Between Intimidate and Electric typing, Luxray carves out a strong competitive niche. It lowers the opponent's Attack on switch-in, which gives it an edge most Pokemon in its stat range don't have. Been around since Gen 4.
Luxray's built around physical offense. Attack leads the charge, Speed pays for it. Tough to catch, worth 3 Attack EVs. Follows a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
It can see clearly through walls to track down its prey and seek its lost young.
Luxray’s ability to see through objects comes in handy when it’s scouting for danger.
Luxray Weakness
GoodGround-type moves hit Luxray for super-effective damage. Its Electric typing keeps the defensive matchups simple. With 80 HP and balanced defenses, Luxray can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
Luxray is the final form in a three-stage chain from Shinx through Luxio. Breeding this form produces Shinx eggs (average hatch time). Evolving from Shinx gave Luxray the biggest boost in Attack (+55), bringing the total to 523 stats.
How to Evolve
Luxray spreads damage across 2 coverage types. Flame Orb provides self-burn for Guts activation to maximize each hit, and max Attack and Speed EVs push the math. Guts ties the set together while Normal and Grass coverage prevents safe switch-ins.
Best Build
Best Luxray Moveset
- Supercell Slam
- Facade
- Trailblaze
- Psychic Fangs
Recommended Teammates
Without TMs, Luxray's movepool is bare bones. With them, you get coverage across 7 types on top of Thunder and Supercell Slam for STAB. The natural kit handles basics, but TMs are doing the real work.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Luxray's movepool balances level-up moves with TM options. Consistent STAB comes from Thunder and Wild Charge, and Normal and Dark coverage and more keeps opponents from switching in for free. No major gaps here.
Without breeding, Luxray misses out on Baby-Doll Eyes and Double Kick. That's 13 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Thunder and Wild Charge, with Normal and Dark coverage and more rounding things out.
Without breeding, Luxray misses out on Baby-Doll Eyes and Double Kick. That's 7 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Thunder and Wild Charge, with coverage across 8 types rounding things out.
Luxray tops out at low spawn rates across 4 locations in endgame routes. The encounters below are sorted by rate so you can see exactly what you're working with.
Where To Catch Luxray in Scarlet & Violet
To get Luxray, start by catching Shinx through walking encounters at Lv. 7-56. The chain covers 3 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch ShinxEFFORTLESSSouth Province (Area Three) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.7-1230%EarlyRouteEFFORTLESSSouth Province (Area Three) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.7-1230%EarlyRouteHARDNorth Province (Area Two) - Bamboo ForestScarletOverworldLv.49-561%PostRouteHARDNorth Province (Area Two) - Bamboo ForestVioletOverworldLv.49-561%PostRouteHARDNorth Province (Area Two) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.49-561%PostRouteHARDNorth Province (Area Two) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.49-561%PostRoute
Step 2Catch or Evolve LuxioMODERATESouth Province (Area Five) - GrassVioletOverworldLv.20-306%MidRouteMODERATESouth Province (Area Five) - GrassScarletOverworldLv.20-306%MidRouteor evolve from Shinx (Step 1)
Step 3Luxray ✓HARDNorth Province (Area Two) - Bamboo ForestVioletOverworldLv.49-561%PostRouteHARDNorth Province (Area Two) - Bamboo ForestScarletOverworldLv.49-561%PostRouteHARDNorth Province (Area Two) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.49-561%PostRouteHARDNorth Province (Area Two) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.49-561%PostRouteor evolve from Luxio (Step 2)
Luxray appears at decent spawn rates across 5 spots in mid-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Luxray in Legends: Arceus
Shinx is your first catch on the way to Luxray. You'll find walking encounters from walking across 11 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch ShinxEASYAspiration HillGrassUncommonEASYFloaro GardensGrassUncommonForestEASYOreburrow TunnelGrassUncommonCave
Step 2Catch or Evolve LuxioEASYFloaro GardensGrassUncommonForestEASYOreburrow TunnelGrassUncommonCaveEASYSandgem FlatsGrassUncommonDesertor evolve from Shinx (Step 1)
Step 3Luxray ✓EASYCloudcap PassGrassUncommonSkyEASYHeavenward LookoutGrassUncommonEASYSacred PlazaGrassUncommonFacilityEASYSandgem FlatsGrassUncommonDesertEASYSonorous PathGrassUncommonRouteor evolve from Luxio (Step 2)
No wild encounters for Luxray. The 3-stage chain runs through Shinx, which you can catch at solid rates from the locations below. Evolve at level 30 once you've got the levels.
How to Obtain Luxray in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
The path to Luxray starts with Shinx at Lv. 3-46 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch ShinxEFFORTLESSRoute 202Shining PearlGrassLv.3-430%EarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 202Brilliant DiamondGrassLv.3-430%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 203Brilliant DiamondGrassLv.4-525%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 203Shining PearlGrassLv.4-525%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 204 - SouthBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.4-515%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 204 - SouthShining PearlGrassLv.4-515%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 204 - NorthBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.6-715%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 204 - NorthShining PearlGrassLv.6-715%EarlyRouteGrassland CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-20MidCaveGrassland CaveShining PearlGrassLv.16-20MidCaveSpacious CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-20MidCaveSpacious CaveShining PearlGrassLv.16-20MidCaveSunlit CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-20MidCaveSunlit CavernShining PearlGrassLv.16-20MidCaveWhiteout CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-20MidCaveWhiteout CaveShining PearlGrassLv.16-20MidCaveMODERATEFuego IronworksBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.2810%MidPower-plantMODERATEFuego IronworksShining PearlGrassLv.2810%MidPower-plant
Step 2Catch or Evolve LuxioMODERATEFuego IronworksBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.2910%MidPower-plantMODERATEFuego IronworksShining PearlGrassLv.2910%MidPower-plantGrassland CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeGrassland CaveShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeSpacious CaveShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeSpacious CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeSunlit CavernShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeSunlit CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeWhiteout CaveShining PearlGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle BadgeWhiteout CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.42-46LateCaveRequires Icicle Badgeor evolve from Shinx (Step 1)
Step 3Luxray ✓
Luxray doesn't appear wild. Catch Shinx instead, it shows up at decent rates. Evolve it at level 30 to get Luxray. The 3-stage chain is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Luxray in Sword & Shield
To get Luxray, start by catching Shinx through walking encounters at Lv. 10-24. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch ShinxEASYChallenge BeachSwordOverworldLv.10-1520%EarlyWaterThunderstormEASYChallenge BeachSwordOverworldLv.10-1520%EarlyWaterRainingEASYChallenge BeachShieldOverworldLv.10-1520%EarlyWaterThunderstormEASYChallenge BeachShieldOverworldLv.10-1520%EarlyWaterRainingEASYChallenge RoadShieldOverworldLv.10-1520%EarlyRouteThunderstormEASYChallenge RoadShieldOverworldLv.10-1520%EarlyRouteRainingEASYPotbottom DesertShieldOverworldLv.10-1520%EarlyDesertRainingEASYTraining LowlandsShieldOverworldLv.10-1520%EarlyRainingEASYTraining LowlandsShieldOverworldLv.10-1520%EarlyThunderstormEASYTraining LowlandsSwordOverworldLv.13-1820%EarlyThunderstormEASYTraining LowlandsSwordOverworldLv.13-1820%EarlyRainingEASYChallenge BeachShieldGrassLv.13-1815%EarlyWaterThunderstormEASYChallenge BeachShieldGrassLv.13-1815%EarlyWaterRainingEASYChallenge BeachSwordGrassLv.13-1815%EarlyWaterThunderstormEASYChallenge BeachSwordGrassLv.13-1815%EarlyWaterRainingEASYChallenge RoadSwordOverworldLv.16-2120%MidRouteThunderstormEASYChallenge RoadSwordOverworldLv.16-2120%MidRouteRainingEASYPotbottom DesertSwordOverworldLv.19-2420%MidDesertRainingEASYTraining LowlandsSwordGrassLv.16-2115%MidRainingEASYTraining LowlandsShieldGrassLv.16-2115%MidThunderstormEASYTraining LowlandsShieldGrassLv.16-2115%MidRainingEASYTraining LowlandsSwordGrassLv.16-2115%MidThunderstormEASYChallenge RoadSwordGrassLv.19-2415%MidRouteThunderstormEASYChallenge RoadSwordGrassLv.19-2415%MidRouteRainingEASYChallenge RoadShieldGrassLv.19-2415%MidRouteThunderstormEASYChallenge RoadShieldGrassLv.19-2415%MidRouteRaining
Step 2Evolve into Luxio
Step 3Luxray ✓
Don't let Luxray's 523 base stat total fool you. Intimidate is what makes it tick — it punches way above its weight class. We rate it C-Tier as a wallbreaker.
Watch for Rhydon (Ground) when using Luxray. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
Run Intimidate on Luxray. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Luxray also gets Rivalry and Guts, but they don't compare.
Luxray fills the wallbreaker role. It's a physical attacker with base 120 Attack. Base 70 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Luxray appears in 13 games, including Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Diamond & Pearl.
Luxray first appeared in Diamond & Pearl and has been available in 13 games across 6 generations. Obtainable through wild encounters in most titles where it appears.
- 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 VIORAS

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
