Editing Lucario (SSBU)

{{ArticleIcons|ultimate=y}}
{{disambig2|Lucario's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''|the character in other contexts|Lucario}}
{{Infobox Character
|name = Lucario
|image = [[File:Lucario SSBU.png|250px]]
|game = SSBU
|ssbgame1 = SSBB
|ssbgame2 = SSB4
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|tier = C+
|ranking = 57
}}
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'''Lucario''' ({{ja|ルカリオ|Rukario}}, ''Lucario'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. It was confirmed as a playable character on June 12th, 2018. As in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', it is [[unlockable character|unlockable]], instead of being available from the [[starter character|start]]. Lucario is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #41]].

Lucario is once again voiced in different languages provided by different voice actors, with their respective portrayals of Lucario from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' being repurposed for ''Ultimate''. The voice actors are as follows:
*{{s|wikipedia|Sean Schemmel}} in English
*{{s|wikipedia|Daisuke Namikawa}} in Japanese
*Jean-Marc Delhausse in French
*Carlos Lobo in Spanish
*Gerhard Jilka in German 
*Luigi Fantino in Italian

Lucario is ranked 57th out of 82 on the current [[tier list]], placing it in the C+ tier. This is a significant drop from its 17th out of 54 placement in ''SSB4'' and is its worst placement in the series.

==How to unlock==
Complete one of the following:
*Play [[VS. match]]es, with Lucario being the 27th character to be unlocked.
*Clear {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} with {{SSBU|Yoshi}} or anyone in his unlock tree, being the 1st character unlocked.
*Have Lucario join the player's party in [[World of Light]].
Lucario must then be defeated on [[Spear Pillar]] (the [[Ω form]] is used in World of Light).

==Attributes==
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In terms of physical attributes, Lucario is a [[weight|middleweight]] fighter (same weight as {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBU|Mythra}}, {{SSBU|Steve}}, {{SSBU|Wolf}}, and {{SSBU|Villager}}, making it on the lower end of middleweights) with average height, a below-average walking speed and an average running speed, a very fast initial dash (tied for 5th fastest with {{SSBU|Bowser}}, {{SSBU|Mewtwo}}, {{SSBU|Marth}}, and {{SSBU|Lucina}}), above-average [[traction]], very high [[air speed]] (6th fastest in this category), above-average [[air acceleration]] and [[falling speed]], and below-average gravity; Lucario can also [[crawl]], [[wall jump]], and [[wall cling]]. These traits make Lucario a somewhat floaty character who can maintain aerial presence for a long time, be it onstage or offstage, while also having decent mobility and control on the ground due to its fast dashing speed and above-average traction; collectively, Lucario's overall mobility meanders between average and above-average.

Lucario's most notable strength comes from its unique fighter ability, [[Aura]], in which damage and knockback multipliers are applied to all of its attacks depending on how much damage Lucario has taken, with the multipliers being directly proportional to its percent; the multiplier is x0.66 at 0%, increases to x1.0 (base power) at 65%, and caps out at 190% with a multiplier of x1.67. Aura multipliers are also affected by differences in [[stock]]s, with it increasing when Lucario is behind in stocks and decreasing when it is ahead. Additionally, Aura also affects the properties of its special moves; as Aura increases, the size of Aura Sphere becomes larger when charging and when fired, the blast from [[Force Palm]] has greater range, and [[Extreme Speed]] travels a greater distance. In turn, this ability can allow Lucario to rack up large amounts of damage and kill at very early percents when it has taken a lot of damage, making it useful as a comeback mechanic when Lucario is falling behind. It should be noted that Aura also stacks with [[rage]], further augmenting the increased knockback of Lucario's moves at very high percents, though to a lesser extent than in the previous game.

In terms of its grounded moveset, while its [[neutral attack]] has little to no use due to having low damage output relative to its speed, dealing only 9% at base power despite coming out at frame 5 (for reference, faster jabs such as {{SSBU|Mario}}'s come out frame 2 and deal 8% while slower jabs such as {{SSBU|Bayonetta}}'s come out frame 9 and deal 21%) its other grounded moves have some utility; [[forward tilt]] has its use as a [[spacing]] tool due its ability to be angled and kills middleweights at 145% on the edge of {{SSBU|Final Destination}} at base power, [[up tilt]] is a combo starter that can combo into itself at low percents and into [[neutral aerial]], [[forward aerial]], and [[up aerial]] at mid percents, [[down tilt]] can combo into [[dash attack]] and forward aerial at mid percents while also having its use as a spacing tool, and dash attack, while not being very useful for killing, is a decent burst option due to it coming out fast as well as because of its fast initial dash.

Its [[smash attack]]s also have their uses as disjointed kill options. [[Up smash]] has its use as an anti-air that kills middleweights at 105% at base power and it can also hit grounded opponents up close with its initial scooping hitbox, making it a situational out of shield option against laggy moves. [[Down smash]] covers Lucario from both sides and kills middleweights at 115% from center stage at base power. [[Forward smash]] has the greatest amount of kill power and horizontal range out of its smash attacks, being able to kill middleweights at 90% from center stage at base power while also having the potential to be safe on shield if spaced well. Its [[grab]] game also has utility. [[Up throw]] and [[down throw]] can be used as combo starters, with the former being able to combo into forward aerial at low percents and neutral aerial at mid percents (as well as up aerial on bigger characters), while the latter can combo into forward aerial at low percents (with down throw > forward air > forward air > up air being its most damaging combo at low percents). [[Forward throw]] and [[back throw]] don't have much use outside of being positional throws, though the latter can have a situational use as a late kill throw.

Lucario's aerial moveset also has good utility. Neutral aerial hits twice, covers Lucario from both sides and has a good amount of active frames, making it a useful [[edgeguarding]] tool that compliments its ability to maintain aerial presence. It can also combo into up tilt, down tilt, and dash attack at low and mid percents when [[SHFF]]'d. Forward aerial is fast and can combo into itself when SHFF'd, up aerial and back aerial are vertical and horizontal kill options, with the former killing middleweights at 110% at base power near the top blast zone and having situational combo potential into itself and neutral aerial when SHFF'd, and the latter kills at 115% from base power at center stage while also being slightly disjointed. Down aerial is also unique in its uses; it is its fastest aerial at frame 4, allowing it to be an out of shield option, it stalls its movements which allows it to mix up its [[disadvantage]] and edgeguarding, and it has its use as a kill option, killing middleweights at 135% from the edge of Final Destination at base power.

Lucario's [[special move]]set sports great versatility as well. [[Aura Sphere]] is useful as a projectile and as a kill option, with a fully charged one killing middleweights at 150% from center stage at base power. In addition, the move also maintains a hitbox behind Lucario as it is being charged, giving it use as an approach mixup and sometimes as a situational kill confirm into back aerial. [[Force Palm]] is unique in the fact that it functions as a ranged blast from a distance and as a command grab at point blank range, giving it use as an out of shield option and a kill option, as it kills middleweights at 140% at base power from center stage. [[Extreme Speed]], being its primary recovery option, travels a good distance and has a hitbox that enables it to be used as a mixup for onstage recoveries. Finally, [[Double Team]] is a [[counterattack|counter]] that has greater utility than conventional counters; the distance the move covers allows Lucario to punish the opponent when countering a projectile, and the fact that the strength of the counter is based on Aura as opposed to the strength of the countered move allows it to kill middleweights at 115% at base power regardless of the move being countered.

All in all, these traits give Lucario a decent neutral game with Aura Sphere, good advantage state, edgeguarding capabilities, and a decent disadvantage state with its fast air mobility and two specials that can be B-reversed and versatile special moves, as outside of Mewtwo, Lucario is the only character that has both a chargeable projectile that can be stored and a command grab in their special moveset, not to mention that Lucario is the only character who has a projectile that has a hitbox during its charging animation as well as a move that functions as both a command grab and a ranged attack with Force Palm. In addition, Aura gives Lucario the potential to take early stocks and to comeback from percent and stock deficits.

However, Lucario also has notable flaws. Ironically, a lot of its flaws come from its most notable strength, Aura, as the fluctuating nature of the ability makes it inconsistent in a few ways. One thing Aura makes inconsistent is how Lucario is rewarded for winning neutral; because Aura has a x0.66 multiplier, this means that Lucario starts off the match and fresh stocks as a character with extremely poor damage output, meaning that it will have to win neutral many times and/or maintain advantage really well just to rack up decent damage with little to no Aura all while the opponent can have an easier time closing those percent deficits due to not being burdened with a damage reducing multiplier. In addition to having the issue of being burdened by low Aura, it is also difficult for Lucario to make the most out of high Aura because Lucario's average weight makes it very unlikely for it to be alive at very high percents, much less at 190% for him to use the highest Aura multiplier of x1.67, and then losing a stock only becomes even worse because it puts Lucario back to being burdened by the x0.66 multiplier; this essentially means that Lucario is only at its strongest state when it is also at its most vulnerable state. Aura's inconsistency not only affects the consistency in which it can rack up damage, but also the consistency at which it can kill; the kill percents mentioned earlier are at base power when Lucario has already taken at least 65%, meaning that those kill percents are far higher when its Aura is lower, and while it can also kill at far lower percents with high Aura, the consistency of that is also hindered by its average weight. Another thing that Aura makes inconsistent is its combo game; while other characters have their bread and butter combos and kill confirms at certain percent ranges, Lucario's combos and confirms are far less consistent because the knockback of moves will keep fluctuating as Aura increases, making it so those combos at low and mid percents won't always land due to Aura giving moves too much knockback.

Outside of Aura's inconsistencies, another flaw Lucario has revolves around its frame data, as while it isn't as slow as characters like {{SSBU|Ganondorf}} and {{SSBU|King K. Rool}}, it is still somewhat sluggish; its jab (frame 5) and forward tilt (frame 12) are slow relative to other jabs and forward tilts while also having poor damage output and/or kill power unless it is at high Aura, all of its smash attacks come out at frame 15 or slower, and all of its aerials barring forward aerial and down aerial come out at frame 10 or slower, with such issues making its already inconsistent kill power even more inconsistent on top of the fact that its throws outside of Force Palm have very little kill power unless it is at high Aura. Its poor frame data also hinders its ability to approach, which is also worsened by its somewhat floaty nature.

Finally, Lucario's special moveset, despite being versatile, doesn't come without its flaws, as Force Palm has hitbox issues that cause the command grab to not be triggered when at close range, and Double Team can put Lucario deeper in disadvantage if used hastily. However, the most glaring flaw with its special moveset is its recovery; while Extreme Speed travels fast and covers good distance, the fact that it has 47 frames of startup makes it vulnerable to edgeguarding. Additionally, the move is also inconsistent due to not always grabbing the ledge as well as the fact that the speed and distance change with Aura, making it possible to overshoot its recovery and self destruct.

Overall, Lucario is a very high risk, high reward character. Essentially being most powerful when most vulnerable, players need to know when to play recklessly and when to play carefully. Either kill sooner and get killed sooner, or kill later and get killed later. Despite the strengths it has in its special moveset and in its aerial and offstage game as well as the potential to secure early stocks and comebacks with high Aura, the potency of these strengths are complicated by Aura's many inconsistencies and its damage reducing multiplier when at percents less than 65%. On top of that, its below-average frame data and floaty nature makes its approaches inconsistent and its recovery is exploitable due to its long start-up.

==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
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Lucario has received a mix of buffs and nerfs in the transition from ''SSB4'' to ''Ultimate''. While it was immensely nerfed overall at launch due to a combination of its most powerful attributes, character mechanics and some of the universal changes to gameplay being detrimental to it, game updates have given Lucario various buffs to help compensate. Regardless, Lucario is still considered to be significantly nerfed overall.

Lucario's biggest nerfs come from its character attributes and changes to the game's engine. Its [[Aura]] multiplier is slightly lower than in ''SSB4'', reducing its effectiveness even while accounting for the newly introduced [[1v1 multiplier]]. The weakening of [[rage]] also hinders Lucario, due to the mechanic stacking with Lucario's Aura; and its [[weight]] is now lighter, disallowing Lucario to take advantage of rage and Aura combined as much as before. Furthermore, the changes in [[knockback]] physics and [[air dodging]] has had the overall effect of limiting or even outright removing some of Lucario's previously guaranteed throw combos, which were some of the only reliable ways for it to add damage. Its grabs were also nerfed, and while this is a nerf shared with the cast, Lucario's own grabs are also slower, while possessing similar ending lag to characters like {{SSBU|Zelda}}. All in all, Lucario is noticeably less powerful at higher percentages, and it's harder for it to rack up damage conventionally.

Some of Lucario's most reliable moves are also less effective. [[Aura Sphere]] can no longer be grab-canceled, and it deals less hitlag, almost completely eliminating the charge combos the move was capable of. [[Down aerial]] halts Lucario's momentum less if used repeteadly, making it a less effective stalling tool. [[Extreme Speed]]'s controls have been modified to the point where holding down the control stick can accidentally lead to self-destruction, and the move itself covers less distance overall and stops its momentum at the end, worsening Lucario's recovery at lower percentages (though it remains outstanding at high percentages). [[Double Team]] has a drastically shorter duration and intangibility, making it significantly easier to punish Lucario for mistiming the move. Finally, [[back aerial]] is weaker and has a sourspot that lingers, as opposed to the full move dealing even damage.

However, Lucario did receive some buffs. Many of its attacks in general are faster, notably its [[neutral attack]], [[forward smash]], and [[forward aerial|forward]] and back aerials. Other moves have also gained more utility such as [[neutral aerial]] now being able to connect into its late hit and having larger hitboxes and [[dash attack]] having a stronger, easy to land sweetspot. Its [[special move]]s have also been collectively improved; [[Aura Sphere]] can now be cancelled into a jump or any ground attack during a charge, allowing for mixup options, [[Force Palm]] has more range, Extreme Speed has less ending and landing lag which significantly improves its safety, and [[Double Team]] can now home in on opponents and is much faster overall.

Lucario also benefits from a few of the gameplay mechanic changes. Its overall mobility has been greatly improved due to faster horizontal movement, while the universal 3-frame [[jumpsquat]] further improves Lucario's ability to traverse the stage. The universal reductions to landing lag have also benefitted Lucario's safety on shield to the point that, at high levels of Aura, its aerials become among the safest in the game (with neutral aerial's clean hit in particular having the potential to be neutral on shield). Lastly, the introduction of the 1v1 multiplier is an overall benefit to Lucario, granting its attacks a far higher damage output than ever before, especially at medium to high levels of Aura.

In the end, Lucario's gameplan is much worse as a result of the nerfs to its attributes, its higher frailty, and the revamped gameplay mechanics; and its few reliable options for racking up damage are less effective, especially after an early game update. Despite Lucario's subsequent buffs from game updates, they do not properly compensate for the numerous nerfs it has received, and this is further pronounced by the numerous buffs other returning veterans have received, as well as the introduction of various powerful DLC characters that perform better than Lucario does, with a few of them proving difficult for it to overcome. As a result, Lucario fares much worse in ''Ultimate'' than in ''SSB4'', and is one of the most nerfed characters in the transition.

===Aesthetics===
*{{change|Similar to all [[veteran]]s returning from ''Smash 4'', Lucario's model has a more subdued color scheme, and its fur has a more detailed texture. }}
*{{change|[[Aura]] is now cyan in color instead of indigo at earlier percentages, and its visual effects are smoother. At higher Aura levels, the flames produced are more intense, becoming indigo in color, which leave behind a trail as Lucario moves. Purple electricity starts emanating from its paws, and the spikes on each paw begin to glow white. The appendages on the back of its head also rise up as Aura grows in power.}}
*{{change|Many of Lucario's attacking animations have been updated from ''SSB4''. Notably, Lucario stands on one foot more in its attacks, particularly with its smash attacks and Double Team.}}

===Attributes===
*{{buff|Like all characters, Lucario's [[jumpsquat]] animation now takes 3 frames to complete (down from 5).}}
*{{buff|Lucario [[walk]]s slightly faster (1.05 → 1.103).}}
*{{buff|Lucario [[run]]s faster (1.55 → 1.705).}}
**{{buff|Lucario's initial [[dash]] is significantly faster (1.8 → 2.255).}}
*{{buff|Lucario's [[air speed]] is much higher (1.09 → 1.281), now being on par with {{SSBU|Wolf}}'s.}}
*{{buff|Lucario's [[air acceleration]] is higher 0 → 0.01 (base), 0.07 → 0.08 (additional), 0.07 → 0.09 (max).}}
*{{buff|Lucario's traction is higher (0.0736 → 0.116). However, due to traction being significantly increased across the cast, it no longer has the highest traction in the game going from first out of 58 to eighteenth out of 76 characters.}} 
*{{nerf|Lucario is lighter (99 → 92), making it more difficult to survive at higher percents to take advantage of Aura.}}
*{{change|[[Aura]] increases in strength faster at lower percentages, reaching base damage at 65% (70% in SSB4), but slower at higher percentages, reaching a maximum of 1.6x power at 190% (down from 1.7x). Aura's strength at 0% is unchanged (0.66x).}}
*{{nerf|The weakening of [[Rage]] reduces Lucario's KO potential at high percents. When combined with the changes to Aura and Lucario's reduced weight, he has become considerably less threatening when damaged.}}
*{{buff|[[Aura]]'s effects have been modified regarding placement. In 1v1 matches, the overall multiplier for Aura has increased slightly (0.8x → 0.83x (minimum), 1.33x → 1.4x (maximum)).}}
**{{nerf|However, this new multiplier applies beyond 1v1, also reducing the maximum multiplier of a four player match down from x2 to x1.4. This removes much of the [[Anubis Combo]]'s extreme comeback factor, which makes Lucario more reliant on taking damage to reap the benefits of Aura.}}

===Ground attacks===
*[[Neutral attack]]:
**{{buff|Neutral attack's hits connect much more consistently.}}
**{{buff|All three hits of neutral attack have less ending lag (FAF 34, 38, 41 → 27, 27, 36).}}
**{{buff|The first two hits of neutral attack can jab lock opponents.}}
**{{nerf|Neutral attack's first hit comes out later than before (frame 6 → 7).}}
**{{nerf|The first hit has fewer active frames (frames 6-8 → 7-8).}}
**{{nerf|The final hit has fewer active frames (frames 9-11 → 9-10).}}
*[[Dash attack]]:
**{{buff|Dash attack now has a sweetspot located on Lucario's foot during the early frames of the attack. This new sweetspot deals more damage (10%) and knockback than the rest of the attack, letting it KO earlier.}}
**{{buff|The sourspot of the clean hit does more damage (8% → 8.5%).}}
**{{buff|Dash attack's sweetspot has more range (hitboxes: 3.0u → 3.6u (clean), 2.8u → 2.9u (late)).}}
**{{change|Lucario now lands on its feet after using dash attack; previously, it fell on its side after the kick.}}
*[[Forward tilt]]:
***{{change|Forward tilt has a new animation, with Lucario leaning back before the palm thrust. In addition, the updated visual on the Aura effect matches the hitboxes much better.}}
*[[Up tilt]]:
**{{change|Up tilt has a new animation; Lucario jumps slightly higher when kicking, and kicks in an overall more animated fashion. It then quickly hops back into place at the end of the attack.}}
*[[Down tilt]]:
**{{buff|Down tilt has less ending lag (FAF 25 → 23). This improves its safety and combo potential.}}
**{{buff|Down tilt's new animation has Lucario crouch low to the ground while kicking. This allows it to lower its profile and dodge more attacks while using down tilt.}}
*[[Forward smash]]:
**{{buff|Forward smash's clean hit has a larger hitbox (5.5u → 5.7u), and greater horizontal extension (Z offset: 4.7-10.2 → 5-11.7), improving its range.}}
**{{buff|Forward smash becomes active earlier (frame 22 → 19).}}
**{{change|Forward smash has more vibrant Aura effects.}}
**{{change|Forward smash's animation is more animated and snappy compared to ''SSB4''. It also now ends the attack standing on one foot.}}
**{{buff|The new animation of forward smash has Lucario lean back at the start of the attack, allowing it to evade attacks before retaliating with its own.}}
*[[Up smash]]:
**{{change|Up smash has an altered animation, with Lucario raising its leg much higher while releasing the blast of Aura. The charging stance is different, and the blast of Aura is much wider than before to match the hitbox more accurately.}}
**{{buff|Up smash's first hit has more horizontal range (Z offset: -4–4 → -5–5).}}
**{{change|Up smash's second hitbox is larger (8u → 8.8u), and lower down (Y offset: 25 → 23.5), improving its horizontal range and allowing it to connect better against opponents pulled up from the ground, but reducing its vertical range.}}
*[[Down smash]]:
**{{change|Down smash has a new animation; instead of raising its arms into the air and bringing them down, Lucario now briefly stands on one foot before stomping it to the ground while simultaneously releasing Aura from its palms.}}
**{{change|The charging animation of down smash now has Lucario fold its arms while crouching in front of its chest instead of waving its arms in a circular motion.}}
***{{buff|Due to the change in stance, Lucario is less vulnerable to attack while charging down smash.}}

===Aerial Attacks===
*[[Neutral aerial]]:
**{{buff|Neutral aerial now hits twice, regardless of whether the opponent is in front of or behind Lucario. This allows the move to deal more damage in general and hit behind him much sooner, increasing its potency.}}
**{{buff|Neutral aerial is able to drag opponents with the attack, allowing for more followups.}}
**{{buff|Neutral aerial has reduced landing lag (9 frames → 5).}}
**{{nerf|Neutral aerial's first active frame is later than before (frame 8 → 10).}}
**{{buff|Neutral aerial's first hit lasts for a longer period of time (frames 8-11 → 10-14).}}
**{{buff|The second hit comes out earlier (frame 22 → 18).}}
**{{nerf|The second hit lasts a shorter period of time (frames 22-29 → 18-21).}}
**{{buff|It [[auto-cancel]]s earlier (frame 39 → 36).}}
**{{nerf|Its initial auto-cancel window was shortened (frames 1-7 → 1-4).}}
**{{change|Neutral air has a new animation; Lucario spins more quickly than it did in ''SSB4''.}}
*[[Forward aerial]]:
**{{buff|Forward aerial has reduced landing lag (18 frames → 9).}}
**{{buff|Lucario can grab ledge faster after using forward air (64 frames → 52).}}
*[[Back aerial]]:
**{{buff|Back aerial becomes active sooner (frame 16 → 13).}}
**{{nerf|Back aerial deals less damage (15% → 14%) and thus less knockback.}}
**{{nerf|Back aerial has more ending lag (FAF 49 → 50).}}
**{{buff|Its initial auto-cancel window has been lengthened (frames 1-3 → 1-4).}}
**{{change|The burst of aura from Back aerial's animation better matches its hitbox.}}
*[[Up aerial]]:
**{{buff|Up aerial has decreased landing lag (22 frames → 13).}}
**{{nerf|Up aerial has fewer active frames (10-15 → 10-13).}}
**{{change|Up aerial has an altered animation, with Lucario backflipping following the initial kick.}}
*[[Down aerial]]:
**{{nerf|Down aerial stalls Lucario's movement less on successive uses.}}
**{{nerf|Down aerial has more landing lag (9 frames → 12).}}

===Throws/other attacks===
*{{buff|Pivot grab has more horizontal range (Z offset: 4-15.2 → 4-16.5).}}
*{{buff|Forward throw is now a two-hit move. This change also grants the move a collateral hitbox to hit opponents near Lucario. This is makes it better at seperating certain two-in-one characters such as the {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBU|Rosalina & Luma}}.}}

===Special Moves===
*[[Aura Sphere]]:
**{{change|Aura Sphere is visually closer to how it appears in recent ''Pokémon'' games. It has an "energy absorption" effect while charging and no longer emits a trail of smoke when launched.}}
**{{buff|Aura Sphere can now be jump-canceled, even in the air. Additionally, it can now be canceled into any grounded option while charging with an advanced technique called Charge Storage Cancelling.}}
***{{buff|With Lucario's increased air speed, this makes it possible to edge-guard opponents by charging Aura Sphere and then cancelling it into an aerial, as well as improving its movement when combined with B-Reverses, Wavebounces, etc.}}
**{{change|Moving the control stick down has Lucario spot dodge, much like how moving it left or right has it roll.}}
**{{nerf|Lucario cannot shield immediately out of Aura Sphere, making it less safe to charge.}}
**{{nerf|Lucario cannot use its standard grab out of a charging Aura Sphere without shielding, as pressing the Z button fires the Aura Sphere.}}
**{{change|The aerial charge animation for Aura Sphere was altered; it now more closely resembles the grounded charging animation.}}
**{{buff| Fully charged Aura Sphere has a larger hitbox (2.0u → 2.6u).}}
*[[Force Palm]]:
**{{buff|Force Palm has increased grab range.}}
**{{nerf|Force Palm's projectile deals less damage with the far hit (7.56% → ~5.4%).}}
**{{change|Force Palm's hitbox now matches its Aura graphics more closely.}}
**{{change|Force Palm's grab triggers Special Zoom if Lucario has at least half of its maximum Aura. }}
**{{change|The animation for Force Palm has been completely changed; instead of pulling its left paw back before thrusting it forward with a stomp to release a blast of Aura, Lucario now moves its paws in a circle around its body while crouching low to the ground before gathering its paws together and releasing a blast of Aura from its left paw.}}
*[[Extreme Speed]]:
**{{buff|Extreme Speed has less endlag and landing lag.}}
**{{buff|Extreme Speed now has a hitbox upon directly crashing into the ground or a wall, making it safer to use for recovery.}}
**{{buff|Crashing into a wall now sends Lucario upward as opposed to stopping it in place. This greatly increases the safety of the recovery.}}
**{{nerf|Extreme Speed's controls have been modified; the initial flight direction is locked in a short period of time before flight begins, which can lead to unintentional self-destructs.}}
**{{nerf|Extreme Speed travels less distance overall.}}
**{{nerf|Extreme Speed now halts at the end of the move, making it worse for recovering at low percents.}}
**{{change|The animation for Extreme Speed has been updated; Lucario now gathers Aura in its paws at the start of the move. If it is grounded, dust ripples appear around Lucario as it gathers Aura. Additionally, the streams of Aura during flight are much bigger and more colorful than before. At the end of the flight, a gust of wind envelops the front of Lucario to indicate the attack portion of the move.}}
*[[Double Team]]:
**{{change|When performing the attack, Lucario now moves into the direction the control stick is being held rather than from it, making the move more intuitive.}}
**{{buff|Double Team deals more damage (11% → 12.5%).}}
**{{buff|Double Team's counterattack activates faster (frame 28 → 16), making the attack much more consistent.}}
**{{change|Lucario leaves blue-colored afterimages of itself in the location where it stood just before the attack.}}
**{{buff|Double Team has less endlag on an unsuccessful counter (80 frames → 71), decreasing the window of time where Lucario can be punished.}}
**{{buff|Double Team can now track opponents that activate the counterattack; Lucario will teleport to the attacker's location (within a certain range) and start its counterattack.}}
**{{buff|Double Team now slows down time for the opponent that attacked Lucario. This allows Double Team to punish many more attacks, greatly increasing its reliability.}}
**{{nerf|Double Team has fewer active frames (frames 5-39 → 5-24), no longer having the longest frame window in the game.}}
**{{nerf|Double Team has significantly fewer intangibility frames (5-39 → 4-13), no longer covering the entire counter window.}}
**{{change|Double Team's momentum in the air carries over into Lucario's own movement, which both benefits and hinders its recovery potential, as it can help with recovering when facing towards the stage, but prevent recovery (or even lead to a self-destruct) when facing away from the stage.}}
**{{change|The animation for Double Team has completely changed; instead of moving its arms in a circular motion while crouching, Lucario now stands upright with its left leg raised while holding a pose. It then pulls its right paw back while holding its martial arts-like stance. A vortex of wind surrounds Lucario throughout the entire animation.}}
*[[Aura Storm]]:
**{{change|Lucario's [[Final Smash]] has been reverted to Aura Storm. It now Mega Evolves into [[Mega Lucario]] before performing the attack.}}
**{{buff|Compared to Aura Storm in ''Brawl'', the beam fired is much wider, improving the move's horizontal reach.}}

==Update history==
Lucario received a significant nerf in update 2.0.0 with [[Aura Sphere]] having noticeably less hitlag, leading to significantly less combo potential. Aura Sphere also now deals less shield damage as a result of update 3.0.0. Since then, however, Lucario was buffed via game updates, with the most changes coming from update 3.1.0.

Said update brought plentiful buffs to its normals, aerials, and Aura Sphere by lowering ending lag, range, and knockback. As a result of this update, Lucario was made much more consistent and effective. Update 7.0.0 made Lucario's shield bigger as part of a near-universal buff. Update 9.0.0 gave Lucario a considerable buff to its Aura, as now the multiplier is slightly higher when it and the opponent has tied stocks. This change nearly brings it back to its max multiplier in ''Smash 4'' (which was 1.7x). In addition, the first hit of its neutral attack and its down smash was given less startup and ending lag, forward tilt was buffed to be more consistent by altering the knockback and angle, and finally, Force Palm was given slightly more knockback, and Extreme Speed has less landing lag. An undocumented change in update 12.0.0 fixed one of the major flaws that plagued Force Palm. If Lucario used Force Palm out of a dash, the opponent would sometimes get pushed too far, making the grabbox not land correctly. Update 12.0.0 fixed this issue, and now grabbing with Force Palm is much more consistent.

Update 13.0.0 buffed Lucario for one final time. Its dash attack's sweetspot now lasts one more frame and has more range. The second hit of forward tilt was given more knockback, and down tilt was given less startup and ending lag.

Overall, when compared to how it fared at launch, Lucario is now seen as a much more viable character in ''Ultimate'''s metagame. 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|2.0.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/2.0.0|char=Lucario}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|3.0.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/3.0.0|char=Lucario}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|3.1.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/3.1.0|char=Lucario}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|6.0.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/6.0.0|char=Lucario}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|7.0.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/7.0.0|char=Lucario}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|9.0.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/9.0.0|char=Lucario}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|12.0.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/12.0.0|char=Lucario}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|13.0.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/13.0.0|char=Lucario}}

==Moveset==
* Lucario's moveset is affected by [[Aura]]. Each move lists the percentages according to Lucario's damage: 0%/65%/190%.
** Lucario's Aura effects also change in regard to place. When at a -1 placing, Lucario's Aura gains a multiplier of 1.125×.
[[File:Lucario SSBU Skill Preview Extra 1.png|thumb|Lucario using a fully charged [[Aura Sphere]] with maximum strength [[Aura]], as shown via [[Move List]].]]
{{cquote|''As Aura's power increases, your attack power increases as well. The more unfavorable the match is for you, the more power you gain.''
<br>''Aura's Power increases''
<br>• ''When you have fewer KOs than opponents''
<br>• ''The more you've been KO'd''
<br>• ''As your damage increases''
<br>• ''As your HP decreases in Stamina Mode''
<br>
<br>''Aura Sphere will get bigger, and the speed and power of it will increase. You can also leap higher and quicker when using Extreme Speed.''
|left|cite=Move List Description|source=[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]}}

* Lucario is able to [[Crawling|crawl]], [[wall cling]], and [[wall jump]].
''For a gallery of Lucario's hitboxes, see [[Lucario (SSBU)/Hitboxes|here]].''

{{MovesetTable
|game=SSBU
|neutralcount=3
|neutralname=Sweep ({{ja|はらい|Harai}}) / Thrust ({{ja|つき|Tsuki}}) / Kick Up ({{ja|けりあげ|Keri Age}})
|neutral1dmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|2.5}}
|neutral2dmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|2}}
|neutral3dmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|3}}
|neutraldesc=The kham choui{{ref|a}} (a downward sweeping punch in {{s|wikipedia|Shaolin Kung Fu}}), followed by the choong choui{{ref|b}} (a jab-style punch in Shaolin Kung Fu), followed by a stretch kick. Doesn’t KO  until very high percent even with maximum aura.
|ftiltname=Palm Strike ({{ja|はどうさい|Shōda}})
|ftiltdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|4}} (hit 1), {{AuraDamageSSBU|6}} (hit 2)
|ftiltdesc=The kap theai choui{{ref|c}} (a low-angle cross-style punch in Shaolin Kung Fu). Hits twice. At higher levels of aura, it becomes a viable KO option.
|utiltname=Turning Kick ({{ja|せんかいしゅう|Senkai Shū}})
|utiltdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|6}} (foot), {{AuraDamageSSBU|5}}
|utiltdesc=An outside crescent kick above itself. A good juggling and combo tool. Has a sweetspot on its foot.
|dtiltname=Leg Sweep ({{ja|あしばらい|Ashi Barai}})
|dtiltdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|5}}
|dtiltdesc=A kneeling Hapkido-style shin kick. It can be used in rather quick succession and has decent range.
|dashname= Jump Kick ({{ja|とびげり|Tobi Geri}}, ''Dropkick'')
|dashdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|8.5}} (sourspot), {{AuraDamageSSBU|10}} (sweetspot), {{AuraDamageSSBU|7}} (late)
|dashdesc=A flying kick. Its decent speed and good range allow it to function as a decent punishment tool, and its sweetspot allows it to KO at very high percentages.
|fsmashname=Aura Strike ({{ja|はどうげき|Hadōgeki}})
|fsmashdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|16|c}} (clean), {{AuraDamageSSBU|13|c}} (late)
|fsmashdesc=A double palm thrust, which emits a burst of Aura. When at max aura, it is extremely powerful; it is one of the strongest smash attacks in the game overall, as it has the potential to one-hit KO almost every fighter in the roster when at maximum aura. However, its noticeable startup and ending lag makes it punishable. It KOs at 55% at base aura.
|usmashname=Aura Palm ({{ja|はどうしょう|Hadōshō}})
|usmashdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|4|c}} (hit 1),  {{AuraDamageSSBU|14|c}} (clean hit 2),  {{AuraDamageSSBU|9|c}} (late hit 2)
|usmashdesc=A modified version of the long choui{{ref|d}} (an uppercut-styled punch in Shaolin Kung Fu), while emitting a blast of Aura. Hits twice. One of the strongest up smashes in the game, and the second  most damaging smash attack in the game when at max aura (behind Hero's forward smash with a critical hit).
|dsmashname=Aura Split ({{ja|はどうさい|Hadōsai}})
|dsmashdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|14|c}}
|dsmashdesc=Thrusts its palms in front and behind, while emitting blasts of Aura. Resembles a modified version of the kap theai choui. Hits on both of its sides simultaneously, making it a good option to punish rolls. Very strong at max aura, KOing below 60% at the ledge at max aura.
|nairname=Spiral Fist ({{ja|せんくうけん|Senkūken}})
|nairdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|8}} (hit 1), {{AuraDamageSSBU|6}} (hit 2)
|nairdesc=Spins while emitting Aura from its paws. It hits twice, and the first hit can be used to combo into grounded moves on landing.
|fairname= Airstrike ({{ja|くうしゅうきゃく|Kū Shū Kyaku}})
|fairdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|6}}
|fairdesc=A stretch kick. Its diagonal-vertical launch angle and low knockback make it an excellent combo tool, allowing it to string into itself and combo into moves like neutral aerial and up aerial.
|bairname=Twist Thrust ({{ja|ひねりつき|Hineri Tsuki}})
|bairdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|14}} (clean), {{AuraDamageSSBU|13}} (late)
|bairdesc=The sou choui{{ref|e}} (a sweeping punch in Shaolin Kung Fu). At max aura, it is one of the strongest back aerials in the game, KOing at around 50% at the ledge. However, it is Lucario's slowest aerial.
|uairname=Vertical Kick  ({{ja|ちょくじょうしゅう|Chokujo Shū}})
|uairdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|11}} (clean), {{AuraDamageSSBU|6}} (late)
|uairdesc= A high front kick with a delayed backflip at the end. Extremely powerful at max aura, capable of KOing at around 80% even at ground level. Outside of that, it makes for a good juggling tool. Its late hit can act as a potential KO setup into its sweetspot on landing.
|dairname=Rapid Kicks ({{ja|ちょくじょうしゅう|Rentō Kyaku}})
|dairdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|5}} (hit 1), {{AuraDamageSSBU|6}} (hit 2)
|dairdesc=Stomps twice, emitting blasts of Aura with each stomp. It stalls Lucario in the air temporarily and deals great damage at higher levels of aura.
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabdesc=[[wikipedia:Clinch fighting|Clinches]] the opponent.
|pummelname=Grab Surge ({{ja|つかみはどう|Tsukami Hadō}})
|pummeldmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|1.3}}
|pummeldesc=A surge of Aura. Quite fast.
|fthrowname=Single Hit ({{ja|たんだ|Tanda}})
|fthrowdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|5}} (hit), {{AuraDamageSSBU|3}} (throw)
|fthrowdesc=Shoves the opponent away. A very fast throw, along with being one of the strongest forward throws in the game at max aura. It starts KOing at 105% at max aura.
|bthrowname=Body Drop ({{ja|たいおとし|Tai Otoshi}})
|bthrowdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|10}}
|bthrowdesc=The {{s|wikipedia|tai otoshi}}{{ref|f}}, a {{s|wikipedia|Judo}} throw. It deals very high damage and knockback when at max aura.
|uthrowname=Thrust Up ({{ja|おしあげ|Oshi Age}})
|uthrowdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|5}} (hit), {{AuraDamageSSBU|6}} (throw)
|uthrowdesc=The pao choui{{ref|g}} (an uppercut-styled punch in Shaolin Kung Fu). One of Lucario's best combo starters, as it can follow up with a neutral aerial, forward aerial, and an up aerial or back aerial as a 50/50 KO setup. With maximum aura and rage stacked it KOs at 99% at the top platform of {{SSBU|Battlefield}}.
|dthrowname=Slam ({{ja|たたきつけ|Tatakitsuke}})
|dthrowdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|7}}
|dthrowdesc=Holds the opponent over its head and then slams them into the ground. A good combo starter, as it can combo into a forward aerial, a neutral aerial or an up aerial.
|floorfname=&nbsp;
|floorfdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|7}}
|floorfdesc=Kicks around itself before getting up.
|floorbname=&nbsp;
|floorbdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|7}}
|floorbdesc=Same as its frontal floor attack.
|floortname=&nbsp;
|floortdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|5}}
|floortdesc=Kicks behind itself and then in front of itself while getting up.
|edgename=&nbsp;
|edgedmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|9}}
|edgedesc=Performs a double palm thrust that emits a small blast of Aura while climbing up.
|nsname=Aura Sphere
|nsdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|6.9}}~{{AuraDamageSSBU|17.2}} (move), {{AuraDamageSSBU|0.6}} (charge loop)
|nsdesc=A chargeable, condensed sphere of {{s|bulbapedia|Aura}}. Pressing the special button again will make Lucario [[bulbapedia:Aura Sphere (move)|fire the sphere]]. Its size scales with Aura and has a hitbox while charging, comboing into back air at mid percents . The charge can be cancelled into into dodge, shield, and jump. It starts KOing at 40% at max aura.
|ssname=Force Palm
|ssdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|11.8}} (close blast), {{AuraDamageSSBU|5.4}} (far blast), {{AuraDamageSSBU|13}} (throw), {{AuraDamageSSBU|10}} (throw collateral)
|ssdesc=Fires a stream of Aura. Its blast's range scales with Aura. If the opponent is close to Lucario, the move acts like a grab, with Lucario grabbing the opponent and then [[bulbapedia:Force Palm|striking them with a palm thrust at point-blank range]]. If its at base aura then it will KO at 88% and 31% with max aura.
|usname=Extreme Speed
|usdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|6}} (dash), {{AuraDamageSSBU|4}} (impact)
|usdesc=[[bulbapedia:Extreme Speed|Propels itself in a predetermined direction]] by blasting streams of Aura from its forepaws. Has a hitbox at the end of its animation, and upon crashing directly into a wall or the ground, Lucario will bounce. This can be used to bounce off the sides of the stage towards the ledge, but isn't recommended on stage due to ending lag. Extreme Speed's distance scales with Aura.
|dsname=Double Team
|dsdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|12.5}}
|dsdesc=Performs a {{s|wikipedia|kata}}. If Lucario is attacked, it will disappear while [[bulbapedia:Double Team (move)|emitting afterimages]] and then counterattacks with a flying kick. The direction Lucario kicks in can be controlled. Lucario will also aim above or below if it is hit accordingly. Unlike most counters, it does not scale based on the attack it counters; it scales based on Lucario's aura.
|fsname=Aura Storm
|fsdmg={{AuraDamageSSBU|0.8}} (loop), {{AuraDamageSSBU|11.5}} (final hit)
|fsdesc=[[bulbapedia:Mega Evolution|Mega Evolves]] into Mega Lucario, then leaps up above the center of the stage, and firing a huge stream of Aura. Increases in power depending on Lucario's Aura and can achieve [[OHKO]] power at max aura if all hitboxes connect. KOing at 18% if at base aura.
}}

===Stats===

{{Attributes
| cast=89
| weight=92 | rweight=53-58
| dash=2.255 | rdash=6-10
| run=1.705 | rrun=47
| walk=1.103 | rwalk=47-48
| trac=0.116 | rtrac=20-28
| airfric=0.004 | rairfric=83-84
| air=1.281 | rair=6-7
| baseaccel=0.01 | rbaseaccel=15-87
| addaccel=0.08 | raddaccel=16-24
| gravity=0.084 | rgravity=60
| fall=1.68 | rfall=30-31
| ff=2.688 | rff=31-32
| jumpsquat=3 | rjumpsquat=1-88
| jumpheight=37.62 | rjumpheight=10
| shorthop=18.19 | rshorthop=9
| djump=37.62 | rdjump=17
}}

===[[Announcer]] call===
{{audio|Needs announcer calls from other languages.}}
<gallery>
Lucario English Announcer SSB4-SSBU.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese
</gallery>''

===[[On-screen appearance]]===
*Teleports on stage, floats for a second, gathers aura in its hands, and then lands.
<gallery>
LucarioOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Lucario's on-screen appearance
</gallery>

===[[Taunt]]s===
*'''Up Taunt''': Floats in mid-air and growls, emitting aura from its body.
*'''Side Taunt''': Moves one hand forward and one behind its back, growling. A flash of aura emanates from its outstretched hand.
*'''Down Taunt''': Stands on one foot and holds one hand in mid-air, assuming a {{s|wikipedia|Fujian White Crane}}-like stance. This taunt is very similar to {{SSBU|Link}}'s down taunt.
<gallery>
SSBULucarioTaunt1.gif|Lucario's up taunt.
SSBULucarioTaunt2.gif|Lucario's side taunt.
SSBULucarioTaunt3.gif|Lucario's down taunt.
</gallery>

===[[Idle pose]]s===
*Moves its arms in a circular motion before assuming its normal stance again.
*Stretches both arms out, one on each side, slowly lowers its body, and assumes its normal stance again.
<gallery>
SSBULucarioIdle1.gif|Lucario's first idle pose.
SSBULucarioIdle2.gif|Lucario's second idle pose.
</gallery>

===[[Crowd cheer]]===
<div class="tabber">
<div class="tabbertab" title="English, Japanese/Chinese, Italian, Dutch, French">
{| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1"
|-
!{{{name|}}}
!Cheer (English)
!Cheer (Japanese/Chinese)
!Cheer (Italian)
!Cheer (Dutch)
!Cheer (French)
|-
! scope="row"|Cheer
|[[File:Lucario Cheer English SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Lucario Cheer Japanese SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Lucario Cheer Italian SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Lucario Cheer Dutch SSBU.ogg|center]]||{{NTSC}} [[File:Lucario Cheer French NTSC SSBU.ogg|center]] <br> {{PAL}} [[File:Lucario Cheer French PAL SSBU.ogg|center]]
|-
! scope="row"|Description
|Lu - cario! || Ru - ka - rio! || Lu - ca - rio! || Lu - cari - o! || Lu - ca - rio!
|}
</div>
<div class="tabbertab" title="German, Spanish, Russian, Korean">
{| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1"
|-
!{{{name|}}}
!Cheer (German)
!Cheer (Spanish)
!Cheer (Russian)
!Cheer (Korean)
|-
! scope="row"|Cheer
|[[File:Lucario Cheer German SSBU.ogg|center]]||{{NTSC}} [[File:Lucario Cheer Spanish NTSC SSBU.ogg|center]] <br> {{PAL}} [[File:Lucario Cheer Spanish PAL SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Lucario Cheer Russian SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Lucario Cheer Korean SSBU.ogg|center]]
|-
! scope="row"|Description
|Lu - ca - rio! || Lu - ca - rio! || Lu - ca - ri - o! || Lu - cari - o!
|}
</div>
</div>

===[[Victory pose]]s===
*'''Left:''' Aura pulsates out of its paws, then does a crane-like stance, saying "Behold the power of aura." ("{{ja|満ちるぞ、この波導！|Michiru zo, kono hadō!}}", ''I am filled with aura!'').
*'''Up:''' Moves its paws in front of itself, then clasps them together, saying "The aura is with me!" ("{{ja|波導は我にあり！|Hadō wa ware ni ari!}}", ''The aura is with me!''). The quote often repeated by Lucario in ''{{s|bulbapedia|Lucario and the Mystery of Mew}}''. 
*'''Right:''' Moves its paw to its left side and groans while aura radiates off its body.
[[File:PokemonSeriesVictoryThemeUltimate.ogg|thumb|A small excerpt of the title theme of ''Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green Versions'', a track which would go on to become the ''Pokémon'' main theme and the title theme for the entire series.]]
<gallery>
LucarioVictoryPose1SSBU.gif
LucarioVictoryPose2SSBU.gif
LucarioVictoryPose3SSBU.gif
</gallery>

==In [[competitive play]]==
===Most historically significant players===
<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->

''See also: [[:Category:Lucario players (SSBU)]]''

*{{Sm|Armadillo|Canada}} - One of the best Lucario players in the post-online metagame with some of Lucario's best results since Tsu, including 9th at {{Trn|Battle of BC 5}} with a win over {{Sm|Shuton}} as well as 13th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2023}} and 17th at {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves 2023}}. In addition, he notably defeated {{Sm|MkLeo}} at {{Trn|SUPER ELITE MONTHLY SERIES XII: FORMA DE LEO FEAT HBOX}}. 
*{{Sm|Gachipi|Japan}} - One of the best Lucario players in the post-online metagame, placing at or near top 8 at several superregionals including 2nd at {{Trn|Seibugeki 16}}, 4th at {{Trn|Kurobra 40}}, and 7th at {{Trn|Gen 2.0}}. He is less consistent at majors but has nevertheless placed highly at several, including 13th at {{Trn|Seibugeki 15}} and 17th at {{Trn|DELTA 4}}.
*{{Sm|Jeda|France}} - The best Lucario player in Europe in the early metagame, ranking 18th on the [[European Smash Rankings]] at his peak and placing highly at many European events, including 13th at the superregionals {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}} and {{Trn|Ultimate WANTED 2}} and 17th at the major {{Trn|Albion 4}}. He is the second Lucario player ranked in the top 100 on a global ranking, ranking 76th on the [[OrionRank 2019]]. His activity and performances have declined since his peak, and he has not attended any notable event since 2021.
*{{Sm|Tsu|Japan}} - The best Lucario player in the early metagame who has some of Lucario's best results, including 2nd at the superregional {{Trn|2GG: Grand Tour - South Carolina}} and 5th at the supermajor {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2019}}, the latter being the highest placement for a Lucario player at a major/supermajor. He is the only Lucario player ever ranked top 50 globally, ranking 44th on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]]. However, since then he has yet to achieve performances as strong as the early metagame, and he has also picked up other characters to play alongside Lucario.

===Tier placement and history===
When ''Ultimate'' was released, many players believed that Lucario's faster and more reliable moves and benefits from the game's mechanics allowed it to fare better in the new game. Early results were able to match this enthusiasm thanks to the efforts of {{Sm|Tsu}} and {{Sm|Jeda}}, both of whom spearheaded Lucario's early metagame playerbase. However, this honeymoon period did not last for long, as players began recognizing that the character's nerfs, especially to its Aura, were more glaring than initially perceived. In addition, Lucario's reliance on Aura meant it had a harder time KOing until it was at higher percents, while its best KO moves often have slow frame data. As such, many of his best players either began playing other characters or became less consistent than before, leading to a decline in its playerbase: although Lucario's representation hovered in the mid-40s throughout 2019, by 2021 it had dropped into the bottom 10. Although players like {{Sm|Armadillo}} began placing well with Lucario during this time, it did little to alleviate this decline, and as such Lucario was ranked 71st on the first tier list near the end of the mid-tier.

Following the first tier list, Lucario entered a renaissance period as its best players gained more recognition at a national level. Armadillo's improving performances, which included a 9th-place finish at {{Trn|Battle of BC 5}} and having wins over {{Sm|Glutonny}}, {{Sm|MkLeo}}, and {{Sm|Shuton}}. {{Sm|Gachipi}}'s rise in Japan also helped Lucario's declining representation, with both players showcasing how threatening Lucario could be at higher percents. As such, many players realized that Lucario was not as weak as initially perceived, and as such Lucario rose substantially on the second tier list, jumping 14 spots to 57th in the C+ tier.

=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Counter Encounters==
[[File:SSBU Congratulations Lucario.png|thumb|Lucario's congratulations screen.]]
Lucario fights characters with [[counterattack]]s.

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!Round!!Opponent!!Stage!!Music!!Notes
|-
|1||{{CharHead|Shulk|SSBU|hsize=20px}} and {{CharHead|Little Mac|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Gaur Plain]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Xenoblade|Time to Fight! - Xenoblade Chronicles}}''||
|-
|2||{{CharHead|Palutena|SSBU|hsize=20px}} and {{CharHead|Bayonetta|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Umbra Clock Tower]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Bayonetta|Red & Black}}''||
|-
|3||{{CharHead|Marth|SSBU|hsize=20px}} and {{CharHead|Lucina|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Coliseum]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Story 5 Meeting}}''||
|-
|4||{{CharHead|Mii Swordfighter|SSBU|hsize=20px}} (x6)||[[Spear Pillar]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Wild Pokémon) - Pokémon Diamond / Pokémon Pearl}}''||Horde Battle. Items do not appear.<br>Mii Swordfighter costume combinations:
*[[Yiga Clan]] Mask and Yiga Clan Outfit
*[[Takamaru]] Wig and Takamaru Outfit
*[[Isaac]] Wig and Isaac's Outfit
*[[Dunban]] Wig and Dunban Outfit
*[[Black Knight]] Helm and Black Knight Armor
*[[Vince]]'s Hat and Vince's Outfit
|-
|5||{{CharHead|Roy|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, {{CharHead|Ike|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, and {{CharHead|Corrin|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Castle Siege]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|The Devoted}}''||
|-
|6||{{CharHead|Greninja|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Champion) - Pokémon X / Pokémon Y}}''||
|-
|colspan="5"|[[Bonus Stage]]
|-
|Final||{{SSBU|Master Hand}}||{{SSBU|Final Destination}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Master Hand}}'' <small>(Less than 7.0 intensity)</small><br>''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Master Hand / Crazy Hand}}'' <small>(Intensity 7.0 or higher)</small>||On intensity 7.0 and higher, {{SSBU|Crazy Hand}} fights alongside Master Hand.
|}

[[Credits]] roll after completing Classic Mode. Completing it as Lucario has ''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Route 209 - Pokémon Diamond / Pokémon Pearl}}'' accompany the credits.
{{clr}}

==Role in [[World of Light]]==
[[File:WoL-41Lucario.jpg|thumb|Lucario's location in World of Light|left]]
Lucario was among the fighters summoned to the cliffside to fight against the army of [[Master Hand]]s.

During the opening cutscene, Lucario was present on the cliffside when [[Galeem]] unleashed his beams of light. Lucario dodged a beam of light using [[Double Team]], but was hit by a beam {{SSBU|Greninja}} avoided a moment later, vaporizing it and placing it under Galeem's imprisonment along with the rest of the fighters, excluding {{SSBU|Kirby}}.

In the mode proper, Lucario can be found on the corner of a stone wall, guarded by the spirits of Pico, Merric, and Lloid.
{{clrl}}

===Fighter Battle===
{|class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
!style="width:5%;"|No.
!style="width:5%;"|Image
!Name
!Type
!Power
!Stage
!Music
|-
|41
|[[File:Lucario SSBU.png|center|108x108px]]
|Lucario
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|3,300
|[[Spear Pillar]] ([[Ω form]])
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Team Galactic)}}''
|}
{{clr}}

==[[Spirit]]s==
Lucario's fighter spirit can be obtained by completing {{SSBU|Classic Mode}}. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 300 Gold, but only after Lucario has been unlocked. Unlocking Lucario in World of Light allows the player to preview the first spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As a fighter spirit, it cannot be used in Spirit Battles and is purely aesthetic. Its fighter spirit has an alternate version that replaces it with its artwork in ''Ultimate''.

Additionally, Lucario's Mega Evolved form appears as a primary spirit.

<center>
<gallery>
SSBU spirit Lucario.png|417. '''''Lucario'''''
SSBU spirit Mega Lucario.png|505. Mega Lucario
</gallery>
</center>

==In Spirit Battles==
===As the main opponent===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
! colspan=4|Spirit
! colspan=7|Battle parameters
! colspan=1|Inspiration
|-
! style="width:5%;"|No.
! style="width:5%;"|Image
! Name
! Series
! Enemy Fighter(s)
! style="width:5%;"|Type
! style="width:5%;"|Power
! Stage
! Rules
! Conditions
! Music
! Character
|-
|505
|{{SpiritTableName|Mega Lucario|link=y|size=64}}
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Lucario}} {{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Teal}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|9,400
|[[Coliseum]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|•Sudden Final Smash
|•The enemy will suddenly have a Final Smash<br>•Lucario's Aura has increased power
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Trainer Battle) - Pokémon X / Pokémon Y}}
|
|-
|509
|{{SpiritTableName|Dialga|link=y|size=64}}
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•Giant {{SSBU|Lucario}} {{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=White}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|9,700
|[[Spear Pillar]] (Dialga only)
|•Earthquake<br>•Sudden Final Smash
|•The enemy will suddenly have a Final Smash<br>•Periodic earthquakes will shake the stage after a little while<br>•The enemy is giant
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Dialga/Palkia) / Spear Pillar}}
|
|-
|525
|{{SpiritTableName|Cobalion, Terrakion, & Virizion|size=64}}
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Lucario}} {{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Green}}<br>•{{SSBU|Duck Hunt}} {{Head|Duck Hunt|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}<br>•{{SSBU|Yoshi}} {{Head|Yoshi|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}
|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}
|9,000
|[[Kalos Pokémon League]]
|N/A
|•The enemy's melee weapons have increased power<br>•The enemy can unleash powerful critical hits at random<br>•The enemy starts the battle with a [[Beam Sword]]
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|N's Castle}}
|Virizion
|-
|526
|{{SpiritTableName|Tornadus (Incarnate Forme)|size=64}}
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Lucario}} {{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Green}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|4,300
|[[Skyworld]] (clouds only)
|•Hazard: Heavy Wind
|•Dangerously high winds are in effect<br>•The enemy starts the battle with an [[Ore Club]]
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|N's Castle}}
|
|-
|534
|{{SpiritTableName|Keldeo (Ordinary Form)|customname=[[Keldeo]] (Ordinary Form)|size=64}}
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Lucario}} {{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Navy}} (140 HP)
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|3,500
|[[Unova Pokémon League]]
|N/A
|•[[Stamina battle]]<br>•Only certain Pokémon will emerge from Poké Balls (Keldeo)<br>•The enemy's FS Meter charges quickly
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|N's Castle}}
|
|-
|542
|{{SpiritTableName|Xerneas|link=y|size=64}}
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Lucario}} {{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Navy}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|9,400
|[[Garden of Hope]] (hazards off)
|•Flowery
|•You constantly take minor damage<br>•Only certain Pokémon will emerge from Poké Balls (Xerneas)<br>•The enemy is injured but powerful
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Champion) - Pokémon X / Pokémon Y}}
|
|-
|740
|{{SpiritTableName|Young Cricket|size=64}}
|''WarioWare'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Lucario}} {{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Navy}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|1,900
|[[Suzaku Castle]]
|•Item Tidal Wave
|•The enemy's dash attacks have increased power<br>•Certain items will appear in large numbers after a little while
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Chun-Li Stage Type A}}
|
|-
|857
|{{SpiritTableName|Kicks|size=64}}
|''Animal Crossing'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Lucario}} {{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Navy}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|3,600
|[[Town and City]]
|•Move Speed ↑<br>•Slippery Stage
|•The stage's platforms are very slippery<br>•All fighters have increased move speed
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Animal Crossing|Plaza / Title Theme - Animal Crossing: City Folk / Animal Crossing: Wild World}}
|
|-
|991
|{{SpiritTableName|Fei Long|size=64}}
|''Street Fighter'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Lucario}} {{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Grey}} (120 HP)
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|2,000
|[[Arena Ferox]] ([[Ω form]])
|•Jump Power ↓
|•The enemy's punches and elbow strikes have increased power<br>•The enemy's kicks and knee strikes have increased power<br>•[[Stamina battle]]
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Fei Long Stage Type B}}
|
|-
|998
|{{SpiritTableName|Gen|size=64}}
|''Street Fighter'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Lucario}} {{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}} (140 HP)
|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}
|3,600
|[[New Pork City]] ([[Ω form]])
|•Jump Power ↓
|•Lucario's Aura has increased power<br>•[[Stamina battle]]<br>•All fighters have reduced jump power
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Fei Long Stage Type A}}
|
|-
|999
|{{SpiritTableName|Karin|size=64}}
|''Street Fighter'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Lucario}} {{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Purple}} (140 HP)
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|3,900
|[[Wuhu Island]] (hazards off)
|•Jump Power ↓
|•[[Stamina battle]]<br>•All fighters have reduced jump power<br>•The enemy has increased move speed and reduced weight
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Cammy Stage Type B}}
|
|}

===As a minion===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
! colspan=4|Spirit
! colspan=7|Battle parameters
! colspan=1|Inspiration
|-
! style="width:5%;"|No.
! style="width:5%;"|Image
! Name
! Series
! Enemy Fighter(s)
! style="width:5%;"|Type
! style="width:5%;"|Power
! Stage
! Rules
! Conditions
! Music
! Character
|-
|522
|{{SpiritTableName|Zoroark|link=y|size=64}}
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Wolf}} {{Head|Wolf|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Black}}<br>•{{SSBU|Lucario}} {{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Grey}}×3
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|3,500
|[[Prism Tower]]
|N/A
|•Only certain Pokémon will emerge from Poké Balls (Zoroark)<br>•Reinforcements will appear after an enemy is KO'd
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Reshiram / Zekrom)}}
|{{pkmn|Zoroark}}'s [[bulbapedia:Illusion (Ability)|Illusion ability]]
|}

==[[Alternate costume (SSBU)#Lucario|Alternate costumes]]==
{|style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center"
|-
|colspan=8|[[File:Lucario Palette (SSBU).png|link=Alternate costume (SSBU)#Lucario|1000px]]
|-
|{{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=50px}}
|{{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=Purple}}
|{{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=White}}
|{{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=Grey}}
|{{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=Teal}}
|{{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=Navy}}
|{{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=Green}}
|{{Head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=50px|cl=Pink}}
|}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Pokémon Smash Bros.png|Artwork of all playable Pokémon characters and Poké Ball Pokémon, as posted by the official Pokémon Twitter account.
SSBU Lucario Number.png|Lucario's fighter card.
Lucario_joins_battle_SSBU.jpg|Lucario's unlock notice.
SSBUWebsiteLucario1.jpg|[[Taunting]] on [[Temple]].
SSBUWebsiteLucario2.jpg|Lucario charging [[Aura Sphere]] on [[Find Mii]].
SSBUWebsiteLucario3.jpg|Lucario attacking {{SSBU|Greninja}} on [[Pokémon Stadium 2]].
SSBUWebsiteLucario4.jpg|Using its dash attack on an aerial {{SSBU|Squirtle}} on the [[Bridge of Eldin]].
SSBUWebsiteLucario5.jpg|Performing its neutral aerial in front of {{SSBU|Samus}} on [[Prism Tower]].
SSBUWebsiteLucario6.jpg|Lucario using its down tilt on {{SSBU|Snake}} on [[Moray Towers]].
SSBUWebsiteChrom5.jpg|Lucario, {{SSBU|Wolf}} and {{SSBU|Fox}} sleeping around {{SSBU|Chrom}} with [[Super Leaf]] equipped on [[Living Room]].
SSBUWebsiteMewtwo4.jpg|Taunting with {{SSBU|Mewtwo}} and Fox on [[Coliseum]].
Terry Buster Wolf.jpg|{{SSBU|Terry}} using [[Buster Wolf]] on Lucario.
</gallery>

===Fighter Showcase Video===
{{#widget:YouTube|id=7gfpUgrLEwo}}

==Trivia==
*Lucario and {{SSBU|Charizard}} are the only characters to have had their [[Final Smash]] change between games only to have it revert back to the original Final Smash. In Lucario's case, it had [[Aura Storm]] in ''Brawl'', changed to [[Mega Lucario]] in ''Smash 4'', and then reverted back to Aura Storm in ''Ultimate''. However, it does transform into Mega Lucario for the duration of Aura Storm. In Charizard's case, it had [[Triple Finish]] in ''Brawl'', changed to [[Mega Charizard X]] (as it was a standalone character) in ''Smash 4'', and reverted back to Triple Finish in ''Ultimate'' (as a consequence of being regrouped back into {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}}'s party).
**Both characters are also characters from the {{uv|Pokémon}} universe.
*Despite also having a type of counter, {{SSBU|Incineroar}}, {{SSBU|Chrom}}, {{SSBU|Peach}}, {{SSBU|Daisy}}, {{SSBU|King K. Rool}}, and {{SSBU|Mii Brawler}} do not appear in Lucario's Classic Mode route.
*The Tip about Lucario's Aura being able to reach a multiplier of 2.5x is inaccurate and outdated: in the base game, 1.6x is the maximum multiplier, and 0.6x is the base multiplier attacks, making the net change about ×2.7. However, as of 9.0.0, the maximum multiplier is now 1.67x, making the change now roughly 2.8x.
*Lucario is the only ''Pokémon'' character whose animations are not mirrored.
*''Ultimate'' is the first game where Lucario doesn't have the highest [[traction]] of any character since its debut in ''Brawl'', with the title instead being held by {{SSBU|Sonic}}.
*The aura surrounding Lucario’s hands are missing in its clapping animation when losing a match but appears in the no contest screen.

==Notes==
:1.{{note|a}}translates to "Smashing Punch"
:2.{{note|b}}translates to "Thrust Punch"
:3.{{note|c}}translates to "Armpit Punch"
:4.{{note|d}}translates to "Wave Punch"
:5.{{note|e}}translates to "Sweeping Punch"
:6.{{note|f}}translates to "Body Drop"
:7.{{note|g}}translates to "Cannon Punch"

{{SSBUCharacters}}
{{Pokémon universe}}
[[Category:Lucario (SSBU)| ]]
[[Category:Pokémon (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Spirits]]
[[es:Lucario (SSBU)]]
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