Riolu and Lucario have been popular with fans in the Pokémon games, and that holds in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Getting Lucario on your team is immensely satisfying, albeit easier than catching a Pokémon in the Wild Zone and leveling it up. Riolu is not easy to find, and evolving it requires patience and specific conditions. This is how to find Riolu and evolve it into Lucario in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Where to Find Riolu in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Riolu is one of the rarest Pokémon in Lumiose City, and unlike most species, it doesn’t spawn in any Wild Zone areas. Instead, you’ll need to hunt for it in a few specific spots or complete a side quest for a guaranteed one.
Wild Riolu Location
You can find a wild Riolu on the rooftop of Passage Ombrage Marketplace, located in the northwestern corner of Lumiose City, a bit northwest of Wild Zone 3. Climb up on the rooftops via the ladder near the market stands.
Keep in mind that Riolu is a rare spawn so that it won’t be there immediately. If you miss one, move to another spot soon and return to reset the encounter. Riolu also has a low catch rate, so employ your best Poké Balls and attempt a sneaky toss from behind to give yourself an extra shot.
Guaranteed Riolu from a Side Quest
Alternatively, if luck isn’t on your side, you can get a Riolu from finishing a side quest called “An Abra Playmate.” The quest giver is located in a courtyard just north of Wild Zone 3 in northwestern Lumiose City.
To complete the quest, you’ll need to trade an Abra for a Riolu. Abra can be found on rooftops in Wild Zone 1 and Wild Zone 5. Once the trade is complete, you’ll receive a special Riolu nicknamed “Riolouie.”
How to Evolve Riolu into Lucario
Riolu evolves into Lucario through high friendship, not by leveling up. Once your bond with Riolu is strong enough, it can evolve during the daytime.
There is no requirement for friendship level, but friendship building does work over time. Some of the effective ways to increase Riolu’s friendship in Pokémon Legends: Z-A are:
- Spend time with Riolu at benches and cafes located all over Lumiose City.
- Heal using healing items and friendship items like Sweet Beans or Luxury Feed.
- Winnings from battles without letting Riolu faint.
- Keep Riolu in your active party as you travel.
When your friendship is high enough, you’ll notice an evolution icon next to Riolu’s portrait during the day. Trigger it to evolve your Riolu into Lucario, one of the strongest Fighting and Steel-type Pokémon in the game.
