Lucario Shiny Hunting Guide: Fastest Methods in Pokemon Scarlet!
Lucario Shiny Hunting: The Ultimate Guide for Pokemon Scarlet
Lucario is a fan-favorite Pokemon, known for its sleek design and powerful combat abilities. For many trainers, obtaining a shiny Lucario is a top priority. In Pokemon Scarlet, shiny hunting can be rewarding, but requires strategy. This guide breaks down the best methods to maximize your chances of catching a gleaming Lucario. We'll also discuss why preparing with Poison-type moves is crucial.
1. Understanding Shiny Rates and Mechanics
The base shiny rate in Pokemon Scarlet is 1 in 4096. However, you can significantly improve these odds using:
- Shiny Charm: This key item drastically increases shiny odds. Obtain it by completing the Paldean Pokedex.
- Outbreaks: Focusing on Pokemon outbreaks, where a large number of a specific Pokemon spawn, increases the chances. Defeating or capturing a certain number of Pokemon in an outbreak further boosts the odds.
- Sandwiches: Consuming a sandwich with a Sparkling Power meal effect further increases the shiny rate for specific types.
2. Preparing for the Hunt: Location, Team, and Supplies
- Location: Lucario primarily spawns in the North Province (Area Two). Fly to a Watchtower or other elevated point for a better view of potential spawns. This area provides a decent cluster, but also has some level variance to deal with.
- Team:
- A strong Pokemon that can easily defeat Lucario is essential. A Pokemon with high Attack or Special Attack and super-effective moves is recommended.
- A Pokemon with False Swipe or Hold Back is crucial for leaving Lucario at 1 HP, maximizing capture opportunities.
- A Poison-type move Pokemon. Lucario is part Fighting type and is weak to Fairy, Flying, and Psychic. So why Poison? Read below!
- A Pokemon with a status move like Thunder Wave or Sleep Powder to further increase catch rates.
- Supplies:
- Plenty of Poke Balls (Ultra Balls are recommended).
- Sandwiches with Sparkling Power: Focus on Fighting-type Sparkling Power sandwiches to boost Lucario's shiny rate. Recipe example: 1 Herbed Sausage, 1 Pickle, 1 Yellow Pepper, 2 Salty Herba Mystica.
3. The Outbreak Method: Step-by-Step
- Check for a Riolu (Lucario's pre-evolution) outbreak in the North Province. If there isn't one, reset by changing the date on your Nintendo Switch and reloading the game until an outbreak appears.
- Travel to the outbreak location.
- Defeat or capture at least 60 Riolu to maximize the shiny odds bonus. Defeating is generally faster, but capturing ensures you don't accidentally faint the shiny later. Monitor the notification feed to keep track.
- Create a Fighting-type Sparkling Power sandwich. This will further boost the appearance of shiny Lucario (and Riolu!).
- Begin the hunt! Circle the outbreak area, scanning for a shiny Riolu or Lucario. They have very slight color differences and can be easy to miss. Pay extra attention.
- If no shiny appears after a reasonable amount of time (30-60 minutes), reset the outbreak by saving, closing the game, and reloading. This refreshes the available Pokemon within the outbreak.
- Once you find a shiny, carefully weaken it with False Swipe or Hold Back and inflict a status condition before throwing Poke Balls.
4. Why Poison Type is Crucial
While Lucario isn't weak to Poison-type attacks, there's another important strategic element: avoiding Iron Head. Lucario often has Iron Head, a Steel-type move that can KO Fairy-type Pokemon extremely quickly. A Poison-type tank can endure the Iron Head while you False Swipe with another Pokemon.
Examples of useful Pokemon for this strategy include:
- Toxapex. (Ability to learn Haze to avoid stats buffs)
5. Evolution
Once you've caught your shiny Riolu, evolving it into Lucario requires high friendship. Maximize friendship by:
- Keeping Riolu in your party.
- Using Riolu in battles.
- Giving Riolu berries that increase friendship (while decreasing EVs).
- Leveling up Riolu.
- Letting Riolu hold a Soothe Bell.
Riolu must be at maximum friendship and leveled up during the daytime to evolve into Lucario.
Conclusion
Shiny hunting Lucario in Pokemon Scarlet can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By understanding shiny mechanics, preparing effectively, and utilizing the outbreak method, you can significantly increase your chances of adding this coveted shiny to your team. Remember to be patient and persistent – happy hunting!
What's your favorite shiny Pokemon to hunt in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and why?