How Many Steps Does It Take to Raise Eevee’s Friendship?

Eevee, the Evolution Pokémon, is beloved by trainers for its adaptability and potential to transform into a wide array of elemental types. However, evolving Eevee into some of its forms, like Sylveon, hinges on friendship levels, also known as happiness in some games. So, the burning question is: just how many steps are needed to raise Eevee’s friendship enough to trigger these evolutions?

The answer depends on several factors, including the specific game, items used, and activities performed. However, focusing solely on walking, with a 50% chance of increasing friendship by 1 for every 255 steps, Eevee starts with a base Friendship of 70. To reach the required friendship level (often 220 or higher for Sylveon, depending on the game), you need to gain an additional 150 points. Therefore, a minimum of approximately 76,500 steps is needed if relying solely on walking and being lucky enough to trigger the friendship increase every time. Keep in mind this is a very rough estimate because of that 50% chance and doesn’t account for other friendship-boosting methods.

Understanding Friendship Mechanics

Before diving deeper, it’s crucial to understand the mechanics behind friendship. “Friendship,” also known as “happiness” or “affection,” is a hidden stat that measures a Pokémon’s bond with its trainer. Certain Pokémon, like Eevee, require a specific friendship level to trigger evolution into certain forms. While walking can contribute to this stat, it’s often a slow and unreliable method compared to others.

Different games have variations in how friendship is calculated and the thresholds required for evolution. Therefore, it is essential to consult resources specific to the game you’re playing.

Optimizing Friendship Gains

While amassing steps might seem daunting, there are many ways to expedite the process. Combining these methods will drastically reduce the number of steps needed to evolve your Eevee.

• Utilizing Items: Items like the Soothe Bell significantly boost friendship gains from all activities, including walking, battles, and grooming. Giving your Eevee certain berries can also increase its happiness. However, be cautious, as some berries can decrease happiness if the Pokémon dislikes their taste.
• Engaging in Battles: Regularly using your Eevee in battles, especially against tougher opponents, increases its friendship. Keep your Eevee healthy by using potions and avoiding fainting, as fainting negatively impacts friendship.
• Pokémon Refresh/Amie: Modern Pokémon games feature interactive features like Pokémon Refresh or Pokémon Amie, which allow you to groom, feed, and play with your Pokémon. These activities provide significant friendship boosts.
• Luxury Ball & Friend Ball: Catching a Pokémon in a Luxury Ball or Friend Ball provides an initial boost to their friendship.
• Leveling Up: Leveling up your Pokemon in battle will raise your Pokemon’s level +5 points at friendship levels 0-99, +3 points at friendship levels 100-199, and +2 points at friendship levels 200 – 255.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum friendship level?

The maximum friendship level varies slightly between games but generally ranges from 255 to 256. You do not need to reach the absolute maximum for Eevee to evolve, but a certain threshold must be met (often around 220).

2. How can I check Eevee’s friendship level?

In most games, there’s an NPC (Non-Player Character) who can assess your Pokémon’s friendship level. This character is often found in a specific town or location. The dialogue provided by the NPC will give you a general idea of your Pokémon’s friendship level, ranging from vague descriptions like “It looks comfortable around you” to more explicit statements indicating high friendship.

3. Does fainting decrease friendship?

Yes, fainting significantly decreases friendship. Avoid letting your Eevee faint in battle if you’re trying to raise its friendship.

4. Does trading affect friendship?

Trading can have varying effects on friendship depending on the game. In some cases, it can reset friendship levels, while in others, it might provide a small boost. It’s best to avoid trading Eevee if your primary goal is to raise its friendship for evolution.

5. Which berries increase friendship?

Berries like Pomeg, Kelpsy, Qualot, Hondew, Grepa, and Tamato can increase friendship. However, they also lower certain stat values, so use them cautiously.

6. Does the time of day affect friendship gains?

In some games, certain activities might yield slightly higher friendship gains during specific times of the day. This is not a universal rule, so it’s best to consult game-specific guides.

7. Does the location where I caught Eevee affect its friendship?

No, the location where you caught Eevee does not directly affect its friendship. However, catching Eevee in a Luxury Ball or Friend Ball provides an immediate boost.

8. Can I use multiple methods to raise friendship simultaneously?

Absolutely! Combining methods like walking with a Soothe Bell, using Eevee in battles, and grooming it in Pokémon Refresh/Amie will drastically accelerate the friendship-raising process.

9. Does giving Eevee vitamins (like HP Up or Protein) increase friendship?

Yes, using vitamins on your Pokemon can increase friendship.

10. How does the Soothe Bell work?

The Soothe Bell is an item that increases the rate at which a Pokémon gains friendship. It stacks with other friendship-boosting methods, making it an invaluable tool.

11. Is Sylveon the only Eeveelution that requires high friendship?

Yes, Sylveon is the only Eeveelution that explicitly requires high friendship in most games. Espeon and Umbreon also depend on friendship, but require leveling up during the day (Espeon) or night (Umbreon) while having a high friendship level. The other Eeveelutions (Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Leafeon, Glaceon) are triggered by using specific evolution stones or leveling up in specific locations.

12. What is Eevee’s secret ability?

Eevee’s hidden ability is Anticipation.

13. Does walking with Eevee as my buddy in Pokémon GO increase its friendship?

Yes, walking with your Eevee as your buddy in Pokémon GO is essential to evolve it into Espeon or Umbreon. You must walk 10km with Eevee as your buddy and then evolve it during the day (Espeon) or night (Umbreon). While “friendship” is not directly visible in Pokémon GO in the same way as the main series games, this mechanic serves a similar purpose.

14. How much happiness does it take to evolve Riolu?

Riolu must have a Friendship/Happiness rating of at least 220 to evolve into Lucario.

15. Why is my Eevee not evolving into Sylveon despite high friendship?

There are two primary reasons:

• Fairy-Type Move: Eevee must know a Fairy-type move to evolve into Sylveon. If it doesn’t, teach it one through leveling up or using a TM.
• Game-Specific Requirements: Double-check the specific requirements for Sylveon evolution in the game you’re playing. There might be subtle differences.

Conclusion

While the number of steps required to raise Eevee’s friendship can seem high, remember that walking is just one piece of the puzzle. By combining various friendship-boosting methods, you can significantly reduce the time and effort needed to evolve your Eevee into your desired form. So grab that Soothe Bell, engage in some battles, and give your Eevee some love – you’ll have a loyal companion in no time! You might even find inspiration and tips for integrating games like Pokemon into education and learning strategies on the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org. The principles of engagement and motivation used in games are highly relevant to learning.