High risk, high reward with Lucario. The offense is outstanding but the bulk won't survive much — 70 base HP is the weak link. Poison moves can't touch it, and only 3 types hit it super-effectively. Known as the Aura Pokemon.
The stat budget goes to damage. Sp. Atk and Attack carry the offense, HP doesn't even come close. An Aura Pokemon on a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve, worth 2 Attack and Sp. Atk EVs per KO.
It’s said that no foe can remain invisible to Lucario, since it can detect auras—even those of foes it could not otherwise see.
A well-trained one can use its aura to identify and take in the feelings of creatures over half a mile away.
Lucario Weakness
ExcellentLucario is weak to Fire, Fighting, and Ground-type moves. On the flip side, it's immune to Poison-type moves entirely. With 8 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Lucario leans offensive (base 110 Atk) rather than trying to tank its weaknesses.
Evolved from Riolu. Lucario is the final form in this two-stage line. A massive partner pool for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are average hatch time. Sp.Atk grew the most through evolution (+80 over Riolu), and Lucario peaks at 525 total stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Lucario to get Riolu eggs using 195 partners from the Ground and Humanshape egg groups. Notable egg moves include Bite, Bullet Punch, Circle Throw and 4 more.
Lucario runs Swords Dance to boost before sweeping. Innerfocus and Jolly nature shape the build, with max Attack and Speed EVs to capitalize after one turn of setup, plus the remaining moves to back it up.
Best Build
Best Lucario Moveset
- Extreme Speed
- Close Combat
- Swords Dance
- Meteor Mash
Recommended Teammates
The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 13 types means almost nothing walls Lucario cleanly, with Focus Punch and Steel Beam anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Lucario tops out at low spawn rates across 14 locations in late-game routes. The encounters below are sorted by rate so you can see exactly what you're working with.
Where To Catch Lucario in Scarlet & Violet
To get Lucario, start by catching Riolu through walking encounters at Lv. 12-65. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch RioluCHALLENGINGSouth Province (Area Four) - MountainScarletOverworldLv.12-402%EarlyRouteCHALLENGINGSouth Province (Area Four) - MountainVioletOverworldLv.12-402%EarlyRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Four) - GrassVioletOverworldLv.12-401%EarlyRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Four) - GrassScarletOverworldLv.12-401%EarlyRouteHARDNorth Province (Area One) - MountainScarletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDNorth Province (Area One) - MountainVioletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDNorth Province (Area One) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDNorth Province (Area One) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDNorth Province (Area Two) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDNorth Province (Area Two) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Four) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Four) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Six) - MountainScarletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Six) - MountainVioletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Six) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Six) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRoute
Step 2Lucario ✓HARDNorth Province (Area One) - MountainVioletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDNorth Province (Area One) - MountainScarletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDNorth Province (Area One) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDNorth Province (Area One) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDNorth Province (Area Two) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDNorth Province (Area Two) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Four) - MountainVioletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Four) - MountainScarletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Four) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Four) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Six) - MountainVioletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Six) - MountainScarletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Six) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteHARDSouth Province (Area Six) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.45-651%LateRouteor evolve from Riolu (Step 1)
We rate Lucario B-Tier — a solid choice for the right team. At 525 BST, it fits the cannon role. Base 115 Sp. Atk stands out.
Riolu evolves into Lucario by leveling up. Lucario is the fully evolved form. At 525 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
Steadfast is the go-to ability for Lucario. It raises Speed one stage upon flinching. Its hidden ability Justified can work in specific setups. Inner Focus is the other option — pick based on what your team needs.
Base 90 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Lucario is a mixed attacker — base 110 Attack and 115 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a cannon.
Lucario appears in 14 games, including Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Diamond & Pearl.
Since debuting in Diamond & Pearl, Lucario has appeared in 14 titles over 6 generations. Along the way, it received a Mega form in Generation 7, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDPDebut
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORASMega
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A