Pokémon Go Mega Lucario counters, weaknesses and moveset explained

Pokémon Go Mega Lucario counters, weaknesses and moveset explained

Mega Lucario stands out as one of the most eagerly awaited Mega Pokémon within the realm of Pokémon Go. Renowned as the Aura Pokémon, it is one of the earliest Pokémon recognized for its Mega Evolution, making a significant mark in Pokémon history. Not only does it boast a compelling backstory, but it also possesses formidable strength in battles.

When it comes to combat effectiveness, Mega Lucario claims the title of the top Fighting-type attacker in the game, comfortably outperforming Mega Heracross, which now holds the second position. Unfortunately, as a Steel-type Pokémon, it does rank within the top three Mega Pokémon, but it loses access to two of the most powerful moves available – Counter and Aura Sphere – resulting in some limitations.

Due to its incredible potential, it’s essential to capture Mega Lucario while the opportunity presents itself. Similar to other Mega Evolutions, it cannot be caught directly; instead, players must engage in Mega Raids, defeating Mega Lucario repeatedly to accumulate enough Mega Energy for its temporary transformation.

To aid your success in Pokémon Go, this guide contains detailed information on Mega Lucario’s counters and weaknesses. Be aware that having a Lucario in your Pokémon inventory is necessary to initiate its Mega Evolution.

Mega Lucario’s Counters and Weaknesses in Pokémon Go

The most efficient way to amass Mega Lucario Energy is by defeating it in a Mega Raid. Below are the details about its counters and weaknesses to enhance your chances of success:

  • Types: Mega Lucario is classified as both Fighting and Steel types.
  • Weaknesses: It is vulnerable to Fighting, Fire, and Ground-type moves.
  • Resistances: It offers resistance against Dark, Dragon, Grass, Ice, Normal, and Steel-type attacks.
  • Super Resistance: It exhibits heightened resistance to Bug, Poison, and Rock-type moves.

Optimal Counters

  • Mega Counters:
    Primal Groudon emerges as the leading choice for addressing Mega Lucario’s Ground-type vulnerabilities. Following closely behind are Mega Blaziken, equipped with Counter and Blast Burn, and interestingly, Mega Lucario itself is also an excellent Fighting-type attacker. If none of those options are available, Mega Charizard Y remains a solid choice due to its fiery capabilities.

  • Non-Mega Counters:
    Shadow Pokémon are exceptionally useful in raids, and for this battle, Shadow Groudon, Shadow Excadrill, Shadow Blaziken, and Shadow Garchomp are noteworthy. Other formidable contenders include Terrakion, Reshiram, Keldeo, Blacephalon, Therian (Sky Cat) Landorus, and naturally, Lucario itself.

Player Strategy

  • Party Composition:
    To ensure a successful raid, assemble a minimum of three trainers armed with fully optimized Level 40 counters, but aiming for a team of seven players is advisable for efficiency.

  • Battle Tactics:
    When engaging Mega Lucario, utilizing Primal Groudon will significantly simplify the fight. However, if it isn’t within your collection, any strong Ground, Fire, or Fighting-type Pokémon will do.

Mega Lucario’s CP in Pokémon Go

When challenging Mega Lucario, it’s useful to know its Combat Power (CP) levels:

  • Mega Lucario Raid CP: 42,499 CP
  • CP Range for Catching Lucario Post-Defeat: 2095 to 2186 CP
  • Weather Buff (Cloudy/Snow): Caught CP can range from 2619 to 2733 CP

Best Moveset for Mega Lucario

As an impressive contender, Mega Lucario has earned its position as the finest Fighting-type attacker in Pokémon Go. However, its Steel-type moves may not be as effective, largely relegating that typing to counter certain Raid bosses.

The optimal moveset for Mega Lucario consists of Counter (Fast Move) and Aura Sphere (Charged Move), enabling it to deal significant damage to Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice, and Dark-type Pokémon.

Available Moves

  • Fast Moves:

    • Bullet Punch (Steel)
    • Counter (Fighting)
  • Charged Moves:
    • Aura Sphere (Fighting)
    • Blaze Kick (Fire)
    • Close Combat (Fighting)
    • Flash Cannon (Steel)
    • Power-Up Punch (Fighting)
    • Shadow Ball (Ghost)
    • Thunder Punch (Electric)

All About Lucario

Lucario, the Aura Pokémon, has captured the hearts of fans for quite some time. It evolves from Riolu, known as the Emanation Pokémon. Despite its classification, neither Pokémon falls under the Psychic category.

In Pokémon Go, Riolu is only attainable through Eggs, which is often viewed as a nuisance. In contrast, the main series games allow Riolu to evolve into Lucario by leveling up with high friendship during daylight. Players in Pokémon Go can achieve this with 50 Riolu Candies.

Pokédex Entries

For additional insight into the Pokémon’s abilities, here are excerpts from its Pokédex entries:

  • Riolu:
    “They communicate with one another using their auras. They are able to run all through the night. It has the peculiar power of being able to see emotions, such as joy and rage, in the form of waves.”

  • Lucario:
    “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.”

  • Mega Lucario:
    “Its aura has expanded due to Mega Evolution. Governed only by its combative instincts, it strikes enemies without mercy. Bathed in explosive energy, its combative instincts have awakened. For its enemies, it has no mercy whatsoever.”

Shiny Variants

The game offers shiny versions of Lucario, including a shiny Mega Lucario. While shiny Lucario appears as a golden hue, the Mega form adopts a light green color, which some players find less appealing.

For all trainers encountered in Pokémon Go, good luck facing Mega Lucario and enjoy the adventure!