The Replay: Riolu Hatch Day event gives trainers a shot at acquiring a Lucario, who turns into one of the strongest attackers in Pokémon GO with its Mega Evolution. Indeed, not only is Mega Lucario an iconic figure in the franchise, but it also excels in both the Fighting and Steel type metas.
But is this crown a slow decay? A case of fading aura? The Mega Dimension DLC of Legends: Z-A introduced a brand new Mega Evolution for Lucario, Mega Lucario Z. Just how powerful is this Pokémon that would eventually debut in the game?
Let’s start with a stats comparison, and then look at their standing in the Fighting, Steel, and overall metas.
Mega Lucario stats and matchups
Mega Lucario
FightingSteel
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|
|---|---|
| Max CP | 4325 |
| ATK | 310 |
| DEF | 175 |
| HP | 172 |
| Weak to |    |
| Resists |          |
| Fast moves |
|
| Charge moves |
|
Mega Lucario Z stats and matchups
Mega Z Lucario
FightingSteel
|
|
|---|---|
| Max CP | 4790 |
| ATK | 359 |
| DEF | 161 |
| HP | 172 |
| Weak to | |
| Resists | |
| Fast moves |
|
| Charge moves |
|
- Unlike the other two Z Megas (Absol and Garchomp), Mega Lucario Z retains the same Fighting/Steel typing.
- However, the ATK is significantly higher. 359 is a great jump from 310.
- On the other hand, Mega Lucario Z is a bigger glass cannon, sporting a very low DEF.
- From this, it seems quite obvious that Mega Lucario Z will overtake the OG Mega in DPS figures.
Let’s find out how dominant Mega Lucario Z will be!
Using our trustworthy GO Hub DPS Comparer Tool:
- Trainers, bow down to the new Fighting king/queen, Mega Lucario Z! Its damage output is insane, boasting around 14.29% more DPS than Mega Lucario.
- Despite its lower DEF, the exceptionally high damage numbers make up for it, resulting in a high TDO.
The Z variant is our good ol’ Mega Lucario, but better. Seriously, the damage is ridiculous.
Taking the help of our DPS Comparer Tool once again:
- While it is not the absolute best like the Fighting type, Mega Lucario Z bags a strong position among the top Steel Pokémon, just behind the Crowned Doggos and Dusk Mane Necrozma.
- It blows the Metagross entourage completely out of the water, resulting in a further dip in the Pseudo Legendary’s reputation.
- However, Mega Lucario Z is dodgy against Fairy Raid Bosses, against whom Shadow and Mega Metagross are still better.
- Sharing the same typing, Zamazenta Crowned Shield is the better Steel attacker with a Fighting subtyping.
You should devote Mega Lucario Z strictly to a Fighting type role, as its dominance dips in the Steel meta. The following section will give you another strong reason why [figgtibg] moves are the way to go for Mega Lucario Z.
It is quite obvious that Force Palm + Aura Sphere Mega Lucario Z is strong. To gauge just how strong it is in the whole of Pokémon GO, let’s use our DPS Comparer Tool to see who the best overall performers/generalists in the game are.
Are you seeing this? Mega Lucario has one of the highest DPS of all species in the entirety of Pokémon GO! One cannot contemplate just how powerful this Mega Evolution is, and what it’s capable of!
With the pure Fighting type moveset of Mega Lucario Z offering more utility than the mix of Dragon and for Mega Rayquaza, Mega Lucario Z is arguably THE BEST Pokémon in the game.
So, hatch your Riolu, try to get a Hundo/Shundo, and use all the Candy and Rare Candy XL to max it out, all helping you craft the very best in Pokémon GO: Mega Lucario Z!
Pro tip: Don’t forget to give Riolu a second Charged Attack before evolving it to Lucario. As a Riolu, it only costs 10,000 Stardust and 25 Candy, but as a Lucario, it costs 75,000 Stardust and 75 Candy!
