Riolu

#279 in the Sun & Moon Pokédex • Emanation Pokémon

Normal

Shiny

Pokédex entries

Sun

It can discern the physical and emotional states of people, Pokémon, and other natural things from the shape of their aura waves.

Moon

It’s tough enough to run right through the night, and it’s also a hard worker, but it’s still just a youngster.

Details

Type

Weak to

2×

2×

2×

Resists

0.5×

0.5×

0.5×

Growth

EV yield, catch rate, and experience details for this Pokémon.

Pokédexes	Alola #279Poni #94
EV yield	1 Atk
Catch rate	75
Base Exp.	57

Eggs

Egg groups, gender ratio, and hatching details for this Pokémon.

Egg groups	Undiscovered
Gender	87.5% male 12.5% female
Egg cycles	25

Evolution

Evolution requirements shown in a compact table or chain view.

Pokémon	Requires	Evolution
Riolu #279	Level up with friendship of at least 220 during in-game daytime.	Lucario #280

Encounters

Known encounter locations for this Pokémon in this game.

Moon

Location	Method	Level	Chance	Conditions
Poni Grove	Walking in tall grass or a cave	52-55	10%	Daytime in the current game world. Moon’s normal-world clock is shifted by 12 hours relative to the system clock.
Poni Grove	Walking in tall grass or a cave	52-55	10%	Nighttime in the current game world. Moon’s normal-world clock is shifted by 12 hours relative to the system clock.
Poni Grove	SOS ally encounter	52-55	-	Daytime in the current game world. Moon’s normal-world clock is shifted by 12 hours relative to the system clock., SOS ally of riolu; requires a successful call for help., Ally-selection proportions apply after a successful SOS call; they are not the chance of an ordinary encounter or a successful response.
Poni Grove	SOS ally encounter	52-55	-	Nighttime in the current game world. Moon’s normal-world clock is shifted by 12 hours relative to the system clock., SOS ally of riolu; requires a successful call for help., Ally-selection proportions apply after a successful SOS call; they are not the chance of an ordinary encounter or a successful response.

Sun

Location	Method	Level	Chance	Conditions
Poni Grove	Walking in tall grass or a cave	52-55	10%	Nighttime in the current game world. Moon’s normal-world clock is shifted by 12 hours relative to the system clock.
Poni Grove	Walking in tall grass or a cave	52-55	10%	Daytime in the current game world. Moon’s normal-world clock is shifted by 12 hours relative to the system clock.
Poni Grove	SOS ally encounter	52-55	-	Nighttime in the current game world. Moon’s normal-world clock is shifted by 12 hours relative to the system clock., SOS ally of riolu; requires a successful call for help., Ally-selection proportions apply after a successful SOS call; they are not the chance of an ordinary encounter or a successful response.
Poni Grove	SOS ally encounter	52-55	-	Daytime in the current game world. Moon’s normal-world clock is shifted by 12 hours relative to the system clock., SOS ally of riolu; requires a successful call for help., Ally-selection proportions apply after a successful SOS call; they are not the chance of an ordinary encounter or a successful response.

Moves

Moves this Pokémon learns naturally by reaching specific levels.

		Class				Description
Start	Quick Attack	Physical	40	100	30	The user lunges at the target at a speed that makes it almost invisible. This move always goes first.
Start	Foresight	Status	-	-	40	Enables a Ghost-type target to be hit by Normal- and Fighting-type attacks. This also enables an evasive target to be hit.
Start	Endure	Status	-	-	10	The user endures any attack with at least 1 HP. Its chance of failing rises if it is used in succession.
6	Counter	Physical	-	100	20	A retaliation move that counters any physical attack, inflicting double the damage taken.
11	Feint	Physical	30	100	10	This attack hits a target using a move such as Protect or Detect. This also lifts the effects of those moves.
15	Force Palm	Physical	60	100	10	The target is attacked with a shock wave. This may also leave the target with paralysis.
19	Copycat	Status	-	-	20	The user mimics the move used immediately before it. The move fails if no other move has been used yet.
24	Screech	Status	-	85	40	An earsplitting screech harshly lowers the target’s Defense stat.
29	Reversal	Physical	-	100	15	An all-out attack that becomes more powerful the less HP the user has.
47	Nasty Plot	Status	-	-	20	The user stimulates its brain by thinking bad thoughts. This sharply raises the user’s Sp. Atk stat.
50	Final Gambit	Special	-	100	5	The user risks everything to attack its target. The user faints but does damage equal to its HP.

Machines

Moves this Pokémon can learn from Technical Machines in Pokémon Sun and Moon.

		Class				Description
TM01	Work Up	Status	-	-	30	The user is roused, and its Attack and Sp. Atk stats increase.
TM05	Roar	Status	-	-	20	The target is scared off, and a different Pokémon is dragged out. In the wild, this ends a battle against a single Pokémon.
TM06	Toxic	Status	-	90	10	A move that leaves the target badly poisoned. Its poison damage worsens every turn.
TM08	Bulk Up	Status	-	-	20	The user tenses its muscles to bulk up its body, raising both its Attack and Defense stats.
TM10	Hidden Power	Special	60	100	15	A unique attack that varies in type depending on the Pokémon using it.
TM11	Sunny Day	Status	-	-	5	The user intensifies the sun for five turns, powering up Fire-type moves. It lowers the power of Water-type moves.
TM17	Protect	Status	-	-	10	Enables the user to evade all attacks. Its chance of failing rises if it is used in succession.
TM18	Rain Dance	Status	-	-	5	The user summons a heavy rain that falls for five turns, powering up Water-type moves. It lowers the power of Fire-type moves.
TM21	Frustration	Physical	-	100	20	This full-power attack grows more powerful the less the user likes its Trainer.
TM26	Earthquake	Physical	100	100	10	The user sets off an earthquake that strikes every Pokémon around it.
TM27	Return	Physical	-	100	20	This full-power attack grows more powerful the more the user likes its Trainer.
TM31	Brick Break	Physical	75	100	15	The user attacks with a swift chop. It can also break barriers, such as Light Screen and Reflect.
TM32	Double Team	Status	-	-	15	By moving rapidly, the user makes illusory copies of itself to raise its evasiveness.
TM39	Rock Tomb	Physical	60	95	15	Boulders are hurled at the target. This also lowers the target’s Speed stat by preventing its movement.
TM42	Facade	Physical	70	100	20	This attack move doubles its power if the user is poisoned, burned, or paralyzed.
TM44	Rest	Status	-	-	10	The user goes to sleep for two turns. This fully restores the user’s HP and heals any status conditions.
TM45	Attract	Status	-	100	15	If it is the opposite gender of the user, the target becomes infatuated and less likely to attack.
TM47	Low Sweep	Physical	65	100	20	The user makes a swift attack on the target’s legs, which lowers the target’s Speed stat.
TM48	Round	Special	60	100	15	The user attacks the target with a song. Others can join in the Round to increase the power of the attack.
TM52	Focus Blast	Special	120	70	5	The user heightens its mental focus and unleashes its power. This may also lower the target’s Sp. Def stat.
TM56	Fling	Physical	-	100	10	The user flings its held item at the target to attack. This move’s power and effects depend on the item.
TM65	Shadow Claw	Physical	70	100	15	The user slashes with a sharp claw made from shadows. Critical hits land more easily.
TM66	Payback	Physical	50	100	10	The user stores power, then attacks. If the user moves after the target, this attack’s power will be doubled.
TM75	Swords Dance	Status	-	-	20	A frenetic dance to uplift the fighting spirit. This sharply raises the user’s Attack stat.
TM78	Bulldoze	Physical	60	100	20	The user strikes everything around it by stomping down on the ground. This lowers the Speed stat of those hit.
TM80	Rock Slide	Physical	75	90	10	Large boulders are hurled at the opposing Pokémon to inflict damage. This may also make the opposing Pokémon flinch.
TM84	Poison Jab	Physical	80	100	20	The target is stabbed with a tentacle or arm steeped in poison. This may also poison the target.
TM87	Swagger	Status	-	85	15	The user enrages and confuses the target. However, this also sharply raises the target’s Attack stat.
TM88	Sleep Talk	Status	-	-	10	While it is asleep, the user randomly uses one of the moves it knows.
TM90	Substitute	Status	-	-	10	The user makes a copy of itself using some of its HP. The copy serves as the user’s decoy.
TM100	Confide	Status	-	-	20	The user tells the target a secret, and the target loses its ability to concentrate. This lowers the target’s Sp. Atk stat.

Breeding

Moves this Pokémon can inherit through breeding or similar methods.

	Class				Description
Agility	Status	-	-	30	The user relaxes and lightens its body to move faster. This sharply raises the Speed stat.
Bite	Physical	60	100	25	The target is bitten with viciously sharp fangs. This may also make the target flinch.
Blaze Kick	Physical	85	90	10	The user launches a kick that lands a critical hit more easily. This may also leave the target with a burn.
Bullet Punch	Physical	40	100	30	The user strikes the target with tough punches as fast as bullets. This move always goes first.
Circle Throw	Physical	60	90	10	The target is thrown, and a different Pokémon is dragged out. In the wild, this ends a battle against a single Pokémon.
Cross Chop	Physical	100	80	5	The user delivers a double chop with its forearms crossed. Critical hits land more easily.
Crunch	Physical	80	100	15	The user crunches up the target with sharp fangs. This may also lower the target’s Defense stat.
Detect	Status	-	-	5	Enables the user to evade all attacks. Its chance of failing rises if it is used in succession.
Follow Me	Status	-	-	20	The user draws attention to itself, making all targets take aim only at the user.
High Jump Kick	Physical	130	90	10	The target is attacked with a knee kick from a jump. If it misses, the user is hurt instead.
Iron Defense	Status	-	-	15	The user hardens its body’s surface like iron, sharply raising its Defense stat.
Low Kick	Physical	-	100	20	A powerful low kick that makes the target fall over. The heavier the target, the greater the move’s power.
Mind Reader	Status	-	-	5	The user senses the target’s movements with its mind to ensure its next attack does not miss the target.
Sky Uppercut	Physical	85	90	15	The user attacks the target with an uppercut thrown skyward with force.
Vacuum Wave	Special	40	100	30	The user whirls its fists to send a wave of pure vacuum at the target. This move always goes first.

Imports and compatible Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon trades have separate requirements. Individual options do not guarantee every four-move combination.

	Class				Acquisition source	Description
Captivate	Status	-	100	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	If any opposing Pokémon is the opposite gender of the user, it is charmed, which harshly lowers its Sp. Atk stat.
Dig	Physical	80	100	10	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user burrows, then attacks on the next turn.
Drain Punch	Physical	75	100	10	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	An energy-draining punch. The user’s HP is restored by half the damage taken by the target.
Drain Punch	Physical	75	100	10	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	An energy-draining punch. The user’s HP is restored by half the damage taken by the target.
Dual Chop	Physical	40	90	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user attacks its target by hitting it with brutal strikes. The target is hit twice in a row.
Dual Chop	Physical	40	90	15	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The user attacks its target by hitting it with brutal strikes. The target is hit twice in a row.
Focus Punch	Physical	150	100	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user focuses its mind before launching a punch. This move fails if the user is hit before it is used.
Focus Punch	Physical	150	100	20	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The user focuses its mind before launching a punch. This move fails if the user is hit before it is used.
Fury Cutter	Physical	40	95	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The target is slashed with scythes or claws. This attack becomes more powerful if it hits in succession.
Headbutt	Physical	70	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user sticks out its head and attacks by charging straight into the target. This may also make the target flinch.
Helping Hand	Status	-	-	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user assists an ally by boosting the power of that ally’s attack.
Helping Hand	Status	-	-	20	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The user assists an ally by boosting the power of that ally’s attack.
Ice Punch	Physical	75	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The target is punched with an icy fist. This may also leave the target frozen.
Ice Punch	Physical	75	100	15	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The target is punched with an icy fist. This may also leave the target frozen.
Iron Tail	Physical	100	75	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The target is slammed with a steel-hard tail. This may also lower the target’s Defense stat.
Iron Tail	Physical	100	75	15	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The target is slammed with a steel-hard tail. This may also lower the target’s Defense stat.
Laser Focus	Status	-	-	30	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The user concentrates intensely. The attack on the next turn always results in a critical hit.
Magnet Rise	Status	-	-	10	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user levitates using electrically generated magnetism for five turns.
Magnet Rise	Status	-	-	10	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The user levitates using electrically generated magnetism for five turns.
Meteor Mash	Physical	90	90	10	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The target is hit with a hard punch fired like a meteor. This may also raise the user’s Attack stat.
Mud-Slap	Special	20	100	10	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user hurls mud in the target’s face to inflict damage and lower its accuracy.
Natural Gift	Physical	-	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user draws power to attack by using its held Berry. The Berry determines the move’s type and power.
Power-Up Punch	Physical	40	100	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	Striking opponents over and over makes the user’s fists harder. Hitting a target raises the Attack stat.
Retaliate	Physical	70	100	5	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user gets revenge for a fainted ally. If an ally fainted in the previous turn, this move’s power is increased.
Rock Smash	Physical	40	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user attacks with a punch. This may also lower the target’s Defense stat.
Role Play	Status	-	-	10	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user mimics the target completely, copying the target’s natural Ability.
Role Play	Status	-	-	10	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The user mimics the target completely, copying the target’s natural Ability.
Secret Power	Physical	70	100	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The additional effects of this attack depend upon where it was used.
Snore	Special	50	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	This attack can be used only if the user is asleep. The harsh noise may also make the target flinch.
Snore	Special	50	100	15	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	This attack can be used only if the user is asleep. The harsh noise may also make the target flinch.
Strength	Physical	80	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The target is slugged with a punch thrown at maximum power.
Swift	Special	60	-	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	Star-shaped rays are shot at the opposing Pokémon. This attack never misses.
Thunder Punch	Physical	75	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The target is punched with an electrified fist. This may also leave the target with paralysis.
Thunder Punch	Physical	75	100	15	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The target is punched with an electrified fist. This may also leave the target with paralysis.
Zen Headbutt	Physical	80	90	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user focuses its willpower to its head and attacks the target. This may also make the target flinch.
Zen Headbutt	Physical	80	90	15	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The user focuses its willpower to its head and attacks the target. This may also make the target flinch.