Lucario Guide: Builds and Best Items | Pokemon UNITE

The best guide on how to play Lucario in Pokemon UNITE for Nintendo Switch and Mobile. Check here for the best builds, Held and Battle items, movesets, as well as the latest nerfs, buffs, counters, matchups, and more!

Lucario Latest Nerfs & Buffs (9/2)

September 2 Update (Version 1.7.1.2)

Lucario Move Changes (September 2)
Power-Up Punch	• Fixed a bug where distance moved is shortened when fully charged.

Lucario Basic Info

Lucario
	Tier Rating: Role: All-Rounder Attack Type: Melee Damage Type: Physical Difficulty: Expert Cost: 10000 / 575
"Lucario is a well-balanced Pokémon that combines speed and attack power."

Pokemon Unite Tier List

Lucario Best Lanes

Top	Jungle	Bottom

Tips & Strategies for Every Lane

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths	Weaknesses
✔︎ High damage output with combos. ✔︎ Excellent mobility. ✔︎ Great in any lane.	✖︎ Struggles versus crowd control moves. ✖︎ High skill ceiling. Demands mastery of moves to take advantage of full potential.

Best Builds for Lucario

Lucario Builds
High Mobility Build
Punch Burst Build	Close Combatant

The Best Build for Lucario is the one with the gold crown!

High Mobility Build

High Mobility Build
Moveset			Held Items
Extreme Speed Bone Rush			Muscle Band Attack Weight Weakness Policy
Battle Item
Full Heal
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Attack: +48 Attack Speed: +7.50% HP: +210			Top Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Brown x6 White x4			Positive Stats: • HP • Attack Free Negative Stats: • Sp. Atk
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

This build utilizes Lucario's mobility and damage via Bone Rush and Extreme Speed, allowing you to evade attacks while dealing as much damage as you can in return. To maximize your damage output, it is crucial to always trigger Extreme Speed's cooldown reset.

Muscle Band boosts your attacks via increased attack speed and percentage based damage. Attack Weight adds another layer of damage to your attacks and moves, make sure to fully stack it as soon as possible. Weakness Policy works well with your gameplay since you'll go in and out of fights, increasing your damage as you take damage. You can replace Weakness Policy with Score Shield to make scoring easier or Buddy Barrier for durability and survivability.

Full Heal ensures you have means to purge disables and debuffs as well as ignore them for a duration. However, should you want more mobility, equip Eject Button instead.

Your Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Brown Emblems for maximum damage and 4 White Emblems for additional HP. Equip Emblems that improve Attack or HP since you'll be dashing in and out of fights using your moves. You can freely trade Sp. Atk.

Punch Burst Build

Punch Burst Build
Moveset			Held Items
Power-Up Punch Close Combat			Muscle Band Attack Weight Razor Claw
Battle Item
X Speed
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Attack: +48 Critical-Hit Rate: +2.10% Attack Speed: +7.50%			Top Lane Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Brown x6 Any Color x4			Positive Stats: • Attack Free Negative Stats: • Sp. Atk • Movement Speed
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

This build is centered on dealing high burst damage using Power-Up Punch and Close Combat.

Attack Weight, Muscle Band, and Razor Claw all contribute to maximize Power-Up Punch's burst damage.

X Speed is a low cooldown mobility tool that is useful in various situations, whether you're escaping or chasing enemies. You can also use it to increase your movement speed while charging Power-Up Punch

Your Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Brown Emblems for maximum damage and 4 Emblems of any color. Equip Emblems that improve Attack since the build is centered on dealing high burst damage using Power-Up Punch. You can freely trade Sp. Atk and Movement Speed.

Damage Amplification Build

Damage Amplification Build
Moveset			Held Items
Power-Up Punch Close Combat			Attack Weight Energy Amplifier Weakness Policy
Battle Item
X Attack
Item Effects (at Level 30)			Recommended Lane
Attack: +33 HP: +210 Cooldown: -4.50% Unite Move Charge Rate: +6%			Top Lane Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination			Target Emblem Stats
Brown x6 White x4			Positive Stats: • Attack Free Negative Stats: • Sp. Atk • Movement Speed
Note: The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

This build is similar to the previous one but makes use of damage amplification from multiple sources, particularly from items. You'll also be using Power-Up Punch and Close Combat as your primary moveset.

Attack Weight, Weakness Policy, and Energy Amplifier provide all the firepower you need to deal massive damage in a single blow using Power-Up Punch, especially when they are on full effect.

X Attack wraps up the build, adding the final layer of damage amplification on top of your items. However, you can replace it with X Speed instead for some escape tool.

Your Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Brown Emblems for maximum damage and 4 White Emblems for additional HP. Equip Emblems that improve Attack since the build practically the same as the Punch Burst Build. You can freely trade Sp. Atk and Movement Speed.

Lucario Best Items & Moveset

Best Held Items

Item	Explanation
Attack Weight	Attack Weight adds another layer of damage to Lucario's attacks and moves. Fully stacked Attack Weight should push Lucario's damage output to higher levels.
Score Shield	Score Shield assists Lucario's scoring, making it easier to score goals. Score Shield is a good combo with Attack Weight as both items have the same goal.
Buddy Barrier	Buddy Barrier is a great choice for durability and survivability. It also helps when Lucario is exposed while channeling Aura Cannon.
Focus Band	Focus Band is good for increasing bulk as well as having a lifeline for when Lucario's HP drops too low.
Muscle Band	Muscle Band is the best choice for an offensive item due to its attack speed increase and percentage based damage, enabling Lucario to trade blows with enemies.
Razor Claw	Razor Claw is also a great addition to Lucario's kit if playing Extreme Speed due to the instant auto attack that it does immediately after.
Weakness Policy	Weakness Policy is good for a more defensive setup as its effect forces Lucario to take damage to maximize the gains.

List of Held Items

Best Battle Items

Item	Explanation
Full Heal	Full Heal compensates for Lucario's weakness to crowd control by granting it immunity to debuffs for a short amount of time.
Slow Smoke	Slow Smoke adds crowd control to Lucario's kit and works well with Lucario's high-mobility moves.
Eject Button	Eject Button gives Lucario utility. In addition to using it as an escape tool, it works in conjuction with Lucario's dash combos to surprise unaware opponents with high burst damage.

List of Battle Items

Best Moveset

Move	Explanation
Bone Rush	Bone Rush gives Lucario decent mobility and damage. Allowing good outplays when chasing or being chased by enemies.
Extreme Speed	Extreme Speed is a good repositioning tool, Although not as powerful as Power-Up Punch, you can still steal objectives like Drednaw and Zapdos with it.

Extreme Speed and Bone Rush give Lucario insane mobility and damage throughout the game. You can endlessly dash in and out of battles while dealing damage. Although not as powerful as Power-Up Punch, you can still steal objectives like Regieleki and Rayquaza with Extreme Speed.

Which Moveset Do You Think is Best for Lucario?

Let us know why in the comments!

Previous Poll Result

How to Play Lucario

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Control the Lane in the Early Game
Utilize Move Resets
Fire Lucario's Unite Move Into a Crowd

Control the Lane in the Early Game

Utilize Lucario's initial moveset to control and dominate the lane in the early game. Use them to score, secure wild Pokemon, secure knockouts, and escape bad situations.

Secure Wild Pokemon with Meteor Mash

Use Meteor Mash to shove wild Pokemon towards your side or allies, securing them for your team.

Meteor Mash: Lucario Move Effect and Cooldown

Secure Knockouts using Quick Attack

Use Quick Attack's long range and high damage to secure knockouts in the early game.

Take Advantage of Steadfast Activations

Lucario's passive ability, Steadfast gives Lucario emergency shields when its HP reaches a certain threshold. This adds to Lucario's overall durability as it is hard to take down during the early game. Combining this effect with Focus Band triggers contributes to Lucario's already high survivability.

Utilize Move Resets

You can reset the cooldowns of Extreme Speed and Power-Up Punch by fulfilling certain conditions.

Hit Marked Enemies with Extreme Speed

Each time you hit a marked enemy with Extreme Speed, it resets the move's cooldown. This tactic is effective during teamfights where your enemies are grouped closely together, allowing you to reset Extreme Speed multiple times.

It's also a great way to quickly farm wild Pokemon, particularly the Swablu and Altaria camps.

Extreme Speed: Lucario Move Effect and Cooldown

Hit Enemies with Close Combat or Aura Cannon

You can reduce Power-Up Punch's cooldown whenever you hit enemies with Close Combat or Bone Rush, and Aura Cannon. Just be sure to get in as many hits as you can when you use them.

Fire Lucario's Unite Move Into a Crowd

Before initiating a battle, it's best to throw Lucario's Unite Move in a crowd as channeling it in the middle of a team fight can leave you exposed. You can aim it from afar or while hiding in the grass and increase the chances of it hitting. Upon using this move, your next Power-Up Punch will deal more damage or all enemies hit will have the Extreme Speed mark applied to them, so use that to your advantage.

Aura Cannon: Lucario Move Effect and Cooldown

Progression and Leveling Guide

Level	Objectives
1 - 4	• Secure as many wild Pokemon as you can to level up quickly • If you're at the bottom lane, prioritize taking Indeedees for more exp. • If you have Attack Weight, score small points to stack its damage bonus • Try to get early kills using Quick Attack and Meteor Mash
5 - 9	• Keep getting kills once you have Extreme Speed or Power-Up Punch • Try to fully stack Attack Weight at this point • Reach level 7 to get Bone Rush or Close Combat before or when boss Pokemon spawn • Help your allies secure Regieleki and/or Regice, Registeel, or Regirock • Reach level 9 and get Aura Cannon
10+	• Stick with your team to hunt targets, secure objectives, and push lanes • Reach at least level 13 before or when Rayquaza spawns for a fully-ugraded moveset • Make sure you have Aura Cannon available when Rayquaza spawns • Help your allies win a teamfight and secure Rayquaza • You can also try to snipe Rayquaza using a well-timed Aura Cannon

Lucario Combos

Quick Shove Combo

Quick Shove Combo
►
Quick Attack ► Meteor Mash
This is Lucario's early game combo that great for isolating single targes for an easy knockdown. Engage a target with Quick Attack. Then, use Meteor Mash, pushing the target away from their teammates.

Blitz Combo

Blitz Combo
► ► ► ► ► ►
Extreme Speed ► Bone Rush ► Standard Attack ► Bone Rush ► Extreme Speed ► Standard Attack ► Extreme Speed
This is a fast-paced combo that can burst down a single target if not stopped. Start by engaging the target with Extreme Speed. Once you get close, use Bone Rush to deal damage and shove the target away. Then, hit them with a single Standard Attack to remove Extreme Speed's cooldown once. After that, use Bone Rush's second activation. At this point, you can now alternate between Standard Attack and Extreme Speed to take advantage of the cooldown reduction mechanic.

Endless Punches Combo

Endless Punches Combo
► ► ► ► ►
Power-Up Punch ► Standard Attack ► Bone Rush ► Bone Rush ► Power-Up Punch ► Standard Attack
This is an initiator combo great for shutting down other All-Rounders that rely on combos. Start by charging Power-Up Punch and engage a target. When the move hits, Lucario's boosted attack will fill up, which you will use to stun them in place. Then, use up both Bone Rush activations. At this point, Power Up Punch's cooldown will finish. Use it to hit the target a final time, together with a boosted attack.

Ultimate Canon Burst Combo

Ultimate Canon Burst Combo
► ► ► ► ► ~
Aura Cannon ► Power-Up Punch ► Standard Attack ► Close Combat ► Power-Up Punch ► Standard Attack ~
This combo takes advantage of Lucario's Unite Move to deal damage from afar, as well as giving Lucario a boost in movement and attack speed to enhance the combo. Start by firing an Aura Cannon towards the enemy. Then, engage your opponents with a charged Power-Up Punch and disable them with a boosted attack. Quickly activate Close Combat while they are stunned in place. When the move's punches hit an opponent, Power-Up Punch's cooldown will be removed, which you will use to end the combo.

Matchups & Counters for Lucario

Lucario Matchups

Matchup Notes
Hard Counter	Even Matchup	Easy Matchup
1. The chart is based on our own experience playing Lucario. 2. Pokemon within each tier are unordered 3. Any Pokemon not shown here are still under investigation.

Hard Counter With Disables

Lucario has to roam around and land its combos to be effective in fights. Having Pokemon that can completely stop Lucario's movements are the best way to control and counter Lucario.

Best Counters

Pokemon	Explanation
Slowbro	Rating: ★★★★★ • Can completely stop Lucario's combos using Telekinesis and/or Slowbeam, or interrupt them with Surf. • Can deal high Sp. Atk. damage using Scald.
Wigglytuff	Rating: ★★★★★ • Interrupts Lucario's combos with Sing or Dazzling Gleam. • Negates Lucario's damage using Starlight Recital.
Snorlax	Rating: ★★★★ • Can stop Lucario's combos using Heavy Slam, Yawn, and Block. • Can tank huge amounts of Lucario's damage using Power Nap. • Can trade blows with Lucario using Flail.
Crustle	Rating: ★★★ • Can stop Lucario's combos and deal high damage using Shell Smash and X-Scissor. • Can mitigate Lucario's damage and fight back using Rubble Rouser.

Even Matchups for Lucario

Lucario can get the upper hand against these Pokemon if it can successfully perform its combos without interruption.

Dodge Their Moves Then Go in for the Kill

Speedy Burst Type Pokemon
How to Beat
• These Pokemon are equipped to be bursty and speedy attackers that can take out Lucario within seconds if caught unaware. • Wait for them to dive in fights, then go in for the kill using your combos.

Get to Melee Range and Burst Them Quickly

Ranged Attackers
How to Beat
• These Pokemon are ranged attackers, so it's best to face them on melee range with Extreme Speed or Power-Up Punch to get the first hit and string your combos. • You can also use Aura Cannon to deal ranged damage first, then dive into the fight and string your combos.

Outmaneuver and Outplay

Durable but Slow Pokemon
How to Beat
• These Pokemon have high Defense stats and are dangerous to face alone as Lucario, so it's best to face them with at least a Defender or Supporter ally to back you up. • Get to melee range by using Extreme Speed or Power-Up Punch and prevent them from setting up their moves.

Slow Down Progression

Slow-Scaling Pokemon
How to Beat
• Slow down their progression for as long as possible in the early game by knocking them out or stealing enemy camps. • Get ahead in levels and prevent them from stacking boosted attacks, disengage when needed, then execute your combos in order to take them down.

Easy Matchups for Lucario

Easy matchups are Pokemon that have low mobility and can get bursted down easily with Lucario's combos.

Utilize Your Mobility Moves

Fragile Ranged Attackers
How to Beat
• Quickly get to melee range using Extreme Speed or Power-Up Punch, then follow through with your combos. • You can also use Aura Cannon from a long range first, then dive them with your combos. • Dodge their disables as much as possible or just use Full Heal.

Cripple Their Progression

Weak Early Game
How to Beat
• These Pokemon have weak early game progression, so focus on crippling their progress as early as possible by taking them down and stealing enemy camps. • Maintain a considerable level and power advantage as much as possible. • Prevent them from gaining boosted attacks and try to always be in melee range in order to perfectly execute your combos.

Utilize the Mobility Advantage

Slow Pokemon
How to Beat
• These are sturdy Pokemon that Lucario can outspeed during clashes so get close with Extreme Speed or Power-Up Punch and prevent them from setting up their moves. • Disengage immediately when they use their hindrance abilities, then retaliate with your combos while they're on cooldown.

Burst Them Quickly

Supporters
How to Beat
• Quickly get to melee range using Extreme Speed or Power-Up Punch, then follow through with your combos to burst them down quickly.

Best Teammates for Lucario

Pokemon	Explanation
Alolan Ninetales Pikachu	Aggressive Stallers
	These Pokemon have powerful burst attacks that are capable of disrupting enemies. When partnered up with these Pokemon, Lucario can easily take down enemies and push lanes.
Mr. Mime Sableye	Stuns and Debuffs
	These Pokemon have the means of inflicting debuffs and shutting down targets with their moves. This helps Lucario dominate the lane quickly and have enough time to steal enemy camps.
Slowbro Snorlax	Tanky Disablers
	These Pokemon can lead the charge, soak up damage, and help Lucario setup its attacks thanks to their disabling moves.
Gengar Zoroark	High Burst Damagers
	These Pokemon help contribute damage through pinning down enemies with combos and burst attacks. While it's still recommended to go with either a Defender or Supporter ally, Speedsters are a huge help when trying to dominate lanes as early as possible.
Machamp Tsareena	Hard-hitting Initiators
	These Pokemon are very dependable allies as they have means to buff or sustain themselves. Whether it's securing objectives or pushing lanes, Machamp and Tsareena are built to initiate clashes, stun enemies, and create openings for their teammates.

Looking for teammates to synergize with you? Head over to our Friend Request Board to find other trainers to join you in your grind or just to hang out with!

Friend Request Board

Lucario Moves

Move Slot 1 (R)

Quick Attack (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 6s Total Damage: 673
Has the user lunge forward at a speed that makes it almost invisible, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon it comes in contact with.
Power-Up Punch (Lv. 5) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 7s Total Damage: 1059 / 2160
Charges power before unleashing a powerful attack. While the user is charging power, its movement speed is decreased but its Attack slowly increases and the damage it receives is reduced. The user then charges in the designated direction and releases this move, dealing more damage the lower the opposing Pokemon's remaining HP is and making its own next basic attack a boosted attack if the move hits. This move's cooldown is reduced every time one of the user's moves hits. Upgrade: The user becomes immune to hindrances while charging power.
Extreme Speed (Lv. 5) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 9s Total Damage: 699 / 1383
Has the user charge forward with breathtaking speed. If the user performs a basic attack immediately after using this move, that attack's damage is increased. After the user learns this move, an Extreme Speed mark will be automatically applied to any nearby unmarked opposing Pokemon. This mark cannot stack, and there is a delay before the mark can be automatically applied again to the same Pokemon. If Extreme Speed hits a marked opposing Pokemon, its cooldown is reset and the user recovers HP. Upgrade: Also increases Attack for a short time when this move is used.

Move Slot 2 (ZR)

Meteor Mash (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Melee Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 7s Total Damage: 496
Blasts forward with a punch like a comet, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon and shoving them.
Close Combat (Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 13	Move Type: Melee Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 9s Total Damage: 2530 / 4180
Unleashes a combo attack, dealing multiple blows to opposing Pokemon. When this move hits, it restores a certain amount of the user's HP. While using this move, the user becomes immune to hindrances. Upgrade: Increases damage dealt by this move.
Bone Rush (Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 13	Move Type: Melee and Dash Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 10s Total Damage: 616 / 976
Performs a combo attack with a bone, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon, shoving them, and applying an Extreme Speed mark. The final attack of the combo sends the bone flying. If this move is used again, the user rushes to the location of the bone, dealing damage to nearby opposing Pokemon. Upgrade: Using this move again will reset the cooldown for Extreme Speed or Power-Up Punch.

Unite Moves (ZL)

Aura Cannon (Lv. 9)	Move Type: Ranged Damage Type: Physical Cooldown: 133s Total Damage: 3654 / 6000
Deals damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect. Opposing Pokemon damaged by this Unite Move have an Extreme Speed mark applied to them. After using this Unite Move, the user's next Power-Up Punch deals increased damage. After using Aura Cannon, the Pokemon gains the following buff(s) for a few seconds: Shield granted. Movement Speed increased and reduced move cooldowns for a short time.

Standard Attack

Standard Attack	Becomes a boosted attack with every third attack, performing a combo attack with a bone. Deals damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and throws them.

Ability (Passive)

Steadfast	Lucario When the Pokemon is at low HP, it is granted a shield and its movement speed is increased.

Lucario Stats & Evolutions

Lucario Evolutions

Lucario This Pokemon does not evolve.

Lucario Stats

Level	HP	Defense	Special Defense	Attack Damage
1	3250	78	60	160
2	3392	89	69	170
3	3549	101	78	180
4	3721	114	88	192
5	3910	129	99	205
6	4118	145	112	219
7	4347	163	126	234
8	4599	183	141	251
9	4877	205	158	270
10	5184	229	176	291
11	5522	255	196	314
12	5894	284	218	339
13	6303	316	243	366
14	6753	351	270	396
15	7249	390	300	429

Attack Damage is the damage of the Basic Attack as tested against the Training Dummy.

Lucario In-Game Stat Listings

Offense	Endurance	Mobility	Scoring	Support

Lucario Skins (Holowear)

Holowear
Space Style Event: Season 2 Battle Pass	Costume Party Style Zirco Trading: 2499
Concert Style Zirco Trading: 400	Ruins Style Zirco Trading: 2199
Martial Arts Style Event: Season 8 Battle Pass	Aristocrat Style Zirco Trading: 1050

All Pokemon Skins (Holowear)

Lucario Character Spotlight

Pokemon UNITE Related Guides

List of All Pokemon

All Pokemon Guides and Builds

Best Build for Each Pokemon

Pokemon Roster
Absol	Aegislash	Alolan Ninetales	Azumarill
Blastoise	Blissey	Buzzwole	Clefable
Charizard	Cinderace	Comfey	Cramorant
Crustle	Decidueye	Delphox	Dodrio
Dragapult	Dragonite	Duraludon	Eldegoss
Espeon	Garchomp	Gardevoir	Gengar
Glaceon	Goodra	Greedent	Greninja
Hoopa	Lucario	Machamp	Mamoswine
Mew	Mr. Mime	Pikachu	Sableye
Scizor	Slowbro	Snorlax	Sylveon
Talonflame	Trevenant	Tsareena	Tyranitar
Urshifu	Wigglytuff	Venusaur	Zacian
Zeraora	Zoroark

Upcoming Pokemon

Upcoming Pokemon
Lapras April 13, 2023

Top 5 Master Rank Picks & Win Rate

All data is based on Season 10 Master Rank Top 100. Last Updated: March 21, 2023

Pokemon	Tier	Most Played %	Average Win %
Zacian		27%	85%
Comfey		14%	88%
Espeon		11%	89%
Sableye		8%	91%
Trevenant		8%	89%

Top Picked Pokemon Per Role

Attacker	All- Rounder	Supporter	Defender	Speedster
Espeon	Zacian	Comfey	Trevenant	Dodrio

Master Rank: Top Ranked Win Rates

Pokemon by Role

All Pokemon Roles
Attackers		All-Rounders		Defenders
Speedsters			Supporters

Pokemon by Characteristics

Attack Type
Melee Pokemon	Ranged Pokemon
Physical Pokemon	Special Pokemon
Stat Rankings
HP Ranking	Defense Ranking
Sp. Def. Ranking	Basic Attack Ranking