Evolving Riolu in Pokémon Alpha Sapphire can be tricky if you don't know the secret! This guide provides a straightforward strategy to ensure your Riolu evolves into the powerful Lucario. Let's dive in!
Understanding Riolu's Evolution Requirements
Unlike many Pokémon that evolve through leveling up or using specific items, Riolu's evolution hinges on friendship. This means you need to build a strong bond with your Riolu before it will evolve. There's no specific level; it's all about raising its happiness.
Key Factors Affecting Friendship
Several actions significantly impact your Riolu's happiness:
- Battling: Regularly using Riolu in battles increases its happiness. Winning battles provides a more significant boost.
- Winning Contests: If you're feeling adventurous, entering and winning Pokémon Contests can dramatically increase your Riolu's happiness.
- Using Vitamins: Giving Riolu vitamins like Carbos, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and HP Up will increase its stats and boost its friendship.
- Grooming (Pokéblocks): Feeding Riolu Pokéblocks is a subtle but effective way to raise its happiness. The type of Pokéblock doesn't drastically affect friendship, so focus on its favorite flavors.
- Talking to NPCs: In certain areas, specific NPCs will comment on your Pokémon's happiness level. This interaction slightly increases happiness.
- Carrying it: Keeping Riolu in your party as you travel also slowly boosts its friendship.
Practical Steps for Evolving Your Riolu
Here's a breakdown of a practical, effective strategy:
- Consistent Battling: Include Riolu in your main battle team for every gym battle and Trainer fight. Aim for victories to maximize the happiness increase.
- Strategic Vitamin Use: Don't overdo it, but strategically using a few vitamins throughout your adventure will give a noticeable boost. Focus on vitamins that boost its lower stats.
- Pokéblock Treats: Regularly feed Riolu Pokéblocks. This consistent small increase adds up over time.
- Minimize Fainting: Avoid letting Riolu faint. This significantly reduces its happiness.
- Patience is Key: Don't rush the process. Focus on naturally building your Riolu's happiness through consistent battling and care.
Signs of High Friendship
While there isn't a direct happiness meter in Alpha Sapphire, you can watch for clues suggesting your Riolu is ready to evolve:
- Heart sparkles: If you check your Pokémon's summary, heart sparkles may appear in the status screen indicating high friendship.
- NPC Comments: Keep an eye out for trainers or NPCs commenting on how happy your Pokémon seems.
Leveling Up for Evolution
Once you believe your Riolu's happiness is high enough, level it up! The evolution will only trigger during a level-up. This is crucial. Simply having high friendship isn't enough; you need that level-up trigger.
Conclusion
Evolving Riolu into Lucario in Pokémon Alpha Sapphire is a journey of building friendship. By following these steps and patiently nurturing your Riolu, you'll soon have a powerful Lucario by your side! Remember, consistency and care are the keys to success. Happy training!
