Riolu, the adorable Fighting-type Pokémon, is a fan favorite known for its powerful evolution, Lucario. Many trainers wonder how to unlock Lucario's full potential in Pokémon Black 2. This guide provides expert advice and strategies to successfully evolve your Riolu. We'll cover the key requirements and offer tips for a smooth transition.
Understanding Riolu's Evolution: The Friendship Factor
The key to evolving Riolu into Lucario in Pokémon Black 2 isn't complex moves or high levels; it's friendship. You need to significantly increase your Riolu's friendship level before it will evolve. This isn't a quick process, but following these steps will significantly speed things up.
Boosting Your Riolu's Friendship: Proven Methods
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Leveling Up: Battling is essential! While not the fastest way to raise friendship, consistently using your Riolu in battles contributes significantly. Winning battles increases friendship, making this a crucial aspect of the process.
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Vitamins: Using vitamins like Carbos, Protein, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, and HP Up will dramatically increase your Riolu's stats and, importantly, boost its friendship level. These are a significant investment, but they yield excellent results.
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Affection: Pay attention to your Riolu! Use items like the Friendship Checker to monitor your progress. This item will check your Pokemon's friendship level at any point. Regularly checking ensures you're on the right track. Avoid letting it faint frequently.
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Winning Streaks: Maintaining a winning streak in battles adds an extra boost to friendship gain. Aim for consistently strong performances in battle.
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Grooming: In Pokémon Black 2, the use of grooming techniques like using the Poké-Gear's Pokéathlon to engage with Riolu will strengthen your bond and boost friendship.
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Evolutions: Many players believe that evolving a pokemon will boost it's friendship level. This isn't true in Pokemon Black 2.
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Avoid the Soothe Bell: The Soothe Bell is a commonly suggested item, however in Pokemon Black 2, it has no effect. Do not use it.
Recognizing the Evolution Cue
Once your Riolu's friendship reaches a sufficiently high level, it will evolve into Lucario during the night. This means you must have your Riolu in your party overnight. Be prepared for the transformation, as it will occur automatically while your game is turned off!
Optimizing Your Lucario for Battle
Now that you've successfully evolved your Riolu, prepare your Lucario for the challenges ahead.
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Move Set: Learn Lucario’s best moveset. This will vary depending on your playstyle, but consider moves that capitalize on its Fighting and Steel typing.
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EV Training: Focus on EV training to maximize your Lucario’s potential in battle. EV training is crucial to optimizing the strengths of a Pokemon.
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Itemization: Choose the correct items to give Lucario a competitive edge during battles.
By following these expert strategies, you'll significantly increase your chances of successfully evolving your Riolu into a powerful Lucario. Remember, patience and consistent effort are key to building the strong bond required for this evolution! Good luck, trainers!
