Pokemon Metal Red, a challenging ROM hack, presents unique evolutionary paths for familiar Pokemon. Evolving Riolu, the adorable Fighting-type, can be tricky if you're not familiar with the game's specific requirements. This guide simplifies the process, ensuring you can add Lucario to your team without frustration.
Understanding Riolu's Evolution in Pokemon Metal Red
Unlike the main series games, Riolu's evolution in Pokemon Metal Red isn't solely based on happiness. While friendship plays a role, a specific condition must be met alongside high friendship. This dual requirement often trips up players.
The Two Keys to Evolving Riolu: Friendship and Level
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High Friendship: Riolu needs a very high friendship level. This isn't easily quantified in-game, but consistent attention is key. Use Riolu in battles, keep it in your party, and occasionally use items to increase friendship. Avoid letting it faint frequently.
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Level Up During the Day: This is the crucial, often overlooked step. You must level up Riolu during the daytime hours in-game. Leveling up at night will not trigger the evolution. Make sure to check your in-game clock before attempting to level it up.
Practical Steps for Evolving Your Riolu
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to maximize your chances of successfully evolving Riolu into Lucario:
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Keep Riolu in your party: Consistent companionship boosts friendship.
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Use Riolu in battles: Actively participate in battles using Riolu. Victories significantly improve friendship.
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Utilize Friendship-Boosting Items: Items like Soothe Bell and others (check your in-game item descriptions) can accelerate the process. These are invaluable tools in this evolution method.
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Level Up Strategically: Once you believe Riolu's friendship is high, find a safe location to level it up. Ensure it is daytime before initiating the level-up process. A simple method is to use lower-level Pokemon for controlled experience gain.
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Patience is Key: Evolving Pokemon often requires patience. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't evolve immediately. Continue battling and increasing friendship.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
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Riolu isn't evolving: Double-check the time of day. If it's nighttime, that's your problem. If it's daytime, ensure Riolu has very high friendship. Consider using more friendship-boosting items.
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How to check the time: The in-game clock is usually accessible through the menu. Pay close attention to the time of day displayed there.
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Finding a safe training spot: Explore areas with relatively weak Pokemon to ensure controlled level-ups, minimizing the risk of Riolu fainting.
Successfully evolving Riolu into the powerful Lucario in Pokemon Metal Red requires a combination of nurturing your Pokemon's friendship and careful timing. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to adding this strong Fighting/Steel-type to your team! Remember to search online for additional tips and tricks specific to Pokemon Metal Red; the community is a great resource.
