How to evolve Riolu into Lucario in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Riolu and Lucario were introduced in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl but also received a leading role in Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, boosting its popularity. Fans of the Fighting and Steel-type Pokémon can catch and evolve Riolu in Pokémon 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 having high 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 can find a wild Lucario in the northeastern corner of Paldea. We found ours in North 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 having picnics. Feed Riolu sandwiches, give it bathes, and play with it repeatedly to increase its friendship and evolve into Lucario. Additionally, some berries can increase friendship, but these will decrease certain stats, so this may not be the best route.

Finally, you can give Riolu the Soothe Bell to 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 the Friendship 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 out How to evolve Igglybuff into Jigglypuff in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and How to evolve Pichu into Pikachu in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet on Pro Game Guides.