Riolu Best Moveset
Fighting at 70 Attack and 60 Speed with AbilityPrankster giving priority to status moves. Priority MoveCopycat has niche competitive applications. The moveset is a pre-evolution with one interesting trick. Evolve to Lucario for Fighting/Steel TermStab at 110/115 mixed offenses.
Riolu saw minimal competitive use in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum). This marked Riolu's competitive debut. Its most popular set ran Steadfast with Life Orb, favoring a Adamant nature.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Bullet Punch
- Crunch
- Ice Punch
- Earthquake
Recommended Teammates
Riolu landed at C-Tier in Gen V. This was Riolu's competitive peak. Its most popular set ran Prankster with Focus Sash, favoring a Jolly nature.
Best Moves
Best Build
Riolu best EVs are HP and Speed
Support Moveset
- Copycat
- Roar
- Protect
- Drain Punch
Recommended Teammates
Riolu saw minimal competitive use in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS). This was a decline from C-Tier in the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Steadfast with Focus Sash, favoring a Careful nature.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Copycat
- Protect
- Swords Dance
- Reversal
Recommended Teammates
Riolu saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). Riolu maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Prankster with Focus Sash, favoring a Brave nature.
Mixed Attacker Moveset
- Copycat
- Roar
- Detect
- Reversal
Recommended Teammates
Riolu saw minimal competitive use in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP). Riolu maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Prankster with Focus Sash, favoring a Calm nature.
Wall Moveset
- Roar
- Copycat
- Toxic
- Substitute
Recommended Teammates
Riolu saw minimal competitive use in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-A). Riolu maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Prankster with Focus Sash, favoring a Adamant nature.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Copycat
- Bullet Punch
- Reversal
- Swords Dance
Recommended Teammates
Riolu Weakness
Riolu's Fighting typing leaves it vulnerable to Flying, Psychic, and Fairy. 3 weaknesses is about average, nothing too hard to play around.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Flying, Psychic, Fairy |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Bug, Rock, Dark |
What is Riolu Weak Against
AvgBest Pokemon Against Riolu
Salamence can KO Riolu with Earthquake (88-104%). Alakazam threatens a KO with Psychic (215-254%). Clefable's Moonblast also KOs at 140-165%.
 Salamence Dragon | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityMoxie ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Riolu View Salamence builds →Earthquake88-104%KO | ||
 Alakazam Psychic | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Guard ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Riolu View Alakazam builds →Psychic 2x215-254%KO Shadow Ball64-75% Dazzling Gleam 2x127-150%KO | ||
 Clefable Fairy | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Guard ItemLeftovers NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Riolu View Clefable builds →Moonblast 2x140-165%KO | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityIntimidate ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Riolu View Incineroar builds →Knock Off25-30% Flare Blitz94-111%KO | ||
Evolution
Riolu is the baby form here. It evolves into Lucario by leveling up, but you can't breed it directly. Hatch one by breeding the evolved forms instead. The evolved forms gain up to 240 total stats over Riolu. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
How to Get Riolu
Plenty of locations for Riolu with moderate rates across early-game routes. The sort toggle below swaps between best odds and earliest access, so you can approach it based on where you are in the game.
Where To Catch Riolu in SV
To get Riolu, start by catching Riolu through walking encounters at Lv. 7-65. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Riolu ✓Fellhorn GorgeLv.7-60OverworldDayKitakami RoadLv.7-60OverworldDayKitakami WildsLv.7-60OverworldDayMossfell ConfluenceLv.7-60OverworldDayOni MountainLv.7-60OverworldDayOnis MawLv.7-60OverworldDayParadise BarrensLv.7-60OverworldDayRevelers RoadLv.7-60OverworldDayTimeless WoodsLv.7-60OverworldDayWistful FieldsLv.7-60OverworldDaySouth Province (Area Four) - MountainLv.12-40OverworldRate 2%South Province (Area Four) - GrassLv.12-40OverworldRate 1%North Province (Area One) - MountainLv.45-65OverworldRate 1%North Province (Area One) - RockyLv.45-65OverworldRate 1%North Province (Area Two) - RockyLv.45-65OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Four) - RockyLv.45-65OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Six) - MountainLv.45-65OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Six) - RockyLv.45-65OverworldRate 1%
Step 2Catch or Evolve into LucarioFellhorn GorgeLv.7-60OverworldKitakami WildsLv.7-60OverworldOni MountainLv.7-60OverworldTimeless WoodsLv.7-60OverworldNorth Province (Area One) - MountainLv.45-65OverworldRate 1%North Province (Area One) - RockyLv.45-65OverworldRate 1%North Province (Area Two) - RockyLv.45-65OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Four) - MountainLv.45-65OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Four) - RockyLv.45-65OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Six) - MountainLv.45-65OverworldRate 1%South Province (Area Six) - RockyLv.45-65OverworldRate 1%or evolve from Riolu (Step 1)
This 2-stage line starts with Riolu, a baby that doesn't spawn wild. Breed Lucario at the nursery to hatch one, then level through the stages to reach Riolu.
How to Obtain Riolu in LZA
- Step 1Riolu ✓
Breed from Lucario at the Day Care.
- Step 2Catch or Evolve into LucarioWild Zone 20Lv.54-55OverworldLegends: Z-AWild Zone 20Lv.64-65OverworldLegends: Z-Aor evolve from Riolu (Step 1)
Riolu appears at decent spawn rates across 2 spots in endgame routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Riolu in PLA
Riolu is your first catch on the way to Riolu. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 47-50 across 4 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Riolu ✓Icebound FallsLv.47-50GrassRate 15%Snowfall Hot SpringLv.47-50CaveRate 15%
Step 2Catch or Evolve into LucarioIcebound FallsLv.47-50GrassRate 15%Snowfall Hot SpringLv.47-50CaveRate 15%or evolve from Riolu (Step 1)
No wild encounters for Riolu in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Bring Riolu over from Diamond & Pearl, Platinum, or Scarlet & Violet, then level through the stages. Each step in the chain is laid out below.
How to Obtain Riolu in BDSP
Step 1Riolu ✓CARTRIDGE TRADEfrom Sword & ShieldAvailableCatch in Sword & Shield via Overworld · Giant's Cap · Snowstorm, then trade to the current game via link cable.CARTRIDGE TRADEfrom Legends: ArceusAvailableCatch in Legends: Arceus via Walking · Snowfall Hot Spring, then trade to the current game via link cable.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Diamond & PearlNot TradeableAppears in Diamond & Pearl via Gift · Iron Island. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom PlatinumNot TradeableAppears in Platinum via Gift · Iron Island. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Black & WhiteNot TradeableAppears in Black & White via Walking · Challenger's Cave. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Black 2 & White 2Not TradeableAppears in Black 2 & White 2 via Walking · Floccesy Ranch. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom X & YNot TradeableAppears in X & Y via Walking · Route 22. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Sun & MoonNot TradeableAppears in Sun & Moon via Walking · Poni Grove. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
Step 2Evolve into Lucario
Base Stats
Riolu's spread isn't flashy. Attack leads, Sp. Atk trails, 0 stats clear the bar. Moderately hard to find and worth 1 Attack EV, on a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
They communicate with one another using their auras. They are able to run all through the night.
Riolu Guide
Riolu does the job early-game if you need a Fighting type on your team. Evolve it into Lucario before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.
Game Availability
Riolu first appeared in Diamond & Pearl and has been available in 14 games across 7 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DPDebut
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves