How to Raise Friendship Level in Pokémon: Full Guide

Download Article

Quickly build up friendship in Pokémon games with these methods

Co-authored by Hannah Dillon Reviewed by ThePokéRaf

Last Updated: April 6, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Basic Methods
|
• Game-Specific Methods
|
• Things to Avoid
|
• Video
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips

|Show more |Show less

In the Pokémon games, friendship is a core mechanic that can make your Pokémon stronger, change how different moves work, or help some Pokémon evolve. Unfortunately, friendship is a hidden stat, so you can't easily see how much you have, and it's not super obvious how to raise it. In this article, we'll go over all the ways you can raise your Pokémon's friendship, from basic methods that work in (almost) every game to game-specific methods. Keep reading to learn more!

Ways to Raise Friendship in Pokémon Games

There are many ways to raise your Pokémon's friendship. Some ways that work across (almost) all of the games are using a Friend Ball or Luxury Ball, giving your Pokémon a Soothe Bell, leveling them up, using friendship-raising items, walking, and battling gym leaders, the Elite Four, and the Champion.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Basic Methods

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Using a Friend BallIf you use a Friend Ball to catch a Pokémon, it will automatically set the Pokémon's base friendship to a certain number. In Generations 2 through 7, Pokémon caught in a Friend Ball will have their base friendship set to 200. In Generation 8 and on, Pokémon caught in a Friend Ball will have their base friendship set to 150.

   • The Friend Ball is available from Generation 2 onwards.
2. 
   2
   Using a Luxury BallIf you use a Luxury Ball to catch a Pokémon, every time you increase that Pokémon's friendship, it will be boosted by +1. For example, if you do something with your Pokémon that would normally increase its friendship by +2, if that Pokémon is in a Luxury Ball, it would increase its friendship by +3.

   • The Luxury Ball is available from Generation 3 onwards.
   Advertisement
3. 
   3
   Using a Soothe BellIf you give a Pokémon a Soothe Bell to hold, any boosts to its friendship are increased by 50%. For example, if you do something with your Pokémon that would normally increase its friendship but +1, if that Pokémon is holding a Soothe Bell, it would increase its friendship by +1.5.

   • The Soothe Bell is available from Generation 3 onwards.
4. 
   4
   Leveling upIn most games, leveling up your Pokémon will raise their friendship level. The lower your Pokémon's current friendship level, the more points you'll get for leveling them up.

   • Note that "leveling up" usually refers to naturally leveling up without the help of items (such as Rare Candies or Exp. Candies).
5. 
   5
   Use friendship-raising itemsUsing a number of items on your Pokémon will, of course, cause their friendship to go up. The lower your Pokémon's current friendship is, the more friendship points you'll gain for using these items:

   • Berries: Pomeg, Kelpsy, Qualot, Hondew, Grepa, or Tamato Berry
     • Friendship-raising berries are available from Generation 3 onwards.
   • Vitamins: Protein, Iron, Carbos, Calcium, or Zinc
     • Vitamins are available from Generation 2 onwards.
   • Battle items: X Attack, X Defense, X Sp. Atk, X Sp. Def, X Speed, X Accuracy, Dire Hit, or Guard Spec.
     • Battle items are available from Generation 1 onwards.
6. 
   6
   WalkingIn most games, walking 128 steps has a 50% chance of giving your team +1 friendship. In games where you can have a companion Pokémon walking with you, your companion might also get +1 from walking 128 steps.

   • Some games require you to walk more steps. In Yellow, walking 255 steps with Pikachu has a 50% chance to raise friendship by 1. In Generation 2, walking 512 steps would guarantee a +1 friendship boost for the whole party.
7. 
   7
   BattlingIn most games, battling a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion would get you some friendship points. If your Pokémon faints, however, it will lose friendship points, so do your best to keep them from hitting 0 HP.
Advertisement

Section 2 of 3:

Game-Specific Methods

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Legends: Z-A

   • Drink a drink (active Pokémon only): +30
   • Hang out on a bench for 10 seconds (entire team): +10
   • Feed an HP Up, Rare Candy, PP Up, or PP Max: +4 (0-99 friendship), +2 (100-159 friendship), 0 (160+ friendship)
   • Give a Health, Muscle, Resist, Genius, Clever, or Swift Feather: +2 (0-99 friendship), +1 (100-159 friendship), 0 (160+ friendship)
   • Give an Exp. Candy XS or S: +1 (0-159 friendship), 0 (160+ friendship)
   • Give an Exp. Candy M: +2 (0-99 friendship), +1 (100-159 friendship), 0 (160+ friendship)
   • Give an Exp. Candy L: +3 (0-99 friendship), +2 (100-159 friendship), 0 (160+ friendship)
   • Give an Exp. Candy XL: +4 (0-99 friendship), +2 (100-159 friendship), 0 (160+ friendship)
2. 
   2
   Scarlet and Violet

   • Use other EV-raising items: +2 (0-99 friendship), +1 (100-159 friendship), 0 (160+ friendship)
3. 
   3
   Legends: Arceus

   • Get experience: +1
   • Feed/give a Razz Berry, Nanab Berry, Pinap Berry, Aux Powerguard, Dire Hit, Choice Dumpling, Twice-Spiced Radish, Swap Snack, Hopo Berry, Aux Power, Aux Guard, Aux Evasion: +1
   • Give a Potion, Full Restore, Max Potion, Hyper Potion, Super Potion, Full Heal, Revive, Max Revive, Max Ether, Max Elixer, Old Gateau, Exp. Candy S, Jubilife Muffin: +1 (0-159 friendship), 0 (160+ friendship)
   • Give an Exp. Candy M: +2 (0-99 friendship), +1 (100-159 friendship), 0 (160+ friendship)
   • Give an Exp. Candy L: +3 (0-99 friendship), +2 (100-159 friendship), 0 (160+ friendship)
   • Give an Exp. Candy XL or Rare Candy: +4 (0-99 friendship), +2 (100-159 friendship), 0 (160+ friendship)
4. 
   4
   Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

   • Get a massage in Veilstone City: +3
   • Feed a Poffin: +1
5. 
   5
   Sword and Shield

   • Walking 255 steps with a companion Pokémon in the Isle of Armor or Crown Tundra: +1 (0-179 friendship), 0 (180+ friendship)
6. 
   6
   Lets Go, Pikachu/Eevee!

   • Throwing 500 PokéDollars into the Cerulean City fountain: +20 (entire party)
   • Throwing 500 PokéDollars into the Cerulean City fountain: +2 (entire party)
7. 
   7
   Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon

   • Get a massage in Konikoni City: The friendship gained depends on the line you see:
     • "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
   • Get a Friendly Combo at a food stall: +20
   • Get a Friendly Lunch at a food stall: +10
   • Get a Friendly Drink at a food stall: +5
   • Go to the Isle Avue hot springs: +5
   • Using a wing: +3 (0-99 friendship), +2 (100-199 friendship), 0 (200+ friendship)
8. 
   8
   Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

   • Massage from a Secret Pal: +30
   • Massage in Mauville City: The friendship gained depends on the line you see:
     • "...much more…": +30
     • "...more…": +10
     • "...a little bit more…": +5
   • Super Training with a soothing bag: +20
9. 
   9
   X and Y

   • Massage in Cyllage City: The friendship gained depends on the line you see:
     • "...much more…": +30
     • "...more…": +10
     • "...a little bit more…": +5
   • Super Training with a soothing bag: +20
   • Get a Colorful Shake at a Juice Shoppe:
     • Custom-made: +12 to +32 (depending on Berries used)
     • Pre-made: +1 for every 100 PokéDollars
   • Get a Rare Soda, Ultra Rare Soda, Perilous Soup, or EV Juice from a Juice Shoppe: +4
10. 
    10
    Black 2 and White 2

    • Getting a service at the Beauty Salon:
      • Royal Cut (W2 only): +50
      • Beauty Cut (B2 only): +40
      • Smile Cut: +30
      • Shampoo: +20
      • Brushing: +10
    • Massage in the Medal Office: The friendship gained depends on the line you see:
      • "...much more…": +30
      • "...more…": +10
      • "...a little bit more…": +5
    • Get a Friendly Combo at a café: +20
    • Get a Friendly Lunch at a café: +10
    • Get a Friendly Drink at a café: +5
    • Using a wing: +3 (0-99 friendship), +2 (100-199 friendship), 0 (200+ friendship)
    • Learn a TM or HM: +1 (0-199 friendship), 0 (200+)
11. 
    11
    Black and White

    • Massage on Castelia Street: The friendship gained depends on the line you see:
      • "...much more…": +30
      • "...more…": +10
      • "...a little bit more…": +5
    • Using a wing: +3 (0-99 friendship), +2 (100-199 friendship), 0 (200+ friendship)
    • Learn a TM or HM: +1 (0-199 friendship), 0 (200+)
12. 
    12
    Heart Gold and Soul Silver

    • Get a grooming from the Haircut Brothers: The friendship gained depends on the line you see:
      • "...delighted!": +10
      • "...happy.": +5
      • "...a little happier.": +1
    • Get a grooming from Daisy: +10
    • Learn a TM or HM: +1 (0-199 friendship), 0 (200+)
13. 
    13
    Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum

    • Massage from the Ribbon Syndicate: The friendship gained depends on the line you see:
      • "...much more…": +30
      • "...more…": +10
      • "...a little bit more…": +5
    • Massage from the Veilstone City Massage Girl: +3
    • Winning a super contest: +3 (0-99 friendship), +2 (100-199 friendship), +1 (200+ friendship)
    • Learn a TM or HM: +1 (0-199 friendship), 0 (200+)
14. 
    14
    Ruby and Sapphire

    • Learn a TM or HM: +1 (0-199 friendship), 0 (200+)
15. 
    15
    Colosseum

    • Learn a TM or HM: +1 (0-199 friendship), 0 (200+)
    • Purification: +70
16. 
    16
    FireRed and LeafGreen

    • Learn a TM or HM: +1 (0-199 friendship), 0 (200+)
    • Get a grooming from Daisy: +3
17. 
    17
    XD: Gale of Darkness

    • Learn a TM or HM: +1 (0-199 friendship), 0 (200+)
    • Purification: +70
18. 
    18
    Gold, Silver, and Crystal

    • Get a grooming from the Haircut Brothers: The friendship gained depends on the line you see:
      • "...delighted!": +10
      • "...happy.": +5
      • "...a little happier.": +1
    • Get a grooming from Daisy: +3
    • Learn a TM: +1 (0-199 friendship), 0 (200+)
19. 
    19
    Pokémon Stadium 2

    • Win at the mini-games: +1 (0-199 friendship), 0 (200+)
20. 
    20
    YellowThese methods will only raise the friendship of Pikachu that list you as the original trainer. This includes your starter Pikachu, as well as other Pikachu you catch in the game.

    • Use medicine on your Pikachu: +5 (0-99 friendship), +3 (100-199 friendship), +2 (200+ friendship)
      • PP Up, Full Heal, Revive, Max Revive, Ether, Max Ether, and Max Elixer don't count.
    • Teach Pikachu a TM or HM: +1 (0-199 friendship), 0 (200+)
Advertisement

Section 3 of 3:

Things to Avoid

Download Article

1. Avoid these things to keep your Pokémon from losing friendship:

   • Allowing the Pokémon to faint, especially from a Pokémon much higher-leveled than them
   • Giving your Pokémon a bitter herbal medicine (Energy Powder, Heal Powder, Energy Root, or Revival Herb)
   • Giving your Pokémon a Remedy, Fine Remedy, or Superb Remedy in Legends: Arceus
   • Surviving the Poison status with 1 HP outside of battle
   • Trading your partner Pikachu in Yellow
   • Deposit your partner Pikachu in the Pokémon Storage System

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

• Question

  How do I get the Luxury Ball in Leaf Green?

  

  Community Answer

  The Luxury Ball is not natively available in Pokémon Leaf Green. You can obtain one by trading it from Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald, or by using a cheat device.

  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

  What is the difference between Luxury Balls and Friend Balls?

  

  Community Answer

  Luxury Balls double the rate of happiness gains for your Pokémon. Friend Balls, however, ensure that any Pokémon you catch with them starts with a base happiness of 200, regardless of its species' inherent starting happiness.

  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 do I obtain a Luxury Ball in Pokémon Emerald?

  

  Community Answer

  To obtain a Luxury Ball using this method, you will need an Umbreon. First, visit your father Norman at his gym and buy a Poké Ball from the nearby Poké Mart. Then, sell that Poké Ball at the Pokémon League's Poké Mart. Afterward, return to your starting town to speak with your mother, and release your Umbreon at Fortree City's Pokémon Center PC. Immediately purchase a new Poké Ball from the PC's shop menu; it should then appear as 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 7

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

• Many Pokémon evolve with high friendship, including Golbat, Pichu, Cleffa, Igglybuff, Togepi, Eevee, Chansey, Azurill, Budew, Buneary, Chingling, Munchlax, Riolu, Woobat, Swadloon, Alolan Meowth, Type: Null, and Snom.
  Thanks

  Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Letting your Pokémon's HP fall to critical status, getting a status condition, healing your Pokémon with critical HP/a status condition, evolving a Pokémon without trading it, using a Pokémon in a battle, winning a battle, increasing affection, or using a Scent on a Pokémon will not affect friendship at all.
  Thanks

  Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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

Evolve Pichu

How to

Check Friendship Level in Pokemon Violet and Scarlet

How to

Evolve Chansey into Blissey

How to

Evolve Munchlax in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

How to

Evolve Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon in Pokémon

How to

Evolve Riolu

How to

Get Bulbasaur in Pokémon Yellow

Trading Pokémon on the Nintendo DS: A Complete Guide

How to

Evolve Chingling

Easy Ways to Evolve Pichu in Pokémon Sun and Moon

How to

Win Pokémon Contests in Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum

How to

Evolve Eevee in Pokémon HeartGold or SoulSilver

Advertisement