A complete summary of Lucario’s performance in Super Smash Bros. 4 can be found on the character’s information page. It includes strengths and weaknesses, AI quirks, and an archive of tournament representation and results.
Stats & Bonus Effects
Lucario’s best equipment setup invests heavily in Attack and Defense (+120 Attack / +200 Defense / -200 Speed) at the cost of Speed. In terms of bonus effects, any three of the following may be selected: Improved trade-off attack, Improved trade-off defense, Improved trade-off ability, Lifesteal, and Improved escapability.
Lucario benefits from the Snaring Aura Sphere custom move. Compared to the default version, Snaring Aura Sphere deals more damage and has a lasting hitbox that pulls opponents toward it.
Recommended Training
An amiibo becomes strongest if it is mirror matched all the way to Level 50. This is done to teach the AI which moves to rely on; after reaching Level 50, it will use this training as a base and expand upon it with matchup experience. While training your amiibo, do not play aggressively or go off-stage; instead, remain grounded and keep the following moves in mind:
- Neutral options: forward tilt, up tilt, down tilt, and side special (Force Palm). Lucario’s side special is its best move thanks to its overall power and great range, and luckily for us, the AI can learn to spam and use it to great effect. Use this move a lot during training – it’s one of Lucario’s primary shield-breaking attacks. As for tilts, every one of them is a viable since they each cover a specific area of range.
- Main KO moves: forward smash, up smash, down smash, and neutral special (Snaring Aura Sphere). Lucario’s smash attacks, while slow, possess good strength and even greater power when Aura is in effect. If you manage to get a shield break on your amiibo, always charge up a forward smash. In any other situation, use forward smash as well, especially as an edgeguard. Aura Sphere is another KO option. Always fully charge before firing.
- Situational moves: down special (Double Team). While not as good as the other counters in the metagame (such as Marth’s and Ike’s), Lucario can benefit from learning that it carries counter capabilities. Use this sparingly, preferably on Lucario’s slower attacks since they’re easier to telegraph. If your Lucario is packing the Glancing Counter custom, don’t bother using it that much, if at all – it’s inferior to Double Team and only serves to prevent your amiibo from using counters poorly in an unforgiving situation.
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