Riolu, the adorable Fighting-type Pokémon, is a fan favorite known for its powerful evolution, Lucario. But getting that evolution in Pokémon Black and Version 2 isn't as simple as leveling up. This guide will provide you with a winning formula for evolving your Riolu into a powerful Lucario.
Understanding Riolu's Evolution Requirements
Unlike many Pokémon that evolve through leveling up, Riolu has a specific requirement to evolve: high friendship. This means you need to build a strong bond with your Riolu before it'll transform into Lucario. There's no magic number; it's about nurturing your Pokémon.
Key Factors in Increasing Friendship
Several actions boost your Riolu's friendship level. Here's a breakdown of the most effective methods:
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Battling: Winning battles with Riolu increases friendship, especially if it performs well and doesn't faint. However, overusing it can lead to exhaustion and hinder friendship gain. Find a balance.
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Using Vitamins: Items like Carbos, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and PP Up significantly increase friendship. While these can be expensive early on, strategically using them on your Riolu pays off in the long run.
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Winning Contests: If your Riolu has good stats in areas relevant to Pokémon Contests, consider entering them! A win boosts friendship levels.
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Keeping Riolu in your Party: Simply having Riolu in your party while you travel and explore the region increases friendship. The more it's with you, the stronger your bond will be.
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Healing: Using items like Potions and Revives on your Riolu shows your care and raises friendship.
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Avoiding Fainting: While battles increase friendship, repeatedly fainting your Riolu will drastically decrease it. Try to avoid situations that could cause it to faint.
Optimizing Friendship Building
To maximize efficiency, follow these tips:
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Level up Strategically: While you shouldn't avoid battles entirely, focus on battles your Riolu can easily win to maintain high morale and minimize fainting.
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Use Vitamins Wisely: Don't waste vitamins early. Save them for later levels when the friendship increase is more significant.
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Maximize Party Time: Keep Riolu in your party even when not actively battling. This passive friendship increase can make a huge difference.
Knowing When Riolu is Ready to Evolve
Unfortunately, there's no in-game friendship meter. However, you'll notice subtle changes as friendship increases. If your Riolu is consistently performing well and is rarely injured, you are getting closer!
A good indicator of high friendship is when you see a heart appear above Riolu's head after a battle or when you interact with it in the summary screen.
Once you've dedicated enough time and effort into nurturing your Riolu, level it up! During that level up, it should evolve into Lucario. If it doesn't, continue to build its friendship using the methods above.
Conclusion: Your Lucario Awaits!
Evolving Riolu into Lucario is a rewarding experience. By following this winning formula, you can maximize your chances of success. Remember, patience and dedication are key to forming a strong bond with your Pokémon and ultimately, achieving your goal of a powerful Lucario in Pokémon Black and White! Good luck, trainer!
