So, you've got your hands on a Riolu in Pokémon Hyper Emerald and you're ready to evolve it into the powerful Lucario? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully evolve your adorable fighting-type Pokémon. Let's dive in!
Understanding Riolu's Evolution Requirements
Unlike some Pokémon that evolve through leveling up, Riolu's evolution in Hyper Emerald, and most other games, requires a specific condition to be met: high friendship. This isn't just about leveling it up; it's about building a strong bond with your Riolu.
What constitutes "High Friendship"?
There's no exact numerical value displayed in the game to tell you your Riolu's friendship level. However, several actions significantly boost friendship:
- Winning Battles: Successfully battling with your Riolu increases its friendship. Winning battles against stronger opponents yields even greater gains.
- Using Vitamins: Items like Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Carbos, and HP Up increase friendship. These are readily available at various points in the game.
- Giving it Rare Candies: Rare Candies boost your Pokémon's level without affecting friendship directly, but the increased level makes it easier to win battles and raise friendship.
- Using it often: Regularly using your Riolu in your party during battles, even if it doesn't participate directly, gradually increases friendship.
- Keeping it healthy: Avoid letting your Riolu faint frequently. This negatively impacts friendship.
Practical Steps to Evolve Your Riolu
Here's a step-by-step guide to maximize your chances of evolving Riolu into Lucario:
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Level Up: While friendship is key, Riolu needs to reach a certain level to evolve, even with high friendship. In Hyper Emerald, this level is Level 35.
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Prioritize Friendship-Boosting Activities: After each battle, use a vitamin or two on your Riolu. If possible, use Rare Candies to reach level 35 more quickly. Remember, winning battles is crucial, so choose battles strategically. Don't be afraid to grind in areas with appropriate-level Pokémon.
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Monitor Your Riolu's Happiness: While there is no direct friendship meter, keep an eye on your Riolu's behavior. If it's behaving unusually cheerful in the summary screen, it's a good sign its friendship level is rising.
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Level Up at Night (Optional): Some players believe that leveling up at night boosts friendship more significantly. This is debated among players, but it certainly won't hurt to try!
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Check Your Pokémon's Status: Once you reach level 35 and you're confident you've cultivated a high friendship level, try battling another Pokémon. If it evolves immediately following a battle, congratulations! You now have a Lucario!
Troubleshooting: Riolu Won't Evolve
If your Riolu is level 35 and still hasn't evolved, it's likely that your friendship level isn't quite high enough. Go back to step two and intensify your friendship-building efforts. Focus on winning battles with your Riolu, using vitamins, and keeping it healthy. Patience is key!
Conclusion
Evolving Riolu into Lucario in Pokémon Hyper Emerald is a rewarding experience. By diligently following these steps and focusing on building a strong bond with your Riolu, you'll soon have a powerful Lucario ready to join your team. Good luck, trainer!
