Riolu (Pokémon)

← #446: Munchlax

Pokémon

#448: Lucario →

Riolu リオル Riolu #447
Art by Ken Sugimori from Diamond and Pearl
Type Fighting ' Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Emanation Pokémon
Abilities Steadfast or Inner Focus Inner Focus Blue-Striped -----	Exp. at Lv. 100 1,059,860
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #— Johto — Hoenn — Sinnoh #115 Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R-222 Oblivia R-264 N-178
Height 2'04" Imperial 0.7 m Metric 2'04"/0.7 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 44.5 lbs. Imperial 20.2 kg Metric 44.5 lbs./20.2 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Blue	Catch rate 75 (9.8%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 87.5% male, 12.5% female
Breeding No eggs group 26 cycles (6630 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 1 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 72 Battle Exp.: 721*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Riolu (Japanese: リオル Riolu) is a Template:Type2 baby Pokémon.

It evolves into Lucario via happiness during the day.

Biology

Physiology

Riolu is a small, blue, dog-like Pokémon. Its legs and torso are colored black. Riolu's tail is blue and it has a yellow collar. There are rounded bumps on the backs of Riolu's forepaws, which could be the beginnings of the spikes on Lucario's forepaws. Riolu has a black "mask" and red eyes.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Riolu are sensitive to a special type of energy called Aura. Riolu's evolved form, Lucario, can use these waves to attack, or study these waves to predict the movements of their opponents, and use them to track anyone. However, Riolu does not have the ability to fully use these powers, although it can still emanate these waves to communicate and sense them - albeit only in "ripples" as opposed to the "waves" of energy its evolution can sense and guide. Most notably, it cannot learn Aura Sphere or Detect naturally, two moves that Lucario learns that are often attributed to its aura powers. However, it does have a remarkably similar movepool to the Hitmons.

Like almost all Fighting-type Pokémon, Riolu naturally has superhuman strength, stamina, and endurance and is capable of making long journeys on foot in a short amount of time.

Behavior

Riolu are playful, energetic, and loyal.

Habitat

Riolu is incredibly rare in the wild. It's so rare that the general location of Riolu dwellings are fully unknown.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

File:Riolu.png

Riolu in the anime

In the anime

Riolu has made an appearance during Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! Parts One and Two, which aired as a one hour special commemorating the release of Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia. This Riolu had been trained to use Aura Sphere and was unnaturally strong. It was taken away from its owner by a group that wanted to exploit it but Ash and co. returned it, with Kellyn's help. This Riolu developed a strong bond with Ash.

A Riolu appeared in Meowth's boss fantasy in A Lean Mean Team Rocket Machine.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry DP071 Riolu Ash's Pokédex Riolu, the Emanation Pokémon. When sad or scared, Riolu's aura becomes stronger as a way of signaling its allies.

In the manga

In the Phantom Thief Pokémon 7 manga, Hiori's Lucario used to be a Riolu during Hiori's and Lily's childhoods.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga, Maylene has a Riolu. It is seen using Drain Punch against Pearl's Monferno, who Platinum borrowed in order to fight her.

In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure! Hareta gained a Riolu egg in Serious Training on Iron Island!! which hatched into a Riolu later on in that chapter.

In the TCG

Main article: Riolu (TCG)

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation I Red {{{redbluedex}}} Blue Yellow {{{yellowdex}}} Stadium {{{stadiumdex}}}
Generation II Gold {{{golddex}}} Silver {{{silverdex}}} Crystal {{{crystaldex}}} Stadium 2 Unknown
Generation III Ruby {{{rubydex}}} Sapphire {{{sapphiredex}}} Emerald {{{emeralddex}}} FireRed {{{firereddex}}} LeafGreen {{{leafgreendex}}}
Generation IV Diamond The aura that emanates from its body intensifies to alert others if it is afraid or sad. Pearl Its body is lithe yet powerful. It can crest three mountains and cross two canyons in one night. Platinum It has the peculiar power of being able to see emotions such as joy and rage in the form of waves. HeartGold They communicate with one another using their auras. They are able to run all through the night. SoulSilver They communicate with one another using their auras. They are able to run all through the night.
Generation V Black {{{blackdex}}} White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV.
Generation I Red Blue None Trade Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow None Trade
Generation II Gold Silver None Trade Crystal None Trade
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen None Trade Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl One Hatch egg received from Riley Platinum One Hatch egg received from Riley HeartGold SoulSilver Rare Safari Zone Pal Park None Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White None Trade Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Crystal Cave (B4-B8)
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia	Almia Castle Ranger School (during mission)
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs	Oblivia Ruins Lightning Temple
Pokémon Rumble	Windy Prairie

Riolu will not appear in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness until a rescue mission involving it has been completed, using the following Wonder Mail code:

9@CP 15N4 FH&5

-0%Y +91@ #PCK

Objective: Rescue Riolu on floor 6 of Crystal Cave.

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 40		100 - 147	190 - 284
Attack: 70		67 - 134	130 - 262
Defense: 40		40 - 101	76 - 196
Sp. Atk: 35		36 - 95	67 - 185
Sp. Def: 40		40 - 101	76 - 196
Speed: 60		58 - 123	112 - 240
Total: 285	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 4/5 ★★★★☆	Power 2/4 ★★☆☆
Skill 2/5 ★★☆☆☆	Stamina 2/3 ★★☆
Jump 3/4 ★★★☆	Total 13/21 ★★☆☆

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 2× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock ½× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 2× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark ½× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 2× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock ½× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 2× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark ½× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 2× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock ½× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 2× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark ½× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 2× Poison 1× Ground 1× Rock ½× Bug ½× Ghost 1× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 2× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark ½× None

Learnset

By leveling up

|- style="text-align:center" | style="text-align:left" | fighting | style="background:#FF8000" |  fighting 

| style=" background:#FFF" | 4 | style=" background:#FFF" | 4 | style=" background:#FFF" | Riolu | style="display:none; background:#FFF" | {{{6}}} Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Movelist/note

By tutoring

|- style="background:#FFAC59" | colspan="13" | Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an Evolution of this Pokémon
A colored initial indicates that the move is not available to be tutored in this game,
while a colored background indicates that the move is available. |} |}

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Pinball RS  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Trozei!  N/A  Not available
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 0% Friend Area: Beau Plains Phrases 51%-100% HP My HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP My HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP My HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up I leveled up. Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up I leveled up.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 8.2% IQ group: C
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Loops: 0 Min. exp.: 0 Max. exp.: 0 Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Fighting  Poké Assist: ( Fighting ) Field move: (Crush ×1) Browser entry   It leaps around quickly while throwing punches to attack.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Fighting  ( Fighting ) Past ( Normal ) (Crush ×2) Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Rumble N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}} PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
Pokémon Conquest HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}} Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}} Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}} Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}} Does not evolve. Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Baby form Riolu  Fighting

Friendship (daytime) → ← Breed

First Evolution Lucario  Fighting  Steel

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation I.
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation II.
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation III.
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

For other sprites and images, please see Riolu images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• Riolu shares a number of traits with Togepi, notably that both are received as eggs from an NPC in the generation of their introduction, and when hatched, cannot breed until they have evolved.
  • Additionally, their fully evolved forms (Lucario and Togekiss) are the only non-legendary Pokémon that can learn the move Aura Sphere (although Riolu itself may learn Aura Sphere through special means).
  • They both gain a secondary type upon evolution.
  • They are the only baby Pokémon to come out in the same generation as at least one evolution.
• Riolu is the only pure Template:Type2 Pokémon whose evolution is not, as Lucario is Fighting/Steel.
• Riolu is the only Pokémon that evolves by happiness that cannot be captured in a Luxury Ball. This is because it can only be hatched from an egg, obtained in an event, or captured in the Johto Safari Zone.
• Both of Riolu's abilities have something to do with flinching. Steadfast makes Riolu faster when flinching, whilst Inner Focus protects it from it.
  • Due to this combination, Steadfast can only activate in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness and Explorers of Sky if Riolu becomes cross-eyed.
• When Riolu became a starter in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky it became the first starter Pokémon to be unable to be recruited or captured in another game of its trio as it can't be found in Explorers of Darkness without using Wonder Mail.

Origin

Riolu appears to be based on the Egyptian god Anubis, who has the head of a jackal.

Name origin

Riolu's name is simply Lucario's name with the last two syllables placed in the front and the ca part taken out altogether.

In other languages

• German: Riolu
• French: Riolu
• Korean: 리오르 Rioreu
• Chinese (Taiwan): 利歐路 Lì Ōu Lù - Transliteration of its Japanese name.

First partner trios

Kanto

Bulbasaur

Charmander

Squirtle

Johto

Chikorita

Cyndaquil

Totodile

Hoenn

Treecko

Torchic

Mudkip

Sinnoh

Turtwig

Chimchar

Piplup

Unova

Snivy

Tepig

Oshawott

Kalos

Chespin

Fennekin

Froakie

Alola

Rowlet

Litten

Popplio

Galar

Grookey

Scorbunny

Sobble

Paldea

Sprigatito

Fuecoco

Quaxly

See also: List of the player's first Pokémon • Pikachu (Yellow) • Partner Pokémon (LGPE) • Hisui first partner Pokémon

← #446: Munchlax

Pokémon

#448: Lucario →

This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.