Riolu, the adorable Fighting-type Pokémon, is a fan favorite. Many trainers eagerly await its evolution into the powerful Lucario. But how do you achieve this evolution in Pokémon Scarlet? It's not as simple as reaching a certain level. This guide will give you a concise summary of the process.
Understanding Riolu's Evolution
Unlike many Pokémon that evolve based solely on level, Riolu requires a specific condition to evolve into Lucario: high friendship. This means you need to build a strong bond with your Riolu before it's ready to evolve.
Key Steps to Evolve Riolu:
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Obtain a Riolu: This can be done through various means, including raids, trading, or potentially finding one in the wild (though this method might be less reliable).
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Increase Friendship: This is the crucial step. There are several ways to boost friendship:
- Battle with Riolu: Regularly using Riolu in battles, even against weaker opponents, will increase friendship. Winning battles contributes significantly.
- Leveling Up: While not the sole factor, leveling up naturally increases friendship.
- Using Vitamins: Items like Carbos, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and HP Up can significantly accelerate friendship growth. These can be purchased at various shops.
- Winning Contests: While not directly related to battles, winning contests with your Riolu can also boost friendship.
- Let it rest in the Party: Keep Riolu in your active party; even if not battling, this builds a bond.
- Give it Treats: This can be a quick and effective way to boost friendship in short periods.
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Check Friendship: While there's no in-game meter for friendship, the game will indicate an evolution is imminent when Riolu is ready. You'll usually see a heart appear above Riolu's head near the evolution.
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Level Up: Once Riolu's friendship is high enough, simply level it up. It will then evolve into Lucario. Note: It does not matter if you level up through battle or by other means.
Maximizing Friendship Gain
To maximize your Riolu's friendship gain, consider the following:
- Using a Friendship-boosting item: Certain items can noticeably speed up the process.
- Winning battles consistently: Even small victories count towards increasing friendship.
- Using a variety of training methods: Combining battling, leveling, and using vitamins yields the best results.
By following these steps, you'll successfully evolve your Riolu into a powerful Lucario in Pokémon Scarlet. Remember, patience and consistent effort are key to building a strong bond with your Pokémon!
