Special atk vs Atk Mega Lucario?

Question

Okay, so I'm actually putting mega Lucario in my online/competitive team.

However, I can't decide either on physical or special. I get physical is amazing but my only grip with it is - simply put - status condition.

Poison Barb's, static, flame body, etc.

Special has no physical contact and I find that a huge advantage for any Pokemon that is a glass Cannon.

I only see a 5 point difference in base stats and that's minimum in the grand scheme of things

That's all being said, here is my build for mega special lucario:

Lucario @ Lucarionite
Ability: Inner Focus ---> Adaptability
EVs: 252 SpAtk / 4 HP / 252 Speed
Modest Nature
-Aura Sphere
-Calm Mind/Nasty Plot
-Pyschic
-Dragon Pulse

I haven't even touched IV's yet either...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Comments

You could try these Lucarios:

PHYSICAL
Lucario-Mega @ Lucarionite
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 174 HP / 116 Atk / 80 Def / 140 SpD
Careful Nature
IVs: Hyper Trained/31 in all/other.
- Meteor Mash/Bullet Punch
- Close Combat
- Earthquake/Swords Dance/Zen Headbutt
- Extreme Speed/Ice Punch

SPECIAL
Lucario-Mega @ Lucarionite
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 14 SpA / 52 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: Hyper Trained/31 in all/other.
- Aura Sphere
- Flash Cannon
- Psychic
- Calm Mind

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Lucariois not affected by posion barbs

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What format? Battle Spot Singles or something else?
In many common formats, physical Lucario is better because close combat is stronger than aura sphere.

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@Azelfeo I like that special build a lot.

@sumwun I agree but close combat status drop is something I really hate about the move. I understand its not a big deal since lucario is a glass cannon but still...its unsettling.

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Winning battles sometimes requires doing slightly unsettling things.

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You have me there sir.

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Did you just assume my gender?

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@boomerangbowtie - You’re welcome.

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@sumwun ...well with a name that sounds like "someone" its kinda hard to tell. Now if you're going to go off on me please let's take this to an arena. I'd rather not start a social/liberal argument on a forum. If that makes me the bad guy; well...I guess so is Obi-Wan, because all I'm trying to do is be civilized.

Answer 1

Yes, special Lucario is not bad. But it is not nearly as good as physical Lucario. Here's why:
1. Most Pokemons tend to be specially defensive than physically. Often when making a build for a sweeper too, one usually gives the last 4 EVs in special defence.
2. Lucario's physical coverage options are more than its special coverage. Meteor mash does more than Flash cannon, Close combat does more than Aura sphere, and there's Earthquake to hit Toxapex and Aegislash and Ice punch to OHKO Zygarde.
3. Justified allows Lucario to switch into a dark type move and get an attack boost.
4. Meteor mash is just too good, as it has such a high chance of boosting your attack along with a nice base power.
5. How many times have you cursed your luck when your opponent's Pokemon is left with 1 HP? 5 points in attack does make a difference.
6. Lucario is a glass cannon. You need to finish the match as soon as possible, spamming the most powerful moves you get, such as Close combat.
7. No competitive Pokemon which is good actually has flame body or static, with the exception of Volcarona. Anyway, physical Lucario can at least OHKO it with a +1 Close combat, unlike special Lucario which has no means to do so, only to be KOed in return with any fire type move.

I am sure there are more reasons, maybe I will add more later.

Comments

All good points, I do like the idea of physical Lucario. Plus I will be using a modifier - when I breed it - to make it shiny. Cuz trying to get all the stats perfect and get a shiny is like trying to get an atom through a nucleus. (imagine shooting a cannonball at a tissue paper).

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Or you can bottle cap it. BTW, normal lucario is better than shiny lucario. What about selecting my answer?

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I like shiny lucario...why does everyone hat yellow/gold so much. :.(

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