Riolu, the adorable Fighting-type Pokémon, is a fan favorite. Many trainers eagerly await its evolution into the powerful Lucario. But evolving Riolu isn't as simple as leveling up; it requires a specific condition to be met. This guide will walk you through the straightforward process of evolving your Riolu in Pokémon X and Y, ensuring your Lucario joins your team as soon as possible.
Understanding Riolu's Evolution Requirements
Unlike most Pokémon that evolve based solely on level, Riolu's evolution hinges on friendship. This means you need to significantly increase your bond with your Riolu before it will evolve into Lucario. Simply leveling it up won't suffice.
Boosting Friendship: The Key to Evolution
Several methods effectively boost your Riolu's friendship level:
- Battling: Winning battles with Riolu increases its friendship, particularly if it performs well and doesn't faint. Remember to use it strategically in battles! Avoid using it too frequently for overly difficult battles where it might take significant damage.
- Using Vitamins: Items like Carbos, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and HP Up can substantially increase Riolu's stats. While not directly affecting friendship, the happiness improvement from stat boosts is noticeable.
- Walking: Walking with your Riolu in your party increases friendship. This is most easily achieved on your bike in some areas, though it takes some time.
- Grooming: Using the "Groom" option in Pokémon-Amie builds friendship quickly. Spend some quality time playing games and feeding Riolu its favorite treats to build happiness.
- Giving a Soothe Bell: This item, available at various points in the game, exponentially increases friendship growth through most of the above methods. Attach this to your Riolu for a significant shortcut!
Knowing When Riolu is Ready to Evolve
There's no visual indicator showing precise friendship levels. However, there are some telltale signs:
- Checking with the Daycare Man: When you take your Riolu to the Daycare, the attendant will offer hints about its happiness level. Though vague, this feedback can give you clues as to whether its ready.
- Observing Behavior: A Riolu with high friendship may show affection in Pokémon-Amie; more positive interactions are a great sign.
Once your Riolu’s friendship is high enough, leveling up will trigger its evolution into Lucario. This typically occurs at Level 30-35, but can vary slightly.
Maximizing Your Chances of a Speedy Evolution
For fastest results, combine multiple methods simultaneously. Using a Soothe Bell while spending time in Pokémon-Amie, and using the right vitamins while battling regularly is the quickest way to a strong Lucario.
Conclusion: Your Lucario Awaits!
Evolving Riolu in Pokémon X and Y is a rewarding experience. By following these simple steps and focusing on raising your Riolu's friendship, you'll soon have a powerful Lucario by your side to conquer the world of Pokémon! Remember to be patient and consistent in your efforts. The bond you build will pay off in the end!
