Lucario with Force Palm makes its Pokemon GO debut on July 27, 2024, on Mega Lucario Raid Day. Trainers who capture Lucario from raids between 11 am and 5 pm local time, will receive a version of the critter that knows the exclusive Fast Attack. Whether this is an upgrade to its existing moveset is a matter of interest for the community.
The biggest competition for Force Palm is the Fighting-type Fast Move, Counter — arguably the best move in the game. This article explores the viability of Lucario with Force Palm in Pokemon GO.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the author's opinions.
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Is Lucario with Force Palm worth using in Pokemon GO Battle League?
Force Palm is a three-turn Fighting-type Fast Attack in Pokemon GO Battle League. It inflicts 4.33 (5.196 with STAB) DPT and generates 3.33 EPT. Its competition, Counter, is a two-turn Fighting-type Fast Attack that deals 4 (4.8 including STAB) DPT and generates 3.5 energy.
Before giving a verdict on Lucario with Force Palm's viability in trainer battles, it is useful to compare the new move's performance against Counter when facing the Great and Ultra League meta.
In the Great League of Pokemon GO, Lucario with Force Palm goes 12-29-1 with zero shields on either side, while it goes 14-27-1 with Counter. With 1-1 shields in play, both Fast Moves get 13 wins. Force Palm wins against Altaria, while Counter beats Carbink. The matchups are at par with two shields active on both sides.
Also read: Pokemon GO Mega Lucario Raid Day preparation guide
In the Ultra League of Pokemon GO, with zero shields in play, Lucario wins 17 out of 42 meta matches with Force Palm, while it wins 19 out of 42 with Counter. Nearly the same situation persists in the 1-1 shield situation. With two shields in play, both moves win 19 matchups.
With a shield advantage, Force Palm generally tends to do better than Counter across the Great and Ultra League — although not by a large margin. In fact, even with equal shields in play, the difference is little on paper and can be overturned with slight energy headstarts or nimble switching.
However, Counter has a clear advantage. Two-turn moves are easier to optimally time Charged Moves with. It also has quicker energy generation compared to Force Palm's greater damage output. GBL veterans will know that energy is almost always more useful than damage.
Also read: Pokemon GO Mega Lucario raid guide
While Force Palm is a good move in itself, it is more technical to use and even has slightly lower performance stats than Counter. Therefore, whenever you use Lucario in Pokemon GO Battle League (which won't happen too regularly to start with), choose Counter over Force Palm.
Is Lucario with Force Palm worth using in Pokemon GO gyms and raids?
Both regular and Mega Lucario with Force Palm have an advantage over Counter Lucario. According to simulations run by Pokemon GO Hub, the difference between Force Palm and Counter is approximately 7.6% when regular Lucario uses it, and approximately 8.1% when used by Mega Lucario.
While Counter Lucario is at par with Conkeldurr and Machamp and less impressive than Shadow Hariyama, Lucario with Force Palm outclasses each of these critters. In fact, unless Mega Mewtwo — whenever it arrives — gets a Fighting-type Fast Attack (like Counter or Low Kick) or Aura Sphere as Charged Move, Mega Lucario with Force Palm reigns supreme.
Also read: How to solo defeat Mega Lucario in Pokemon GO Mega Raids
Therefore, despite the critter not performing particularly well with its new move in Pokemon GO PvP, it is a must-have for Gym and raid battles.
How to get Lucario with Force Palm in Pokemon GO
You can get Lucario who knows Force Palm in Pokemon GO by capturing the critter from Mega Lucario raids during Raid Day from 11 am to 5 pm local time on July 27, 2024.
If you miss this opportunity, you can use an Elite Fast TM in Pokemon GO to teach Force Palm to Lucario after the event.
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Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:
- Pokemon GO July 2024 infographic
- Ditto disguises
- Buddy evolution Adventure Together guide
- Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
- Giovanni counters
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