An optional area with some great rewards, Iron Island can be accessed from Canalave City in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
Once there, Trainers can meet an NPC and pick up the Riolu Egg, a prerequisite for obtaining Lucario.
Here's what you'll need to do.
How to get to Iron Island
First of all, you'll need the Surf HM. Head to Celestic Town and speak to Cynthia's grandmother. You'll also have to defeat the Pastoria City Gym Leader, Crasher Wake, in order to use it outside of battle.
Then, head to Canalave City. In the south, you'll find a sailor who offers to take you to Iron Island by boat.
Of course, you should say yes.
Naturally with any dungeon, you'll encounter a whole bunch of trainers to battle.
Luxio, Level 31
Stunky, Level 31
Win: 744 Pokédollars
Staravia, Level 31
Cherrim, Level 31
Win: 744 Pokédollars
Onix, Level 31
Graveler, Level 31
Win: 1,488 Pokédollars
Graveler, Level 33
Win: 1,584 Pokédollars
Zubat, Level 28
Onix, Level 31
Golbat, Level 31
Win: 1,240 Pokédollars
Graveler, Level 30
Machoke, Level 32
Win: 1,280 Pokédollars
Croagunk, Level 35
Medicham, Level 34
Win: 1,936 Pokédollars
Ponyta, Level 31
Haunter, Level 33
Floatzel, Level 34
Pelipper, Level 33
Sudowoodo, Level 33
Win: 4,556 Pokédollars
Onix, Level 29
Steelix, Level 33
Geodude, Level 27
Graveler, Level 31
Onix, Level 31
Win: 3,072 Pokédollars
Zubat, Level 31
Zubat, Level 31
Golbat, Level 34
Glameow, Level 32
Croagunk, Level 32
Stunky, Level 32
Win: 3,168 Pokédollars
You'll find the following significant items on Iron Island, alongside the usual potions and restorative items:
- A Metal Coat held item, given by Byron after unlocking the National Dex
- An Iron Ball held item, on Floor BF1
- A Super Repel, on Floor B1F (Right Cave)
- TM23 Iron Tail on Floor B2F (Right Cave)
- A Magnet held item, on Floor B2F (Left Cave)
- An Iron Plate held item, also on Floor B2F (Left Cave)
- An Ultra Ball, also on Floor B2F (Left Cave)
- A Shiny Stone evolution item, on Floor B3F (Right Cave)
Where to find Riley and get Riolu?
On the second level down you'll encounter Riley, a snazzy dresser with a sharp-looking blue hat.
He'll join your party, healing your Pokémon after each battle. It's another great opportunity to grind for EXP without worrying about fainting or running out of PP for your moves.
Helping him to defeat all the Galactic Grunts on Iron Island is well worth the time, because you'll get the Riolu Egg as a reward once you leave the cave.
Make sure to hatch the egg as soon as possible, because you can then work on unlocking Lucario.
How to evolve Riolu into Lucario in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Evolving Riolu isn't as straightforward as reaching a certain level.
You'll need to increase Riolu's Friendship level. Check out our guide linked below on how to do that, and how to check your current level.
Once you've done that, battle enough so that Riolu levels up. This must be done during the day.
If your friendship is high enough, Riolu's evolution into Lucario should be triggered.
Congrats!
Friendship plays a big role in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, affecting everything from evolution to performance in battle. Here's how to increase it.
