Riolu Pokémon GO is a Fighting-type Pokémon with its own GO stats, move pool and evolution requirements. This guide covers whether Riolu can be Shiny, how its evolution works, its weaknesses, current move pool and the main details worth knowing before you spend Candy or Stardust.
If you are building your collection or preparing for a future event, the Riolu Pokémon GO information below keeps the permanent details in one place. Exact encounter availability changes through seasons and events, so current event guides should always be checked alongside this evergreen page.
Can Riolu Be Shiny in Pokémon GO?
Yes, Shiny Riolu is available in Pokémon GO. A Shiny encounter is never guaranteed, but Riolu Pokémon GO can be collected in its alternate colour when an eligible encounter method is available.
Shiny Riolu has been obtainable through wild encounters, Eggs, research encounters and photobomb encounters. Those methods can rotate in and out of the game, so their presence here does not mean every method is active at all times.
How to Evolve Riolu Pokémon GO
Riolu
LucarioRiolu evolves into Lucario with 50 Candy. Evolution requirements in Pokémon GO can be different from the main-series games, so the Candy, item, Buddy or time requirements above are the ones that matter in GO.
Riolu Pokémon GO Weaknesses
Riolu is weak against Fairy, Flying and Psychic attacks in Pokémon GO. These are the attacking types to prioritise when you need super-effective damage against Riolu.
Riolu resists Bug, Dark and Rock attacks. Pokémon GO uses its own battle multipliers, so the amount of damage differs from the main-series games even when the general type matchup is familiar.
Riolu Pokémon GO Stats
Pokémon GO base stats are not currently available for Riolu.
Riolu Pokémon GO Moves
Riolu can currently draw from the move pool below. The strongest choice depends on whether you are building for raids, Gyms, Team GO Rocket or PvP, so this evergreen guide lists the available moves rather than pretending one moveset is automatically best for every format.
| Move type | Available moves |
|---|---|
| Fast Moves | Counter, Quick Attack |
| Charged Moves | Brick Break, Low Sweep, Cross Chop, Blaze Kick, Thunder Punch |
Can Riolu Mega Evolve in Pokémon GO?
Riolu itself does not Mega Evolve, but its evolution family leads to Mega Lucario. That gives Candy collected for Riolu additional value if you are building toward the Mega-capable evolution.
How to Get Riolu in Pokémon GO
Riolu is released in Pokémon GO, but its exact encounter methods can change as seasons, events, raids, eggs and research rotate. For that reason, the safest way to hunt Riolu Pokémon GO is to check the current Pokémon GO guides on The Click alongside this evergreen page rather than relying on an old spawn list.
When Riolu is set as your Buddy Pokémon, it requires 5 km of walking per Buddy Candy. Buddy walking can therefore provide another steady Candy source when Riolu is not appearing frequently.
Is Riolu Worth Catching in Pokémon GO?
Yes, there are good reasons to keep catching Riolu Pokémon GO when it is available. Candy can be used toward its evolution line, its Shiny form gives collectors another target and the family also connects to Mega Evolution. Whether you should invest Stardust in a particular Riolu depends on its IVs and the battle format you actually plan to use.
More About Riolu
For the wider species information outside Pokémon GO, including main-series stats, abilities, forms and game appearances, visit the Riolu Pokédex. The Riolu Pokémon GO guide can then stay focused on GO-specific mechanics. You can also visit the official Pokémon GO website for official game announcements.
