Garchomp vs Lucario in game. Pokemon Platinum?

Question

Building an in game team in Pokemon Platinum. Should I drop Garchomp and get Lucario so I can have a fighting type on my team?

Comments

Lucario is one of the worse Pokemon in Platinum. If you have enough time and patience to level grind a Lucario, that time and patience is better used to level up your other Pokemon. The best fighting Pokemon (besides Infernape) is probably Gallade.

Also dragon attacks aren't that great. They cover only dragon, while Gyarados's ice fang covers both grass and dragon.

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"Also dragon attacks aren't that great. They cover only dragon"

They're still pretty strong though. (Depends on the mon using them)

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84 Atk 16 IVs Gyarados Waterfall vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Glalie: 67-81 (43.2 - 52.2%) -- 10.9% chance to 2HKO
84 SpA 16 IVs Gyarados Dragon Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Glalie: 28-34 (18 - 21.9%) -- possible 5HKO
This is ignoring dragon dance, which boosts physical moves like waterfall and ice fang even more.

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Not sure why you're using Dragon Pulse for damage calcs when Dragon Claw is stronger and accessed sooner into the game,
84 Atk 16 IVs Garchomp Dragon Claw vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Glalie: 133-157 (44.1 - 52.1%) -- 14.8% chance to 2HKO
There's an argument to be made for why either Pokémon is better, but I personally feel they're relatively even in prowess.

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In case you're wondering, I edited the question because we now have a rule disallowing advice for specific teams.

Answer 1

Lucario is one of the worse Pokemon in Platinum, mostly because it hatches from an egg. If you have the time and patience to level grind a Lucario, that time and patience is better spent on leveling up your other Pokemon. The best fighting Pokemon in Platinum (besides Infernape) is probably Gallade.

Gallade @ fist plate/mind plate/expert belt
EVs: 100 Spe
- zen headbutt
- close combat
- swords dance
- night slash/X-scissor

Another option is to simply put your Garchomp in a PC box and not replace it with anything, so the remaining Pokemon on your team can get more experience and reach higher levels. You don't need a fighting Pokemon on your team.

Comments

Think it's still worth mentioning that Lucario is pretty good if you choose to use it in spite of the above (Swords Dance + Close Combat via level up, also Endure + Reversal). But yeah it's a bad use of your time if you just want to finish the game without hassle.