Riolu, the adorable Fighting-type Pokémon, is a fan favorite, but evolving it into the powerful Lucario requires more than just leveling up. This guide provides dependable advice on how to achieve this evolution in Pokémon White 2, ensuring you add Lucario to your team.
Understanding Riolu's Evolution Requirements
Unlike many Pokémon that evolve simply by reaching a certain level, Riolu's evolution hinges on a crucial factor: friendship. This means you need to significantly raise your Riolu's happiness level before it'll evolve. Simply battling won't suffice; you need to nurture your Riolu's affection.
Key Methods to Increase Riolu's Friendship
Several reliable methods can boost your Riolu's friendship:
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Consistent battling: While not the primary factor, winning battles with Riolu still contributes to friendship. Avoid using items to revive it during battle as that lowers its happiness.
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Using Riolu frequently: Keep Riolu in your party as often as possible. The more time it spends with you, the stronger your bond will become. Don't just leave it in the PC Box!
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Winning battles without using items: Winning battles without relying on items like Potions or Revives will significantly boost your Riolu's happiness.
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Leveling up: While not as effective as other methods, leveling up still contributes positively to your Riolu’s friendship.
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Grooming: Using items like Soothe Bell significantly accelerates friendship growth. Equip your Riolu with a Soothe Bell – it's well worth the investment.
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Vitamin usage: Vitamins like Calcium, Iron, Zinc, and Carbos can increase happiness levels. Use these sparingly, as overusing them won't dramatically speed up friendship.
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Friendship checkers: While not directly in the game, plenty of online resources and calculators exist to estimate your Riolu's friendship level. These can help you gauge your progress.
Recognizing When Riolu is Ready to Evolve
There's no in-game friendship meter. However, you can infer when Riolu is ready to evolve through the following:
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The Pokémon's behavior: Your Riolu may become more affectionate, showing signs of increased attachment towards you. This is subtle but noticeable.
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Trainer interaction: The in-game happiness checks in certain locations may provide hints. Pay close attention to any interactions you have with NPCs regarding your Pokémon’s happiness.
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Leveling up at night: Leveling up your Riolu at night is believed by some players to slightly increase the chances of it evolving.
The Evolution Process
Once your Riolu's friendship reaches a sufficiently high level, simply level it up. It will evolve into Lucario during the level-up process.
Tips for a Smooth Evolution
- Patience is key: Raising friendship takes time and dedication. Don't rush the process.
- Utilize the Soothe Bell: This item is indispensable for accelerating friendship growth.
- Don't neglect battles: Regular battles are important for overall Pokémon development, and they contribute to friendship.
- Consistent care is crucial: The more you care for Riolu, the faster it will evolve.
By following this advice, you'll be well on your way to adding the powerful Lucario to your Pokémon White 2 team! Remember, it's a journey that requires patience and consistent effort but the reward is worth it. Good luck, Trainer!