pick off weakened Talonflame. Detect shields Lucario from a potential OHKO and allows it to gain the Speed boost of its Mega forme. Detect is used over Protect just in case it encounters a Pokemon with Imprison, which would shut down Mega Lucario's ability to use Protect and can easily give the foe an opportunity to capitalize on Mega Lucario's low bulk. The low PP isn't an issue, as both Mega Lucario and most Battle Spot Doubles games won't last long enough to use it all up. Set Details Maximum Speed EVs are used so that Mega Lucario can take advantage of its base 112 Speed and because investing in bulk isn't needed at all for it. Maximum Attack EVs increase Mega Lucario's damage output for Close Combat. A Naive nature is the best, as it boosts Mega Lucario's Speed without affecting any of its offensive stats. Lucarionite is the best item, as it gives Lucario a boost in offense and Speed while giving it Adaptability. Lucario's ability should be Inner Focus as that makes it "immune" to Fake Out, which can allow it to check and pressure Mega Kangaskhan leads. Usage Tips Thanks to Lucario's powerful STAB moves and immunity to Fake Out, it isn't a bad lead, as it can put pressure on your opponent right from the get-go as well as threaten Mega Kangaskhan leads. Because Mega Lucario's bulk is bad, it isn't recommended to switch it into attacks. Close Combat should be Mega Lucario's go-to move against Pokemon that don't resist Fighting-type moves, as it hits really hard when boosted by Adaptability. Mega Lucario also doesn't mind the defense drops that much because its defenses are bad to begin with. Team Options Clefable or Togekiss can redirect super effective Fighting-type moves as well as status conditions. Both Clefable and Togekiss can offer speed control, which also benefits Mega Lucario. Also, Clefable and Cresselia have access to Helping Hand, which further increases Mega Lucario's damage output and lets it pick up KOs against Pokemon that it wouldn't normally get, such as against Sylveon. Pokemon that can check Aegislash and Talonflame generally are good partners for Lucario. Rotom-H is a nice partner, as it is able to support Mega Lucario with Will-O-Wisp as well as threaten out Talonflame and Aegislash while Mega Lucario can check Rock-types that threaten Rotom-H. Another great partner for Lucario is Landorus-T, as it provides Intimidate support, which can bolster Mega Lucario's poor Defense a bit. It can also check Talonflame with Rock Slide and Aegislash with Earthquake, although Mega Lucario has to use Detect on that turn. Mega Lucario, in return, checks Ice-types that threaten Landorus-T. Finally, Sylveon is another great partner for Mega Lucario. Although they are both walled by Aegislash, they can wreak havoc against other Pokemon and put a lot of pressure on the opponent with Sylveon's powerful Hyper Voice combined with Mega Lucario's Adaptability-boosted STAB moves. Sylveon can also check Fighting-types, while Mega Lucario checks Steel-types not named Aegislash.

Moves Close Combat is Lucario's strongest and most reliable move and can deal massive amounts of damage to even foes that resist it such as Talonflame and Thundurus when boosted by STAB and Adaptability. Iron Tail is a necessary secondary STAB move used to hit Ghost-types such as Sableye, eliminate bulky Fairy-types like Clefable and Sylveon, and serve as Lucario's best option against Mega Venusaur. Extreme Speed offers Lucario a move with +2 priority, allowing it to pick off weakened targets such as Talonflame before they can use Roost or retaliate with priority Brave Bird. Swords Dance helps Lucario get past bulky threats such as Cresselia better, allows it to net more OHKOs with Close Combat on Garchomp and Rotom-W, and makes Extreme Speed able to threaten faster foes such as Greninja and Talonflame. Ice Punch can be used over Swords Dance as a coverage move to hit bulky Ground-types such as Garchomp and Landorus-T as well as Thundurus. Set Details A Jolly nature should always be used with maximum investment in Attack and Speed to allow Lucario to hit the crucial base 112 Speed tier while providing maximum damage output. Lucarionite is mandatory, as it provides a substantial boost to Lucario's offenses and Speed while giving it Adaptability, allowing its STAB moves to be even more threatening. Inner Focus lets Lucario reliably beat Mega Kangaskhan prior to Mega Evolution due to its immunity to flinching from Fake Out. Justified can also be used for a +1 boost in Attack if you can predict a Dark-type move; however, Lucario is usually too frail to be switching into any attacks. Usage Tips It is generally a bad idea to start the match with Lucario, as it has a bad matchup against common leads in the metagame such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Mamoswine, which all threaten to OHKO it with their STAB moves while potentially carrying Focus Sash. Therefore, opposing Focus Sash should be broken and Choice Scarf users must be scouted properly by teammates in order to make the most use of Lucario's late-game sweeping capability. As Lucario is rather slow prior to Mega Evolution, it's best brought in on a free turn such as a Choice-locked Outrage or a predicted Trick, usually from lead Rotom-W. Swords Dance must be used with caution, even on foes Lucario threatens out like Kangaskhan, because if you predict incorrectly, Lucario will easily fall to Earthquake or incur a status such as paralysis from Chansey. It might be reasonable to let Lucario sit out if Team Preview seems too unfavorable with bulky Ground-types, Fire-types, Aegislash, and Thundurus on the same team. Team Options Hippowdon is one of the best partners for Lucario, as it is able to function as a lead for setting up sand and Stealth Rock, which can break Focus Sash and Sturdy and allows Lucario's +2 Extreme Speed to OHKO Talonflame. Hippowdon is also a nice check to Fire-types, which threaten Lucario, and its access to Yawn will provide Lucario more chances to set up Swords Dance. Dragonite and Lucario form a nice core because Dragonite attracts Dragon- and Fairy-types that Lucario can take advantage of to set up while Dragonite can set up on a potential Choice-locked Earthquake user that would take out Lucario. Latios is able to set up screens for Lucario and also attracts Dark-type moves such as Knock Off, which will give Lucario a free boost if it is running Justified. Although it usually prefers to run different moves, Latios also has access to Memento, which, alongside dual screens, will make Lucario extremely hard to take down if the foe stays in. Both Greninja and Thundurus can weaken the opposing team with their superb coverage for Lucario to potentially sweep, and Thundurus is also able to cripple the opposing team with Prankster Thunder Wave; in turn, Lucario can easily help them get rid of bulky attackers like Mega Kangaskhan and tanks including Porygon2, Chansey, and Blissey. Lucario appreciates Landorus-T's ability to remove Talonflame and threaten Aegislash while also providing Intimidate support and being able to U-turn out for momentum.

Moves Nasty Plot Lucario is less susceptible to burn and is able to get past Intimidate users such as Salamence better. Aura Sphere is a reliable Fighting-type STAB move that will never miss, which is especially useful against Minimize Chansey, as special Lucario fails to OHKO it without Close Combat. Focus Blast is a viable option over Aura Sphere with a noticeable increase in power and the ability to OHKO Heatran and Porygon2 as well as OHKO Chansey and Thundurus at +2, but it can be rather unreliable due to poor accuracy. Flash Cannon gives Lucario vital coverage against Fairy-types that resist Fighting and also allows it to hit all Ghost-types bar Aegislash more reliably. Thanks to Adaptability, Vacuum Wave is an 80-Base Power priority move that can be used against faster foes such as Greninja, Lopunny, and Choice Scarf users such as Hydreigon. Dark Pulse offers nice coverage if you decide to forgo priority, as it is able to hit Slowbro and Aegislash, but it has little utility outside of this due to failing to OHKO Aegislash even at +2. Set Details A Timid nature along with maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allows Lucario to hit as hard as possible while taking advantage of its decent Speed tier. The remaining 4 EVs should be allocated to Special Defense, which is useful for preventing Porygon2 from acquiring a Special Attack boost from Download before Lucario Mega Evolves. Lucarionite is a must to allow Lucario to Mega Evolve, increasing its offenses, Speed, and Defense and giving it Adaptability to further increase its damage output with its STAB moves. Inner Focus is the best ability for Lucario prior to Mega Evolution to prevent flinching from Fake Out users like Mega Kangaskhan. Usage Tips Lucario should always look to Mega Evolve whenever possible, as it is unable to do much in its default forme unless directly faced against a Fake Out user. Do not carelessly bring Lucario in on any attacks, as even resisted hits will do decent amounts of damage due to its relatively poor bulk even after Mega Evolving. Because this set is less crippled by burn, it can set up Nasty Plot on Rotom-W, which is likely to spend one turn burning Lucario before switching. Nasty Plot Mega Lucario has a fantastic matchup against defensively oriented teams, especially against Chansey and Skarmory, which rely heavily on Toxic to do damage and are both unable to use Counter against this set. Lucario should be brought in once the opposing team has been weakened considerably enough for it to clean up during later stages of the match. Team Options Garchomp provides Lucario with Stealth Rock, weakens the opposing team with its powerful STAB moves, and also has the ability to slow down switch-ins with Rock Tomb so Lucario has an easier time coming in. Hippowdon checks Fire-types like Talonflame and Mega Charizard X while also being able to break potential Focus Sashes with Stealth Rock or sandstorm damage. Stealth Rock support is particularly useful for breaking the dreaded Focus Sash, which is rather common on some Pokemon such as Mamoswine. Dragonite works well with Lucario, as Lucario is able to easily revenge kill Protean Greninja, which OHKOes Dragonite with Ice Beam even with Multiscale intact, with Vacuum Wave. A core of Hippowdon, Dragonite, and Lucario works very well, as Hippowdon is able to provide the other two with Stealth Rock support and create opportunities to set up through Yawn. Stall-oriented teams will find it very difficult to successfully wall both physical Dragonite and specially offensive Mega Lucario. Talonflame can lead and then U-turn out on its counters such as Rotom-W and Tyranitar, which Lucario is able to set up Nasty Plot on. Mega Gengar is a fantastic teammate due to its ability to trap and remove Cresselia, Slowbro, and Azumarill, which are notable threats to Lucario prior to gaining boosts. Thundurus and Zapdos do a fantastic job at removing Pokemon on Flying-type spam teams such as Talonflame and Salamence as well as bulky Water-types such as Slowbro and Gyarados, while Lucario is able to eliminate Ice- and Rock-types that they are weak to. Klefki can provide Lucario with dual screen support and also has access to Prankster Thunder Wave, which can slow down faster threats such as Blaziken and Gengar. Although in an unconventional manner, Klefki can beat a lot of physically offensive threats such as Mega Charizard X and Garchomp through a combination of Swagger and Foul Play, which will make sweeping a lot easier for Lucario.

While this set may look odd at first given Lucario's poor defenses, it takes advantage of Lucario's excellent support movepool, unique typing, and great priority move in Extreme Speed. With resistances to Dragon-, Ice-, Dark-, and Grass-type moves, Lucario makes the perfect Follow Me supporter to use alongside Dragon-types or on rain teams, or even both, in Kingdra's case. No longer must your fast sweepers fear priority moves or super effective attacks from common checks, as Lucario delivers a Follow Me and lives with enough health to take more punishment. Drain Punch is Lucario's main source of healing, and still has a respectable 75 Base Power. Extreme Speed is of course Lucario's main priority, and since it has +2 priority instead of the usual +1, it will even finish off threats packing priority moves themselves, such as Weavile, Hitmontop, and Abomasnow. The last slot is delegated to the other interesting support moves Lucario has to offer, mainly Helping Hand and Heal Pulse. Heal Pulse can be used to heal up your Politoed or Latios, but it is especially annoying with a Spore user, such as Breloom. Helping Hand has a more immediate effect: it turns already deadly moves, such as Draco Meteor and Thunder, into pure, uncontrolled balls of wrath with Base Powers of over 180. Detect, the most conservative choice, keeps Lucario safe from gang attacks and spread moves, such as Earthquake. A Sitrus Berry is usually preferred to allow Lucario to take two Heat Waves from Infernape, and other similar attacks, but Chople Berry allows Lucario to survive at least one Close Combat from common enemies in Hitmontop and Terrakion. As you have probably noticed, this Lucario normally has no moves to touch Ghost-types with. This can be remedied by using Crunch over a given move, using a special set with Vacuum Wave and Dark Pulse, or simply equipping your partner with moves to handle Ghost-types; this is all the more reason for not plopping support Lucario on any team without any thought. Pokemon that can take advantage of Lucario's Follow Me, Extreme Speed, Helping Hand, or Heal Pulse support make good teammates. Politoed, Latios, Kingdra, and Haxorus make good teammates in this regard, as each appreciates protection from respective super effective attacks. Dragon Dance Haxorus can take advantage of the surprise factor that support Lucario generates to nab at least one boost, but due to Lucario's typing, it'll have to be careful when using Earthquake. Latios appreciates protection from Sucker Punch, a move commonly used to check the jet dragon. Politoed and Kingdra soften Fire-type attacks with Drizzle and Rain Dance, respectively, and appreciate protection from Grass- and Dragon-type moves, respectively. The EVs maximize Lucario's Special Defense, allowing it to take moves such as Heat Wave and Ice Beam more easily. For example, Volcarona needs a Quiver Dance, Helping Hand, or sun boost to OHKO this Lucario with Heat Wave, though there's a chance even then that it will hang on by a sliver of health. A spread of 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def with an Impish nature can be used if Lucario wants to take physical moves, such as Dragon Claw, more easily.

While this set forgoes the powerful Close Combat and Extreme Speed, it focuses on Lucario's slightly higher Special Attack stat, and renders useless the Attack-lowering effect of the common Intimidate. Aura Sphere and Vacuum Wave should be self-explanatory; one is a strong, reliable STAB move that never misses, and the other is a STAB priority move that is used in a similar vein as Extreme Speed. Dark Pulse and Hidden Power Ice are Lucario's coverage moves, and which one you choose should reflect what your team needs to cover. Hidden Power Ice provides coverage against Dragon-types, such as Garchomp and Dragonite, while Dark Pulse hits common supporters, such as Dusclops and Cresselia, for super effective damage, possibly flinching them in the process. Follow Me is slightly more effective on a special set than a physical one due to the lack of defense drops caused by Close Combat, and is in general a great move to have in the doubles environment. However, you might need Lucario itself to stay alive for an extra turn, so Detect is available as well. If you don't like Life Orb's recoil interfering with Follow Me, resist berries and Fighting Gem are viable items as well. As always, Psychic-types, such as Cresselia, make excellent Lucario partners, as do Flying-types, such as Tornadus. Togekiss has the rare ability to paralyze Ground-types, such as Garchomp, can provide Lucario with its own Follow Me or Helping Hand support, and can handily defeat most Fighting-types with Air Slash. Dusclops enjoys protection from Shadow Ball, can burn opposing Fighting-types, and can help Lucario score OHKOes with Helping Hand; for example, Lucario can decimate Terrakion with Vacuum Wave in a sandstorm after a boost. Latios can make a good offensive partner as it can smite other Dragon-types with Draco Meteor while Lucario diverts their attacks or finishes off survivors.

A physically based set is Lucario's standby in any metagame, and it's not hard to see why. Access to Extreme Speed and the powerful Close Combat solidify this set's usefulness, and Crunch makes sure Lucario isn't walled by Ghost-types. Of course, using Crunch means Lucario has a hard time getting past the likes of Salamence and Dragonite, but pairing Lucario up with Latios, Garchomp, or Weavile can remedy this. The same could also be said of Ice Punch, so use whichever move your team requires in the third slot. Follow Me is a great move to have in general, though if you want Lucario to last longer, Detect is a viable alternative. Life Orb is a staple item simply because it allows Lucario to hit as hard as it can without being locked into a move via a Choice item. However, if you feel this undermines Lucario's ability to utilize Follow Me, resist berries, such as Chople or Occa Berries, as well as elemental Gems—Fighting Gem in particular—can help Follow Me reach its full potential. Alternative Fighting-type moves, such as Cross Chop, are options over Close Combat if the Defense and Special Defense drop worry you. Although an Adamant nature is usually preferred to let Lucario hit as hard as possible, a Jolly nature can be used to outspeed neutral base 100 Speed Pokemon. Cresselia makes an excellent partner for Lucario, as it takes pitiful damage from common Fighting-types, particularly Hitmontop, and can slow down faster threats, such as Terrakion, with Thunder Wave and Icy Wind. Both Cresselia and Tornadus can smack said Fighting-types with their respective STAB moves, but Tornadus just barely misses out on OHKOing Terrakion with Acrobatics, requiring Lucario to finish it off with Extreme Speed. Gengar, while not directly being able to counter Fighting-types, enjoys Follow Me support against users of Sucker Punch, Shadow Ball, and other super effective attacks. Additionally, with good prediction, Gengar can use Disable to put a stop to moves that are dangerous to Lucario, such as Mach Punch, most notably from Hitmontop, since it is frequently the only Fighting-type move Hitmontop carries.

This set plays very similarly to Rock Polish Groudon. While Lucario's Close Combats are just a bit less powerful than Groudon's Earthquakes, Lucario's brilliant typing once again ensures that Lucario is not outclassed. The most notable advantages are Ice- and Dragon-type resistances and immunity to Toxic Spikes. After one use of Agility, Lucario will reach a Speed stat of 558, allowing it to outspeed neutral-natured Choice Scarf Mewtwo. Close Combat is once again Lucario's sweeping move of choice as it easily OHKOs Dialga and Darkrai, and OHKOs Hasty Palkia 87% of the time after Stealth Rock damage. If you have Stealth Rock and Spikes support, Lucario's Close Combat will even be able to OHKO Timid Palkia and minimum HP Kyogre! Crunch is your main tool against the many Psychic-types that infest the Uber metagame. Latios is always OHKOed by Crunch after Stealth Rock damage, while most variants of Latias, Mewtwo, Wobbuffet, and Giratina-O are 2HKOed (very defensive Mewtwo, Bold 28 / 228 Wobbuffet, and defensive Giratina-o may survive). Ice Punch is usually the best choice in the last slot as it allows Lucario to OHKO Shaymin-S, Rayquaza, and Garchomp. If your team has few problems with Garchomp, you can use Stone Edge which will still OHKO Rayquaza and Shaymin-S after Stealth Rock damage and will OHKO Ho-Oh, who will be a problem when using Ice Punch. This Lucario will have serious problems sweeping if Wobbuffet is alive. While Crunch will 2HKO Wobbuffet, it can use Counter to revenge kill Lucario. In a similar manner, Giratina-O will always survive one Crunch and can weaken Lucario with Draco Meteor and Shadow Sneak or even KO with Hidden Power Fire (in the sun) followed by Shadow Sneak. Maximum HP Kyogre can survive a Close Combat at full health (although it will have a 33% chance of being OHKOed if Stealth Rock and Spikes are on the battlefield), and then threaten to OHKO Lucario with Surf. While Specially Defensive Skarmory is 2HKOed by Close Combat, it is able to stall out Close Combat's PP due to Roost. As mentioned before, without Stone Edge, Lucario will never 2HKO Ho-Oh while it can easily OHKO Lucario with Sacred Fire. Positive-natured Choice Scarf users such as Darkrai, Shaymin-S, and Mewtwo can outspeed Lucario even after an Agility and OHKO it. Finally, unlike Swords Dance Lucario, every type of Groudon will give this set problems. Wobbuffet is unfortunately impossible to counter. A good way of knocking it into Lucario's KO range is to lure in Wobbuffet with mixed attackers that commonly carry Choice Scarf (such as Palkia and Dialga). Offensive Lugia can also be used to lure in and 2HKO Wobbuffet with a Calm Mind-boosted Aeroblast. You can also bluff a Haban Garchomp as a Choice Scarf Garchomp and use Swords Dance as Wobbuffet attempts to Counter. A Wobbuffet of your own can defeat Choice Scarf Shaymin-S and Choice Scarf Mewtwo and can help Lucario find time to set up. Ho-Oh is almost impossible to counter; thus it's best to simply team up Lucario with users of Stone Edge to deal with Ho-Oh. Latias and Latios can usually handle Kyogre, take Choice Scarf Darkrai's Focus Blasts, and switch into Groudon's Earthquakes. Mixed Bulk Up Dialga makes a superb Skarmory and Groudon lure by baiting them with Bulk Up, and then smashing them with Fire Blast and Draco Meteor respectively. Dialga is also capable of defeating Giratina-O if it uses a Hasty nature.

Notorious for its sweeping capabilities in OU, Swords Dance Lucario is capable of being a potent late-game sweeper in the Uber metagame as well. While at first glance Lucario may look like an inferior Rayquaza, Lucario's access to Close Combat and excellent typing ensure that it's not outclassed. After one Swords Dance, Close Combat will deal an obscene amount of damage; even the most defensive of Kyogre will almost always be OHKOed after Stealth Rock damage, while Jolly Lucario has a high chance of OHKOing the less bulky offensive Groudon after Stealth Rock damage. While Lucario's Extreme Speed is much weaker than Rayquaza's, it's still very useful for its ability to allow Lucario to sweep through weakened teams, and can allow Lucario to revenge kill in emergencies. Finally, Crunch is necessary for Swords Dance Lucario due to its ability to OHKO minimum HP Giratina-O after Stealth Rock damage, and deal a huge amount of damage to Wobbuffet. The decision between Jolly or Adamant on Swords Dance Lucario can be difficult. The main reason to run Jolly is to always outspeed Naive Giratina-O that use Hidden Power Fire, so it is unable to stop Lucario's sweep unless it is in the KO range of Shadow Sneak. On the other hand, Adamant clinches several important KOs over Jolly. To help you decide on the nature, a table comparing damage calculations is included below. All calculations assume that Lucario has used Swords Dance once. Jolly Close Combat vs. 112/8 Groudon: 91.3% - 107.6% Jolly Close Combat vs. 252/252+ Impish Groudon: 63.4% - 75% Jolly Extreme Speed vs. 4/0 Darkrai: 78.3% - 92.2% Jolly Extreme Speed vs. 4/0 Mewtwo: 62.4% - 73.4% Jolly Extreme Speed vs. 4/0 Palkia: 62.4% - 73.6% Jolly Extreme Speed vs. 4/0- Palkia: 70.1% - 82.6% Jolly Extreme Speed vs. 4/0 Kyogre: 64.6% - 76% Jolly Extreme Speed vs. 0/4 Rayquaza: 62.4% - 73.5% Jolly Extreme Speed vs. 4/0 Shaymin-S: 74.6% - 88% Jolly Extreme Speed vs. 4/0 Latios: 80.7% - 95% Jolly Extreme Speed vs. 112/0 Latias: 67.2% - 79% Jolly Crunch vs. 28/252+ Wobbuffet: 76.1% - 89.8% Jolly Crunch vs. 0/0 Giratina-O: 91.2% - 107.5% Jolly Crunch vs. 96/0 Giratina-O: 87% - 102.6% Adamant Close Combat vs. 112/8 Groudon: 99.5% - 117.3% Adamant Close Combat vs. 252/252+ Impish Groudon: 69.8% - 82.4% Adamant Extreme Speed vs. 4/0 Darkrai: 85.4% - 100.7% Adamant Extreme Speed vs. 4/0 Mewtwo: 68.1% - 80.2% Adamant Extreme Speed vs. 4/0 Palkia: 68.6% - 81.1% Adamant Extreme Speed vs. 4/0- Palkia: 76.3% - 90% Adamant Extreme Speed vs. 4/0 Kyogre: 70.5% - 83% Adamant Extreme Speed vs. 0/4 Rayquaza: 68.4% - 80.6% Adamant Extreme Speed vs. 4/0 Shaymin-S: 81.9% - 96.5% Adamant Extreme Speed vs. 4/0 Latios: 88.4% - 104.3% Adamant Extreme Speed vs. 112/0 Latias: 73.3% - 86.3% Adamant Crunch vs. 28/252+ Wobbuffet: 83.7% - 98.9% Adamant Crunch vs. 0/0 Giratina-O: 100.2% - 118.4% Adamant Crunch vs. 96/0 Giratina-O: 95.7% - 113% Unlike Rayquaza, Lucario can be used early in the game thanks to its 4x resistance to Stealth Rock (making switching in and out far less punishing). Generally, the best way to play Lucario early in the game is to use Close Combat without boosting, as this will wear down many of Lucario's checks. For example, if a Palkia switches into Close Combat, it will take such a massive amount of damage that it will be in the KO range of Extreme Speed! In a similar manner, Garchomp, Rayquaza, Latias, Latios, and most Mewtwo will no longer be able to take a +2 Extreme Speed after switching into Close Combat once. With entry hazard support, Close Combat will often put defensive Groudon into the KO range of a +2 Close Combat. Finally, Lucario will OHKO any Choice Scarf Dialga that dares to switch in. If Giratina-O is a concern, usually due to choosing Adamant, using Crunch on the switch can also be acceptable. This particular set has several problems. If it is at full health, Garchomp (and Palkia to a lesser extent) will be able to switch in on a Swords Dance and threaten to OHKO it. Choice Scarf users such as Dialga, Heatran, Tyranitar, and Metagross can also switch into Lucario as it uses Swords Dance, and OHKO Lucario with Fire-type or Ground-type attacks. Finally, if Rayquaza switches in at full health, it will usually be able to barely survive a boosted Extreme Speed after Stealth Rock damage (though Life Orb recoil will usually KO it in return) and OHKO Lucario with Earthquake or Fire Blast. Wobbuffet makes a superb partner for Lucario, as it can revenge kill most of the Choice Scarf users that give Lucario trouble. Thunder Wave Kyogre is an excellent Palkia and Latias lure, can defeat Heatran, and otherwise provide useful paralysis support that can improve Lucario's chances to successfully sweep. Latias and Latios can switch into the Fire-, Water-, Electric-, and Ground-type attacks that are aimed at Lucario and either set-up or attack. In a similar manner, Garchomp can switch into the Fire-type attacks that Heatran, Rayquaza, Palkia, and Dialga may aim at Lucario and threaten to KO in response.

When equipped with a Focus Sash, Lucario can defeat several prominent leads in the Uber metagame. While Payback may seem like a strange choice, it's a very important move in this set because it allows Lucario to defeat Deoxys-S leads. Payback will put even maximum HP Deoxys-S into the KO range of Extreme Speed, limiting it to setting up only one entry hazard. Close Combat is once again Lucario's most powerful option. It always 2HKOes lead Kyogre and Dialga, neither of whom can OHKO thanks to Focus Sash. Due to Lucario's immunity to sandstorm, it will defeat any kind of Tyranitar lead with ease. When up against Deoxys-A, Lucario will usually lose to a combination of Superpower and Extreme Speed but will at least be able to break its Focus Sash. If Deoxys-A lacks Superpower or uses Stealth Rock on the first turn, Lucario will usually be able to defeat it with two Extreme Speeds. Several appealing options are available for Lucario's last move. Ice Punch is one of the best options, as Shaymin-S will be unable to flinch you thanks to Inner Focus while Lucario can OHKO in response. Ice Punch will also defeat Rayquaza leads that lack Focus Sash. Swords Dance can be useful if you predict a switch from your opponent, and it often allows Lucario to deal a massive amount of damage to at least one Pokemon on the team. Swords Dance is also useful in case the opponent's team is ever weak enough to be swept. Finally, if you predict that a Groudon lead will use Stealth Rock, Swords Dance allows you to 2HKO Groudon with Close Combat. If you are confident in your prediction skills, Counter can be used to gain a surprise kill on enemy Groudon. Depending on your choice, Lucario will face different problems. Without Ice Punch, Shaymin-S and Rayquaza will defeat you. Regardless of what moves you choose, lead Giratina-O will always defeat you since Ice Punch cannot 2HKO it (although it will deal a significant amount of damage). Against Groudon, unless Lucario uses Swords Dance and Groudon uses Stealth Rock, Lucario has no chance of KOing it without a critical hit. Latias makes a superb teammate for lead Lucario, it can take all of Shaymin-S's attacks as long as Air Slash does not flinch too many times and deal a massive amount of damage with Dragon Pulse. Latias is also capable of switching into Rayquaza's and Giratina-O's Fire-type attacks and can OHKO both of them with Dragon Pulse (be warned though, as some lead Rayquaza have Focus Sash). Although they share weaknesses, Heatran is the best check to most lead Giratina-O. Heatran can also handle lead Rayquaza that lack Brick Break. Tyranitar checks Giratina-O well and can Pursuit it if it tries to escape. RestTalk Kyogre can defeat Darkrai leads and, with some defensive investment, can also defeat most Groudon leads. In a similar manner, Bulk Up Dialga can absorb Darkrai's Dark Void and can also defeat Giratina-O one-on-one. Levitate Bronzong can be a good partner due to its immunity to Shaymin-S's and Groudon's Ground-type attacks and its ability to set up Stealth Rock.