Pokémon's catchphrase may be to "catch them all," but in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, it can be just as important to also befriend them as much as possible. Being friends with a Pokémon is not only crucial to increasing their happiness, but it can also be necessary to level up some of them. Trainers who share a strong bond with their Pokémon may even witness them doing extraordinary things in battle, like surviving a hit that should knock them out.
Unfortunately, checking how friendly a trainer and their Pokémon are can't be done in the menu, as players will need to visit the game's Friendship Checker. This NPC can be found in Cascarrafa, where players can also find a Leaf Stone in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Players should be able to identify them by searching for a Marril. Then, by speaking to the Friendship Checker, players will be able to choose a Pokémon from their party or box, and the NPC will comment on how strong the bond between them is.
How to Increase Friendship
The friendship stat in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet can be raised in several ways, the most obvious being by spending time with them, as explained by Eurogamer. By simply having a Pokémon in the party and walking with them, they will begin to grow fonder of their trainer. While it is important to use these Pokémon in battles and to level them up, players must also take care to avoid letting them faint, as this will lead to a loss of friendship. Players can also gain friendship by letting a Pokémon run around and auto-battle other Pokémon in the wild by setting them to Let's Go mode.
During picnics and similar events, players can also increase their bond with a Pokémon by interacting with them, such as cleaning or playing with them. A new addition to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the Soothe Bell item is also handy in improving a bond as it can boost friendship level gains. This item can be found under the general tab in Presents Shops, such as the one in Cascarrafa. Lastly, players can also start a relationship with a friendship boost by using a Friendship Ball to catch a Pokémon.
Pokémon That Evolve By Raising Friendship
Certain Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will need players to have a strong enough bond to evolve. To do this, trainers must improve their friendship and gain a level to trigger evolution. After getting enough friendship, evolving some of these Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet might also have additional requirements, as shown in the following table:
|
Pokémon |
Evolution |
Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Azurill |
Marril |
None |
|
Chansey |
Blissey |
None |
|
Eevee |
Umbreon |
Gain a level at night and doesn't know any Fairy-type move |
|
Eevee |
Espeon |
Gain a level during the day and doesn't know any Fairy-type move |
|
Eevee |
Sylveon |
Gain a level while knowing a Fairy-type move |
|
Igglybuff |
Jigglypuff |
None |
|
Pichu |
Pikachu |
None |
|
Riolu |
Lucario |
Gain a level during the day |
|
Snom |
Frosmoth |
Gain a level at night |
Sources: Eurogamer
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Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
- Released:
- 2022-11-18
- Developer:
- Game Freak
- Franchise:
- Pokemon
- Genre:
- RPG, Adventure, Action
- Platform:
- Nintendo Switch
- Publisher:
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
- ESRB:
- E
- Summary:
- Pokémon returns in its next installment series: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Set in a fictional town near Mediterranean Spain, gamers will explore Paldea, catching new and classic Pokémon. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is the first ever open-world game in the series and features new Pokémon that can transform into vehicles. Pokémon staples like gym battles are still present, but co-op exploration and Terastallize battles are also introduced.
- Multiplayer:
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
- Prequel:
- Pokémon Sword and Shield
- Mode:
- Single Player, Multiplayer
- How Long To Beat:
- 31 Hours
