Riolu, the adorable Fighting-type Pokémon, is a favorite among many trainers. But evolving this little guy into the powerful Lucario requires a bit more than just leveling up. This guide will walk you through the exact steps needed to evolve your Riolu into a Lucario in Pokémon X and Y, and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire – Gen 6 games.
Understanding Riolu's Evolution Requirements
Unlike many Pokémon that evolve based solely on level, Riolu's evolution hinges on a crucial element: high friendship. This means you need to build a strong bond with your Riolu before it's ready to evolve. Simply leveling it up won't be enough.
Key Steps to Maximize Friendship:
- Battle Regularly: Use Riolu in battles, even if it's not the most effective Pokémon in your team. Winning battles increases friendship.
- Use Vitamins: Items like Carbos, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and HP Up boost Riolu's stats, contributing to increased friendship. However, overusing vitamins can make the process less natural, so use them sparingly.
- Don't Let Riolu Faint: Fainting significantly lowers friendship. Be mindful of its health during battles and use healing items when needed.
- Give Riolu Affection: In Gen 6, you can increase friendship through interactions. These might include using the Pokémon-Amie feature (X/Y) or Pokémon Refresh (ORAS). Spend time petting, playing, and feeding Riolu in these mini-games.
- Level Up Slowly: While some trainers rush the leveling process, a slower, more consistent approach helps build friendship more effectively.
The Evolution Process: Leveling Up With High Friendship
Once you've dedicated time to building a strong bond with your Riolu, the final step is simple: level up. You must level Riolu up to level 35 while having maximized its friendship.
Important Note: The game doesn't provide a direct friendship meter. You'll need to rely on the methods mentioned above to gauge Riolu's happiness. If it remains unevolved beyond level 35, continue strengthening your bond using the methods above then attempt to level up again.
Utilizing Pokémon-Amie and Pokémon Refresh
Pokémon-Amie (X/Y): This mini-game allows for direct interaction with your Pokémon. Regular playtime, feeding, and petting will significantly boost friendship. Pay close attention to Riolu's reactions to understand its level of happiness.
Pokémon Refresh (ORAS): Similar to Pokémon-Amie, Pokémon Refresh offers opportunities to clean and care for your Riolu. Cleaning its grime, feeding it berries, and simply spending time with it will contribute positively to friendship.
Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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My Riolu isn't evolving at level 35. What should I do? Double-check you've spent sufficient time increasing its friendship using the methods mentioned earlier. More time spent nurturing Riolu’s happiness is usually the answer.
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Are there any other ways to evolve Riolu? No, friendship and reaching level 35 are the sole requirements for evolving Riolu into Lucario in Gen 6.
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What are Lucario's strengths? Lucario is a powerful Fighting/Steel-type Pokémon, boasting high Attack and Speed stats. It's a valuable asset in competitive battles.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to adding the powerful Lucario to your Gen 6 team. Remember, patience and dedication are key to successfully evolving Riolu! Good luck, trainers!
