How to Raise Friendship Level in the Pokémon Games

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A Pokémon's friendship level, also known as the happiness and tameness level, are a big part of the Pokémon franchise. They determine a lot of things, such as the power of certain moves or when Pokémon evolve. This guide will explain friendship level in all the generations of games, starting when the series introduced it.

Method 1
Method 1 of 7:

Playing Generation 7

PDF download Download Article
  1. This has a chance or raising your entire party's friendship level by +2 points, or +1 level at friendship levels 200 - 255.
    • Generation 7 games include the following: Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. These steps apply to all games in Generation 7, unless otherwise stated.
    • To avoid lowering a Pokémon's level, don't let it faint. Don't use Heal Powder, Energy Root, Revival Herb, or Energy Powder.
  2. You can get a message at Konikoni City. This raises your Pokemon's friendship level between +10 to +40 points.
    Advertisement
  3. This raises your Pokemon's level between +5 to +20 points, depending on what you order.
  4. This raises your Pokemon's level +5 points.
  5. This raises your Pokemon's friendship level +5 points at levels 0-99, +4 points at levels 100 - 199, and +3 points at levels 200 - 255.
  6. You can level up your Pokemon in battle. This will raise your Pokemon's level +5 points at friendship levels 0 -99, +3 points at friendship levels 100 - 199, and +2 points at friendship levels 200 - 255.
  7. This raises your Pokemon's friendship level +3 points at levels 0 - 99, +2 levels at levels 100 - 199, and +1 point at 200 - 255.
  8. These include the following: HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Carbos, PP Up, PP Max, and Rare Candy.
  9. These include the following: Pomeg Berry, Kelpsy Berry, Qualot Berry, Hondew Berry, Grepa Berry, and Tamato Berry.
  10. This raises your Pokemon's frienship level +1 point at frienship levels 0-199. Battle items include the following: X Attack, X Defense, X Speed, X Sp. Atk, X Sp. Def, X Accuracy, Dire Hit, and Guard Spec.
    11. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 7:

Playing Generation 6

PDF download Download Article
  1. This has a chance or raising your entire party's friendship level by +2 points, or +1 level at friendship levels 200 - 255.
    • The games that are included in Generation 6 are the following: X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire versions. These steps apply to all Generation 6 Pokemon games unless otherwise noted.
    • To avoid lowering a Pokémon's level, don't let it faint. Don't Heal Powder, Energy Root, Revival Herb, or Energy Powder
  2. In games X and Y, talk to the lady in Cyllage City. In Omega and Sapphire, she is located in Mauville City. In X and Y, you can also get a massage at Secret Pals.
  3. This raises your Pokemon's friendship level +20 points.
  4. A custom made colorful shake will raise your Pokemon's friendship level +12 up to +32 points, depending on what berries are used. You can also raise your Pokemon's friendship level +4 points by ordering a Rare Soda, Ultra Rare Soda, Perilous Soup, or EV Juices
  5. This raises your Pokemon's friendship level +5 points at levels 0-99, +4 points at levels 100 - 199, and +3 points at levels 200 - 255.
  6. This raises your Pokemon's friendship level +3 points at levels 0 - 99, +2 levels at levels 100 - 199, and +1 point at 200 - 255.
  7. These include the following: HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Carbos, PP Up, PP Max, and Rare Candy. This will raise your Pokemon's level +5 points at friendship levels 0 -99, +3 points at friendship levels 100 - 199, and +2 points at friendship levels 200 - 255.
  8. You can level up your Pokemon in battle. This will raise your Pokemon's level +5 points at friendship levels 0 -99, +4 points at friendship levels 100 - 199, and +3 points at friendship levels 200 - 255.
  9. These include the following: Pomeg Berry, Kelpsy Berry, Qualot Berry, Hondew Berry, Grepa Berry, and Tamato Berry. This will raise your Pokemon's level +5 points at friendship levels 0 -99, +3 points at friendship levels 100 - 199, and +2 points at friendship levels 200 - 255.
  10. This raises your Pokemon's frienship level +1 point at frienship levels 0-199. Battle items include the following: X Attack, X Defense, X Speed, X Sp. Atk, X Sp. Def, X Accuracy, Dire Hit, and Guard Spec.
    11. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 7:

Playing Generation 5

PDF download Download Article
  1. This has a 50% chance of raising your entire parties friendship level by +1 point.
    • Generation 5 games include the following: Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 versions. This applies to all Pokémon in the games.
    • To avoid lowering a Pokémon's level, don't let it faint, or Heal Powder, Energy Root, use Revival Herb, or Energy Powder. Try and cure any status effects such as Poisoned, Paralyzed, Burning, and Frozen. Sleeping does not decrease Friendship Level.
  2. She gives your Pokemon a massage. This raises your Pokemon's friendship level anywhere between +5 to +30 points.
  3. This raises your Pokemon's friendship level +10 to +50 points, depending on which service you get.
  4. This raises your Pokemon's friendship level +5, +10, or +20 points, depending on what you order.
  5. This raises your Pokemon's friendship level +5 points at levels 0-99, +4 points at levels 100 - 199, and +3 points at levels 200 - 255.
  6. This raises your Pokemon's friendship level by +1.
  7. These include the following: HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Carbos, PP Up, PP Max, and Rare Candy.
  8. You can level up your Pokemon in battle. This will raise your Pokemon's level +5 points at friendship levels 0 -99, +3 points at friendship levels 100 - 199, and +2 points at friendship levels 200 - 255.
  9. This raises your Pokemon's friendship level +1 point at friendship levels 0-199. Battle items include the following: X Attack, X Defense, X Speed, X Sp. Atk, X Sp. Def, X Accuracy, Dire Hit, and Guard Spec.
  10. 10
    Avoid PCS. Depositing a Pokemon into a PC and leaving it there will slowly decrease the friendship level of the Pokemon.
  11. 11
    Use the Pokemon. Battling in itself is a key element for raising your friendship level, as Pokemon who are not used while in the party will slowly go into negative friendship, while those who are used often will gain friendship.
    12. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 7:

Playing Generation 4

PDF download Download Article
  1. This has a 50% chance of raising your entire parties friendship level by +1 point.
    • Generation 4 includes the following games: Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver versions. These steps apply for all Generation 4 games.
    • To avoid lowering a Pokémon's level, don't let it faint, or use Heal Powder, Energy Root, Revival Herb, or Energy Powder.
  2. Massages are available at Ribbon Syndicate.
    • You can only do this in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.
  3. You can do this by visiting the Haircut Brothers.
    • You can only do this in HeartGold and SoulSilver.
  4. You can do this by talking to Daisy.
    • You can only do this in HeartGold and SoulSilver.
  5. This raises their friendship level +3 points at friendship levels 0 - 199, and +1 point at friendship levels 200 - 255.
  6. EV berries help when you make a mistake in EV training. EVs are Effort Values and they are obtained by beating Pokémon.These berries include the following:Pomeg Berry, Kelpsy Berry, Qualot Berry, Hondew Berry, Grepa Berry, and Tamato Berry.
    7. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 7:

Playing Generation 3

PDF download Download Article
  1. This has a 50% chance of raising your entire parties friendship level by +1 point.
    • Generation 3 games include the following: LeafGreen, FireRed, Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald versions. These steps apply to all Generation 3 games.
    • To avoid lowering a Pokémon's level, don't let it faint, use Heal Powder, use Energy Root, use Revival Herb, or use Energy Powder.
  2. Talk to Daisy to groom your Pokemon. This raises their friendship level +3 points at friendship levels 0 - 199, and +1 point at friendship levels 200 - 255.
    • This only applies to FireRed and LeafGreen, since Daisy is the only groomer in this generation.
  3. These include; HP Up, Protein, Carbos, Calcium, Zinc, Iron, and PP Up.
  4. You can level up your Pokemon in battle. Friendship level will be raised +5 points at friendship levels 0 -99, +3 points at friendship levels 100 - 199, and +2 points at friendship levels 200 - 255.
  5. EV berries help when you make a mistake in EV training. EVs are Effort Values and they are obtained by beating Pokémon. (ex. defeat a Pikachu and get an Effort Value in speed.) These berries include the following: Pomeg Berry, Kelpsy Berry, Qualot Berry, Hondew Berry, Grepa Berry, and Tamato Berry.
  6. This adds an extra point to any increases in friendship.
  7. This increases friendship boosts by 50%.
    8. Advertisement
Method 6
Method 6 of 7:

Playing Generation 2

PDF download Download Article
  1. All Pokémon in your party will get a raise in its friendship level of +1 point.
    • These steps apply to the following versions: Gold, Silver, and Crystal. In these games, all Pokémon have a friendship level, instead of just one. Also, there are many changes to the friendship levels in this generation.
    • To avoid lowering a Pokémon's level, don't let it faint, or use Heal Powder, Energy Root, Revival Herb, or Energy Powder.
  2. Depending on who you talked to, and how satisfied the Pokemon is, the friendship level will rise at different rates. Talk to Daisy in Pallet Town, or one of the brothers in the underground at Goldenrod City.
    • Talking to the younger brother will raise your friendship level at a higher rate.
  3. These include; HP Up, Protein, Carbos, Calcium, Zinc, Iron, and PP Up.
  4. Friendship level will be raised +5 points at friendship levels 0 -99, +3 points at friendship levels 100 - 199, and +2 points at friendship levels 200 - 255.
    • Leveling up at met locations will double the amount of friendship points your Pokemon receive.
    5. Advertisement
Method 7
Method 7 of 7:

Playing Generation 1

PDF download Download Article
  1. This will give it a boost in its friendship. Friendship level will be raised +5 points at friendship levels 0 -99. It will be raised +3 points at friendship levels 100 - 199. It will be raised +2 points at friendship levels 200 - 255. [1]
    • Friendship only applies to the Yellow Version, since it was when you could talk to your Pikachu and see how he likes you.
    • When the series started out, there were three games distributed in America. However, it wasn't introduced in Red or Blue versions.
    • Avoid depositing Pokémon and fainting. This lowers Pikachu's friendship level.
  2. You can use an HP restoring item, or a status condition healing item (other than full heal). This will also raise Pikachu's friendship level. Note that any item will work on raising Pikachu's friendship. It doesn't even have to work.
    • If you try to use a Thunder Stone, it won't raise Pikachu's friendship level. He refuses to use the Thunder Stone every time.
  3. This will also raise Pikachu's friendship level by +3 points at friendship levels, 0 - 199, and +2 points at friendship levels 200 - 255.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I get the luxury ball in Leaf Green?
    Community Answer
    The luxury ball wasn't added to the game, unless you trade from Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald, or hack it in.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 5
  • Question
    Aren't Luxury Balls and Friend Balls different?
    Community Answer
    Luxury Balls double the rate of happiness gains, whereas Friend Balls start all Pokemon that are caught with it (regardless of the Pokemon's base happiness) with a Base Happiness level of 200.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
  • Question
    How to get luxury ball in emerald?
    Community Answer
    You need to have an Umbreon. Go to your Father's gym (Norman's), talk to him, buy a Pokeball in the Pokémart near the gym. Sell it on the Pokemart on the Pokémon League, go to the starting town, talk to your mom, release your Umbreon on the computer of the Pokémon Center of the tree city with the flying gym. At the same Pokémon Center Box you released it in, buy a Pokéball and it will be a luxury ball.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 6
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • In Generation 2, the Luxury Ball was a Friend Ball. This name changed after Generation 2.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Places to rate Pokémon: Goldenrod City, Verdanturf Town, Pallet Town, Hearthome City Fan Club, Dr. Footstep on route 213, Enertia City (the lady gives you a Poketch app to measure Friendship Level), Icirrus City Fan Club, and Nacrene City (next to the Pokémon Center).
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • After Generation 1, depositing Pokémon no longer lowered friendship level.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Level Up in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
      How to
      Evolve Buneary in Pokémon Diamond or Pearl
      How to
      Play Pokémon on Your PC
      How to
      Randomize a Pokémon Game
      How to
      Learn Type Weaknesses in Pokémon
      How to
      Check Friendship Level in Pokemon Violet and Scarlet
      How to
      Evolve Riolu in Pokemon Brick Bronze
      How to
      Evolve Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon in Pokémon
      How to
      Evolve Magikarp in Any Pokémon Game
      How to
      Catch Articuno in Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green
      How to
      Evolve Scyther into Scizor & Kleavor
      How to
      Get Exp. Share
      How to
      Evolve Onix
      Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Changing Your Pokemon's Tera Type
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Friendship#In_Generation_I

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Walk 128 steps.
      2. Get a massage.
      3. Get a friendly drink, lunch, or combo.
      4. Groom your Pokemon.
      5. Battle against the Gym Leader, and Elite Four member, or the Champion.
      6. Level up your Pokemon.
      7. Use a wing.
      8. Use a battle item.
      9. Use vitamins.
      10. Use EV berries.
      For more specific tips depending on what generation you're playing, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 340,515 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Beto Woodrow

        Apr 11, 2016

        "Very useful article. The EV lowering Berries and walking worked just fine. The bell was made exactly for increase x ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement