Top 5 Lucario Counters in Pokemon Sword (Dark Types Dominate!)

Lucario, the Aura Pokemon, is a formidable opponent in Pokemon Sword. Its Fighting/Steel typing gives it offensive power and decent defense. However, it's vulnerable to specific types, especially Dark. This guide reveals the top 5 Lucario counters in Pokemon Sword, focusing on effective strategies and Pokemon builds.

## Understanding Lucario's Strengths and Weaknesses

Before diving into counters, it's crucial to understand what makes Lucario a threat:

* **High Attack and Special Attack:** Lucario can hit hard with both physical and special moves.

* **Strong Movepool:** It has access to moves like Close Combat, Flash Cannon, Aura Sphere, and Earthquake.

* **Adaptability (Hidden Ability):** This ability boosts the power of STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves, making its Fighting and Steel attacks even more dangerous.

* **Justified (Ability):** Raises Attack when hit by a Dark-type move.

Knowing its weaknesses is key to defeating it. Lucario is 4x weak to Fighting, Ground and Fire, and 2x weak to Dark. This guide will focus on utilizing its weaknesses, especially the Dark-type advantage.

## Top 5 Lucario Counters in Pokemon Sword

This list focuses on Pokemon readily available or easily obtainable in Pokemon Sword, emphasizing accessibility and effectiveness.

1. **Tyranitar:** The Armor Pokemon, Tyranitar, stands out as an exceptional Lucario counter due to its Dark/Rock typing and high stats.

* **Moveset:** Crunch, Stone Edge, Earthquake, Iron Head

* **Strategy:** Crunch deals significant damage due to the Dark-type advantage. Earthquake provides coverage against other Steel-types that might switch in. Stone Edge offers another STAB option for reliable damage.


2. **Obstagoon:** A pure Dark-type, Obstagoon's bulk and access to powerful moves make it a reliable counter.

* **Moveset:** Obstruct, Knock Off, Throat Chop, Earthquake

* **Strategy:** Obstruct lowers the opponent's Attack stat. Knock Off removes the opponent's held item and deals heavy damage. Throat Chop is a reliable STAB move. Earthquake covers Steel-types.


3. **Grimmsnarl:** This Dark/Fairy type is versatile and surprisingly bulky, capable of withstanding Lucario's attacks and dishing out considerable damage.

* **Moveset:** Spirit Break, Play Rough, Darkest Lariat, Thunder Wave

* **Strategy:** Spirit Break lowers the opponent's Special Attack, making Grimmsnarl more resistant to Aura Sphere. Play Rough is another powerful Fairy-type STAB move. Darkest Lariat bypasses stat boosts, ensuring consistent damage.


4. **Krookodile:** Ground/Dark types are rare but extremely effective against Lucario.

* **Moveset:** Earthquake, Knock Off, Crunch, Stone Edge

* **Strategy:** Earthquake is a fantastic STAB move, and Knock Off takes out held items while dealing massive damage. Crunch is another high-power STAB option, and Stone Edge offers coverage.


5. **Bisharp:** Bisharp’s typing helps it deal with Lucario's STAB moves.

* **Moveset:** Knock Off, Iron Head, Swords Dance, Stone Edge

* **Strategy:** Knock Off deals massive damage to Lucario while removing its item. Iron Head is another strong STAB move. Swords Dance can be used strategically to boost Bisharp's attack before attacking.


## General Strategies for Facing Lucario

* **Prioritize Dark-type moves:** Exploit Lucario's weakness. Dark moves are the most effective and reliable way to take it down quickly.

* **Watch out for Adaptability:** Lucario's Adaptability ability makes its STAB moves incredibly powerful, so be prepared to withstand some strong hits.

* **Consider held items:** Items like Choice Band or Life Orb can further boost the damage output of your counters.

## Conclusion

Lucario is a powerful Pokemon, but with the right strategy and team composition, it can be defeated. By utilizing its weaknesses and focusing on Dark-type counters, you can gain a significant advantage in battles. Remember to adapt your strategy based on Lucario's moveset and the overall team composition.

Which of these Lucario counters is your favorite, and why?

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