How To Find And Evolve Riolu (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Evolve Riolu Pixelmon » How To Find And Evolve Riolu (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Evolve Riolu PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Ethan Dobbs

Last Updated: November 24, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Evolving Riolu
    • |
  • Finding Riolu
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Q&A
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Ethan Dobbs. Ethan Dobbs is a distinguished Pokémon Expert based in Dallas, Texas. He began his YouTube career in 2016 and quickly became one of the platform's most prominent Pokémon content creators. Dobbs is renowned for his captivating Top 10's, humorous animations, compelling story-telling, and giant fact videos. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Emerging Media and Communications to complete his digital expertise and enhance his content creation capabilities. Operating two YouTube channels, "Dobbs" and "Dobbs Gaming," he continues to captivate and entertain millions of Pokémon enthusiasts worldwide. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 556,373 times.

How do you find and evolve Riolu? This Pokémon is very rare and is difficult to find if you don't know where to look. The method varies depending on which Pokémon game you are playing. Evolving Riolu will give you Lucario, one of the most effective Fighting-type Pokémon in the game.

Things You Should Know

  • Get Riolu's Friendship (or, Happiness) level up to 220 or higher.
  • This will level up Riolu into Lucario.
  • Raise Friendship/Happiness by having Riolu hold a soothe bell, walking steps, getting a massage, or taking vitamins and EV berries.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Evolving Riolu

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Raise Riolu's Happiness.... 1 Raise Riolu's Happiness. This is also referred to as the Friendship level.[1] There are a variety of actions you can take to raise happiness. Riolu must have a Friendship/Happiness rating of at least 220 to evolve.
    • Capture Riolu in a Luxury Ball. This only works if you are obtaining a wild Riolu. Using a luxury ball will add an extra point to the results of any happiness increase.
    • Have Riolu hold a Soothe Bell. This will increase the amount of friendship gained.
    • Walk 256 steps. Every 256 steps will raise your friendship by 1. Riolu must be in the party.
    • Get a massage at Ribbon Syndicate. This will give you a large boost in your happiness.
    • Use vitamins and EV berries. These include Pomeg, Kelpsy, Qualot, Hondew, Grepa, and Tamato berries.
    • Avoid fainting and using Heal Powder. These will slightly lower your friendship.
  2. Step 2 Only use Riolu during the day. 2 Only use Riolu during the day. Perform all friendship-raising activities during the day time. Make sure to only fight with Riolu during the day.[2]
    • Riolu can only evolve in sunlight.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Level up Riolu. 3 Level up Riolu. Once you have Riolu's friendship at 220 or higher, it should evolve the next time that it levels up. You can use the Friendship Checker gadget in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum to see the friendship rating. It should display 2 large hearts. Riolu will evolve into Lucario.[3]
    4. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Finding Riolu

PDF download Download Article

X & Y

  1. Step 1 Capture Riolu on Route 22. 1 Capture Riolu on Route 22. Walk through the Grass and Flowers in Route 22 for a chance to find Riolu. Riolu will be Level 6–7. Riolu is very rare, so finding one may take a while.[4]
  2. Step 2 Find Riolu in the Friend Safari. 2 Find Riolu in the Friend Safari. If you've defeated the Elite Four, you can gain access to the Friend Safari in Kiloude City.[5]
    • You will need to enter a Friend Code that gives you access to the Fighting-type Friend Safari.
    • The friend who's code you enter needs to have beaten the game for Riolu to be available.
    • There is a 25% chance that a Fighting-type Safari will include Riolu in Slot 3.
    • Korrina gives you one of her Lucarios when you obtain the Key Ring.
    3. Advertisement

Black 2 & White 2

  1. Step 1 Travel to Floccesy Ranch. 1 Travel to Floccesy Ranch. The Ranch can be accessed towards the beginning of the game. It is located to the north of Route 20.[6]
  2. Step 2 Find Riolu. 2 Find Riolu. Riolu can be found while walking through the tall grass. Riolu has a 5% chance of appearing. Riolu can be between Level 5 and Level 7.
    3. Advertisement

Black & White

  1. Step 1 Defeat the Elite Four and Team Plasma. 1 Defeat the Elite Four and Team Plasma. The only way to get Riolu in Pokémon Black & White is to beat the story first and become the Champion.
  2. Step 2 Travel to Challenger's Cave. 2 Travel to Challenger's Cave. The cave entrance is located on Route 9. You will not be able to enter the cave until after defeating the Elite Four as well as Team Plasma. Once you have fulfilled the requirements, the person blocking the entrance will allow you to pass.[7]
    • The cave is dark, so you will need Flash to navigate, as well as Surf to traverse the stream.
  3. Step 3 Find Riolu. 3 Find Riolu. Riolu can appear in the 1st and 2nd basements in the cave. He has a 5% chance of appearing, and will be Level 49 or 50.
    4. Advertisement

HeartGold & SoulSilver

  1. Step 1 Travel to the Johto Safari Zone. 1 Travel to the Johto Safari Zone. In order to access the Safari Zone, you must complete the story events at Glitter Lighthouse. After you do, Baoba will call your character and announce that the Safari Zone is open.
  2. Step 2 Find Geodude to complete the first Safari Zone challenge. 2 Find Geodude to complete the first Safari Zone challenge. Baoba wants you to catch a Geodude to show you how the Safari Zone works. The Geodude can be found in the Peak area of the Safari Zone, which is always the default first area.
  3. Step 3 Find Sandshrew to complete the second Safari Zone challenge. 3 Find Sandshrew to complete the second Safari Zone challenge. Three hours after you complete the first challenge, Baoba will contact you again asking you to catch a Sandshrew. In order to do this, you will need to add a Desert area to the Safari Zone. Use the Area Customizer to do this.
  4. Step 4 Beat the Elite Four. 4 Beat the Elite Four. In order to find Riolu, you will need the National Pokédex. This is obtained after defeating the Johto League, before you board the ship to the Kanto region.
  5. Step 5 Place blocks in the Safari Zone. 5 Place blocks in the Safari Zone. After you have completed the above steps, Baoba will contact you and you will be given the ability to add blocks to each area of the Safari Zone. Riolu is located in the Meadow area, so focus on placing blocks there.
    • Riolu will be drawn out by Peak (Small Rock, Big Rock, Mossy Rock) and Forest (Tree, Stump, Branches) blocks.
  6. Step 6 Upgrade your blocks. 6 Upgrade your blocks. You will need 42 Peak blocks and 28 Forest blocks in the Meadow area. You can only place 30 blocks into one area, so you will need to upgrade your blocks.[8]
    • Every 10 days in the Safari Zone, one type of block gets upgraded. After 10 days, Plains blocks double in value. After 20 days, Forest blocks double in value. After 30 days, Peak blocks double in value. After 40 days, Waterside blocks double in value. After 50 days, Plains triples. The cycle continues until every block has quadrupled in value.
  7. Step 7 Find and capture Riolu. 7 Find and capture Riolu. Once you have enough blocks placed and upgraded, walk through the tall grass in the Meadow area to try to encounter Riolu. The chance of seeing and catching Riolu will still be very low. Safari Zone wild Riolu are Level 45–46.
    8. Advertisement

Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum

  1. Step 1 Travel to the Iron Island. 1 Travel to the Iron Island. In order to reach the Iron Island, you will need access to Canalave City. After entering the city, walk North and cross the bridge to your left. You may have to fight your rival as you cross the bridge if you haven't already. After crossing, walk back down until you see the boats in the harbor.[9]
    • Talk to the sailor in the harbor and you will be taken by boat to Iron Island.
  2. Step 2 Enter the cave on Iron Island. 2 Enter the cave on Iron Island. You will be presented with two staircases. Take the staircase on the right to access an elevator to take you to a lower basement. You will again see two staircases. This time take the left staircase and you will meet Riley.
  3. Step 3 Fight through the rest of the cave. 3 Fight through the rest of the cave. Once Riley has joined you, you need to continue through the rest of the cave, until you reach the Galactic Grunts. Defeat the Galactic Grunts and Riley will leave you. As a parting gift, he will present you with a Riolu Egg.
    • If you don't have room in your party for the Egg, he will wait there until you come back with an open space.
  4. Step 4 Hatch the Egg.... 4 Hatch the Egg. Keep the Egg in your party to hatch it. Eggs are hatched by taking steps in the game. Each Egg has a set number of cycles, and a cycle is complete after 256 steps. When the Egg has less than 5 cycles remaining, the Status screen will display the message: “It's making sounds inside! It's gonna hatch soon!”[10]
    • Once the Egg is hatched, a Level 1 Riolu will be born.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I find Riolu in Pokémon Sun and Moon? Community Answer Community Answer You can find Riolu in the Poni Plains. It has a low encounter rate, and it may cause itself to faint during battle, so proceed with caution. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 23
  • Question How do I check a Pokémon's friendliness level in Pokémon Black and White? Community Answer Community Answer In Nacrene City, locate the girl to the right of the Pokémon Center. Speak with her, and she will evaluate your Pokémon's friendliness level. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 21 Helpful 31
  • Question How much happiness does Golbat require to evolve? Community Answer Community Answer While this article focuses on Riolu, Golbat requires 220 happiness points to evolve, which typically equates to around 48,000 steps after its capture. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 11
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Evolve Riolu in Pokemon Brick BronzeHow toEvolve Riolu in Pokemon Brick Bronze Get Lucario in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl and PlatinumHow to Find Lucario in Pokémon: 12 Quick & Easy Steps Evolve Pichu in Pokemon Sun and MoonEasy Ways to Evolve Pichu in Pokémon Sun and Moon Evolve PichuHow toEvolve Pichu Get Crobat in Pokémon EmeraldPokémon Emerald: How to Evolve Golbat into Crobat Get a Gabite in PokémonHow to Get a Gabite in All Pokémon Games Obtain a Crobat in PokémonHow toObtain a Crobat in Pokémon Get Gardevoir in Pokémon X and YHow toGet Gardevoir in Pokémon X and Y Evolve HappinyHow toEvolve Happiny Evolve RoseliaHow to Evolve Roselia into Roserade: You’ll Need a Shiny Stone Catch Reshiram and Zekrom in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha SapphireHow toCatch Reshiram and Zekrom in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Raise Friendship Level in the Pokémon GamesHow toRaise Friendship Level in the Pokémon Games Catch Pokémon in Safari ZoneHow toCatch Pokémon in Safari Zone Evolve SneaselHow to Evolve Sneasel into Weavile in Every Pokémon Game Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about playing Pokémon, check out our in-depth interview with Ethan Dobbs.

References

  1. ↑ Ethan Dobbs. Pokémon Expert. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-scarlet-violet-how-to-evolve-riolu-into-lucario-9015
  3. ↑ https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-scarlet-violet-how-to-evolve-riolu-into-lucario-9015
  4. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-x-y/Riolu
  5. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-x-y/Riolu
  6. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-black-white-version-2/Floccesy_Ranch
  7. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-black-and-white/Challenger's_Cave
  8. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Johto_Safari_Zone#Meadow
  9. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-diamond-pearl-platinum-version/Iron_Island
More References (1)
  1. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-diamond-pearl-platinum-version/Iron_Island

About This Article

Ethan Dobbs Co-authored by: Ethan Dobbs Pokémon Expert This article was co-authored by Ethan Dobbs. Ethan Dobbs is a distinguished Pokémon Expert based in Dallas, Texas. He began his YouTube career in 2016 and quickly became one of the platform's most prominent Pokémon content creators. Dobbs is renowned for his captivating Top 10's, humorous animations, compelling story-telling, and giant fact videos. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Emerging Media and Communications to complete his digital expertise and enhance his content creation capabilities. Operating two YouTube channels, "Dobbs" and "Dobbs Gaming," he continues to captivate and entertain millions of Pokémon enthusiasts worldwide. This article has been viewed 556,373 times. 8 votes - 75% Co-authors: 22 Updated: November 24, 2025 Views: 556,373 Categories: Pokemon Diamond Pearl and Platinum In other languages Portuguese Spanish Italian Russian German French Indonesian Dutch Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 556,373 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Mega Lucario

    Mega Lucario

    Jun 23, 2016

    "It takes forever to evolve Riolu, so knowing all this extra info about how to evolve it and the specifics of the..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ethan Dobbs Co-authored by: Ethan Dobbs Pokémon Expert 8 votes - 75% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 22 Updated: November 24, 2025 Views: 556,373 Mega Lucario

Mega Lucario

Jun 23, 2016

"It takes forever to evolve Riolu, so knowing all this extra info about how to evolve it and the specifics of the..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jul 20, 2018

"I had success catching a level 75 Kyrem in Pokemon Black with a normal Pokeball!" Anonymous

Anonymous

Dec 13, 2016

"Didn't know Riolu evolves in the day. Thanks!" Preston Davis

Preston Davis

Jan 21, 2021

"My Riolu was lv 99 and happiness was max." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

My Pokemon Partner QuizMy Pokemon Partner QuizTake QuizWhat Pokémon Am I QuizWhat Pokémon Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Pokémon Type Am I QuizWhat Pokémon Type Am I QuizTake QuizWhich Eeveelution Would I Be? (Pokémon Quiz)Which Eeveelution Would I Be? (Pokémon Quiz)Take QuizWho Is My Pokémon Girlfriend QuizWho Is My Pokémon Girlfriend QuizTake QuizName That Pokémon Quiz: How Many Can You Guess?Name That Pokémon Quiz: How Many Can You Guess?Take Quiz

You Might Also Like

Evolve Riolu in Pokemon Brick BronzeHow toEvolve Riolu in Pokemon Brick BronzeGet Lucario in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl and PlatinumHow to Find Lucario in Pokémon: 12 Quick & Easy StepsEvolve Pichu in Pokemon Sun and MoonEasy Ways to Evolve Pichu in Pokémon Sun and MoonEvolve PichuHow toEvolve Pichu

Featured Articles

Remove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeHow toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?

Trending Articles

Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAttractiveness Score QuizAttractiveness Score QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizHypersexuality TestHypersexuality TestWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Featured Articles

Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With

Featured Articles

What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureWill 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Watch Articles

Tie a Loop KnotHow toTie a Loop KnotMake Body OilHow toMake Body OilMake Almond MilkHow toMake Almond MilkWash White Clothes by HandHow toWash White Clothes by HandSkin a ChickenHow toSkin a ChickenClean Tile Floors with VinegarHow toClean Tile Floors with Vinegar

Trending Articles

What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizChoose Your Own Adventure GameChoose Your Own Adventure GameYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb CrushesYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb Crushes151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to Ask151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizWhat Is Your Lip Type?What Is Your Lip Type?

Quizzes & Games

Which Alice in Borderland Character Am I QuizWhich Alice in Borderland Character Am I QuizTake QuizWhich Tomb Raider Character Am I?Which Tomb Raider Character Am I?Take QuizWhat Genshin Character Am I QuizWhat Genshin Character Am I QuizTake QuizWhich Pokémon Horizons Character Am I QuizWhich Pokémon Horizons Character Am I QuizTake QuizBrawl Stars QuizBrawl Stars QuizTake QuizWhich Hollow Knight Character Am I QuizWhich Hollow Knight Character Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Games
  • Video Games
  • Multi Platform Games
  • Pokemon Video Games
  • Pokemon Diamond Pearl and Platinum
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --722

Tag » How To Evolve Riolu Pixelmon