How To Get Riolu and Lucario in Pokemon Legends Z-A

Pokémon Legends: Z-A brings the thrill of exploration and evolution to the streets of Lumiose City, and few Pokémon offer a better early-game advantage than Riolu. This Gen 4 Fighting-type powerhouse is known for its impressive Attack and Speed stats, learning a diverse array of Physical, Fighting, Steel, and Rock-type moves quickly. For players looking to build a formidable team from the start, Riolu is an invaluable asset.The real prize, however, is its evolution, Lucario. Lucario boasts significant elemental resistances and Poison immunity, and it can eventually achieve a staggering power spike with its Mega Evolution. Unlike most Pokémon, Riolu doesn't evolve by simply leveling up; it requires a unique approach centered on the bond between trainer and Pokémon.Here is the ultimate guide to finding Riolu, maximizing your friendship, and unlocking one of the most powerful Mega Pokémon relatively early in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Pokemon Legends Z-A: Get Riolu and Lucario

Part 1: Locating and Capturing Riolu

Finding Riolu requires a sharp eye and a climb to the rooftops of Lumiose City.

Where Riolu Spawns

• Location: Head to Rouge Sector 4, which is situated toward the northwest side of Lumiose City, just east of the Poké Ball Boutique.
• Specific Spot: Riolu can be found spawning exclusively on the rooftops of the Passage Ombrage building during the daytime.
• Access: Look for the ladder located on the northeast side of the Passage Ombrage building to reach the roof.

Capture Strategy

Once you locate Riolu, capture it quickly:

• Exploit Weaknesses: Riolu is a Fighting-type, making it weak against Flying, Psychic, and Fairy-type moves. Utilize any of these to quickly and safely weaken it.
• Capture: Once its health is low, use a Poké Ball to secure the capture.
• Reset Spawns: If the rooftops are empty, simply rest at a nearby bench to reset the Pokémon spawns, then check the location again.

While Lucario is available later in the game (rewarded after Main Mission 37or found in Wild Zone 20 post-story), evolving Riolu is the fastest wayto get this powerful creature.

Part 2: Evolving Riolu Through Friendship

To evolve Riolu into Lucario, you must max out your Friendship/Happiness score with it. Once maxed, simply trigger the evolution prompt.

Fastest Ways to Build Your Bond

Improving Riolu's friendship requires intentional effort and resource management:

• Roam Together (Passive Gain): Whenever you are exploring Lumiose City or traveling between quests, always keep Riolu out of its Poké Ball. Simply spending time walking with you provides a slow, steady increase to its Friendship score.
• Café Rest (Active Boost): Take Riolu to any café and "rest" there while Riolu is out of its ball. This interactionprovides a healthy boost to the Friendship score and is an easy methodto repeat.
• Vitamins (Stat and Friendship Boost): Use Vitamins (such as Iron, Protein, Calcium, etc.) on Riolu. These items not onlypermanently increase Riolu's base stats but also give a good boost toits Friendship score. Vitamins can be purchased for Poké Dollars at the Pokémon Center.
• The Soothe Bell (The Best Tool): The ultimate item for maximizing your bond is the Soothe Bell. If Riolu holds this item, its Friendship score increases significantlyafter every single battle it participates in. You can earn the SootheBell by completing Side Mission 36: Some Friendly Competition.

Part 3: Unlocking Mega Lucario

Once your Friendship with Riolu is maxed, and it evolves into Lucario, thefinal step is unlocking its incredible Mega Evolution, turning it into a fearsome Fighting/Steel-type force.

• Acquire Lucarionite: You must obtain the required Mega Stone, the Lucarionite.
• Purchase Location: Purchase the Lucarionite from Quasartico Inc., a specialized shop in Lumiose City.
• Cost: The Mega Stone will cost 240 Mega Shards.
• Activate: Give the Lucarionite to Lucario. You can now utilize the Mega Evolution ability in battle, granting you access to one of the most powerfulFighting/Steel-type Pokémon available early in the game.

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