Friendship, or affection, plays a crucial role in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, affecting everything from battle performance to evolution for certain Pokémon. If you’re looking to maximize your Pokémon’s potential and unlock special perks, understanding how to increase friendship levels efficiently is key. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods to build strong bonds with your team.
1. Walk Together
One of the simplest ways to raise a Pokémon’s friendship is by having them accompany you on your adventure. Pokémon gain affection over time as you travel together across the map. Make sure to rotate which Pokémon are active in your party so that all of them benefit from your journeys. This is especially useful if you’re trying to buy shiny Pokémon or rare variants later, as higher friendship levels can sometimes influence encounter mechanics indirectly.
2. Use Items That Boost Friendship
Certain in-game items directly increase a Pokémon’s friendship. Vitamins such as Protein, Iron, and Calcium not only improve stats but also provide a small friendship boost. Other items, like Soothe Bell, amplify the friendship gained from battles and interactions. Using these strategically can speed up the process, making it easier to reach evolution thresholds for friendship-dependent Pokémon.
3. Battle and Avoid Fainting
Battling with your Pokémon contributes to friendship gains, but be mindful: fainting reduces friendship. To maximize gains, focus on winning battles without letting your Pokémon faint. Training against wild Pokémon or in controlled environments like Gyms allows your team to grow both in strength and in affection safely. If you’re looking to enhance your roster quickly, you may also consider options to buy Pokémon for Legends Z-A online from reliable sources to expand your team and experiment with different friendship strategies.
4. Feed Your Pokémon
Feeding Pokémon is a rewarding way to boost friendship. Berries, Poké Puffs, and other consumables provide affection increases when given regularly. Pay attention to your Pokémon’s preferences, as giving a favorite item will often yield the highest boost. Keeping a stock of these items while exploring ensures your team stays happy and ready for tough battles.
5. Grooming and Interaction
Engaging with your Pokémon outside of battles is just as important. Petting, grooming, and other forms of direct interaction can steadily raise friendship levels. Pokémon that feel cared for will perform better in battles and may even exhibit unique behavior in the overworld, adding to the immersion of your adventure.
6. Avoid Negative Actions
Certain actions, like letting Pokémon faint frequently or using bitter items, can decrease friendship. Be mindful during tough encounters and make recovery a priority with healing items to maintain high affection levels.
Increasing friendship in Pokémon Legends: Z-A requires consistent care, smart use of items, and attentive battle strategies. By walking with your Pokémon, feeding them, and avoiding actions that harm their happiness, you can unlock special evolutions, battle benefits, and deeper connections with your team. For players looking to expand their options or acquire rare Pokémon quickly, it’s also possible to buy shiny Pokémon or buy Pokémon for Legends Z-A online, but building natural friendship remains a rewarding part of the game experience.
