What is a good moveset for Lucario?

Question

If you have a good competitive moveset for Lucario, post an answer below and upvote the best ones. Movesets for any of its pre-evolutions can also be shared on this thread.

Be sure to include full set details in your post, e.g. items, abilities, natures and EVs. Some detail, including the intended game mode for your set, is also appreciated. Access the full list of guidelines here.

Lucario Pokédex and learnset for reference.

Answer 1

I use this as a special sweeper. First set I have done here, don't be too harsh. Please offer constructive criticism if you think there are any errors.

Lucario (M) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Aura Sphere
- Dragon Pulse
- Dark Pulse
- Calm Mind

• Aura Sphere (STAB, coverage)
• Dragon Pulse (For pretty much every pseudo there is)
• Dark Pulse (So Aegislash and Jellicent can't wall it, coverage)
• Calm Mind (Get one or two of these up and hunt)

Comments

I think that instead of calm mind, you can use nasty plot on Lucario. Also, maybe not having choice specs would be a better idea because you don't want to be locked into aura sphere or dragon pulse when a ghost or fairy type switches in, respectively. Maybe a nature that boosts speed and lowers attack?(I don't know the natures very well) How about flash cannon as well instead of dragon pulse? As for the item, how about making this Lucario a mega Lucario?

Answer 2

Korrina's Mega Lucario

So, I've been watching the X/Y anime and I figured out the EVs and obviously I know the moves for Korrina's Mega Lucario. Here's what it is.

Lucario @ Lucarionite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 98 Def / 126 SpA / 24 SpD / 252 Spe
Calm Nature
- Bone Rush
- Aura Sphere
- Metal Sound
- Power-Up Punch

Bone Rush (Focus Sash/Focus Band/Sturdy Effect - If one of these activate before the final blow is dealt, the opponent will faint. Still a chance for Focus Band to prevent fainting).
Aura Sphere (STAB and best Fighting-Type move for a Lucario with that high a Special Attack. stat).
Metal Sound (Lowers opponent's Special Defense).
Power-Up Punch (Get that extra Attack boost at the start or in the middle of a battle).

Hope this one's good. This is my first post. ;)

Comments

Her Lucario also has Bone Rush.

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Thanks, Jurius64! I forgot about that! I remember in one of the episodes it using Flash Cannon, but I guess that was before it learned Aura Sphere. Lol
I'll edit that in.

Answer 3

Lemme take a shot at this (first post)

Lucario @ Wise Glasses
Ability: Steadfast
EVs: 126 Atk / 4 Def or SpD / 126 SpA / 252 Spe
Rash Nature
- Aura Sphere
- Psychic
- Meteor Mash
- Work Up

Aura Sphere (Strong move, good STAB)
Psychic (Needed coverage for those pesky fighters)
Meteor Mash (Ok, so, in gen 8 when Dynamaxing, Aura Sphere becomes Max Knuckle and gives +1 atk, x3 is +3 atk. Meteor mash STAB with +3 atk is nice)
Work Up (Attack + Special Attack boosts)

Answer 4

Special Lucario

Lucario @ Lucarionite
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Aura Sphere
- Dragon Pulse
- Calm Mind
- Flash Cannon

• Aura Sphere- Special STAB, it should also be noted that this is his signature move.
• Dragon Pulse- Another special attack, shatters the hopes and dreams of Dragons.
• Calm Mind- To boost your Special Attack and Special Defense to make you dish out a lot and take a lot.
• Flash Cannon- Once you get that Mega Evolution in, Flash Cannon is a real threat. It also hits Fairys hard.

Physical Lucario

Lucario @ Lucarionite
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Crunch
- Close Combat

• Swords Dance- Boost all of your moves
• Earthquake- Bye Fire types. We won't miss yah.
• Crunch- You know the Psychics are coming for you.
• Close Combat- STAB, really no reason not to have it.

I love Lucario. It's a very flexible Pokémon that can pull of both a special and physical moveset. One of my Lucarios runs a special and my other is physical. Either way, they are both strong in their own way. I would really recommend having this Pokémon. Hope you enjoy these! :)

Comments

Why would you have a mixed set? I understand a mixed set on lucario is viable, but you have a boosting move. You want to be using special moves. Also, dragon pulse provides no coverage for lucario

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Ok. I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.

I added another moveset and changed the first one.

Answer 5

Gen V

Lucario @ Life Orb
Ability: Steadfast
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Rash Nature / Modest Nature
- Aura Sphere
- Dragon Pulse / Flash Cannon
- Shadow Ball / Psychic
- Nasty Plot

• Aura Sphere: STAB, and it never will miss.
• Dragon Pulse or Flash Cannon: Flash Cannon is STAB, and Dragon Pulse is coverage. I would go with Flash Cannon.
• Shadow Ball or Psychic: Shadow Ball is better than Dark Pulse in few ways. It also covers Ghost types which Lucario can't hit with Aura Sphere. Psychic does more damage and covers Lucario's Fighting weakness.
• Nasty Plot: Increases Special Attack by 2 stages.

Comments

Should use Modest instead of Rash if you're just going to have Special Attack moves on it

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Yeah, that would work too.

Answer 6

Lucario @ Focus Sash
Ability: Inner Focus / Steadfast / Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Drain Punch / Bullet Punch
- Close Combat
- Reversal

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This set is unbeatable. Lucario comes on the field with high Speed and sets up with Swords Dance. Use Close Combat (don't worry about Defense drop, continue reading) for instant KO. If a Pokemon doesn't get KO then it also can't KO you due to Focus Sash. KO them now with Bullet Punch. Use Reversal at that low HP or recover yourself with Drain Punch.

Answer 7

Lucario @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
Naive Nature
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 SpA

• Close Combat
• Meteor Mash
• Psychic
• Ice Punch

Close Combat and Meteor Mash are STAB, Psychic and Ice Punch are coverage

Comments

Don't run max attack max special attack ever, especially when flash cannon is better than meteor mash on special and extreme speed if really only there for revenge killing. Also, run nasty plot or swords dance, depending on if you use special or physical. They are way better than work up.

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ok I edited it
I use grimmsnarl to baton pass stat boosts to lucario. Dragon Pulse covers dragons but i have Zacian to cover Dragapult, being faster and having huge attack. Extreme Speed is great neutral coverage just like Dragon Pulse but Extreme Speed has the added bonus of attacking first. I kept Meteor Mash because Flash Cannon has lower power than Meteor Mash and it's not that big of a sacrifice since Lucario's physical atk. is almost as high as its special.

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you have ice punch for dragons, which also covers ground types.

Answer 8

Lucario @ Life Orb
Ability: Steadfast
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Close Combat
- Force Palm

• Swords Dance: Boost attack by 2 stages
• Bullet Punch: STAB, Priority
• Close Combat: STAB, good power
• Force Palm: STAB, decent chance of paralyzing the opponent

Answer 9

Mega Lucario Set:

Lucario @ Lucarionite
Ability: Steadfast
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick / Close Combat
- Extreme Speed / Bullet Punch
- Crunch
- Earthquake

• High Jump Kick / Close Combat: STAB, high power.
• Extreme Speed / Bullet Punch: Both are for priority, but Bullet Punch is for STAB
• Crunch: To take care of Ghosts
• Earthquake: Coverage

Answer 10

Lucario @ Choice Scarf / Choice Band / Shuca Berry / Wide Lens / Expert Belt
Ability: Justified/ Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Close Combat / High Jump Kick
- Meteor Mash
- Ice Punch
- Rock Slide

If you want a good fast set go with Adamant Scarf or Jolly Band.
Ice Punch and Rock Slide are just coverage against Ground, Rock and Fire types.
I have tried all of the items and they were all pretty good so go with what you like.

Answer 11

Mixed:

Lucario @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Steadfast
EVs: 128 Atk / 128 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Aura Sphere
- Meteor Mash
- Extreme Speed
- Dark Pulse

• Aura Sphere: STAB, great accuracy
• Meteor Mash: STAB
• Extreme Speed: Priority
• Dark Pulse: Flinch chance

Answer 12

Lucario (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd / 4 HP
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat / High Jump Kick
- Ice Punch / Earthquake / Stone Edge / Crunch
- Ice Punch / Earthquake / Stone Edge / Crunch

Swords Dance is for setup. It’s the first thing you want to go for with a physical setup sweeper. Close Combat and High Jump Kick are great Fighting type moves, the only downsides are lowered Defense and damage to yourself if you miss. Ice Punch is good against Flying, Ground, Grass, and Dragon. Earthquake is good against Poison, Rock, Steel, Fire, and Electric. Stone Edge is good against Fire, Bug, Flying, and Ice. Crunch is good against Ghost and pPsychic. They all provide good coverage. Earthquake gives the most coverage and covers your Fire weakness. Earthquake and Stone Edge are the strongest. Ice Punch covers your ground weakness. Personally I would go with Earthquake and Ice Punch.

Lucario (M) @ Wise Glasses
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 HP
Modest Nature
- Aura Sphere / Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
- Dragon Pulse
- Dark Pulse

Aura Sphere is a good Fighting type move that never misses and has STAB. Focus Blast has more power but less accuracy. It’s for people who rely on 100+ power and 80- accuracy moves. I’d just choose Aura Sphere. Shadow Ball is good coverage and power, same with Dragon Pulse and Dark Pulse. Dark Pulse can make opponents flinch, which is good. You can also put in a Nasty Plot instead of one of the damaging moves.

Answer 13

Lucario @ Lucarionite
Ability: Steadfast --> Adaptability
Jolly Nature
EVs: 252 Spe / 252 Atk / 4 HP
- Close Combat
- Meteor Mash
- Stone Edge / Thunder Punch
- Crunch / Earthquake

This mon's STABs are so powerful, you don't need to focus on covering weaknesses. Just covering resists. Close Combat is your most powerful STAB, never misses which is neat. Meteor Mash is Steel STAB for slamming Xerneas and other Ubers that are weak to it. Stone Edge covers things like Gyarados, Alolan Marowak, Volcarona, Talonflame, and Charizard that resist its STABs. Crunch is to hit Aegislash, who would be immune to Close Combat and resist Meteor Mash and Stone Edge.

• Thunder Punch can be slotted on to replace Stone Edge, due to having a higher accuracy and dealing more damage to Gyarados and Pelipper, while also covering Toxapex.
• Earthquake can be substituted for Crunch, to hit Aegislash harder.

Answer 14

(First Post)

Gen 8:

Physical Set:

Lucario @ Wide Lens
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Meteor Mash / Ice Punch
- Swords Dance
- Crunch / Extreme Speed / Bullet Punch

- High Jump Kick (VERY Strong, 100 Acc With Wide Lens, STAB)
- Meteor Mash/Ice Punch (Coverage VS STAB)
- Swords Dance (Boost Attack)
- Crunch/Extreme Speed/ Bullet Punch (Coverage, Priority, Weaker Priority but STAB and Can Hit Super Effectively)

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(Weaker, But Reliable and Strong After Boosting) Special Set
Lucario @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Aura Sphere
- Flash Cannon
- Dark Pulse / Dragon Pulse / Psychic / Shadow Ball
- Nasty Plot

- Aura Sphere
- Flash Cannon
- Dark Pulse/Dragon Pulse/Psychic/Shadow Ball (Pick one based on the rest of your team, all reliable Coverage)
- Nasty Plot (Powers SpA, as these moves are relatively weak)

PS: I am proud of these sets

Answer 15

Lucario (M) @ Rocky Helmet / Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 126 Def / 126 SpD / 4 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Aura Sphere / Drain Punch
- Dragon Pulse / Ice Punch
- Extreme Speed / Close Combat
- Meteor Mash / Bullet Punch

• Aura Sphere is for special stab, for anything you face with massive defense. It also has infinite accuracy. However, especially with a Life Orb, Drain Punch can suit some people better because it is physical and recovers HP.
• Dragon Pulse or Ice Punch is for coverage. Both work well, and while most of you reading this are thinking "Ice Punch, DUH," keep in mind that it's decently hard to find a non-dragon type that can learn a dragon type move.
• Close Combat is good for extra coverage, but has drawbacks. The EV boosted defenses help lower the risk of using Close Combat, but that is also a curse, because using it more than twice will really hurt the defense stat. Extreme Speed may seem like a bad move, but I find it a good replacement for Close Combat.
  Lucario is the kind of Pokemon who seems to barely tank a hit, and then demolish their opponent in one hit. But if that one hit doesn't take out the opponent, then they will outspeed you and ensure Lucario's doom unless you have Extreme Speed. It has higher base power than Bullet Punch (even with stab included), and I have gotten a lot of use out of it in competitive.
• Meteor Mash is nice for stab. It is physical, has good base power, and has mediocre accuracy. But that accuracy is a real problem. Meteor Mash is often a move that finds itself being used in critical situations. So you could use Wide Lens, but that would take away the buffs of Life Orb or the extra damage of Rocky Helmet.
  Bullet Punch, meanwhile always hits if accuracy or evasion stats are unmodified. It also has STAB and priority. But unlike Scizor, no Technician. So if you don't have Extreme Speed, I recommend Bullet Punch, if you have Extreme speed, I recommend Meteor Mash.

My current Lucario has Rocky Helmet as an item, and its moves are Aura Sphere, Dragon Pulse, Extreme Speed, Meteor Mash.

That is mine, but it is up to you whether to want to rock something similar or change it up. This is just to help.

Comments

Jolly Nature with Aura Sphere and Dragon Pulse as options? That'll lower your Special Attack.

Answer 16

Lucario @ Air Balloon
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Blaze Kick
- Swords Dance
- High Jump Kick

• Meteor Mash- STAB
• Blaze Kick- Coverage
• Swords Dance- Setup
• High Jump Kick- STAB

This move set is for Sword/Shield. This is also a competitive Lucario.
If you want a Lucario with a lot of coverage replace Meteor Mash with Ice Punch.

Comments

This thread is for competitive sets only

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Why Adamant nature with Flash Cannon?

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Oops I didn’t realize it was a special move

Answer 17

Lucario (M) Lucarionite
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 56 Atk / 160 Def / 232 SpD / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
- Iron Tail
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Cross Chop

Iron Tail may lower the defense so the target gets more damage. Stone Edge with a high critical-hit ratio. Fire coverage. Earthquake with the power of 200 if the target uses dig. Cross Chop with a high critical ratio.

Comments

Cross Chop and Iron Tail are very inaccurate. Use Close Combat and Meteor Mash instead. And what’s with the weird EVs

Answer 18

Adaptability Abuser

Lucario (M) @ Lucarionite
Ability: Justified --> Adaptability
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- High Jump Kick
- Bullet Punch
- Swords Dance/Hone Claws

No COVERAGE just powerful STAB
- Meteor Mash=STAB 180 BP
- High Jump Kick=STAB 260 BP
- Bullet Punch=STAB 80 BP
- Swords dance for more attack or Hone claws if you hate high jump miss.

Answer 19

Suicide Choice Scarf

Lucario (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Steel Beam
- Aura Sphere
- High Jump Kick
- Extreme Speed
Since lucario is not that fast, choice scarf will help.
- Steel Beam = Our Main Dish,Suicidal.Powerful STAB
- Aura Sphere = Better than focus miss
- High Jump Kick = Coverage 4 special tank
- Extreme Speed = Priority

Answer 20

Well, what about a special Lucario (pun intended)

Gen VIII
Lucario @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus / Steadfast
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Calm Mind / Nasty Plot
- Aura Sphere
- Flash Cannon
- Shadow Ball

Both of Lucario's abilities are going to make flinch strategies (looking at you Togekiss) don't work that well
Calm Mind and Nasty Plot are for setting up, the choice is yours
Aura Sphere and Flash Cannon are it's STAB moves, the latter being there specially for Fairy types
Shadow Ball might be the best coverage move for it, due to no pokémon resisting Fighting and Ghost at the same time