Ah, Luxray. My favorite Pokemon. It's a got a cool design and cool abilities. However, it suffers from
being outclassed. Nonetheless, it can be used on a team somewhat effectively. Let's take a look at what Bulbapedia has to say about it.
being outclassed. Nonetheless, it can be used on a team somewhat effectively. Let's take a look at what Bulbapedia has to say about it.
Quote:
Luxray are extremely vicious and predatorial, although when tamed and trained correctly they can become very loyal and faithful, protecting their Trainer from danger. They tend to be stubborn and can administer extreme amounts of power through their electricity. Because of their flawless x-ray like vision, practically nothing can go unseen by their eyes. Abusing a Luxray can cause it to become antagonistic and vengeful towards their Trainer. Luxray need a lot of compassion and praise to maintain their satisfaction, as they are proud creatures. While generally independent, Luxray may band together in large groups and look out for one another in the wild.
So, basically, Luxray is a liger that shoots lightning and has x-ray vision. Sounds badass. However, it has less than desirable stats, and a not-so-great movepool, labeling it as outclassed. Here are Luxray's stats:
HP: 80
Attack: 120
Defense: 79
Special Attack: 95
Special Defense: 79
Speed: 70
Base Total: 523
So, great Attack, and acceptable HP, you could think of running a Special set, but Luxray mostly runs physical attacks. Worse than average defenses and a low Speed stat is very detrimental to Luxray. It's got two good abilities though. Intimidate can help cover Luxray's low Defense stat and Guts raises Luxray's already high attack even higher. You probably won't use Rivalry at all. Guts is probably the best thing you can use, making Luxray a bit of a suicide bomber, coming in, hitting strong, and then dying. Onto Luxray's movepool, here are some things you may consider:
Spark/Wild Charge: These moves are Luxray's main attacking moves. They abuse Luxray's awesome Attack stat, and Spark has a chance of paralyzing your opponent. Wild Charge reduces Luxray's time on the field even more, but packs more punch than Spark, without the paralysis chance. You could use Thunder Fang, but it's weaker than Spark, and has less of a chance of paralysis. Don't even worry about the possibility of a flinch, Luxray isn't going to outrun much. It should be noted that with full EVs in Attack and an Adamant Nature, Luxray can OHKO Tornadus with Spark WITHOUT a Guts boost.
Ice Fang: Ice Fang provides coverage. It's not strong, but it'll do something.
Crunch/Night Slash: Crunch, 80 base power and the ability to lower the opponent's defense. There's something you could work with. Night Slash is weaker with a good chance of a critical hit.
Superpower: Whoa, okay, not bad. 120 power, breaks walls like Ferrothorn and Blissey. The stat drop is pretty bad, but it won't matter, Luxray's probably going down the next turn anyway.
Thunderbolt/Discharge: If you're running a special set... Why not? These are probably gonna be your biggest moves, unless you're running Luxray on a rain team. In that case, you'd be running Thunder.
Hone Claws: Raise Attack and accuracy. Could help Luxray, but wasting a turn to power Luxray is very risky.
And... that's about it. Not much else you can use with Luxray, it's not that versatile. If you're running Guts, you might want Luxray to hold a Flame Orb (not Toxic Orb, as it will kill Luxray faster and lower its Defense), and if you're running Intimidate, Leftovers, Focus Sash, whatever keeps Luxray in longer. So, that's Luxray, and this concludes my first Pokemon of the Week~
