Evolving Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A depends on leveling them up by fighting battles with them. However, to evolve Riolu into Lucario, you don’t need EXP; all you need is Friendship Level. First, you need to catch Riolu, then increase your Friendship Level with him. This guide will help you do all of this in the easiest way possible in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Catch Riolu From the Building Right of Quasartico Inc.
To evolve Riolu into Lucario, you need to catch Riolu first, which spawns only during the day on the building to the right of Quasartico Inc. Head to the northwestern part of Lumiose City, where the Quasartico Inc. building is located. You need to reach the building as shown on the map above.
- Head right from the Quasartico Inc. building into the narrow pathway, walk straight ahead, and turn left to start climbing the scaffolding using the ladder on it.
- Climb up until you’ve reached the top of the building with the scaffolding.
- At the top, take a right and jump onto the roof below, walk straight, and use the ladder to climb the roof of the next building.
- From there, head straight and use the metal path on the left to cross ahead.
- Then, turn right and reach the end of the building to find Riolu at the corner.
Remember, Riolu will only spawn during the day. Catch him with your Pokéballs, then move on to the next step.
Increase Friendship Level With Riolu to Evolve
The next thing you need to do is increase your Friendship Level with Riolu. Since Riolu evolves into Lucario based on your Friendship Level, this is a crucial step. You can check your Friendship Level at any point of time. Head to any cafeterias across Lumiose City and have Riolu selected on your team. Now, all you have to do is get Riolu out and order any coffee from the cafeteria. This will increase your Friendship Level with Riolu.
Repeat this process around four to five times to reach the intended Friendship Level with Riolu. Once you’ve done that, open up your Menu, then select Riolu, and you’ll be given the option to “Evolve” him into Lucario. Normally, you can catch Lucario from Wild Zone 20, but that comes at the end of the game. Doing this will allow you to obtain Lucario early in the game.
That’s all you need to do to evolve Riolu into Lucario in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. For more comprehensive guides on this Pokémon title, check out the ones on All Wild Zone 4 Pokémon, Canari Quiz Whiz Answers, and Early Game Tips.
