Riolu and Lucario were introduced in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl but also received a leading role inPokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, boosting its popularity. Fans of the Fighting and Steel-type Pokémon can catch and evolve Riolu inPokémon Scarlet and Violet. Still, you may wonder how to evolve Riolu into Lucario in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
How to get Lucario in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
To evolve Riolu into Lucario in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you must increase Riolu’s friendship. Riolu does not level up by increasing its level but by havinghigh friendships during the day. Once you have raised Riolu’s friendship level high enough, increase its experience or use a Rare Candy to increase its level during the daytime to trigger the evolution to Lucario.
Alternatively, you’re able to find a wild Lucario in the northeastern corner of Paldea. We found ours inNorth Province Area One, but most North Provinces have Lucario. Be prepared, as its level can be high. We also recommend using status conditions to increase your odds of capturing it.
Related:How to evolve Eevee into Sylveon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
How to raise friendship quickly in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Riolu’s friendship will increase as you use it, but there are ways to speed this up. The best method to quickly increase friendship is by havingpicnics. Feed Riolu sandwiches, give it bathes, and play with it repeatedly to increase its friendship and evolve into Lucario. Additionally, someberriescan increase friendship, but these will decrease certain stats, so this may not be the best route.
Finally, you can give Riolu theSoothe Bellto hold, as this held item will increase Riolu’s friendship. If you wonder if Riolu ’s friendship is high enough, head to Cascarrafa and find theFriendship Checker. You can find this NPC standing next to a Marill in the main plaza of Cascarrafa.
For more information on Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, check outHow to evolve Igglybuff into Jigglypuff in Pokémon Scarlet & VioletandHow to evolve Pichu into Pikachu in Pokémon Scarlet & Violeton Pro Game Guides.
