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How to get Riolu in Pokémon Legends Z-A

Here's how to get Riolu and evolve them into Lucario.

The player sits with Riolu at a cafe in Pokémon Legends Z-A
Image credit: Eurogamer/The Pokémon Company
Kelsey Raynor avatar
Guide by Kelsey Raynor Senior Guides Writer
Published on

Riolu and their evolution, Lucario, are amongst one of the best Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. This Fighting-type Pokémon really packs a punch in battle and you can do no wrong by having this iconic 'mon in your Pokémon Legends: Z-A party; they're great!

If that sounds good to you, here's how to get Riolu in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, as well as how to evolve them into Lucario and get Lucarionite.

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Need more Lumiose City? Then visit our Pokémon Legends: Z-A walkthrough.

How to get Riolu in Pokémon Legends Z-A

There are two ways of getting your hands on a Riolu in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and one requires catching them while the other requires a simple trade deal with a Grade Schooler.

Catching Riolu

The first method of obtaining Riolu – catching them – means paying a visit to the rooftops of the shopping district in Rouge Sector 4 (pictured below).

The location of Riolu is shown on the Lumiose City map in Pokémon Legends Z-A
The player approaches Alpha Riolu in Pokémon Legends Z-A
Image credit: Eurogamer/The Pokémon Company

Here, you have a chance of catching a low-level Riolu or a Level 27 Alpha Riolu if you're lucky. That said, Riolu isn't always guaranteed to spawn here. If they aren't present for you, rest at a nearby Bench or do some battling and then try again.

Trading Riolu

The second method for obtaining Riolu is by completing Side Mission 24 - An Abra Playmate which becomes available following Main Mission 9. This Side Mission is kicked off by speaking to the Grade Schooler found inside Académie Etoile (pictured below), who asks if he can trade you his Riolu for an Abra.

The location of where Side Mission 24 is started is shown on the Lumiose City map in Pokémon Legends Z-A
Image credit: Eurogamer/The Pokémon Company

If you don't already have an Abra, they can be found on the rooftops of Wild Zone 5. Just be careful, as Abra will flee if it sees you before you attack it!

The location of Abra is shown on the Lumiose City map in Pokémon Legends Z-A
The player approaches Abra in Pokémon Legends Z-A
Image credit: Eurogamer/The Pokémon Company

Once you have an Abra, hand it over to the Grade Schooler to complete the trade. Shortly, a Riolu (adorably nicknamed Riolouie) is all yours.

How to evolve Riolu into Lucario in Pokémon Legends Z-A

Now that you have your own Riolu, it's likely that you'll want to evolve it into Lucario in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. To do this, you must raise your Friendship Level with the Pokémon, which means spending time with them at cafes and restaurants, not letting them faint, and feeding them Rare Candy or EXP Candy.

The player evolves Riolu into Lucario in Pokémon Legends Z-A
Image credit: Eurogamer/The Pokémon Company

How to get Lucarionite in Pokémon Legends Z-A

The Lucarionite Mega Stone is fortunately easy to get your hands on in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

All you need to do is smash up some Mega Crystals and pay a visit to Quasartico Inc., where you can trade 240 Mega Shards for Lucarionite.

The player buys the Lucarionite from Quasartico Inc. in Pokémon Legends Z-A
Image credit: Eurogamer/The Pokémon Company

Good luck getting Riolu and evolving them in Pokémon Legends: Z-A!

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