Evolving Riolu into the powerful Lucario in Pokémon Sun requires more than just leveling up. This guide will break down the key concepts and steps needed to successfully evolve this Fighting/Steel-type Pokémon. Understanding these concepts will ensure a smooth transition from Riolu's adorable puppy form to Lucario's formidable fighting prowess.
Understanding Riolu's Evolution Requirements
Unlike many Pokémon that evolve simply by reaching a certain level, Riolu's evolution is triggered by 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 suffice; you must actively increase its happiness.
Key Factors Affecting Friendship:
- Battling: Regularly using Riolu in battles, even against weaker opponents, boosts its friendship. Winning battles is particularly effective.
- Winning Contests: While not as impactful as battles, participating in and winning Pokémon Contests can also increase friendship.
- Feeding Berries: Certain berries, like the Soothe Bell, directly increase friendship. Equipping the Soothe Bell to Riolu while it's in your party maximizes this effect.
- Grooming/Affection: In-game actions like petting Riolu increase affection, which indirectly contributes to friendship. Interact with it frequently through the PokéAmie feature (or equivalent in later generations).
- Avoiding Heavy Damage: Protecting Riolu from excessive damage during battles will contribute positively to friendship.
Maximizing Friendship Level for Evolution
The process of maximizing friendship requires patience and consistent interaction. Here are some effective strategies:
Strategic Battle Approach:
Avoid using Riolu in overly difficult battles where it risks fainting frequently. Focus on battles it can easily win, ensuring continuous small boosts to friendship.
Optimal Berry Use:
Use the Soothe Bell consistently. Combining this with regular battles provides a significant boost in friendship gains.
Consistent Interaction:
Remember to regularly check on Riolu through the PokéAmie or equivalent system. The more attention you give it, the faster its friendship will grow.
Confirming High Friendship:
The game doesn't explicitly state a numerical friendship level. However, you'll notice subtle changes in your Riolu's behavior. For example, it might show more affection or interact differently within the party.
The Final Evolution Step:
Once your Riolu's friendship is high enough, level it up. This will trigger its evolution into Lucario. This evolution will usually occur during the level-up process itself. You'll see an animation showing the transformation.
Optimizing your Lucario
Once evolved, Lucario's strong stats and movepool makes it a great addition to your team. Consider investing in training to maximize its potential!
Remember, patience is key when it comes to evolving Riolu. By following these tips, you can successfully turn your Riolu into a powerful Lucario, significantly enhancing your Pokémon Sun team.
