{"id":200401,"date":"2026-07-08T01:12:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T01:12:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/?p=200401"},"modified":"2026-07-08T01:12:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T01:12:06","slug":"who-catches-riolu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/","title":{"rendered":"Who catches Riolu?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#Who_Catches_Riolu_in_the_Pokemon_Universe\" title=\"Who Catches Riolu in the Pok\u00e9mon Universe?\">Who Catches Riolu in the Pok\u00e9mon Universe?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#The_Story_of_Ash_and_Riolu_A_Bond_Forged_in_Aura\" title=\"The Story of Ash and Riolu: A Bond Forged in Aura\">The Story of Ash and Riolu: A Bond Forged in Aura<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_Ash_and_RioluLucario\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions About Ash and Riolu\/Lucario\">Frequently Asked Questions About Ash and Riolu\/Lucario<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#1_In_which_episode_does_Riolu_hatch\" title=\"1. In which episode does Riolu hatch?\">1. In which episode does Riolu hatch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#2_Why_did_Riolu_initially_run_away_from_Ash\" title=\"2. Why did Riolu initially run away from Ash?\">2. Why did Riolu initially run away from Ash?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#3_How_long_did_Riolu_stay_as_Riolu_before_evolving\" title=\"3. How long did Riolu stay as Riolu before evolving?\">3. How long did Riolu stay as Riolu before evolving?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#4_How_did_Ash_help_Riolu_after_it_ran_away\" title=\"4. How did Ash help Riolu after it ran away?\">4. How did Ash help Riolu after it ran away?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#5_Was_Pikachu_jealous_of_Riolu\" title=\"5. Was Pikachu jealous of Riolu?\">5. Was Pikachu jealous of Riolu?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#6_Is_Ashs_Lucario_stronger_than_his_Greninja\" title=\"6. Is Ash&#8217;s Lucario stronger than his Greninja?\">6. Is Ash&#8217;s Lucario stronger than his Greninja?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#7_What_type_of_Pokemon_is_Lucario\" title=\"7. What type of Pok\u00e9mon is Lucario?\">7. What type of Pok\u00e9mon is Lucario?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#8_What_are_some_of_Ashs_other_notable_Pokemon\" title=\"8. What are some of Ash&#8217;s other notable Pok\u00e9mon?\">8. What are some of Ash&#8217;s other notable Pok\u00e9mon?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#9_Did_Ash_ever_leave_Lucario\" title=\"9. Did Ash ever leave Lucario?\">9. Did Ash ever leave Lucario?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#10_Why_doesnt_Ash_keep_Pikachu_in_a_Poke_Ball\" title=\"10. Why doesn\u2019t Ash keep Pikachu in a Pok\u00e9 Ball?\">10. Why doesn\u2019t Ash keep Pikachu in a Pok\u00e9 Ball?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#11_Is_Lucario_a_Legendary_Pokemon\" title=\"11. Is Lucario a Legendary Pok\u00e9mon?\">11. Is Lucario a Legendary Pok\u00e9mon?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#12_How_many_Pokemon_has_Ash_caught_throughout_his_journey\" title=\"12. How many Pok\u00e9mon has Ash caught throughout his journey?\">12. How many Pok\u00e9mon has Ash caught throughout his journey?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#13_Who_is_Ashs_longest-tenured_Pokemon\" title=\"13. Who is Ash&#8217;s longest-tenured Pok\u00e9mon?\">13. Who is Ash&#8217;s longest-tenured Pok\u00e9mon?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#14_What_is_happening_to_Ash_in_the_Pokemon_anime_series\" title=\"14. What is happening to Ash in the Pok\u00e9mon anime series?\">14. What is happening to Ash in the Pok\u00e9mon anime series?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#15_Is_the_Pokemon_series_educational\" title=\"15. Is the Pok\u00e9mon series educational?\">15. Is the Pok\u00e9mon series educational?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/#Conclusion_The_Enduring_Legacy_of_Ash_and_Lucario\" title=\"Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Ash and Lucario\">Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Ash and Lucario<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Catches_Riolu_in_the_Pokemon_Universe\"><\/span>Who Catches Riolu in the Pok\u00e9mon Universe?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p><strong>Ash Ketchum<\/strong> is the trainer who catches <strong>Riolu<\/strong> in the Pok\u00e9mon anime series, specifically in <strong>Pok\u00e9mon Journeys: The Series<\/strong>. Riolu&#8217;s capture is a significant event in the series, marking the beginning of a powerful and emotional bond between Ash and the Pok\u00e9mon. Riolu eventually evolves into <strong>Lucario<\/strong>, becoming one of Ash&#8217;s strongest and most valued companions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Story_of_Ash_and_Riolu_A_Bond_Forged_in_Aura\"><\/span>The Story of Ash and Riolu: A Bond Forged in Aura<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Ash&#8217;s journey to catching Riolu is an engaging story. He initially encounters an <strong>Egg<\/strong> radiating a strong aura, and feeling a deep connection, he decides to care for it. This Egg eventually hatches into Riolu. However, due to initial <strong>distrust and a misunderstanding of Ash&#8217;s aura<\/strong>, Riolu runs away.<\/p>\n<p>Riolu&#8217;s escape leads him into perilous battles with wild Pok\u00e9mon, struggles that Ash witnesses and quickly intervenes in. It is through this assistance and display of compassion that a <strong>bond begins to form<\/strong> between them. Riolu recognizes Ash&#8217;s good intentions, acknowledging him as a companion. As a result of this connection, Riolu chooses to join Ash&#8217;s team, marking Ash&#8217;s 76th overall Pok\u00e9mon capture.<\/p>\n<p>The relationship between Ash and Riolu is characterized by <strong>intense training, mutual respect, and a shared desire for strength<\/strong>. This foundation of their connection allows Riolu to evolve into Lucario, solidifying its place as a key member of Ash&#8217;s team in the Pok\u00e9mon Journeys series.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_Ash_and_RioluLucario\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions About Ash and Riolu\/Lucario<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to further explore the details surrounding Ash, Riolu, and Lucario:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_In_which_episode_does_Riolu_hatch\"><\/span>1. In which episode does Riolu hatch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Riolu hatches in episode 21 of <strong>Pok\u00e9mon Sword and Shield<\/strong> (also part of <em>Pok\u00e9mon Journeys: The Series<\/em>), after Ash decides to take care of a mysterious egg.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Why_did_Riolu_initially_run_away_from_Ash\"><\/span>2. Why did Riolu initially run away from Ash?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Riolu ran away because, upon hatching, it <strong>didn&#8217;t recognize Ash as the person who had the same Aura as the Egg&#8217;s protector<\/strong>. Riolu was initially distrustful and reacted defensively.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_How_long_did_Riolu_stay_as_Riolu_before_evolving\"><\/span>3. How long did Riolu stay as Riolu before evolving?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Riolu stayed as Riolu for approximately <strong>24 episodes<\/strong> before eventually evolving into Lucario.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_How_did_Ash_help_Riolu_after_it_ran_away\"><\/span>4. How did Ash help Riolu after it ran away?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ash found Riolu struggling in battles with wild Pok\u00e9mon. By <strong>helping Riolu battle<\/strong> and demonstrating care, he showed Riolu he was a trustworthy companion.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Was_Pikachu_jealous_of_Riolu\"><\/span>5. Was Pikachu jealous of Riolu?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, Pikachu showed signs of <strong>jealousy<\/strong> when Ash began dedicating more training time to Riolu, leading Pikachu to feel somewhat neglected.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Is_Ashs_Lucario_stronger_than_his_Greninja\"><\/span>6. Is Ash&#8217;s Lucario stronger than his Greninja?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While both are very strong, the source material suggests that <strong>Greninja<\/strong> has been shown to be <strong>stronger<\/strong> than Lucario in a direct battle during <em>Pok\u00e9mon Journeys: The Series<\/em>. However, strengths vary depending on the context and matchup.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_What_type_of_Pokemon_is_Lucario\"><\/span>7. What type of Pok\u00e9mon is Lucario?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Lucario is a <strong>dual-type Pok\u00e9mon<\/strong>, being both <strong>Fighting and Steel<\/strong> type.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_What_are_some_of_Ashs_other_notable_Pokemon\"><\/span>8. What are some of Ash&#8217;s other notable Pok\u00e9mon?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some of Ash&#8217;s other powerful and notable Pok\u00e9mon include <strong>Pikachu, Charizard, Greninja, Infernape, Sceptile, and Dragonite<\/strong>. These Pok\u00e9mon have played pivotal roles in Ash&#8217;s battles and overall journey.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Did_Ash_ever_leave_Lucario\"><\/span>9. Did Ash ever leave Lucario?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, Ash left Lucario, along with the rest of his Journeys team, at <strong>Professor Oak&#8217;s Laboratory<\/strong> when he decided to begin a new journey with a rotating team.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Why_doesnt_Ash_keep_Pikachu_in_a_Poke_Ball\"><\/span>10. Why doesn\u2019t Ash keep Pikachu in a Pok\u00e9 Ball?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ash doesn&#8217;t keep Pikachu in a Pok\u00e9 Ball due to their <strong>strong bond and Pikachu&#8217;s preference to stay outside<\/strong> and close to Ash.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Is_Lucario_a_Legendary_Pokemon\"><\/span>11. Is Lucario a Legendary Pok\u00e9mon?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, Lucario is <strong>not a Legendary Pok\u00e9mon<\/strong>. It is a regular, albeit powerful, Pok\u00e9mon that trainers can obtain and train.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_How_many_Pokemon_has_Ash_caught_throughout_his_journey\"><\/span>12. How many Pok\u00e9mon has Ash caught throughout his journey?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ash has caught a considerable number of Pok\u00e9mon throughout his journey. When taking into account all the other Pok\u00e9mon Ash has released or traded away, as well as different evolutionary forms, he reaches a total of <strong>97 Pok\u00e9mon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Who_is_Ashs_longest-tenured_Pokemon\"><\/span>13. Who is Ash&#8217;s longest-tenured Pok\u00e9mon?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Pikachu<\/strong> is undoubtedly Ash&#8217;s longest-tenured Pok\u00e9mon, having been with him since the very beginning of his journey.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_What_is_happening_to_Ash_in_the_Pokemon_anime_series\"><\/span>14. What is happening to Ash in the Pok\u00e9mon anime series?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>After a 25-year run, Ash Ketchum&#8217;s story has concluded in the Pok\u00e9mon anime. He is <strong>no longer the main character<\/strong>, with a new series featuring new protagonists, Liko and Roy, taking over.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Is_the_Pokemon_series_educational\"><\/span>15. Is the Pok\u00e9mon series educational?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Video games, including the Pok\u00e9mon series, can present opportunities for players to develop many of the same skills taught in formal learning environments. This includes problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic thinking. Research in game-based learning focuses on how games may be used to foster creativity, collaboration, and communication. For more insights, you can explore the <strong>Games Learning Society<\/strong> at <strong>GamesLearningSociety.org<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_The_Enduring_Legacy_of_Ash_and_Lucario\"><\/span>Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Ash and Lucario<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The story of Ash catching Riolu and the Pok\u00e9mon evolving into Lucario is a highlight in the <em>Pok\u00e9mon Journeys: The Series<\/em>. It emphasizes themes of <strong>trust, friendship, and the power of connection<\/strong>. While Ash&#8217;s journey as the main character has come to an end, the memories and relationships he forged with his Pok\u00e9mon, including Lucario, will undoubtedly remain iconic within the Pok\u00e9mon universe for years to come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Who Catches Riolu in the Pok\u00e9mon Universe? Ash Ketchum is the trainer who catches Riolu in the Pok\u00e9mon anime series, specifically in Pok\u00e9mon Journeys: The Series. Riolu&#8217;s capture is a significant event in the series, marking the beginning of a powerful and emotional bond between Ash and the Pok\u00e9mon. Riolu eventually evolves into Lucario, becoming &#8230; <a title=\"Who catches Riolu?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/who-catches-riolu\/\" aria-label=\"More on Who catches Riolu?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-200401","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/200401","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=200401"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/200401\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=200401"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=200401"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=200401"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}