Radical Red is a challenging Pokémon ROM hack known for its difficulty and expanded Pokédex. Evolving Riolu, a fan-favorite Fighting-type Pokémon, adds significant strength to your team, but its evolution requirements are unique. This guide details powerful methods to ensure you successfully evolve your Riolu into Lucario in Radical Red.
Understanding Riolu's Evolution
Unlike most Pokémon, Riolu doesn't simply evolve based on level. To evolve Riolu into Lucario in Radical Red, you need to increase its friendship (happiness) to a maximum level and level it up during the day. This two-pronged approach requires patience and strategy.
Increasing Riolu's Friendship
This is the most crucial step and often the most time-consuming. Here are several effective methods:
- Using Vitamins: Vitamins like Carbos, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and HP Up significantly boost friendship. These can be found throughout Radical Red by battling trainers or purchased in various cities' Pokémon Centers. Strategic use is key – don't waste them on other Pokémon!
- Battling: Winning battles, especially against tougher opponents, increases Riolu's friendship. However, losing battles can negatively impact it, so choose your battles carefully.
- Using Items: Certain items, like Soothe Bells and Friendship Ribbons, can speed up the friendship increase process. These are rarer items and their acquisition may require careful exploration and strategic gameplay within Radical Red.
- Walking: Carrying Riolu in your party as you explore the world will also slowly increase its friendship. While not the fastest method, it's passive and can be combined with other strategies.
- Avoiding Fainting: Riolu fainting significantly reduces its friendship. Use healing items frequently to keep Riolu healthy and avoid this detrimental effect.
Leveling Up During the Day
Once Riolu's friendship is high enough, leveling it up during the daytime hours is the final hurdle. This is crucial because, unlike some other games, Riolu will not evolve at night. Here's how to manage this:
- Time Management: Keep close track of the in-game time. Radical Red, like other Pokémon games, usually has a clear day/night cycle. Plan your leveling-up sessions accordingly.
- Strategic Leveling: Finding efficient ways to grind EXP is important. Consider using Rare Candies if you have them. Alternatively, repeated battles against weaker Pokémon in a specific location can be a reliable method, especially when you’re ready for the final level-up.
- Avoid Night Battles: If you accidentally encounter nighttime, save your game and wait until morning. You want to make sure the final level-up occurs during the day.
Recognizing Maximum Friendship
There's no direct visual indicator of maximum friendship in Radical Red. However, certain clues can help you determine if your Riolu is ready:
- Trainer Comments: Some NPCs may make comments about your Pokémon's happiness.
- Pokémon's Behavior: A Pokémon with high friendship may show more affection or better performance in battle.
- Trial and Error: If you've utilized many of the methods listed above, and you've leveled up close to the needed level, it may be time to test your luck and see if it evolves.
Conclusion
Evolving Riolu into Lucario in Radical Red requires patience and a strategic approach. By diligently increasing your Riolu's friendship and ensuring it levels up during the day, you can successfully add this powerful Pokémon to your team and significantly improve your chances of conquering this challenging ROM hack. Remember to save frequently! Good luck, trainer!
