Riolu, the adorable Fighting-type Pokémon, is a fan favorite. But its evolution into the powerful Lucario requires a bit more than just leveling up. This definitive guide will walk you through every step you need to take to evolve your Riolu into a Lucario in Pokémon White 2. We'll cover everything from finding Riolu to mastering the crucial evolution trigger. Get ready to unleash Lucario's full potential!
Finding Your Riolu: The First Step
Before you can evolve Riolu, you need to catch one! In Pokémon White 2, Riolu isn't readily available in the wild. Instead, you'll need to obtain it through specific methods:
- Trading: The most common method is trading with another player who already has a Riolu. This is a great option if you have friends who play Pokémon White 2.
- Event Distributions: Nintendo occasionally distributes event Pokémon, and Riolu has been featured in past events. Check online resources for details on any current or past distributions. Keep in mind these events are often time-limited.
The Secret to Evolution: Friendship
Unlike many Pokémon that evolve based solely on level, Riolu's evolution hinges on friendship. This means you need to build a strong bond with your Riolu before it'll evolve. Here's how to increase friendship:
Key Friendship-Boosting Activities:
- Leveling up: While not the primary factor, battling and leveling up your Riolu will contribute to increasing its friendship.
- Using Riolu in your party: Keep Riolu in your active party as much as possible. The more time it spends with you, the stronger your bond becomes.
- Winning battles: Victorious battles boost friendship more than losses.
- Using Vitamins: Items like Carbos, Protein, etc., can significantly boost friendship levels. However, use these sparingly, as overuse can reduce their effectiveness.
- Using Soothe Bell: The Soothe Bell item, held by your Riolu, increases friendship gain from various activities. It's highly recommended!
- Avoid letting Riolu faint: Fainting significantly reduces friendship. Pay attention to its health during battles!
- Affection: Interact frequently with your Riolu. Using the Poké-Amie feature (if available on your version) can further boost friendship.
The Evolution Trigger: Reaching High Friendship
Once your Riolu's friendship is sufficiently high, it will evolve into Lucario during the daytime. This often happens while leveling up. There's no precise friendship level; it's more of a threshold. Consistent application of the above methods will ensure your Riolu evolves.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Patience is Key: Evolving Riolu takes time and dedication. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't evolve immediately.
- Monitor your Riolu's Happiness: While there's no direct numerical indicator, keep track of how often Riolu is in your party, how many battles it participates in, and whether it faints. These provide clues to its happiness level.
- Utilize Online Resources: Check online forums or communities for tips and advice from other players who have successfully evolved their Riolu.
Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Lucario!
Following these steps will significantly increase your chances of evolving your Riolu into a Lucario. Remember, patience and consistent care are the keys to success. Good luck, trainer, and may your Lucario become a powerful ally on your Pokémon journey!