The feisty fighting-type Pokemon, Lucario, has made the cut to be included in Sword and Shield. Players who want to add it to their roster will first have to catch Riolu, which will then evolve into Lucario. Finding one may prove a tad difficult, but we're here to point folks in the right direction.
Lucario is one of those Pokemon that is widely known and popular. It has even been included as a playable fighter in the Super Smash Bros. franchise. Luckily, it is also included in Gen 8 of the Pokemon series. It will not be available to catch on its own and must be evolved in Pokemon Sword and Shield, so the first step is to catch a Riolu.
Updated March 30th, 2022 by Russ Boswell: Players that are trying to find and catch Riolu in Pokemon Sword & Shield may want to know what the big deal about the small Pokemon is. Those that aren't familiar with its evolutionary line or don't understand how powerful Lucario can be will definitely want some more information on its potential. To better answer any questions about Riolu's abilities, statlines, and evolution, the following guide has been updated to include even more information. It now outlines exactly what players can expect from the curious Pokemon, as well as a potential build for its evolution.
How To Catch A Riolu In Pokemon Sword & Shield
As with many other Pokemon in the Galar region, their appearances are often weather-dependent. Spotting a Riolu will require specific weather for it to spawn. It will only appear during snowstorms at the Giant's Cap in the Wild Area. Don't expect it to just pop out once it starts snowing, however, as it has a very slow spawn rate at a mere 5%, which makes it a rare sight. It will take some patience, but a Riolu will eventually make an appearance.
How To Evolve Pokemon Sword & Shield Riolu Into Lucario
Once players have gotten their hands on a Riolu, they're going to want to evolve it into Lucario to maximize its stats and potential. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done for some. Although players won't need to find anything particularly out-of-the-way, they will need to fill Riolu's happiness bar and maintain a strong bond with the Pokemon.
Using a Soothe Bell is recommended as it will help increase a Pokemon's happiness and help it reach a faster Maximum Bond as it battles. Unfortunately, this just takes time and players that want a Lucario will have to go through the motions if they wish to revolve it from a Riolu. Once the Riolu has reached a state of Maximum Happiness and Bond, it simply needs to be leveled up one additional time and it will evolve.
As this shows, there are many conditions to take into account when evolving Pokemon in Galar. Take Sirfetch'd, for instance, one of the newest Pokemon only available in Pokemon Sword. First, players will need to catch a Farfetch'd, which likes overcast weather. Then it is a matter of evolving Farfetch'd into a Sirfetch'd. This can only be done via a special - and slightly difficult - requirement.
If all these conditions are causing headaches when going for rare creatures, then consider Shiny Pokemon. Sure, they're extremely rare, but with all of the new Pokemon added to the Pokedex, the Shiny variations are alluring to collectors. Be warned, however, they will take plenty of time and patience to catch. There are some ways to make catching Shiny Pokemon easier, but what it usually all boils down to is luck.
A Look At Riolu's And Lucario's Stats
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Riolu on its own isn't necessarily a threat to most rival trainers. In fact, it has horribly low stats compared to a lot of the Pokemon that players will come across during their journey, even in the earliest zones within Galar. For this reason, Riolu isn't necessarily the best frontline attacker or sweeper. Players should instead opt for focusing on building happiness for the creature, giving it as much attention as possible, and allowing the EXP share to produce levels for it. Here's a look at Riolu's stats:
- HP: 40
- Attack: 70
- Special Attack: 35
- Defense: 40
- Special Defense: 40
- Speed: 60
- Total: 285
Lucario is a much different story. Once players build their Riolu to maximum happiness and allow it to level up, it will transform into one of the better Fighting Pokemon in the game, adding a Steel typing and gaining quite a few resistances along the way. Its stats will jump dramatically and it will gain access to an array of Fighting and Steel-type moves that can take down a wide array of Pokemon. Players that build their Lucario correctly will have a formidable fighter. Here's a look at Lucario's stats:
- HP: 70
- Attack: 110
- Special Attack: 115
- Defense: 70
- Special Defense: 70
- Speed: 90
- Total: 525
A Good Build For Lucario
Lucario has solid Attack and Special Attack, making it a great offensive weapon when used correctly. Its middling defenses and HP can be a problem but players that use the Fighting and Steel-type intelligently can unlock its true potential. Those that want a heavy hitter should look for a Lucario with a Jolly nature, as it will increase its Speed, allowing it to get the jump on opponents. Good moves to keep for an attacking Lucario are Meteor Mash, Bullet Punch, Close Combat, and Swords Dance. Utilizing these moves, and giving Lucario a held item that either increases its HP (to better withstand hits) or one that powers up its Attack can help it dominate opponents.
Pokemon Sword and Shield are out now for Nintendo Switch.
Source: Dexerto