Riolu is one of the many creatures available for capture in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. With this title being closely connected with Pokémon Diamond and Pearl's Sinnoh region, there are tons of new types of evolutions for classic Pokémon. Riolu initially made its debut in that title as a new Steel and Fighting-type Pokémon. It's grown to be a fan-favorite because of its evolutionary form, Lucario. Now, trainers can add them to their collection again with Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
First, players will need to wait until they unlock access to Alabaster Icelands in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This is the last major unlockable location on the map and is covered with Ice, Ghost, and Dark-type Pokémon. This is the only location where players will be able to encounter Riolu. It's important to mention that it's a fairly rare spawn on the map. If it doesn't appear, players should return back to Jublife Village and come back to Alabaster Icelands. This will reroll which wild Pokémon are appearing on the map, giving Riolu another chance to appear.
Riolu has the chance of spawning near Icebound Falls and Snowfall Hot Spring in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. They form a triangle on the map from where their icons are located. In the middle of this triangle is where Riolu has the chance to appear. Players should also make sure to throw out a berry or food item in order to keep it distracted. Once it's eating it, they can throw a Poké Ball at its back for a higher chance of capturing it.
How To Evolve Riolu Into Lucario In Pokémon Legends: Arceus
While there is a chance for a Lucario to appear in the same location, its spawn rate is a lot lower. In order to evolve Riolu into Lucario, the player will need to max out their friendship with the Pokémon. It will also need to be daytime in order for the evolution option to appear in the menu. Fortunately, there are tons of different ways to max out friendship in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and players should send out Riolu to grab items when exploring the wild to expedite the process.
The best place to go to raise friendship with Riolu in Legends: Arceus would be in Obsidian Fieldlands. Since this is the first location in the game, the wild Pokémon will have their levels much lower, making them easy to faint in battle. Trainers can use Riolu and take out as many Bidoof or Starly as possible to build up its friendship. Eventually, Riolu will have the option to evolve into Lucario. Regardless, trainers will need both of these Pokémon to complete the Pokédex and unlock the Shiny Charm.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is available now on Nintendo Switch.