#0447

Riolu

Best moveset, PvP rankings, counters & stats for Pokemon GO.

Max CP 1,123 Counter + Blaze Kick Cloudy
Riolu Pokemon GO sprite

Riolu is a Fighting-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Sinnoh region (#447, Generation 4). With a max CP of 1,123 and base stats of 127/78/120 (Atk/Def/Sta), Riolu has a total stat product of 325.

Riolu is weak to Fairy, Flying, Psychic-type moves. It resists Bug, Dark, Rock-type attacks. Riolu is a 5.0 km buddy Pokemon. Riolu can currently be hatched from 5km eggs.

Stats

Max CP
1,123
Lv.40: 993 Lv.50: 1,123
Attack 127
Defense 78
Stamina 120
Total 325
Buddy 5.0 km Gen 4 · Sinnoh 2nd Move: 10,000 Dust · 25 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Fighting
Counter STAB
13
DPS
13.0 PWR 9 EN 1.0s DUR 9 EPS Cloudy
Normal
10
DPS
10.0 PWR 13 EN 1.0s DUR 13 EPS Partly Cloudy

Charged Moves

Fire
40
DPS
40.0 PWR 33 EN 1.0s DUR
Fighting
Brick Break STAB Buff
26.7
DPS
40.0 PWR 33 EN 1.5s DUR
Fighting
Cross Chop STAB
33.3
DPS
50.0 PWR 50 EN 1.5s DUR
Fighting
Low Sweep STAB
20
DPS
40.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR
Electric
25
DPS
50.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Counter (13 DPS), while Quick Attack generates energy the fastest (13 EPS).

Evolution

Raid Guide

Riolu as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Riolu is not currently available as a raid boss. When Riolu returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Riolu from raids would have 567 CP at level 20, or 709 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

View full raid guide →

Best Counters to Beat Riolu

Riolu is weak to Fairy, Flying, Psychic-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Riolu

Riolu can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

Riolu can currently be hatched from 5km eggs, and the hatched Riolu has a chance to be shiny.

Walking Riolu as your buddy earns 1 candy every 5.0 km. It also earns 25 Mega Energy per km when you have Mega Evolved it before.

To Mega Evolve Riolu, you need Mega Energy. The initial Mega Evolution requires 200 Mega Energy, with subsequent Mega Evolutions costing less based on your Mega Level. You can earn Riolu's Mega Energy by completing Mega Raids, walking Riolu as your buddy (25 Mega Energy per km after the first Mega Evolution), or through special research tasks and events.

Riolu Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Riolu in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
22 – 858 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
22 – 929 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
536 – 582 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
666 – 724 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
536 – 582 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
405 – 440 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
536 – 582 CP

A 100% IV Riolu from raids or eggs will show 567 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Riolu is a Fighting-type Pokemon with a stat total of 325. With its high Attack stat (127), Riolu is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

Watch out for Fairy, Flying, Psychic-type moves when using Riolu. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Riolu's performance.

Riolu's moves get a damage boost in Cloudy weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 10,000 Stardust and 25 Candy. With 5 charged moves available, a second move gives Riolu much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Riolu?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Riolu is a Fighting-type Pokemon with base stats of 127/78/120 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 1,123. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Riolu may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Riolu in Pokemon GO?
Riolu has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. The ideal moveset varies based on whether you are using Riolu for raids, gym battles, or PvP — check the moves section above for a full breakdown of each move's DPS, energy cost, and coverage.
What are Riolu's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Riolu is weak to Fairy, Flying, Psychic-type moves. On the other hand, Riolu resists Bug, Dark, Rock-type attacks, so avoid using those types against it. To counter Riolu effectively in raids and gyms, build a team using its weakest type matchups and pick attackers that have STAB moves of those types.
What is Riolu's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Riolu's maximum CP is 1,123 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 993 at level 40. Reaching level 50 requires XL Candy, which is only available to trainers level 31 and above — earning XL Candy involves catching, hatching, transferring, and walking Pokemon. Riolu's CP is calculated from its base stats: 127 Attack, 78 Defense, and 120 Stamina. Powering up from level 40 to 50 requires a significant investment of XL Candy and Stardust, so plan your resources carefully. A 100% IV Riolu caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 567 CP, or 709 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Riolu?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Riolu has the following CP at key levels: 425 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 567 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 709 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 1,123 CP at level 50 fully powered up. If you catch a perfect IV Riolu, it is worth investing Stardust and Candy to power it up, especially if Riolu ranks well in raids or PvP. A 100% IV (also called a "hundo") is the rarest IV combination, so tag and favorite it to make sure you don't accidentally transfer it.
How to get Riolu in Pokemon GO?
Riolu can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events. It is also available from 5km eggs. Riolu can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.
Can Riolu be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Yes, shiny Riolu is available in Pokemon GO. You can encounter shiny Riolu in the wild, from eggs, research encounters, and raids when it is available as a raid boss. Shiny rates vary by encounter method — raids and Community Day events typically offer boosted shiny rates compared to standard wild encounters. The shiny form has a different color palette, so keep an eye out for the sparkle animation when encountering Riolu.

Max CP per Level

L1 14 CP
L5 134 CP
L10 284 CP
L15 425 CP
L20 567 CP
L25 709 CP
L30 851 CP
L35 922 CP
L40 993 CP
L50 1,123 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #447
Generation Gen 4
Region Sinnoh
Height 0.70 m
Weight 20.20 kg
Buddy Distance 5.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 10,000 Dust / 25 Candy
Egg Distance 5 km · Shiny Eligible
Mega Energy (Buddy) 25 / km