So, you've got a Riolu and you're ready to evolve it into the powerful Lucario? Excellent! This guide provides actionable steps to ensure you successfully evolve your Riolu in Pokémon White 2. We'll cover the precise requirements and offer some helpful tips along the way.
Understanding Riolu's Evolution
Unlike many Pokémon that evolve through leveling up or using specific items, Riolu's evolution requires a specific condition to be met: high friendship. Simply leveling up won't be enough; you need to boost your Riolu's happiness significantly.
What is Friendship in Pokémon?
Friendship, or happiness, is a hidden mechanic in Pokémon games. It represents the bond between you and your Pokémon. Several actions increase friendship, while others decrease it.
Actionable Steps to Maximize Riolu's Friendship
Here's a breakdown of effective methods to raise your Riolu's friendship:
1. Consistent Battles:
- Strategic Battles: Win battles strategically, avoiding the use of items like potions to heal. Allowing your Riolu to take some damage (without fainting!) and then healing it afterward with an item can help increase friendship faster than constant healing.
- Regular Training: Use your Riolu regularly in battles. The more battles it participates in (even if it's not a key player), the better!
2. Minimize Fainting:
- Protect Your Riolu: Avoid letting your Riolu faint. Fainting significantly lowers friendship. If it's looking weak, swap it out for another Pokémon.
3. Utilize Vitamins:
- Strategic Vitamin Use: Vitamins (like Carbos, Protein, etc.) slightly increase friendship. Use them sparingly but strategically to give your friendship level a boost when needed. Don't overdo it.
4. Spend Quality Time:
- Keep Riolu in Your Party: Keep Riolu in your active party as much as possible. This constant companionship will help build friendship.
- Massage and Grooming: In Pokémon White 2, take advantage of the massage services available to increase friendship.
5. Leveling Up:
- Leveling Impact: While not the primary factor, leveling up still plays a role in boosting friendship. The more levels Riolu gains, the higher the likelihood of reaching the required friendship threshold.
Checking Friendship Level
Unfortunately, there isn't a direct way to check your Riolu's friendship level in Pokémon White 2. However, you can get an indication through a few methods such as using certain NPCs and noticing different reactions from your Riolu.
Knowing When Riolu is Ready to Evolve
Once your Riolu's friendship is sufficiently high, it will evolve into Lucario upon leveling up. This usually happens around Level 35.
Important Note: If you are uncertain, simply continue to follow the steps to maximize friendship and keep leveling up. Evolution will happen naturally.
Conclusion:
Evolving Riolu into Lucario takes patience and consistent effort. By following these actionable steps and focusing on increasing friendship, you'll successfully evolve your Riolu into a powerful Lucario in Pokémon White 2. Good luck, trainer!
