Can Lucario Learn Earthquake? Unlocking Lucario’s Potential

Can Lucario Learn Earthquake? Yes, Lucario can learn Earthquake through Technical Machine (TM) compatibility in various Pokémon games. This powerful Ground-type move can significantly broaden Lucario’s coverage and strategic options in battles, making it a valuable addition to its move set. Discover all about Lucario’s capabilities and strategic move sets with LEARNS.EDU.VN.

1. What Is Lucario? Understanding the Aura Pokémon

Lucario is a dual-type Fighting/Steel Pokémon introduced in Generation IV. Known as the Aura Pokémon, Lucario is distinguished by its ability to sense and manipulate aura, allowing it to understand and anticipate the movements and thoughts of others. This unique capability, combined with its sleek design and formidable combat skills, has made Lucario a popular choice among trainers. Let’s delve into understanding this unique Pokémon.

1.1 Lucario’s Origins and Design

Lucario’s design is inspired by Anubis, the jackal-headed deity of ancient Egyptian religion, which is associated with mummification and the afterlife. This inspiration is evident in Lucario’s canine-like appearance and its connection to the mystical concept of aura. Its color scheme features a striking combination of blue and black, accentuated by red eyes, adding to its unique aesthetic.

1.2 Key Features and Abilities

Lucario possesses several distinctive features that contribute to its identity. It has round spikes on the back of each forepaw and one on its chest, along with two pairs of aura sensors that hang from the back of its head. These sensors enhance its ability to detect and interpret aura, providing it with a heightened awareness of its surroundings. Lucario has several abilities, including:

• Steadfast: Raises Speed each time the Pokémon flinches.
• Inner Focus: The Pokémon is protected from flinching.
• Justified (Hidden Ability): Raises Attack when hit by a Dark-type move.

1.3 Lucario’s Evolution

Lucario evolves from Riolu when leveled up with high friendship during the day. This evolution signifies Riolu’s growth and mastery over its aura abilities. Further enhancing its power, Lucario has a Mega Evolution available in certain games, transforming it into Mega Lucario.

2. What Is Earthquake? Exploring the Ground-Type Move

Earthquake is a powerful Ground-type move that inflicts significant damage to all Pokémon on the field, except for those with the Levitate ability or those that are Flying-type. Known for its high base power and broad coverage, Earthquake is a staple in many competitive and in-game teams. Let’s take a closer look at the features of this move.

2.1 Earthquake’s Mechanics and Power

Earthquake boasts a base power of 100 and an accuracy of 100%, making it a reliable choice for dealing substantial damage. It affects all adjacent Pokémon in Double and Triple Battles, providing a strategic advantage by hitting multiple opponents simultaneously.

2.2 Strategic Advantages of Earthquake

The broad coverage and high damage output of Earthquake make it a valuable asset in various battle scenarios. It is particularly effective against Pokémon with lower Special Defense stats and can quickly turn the tide of a battle. However, it’s crucial to consider its effect on allies in Double and Triple Battles, requiring careful planning and positioning.

2.3 Limitations and Considerations

Despite its power, Earthquake has limitations. It does not affect Flying-type Pokémon or those with the Levitate ability, which can be significant drawbacks in certain matchups. Additionally, using Earthquake in Double or Triple Battles requires strategic awareness to avoid damaging your own team members.

3. Lucario’s Movepool: What Moves Can Lucario Learn?

Lucario’s movepool is extensive, featuring a wide array of Fighting, Steel, and other coverage moves. These moves allow it to handle a diverse range of opponents effectively. Understanding Lucario’s movepool is key to maximizing its potential in battles.

3.1 Level-Up Moves

Lucario learns a variety of moves as it levels up, including powerful Fighting and Steel-type attacks like Aura Sphere, Close Combat, and Metal Claw. These moves form the core of its offensive capabilities and provide essential type coverage. The moves that Lucario learns by level up in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are listed below:

Lv.	Move	Type	Cat.	Power	Acc.
1	Copycat	Normal	—	—	—
1	Detect	Fighting	Status	—	—
1	Feint	Normal	Physical	30	100
1	Final Gambit	Fighting	Special	—	100
1	Helping Hand	Normal	Status	—	—
1	Life Dew	Water	Status	—	—
1	Metal Claw	Steel	Physical	50	95
1	Quick Attack	Normal	Physical	40	100
1	Reversal	Fighting	Physical	—	100
1	Rock Smash	Fighting	Physical	40	100
1	Screech	Normal	Status	—	85
1	Vacuum Wave	Fighting	Special	40	100
12	Counter	Fighting	Physical	—	100
16	Work Up	Normal	Status	—	—
20	Force Palm	Fighting	Physical	60	100
24	Calm Mind	Psychic	Status	—	—
28	Metal Sound	Steel	Status	—	85
32	Quick Guard	Fighting	Status	—	—
36	Bone Rush	Ground	Physical	25	90
40	Swords Dance	Normal	Status	—	—
44	Heal Pulse	Psychic	Status	—	—
48	Meteor Mash	Steel	Physical	90	90
52	Dragon Pulse	Dragon	Special	85	100
56	Extreme Speed	Normal	Physical	80	100
60	Close Combat	Fighting	Physical	120	100

3.2 TM Moves

Technical Machines (TMs) provide Lucario with access to a broader range of moves, including coverage options like Earthquake, Shadow Ball, and Psychic. These moves allow Lucario to adapt to different opponents and team compositions. Lucario is compatible with the following Technical Machines in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:

TM	Move	Type	Cat.	Power	Acc.
01	Take Down	Normal	Physical	90	85
04	Agility	Psychic	Status	—	—
06	Scary Face	Normal	Status	—	100
07	Protect	Normal	Status	—	—
11	Water Pulse	Water	Special	60	100
12	Low Kick	Fighting	Physical	—	100
20	Trailblaze	Grass	Physical	50	100
25	Facade	Normal	Physical	70	100
27	Aerial Ace	Flying	Physical	60	∞
28	Bulldoze	Ground	Physical	60	100
31	Metal Claw	Steel	Physical	50	95
32	Swift	Normal	Special	60	∞
36	Rock Tomb	Rock	Physical	60	95
39	Low Sweep	Fighting	Physical	65	100
43	Fling	Dark	Physical	—	100
47	Endure	Normal	Status	—	—
49	Sunny Day	Fire	Status	—	—
50	Rain Dance	Water	Status	—	—
55	Dig	Ground	Physical	80	100
58	Brick Break	Fighting	Physical	75	100
59	Zen Headbutt	Psychic	Physical	80	90
61	Shadow Claw	Ghost	Physical	70	100
64	Bulk Up	Fighting	Status	—	—
66	Body Slam	Normal	Physical	85	100
68	Thunder Punch	Electric	Physical	75	100
69	Ice Punch	Ice	Physical	75	100
70	Sleep Talk	Normal	Status	—	—
73	Drain Punch	Fighting	Physical	75	100
80	Metronome	Normal	Status	—	—
83	Poison Jab	Poison	Physical	80	100
85	Rest	Psychic	Status	—	—
86	Rock Slide	Rock	Physical	75	90
88	Swords Dance	Normal	Status	—	—
93	Flash Cannon	Steel	Special	80	100
94	Dark Pulse	Dark	Special	80	100
103	Substitute	Normal	Status	—	—
104	Iron Defense	Steel	Status	—	—
108	Crunch	Dark	Physical	80	100
112	Aura Sphere	Fighting	Special	80	∞
114	Shadow Ball	Ghost	Special	80	100
115	Dragon Pulse	Dragon	Special	85	100
120	Psychic	Psychic	Special	90	100
129	Calm Mind	Psychic	Status	—	—
130	Helping Hand	Normal	Status	—	—
134	Reversal	Fighting	Physical	—	100
140	Nasty Plot	Dark	Status	—	—
149	Earthquake	Ground	Physical	100	100
150	Stone Edge	Rock	Physical	100	80
152	Giga Impact	Normal	Physical	150	90
158	Focus Blast	Fighting	Special	120	70
163	Hyper Beam	Normal	Special	150	90
167	Close Combat	Fighting	Physical	120	100
170	Steel Beam	Steel	Special	140	95
171	Tera Blast	Normal	Special	80	100
172	Roar	Normal	Status	—	—
184	Vacuum Wave	Fighting	Special	40	100
192	Focus Punch	Fighting	Physical	150	100
203	Psych Up	Normal	Status	—	—
213	Coaching	Fighting	Status	—	—
223	Metal Sound	Steel	Status	—	85
229	Upper Hand	Fighting	Physical	65	100

3.3 Egg Moves

Egg moves are learned through breeding and can provide Lucario with unique and powerful options not otherwise available. Some notable egg moves include Bullet Punch, Crunch, and High Jump Kick. The egg moves that Lucario can learn in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are as follows:

Move	Type	Cat.	Power	Acc.
Bite	Dark	Physical	60	100
Bullet Punch	Steel	Physical	40	100
Circle Throw	Fighting	Physical	60	90
Cross Chop	Fighting	Physical	100	80
Detect	Fighting	Status	—	—
High Jump Kick	Fighting	Physical	130	90
Howl	Normal	Status	—	—

4. Why Earthquake Is a Good Choice for Lucario?

Earthquake provides valuable Ground-type coverage that Lucario typically lacks. This move allows it to hit Pokémon that resist its Fighting and Steel-type attacks, such as Fire, Electric, Poison, and other Steel-types. The high power of Earthquake can also OHKO (one-hit knockout) or significantly damage many common threats.

4.1 Coverage Benefits

Lucario’s Fighting/Steel typing leaves it vulnerable to types like Fire and Electric. Earthquake provides excellent coverage against these threats, making Lucario more versatile and unpredictable.

4.2 Damage Output

Earthquake’s high base power ensures that it can deal substantial damage to a wide range of opponents. This can be particularly useful in competitive battles where quick knockouts are crucial.

4.3 Strategic Advantages

Having Earthquake in its movepool allows Lucario to surprise opponents who might expect other common coverage moves. This element of surprise can disrupt enemy strategies and secure key victories.

5. How to Teach Lucario Earthquake

Teaching Lucario Earthquake involves using Technical Machines (TMs) in games where the move is available. The process is straightforward, but it depends on the specific game version.

5.1 Finding the TM for Earthquake

The TM for Earthquake can be found in various locations, depending on the game. Common methods include:

• In-Game Locations: Exploring caves, routes, and towns.
• Shops: Purchasing from specific vendors.
• Event Rewards: Obtaining through special in-game events.

5.2 Using the TM

Once you have the TM for Earthquake, simply navigate to Lucario in your party and select the TM. The game will prompt you to teach Lucario the move, replacing an existing move if necessary.

5.3 Compatibility Considerations

Ensure that Lucario is compatible with the TM in the specific game version you are playing. Some TMs may not be usable by certain Pokémon or may only be available in certain game versions.

6. Lucario’s Best Earthquake Builds

Creating an effective Lucario build with Earthquake requires careful consideration of its nature, EVs (Effort Values), and other moves. Here are some optimal builds:

6.1 Physical Attacker Build

• Nature: Adamant or Jolly
• EVs: 252 Attack, 252 Speed, 4 HP
• Moves:
  • Close Combat
  • Earthquake
  • Extreme Speed
  • Swords Dance

This build maximizes Lucario’s physical attack and speed, allowing it to hit hard and fast. Swords Dance boosts its attack further, while Extreme Speed provides a useful priority move.

6.2 Special Attacker Build

• Nature: Modest or Timid
• EVs: 252 Special Attack, 252 Speed, 4 HP
• Moves:
  • Aura Sphere
  • Dark Pulse
  • Earthquake
  • Nasty Plot

This build focuses on Lucario’s special attack capabilities, using moves like Aura Sphere and Dark Pulse for significant damage. Nasty Plot boosts its special attack, making it even more threatening. Earthquake is used to hit special defense-based enemies.

6.3 Mixed Attacker Build

• Nature: Hasty or Naive
• EVs: 128 Attack, 128 Special Attack, 252 Speed
• Moves:
  • Close Combat
  • Aura Sphere
  • Earthquake
  • Extreme Speed or Vacuum Wave

This build combines both physical and special attack moves, providing versatility and unpredictability. It is particularly effective against opponents who may expect a purely physical or special attacker.

7. Strategic Use of Earthquake in Battles

Using Earthquake effectively in battles requires understanding its strengths and weaknesses, as well as considering the team composition and opponent’s strategy.

7.1 When to Use Earthquake

• Against Vulnerable Opponents: Use Earthquake against Pokémon that are weak to Ground-type moves, such as Fire, Electric, Poison, Rock, and Steel-types.
• Coverage: Employ Earthquake when you need to hit multiple targets or when your opponent’s team is heavily resistant to Fighting and Steel-type moves.

7.2 Avoiding Disadvantages

• Flying Types: Be cautious when facing Flying-type Pokémon, as they are immune to Ground-type moves.
• Levitate Ability: Watch out for Pokémon with the Levitate ability, as they are also immune to Earthquake.
• Double/Triple Battles: In Double and Triple Battles, position your team carefully to avoid hitting your allies with Earthquake.

7.3 Synergies with Team Members

• Flying Types and Levitate: Pair Lucario with Flying-type Pokémon or those with the Levitate ability to create a safe Earthquake strategy.
• Protect Users: Use Pokémon with the Protect move to shield allies from Earthquake in Double and Triple Battles.

8. Lucario’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Understanding Lucario’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial for effective team building and strategic gameplay.

8.1 Strengths

• High Attack and Special Attack: Lucario boasts impressive attack and special attack stats, allowing it to function as both a physical and special attacker.
• Versatile Movepool: Its diverse movepool provides excellent coverage against a wide range of opponents.
• Speed: Lucario’s high speed stat enables it to outspeed many threats and strike first in battle.
• Mega Evolution: Mega Lucario’s increased stats and Adaptability ability make it an even more formidable opponent.

8.2 Weaknesses

• Fragility: Lucario’s relatively low HP and defense stats make it vulnerable to strong attacks.
• Common Weaknesses: Its Fighting/Steel typing leaves it susceptible to Fire, Fighting, and Ground-type moves.
• Dependence on Set-Up: Lucario often relies on moves like Swords Dance or Nasty Plot to boost its attack stats, leaving it vulnerable to disruption.

9. Comparisons with Other Ground-Type Users

While Lucario can learn Earthquake, it’s essential to compare it with other Pokémon that are naturally Ground-type users. This comparison helps to determine where Lucario fits in team compositions and strategic roles.

9.1 Ground-Type Pokémon

• Garchomp: A powerful Ground/Dragon-type with high attack and speed, Garchomp is a formidable physical attacker.
• Landorus: A Ground/Flying-type with excellent offensive stats and abilities, Landorus is a versatile choice for both physical and special attacks.
• Excadrill: A Ground/Steel-type with the Sand Rush ability, Excadrill excels in sandstorm teams with its incredible speed and attack.

9.2 Lucario’s Unique Advantages

• Coverage Options: Lucario’s Fighting and Steel-type moves provide unique coverage options that pure Ground-types lack.
• Adaptability: Lucario can switch between physical and special attack builds, making it less predictable than many Ground-type Pokémon.
• Mega Evolution: Mega Lucario’s Adaptability ability boosts the power of its same-type attacks, providing a significant advantage in certain matchups.

10. How Lucario’s Abilities Affect Earthquake’s Usage

Lucario’s abilities, such as Steadfast, Inner Focus, and Justified, can influence how effectively it uses Earthquake in battles.

10.1 Steadfast and Inner Focus

These abilities prevent Lucario from flinching, ensuring that it can execute Earthquake without interruption. This is particularly useful against opponents who rely on flinching tactics.

10.2 Justified

While less directly related to Earthquake, Justified can boost Lucario’s attack stat if it is hit by a Dark-type move, making its Earthquake even more powerful.

10.3 Adaptability (Mega Lucario)

Mega Lucario’s Adaptability ability doubles the power of its same-type attacks, which does not directly affect Earthquake. However, it enhances the power of its Fighting and Steel-type moves, making it an even more versatile and dangerous attacker.

11. Common Lucario Strategies

Understanding common Lucario strategies can help you anticipate and counter enemy tactics, as well as optimize your own gameplay.

11.1 Swords Dance Sweeper

This strategy involves using Swords Dance to boost Lucario’s attack stat, followed by powerful physical attacks like Close Combat and Earthquake to sweep through the opponent’s team.

11.2 Nasty Plot Special Attacker

Similar to the Swords Dance strategy, this involves using Nasty Plot to boost Lucario’s special attack stat, followed by special attacks like Aura Sphere and Dark Pulse to deal massive damage.

11.3 Mixed Attacker

This strategy combines both physical and special attack moves, providing versatility and unpredictability. It can be particularly effective against opponents who may expect a purely physical or special attacker.

12. How to Counter Lucario with Earthquake

Knowing how to counter Lucario effectively is essential for competitive battles. Here are some strategies to consider:

12.1 Flying Types

Flying-type Pokémon are immune to Earthquake and can resist or negate Lucario’s Fighting and Steel-type moves.

12.2 Pokémon with Levitate

Pokémon with the Levitate ability are also immune to Earthquake and can switch in safely to avoid damage.

12.3 Strong Special Attackers

Lucario’s low special defense makes it vulnerable to strong special attacks. Use Pokémon with high special attack stats and moves that target its weaknesses.

12.4 Priority Moves

Priority moves like Mach Punch or Bullet Punch can interrupt Lucario’s set-up attempts and deal significant damage before it can execute its strategy.

13. Lucario’s Role in Team Compositions

Lucario’s versatility and coverage options make it a valuable addition to various team compositions.

13.1 Offensive Teams

Lucario can serve as a powerful offensive threat on hyper-offensive teams, using its high attack and speed to sweep through opponents.

13.2 Balanced Teams

On balanced teams, Lucario provides valuable coverage and can switch between physical and special attack builds to adapt to different matchups.

13.3 Synergy with Other Pokémon

Lucario synergizes well with Pokémon that can cover its weaknesses and provide support, such as Flying-types, Pokémon with Levitate, and those with support moves like Protect or Heal Pulse.

14. Earthquake’s Alternatives for Lucario

While Earthquake is a strong choice for Lucario, there are alternative moves that can provide similar coverage and strategic advantages.

14.1 Close Combat

Close Combat is a powerful Fighting-type move that can deal massive damage to opponents, but it lowers Lucario’s Defense and Special Defense.

14.2 Aura Sphere

Aura Sphere is a reliable Special Fighting-type move that never misses, making it a consistent choice for dealing damage.

14.3 Stone Edge

Stone Edge provides coverage against Flying-type Pokémon, which are immune to Earthquake.

14.4 Shadow Ball

Shadow Ball hits Ghost-type Pokémon, offering another coverage option that can be useful in certain matchups.

15. Lucario in Competitive Pokémon Battling

Lucario is a popular choice in competitive Pokémon battling, with a strong presence in various formats and tiers.

15.1 Smogon University

Smogon University is a leading resource for competitive Pokémon battling, providing detailed analyses and strategies for various Pokémon. Lucario is often discussed and analyzed on Smogon, with builds and strategies tailored for different tiers.

15.2 Usage Statistics

Usage statistics provide valuable insights into the popularity and effectiveness of different Pokémon in competitive battles. Lucario’s usage rates vary depending on the format and tier, but it consistently remains a viable choice due to its versatility and offensive capabilities.

15.3 Tournament Results

Lucario has seen success in various tournaments, with players utilizing its unique movepool and strategic advantages to secure victories. Analyzing tournament results can provide valuable insights into how Lucario is used in high-level competitive play.

16. Lucario in Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, Lucario is a highly sought-after Pokémon due to its strong attack stats and unique typing.

16.1 Movesets

Lucario’s best movesets in Pokémon GO include a combination of Fighting and Steel-type moves, such as Counter, Aura Sphere, and Flash Cannon.

16.2 Raids and PvP

Lucario is a valuable asset in raids and PvP battles, with its high attack stats and diverse movepool allowing it to handle a wide range of opponents effectively.

16.3 Community Day Events

Community Day events featuring Riolu and Lucario can provide opportunities to obtain rare and powerful moves, making it even more valuable in Pokémon GO.

17. Lucario in the Pokémon Anime and Manga

Lucario has made notable appearances in the Pokémon anime and manga, further solidifying its popularity and iconic status.

17.1 Anime Appearances

Lucario has been featured in numerous episodes and movies, often portrayed as a powerful and loyal companion to its trainer.

17.2 Manga Appearances

In the Pokémon manga, Lucario is often depicted as a formidable battler with a strong sense of justice and loyalty.

17.3 Impact on Popularity

Lucario’s appearances in the anime and manga have significantly contributed to its popularity, making it one of the most beloved and recognizable Pokémon in the franchise.

18. Community Insights and Discussions

The Pokémon community is a vibrant and active group, with numerous forums, websites, and social media platforms dedicated to discussing and analyzing all things Pokémon.

18.1 Forums and Websites

Websites like Reddit’s r/Pokemon, Serebii.net, and Bulbapedia provide valuable resources for discussing Lucario’s strategies, builds, and competitive viability.

18.2 Social Media

Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are filled with discussions, analyses, and fan art related to Lucario, providing a dynamic and engaging community for fans.

18.3 Fan Theories and Speculations

The Pokémon community is known for its creative fan theories and speculations, with many discussions centered around Lucario’s origins, abilities, and potential future evolutions or forms.

19. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lucario and Earthquake

Here are some frequently asked questions about Lucario and its ability to learn Earthquake:

19.1 Can Lucario learn Earthquake in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, Lucario can learn Earthquake via TM149 in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

19.2 Is Earthquake a good move for Lucario?

Yes, Earthquake provides excellent coverage against Fire, Electric, Poison, Rock, and Steel-types, making it a valuable addition to Lucario’s movepool.

19.3 What are the best natures for a Lucario using Earthquake?

Adamant or Jolly for physical attackers, and Hasty or Naive for mixed attackers.

19.4 What are some alternative moves to Earthquake for Lucario?

Close Combat, Aura Sphere, Stone Edge, and Shadow Ball are good alternatives depending on the desired coverage.

19.5 How does Mega Evolution affect Lucario’s Earthquake usage?

Mega Evolution boosts Lucario’s stats, making its Earthquake and other moves even more powerful.

19.6 What abilities does Lucario have that affect Earthquake?

Steadfast and Inner Focus prevent flinching, ensuring Earthquake can be executed without interruption.

19.7 How do I counter a Lucario using Earthquake?

Use Flying-type Pokémon, Pokémon with Levitate, or strong special attackers.

19.8 Can Riolu learn Earthquake?

No, Riolu cannot learn Earthquake. Only Lucario can learn it via TM.

19.9 What is the base power of Earthquake?

Earthquake has a base power of 100.

19.10 Is Lucario good in competitive Pokémon battling?

Yes, Lucario is a versatile and powerful choice in competitive Pokémon battling due to its high attack stats, diverse movepool, and Mega Evolution.

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