Table of Contents

Will Riolu Breed with Ditto? The Definitive Answer

No, Riolu will not breed with Ditto. Riolu is classified as a “baby” Pokémon, and baby Pokémon are specifically excluded from the ability to breed with any other Pokémon, including Ditto. To obtain Riolu eggs, you need to evolve Riolu into Lucario first.

The Baby Pokémon Breeding Restriction

The core reason Riolu can’t breed with Ditto, or anything else for that matter, lies in its status as a baby Pokémon. This is a deliberate game mechanic designed by the Pokémon developers to create a sense of rarity and progression. Baby Pokémon, like Riolu, are typically obtained through specific means, such as breeding evolved forms or receiving them as special gifts.

This restriction applies universally: no baby Pokémon can breed, regardless of the species or gender of the other Pokémon.

Why Evolving Riolu is Key

The key to breeding Riolu is to evolve it into Lucario. Lucario can breed with Ditto, allowing you to produce Riolu eggs. This is because Lucario is no longer classified as a baby Pokémon and belongs to breedable egg groups.

Friendship is crucial for evolution: Riolu evolves into Lucario when its friendship stat is high enough during the day. This can be achieved by battling with Riolu, feeding it berries that raise friendship, and generally keeping it in your party. Avoid letting it faint, as that decreases friendship.

Breeding Lucario with Ditto: The Process

Once you have a Lucario, breeding it with Ditto is a straightforward process.

Obtain a Ditto: Ditto can be found in various locations depending on the Pokémon game you are playing. They are often found in disguise, mimicking other Pokémon.
Deposit Lucario and Ditto: Take both Lucario and Ditto to the Day Care. This is usually located on a route in the game.
Wait and Collect the Egg: After a certain number of steps, the Day Care attendant will inform you that an egg has been found. Collect the egg and keep it in your party.
Hatch the Egg: Walk around with the egg in your party. After a set number of steps (around 6,400 in most cases), the egg will hatch, and you will receive a Riolu.

Understanding Egg Groups

Lucario belongs to the Human-Like egg group, which means it can breed with other Pokémon in that same group, as well as Ditto. Ditto, however, can breed with almost anything except those in the “No Eggs Discovered” egg group (which includes baby Pokémon, Legendaries, and Mythicals) and other Ditto. Egg Groups are the basis for breeding success!

Alternative Ways to Obtain Riolu

Besides breeding Lucario with Ditto, there are other ways to obtain Riolu depending on the specific Pokémon game:

In-Game Gifts: Some games feature NPCs that will gift you a Riolu egg.
Wild Encounters: Some games allow you to find Riolu in the wild but that is generally rare.
Trading: You can always trade with other players to obtain a Riolu.
Pokémon GO Special Research: Niantic has special research tasks and community events where you can find Riolu, and sometimes even a Shiny Riolu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Riolu Breed with Another Riolu?

No. Baby Pokémon cannot breed with anything, including another Pokémon of the same species and opposite gender.

2. Why is Riolu Considered a Baby Pokémon?

Riolu is classified as a baby Pokémon because it’s the pre-evolution of a more powerful Pokémon (Lucario) and is typically obtained through special means rather than directly in the wild.

3. Can Lucario Breed with Another Lucario?

Yes. Lucario can breed with another Lucario, but you’ll need to be mindful of their gender and egg groups. If you want to reliably produce Riolu, breeding Lucario with Ditto is the most efficient method.

4. What Egg Group is Riolu in?

Riolu is in the Undiscovered Egg Group. Pokémon in this group cannot breed.

5. Can Ditto Breed with Legendary Pokémon?

No. Legendary and Mythical Pokémon are typically in the “No Eggs Discovered” group, which prevents them from breeding with Ditto or any other Pokémon.

6. What Happens if I Put Two Dittos in the Day Care?

Two Dittos will not produce an egg. Ditto cannot breed with other Ditto.

7. What are the Requirements for Riolu to Evolve?

Riolu evolves into Lucario when its friendship stat is high enough and it levels up during the day.

8. What are Some Ways to Increase Riolu’s Friendship?

You can increase Riolu’s friendship by:

Battling with it
Giving it berries that increase friendship
Keeping it in your party
Walking around with it

9. Can Gardevoir and Lucario Breed?

No. Gardevoir and Lucario belong to different egg groups, so they cannot breed with each other.

10. Is There a Way to Breed Riolu Without Ditto?

You cannot breed Riolu directly. You must evolve Riolu into Lucario first. Then you can breed Lucario with a Pokemon in the Human-Like or Ground Egg Group to produce a baby riolu.

11. What Pokémon Can’t Breed with Ditto in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Paradox Pokémon, Legendary Pokémon and baby pokemon like Riolu cannot breed with Ditto at all.

12. Is it Possible to Get a Shiny Riolu Through Breeding?

Yes. It is possible to get a Shiny Riolu through breeding, but the chances are very low without the use of the Shiny Charm or other methods to increase the odds of encountering shiny Pokémon.

13. What Are the Advantages of Breeding Pokémon?

Breeding allows you to:

Obtain Pokémon with specific natures
Pass down egg moves
Potentially obtain shiny Pokémon
Fill out your Pokédex

14. Can Ditto Breed with Genderless Pokémon?

Yes, Ditto can breed with genderless Pokémon (like Rotom or Magnemite) that are not in the “No Eggs Discovered” group.

15. Why Won’t My Lucario Breed?

If your Lucario is not breeding, make sure of the following:

It is not fainted or affected by a status condition.
It is placed in the Day Care with a compatible Pokémon (Ditto or another member of its egg group).
You have waited a sufficient amount of time for an egg to be produced.

Conclusion

While Riolu’s inability to breed with Ditto (or any Pokémon) might be frustrating for some players, it adds a layer of challenge and progression to the game. Understanding the breeding mechanics and evolving Riolu into Lucario is the key to obtaining more Riolu and utilizing their full potential. Good luck, and happy breeding! To learn more about the use of games in learning check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Will Riolu breed with Ditto?