Riolu and Lucario are two of the most popular Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, but catching a Riolu and getting it to evolve into Lucario is easier said than done. Thankfully, there’s an easy side quest you can complete to get your hands on a guaranteed Riolu in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

Riolu is one of the rarest Pokemon in the entire game. Unlike most of the Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Riolu cannot be found in any of Lumiose City’s Wild Zones. You can still find and catch a wild Riolu in specific places throughout the city, but it’ll take a few tries to get it to settle down in one of your Poke Balls. Here’s where to find a Riolu in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

Riolu Locations in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

There are two ways to get Riolu in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. A wild Riolu can be found on the rooftop of the Passage Ombrage marketplace in the northwestern part of Lumiose City, northwest of Wild Zone 3. There’s a ladder you can use to reach the rooftops.

Like Dratini, Riolu is a rare spawn and isn’t guaranteed to appear. You can fast travel away and then return to Passage Ombrage to try and force it to appear if you can’t find it. Riolu has a low capture chance, so bring your best Poke Balls and try to hit it from behind to maximize your chances of success.

The second way to obtain a Riolu is via a side quest called An Abra Playmate. Found in a courtyard east of Wild Zone 3 in the northern part of Lumiose City, this quest requires you to trade an Abra in exchange for a Riolu. You can find Abra on top of rooftops in Wild Zone 1 and Wild Zone 5. After the trade, you’ll receive a special Riolu nicknamed Riolouie.

How to Evolve Riolu in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Riolu has a special evolution condition that must be met before it can evolve into Lucario. In order for Riolu to evolve, you have to raise your friendship with it high enough. Once you’ve reached a high enough friendship level, you can evolve Riolu into Lucario during the daytime.

There isn’t a minimum level requirement to evolve Riolu into Lucario in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, but raising your friendship will take some time. Hang out with Riolu and your Pokemon at benches throughout Lumioise City, visit cafes with Riolu, and use special items on Riolu to make it more fond of you. When the time comes, you’ll see the evolution arrow next to Riolu’s icon during the daytime.

Systems

Released

October 16, 2025

ESRB

Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases

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