Many Pokémon trainers find themselves stumped when trying to evolve their beloved Riolu in Pokémon Black 2. The internet, particularly Reddit, is buzzing with questions and strategies. This comprehensive guide will provide the smartest solution to successfully evolve your Riolu, drawing from the collective wisdom of the Pokémon community. Forget frustrating trial and error; let's get your Riolu evolving!
Understanding Riolu's Evolution
Unlike many Pokémon that evolve through leveling up or trading, Riolu requires a specific condition to transform into Lucario: high friendship. This isn't just about having a high level; it's about building a strong bond with your Riolu. Many Reddit threads highlight the frustration of trainers who leveled their Riolu to a high level without achieving the necessary friendship. This guide focuses on the most efficient method to boost that friendship quickly.
Key Factors Affecting Friendship
Several in-game actions significantly impact your Riolu's friendship level. Optimizing these activities is crucial for a swift evolution:
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Winning Battles: While crucial for leveling up, battles also contribute to friendship, especially if your Riolu participates actively and doesn't faint.
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Using Vitamins: Vitamins like Carbos, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and HP Up provide substantial friendship boosts. These are readily available in various in-game shops.
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Using Items: Certain items directly increase friendship, such as the Friendship-raising Berries. These are scattered throughout the game world and can make a considerable difference.
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Keeping Riolu in your Party: Constantly keeping Riolu in your active party, even when not actively battling, increases friendship steadily.
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Avoiding Critical Hits: While not directly related to friendship, ensuring your Riolu doesn't take critical hits during battles helps prevent temporary friendship decreases.
The Smartest Strategy: Maximizing Friendship Gain
Based on community feedback from Reddit discussions, the most efficient method involves a combination of the above factors. Here's a step-by-step approach:
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Stock Up on Vitamins: Begin by purchasing a large supply of vitamins from Pokémon Centers. This will form the backbone of your friendship-boosting strategy.
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Strategic Leveling: Engage in battles with relatively weak Pokémon. This ensures Riolu participates actively without risking fainting.
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Vitamin Application: After every few battles, use a vitamin on Riolu. Focus on using a different vitamin type for a balanced increase.
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Berry Boost: Incorporate Friendship-raising Berries into your strategy when available.
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Constant Party Member: Keep Riolu in your party at all times.
Monitoring Friendship: The Tell-Tale Signs
While there's no direct friendship meter in Pokémon Black 2, certain indicators reveal Riolu's increasing affection:
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Heart Shape During Battle: When your Riolu's friendship is high, a heart-shaped icon will appear during battle. This is a sure sign you are close!
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Trainer's Reaction: Pay attention to how the Pokémon Center nurse reacts to your Riolu. A more positive reaction signals increased friendship.
Conclusion: Evolve Your Riolu with Confidence!
By diligently following this combined strategy, derived from expert advice and community discussions found on Reddit, you can confidently evolve your Riolu into a powerful Lucario. Remember, patience and consistent application of these methods are key! Now go out there and conquer the Pokémon world with your newly evolved Lucario! Good luck, trainer!