How to Catch or Buy Riolu in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2025 1:12 am
If you're diving into Pokémon Legends: Z-A, one of the most exciting Pokémon to add to your team is Riolu. This fighting-type Pokémon, famous for evolving into Lucario, offers a mix of speed, power, and versatility. Whether you're aiming to catch it through gameplay or simply buy it, knowing how to get Riolu will save you a lot of time and effort. In this guide, we'll break down the best ways to catch or buy Riolu in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, so you can quickly get this prized companion for your journey.
How to Catch Riolu in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Catching Riolu requires some preparation, as this Pokémon can be elusive, but with the right strategy, it's definitely attainable.
1. Find the Right Location
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Riolu typically spawns in specific locations, often in areas where fighting-type Pokémon are more commonly found. Look for Riolu in the wild near areas such as the Obsidian Grasslands or the Tundra Caves, where the conditions are favorable for fighting-type spawns. Keep in mind that certain environmental factors, such as time of day and weather, can influence spawn rates, so make sure to check these aspects before heading out on your hunt.
2. Be Prepared for a Battle
Once you locate Riolu, be prepared for a challenging battle. This Pokémon is known for its strong physical moves and its ability to dodge attacks with ease. Make sure you bring along a Pokémon with status-inflicting moves (such as Sleep or Paralyze) to make Riolu easier to capture. Also, consider using a Quick Ball or Dusk Ball depending on the time of day. These balls give you a better chance of capturing Riolu right off the bat.
3. Increase Your Chances with a Lucario
If you're lucky enough to have Lucario in your team, Riolu’s evolution form, it can increase your chances of encountering Riolu. As Riolu shares a strong bond with Lucario, the bond between these two Pokémon often leads to higher spawn rates in certain zones.
4. Patience is Key
Riolu's spawn rate is not as high as some other Pokémon, so it may take some time before you encounter it. If you're struggling to find it, try leaving the area and returning to reset the spawn cycle. Be patient, and remember, the reward of having Riolu in your team is well worth the effort.
How to Buy Riolu in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
If you're not keen on the time-consuming process of catching Riolu, there’s an alternative: buying it. While catching Pokémon is part of the adventure in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, buying Pokémon can be a great shortcut, especially if you're looking for specific stats or moves that you might not be able to get through regular gameplay.
1. Check the In-Game Marketplace
The Pokémon Legends: Z-A marketplace allows players to purchase rare Pokémon like Riolu from NPC vendors or other players through an in-game trading system. Look for vendors who specialize in selling rare or hard-to-find Pokémon, and keep an eye on their stock as it updates periodically. While this can be a more straightforward method, expect to pay a hefty price for Riolu due to its popularity and desirability.
2. Utilize Pokémon Trading Platforms
Another option is to buy Riolu from other players through online trading platforms. You can find Riolu available for sale or trade, but the prices can vary depending on the demand. Some traders might also offer Riolu with competitive stats, which could be beneficial if you're aiming for a high-level Riolu to quickly evolve into Lucario.
3. Special Events and Promotions
Occasionally, special in-game events or promotions may offer Riolu as a reward or part of a limited-time bundle. Keep an eye on official announcements and event schedules to take advantage of these opportunities. These events typically offer exclusive access to certain Pokémon, including Riolu, making it easier to obtain this elusive fighter.
Whether you're looking to catch Riolu through a challenging hunt or buy it from a vendor, knowing how to get it is key to adding this awesome Pokémon to your team. If you choose to catch it, remember that patience and strategy will pay off. On the other hand, buying Riolu can be a quick and effective way to get your hands on this powerful fighter. Either way, once you have Riolu in your squad, you'll be one step closer to dominating in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
How to Catch Riolu in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Catching Riolu requires some preparation, as this Pokémon can be elusive, but with the right strategy, it's definitely attainable.
1. Find the Right Location
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Riolu typically spawns in specific locations, often in areas where fighting-type Pokémon are more commonly found. Look for Riolu in the wild near areas such as the Obsidian Grasslands or the Tundra Caves, where the conditions are favorable for fighting-type spawns. Keep in mind that certain environmental factors, such as time of day and weather, can influence spawn rates, so make sure to check these aspects before heading out on your hunt.
2. Be Prepared for a Battle
Once you locate Riolu, be prepared for a challenging battle. This Pokémon is known for its strong physical moves and its ability to dodge attacks with ease. Make sure you bring along a Pokémon with status-inflicting moves (such as Sleep or Paralyze) to make Riolu easier to capture. Also, consider using a Quick Ball or Dusk Ball depending on the time of day. These balls give you a better chance of capturing Riolu right off the bat.
3. Increase Your Chances with a Lucario
If you're lucky enough to have Lucario in your team, Riolu’s evolution form, it can increase your chances of encountering Riolu. As Riolu shares a strong bond with Lucario, the bond between these two Pokémon often leads to higher spawn rates in certain zones.
4. Patience is Key
Riolu's spawn rate is not as high as some other Pokémon, so it may take some time before you encounter it. If you're struggling to find it, try leaving the area and returning to reset the spawn cycle. Be patient, and remember, the reward of having Riolu in your team is well worth the effort.
How to Buy Riolu in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
If you're not keen on the time-consuming process of catching Riolu, there’s an alternative: buying it. While catching Pokémon is part of the adventure in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, buying Pokémon can be a great shortcut, especially if you're looking for specific stats or moves that you might not be able to get through regular gameplay.
1. Check the In-Game Marketplace
The Pokémon Legends: Z-A marketplace allows players to purchase rare Pokémon like Riolu from NPC vendors or other players through an in-game trading system. Look for vendors who specialize in selling rare or hard-to-find Pokémon, and keep an eye on their stock as it updates periodically. While this can be a more straightforward method, expect to pay a hefty price for Riolu due to its popularity and desirability.
2. Utilize Pokémon Trading Platforms
Another option is to buy Riolu from other players through online trading platforms. You can find Riolu available for sale or trade, but the prices can vary depending on the demand. Some traders might also offer Riolu with competitive stats, which could be beneficial if you're aiming for a high-level Riolu to quickly evolve into Lucario.
3. Special Events and Promotions
Occasionally, special in-game events or promotions may offer Riolu as a reward or part of a limited-time bundle. Keep an eye on official announcements and event schedules to take advantage of these opportunities. These events typically offer exclusive access to certain Pokémon, including Riolu, making it easier to obtain this elusive fighter.
Whether you're looking to catch Riolu through a challenging hunt or buy it from a vendor, knowing how to get it is key to adding this awesome Pokémon to your team. If you choose to catch it, remember that patience and strategy will pay off. On the other hand, buying Riolu can be a quick and effective way to get your hands on this powerful fighter. Either way, once you have Riolu in your squad, you'll be one step closer to dominating in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.