Can Riolu be caught early in a Platinum playthrough?

Question

Will I be able to catch Riolu early in Platinum or in the middle of the game?

Answer 1

Without trading, Riolu is first obtainable by hatching the Egg Riley gives you on Iron Island. It depends on your definition of "middle game", but most people generally consider this point to be around the late midgame.

Source

Comments

Just to clarify a bit more, you need to have 5 badges and defeat your rival's level 38 Pokemon before getting Riolu.

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Should also be noted youd need to spend an hour or two leveling it up to the same level as your team.