Finding Friendship: Your Guide to the Friendship Checker in Pokémon Black 2
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In Pokémon Black 2, unlike some other installments in the series, there isn’t a dedicated Friendship Checker NPC. Instead, you’ll need to rely on the Xtransceiver to gauge the bond between you and your Pokémon. You can determine the Friendship of any of your party Pokemon by calling Bianca on the Xtransceiver.
Understanding Friendship in Pokémon Black 2
Friendship, sometimes referred to as Happiness, is a hidden stat in Pokémon games that reflects the bond between a trainer and their Pokémon. This stat is crucial for evolving certain Pokémon, powering up specific moves like Return and Frustration, and enhancing the overall gameplay experience. In Pokémon Black 2, while you can’t find a specific person to check Friendship levels, the Xtransceiver provides the means to do so.
How to Check Friendship via the Xtransceiver
The Xtransceiver is a video calling device that allows you to communicate with various characters throughout your adventure in Unova. One of these characters, Bianca, plays a vital role in determining your Pokémon’s Friendship level.
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Obtain the Xtransceiver: You’ll receive the Xtransceiver early in the game as part of the main storyline.
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Call Bianca: Use the Xtransceiver to initiate a call to Bianca. Her responses will provide clues about your Pokémon’s Friendship level.
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Interpret Bianca’s Dialogue: Bianca will say different things depending on how much your Pokemon likes you. Be aware that her comments will only give a vague idea of Friendship, not a precise number.
Increasing Friendship in Pokémon Black 2
Since Friendship is important for certain evolutions, increasing it is a valuable goal for Trainers. Here are some ways to boost your Pokemon’s Friendship:
General Care
- Keeping Pokémon in your party: Simply having a Pokémon in your party is enough to gradually increase Friendship.
- Leveling up Pokémon: Each level gained increases Friendship.
- Using items on Pokémon: Items like Potions and other healing items can increase Friendship.
- Giving Pokémon massages: In the building on the top left, there is a woman who will massage your Pokemon.
Avoiding Negative Actions
- Letting Pokémon faint: Fainting negatively impacts Friendship.
- Using bitter herbal medicines: Herbal medicines like Heal Powder, Energy Root, Energy Powder, and Revival Herb significantly decrease Friendship.
Additional Tips
- The Soothe Bell: Find the Soothe Bell item in Nimbasa City. It is a held item that will greatly increase friendship gained by actions that increase friendship
- Luxury Ball: This pokeball gives additional friendship when Pokemon level up or otherwise gain Friendship.
Evolving Pokémon with Friendship
Several Pokémon in the Unova region and beyond evolve based on Friendship. Some notable examples include:
- Eevee: Evolves into Espeon during the day and Umbreon during the night when Friendship is high enough.
- Golbat: Evolves into Crobat when leveled up with high Friendship.
- Riolu: Evolves into Lucario during the day when Friendship is high enough.
- Togepi: Evolves into Togetic when Friendship is high enough.
To evolve these Pokémon, ensure they have high Friendship and level them up once. They will then evolve if all conditions are met.
FAQs: Friendship in Pokémon Black 2
1. How do I know if my Pokémon is ready to evolve via Friendship?
Unfortunately, there is no Friendship Checker NPC in Pokemon Black 2. Bianca is the only way to gain clues on Friendship. The most effective way to check Friendship is to level your Pokémon up and see if it evolves.
2. What does Bianca say when my Pokémon has max Friendship?
Bianca’s exact dialogue varies, but if your Pokémon has a very high Friendship level, she will express how close you are to your Pokémon and how much the Pokemon likes you.
3. Can I reduce Friendship in Pokémon Black 2?
Yes, letting your Pokémon faint in battle or using bitter herbal medicines will reduce their Friendship.
4. Is there an item that helps increase Friendship faster?
Yes, the Soothe Bell is an item that, when held by a Pokémon, increases the rate at which Friendship increases. Find the Soothe Bell item in Nimbasa City.
5. Do all Pokémon evolve through Friendship?
No, many Pokémon evolve through leveling up, using specific items, or trading. Friendship evolution is specific to certain species.
6. Does trading affect Friendship levels?
Trading can reset Friendship levels, so it’s something to be aware of if you’re aiming for a Friendship-based evolution.
7. What are the best berries to use for increasing Friendship?
The Grepa, Hondew, Kelpsy, Pomeg, Qualot, and Tamato berries all increase Friendship while lowering certain stats.
8. Where can I find the Massage Lady in Pokémon Black 2?
The Massage Lady is located in a building on the top-left side of the street in Castelia City.
9. How much Friendship is needed to evolve Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon?
Eevee generally evolves into Espeon or Umbreon if it levels up when its happiness value is high.
10. What are the moves that require high Friendship?
The moves Return and Frustration are directly affected by Friendship. Return’s power increases with high Friendship, while Frustration’s power increases with low Friendship.
11. How do I capture Riolu in Pokémon Black 2 to maximize Friendship?
Capture Riolu in a Luxury Ball. This will give you a head start in increasing its Friendship.
12. Does the time of day affect Friendship evolution?
Yes, for Eevee, the time of day is critical. It evolves into Espeon during the day and Umbreon during the night.
13. How do I get to the next level of friendship?
- Reach out: Engage with your Pokémon frequently.
- Be a conversationalist: “Talk” to your Pokémon by interacting with it through items and battles.
- Show up: Keep your Pokémon in your party.
- Open up: Use items and services to care for your Pokémon.
- Speak the Truth: Always battle fairly and avoid causing your Pokémon to faint unnecessarily.
14. What happens if my Pokémon’s Friendship is too low?
If a Pokémon’s Friendship is too low, it will not evolve via Friendship. Additionally, the move Frustration will have higher power.
15. Are there resources for deeper understanding of game mechanics like Friendship?
Absolutely! The Games Learning Society offers valuable insights and resources for understanding game mechanics and their impact on learning. Their website at GamesLearningSociety.org explores the educational aspects of gaming. Consider checking out the Games Learning Society to learn about game mechanics and how they are perceived by other players.
By understanding how to check and increase Friendship in Pokémon Black 2, you’ll be well-equipped to evolve your favorite Pokémon and build strong bonds with your team. Happy training!