Learn how friendship works in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, how to increase it, and which Pokémon evolve based on friendship levels, including special conditions.
Friendship is a hidden stat in Pokémon Legends: Z-A that, when reaching a certain threshold, unlocks special interactions and evolutions for some Pokémon. For example, Riolu requires a high friendship level to evolve into Lucario.
To increase a Pokémon's friendship level, you can:
- Feed them items like Vitamins or Protein, found on the world map or purchased from stores.
- Take them to cafes and buy them gifts.
- Let them consume "friendly berries" (e.g., Kelpsy Berry, Hondew Berry, Qualot berries).
- Have them hold the Soothe Bell, obtained from Side Mission 36 (unlocked after Main Mission 14), which speeds up the friendship gain.
Giving your Pokémon various gifts and treats will generally lead to friendship evolutions. For instance, Lucario often requires about 5 cafe meals as gifts.
Friendship Level Evolution Pokémon
The following Pokémon require Friendship levels to evolve, along with any other special conditions:
| Pokemon | Evolution | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Pichu | Pikachu | Standard friendship level |
| Cleffa | Clefairy | Standard friendship level |
| Budew | Roselia | Standard friendship level |
| Buneary | Lopunny | Standard friendship level |
| Riolu | Lucario | Requires high friendship and evolve during the daytime |
| Eevee | Espeon | High friendship and evolve during the daytime |
| Eevee | Umbreon | High friendship and evolve during the nighttime |
| Eevee | Sylveon | High friendship and Eevee must know a Fairy-type move |
A woman at a specific cafe can tell you your current friendship level with a selected Pokémon.
100% Human-Written. AI Fact-Checked. Community Verified. Learn how AntMag verifies content