Friendship
- If you were looking for the Friendship features in Pokémon GO, see Friends (GO).
- Happiness redirects here. For the "Happiness Pokémon" category, see Blissey (Pokémon).
This page is in need of spading. See its section on the spading page for more information, and how you can help. Still needs research overall, especially regarding values. |
This article is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this article to add missing information and complete it. Reason: Generation VIII information, manga section |
Friendship (Japanese: なつき度 degree of emotional attachment), also referred to as loyalty in Generation II core series games, tame in Pokémon Stadium 2, and friendliness in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, and commonly referred to by fans as happiness, is a measurement of how much a Pokémon is attached to its Trainer and enjoys being in their care.
It affects the evolution of certain Pokémon, the power of Return and Frustration, and the availability of a few in-game items and Ribbons. Certain events increase a Pokémon's friendship (gaining a level, walking a certain amount of steps) or decrease it (fainting, using herbal medicine).
Friendship was introduced in Pokémon Yellow for the player's starter Pikachu only and expanded to cover all Pokémon in Generation II.
In Generation VI, affection, a separate mechanic, was introduced. However, from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! onward, affection no longer exists and friendship has all of its effects instead.
In the core and side series games
Friendship debuted in Generation I as a mechanic that applied only to the player's Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow. In Generation II, it was expanded to cover all Pokémon. In all games, friendship is a value that ranges from 0 to 255 (stored as a single byte). In Pokémon Yellow, Pikachu's friendship is indicated by the expression it shows when the player talks to it, but in later games, certain NPCs in the games will evaluate the friendship of a Pokémon in the player's party.
A Pokémon's friendship is generally set when the player first obtains it. When a Pokémon is first caught from the wild, its friendship starts at its base friendship value. Trading a Pokémon also resets its friendship to its base value, unless it is being traded back to its original Trainer in Generation VI or later, in which case it regains the friendship it had before being traded away. A Pokémon caught in a Friend Ball starts with 200 friendship instead of its base friendship, while a Pokémon hatched from an Egg starts with 120 friendship.
Friendship is generally increased by taking good care of a Pokémon. Keeping a Pokémon in the player's party, raising it, using items on it, and getting it groomed will all increase a Pokémon's friendship. Letting it faint and using bitter herbal medicines on it will decrease a Pokémon's friendship.
Boosting friendship
This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: Check whether friendship is boosted at the met location in Colosseum |
In Pokémon Crystal, if a Pokémon is leveled up at its met location, it will gain twice as much friendship from that level up as usual. Since only Pokémon caught in Pokémon Crystal have a defined met location, Pokémon caught in the Generation I games, Pokémon Gold and Silver, and Pokémon from in-game trades will not receive this bonus. If a Pokémon that has a defined met location is traded to a Generation I game, this data is permanently erased, so it can no longer receive this bonus.
From Generation III onward, if a Pokémon was caught in a Luxury Ball, any increase to its friendship is boosted by 1. In Generation III (except Pokémon XD) and from Generation V onward, if a Pokémon is currently at the same location where it was caught (its met location), any increase to its friendship is boosted by 1. If a Pokémon is holding a Soothe Bell, increases to its friendship are boosted by 50% of the change—in Generation III, the increase is applied to the original change in friendship; in subsequent generations, it applies to the friendship change after including Luxury Ball and met location bonuses.
In Generation V, the Befriending Power Pass Power boosts any increase to friendship by one to three points depending on the strength of the power used. In Generation VI, the Befriending Power O-Power has the same effect. Befriending Power does not exist in Generation VII.
None of these effects change the amount of friendship lost for negative changes or for changes of 0 (such as using an X Attack on a Pokémon with high friendship).
Mechanics using friendship
In Pokémon Yellow, friendship affected very little beyond the reactions Pikachu would show when interacted with. A notable exception is the woman in Cerulean City who will only give the player a Bulbasaur if Pikachu has high friendship.
Starting in Generation II, there are Pokémon that evolve by friendship, which can only evolve if they have 220 friendship or more. Additionally, the moves Return and Frustration vary in power depending on how high or low the user's friendship is.
In Generation IV and for certain Pokémon only in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, the Footprint Ribbon is awarded to Pokémon with maximum friendship. In Generation VIII onwards, the Best Friends Ribbon is awarded to Pokémon with maximum friendship.
In HeartGold and SoulSilver, the odds of getting a bite are impacted by the friendship of the player's walking Pokémon. If they have 150 friendship or more, the probability of getting a bite is guaranteed. Otherwise, there is a chance of not getting a bite.[1]
Some NPCs also only give gifts or teach moves when the player's Pokémon has a certain amount of friendship. Specifically, a Pokémon must have maximized friendship to learn Draco Meteor, Frenzy Plant, Blast Burn, Hydro Cannon, Grass Pledge, Fire Pledge, or Water Pledge in any generation.
In Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Nameless Cavern becomes unlocked once the player has three Pokémon with maximum friendship on their team.
In Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, walking Pokémon can sometimes find Berries; this chance increases with Pokémon's friendship value.
Moves
Friendship affects the following moves.
Move | Type | Category | Power | Accuracy | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Frustration | Normal | Physical | Varies | 100% | The lower the user's friendship, the greater the base power |
Pika Papow | Electric | Special | Varies | —% | The greater the user's friendship, the greater the base power |
Return | Normal | Physical | Varies | 100% | The greater the user's friendship, the greater the base power |
Veevee Volley | Normal | Physical | Varies | —% | The greater the user's friendship, the greater the base power |
In-battle bonuses
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, due to affection being merged with friendship, friendship has several in-battle effects.
Friendship | Effect |
---|---|
0-99 | None |
100-149 |
|
150-199 |
|
200-254 |
|
255 |
|
Pokémon Sword and Shield
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, the friendship benefits are carried over, but the thresholds and effects are slightly different. These effects do not occur in link battles, the Battle Tower, or Restricted Sparring.
Friendship | Camp hearts | Effect |
---|---|---|
0-179 | 0-2 | None |
180-219 | 3 |
|
220-254 | 4 |
|
255 | 5 |
|
In addition, Pokémon with at least 1 heart may find items after cooking together at Pokémon Camp.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, friendship bonuses work the same as Sword and Shield. They are not applied in link battles or in the Battle Tower.
Friendship | Effect |
---|---|
0-179 | None |
180-219 |
|
220-254 |
|
255 |
|
Generation I
In Pokémon Yellow, there is a friendship system exclusively for the player's starter Pikachu. Any Pikachu that the player is the Original Trainer of (according to their Original Trainer name and Trainer ID number) is treated as the player's starter Pikachu. Raichu and Outsider Pikachu are not affected, even if the Raichu was the player's starter Pokémon but evolved (which can only be done by first trading it to another game).
The starter Pikachu follows the player in the overworld, if it is in the party and not fainted (if the player has multiple, Pikachu will follow if the first starter Pikachu in the party is not fainted). If the player interacts with Pikachu, a window will pop up showing Pikachu's face, and the expression is affected by Pikachu's current friendship (though certain special events may elicit special reactions unrelated to Pikachu's current friendship). At maximum friendship, Pikachu jumps up and down before the window appears.
In Cerulean City, Melanie gives the player a Bulbasaur if the starter Pikachu's friendship is 147 or higher. The player does not need to have Pikachu in the party or even in the game itself to receive this Bulbasaur. This and a father's dialogue on the upper floor of the Pewter Museum are the only sign of friendship outside of interacting with Pikachu.
Pikachu starts with a base friendship of 90. Various actions can increase or decrease Pikachu's friendship level.
Event | Change based on current friendship | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
0 to 99 | 100 to 199 | 200 to 255 | ||
Starter Pikachu levels up while in the party | +5 | +3 | +2 | |
Use medicine on starter Pikachu (even if unsuccessful), other than PP Up, Full Heal, Revive, Max Revive, Ether, Max Ether, Elixer, Max Elixer | ||||
Challenge a Gym Leader with non-fainted starter Pikachu in the party (if the player has multiple starter Pikachu, the first must not be fainted) |
+3 | +2 | +1 | |
Walk 255 steps with Pikachu following (50% chance) | +2 | +1 | ||
Teach Pikachu a TM or HM move | +1 | 0 | ||
Use a battle item on starter Pikachu (even if unsuccessful), other than X Accuracy | ||||
Starter Pikachu faints (including during link battles) |
If opponent is less than 30 levels higher | -1 | ||
If opponent is at least 30 levels higher, or outside of battle | -5 | -10 | ||
Deposit starter Pikachu in the Pokémon Storage System from the party | -3 | -5 | ||
Trade Pikachu away | -10 | -20 |
There is a single friendship value per game, and it remains even if the starter Pikachu is traded away. Trading away Pikachu will decrease its friendship, but this decreased value will be remembered when it returns. If the player has multiple Pikachu which qualify as their starter Pikachu in a single game, all of these Pikachu share the same friendship value, so any friendship-modifying event applies to all of them.
Vitamins, battle items and HP-restoring items increase Pikachu's friendship even if they have no effect. For example, attempting to use a Potion on a Pikachu that is fainted or has full health, an Antidote when Pikachu is not poisoned, Calcium when Pikachu has already reached its maximum Special stat experience, or X Special when the Special stat has already been raised 6 stages in battle. This does not consume the item, so the same item can repeatedly increase Pikachu's friendship. Waking Pikachu up with the Poké Flute (either in or out of battle) does not change its friendship.
Generation II
In Generation II, friendship was expanded to cover all Pokémon. All Pokémon have a base friendship of 70, but any Pokémon caught in a Friend Ball starts with 200 friendship and any Pokémon hatched from an Egg starts with 120 friendship.
In Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, an NPC who will evaluate the friendship of the first Pokémon in the player's party can be found at Goldenrod City.
The met location boost was first introduced in Pokémon Crystal.
Event | Change based on current friendship | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
0 to 99 | 100 to 199 | 200 to 255 | ||
Grooming (haircut brothers) "<Pokémon> looks [...]" |
"delighted!" (younger brother: 10%) | +10 | +4 | |
"delighted!" (older brother: 20%) | +5 | +2 | ||
"happy." (older brother: 50%, younger: 30%) | +3 | +1 | ||
"a little happier." (older brother: 30%, younger: 60%) | +1 | |||
Level up | AlwaysGS/Anywhere except met locationC | +5 | +3 | +2 |
At met locationC | +10 | +6 | +4 | |
Using a vitamin[2] | +5 | +3 | +2 | |
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, the Champion, or Red (whole party) | +3 | +2 | +1 | |
Grooming (Daisy) | +3 | +1 | ||
Walking 512 steps (whole party) | +1 | |||
Learn a TM | +1 | 0 | ||
Using a battle item[3] | +1 | 0 | ||
Fainting | If opponent is less than 30 levels higher | -1 | ||
If opponent is at least 30 levels higher, or outside of battle | -5 | -10 | ||
Using EnergyPowder or Heal Powder | -5 | -10 | ||
Using Energy Root | -10 | -15 | ||
Using Revival Herb | -15 | -20 |
Generation III
In Generation III, different species of Pokémon were given individualized base friendship values. The Luxury Ball and Soothe Bell boosts were also introduced.
In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, an NPC who will evaluate the friendship of the first Pokémon in the player's party can be found at Verdanturf Town.
In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Daisy Oak in Pallet Town will perform the same service of evaluating a Pokémon's friendship, and she will additionally offer grooming to increase a Pokémon's friendship once every 512 steps the player takes.
In addition, in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, the degree to which a Pokémon moves towards the screen after an item is used on it will also indicate how high its friendship is.
In the table below, fainting in battle will not alter a Pokémon's friendship if it fainted from poison at the end of a turn.
Event | Change based on current friendship | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
0 to 99 | 100 to 199 | 200 to 255 | ||
Using friendship-raising BerriesE[4] | +10 | +5 | +2 | |
Level up | +5 | +3 | +2 | |
Using a vitamin[5] | +5 | +3 | +2 | |
Grooming (Daisy)FRLG | +3 | +1 | ||
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party) | +3 | +2 | +1 | |
Walking 128 steps (50% chance to occur, affects whole party) | +1 | |||
Learn a TM or HM | +1 | 0 | ||
Using a battle item[6] | +1 | 0 | ||
Fainting | If opponent is less than 30 levels higher | -1 | ||
If opponent is at least 30 levels higher, or outside of battle | -5 | -10 | ||
Using EnergyPowder or Heal Powder | -5 | -10 | ||
Using Energy Root | -10 | -15 | ||
Using Revival Herb | -15 | -20 |
Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. |
In Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, purifying a Pokémon increases its friendship by 70.
Generation IV
This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: Figure out the probabilities for the variable massage/grooming events |
In Generation IV only, a Pokémon's met location does not affect the amount of friendship it gains. In Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, the massage at the Ribbon Syndicate is also not affected by any friendship boosts, and the Soothe Bell does not affect friendship gained when using a battle item.
In Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, an NPC who will evaluate the friendship of the first Pokémon in the player's party can be found in Hearthome City, or the player may use the Friendship Checker app on the Pokétch. In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, an NPC in Goldenrod City will also evaluate the friendship of the first Pokémon in the player's party or a walking Pokémon's friendship may also be gauged by its reaction when speaking to it.
In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, due to a glitch, if herbal medicine is used in battle on a Pokémon with low friendship, that Pokémon's friendship can underflow to a value near the maximum 255.
| |
This video is not available on Bulbapedia; instead, you can watch the video on YouTube here. |
Event | Change based on current friendship | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
0 to 99 | 100 to 199 | 200 to 255 | ||
Massage (Ribbon Syndicate)DPPt "Our treatment has made your pampered baby [...] friendly to you." |
"much more" | +30 | ||
"more" | +10 | |||
"a little more" | +5 | |||
Grooming (haircut brothers)HGSS "<Pokémon> looks [...]" |
"delighted!" | +10 | ||
"happy." | +5 | |||
"a little happier." | +1 | |||
Grooming (Daisy)HGSS | +10 | |||
Using friendship-raising Berries[4] | +10 | +5 | +2 | |
Level up | +5 | +3 | +2 | |
Using a vitamin[5] | +5 | +3 | +2 | |
Massage (Veilstone City Massage Girl)DPPt | +3 | |||
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party) | +3 | +2 | +1 | |
Winning a Contest | +3 | +2 | +1 | |
Walking 128 steps (50% chance, whole party) | +1 | |||
Learn a TM or HM | +1 | 0 | ||
Using a battle item[7] | +1 | 0 | ||
Fainting | If opponent is less than 30 levels higher | -1 | ||
If opponent is at least 30 levels higher | -5 | -10 | ||
Surviving poison with 1 HP outside of battle | -5 | -10 | ||
Using EnergyPowder or Heal Powder | -5 | -10 | ||
Using Energy Root | -10 | -15 | ||
Using Revival Herb | -15 | -20 |
Generation V
This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: Effects of Makeups at the Beauty Salon; check whether boosts like Luxury Ball apply to Join Avenue events |
Generation V introduced Befriending Power as a Pass Power to boost friendship gains.
Friendship boosts do not apply to the massage in Castelia City.
In the Generation V games, an NPC who will evaluate the friendship of the Pokémon in the player's party can be found in Icirrus City, with a second NPC only found in Nacrene City during Pokémon Black and White who checks the player's first Pokémon. In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, the player may also contact Bianca on the Xtransceiver to have their Pokémon's friendship rated.
Event | Change based on current friendship | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
0 to 99 | 100 to 199 | 200 to 255 | ||
Beauty Salon: getting a Royal CutW2 | +50 | |||
Beauty Salon: getting a Beauty CutB2 | +40 | |||
Beauty Salon: getting a Smile CutB2W2 | +30 | |||
Massage (Castelia StreetBW/Medal OfficeB2W2) "The massage has made your Pokémon [...] friendly to you!" |
"much more" (6%) | +30 | ||
"more" (20%) | +10 | |||
"a little bit more" (74%) | +5 | |||
Beauty Salon: getting a ShampooB2W2 | +20 | |||
Café: getting a Friendly ComboB2W2 | +20 | |||
Beauty Salon: getting a BrushingB2W2 | +10 | |||
Café: getting a Friendly LunchB2W2 | +10 | |||
Using friendship-raising Berries[4] | +10 | +5 | +2 | |
Café: getting a Friendly DrinkB2W2 | +5 | |||
Level up in battle | +5 | +4 | +3 | |
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party) | +5 | +4 | +3 | |
Using a vitamin[5] | +5 | +3 | +2 | |
Using a wing | +3 | +2 | +1 | |
Walking 255 steps (50% chance, whole party) | +2 | +1 | ||
Learn a TM or HM | +1 | 0 | ||
Using a battle item[7] | +1 | 0 | ||
Fainting | If opponent is less than 30 levels higher | -1 | ||
If opponent is at least 30 levels higher | -5 | -10 | ||
Using EnergyPowder or Heal Powder | -5 | -10 | ||
Using Energy Root | -10 | -15 | ||
Using Revival Herb | -15 | -20 |
Generation VI
This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: Check if Pokéblocks add friendship and chance of increasing friendship every 128 steps |
In Generation VI, Befriending Power becomes an O-Power.
Friendship boosts do not apply to massages, drinks from the Juice Shoppe, or the Soothing Bag in Super Training.
In Pokémon X and Y, an NPC who will evaluate the friendship of the first Pokémon in the player's party can be found early on in Santalune City, or later in Laverre City. In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, an NPC in Verdanturf Town will also evaluate the friendship of the first Pokémon in the player's party.
Event | Change based on current friendship | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
0 to 99 | 100 to 199 | 200 to 255 | ||
Massage (Secret Pals)ORAS | +30 | |||
Massage (Cyllage CityXY/Mauville CityORAS) "The massage made your Pokémon [...] friendly toward you" |
"much more" (6%) | +30 | ||
"more" (20%) | +10 | |||
"a little bit more" (74%) | +5 | |||
Super Training: Soothing Bag | +20 | |||
Juice ShoppeXY: Colorful Shake | Custom-made | +12 to 32 (depending on Berries used) | ||
Pre-made | +1 per $100 | |||
Using friendship-raising Berries[4] | +10 | +5 | +2 | |
Level up in battle | +5 | +4 | +3 | |
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party) | +5 | +4 | +3 | |
Using a vitamin[5] | +5 | +3 | +2 | |
Juice ShoppeXY: Rare Soda, Ultra Rare Soda, Perilous Soup, or EV Juices | +4 | |||
Using a wing | +3 | +2 | +1 | |
Walking 128 steps (sometimes; for whole party) | +2 | +1 | ||
Using a battle item[7] | +1 | 0 | ||
Fainting | If opponent is less than 30 levels higher | -1 | ||
If opponent is at least 30 levels higher | -5 | -10 | ||
Using Energy Powder or Heal Powder | -5 | -10 | ||
Using Energy Root | -10 | -15 | ||
Using Revival Herb | -15 | -20 |
Generation VII
Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon
This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: Check Festival Plaza events and walking mechanics |
Friendship boosts do not apply to massages.
In Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, an NPC who will evaluate the friendship of a Pokémon in the player's party can be found in Konikoni City.
Event | Change based on current friendship | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
0 to 99 | 100 to 199 | 200 to 255 | ||
Massage (Konikoni City) | "I think you'll notice a lot of friendly feelings!" | +40 | ||
"[It] helped inspire some good, friendly feelings toward you." | +20 | |||
"It's feeling a bit more friendly toward you already, I'd say." | +10 | |||
Food stalls: getting a Friendly Combo | +20 | |||
Food stalls: getting a Friendly Lunch | +10 | |||
Food stalls: getting a Friendly Drink | +5 | |||
Using friendship-raising Berries[4] | +10 | +5 | +2 | |
Isle Avue hot springs | +5 | |||
Level up in battle | +5 | +4 | +3 | |
Battling against an island kahuna, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party) | +5 | +4 | +3 | |
Using a vitamin[5] | +5 | +3 | +2 | |
Using a wing | +3 | +2 | +1 | |
Walking 128 steps (sometimes; for whole party) | +2 | +1 | ||
Using a battle item[7] | +1 | 0 | ||
Fainting | If opponent is less than 30 levels higher | -1 | ||
If opponent is at least 30 levels higher | -5 | -10 | ||
Using Energy Powder or Heal Powder | -5 | -10 | ||
Using Energy Root | -10 | -15 | ||
Using Revival Herb | -15 | -20 |
†: Berries affected include Pomeg Berry, Kelpsy Berry, Qualot Berry, Hondew Berry, Grepa Berry, and Tamato Berry (No. 21-26)
††: Vitamins affected include HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Carbos, PP Up, PP Max, and Rare Candy
†††: Battle items affected include X Attack, X Defense, X Speed, X Sp. Atk, X Sp. Def, X Accuracy, Dire Hit, and Guard Spec.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, friendship is factored into all of a Pokémon's stats, except HP. At maximum friendship, a Pokémon will receive a 10% boost to its stats, before AVs are added in. The friendship multiplier scales directly with the level of friendship, starting from a 0% boost at 0 friendship to receiving the full 10% at 255.
Event | Change based on current friendship | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
0 to 99 | 100 to 199 | 200 to 255 | ||
Level up | +2 | +1 | +1 | |
Fainting | If opponent is less than 30 levels higher | -1 | ||
If opponent is at least 30 levels higher | -5 | -10 | ||
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party) | +4 | +3 | +2 | |
Throwing $500 into the fountain in Cerulean City | +20 (whole party) | |||
Throwing $50 into the fountain in Cerulean City | +2 (whole party) | |||
Walking 255 steps (50%; for Partner Pokémon and walking Pokémon) | +2 | +1 | ||
Using a vitamin[5] | +5 | +3 | +2 | |
Using a battle item[7] | +1 | 0 |
†: Vitamins affected include PP Up, PP Max, and Rare Candy
††: Battle items affected include X Attack, X Defense, X Speed, X Sp. Atk, X Sp. Def, X Accuracy, Dire Hit, and Guard Spec.
Generation VIII
Pokémon Sword and Shield
This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: Test and update chart with thresholds and values for all friendship increasing/decreasing factors like vitamins, battle items, herbs, etc., confirm untested thresholds for camp/berries, do they actually cap at 179? Examples |
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, friendship can only be increased to a maximum of 179 without using Pokémon Camp or Berries. While this is enough to evolve Pokémon that evolve with high friendship, it is not enough to receive any in-battle friendship bonuses. Pokémon Camp and friendship-raising Berries are the only ways to reach the maximum friendship value of 255.
Event | Change based on current friendship | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 to 99 | 100 to 159 | 160 to 179 | 180+ | ||||
Level up | +3 | +2 | 0 | ||||
Using friendship-raising Berries[4] | +10 | +5 | +1 | ||||
Battling against a Gym Leader or the Champion | +5 | +3 | 0 | ||||
Fainting | If opponent is less than 30 levels higher | -1 | |||||
If opponent is at least 30 levels higher | -5 | -10 | |||||
Walking 128 steps (for whole party, 50% chance to occur) | +1 | 0 | |||||
Walking 255 steps with walking Pokémon in Isle of Armor or Crown Tundra | +1 | 0 |
The following methods can only increase Pokémon's friendship up to a maximum of 179. After 179 friendship, these methods no longer boost friendship.
- Leveling up.
- Walking with them in the party.
- Using battle items on them.
- Using vitamins or feathers on them. (Excluding Rare Candy, Exp. Candy, and Dynamax Candy which have unused values and do not grant Friendship[8])
- Battling with them against Gym Leaders or other "tough" Trainers.
The following methods can increase a Pokémon's friendship regardless of their current friendship (up to the maximum of 255).
- Using friendship-raising Berries
- Pokémon Camp:
- Playing with them using toys, especially toy balls.
- Breaking up fights involving the Pokémon by calling it over to you.
- Cooking curry with the Pokémon, especially when using lots of rare Berries.
The following methods can decrease a Pokémon friendship (down to a minimum of 0).
- Letting a Pokémon faint, especially when battling a much stronger opponent.
- Using herbal medicine on it.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Friendship is no longer soft-capped at 180 like in Sword and Shield, and all methods can once again increase friendship all the way to the maximum of 255.
Event | Change based on current friendship | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
0 to 99 | 100 to 199 | 200 to 255 | ||
Level up (excluding Rare Candy) | +3 | +2 | +1 | |
Fainting | If opponent is less than 30 levels higher | -1 | ||
If opponent is at least 30 levels higher | -5 | -10 | ||
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party) | +5 | +3 | 0 | |
Walking 128 steps (50%; for whole party) | +1 | |||
Walking 128 steps (50%; for walking Pokémon) | +1 | |||
Feeding a Pokémon a Poffin | +1 | |||
Using friendship-raising Berries[4] | +10 | +5 | +1 | |
Using a vitamin[5] | +4 | +2 | 0 | |
Using a battle item[7] | +1 | 0 | ||
Using Energy Powder or Heal Powder | -5 | -10 | ||
Using Energy Root | -10 | -15 | ||
Using Revival Herb | -15 | -20 |
†: Berries affected include Pomeg Berry, Kelpsy Berry, Qualot Berry, Hondew Berry, Grepa Berry, and Tamato Berry (No. 21-26)
††: Vitamins affected include HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Carbos, PP Up, PP Max, and Rare Candy.
†††: Battle items affected include X Attack, X Defense, X Speed, X Sp. Atk, X Sp. Def, X Accuracy, Dire Hit, and Guard Spec.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: Chart of friendship increasing/decreasing values and test/confirm thresholds. Examples |
In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a Pokémon's friendship can range from 0 to 255. For Pokémon that require high friendship to evolve, friendship must be at least 160.
The following methods can increase a Pokémon's friendship:
- Leveling up may increase a Pokémon's friendship
- Any instance of gaining Experience increases friendship by 1. This includes
- Breaking rocks, shaking trees, etc. for items
- If multiple Exp. Candies are used on a Pokémon at once, then friendship increases by 1 for each Candy used.
- Gaining Experience after a winning battle, regardless of participation
The following methods can decrease a Pokémon's friendship (down to a minimum of 0)
- Letting a Pokémon faint
- Using herbal medicine on it
Evolutions
Several Pokémon evolve after being leveled up when their friendship value is 220 or higher (before Generation VIII) or 160 or higher (Generation VIII onward).
Previous evolution | Friendship evolution | Later evolution | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zubat Poison Flying |
Level 22+ → |
Golbat Poison Flying |
+ Level Up (with high friendship) → |
Crobat Poison Flying |
Crobat does not evolve | |
Meowth is the lowest in its line | Meowth Alolan Form Dark |
+ Level Up (with high friendship)[9] → |
Persian Alolan Form Dark |
Persian does not evolve | ||
Happiny Normal |
+ File:Day Icon.png + Level Up (during the daytime holding Oval Stone) → |
Chansey Normal |
+ Level Up (with high friendship) → |
Blissey Normal |
Blissey does not evolve | |
Eevee is the lowest in its line | Eevee Normal |
+ File:Day Icon.png + Level Up (during the daytime with high friendship) → |
Espeon Psychic |
Espeon does not evolve | ||
+ File:Night Icon.png + Level Up (during the nighttime with high friendship) → |
Umbreon Dark |
Umbreon does not evolve | ||||
+ + Level Up (with high friendship while knowing a Fairy-type move) →SwShLASV |
Sylveon Fairy |
Sylveon does not evolve | ||||
Pichu is the lowest in its line | Pichu Electric |
+ Level Up (with high friendship) → |
Pikachu Electric |
Thunder Stone → |
Raichu Electric | |
+ Thunder Stone (in Alola) → |
Raichu Alolan Form Electric Psychic | |||||
Cleffa is the lowest in its line | Cleffa Fairy |
+ Level Up (with high friendship) → |
Clefairy Fairy |
Moon Stone → |
Clefable Fairy | |
Igglybuff is the lowest in its line | Igglybuff Normal Fairy |
+ Level Up (with high friendship) → |
Jigglypuff Normal Fairy |
Moon Stone → |
Wigglytuff Normal Fairy | |
Togepi is the lowest in its line | Togepi Fairy |
+ Level Up (with high friendship) → |
Togetic Fairy Flying |
Shiny Stone → |
Togekiss Fairy Flying | |
Azurill is the lowest in its line | Azurill Normal Fairy |
+ Level Up (with high friendship) → |
Marill Water Fairy |
Level 18+ → |
Azumarill Water Fairy | |
Budew is the lowest in its line | Budew Grass Poison |
+ File:Day Icon.png + Level Up (during the morning or daytime with high friendship) → |
Roselia Grass Poison |
Shiny Stone → |
Roserade Grass Poison | |
Buneary is the lowest in its line | Buneary Normal |
+ Level Up (with high friendship) → |
Lopunny Normal |
Lopunny does not evolve | ||
Chingling is the lowest in its line | Chingling Psychic |
+ File:Night Icon.png + Level Up (during the nighttime with high friendship) → |
Chimecho Psychic |
Chimecho does not evolve | ||
Munchlax is the lowest in its line | Munchlax Normal |
+ Level Up (with high friendship) → |
Snorlax Normal |
Snorlax does not evolve | ||
Riolu is the lowest in its line | Riolu Fighting |
+ File:Day Icon.png + Level Up (during the daytime with high friendship) → |
Lucario Fighting Steel |
Lucario does not evolve | ||
Woobat is the lowest in its line | Woobat Psychic Flying |
+ Level Up (with high friendship) → |
Swoobat Psychic Flying |
Swoobat does not evolve | ||
Sewaddle Bug Grass |
Level 20+ → |
Swadloon Bug Grass |
+ Level Up (with high friendship) → |
Leavanny Bug Grass |
Leavanny does not evolve | |
Type: Null is the lowest in its line | Type: Null Normal |
+ Level Up (with high friendship) → |
Silvally Normal |
Silvally does not evolve | ||
Snom is the lowest in its line | Snom Ice Bug |
+ File:Night Icon.png + Level Up (during the nighttime with high friendship) → |
Frosmoth Ice Bug |
Frosmoth does not evolve |
Raters
Friendship raters are NPCs that will indicate the friendship of the first Pokémon in the player's party when spoken to.
Locations
Region | City | Location: NPC | Distinct evaluations |
---|---|---|---|
Kanto | Celadon City (Y) | Celadon Mansion, first floor | 6 |
Pallet Town (FRLG) | Blue's house: Daisy | 7 | |
Pallet Town (PE) | Trace's house: Trace's sister | ? | |
Johto | Goldenrod City | House east of the Department Store: woman | 6 |
Goldenrod CitySu | Goldenrod Department Store, fifth floor: woman | 3 | |
Hoenn | Verdanturf Town | Southwestern-most house: woman | 7 |
Pacifidlog Town | Southwestern-most house: Gentleman | 3 | |
Orre (XD only) | Gateon Port | Krabby Club, upper floor: the captain | 7 |
Sinnoh | Hearthome City | Pokémon Fan Club (east of the Poké Mart): Beauty | 6DP or 7Pt |
Route 213 | House south of the Pastoria City gate: Dr. Footstep | 5 | |
Eterna City | Pokémon Center: Aroma Lady | 3 | |
Pokétch: Friendship Checker app | 5 | ||
Unova | Icirrus City | Pokémon Fan Club (south of Gym): woman | 7 |
Nacrene City | Building east of the Pokémon Center: woman with a Pokémon | 3 | |
B2W2: Call Bianca on the Xtransceiver | 7 | ||
Kalos | Santalune City | House west of the Pokémon Center: Beauty | 3 |
Laverre City | Pokémon Fan Club (in the northwest): Pokémon Breeder | 7 | |
Alola | Konikoni City | Female Veteran next to the TM Shop's street sign | 7 |
Galar | Hammerlocke | House east of the Pokémon Center: Young boy | 8 |
Paldea | Cascarrafa | Near the fountain at the upper level of the city: Female | 8 |
The Johto and Hoenn raters in the Goldenrod Department Store and Pacifidlog Town will give out TM21 (Frustration) or TM27 (Return) (or neither) depending on the friendship of the player's lead Pokémon.
Evaluation
Pokémon Yellow
The woman will comment on the starter Pikachu's friendship if it is following the player, which requires it to be in the party and not fainted (if the player has multiple starter Pikachu in the party, the first one must not be fainted).
Statement | Friendship |
---|---|
"You look like a fantastic duo. You're making me jealous!" | 201-255 |
"Your Pikachu looks happy with you." | 161-200 |
"Your Pikachu seems tamed." | 131-160 |
"You must be happy to have a Pokemon that cute." | 101-130 |
"Why don't you take more care with Pikachu?" | 51-100 |
"It seems like it hasn't been tamed at all." | 0-50 |
Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal
Statement | Friendship |
---|---|
Goldenrod City | |
"It looks really happy! It must love you a lot." | 250-255 |
"I get the feeling that it really trusts you." | 200-249 |
"It's friendly toward you. It looks sort of happy." | 150-199 |
"It's quite cute." | 100-149 |
"You should treat it better. It's not used to you." | 50-99 |
"It doesn't seem to like you at all. It looks mean." | 0-49 |
Goldenrod Department Store (Sunday only) | |
"It's very attached to you. This move should be perfect for a pair like you." | 150-255 |
"It's adorable! You should teach it good TM moves." | 50-149 |
"It looks evil. How about this TM for it?" | 0-49 |
Pokémon Stadium 2
While there is no NPC that rates friendship, when viewing a table with Pokémon, its value is listed there (along other elements such as type, Trainer ID number or item), in levels. Pokémon data read from a Generation I game will always be rated as Not quite, even for Red's Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow, which does have its friendship tracked.
Rating | Friendship |
---|---|
Excellent | 250-255 |
Very good | 200-249 |
Pretty good | 150-199 |
A little bit | 100-149 |
Not quite | 50-99 |
Not at all | 0-49 |
Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
Statement | Friendship |
---|---|
Verdanturf Town | |
"It adores you. It can't possibly love you any more. I even feel happy seeing it." | 255 |
"It seems to be very happy. It obviously likes you a whole lot." | 200-254 |
"It likes you quite a lot. It seems to want to be babied a little." | 150-199 |
"It's getting used to you. It seems to believe in you." | 100-149 |
"It's not very used to you yet. It neither loves nor hates you." | 50-99 |
"It's very wary. It has scary viciousness in its eyes. It doesn't like you much at all." | 1-49 |
"This is a little hard for me to say… Your Pokémon simply detests you. Doesn't that make you uncomfortable?" | 0 |
Pacifidlog Town | |
"It clearly likes you very much. A Pokémon that adoring and adorable deserves a TM like this, no?" | 151-255 |
"Hmm… It's not bad, but it's also not good. You, as the Trainer, need to put in some more effort." | 100-150 |
"It has a vicious look to it. A frightening Pokémon like that deserves a TM like this." | 0-99 |
Pokémon Box: Ruby and Sapphire
In Pokémon Box: Ruby and Sapphire, when viewing a table of Pokémon, the Pokémon's friendship rating is listed, along with other properties (e.g. type, level, etc.).
Rating | Friendship |
---|---|
Excellent | 250-255 |
Very good | 200-249 |
Good | 150-199 |
So-so | 100-149 |
Not good | 50-99 |
Meager | 0-49 |
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
- Main article: Daisy Oak
Statement | Friendship |
---|---|
"It couldn't possibly love you any more than it does now. Your Pokémon is happy beyond words." | 255 |
"It looks very happy. I wish <rival> could see this and learn something from it." | 200-254 |
"It's quite friendly with you. Keep being good to it!" | 150-199 |
"It's warming up to you. Trust must be growing between you." | 100-149 |
"It's not quite familiar with you yet. Pokémon are all quite wary when you first get them." | 50-99 |
"<Player>, I don't like the way it glares at you. Could you try being a little nicer to it?" | 1-49 |
"…Um, it's not easy for me to say this, but… Is there some reason why your Pokémon would hate you so much?" | 0 |
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
The friendship rater is located inside the Krabby Club in Gateon Port. He is upstairs, straight to the rear of the club (not the ones backstage) and standing near the bartender. He looks like a boat captain. He is present after starting the events in Pyrite Town.
Statement | Friendship |
---|---|
"It simply adores you! It couldn't possibly get to like you more. This is wonderful!" | 255 |
"It seems to like you very much. Your Pokémon seems to be very happy that it's with you." | 200-254 |
"It likes you quite a bit. It wants to be pampered by you." | 150-199 |
"It's growing friendly toward you. It seems to believe in you." | 100-149 |
"It doesn't seem to be used to you yet. You should treat it kindly." | 50-99 |
"Hmm… It's not friendly toward you. The look in its eyes is frightening. You should treat it more kindly." | 1-49 |
"… This is awful. It detests you to a degree I hardly ever see. Are you sure you'll be okay?" | 0 |
Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
Statement | Friendship |
---|---|
Dr. Footstep | |
Refer to Dr. Footstep → Friendship levels. | |
Friendship Checker (Pokétch app) | |
Two large hearts | 255 |
Two small hearts | 200-254 |
One small heart | 150-199 |
No hearts (moves towards stylus) | 70-149 |
No hearts (moves away from stylus) | 0-69 |
Eterna City | |
"It seems to like you. It must be happy being with you." | 120-255 |
"It's becoming comfortable around you, I think." | 70-119 |
"Hmm… It needs to get used to you more." | 0-69 |
Hearthome City | |
"It simply adores you! Why, I feel like I am intruding!" | 255 |
"It's very friendly toward you. I can tell you treat it kindly." | 200-254 |
"It's quite friendly to you. It must be happy being with you." | 150-199 |
"It's warming up to you. That's my impression." | 100-149 |
"It's feeling neutral toward you. It's up to you to change that." | 50-99 |
"Hmm… It seems to dislike you a little." | 1-49 |
"Oh, my… I think this one really hasn't taken too kindly to you." | 0 |
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Statement | Friendship |
---|---|
Goldenrod City | |
"It looks really happy! It must love you a lot." | 250-255 |
"I get the feeling that it really trusts you." | 200-249 |
"It's friendly toward you. It looks sort of happy." | 150-199 |
"It's quite cute." | 100-149 |
"You should treat it better. It's not used to you." | 50-99 |
"It doesn't seem to like you at all. It looks mean." | 0-49 |
Goldenrod Department Store (Sunday only) | |
"It's very attached to you. This move should be perfect for a pair like you." | 149-255 |
"It's adorable! You should teach it good TM moves." | 51-148 |
"It looks evil. How about this TM for it?" | 0-50 |
Pokémon Black and White
Statement | Friendship |
---|---|
Nacrene City | |
"It's very friendly toward you! It must be happy with you." | 120-255 |
"It's a little bit friendly to you… Something like that." | 70-119 |
"Hmmm… It may still take some time." | 0-69 |
Icirrus City | |
"It is super friendly to you! I'm a bit jealous!" | 255 |
"It is quite friendly to you! You must be a kind person!" | 200-254 |
"It is friendly to you. It must be happy with you." | 150-199 |
"It is a little friendly to you… That's what I'm getting." | 100-149 |
"The relationship is neither good nor bad… It looks neutral." | 50-99 |
"Hmmm… It may not like you very much." | 1-49 |
"By any chance, you… Are you a very strict person? I feel that it really doesn't like you…" | 0 |
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
Statement | Friendship |
---|---|
Icirrus City | |
"It is super friendly to you! I'm a bit jealous!" | 255 |
"It is quite friendly to you! You must be a kind person!" | 200-254 |
"It is friendly to you. It must be happy with you." | 150-199 |
"It is a little friendly to you… That's what I'm getting." | 100-149 |
"The relationship is neither good nor bad… It looks neutral." | 50-99 |
"Hmmm… It may not like you very much." | 1-49 |
"By any chance, you… Are you a very strict person? I feel that it really doesn't like you…" | 0 |
Bianca | |
"What great friends you are! It's so nice how you trust each other! It makes me kinda jealous!" | 255 |
"You two sure get along great! It looks like you are having fun together! You seem bright and cheerful!" | 200-254 |
"You seem really close! You look so, so happy! It's enough to make me happy too!" | 150-199 |
"You're starting to get to be friends. Just maybe, walking along the same path has made you understand one another." | 100-149 |
"You still have room for improvement. How nice! I mean, you can become even better friends!" | 50-99 |
"You aren't getting along, are you? It's glaring at you with a look that's kinda scary." | 1-49 |
"You aren't getting along, are you? It doesn't look like it's having fun even when you're together." | 0 |
Pokémon X and Y
Statement | Friendship |
---|---|
Santalune City | |
"Let's see, you and <Pokémon> are… Very connected to each other! That's what it looks like to me!" | 120-255 |
"Let's see, you and <Pokémon> are… Just getting to know each other… Yes, I think that's how I'd put it." | 70-119 |
"Let's see, you and <Pokémon> are… Capable of understanding each other much more than now. Look forward to that, OK?" | 0-69 |
Laverre City | |
"It's amazingly friendly toward you! It must be so happy spending every day with you!" | 255 |
"You must really like your <Pokémon> and always keep it by your side!" | 200-254 |
"Well, I think you and <Pokémon> will be an even greater combo someday!" | 150-199 |
"It's a little bit friendly to you… Something like that." | 100-149 |
"Hmm…I think you have a lot of time ahead of you to get to know one another better." | 50-99 |
"Don't tell me! Are you just letting it get knocked out in Pokémon battles?!" | 1-49 |
"What's this? Are you a disciplinarian? Or do you plan to use the move Frustration?" | 0 |
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Statement | Friendship |
---|---|
Verdanturf Town | |
"It's extremely friendly toward you. It couldn't possibly love you more. It's a pleasure to see!" | 255 |
"It seems to be very happy. It's obviously friendly toward you." | 200-254 |
"It's quite friendly toward you. It seems to want to be babied a little." | 150-199 |
"It's getting used to you. It seems to believe in you." | 100-149 |
"It's not very used to you yet. It neither loves nor hates you." | 50-99 |
"It's very wary. It has a scary look in its eyes. It doesn't like you much at all." | 1-49 |
"This is a little hard for me to say… Your Pokémon simply detests you. Doesn't that make you uncomfortable?" | 0 |
Pacifidlog Town | |
"It's clearly very friendly toward you. A Pokémon that adoring and adorable deserves a TM like this, no?" | 151-255 |
"Hmm… It's not bad, but it’s also not good. You, as the Trainer, need to put in some more effort." | 100-150 |
"It has a vicious look to it. A frightening Pokémon like that deserves a TM like this." | 0-99 |
Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon
Statement | Friendship |
---|---|
"My! It feels incredibly close to you! Nothing makes it happier than being with you!" | 255 |
"You clearly love your <Pokémon>, and you must spend a lot of time together." | 200-254 |
"Hm. I'd say that you and <Pokémon> have the potential to be an even greater combo." | 150-199 |
"Hmmm. I think…it feels friendly toward you. At least a little…" | 100-149 |
"Hmmm… I'd say that you and your Pokémon still have a long way to go." | 50-99 |
"What is going on here? Do you let it get knocked out a lot in battles or something? This is bad." | 1-49 |
"Oh dear. You must be a merciless Trainer… Do you use Frustration or just not know better?" | 0 |
Pokémon Sword and Shield
Hammerlocke quote | Camp hearts | Battle visual effect | Friendship |
---|---|---|---|
"You're best buddies! That Best Friends Ribbon looks really good on you!" | 5 | Hops and slightly turns | 255 |
"You two are almost best friends! I can see you really care about each other!" | 4 | Hops | 220-254 |
"You two get along great! Together is always better—am I right?" | 3 | Wiggles | 180-219 |
"Seems like you're pretty good friends! Still, I bet you could become even closer!" | 2 | none | 130-179 |
"Wow, I think you're on your way to becoming real good friends!" | 1 | 80-129 | |
"Seems like it likes you an average amount! Don't worry—you two will get closer as time passes!" | 0 | 30-79 | |
"I guess you two just met? It's still getting used to things." | 1-29 | ||
"Maybe you're a bit too strict? It doesn't seem like you're friends at all..." | 0 |
Misconceptions
Although frequently reported to the contrary, the following factors do not affect friendship
Generation I
- Trying to release the starter Pikachu
- Trying to evolve the starter Pikachu with a Thunder Stone
- Battling against an Elite Four member or the Champion
Generation II onwards
- Depositing a Pokémon in the Pokémon Storage System
- Healing a Pokémon with low HP or with a status condition
- Giving a Pokémon an item to hold (except the Soothe Bell)
- Evolving a Pokémon, regardless of method (level up, held item, or Evolution stone, with the exception of trade evolutions, which reset the Pokémon's friendship)
- Using a Pokémon in battle
- Winning battles with a Pokémon
- Letting a Pokémon's HP fall to critical status
- Letting the player's Pokémon get a status condition like paralysis
- Walking when the player's Pokémon has a status condition
- Increasing affection
In spin-off games
This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: Pokémon Pikachu and Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS |
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
Friendship also has an effect in the second game of the Pokémon Ranger series. Partner Pokémon can have the condition of Fine, Happy, or Very Happy. When it is in a Happy Mood, black musical notes appear to come out of it. Multicolored musical notes come out when it is Very Happy. This may happen whether or not it is with the player. This state of mind increases the speed the Partner Gauge fills up due to more Partner Energy being provided.
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire
This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: How the player obtains heart symbols |
In Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire, the player gets three friendship heart symbols to evolve any of the following Pokémon, which would normally evolve by friendship in the core series games.
Evolves from | Evolves into |
---|---|
Golbat | Crobat |
Pichu | Pikachu |
Igglybuff | Jigglypuff |
Azurill | Marill |
Gallery
Friendship sprite from Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire |
In the anime
In the anime, the bond between Trainers and their Pokémon has been a theme since the first episode, in which Ash had trouble to form a friendship with his newly obtained Pikachu. After risking his safety to protect his starter Pokémon from a flock of angry Spearow, Ash earned Pikachu's trust, and the two have been inseparable ever since.
Pokémon that have friendly relationships with their Trainers are said to perform better in battles. Ash believes that befriending a Pokémon will make it grow stronger, and he treats all his Pokémon with utmost care and respect. However, throughout the series, some Trainers have been shown to focus on raw strength alone, disregarding their Pokémon's feelings and well being. Examples include Paul and Cross.
Aside from regular battles, friendship is valued in Pokémon Contests, since the level of cooperation between Coordinator and Pokémon is observed by the panel of judges during the Performance Stage. Additionally, in the Battle Stage, Coordinators are expected to be in synchronicity with their Pokémon the entire time. In Cruisin' for a Losin', the Director of the Contest Committee, Mr. Contesta, stated that a Pokémon's well being must be the number one priority of a Coordinator.
In Our Cup Runneth Over!, Contest Master Wallace stressed the importance of kinship. He also said that playing with Pokémon can help Trainers and Coordinators in learning how to bring out the potential of their Pokémon. In addition to enhancing a Pokémon's appearance, Pokémon grooming is said to make them happier. Trainers who devote themselves to the development of techniques that improve a Pokémon's health and happiness are known as Pokémon Breeders. Some people study to become Pokémon Connoisseurs to be able to identify the compatibility between Trainers and Pokémon and then offer advice on how to strengthen their friendship.
Just like in the games, friendship affects the power of Frustration. This was shown in Going for Choke!, in which Harley's Banette received a boost while using the move under the command of Jessie, a Trainer it does not like. Although the concept of Evolution by friendship has not been addressed directly, the Soothe Bell has appeared in the anime. In Pokémon the Series: XY, the friendship between Ash and his Greninja triggered a temporary transformation known as Bond Phenomenon.
In contrast with the games, where a Pokémon of a certain level will only obey its Trainer if the Trainer possesses specific achievements, disobedient Pokémon in the anime will gain respect for their Trainers after realizing how far the Trainer is willing to go to befriend, protect, and care for the Pokémon.
Trivia
- In all core series games from Generation III to Generation VII, every non-playable Trainer's Pokémon that knows Frustration or is in Emerald's Battle Factory has 0 friendship, and all other NPCs' Pokémon in those generations have 255 friendship.
In other languages
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See also
References
- ↑ https://twitter.com/JCBLPs/status/1588585025959665666
- ↑ In Generation II, vitamins affected include HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, and Carbos
- ↑ In Generation II, battle items affected include X Attack, X Defend, X Speed, and X Special
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Berries affected include Pomeg Berry, Kelpsy Berry, Qualot Berry, Hondew Berry, Grepa Berry, and Tamato Berry (No. 21-26)
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Generation III onwards, vitamins affected include HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Carbos, PP Up, PP Max, and Rare Candy
- ↑ In Generation III, battle items affected include X Attack, X Defend, X Speed, X Special, X Accuracy, Dire Hit, and Guard Spec.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 Generation IV onwards, battle items affected include X Attack, X Defense (known as X Defend prior to Generation VI), X Speed, X Sp. Atk (known as X Special prior to Generation VI), X Sp. Def, X Accuracy, Dire Hit, and Guard Spec.
- ↑ https://twitter.com/Sibuna_Switch/status/1574102961109848066
- ↑ In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Alolan Meowth evolves at level 28 regardless of friendship level.
External links
- GameFAQs: Pokemon Gold Version (GBC) Happiness Points FAQ by IDeLucas
- Generation IV Friendship FAQ by Ruimound
- Pokemon Gold, Silver and Crystal :: Happiness Guide
Pokémon individuality | ||
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This game mechanic article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games. |