A host of Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A do not evolve through traditional means, and Riolu is one of those that requires special attention before evolution into Lucario is triggered.
The variety of special evolution methods in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is widespread, ranging from specific Evolution Stones to requiring trading, but others, including Riolu, require a lot more work before their respective evolution is triggered.
If you’re desperate to get your hands on Lucario in Pokémon Legends: Z-A and want to evolve your Riolu quickly, we’ve got all the details.
How to Evolve Riolu in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Riolu has a special evolution requirement in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, requiring high friendship to trigger the evolution into Lucario, which also occurs only in daytime.
Unlike other Pokémon that evolve through simple means like reaching a certain level, Riolu desires a special bond with its trainer before triggering an evolution into Lucario, which can result in a lengthy wait before you can add Lucario to your party.
Fortunately, there are several ways to raise your friendship with Riolu and other Pokémon in Legends: Z-A, which we’ve highlighted in the list below.
- Get a drink at a Cafe with your Pokémon.
- Hang out with your Pokémon on a bench.
- Use EXP Candies on your Pokémon.
- Level up your Pokémon.
The Cafe feature in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is by far the quickest and easiest method to obtain Lucario, as it requires only around four drinks before Riolu is ready to evolve, but you can mix it up by utilizing the other means.
Can You Catch Lucario in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
Yes, Lucario can be caught in Pokémon Legends: Z-A if you want to skip the process of getting Riolu to evolve, although not until the post-game.
Lucario can be found as both a normal spawn and an Alpha Pokémon in Wild Zone 20, which unlocks following the completion of the main story. A standard version of Lucario is one of several Pokémon that can spawn on the western side of the area, along with the likes of Aggron, Hippowdon, Tepig, and Charmander.
Alternatively, an Alpha Lucario is possible to find in the middle of Wild Zone 20, beneath the remains of Prism Tower, but there’s only a slight chance of it appearing, as the spawn point is shared with several other Alpha variants, including Gyarados, Leafeon, Tyranitar, and Gallade.
The spawn for Alpha Pokémon in Wild Zone 20 will also be blocked if you have begun the process to catch Zygarde and have yet to defeat it, as it will wait in the zone until you are ready. If you’ve beaten Lysandre in the post-game, focus on catching Zygarde first to ensure the Alpha Pokémon spawns in Wild Zone 20 aren’t blocked.
Which Pokémon do you want to see receive a Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A? Let us know in the Insider Gaming Discord.
For more Pokémon Legends: Z-A guides, find out how to evolve Pancham into Pangoro, and take a look at how to get your hands on Mega Ampharos.
