Overview

• IGN confirms the requirement is unchanged: raise Riolu’s hidden friendship, then level it during the day, after which the game signals it is ready to evolve.
• Friendship can be increased by battling and keeping Riolu in the party, feeding stat-boosting items and berries, and visiting cafés.
• A Soothe Bell from the side mission Some Friendly Competition at Café Rouleau (between Wild Area 9 and 10) speeds up friendship gains when held by Riolu.
• Tracking is disputed: VGC reports no in-game meter, while IGN says completing Side Mission 25 at Café Pokémon-Amie unlocks an NPC who checks friendship.
• Players can get Riolu early from rooftop spawns at Passage Ombragé in the Magenta District or by trading an Abra in Side Mission 24 with Bond at Académie Étoile, with a chance of an Alpha at the rooftop location.