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Riolu evolves into Lucario at Luminous Spring when it has enough IQ and you have a Sun Ribbon. You must also unlock the spring through story and postgame progress; if Riolu is your hero or partner, additional conditions apply. The exact IQ-star threshold is disputed, so use the game’s evolution option to check eligibility rather than relying on a specific star count.
What Riolu needs to evolve
- Enough IQ: Raise Riolu’s IQ with Gummis. Nintendo’s official manual explains that a Gummi raises the eater’s IQ in the field; in a dungeon, it raises IQ and may boost other stats. The exact IQ-star requirement for Riolu is not established consistently across the available references.
- A Sun Ribbon: Riolu needs this item to evolve. The Explorers of Sky item reference lists optional missions, random treasure chests, and random Kecleon shops in Mystic Forest and Joy Tower as possible sources.
- Access to Luminous Spring: The spring is available only after the relevant story and postgame progression.
How to evolve Riolu
- Raise Riolu’s IQ by feeding it Gummis. A Gummi can be used in the field or in a dungeon; Nintendo’s manual notes that dungeon use may also boost other stats.
- Obtain a Sun Ribbon. It can appear as a mission reward, in a random treasure chest, or in a random Kecleon shop in Mystic Forest or Joy Tower.
- Progress through the story and postgame until Luminous Spring is unlocked. A Serebii evolution guide describes the broader unlock as following post-credits progression that includes the Manaphy episode and access to Marine Resort.
- Go to Luminous Spring and use the evolution option when Riolu is eligible.
Does it matter whether Riolu is recruited, the hero, or the partner?
A recruited Riolu shares the same core requirements: enough IQ, a Sun Ribbon, and access to Luminous Spring. If Riolu is your hero or partner, the reviewed evolution guide adds stricter conditions: complete the storyline and recruit Palkia before trying to evolve it.
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Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky (Renewed) | $179.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers Of Sky Genuine Game Cartridge Nintendo DS (Renewed) | $149.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky | $179.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Why the exact IQ requirement is unclear
References give conflicting figures, including one star or 100 IQ, one and a half stars, and three stars. The available information does not settle which figure is correct for Riolu in Explorers of Sky, so none should be treated as definitive. The practical check is whether the evolution option appears at Luminous Spring after you meet the item and progression requirements.
If the evolution option does not appear
- Confirm Riolu has a Sun Ribbon.
- Raise its IQ further with Gummis; do not rely on a disputed star count.
- Make sure Luminous Spring has been unlocked.
- If Riolu is your hero or partner, confirm that the story is complete and Palkia has been recruited.
The reviewed Riolu-specific references emphasize IQ and the Sun Ribbon, not a level requirement. Leveling Riolu alone should not be assumed to satisfy the evolution conditions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 0045496426057
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- 3 complete Pokémon TCG decks (60 cards each)
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- Be a Pokémon and experience the world in a whole different way. Enter into a spectacular adventure to save the Pokémon world.
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- Play as one of 19 different Pokémon (including five additional starter Pokémon). Find out which one you will become. Interact with more than 490 Pokémon as you explore.
- Trade items with your friends via a local wireless connection. Also, you can trade with Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness and see what happens.
- With a wireless broadband Internet connection, access Special Missions or rescue fallen friends over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
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#1 Best Overall
- Be a Pokémon and experience the world in a whole different way. Enter into a spectacular adventure to save the Pokémon world.
- Uncover new adventures in the immersive Pokémon Mystery Dungeon storyline by playing new Special Episodes.
- Play as one of 19 different Pokémon (including five additional starter Pokémon). Find out which one you will become. Interact with more than 490 Pokémon as you explore.
- Trade items with your friends via a local wireless connection. Also, you can trade with Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness and see what happens.
- With a wireless broadband Internet connection, access Special Missions or rescue fallen friends over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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