So, you've got a cute Riolu in your Pokémon Sword game, and you're ready to evolve it into the powerful Lucario. But you're hitting a snag. Evolving Riolu isn't as straightforward as some other Pokémon. This guide explores clever workarounds and strategies to ensure you successfully evolve your Riolu and add Lucario to your team!
Understanding Riolu's Evolution Requirements
Before we dive into the workarounds, let's clarify the main hurdle: Riolu evolves into Lucario only by increasing its happiness (friendship) level and leveling it up at night. This presents a two-part challenge. Many players struggle with both aspects. Let's tackle them one by one.
1. Maximizing Riolu's Happiness (Friendship)
This is arguably the more challenging part. Simply using Riolu in battles isn't enough. You need to actively build its friendship. Here are some effective methods:
- Using Soothe Bell: This item significantly boosts friendship gain. Keep it on Riolu at all times! It's a game-changer.
- Winning Battles Consistently: While not the primary method, winning battles contributes to friendship. Focus on battles you know Riolu can win easily. Avoid difficult battles where Riolu might faint repeatedly.
- Using Vitamins: Vitamins like Protein, Calcium, Zinc, etc., while expensive, provide a significant friendship boost. Use them sparingly but strategically.
- Giving it Affection: Petting your Riolu frequently in the Pokémon Camp can also increase its friendship. It's a fun and easy way to boost the friendship meter.
- Walking with Riolu: Walking with your Riolu as your leading Pokémon (in the party selection screen) also increases friendship.
- Avoid letting it faint: Fainting significantly lowers friendship. Be cautious and consider using it strategically in battles.
2. Leveling Up at Night
Once you've significantly boosted Riolu's friendship, you need to level it up at night. This is surprisingly straightforward:
- Check the In-Game Clock: Make sure it's nighttime in the game. The game's clock matches the Nintendo Switch's internal clock. Simply adjust the Switch's clock if needed (though modifying the system clock is generally discouraged.)
- Level Up Methods: There are various ways to level up: battling wild Pokémon, using Rare Candies, or participating in certain trainers' battles.
Clever Workarounds: Optimizing the Evolution Process
Here's where things get interesting! Let's explore some clever techniques to accelerate Riolu's evolution:
- Friendship Check Methods: Although the exact friendship level isn't displayed, there are ways to gauge Riolu's progress. One common method involves talking to the Pokémon professor. He'll give hints about its happiness level.
- Efficient Leveling Strategies: Focus on quick, repeatable battles. This might involve farming easy-to-defeat wild Pokémon or carefully selecting opponents to keep your Riolu from fainting.
- The Importance of Patience: Evolving Riolu takes time and effort. Don't rush the process. Consistent efforts in friendship-building will eventually lead to the desired outcome.
- Strategic Item Usage: Timing the use of Vitamins and Rare Candies effectively can significantly shorten the overall process. Wait until you suspect the friendship is high before using Rare Candies for the final level-up.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Riolu isn't evolving: Double-check both friendship level (using the available hints) and the time of day. It must be nighttime.
- Slow Friendship Gain: Ensure you're using a Soothe Bell and employing all available friendship-boosting methods.
- Difficulty Leveling Up: Choose appropriate battles to avoid fainting.
Successfully evolving Riolu into Lucario requires patience and a strategic approach. By following these clever workarounds and paying attention to the details, you'll soon have a powerful Lucario by your side. Remember, consistency is key! Good luck, trainer!
