Luxray – Battle Styles
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2021
Ratings Summary:
Standard: 2.00
Expanded: 2.00
Ratings are based on a 1 to 5 scale. 1 is horrible. 3 is average. 5 is great.
Reviews Below:
Otaku
Luxray (SW – Battle Styles 048/163) is a Rapid Strike Pokémon, so it has that going for it already. As Stage 2 it is a big investment. You can use Rapid Strike Style Mustard to speed Luxray to the field, or try your luck with Luxio (SW – Rebel Clash 061/192; Shining Fates 032/072) and its “Top Entry” Ability… but you’re probably best of just sticking with a Shinx and Rare Candy. The [L] typing is solid. 150 HP is “okay”; Stage 2 Pokémon require a hefty investment, so what is good for a Basic and kind-of-good for a Stage 1 is less effective. [F] Weakness is dangerous, no Resistance is technically the worst, and the Retreat Cost of [C] is good.
“Electrostep” costs [L] and lets you do 40 damage to one of your opponent, then move Luxray to your Bench and promote something else. Decent damage and effect for the Energy, but much less impressive when you remember “Stage 2”. “Scar Strikes” has some real promise, though. It costs [LC], which is doable in a single turn with miscellaneous bits of Energy acceleration, including Rapid Strike Energy and Tapu Koko {*}. Its effect only activates if your opponent’s Active already has any damage counters on it… but this is a metagame where Zigzagoon (Sword & Shield 117/202; Shining Fates SV078/SV122) to place a damage counter via its Ability is such a common play.
So… with a simple combo, it is a Stage 2 that can one shot Basic Pokémon V, but a terrible Weakness unless [F] decks have dropped off again. Also, beefier Basic Pokémon V require a more extensive combo. It’d be obscene as a Basic, and probably have made our countdown as a Stage 1. As a Stage 2, though, we’ll have to wait and see. I wonder what it could do in Expanded, with the resources to reliably pull off Rapid Strike Style Mustard, more easy Energy acceleration, and some good damage buffs.
Ratings
- Standard: 2/5
- Expanded: 2/5
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