Does Walking with Your Pokémon Increase Friendship in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, absolutely! Walking around with your Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet is a key method for boosting their friendship level. While simply having them in your party contributes, the game heavily encourages you to explore the vast Paldea region alongside your companions. Let’s delve into how this works and other ways to maximize your bond with your Pokémon.
Maximizing Friendship in Paldea: More Than Just Steps
While strolling through the Paldea region directly increases friendship, it’s not just about the steps you take. Several factors interplay to determine how quickly your Pokémon’s friendship grows.
Walking Around: The Foundation of Friendship
The more your Pokémon are active alongside you, the more they get to experience the world and bond with you as their trainer. This means keeping them in your party and actively moving around, as opposed to leaving them boxed. Letting your Pokémon roam around in “Let’s Go!” mode (Auto Battles) also helps them gain friendship.
Synergy with Other Activities
Walking is most effective when combined with other friendship-boosting activities. Consider it the foundation upon which you build a stronger bond.
Avoiding Negative Actions
Just as positive actions increase friendship, negative ones decrease it. Letting your Pokémon faint in battle, using herbal medicines, or leaving them boxed for extended periods will hinder your progress. Be mindful of their well-being and treat them with care.
Beyond Walking: A Comprehensive Guide to Friendship
Walking is important, but other techniques accelerate the process. Here are the most effective ways to raise friendship levels in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet:
Battles and Auto-Battles
Engaging in battles, both regular trainer battles and Auto Battles using the “Let’s Go!” feature, helps your Pokémon grow and strengthens your bond. This reinforces their trust in you as their leader and strategist. Be mindful of your Pokemon’s health in battle.
Item Boosts
- Soothe Bell: This item, when held by a Pokémon, significantly boosts the rate at which friendship increases. Find it easily at the Friendship Checker, who is in Cascarrafa.
- Vitamins: Using Vitamins like Iron, Calcium, or Protein can slightly increase friendship, alongside their stat-boosting effects.
- Luxury Ball: Catching a Pokémon in a Luxury Ball from the outset gives them a small starting boost to friendship.
- Berries: Certain berries, specifically the Grepa, Hondew, Kelpsy, Pomeg, Qualot, and Tamato berries, are excellent for raising friendship. These Friendship Berries also lower Effort Values (EVs), which can be beneficial if you’re EV training. Using these while the Pokémon is holding a Soothe Bell will help you reach max happiness sooner.
- Shell Bell: Shell bell can help you achieve friendship with your Pokemon. Giving you Pokémon XP sweets can also boost your friendship.
Picnics: Bonding Over Sandwiches and Playtime
Utilizing the Picnic feature is one of the most engaging ways to boost friendship. At a picnic, you can:
- Play with toys: Interacting with your Pokémon using toys fosters a sense of fun and camaraderie.
- Enjoy sandwiches: Making and sharing sandwiches gives your Pokémon a positive association with your presence.
- Wash them: Keeping your Pokémon clean and happy through washing is another simple way to boost their friendship.
Leveling Up
Simply leveling up your Pokemon will give them a small friendship boost.
The Friendship Checker
Located in Cascarrafa, the Friendship Checker is a valuable resource. Talk to her to assess the current friendship level of your Pokémon. She’s on the middle level of the town, by the hedges near the fountain – east of the southwestern Pokemon Center.
Why is High Friendship Important?
High friendship is essential for several reasons:
- Evolution: Certain Pokémon, such as Eevee (into Espeon/Umbreon) and Riolu (into Lucario), require high friendship to evolve. Eevee generally evolves into Espeon or Umbreon if it levels up when its friendship value is 220 or more (pre-Sw/Sh) or 160 or more (post-Sw/Sh). To evolve Riolu into Lucario, you must level with high friendship during the daytime.
- Battle Performance: Pokémon with high friendship have an increased chance of enduring status conditions, landing critical hits, and avoiding fainting. This adds a significant competitive advantage.
- Story Events: Some in-game events and interactions are triggered by having a strong bond with your Pokémon.
FAQs: All You Need to Know About Pokémon Friendship
How do I check my Pokémon’s friendship level in Scarlet and Violet?
Visit the Friendship Checker in Cascarrafa. She’ll assess your Pokémon’s closeness to you.
What is the quickest way to max out friendship in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Combine multiple methods: Use a Soothe Bell, give your Pokémon Friendship Berries, frequently use them in battles and Auto Battles, take them to picnics, and keep them in your party while exploring.
Do Pokémon gain friendship from fainting?
No, fainting decreases friendship. Avoid letting your Pokémon faint in battle.
Does using herbal medicine affect friendship?
Yes, using herbal medicine, like Heal Powder, decreases friendship. Opt for regular potions instead.
Does Let’s Go mode (Auto Battles) increase friendship?
Yes, having your Pokémon explore and battle in Let’s Go! mode increases friendship, as they gain experience and bond with you.
Can I see a Pokémon’s friendship level during a picnic?
Yes, you can get a general sense of their happiness during picnics through their interactions and reactions. This isn’t a precise measurement, but it gives you a visual cue.
Does the Luxury Ball have a lasting effect on friendship?
The Luxury Ball provides a small initial boost to friendship. It’s not a continuous effect, but it gives you a head start.
How many berries does it take to max out friendship?
The exact number varies depending on the Pokémon and other factors, but with a Soothe Bell, many Pokémon will reach max friendship after consuming around 20 Friendship Berries.
Does leveling up increase friendship?
Yes, each time your Pokemon gains a level it will receive a small friendship boost.
Does trainer battles increase friendship?
Yes! Each time you battle with your Pokemon their friendship with you will increase.
Does the shiny charm help with friendship?
No, the Shiny Charm only affects the odds of finding shiny Pokémon. It has no impact on friendship levels.
Will Lucky Eggs improve friendship levels?
No, Lucky Eggs only boost XP gain. They do not affect friendship levels. However, you can use them when you level up your friendship to get more XP.
Are Lucky Friends permanent?
No, Lucky Friends is not a permanent status. It lasts until you complete a trade with that friend.
How many steps does Pawmo need to walk to evolve?
If you take 1,000 steps while Pawmo is enjoying life outside the constraints of its Pokeball, it’ll evolve the next time you level it up.
Where can I find out more about the link between games and education?
For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming, including how games can foster social skills, creativity, and problem-solving, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org is dedicated to researching and promoting the positive impact of games on learning and development.
Conclusion: A Happy Pokémon is a Strong Pokémon
Raising friendship in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet is about more than just ticking boxes; it’s about building a genuine bond with your Pokémon. By consistently using them in battles, showering them with affection at picnics, and exploring the world together, you’ll not only unlock evolutions and boost their battle prowess but also create a deeper and more rewarding Pokémon experience. So get out there, trainers, and build those bonds!