Is it worth it to train Riley's Riolu in my Pearl Nuzlocke?

Question

I'm more than halfway through the game (I just beat Byron and did the Team Galactic lake battles) and I only have two attackers I can rely on, and they are reaching the level cap.

i'm wondering if Riolu-Lucario would be a worthy Pokemon to level up to the rest of my team's levels so I could rely on him as well.

Roulo's nature is Rash for anyone wondering

Comments

Lucario has good stats, types, and moves, and it's usually not worth using because the time and experience needed to level up a Lucario is much better spent on other Pokemon. But if you're playing with a self-imposed level cap and you have no fighting Pokemon on your team, I imagine Lucario would be pretty useful.

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i'll keep that in mind as I hear more opinions. thanks!

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Use it

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I have decided to use Lucario. if this question causes some more problems i'll take it down but I'll leave it up since others might have similar questions.

Answer 1

In a standard playthrough of Pokémon Diamond/Pearl without any self-imposed challenges, such as level caps or Nuzlocke rules, Lucario isn't worth using, as the EXP necessary to get it on par with your current team is better spent overleveling your Pokémon.

Going by the aforementioned self-imposed rules however, Lucario is definitely a Pokémon worth using. Its great offensive stats and good Speed allows it to take out the majority of foes after setting up Swords Dance with Close Combat and additional coverage in the forms of Earthquake, Stone Edge, and/or Shadow Claw. It also learns Dark Pulse from the Move Reminder, as well as Psychic from TM. Lucario would definitely make a good addition to your team, if you're willing to put in the effort to train it.

I would recommend the following moveset for your Lucario, though you can change it up as you please.

Lucario @ Any
Ability: Steadfast / Inner Focus
- Close Combat
- Rock Slide / Earthquake / Shadow Claw
- Rock Slide / Earthquake / Shadow Claw
- Swords Dance

Comments

Rock slide is probably better than stone edge in Nuzlockes, especially on a frail Pokemon like Lucario. Lucario unfortunately can't learn ice punch and thunder punch in Pearl.

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Good point, especially since Stone Edge's TM isn't obtainable until Victory Road. Rock Slide should definitely be opted for instead.

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wow this really helped a lot! thanks!