Friendship

Friendship (Japanese: なつき emotional attachment), historically referred to by fans as happiness, is a measurement of how much a is attached to its and enjoys being in their care.
In the core series games, friendship was introduced in , though only for the received at the beginning of the game. It was expanded to apply to all Pokémon starting in Generation II.
Friendship affects the Evolution of certain Pokémon, the power of certain moves, and the availability of a few in-game items and ribbons. Certain activities/events can increase a Pokémon's friendship (such as gaining a level and walking a certain amount of steps), while others decrease their friendship (such as fainting and using herbal medicine).
Friendship is distinct from affection, a separate mechanic used in Generation VI and some Generation VII games. However, beginning with Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, friendship effectively replaced affection, taking on its effects.
==Terminology==
In Pokémon Stadium 2, the List feature (a table containing Pokémon data which is accessible from the ) includes a "Tame" column which contains short text descriptions about the friendship of each Pokémon.
According to the in-game descriptions of and , friendship is known as "loyalty" in , but in other games it is usually described in terms of how much a Pokémon "likes" or "dislikes" the Trainer.
In , the in Gateon Port refers to this concept using the terms "friendly" and "friendliness" when explaining 's Evolutions.
In Pokémon Gold & Silver: Prima's Official Strategy Guide, it is called "happiness". In Pokémon Gold and Silver: Complete Pokédex (page 19), it is called "friendliness".
===Friendship rating descriptions===
From onwards, the friendship raters use a wide variety of informal descriptions related to the Pokémon's friendship. For instance, if a Pokémon has a high friendship value, some raters may describe it as "happy", "trusts you", "attached to you", "friendly toward you", "likes you very much", or "adores you", among other examples.
In particular, the only friendship rater who describes friendship as "taming" is the one in Pokémon Yellow, as seen in the possible quotes "Your Pikachu seems tamed." or "It seems like it hasn't been tamed at all." (in addition to the "Tame" data in Pokémon Stadium 2)
If a Pokémon's friendship value is neither high or low, some possible comments include "looks neutral", "warming up", or "not quite familiar with you". If a Pokémon's friendship is low, this has been described including negative statements such as "looks mean", "looks evil", "very wary", or "has a vicious look to it".
==General mechanics==
A Pokémon's friendship value ranges from 0 to 255 (stored as a single byte), and since Generation III, each Pokémon has a base friendship value. This base value applies when a wild Pokémon is with most kinds of Poké Balls and in most cases when a Pokémon is traded. As of Generation IX, there are two exceptions for caught or traded Pokémon:
* A wild Pokémon caught in a Friend Ball starts with 200 friendship, regardless of its base friendship; and
* A Pokémon traded back to its original Trainer regains the friendship it had before being traded away (Generation VI or later). 
Additionally, a Pokémon hatched from an starts with 100 friendshipBDSP/120 friendship.
===Friendship rating===
Certain NPCs in the core games evaluate the friendship of the player's Pokémon.
===Raising and lowering 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 typically increase a Pokémon's friendship. Letting a Pokémon faint and using bitter herbal medicines on it will decrease a Pokémon's friendship.
Certain items and conditions (described below) apply additional bonuses to friendship increases. These bonuses do not apply to when friendship is not increased (e.g., using an X Attack on a Pokémon with high friendship).
====Luxury Ball====
From Generation III onward, if a Pokémon was caught in a Luxury Ball, any increase to its friendship is boosted by 1.
====Met location====
Activities and events that increase a Pokémon's friendship are more effective in the location where that Pokémon was first encountered (e.g., where it was caught). This effect exists in , Generation III, and all games from Generation V onward.
In , a Pokémon leveled up at its met location gains twice as much friendship. However, only Pokémon caught in Crystal record a met location, and Pokémon traded to a Generation I game have their met location permanently erased.
In Generation III onward (except in Generation IV), if a Pokémon is currently at its met location, any increase to its friendship is boosted by 1. This does not apply in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness.
====Soothe Bell====
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.
===Effects of friendship===
Starting in Generation II, there are . Additionally, certain moves vary in power depending on the user's friendship.
In Generation IV and since Generation VIII, certain ribbons are awarded to Pokémon with the maximum (255) friendship value.
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 , , , , , , or prior to Generation IX introducing them as TMs.
====Affected moves====
Friendship affects the base power of the following moves.
Move	 	 	 		Notes
 	Varies	100%	The base power increases as the user's friendship decreases		
 	Varies	—% 	The base power increases as the user's friendship increases		
 	Varies	100%	The base power increases as the user's friendship increases		
 	Varies	—% 	The base power increases as the user's friendship increases		
====In-battle bonuses====
Beginning in Generation VII, friendship can have in-battle effects that used to depend on affection. These effects, which vary by game, include surviving a hit that would normally knock it out, boosted experience, and recovering from status conditions.
====Fishing====
In , when fishing, the walking Pokémon's friendship affects the odds of getting a bite. The higher the walking Pokémon's friendship is, the higher chance the player has of getting a bite.
====Evolutions based on friendship====
From Generation II onwards, several Pokémon evolve when they level up while having a high friendship. These Pokémon evolve when they have at least 220 friendship from Generations II to VII, or 160 friendship from Generation VIII onwards.
====Rewards====
* In , Melanie in Cerulean City will give the a if the 's friendship is at least 147. Melanie will give the player this Bulbasaur even if Pikachu is not in the party or even in the game.
* In , a man at the end of the Water Labyrinth will give the player a if their lead Pokémon has maximum friendship.
* In Johto, the friendship rater in the Goldenrod Department Store will give the player if shown a Pokémon with low enough friendship and if shown a Pokémon with high enough friendship.
* In Hoenn:
** A woman in the Pokémon Fan Club in Slateport City will give the player a Soothe Bell if their lead Pokémon's friendship is at least 150.
** The friendship rater in Pacifidlog Town will give the player if shown a Pokémon with less than 50 friendship and if shown a Pokémon with at least 150 friendship. In , this can be repeated weekly, but only one of the two TMs can be received each week.
** In , the Nameless Cavern only appears when the player has three Pokémon with maximum friendship in their party.
* In Sinnoh, a man in the Pokémon Center will give the player a Great Ball if their lead Pokémon's friendship is high enough. This can be repeated daily.
* In , a woman in Nimbasa City will give the player a Soothe Bell if their lead Pokémon's friendship is high enough.
* In , a woman in will give the player a Lucky Egg if their lead Pokémon has maximum friendship.
===Misconceptions===
Though often thought otherwise, the following factors do not affect friendship:
* Trying to release the partner or evolve it with a Thunder Stone
* Battling against an Elite Four member or the Champion
* Depositing a Pokémon in the Pokémon Storage System (except it loses some friendship in , and the friendship resets in the Stadium games)
* Letting a Pokémon's HP fall to critical status
* Letting a Pokémon get a status condition, or walking with a Pokémon with a status condition
* Healing a Pokémon with low HP or with a status condition
* Giving a Pokémon an item to hold that is not the Soothe Bell.
* Evolving a Pokémon without trading it
* Using a Pokémon in or winning a battle with it.
* Increasing affection
* Using a Scent on a Pokémon
==Generation- and game-specific mechanics==
===Generation I===
Friendship was introduced in as a mechanic exclusively for the received at the beginning of the game. Pikachu are not affected, nor are any (even if Raichu was evolved from the partner Pikachu through trade). However, any whose Original Trainer is the is treated as their partner Pikachu, and all partner Pikachu share the same friendship value. This value persists if the partner Pikachu is traded, and any change in this value applies to all partner Pikachu.
When in the party and not fainted, the partner Pikachu (or the first Pikachu with the player’s OT in the party, if there are multiple) follows the player in the overworld, and interacting with Pikachu brings up a pop-up window showing Pikachu's face. Apart from certain special events that cause special reactions, Pikachu's expression changes based on its current friendship. At maximum friendship, Pikachu jumps up and down before the window appears.
====Modification====
Various actions can change Pikachu's friendship level:
Event 	Event 	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship
Event 	Event 	0 to 99 	100 to 199 	200 to 255
The partner levels up while in the party 	The partner levels up while in the party 	+5 	+3 	+2
Use medicine on the partner Pikachu (even if unsuccessful),other than PP Up, Full Heal, Revive, Max Revive, Ether, Max Ether, Elixer, Max Elixer	Use medicine on the partner Pikachu (even if unsuccessful),other than PP Up, Full Heal, Revive, Max Revive, Ether, Max Ether, Elixer, Max Elixer	+5 	+3 	+2
Challenge a Gym Leader with non-fainted partner Pikachu in the party(if the player has multiple partner Pikachu, the first must not be fainted) 	Challenge a Gym Leader with non-fainted partner Pikachu in the party(if the player has multiple partner Pikachu, the first must not be fainted) 	+3 	+2 	+1
Walk 255 steps with Pikachu following (50% chance) 	Walk 255 steps with Pikachu following (50% chance) 	+2 	+1 	+1
Teach Pikachu a TM or HM move 	Teach Pikachu a TM or HM move 	+1 	+1 	0
Use a battle item on the partner Pikachu (even if unsuccessful), other than X Accuracy 	Use a battle item on the partner Pikachu (even if unsuccessful), other than X Accuracy 	+1 	+1 	0
The partner Pikachu faints(including during link battles) 	If opponent is less than 30 levels higher 	-1 	-1 	-1
The partner Pikachu faints(including during link battles) 	If opponent is at least 30 levels higher, or outside of battle 	-5 	-5 	-10
Deposit the partner Pikachu in the Pokémon Storage System from the party 	Deposit the partner Pikachu in the Pokémon Storage System from the party 	-3 	-3 	-5
Trade Pikachu away 	Trade Pikachu away 	-10 	-10 	-20
Vitamins, battle items, and increase Pikachu's friendship even if they would have no effect (e.g., attempting to use a Potion on a Pikachu that is fainted or has full health). Using an item in this way does not consume it, so the same item can repeatedly increase Pikachu's friendship. 
Waking Pikachu with the Poké Flute (either in or out of battle) does not change its friendship.
===Generation II===
In Generation II, friendship was expanded to apply to 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 starts with 120 friendship. 
====Modification====
Various actions can change a Pokémon's friendship:
Event 	Event 	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship
Event 	Event 	0 to 99 	100 to 199 	200 to 255
Grooming (haircut brothers)"<Pokémon> looks [...]" 	"delighted!" (younger brother: 10%) 	+10 	+10 	+4
Grooming (haircut brothers)"<Pokémon> looks [...]" 	"delighted!" (older brother: 20%) 	+5 	+5 	+2
Grooming (haircut brothers)"<Pokémon> looks [...]" 	"happy." (older brother: 50%, younger: 30%) 	+3 	+3 	+1
Grooming (haircut brothers)"<Pokémon> looks [...]" 	"a little happier." (older brother: 30%, younger: 60%) 	+1 	+1 	+1
Level up 	Always/Anywhere except met location 	+5 	+3 	+2
Level up 	At met location 	+10 	+6 	+4
Using a vitaminIn Generation II, the vitamins affected are HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, and Carbos 	Using a vitaminIn Generation II, the vitamins affected are HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, and Carbos 	+5 	+3 	+2
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, the Champion, or Red (whole party) 	Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, the Champion, or Red (whole party) 	+3 	+2 	+1
Grooming () 	Grooming () 	+3 	+3 	+1
Walking 512 steps (whole party) 	Walking 512 steps (whole party) 	+1 	+1 	+1
Learn a TM 	Learn a TM 	+1 	+1 	0
Using a battle itemIn Generation II, the battle items affected are X Attack, X Defend, X Speed, and X Special 	Using a battle itemIn Generation II, the battle items affected are X Attack, X Defend, X Speed, and X Special 	+1 	+1 	0
Winning at the Pokémon Stadium 2 mini-games.Only applies if the Pokémon wins in the Mini-Game Champion mode and the number of Coins needed to win is seven or more. The difficulty doesn't matter.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSo_eVtBNS4	Winning at the Pokémon Stadium 2 mini-games.Only applies if the Pokémon wins in the Mini-Game Champion mode and the number of Coins needed to win is seven or more. The difficulty doesn't matter.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSo_eVtBNS4	+1 	+1 	0
Fainting 	If opponent is less than 30 levels higher 	-1 	-1 	-1
Fainting 	If opponent is at least 30 levels higher, or outside of battle 	-5 	-5 	-10
Using EnergyPowder or Heal Powder 	Using EnergyPowder or Heal Powder 	-5 	-5 	-10
Using Energy Root 	Using Energy Root 	-10 	-10 	-15
Using Revival Herb 	Using Revival Herb 	-15 	-15 	-20
In , 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, , 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.
===Generation III===
In Generation III, each Pokémon was assigned a specific base friendship value. The Luxury Ball and Soothe Bell boosts were also introduced. 
====Modification====
Various actions can change a Pokémon's friendship:
Event 	Event 	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship
Event 	Event 	0 to 99 	100 to 199 	200 to 255
Using The Berries affected are Pomeg Berry, Kelpsy Berry, Qualot Berry, Hondew Berry, Grepa Berry, and Tamato Berry 	Using The Berries affected are Pomeg Berry, Kelpsy Berry, Qualot Berry, Hondew Berry, Grepa Berry, and Tamato Berry 	+10 	+5 	+2
Level up 	Level up 	+5 	+3 	+2
Using a vitaminFrom Generation III onward, the vitamins affected are HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Carbos, PP Up, PP Max, and Rare Candy 	Using a vitaminFrom Generation III onward, the vitamins affected are HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Carbos, PP Up, PP Max, and Rare Candy 	+5 	+3 	+2
Grooming () 	Grooming () 	+3 	+3 	+3
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party) 	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) 	Walking 128 steps (50% chance to occur, affects whole party) 	+1 	+1 	+1
Learn a TM or HM 	Learn a TM or HM 	+1 	+1 	0
Using a battle itemIn Generation III, the battle items affected are X Attack, X Defend, X Speed, X Special, X Accuracy, Dire Hit, and Guard Spec.	Using a battle itemIn Generation III, the battle items affected are X Attack, X Defend, X Speed, X Special, X Accuracy, Dire Hit, and Guard Spec.	+1 	+1 	0
Fainting 	If opponent is less than 30 levels higher 	-1 	-1 	-1
Fainting 	If opponent is at least 30 levels higher, or outside of battle 	-5 	-5 	-10
Using EnergyPowder or Heal Powder 	Using EnergyPowder or Heal Powder 	-5 	-5 	-10
Using Energy Root 	Using Energy Root 	-10 	-10 	-15
Using Revival Herb 	Using Revival Herb 	-15 	-15 	-20
Purification 	Purification 	+70 	+70 	+70
Fainting in battle will not alter a Pokémon's friendship if it fainted from at the end of a turn.
In the Generation III core series games, if a Pokémon is currently at its met location, any increase to its friendship is boosted by 1. This does not apply in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness.
===Generation IV===
Unlike the previous generation, a Pokémon's met location does not affect the amount of friendship it gains. 
====Modification====
Various actions can change a Pokémon's friendship:
Event 	Event 	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship
Event 	Event 	0 to 99 	100 to 199 	200 to 255
Massage (Ribbon Syndicate)"Our treatment has made your pampered baby [...] friendly to you." 	"much more" 	+30 	+30 	+30
Massage (Ribbon Syndicate)"Our treatment has made your pampered baby [...] friendly to you." 	"more" 	+10 	+10 	+10
Massage (Ribbon Syndicate)"Our treatment has made your pampered baby [...] friendly to you." 	"a little more" 	+5 	+5 	+5
Grooming (haircut brothers)"<Pokémon> looks [...]" 	"delighted!" 	+10 	+10 	+10
Grooming (haircut brothers)"<Pokémon> looks [...]" 	"happy." 	+5 	+5 	+5
Grooming (haircut brothers)"<Pokémon> looks [...]" 	"a little happier." 	+1 	+1 	+1
Grooming () 	Grooming () 	+10 	+10 	+10
Using 	Using 	+10 	+5 	+2
Level up 	Level up 	+5 	+3 	+2
Using a vitamin 	Using a vitamin 	+5 	+3 	+2
Massage (Veilstone City Massage Girl) 	Massage (Veilstone City Massage Girl) 	+3 	+3 	+3
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party) 	Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party) 	+3 	+2 	+1
Winning a 	Winning a 	+3 	+2 	+1
Walking 128 steps (50% chance, whole party) 	Walking 128 steps (50% chance, whole party) 	+1 	+1 	+1
Learn a TM or HM 	Learn a TM or HM 	+1 	+1 	0
Using a battle itemFrom Generation IV onward, the battle items affected are 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.	Using a battle itemFrom Generation IV onward, the battle items affected are 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.	+1 	+1 	0
Fainting 	If opponent is less than 30 levels higher 	-1 	-1 	-1
Fainting 	If opponent is at least 30 levels higher 	-5 	-5 	-10
Surviving with 1 HP outside of battle 	Surviving with 1 HP outside of battle 	-5 	-5 	-10
Using EnergyPowder or Heal Powder 	Using EnergyPowder or Heal Powder 	-5 	-5 	-10
Using Energy Root 	Using Energy Root 	-10 	-10 	-15
Using Revival Herb 	Using Revival Herb 	-15 	-15 	-20
In , the massage at the Ribbon Syndicate is not affected by any friendship boosts, and the Soothe Bell does not affect friendship gained when using a battle item.
In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl only, due to a bug, using herbal medicine on a Pokémon with low friendship while in battle can cause its friendship to underflow to a value near the 255 maximum.https://youtu.be/YXhSU09weII
===Generation V===
====Modification====
The met location friendship boost introduced in Generation III returned. Additionally, Generation V introduced Befriending Power as a Pass Power; it boosts any increase to friendship by one to three points depending on the strength of the power used. However, friendship boosts do not apply to the massage in Castelia City.
Various actions can change a Pokémon's friendship:
Event 	Event 	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship
Event 	Event 	0 to 99 	100 to 199 	200 to 255
: getting a Royal Cut 	: getting a Royal Cut 	+50 	+50 	+50
: getting a Beauty Cut 	: getting a Beauty Cut 	+40 	+40 	+40
: getting a Smile Cut 	: getting a Smile Cut 	+30 	+30 	+30
Massage (/)"The massage has made your Pokémon [...] friendly to you!" 	"much more" (6%) 	+30 	+30 	+30
Massage (/)"The massage has made your Pokémon [...] friendly to you!" 	"more" (20%) 	+10 	+10 	+10
Massage (/)"The massage has made your Pokémon [...] friendly to you!" 	"a little bit more" (74%) 	+5 	+5 	+5
: getting a Shampoo 	: getting a Shampoo 	+20 	+20 	+20
: getting a Friendly Combo 	: getting a Friendly Combo 	+20 	+20 	+20
: getting a Brushing 	: getting a Brushing 	+10 	+10 	+10
: getting a Friendly Lunch 	: getting a Friendly Lunch 	+10 	+10 	+10
Using 	Using 	+10 	+5 	+2
: getting a Friendly Drink 	: getting a Friendly Drink 	+5 	+5 	+5
Level up in battle 	Level up in battle 	+5 	+4 	+3
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party)	Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party)	+5 	+4 	+3
Using a vitamin 	Using a vitamin 	+5 	+3 	+2
Using a wing 	Using a wing 	+3 	+2 	+1
Walking 255 steps (50% chance, whole party) 	Walking 255 steps (50% chance, whole party) 	+2 	+2 	+1
Learn a TM or HM 	Learn a TM or HM 	+1 	+1 	0
Using a battle item 	Using a battle item 	+1 	+1 	0
Fainting 	If opponent is less than 30 levels higher 	-1 	-1 	-1
Fainting 	If opponent is at least 30 levels higher 	-5 	-5 	-10
Using EnergyPowder or Heal Powder 	Using EnergyPowder or Heal Powder 	-5 	-5 	-10
Using Energy Root 	Using Energy Root 	-10 	-10 	-15
Using Revival Herb 	Using Revival Herb 	-15 	-15 	-20
===Generation VI===
====Modification====
In Generation VI, Befriending Power became an O-Power. Friendship boosts do not apply to massages, drinks from the Juice Shoppe, or the Soothing Bag in Super Training.
Various actions can change a Pokémon's friendship:
Event 	Event 	Change based on current friendship 	Change based on current friendship 	Change based on current friendship
Event 	Event 	0 to 99 	100 to 199 	200 to 255
Massage () 	Massage () 	+30 	+30 	+30
Massage (Cyllage City/Mauville City)"The massage made your Pokémon [...] friendly toward you"	"much more" (6%) 	+30 	+30 	+30
Massage (Cyllage City/Mauville City)"The massage made your Pokémon [...] friendly toward you"	"more" (20%) 	+10 	+10 	+10
Massage (Cyllage City/Mauville City)"The massage made your Pokémon [...] friendly toward you"	"a little bit more" (74%) 	+5 	+5 	+5
Super Training: Soothing Bag 	Super Training: Soothing Bag 	+20 	+20 	+20
Juice Shoppe: Colorful Shake 	Custom-made 	+12 to 32 (depending on Berries used)	+12 to 32 (depending on Berries used)	+12 to 32 (depending on Berries used)
Juice Shoppe: Colorful Shake 	Pre-made 	+1 per 100 	+1 per 100 	+1 per 100
Using 	Using 	+10 	+5 	+2
Level up in battle 	Level up in battle 	+5 	+4 	+3
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party) 	Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party)	+5 	+4 	+3
Using a vitamin 	Using a vitamin 	+5 	+3 	+2
Juice Shoppe: Rare Soda, Ultra Rare Soda, Perilous Soup, or EV Juices 	Juice Shoppe: Rare Soda, Ultra Rare Soda, Perilous Soup, or EV Juices 	+4 	+4 	+4
Using a wing 	Using a wing 	+3 	+2 	+1
Walking 128 steps (sometimes; for whole party) 	Walking 128 steps (sometimes; for whole party) 	+2 	+2 	+1
Using a battle item 	Using a battle item 	+1 	+1 	0
Fainting 	If opponent is less than 30 levels higher 	-1 	-1 	-1
Fainting 	If opponent is at least 30 levels higher 	-5 	-5 	-10
Using Energy Powder or Heal Powder 	Using Energy Powder or Heal Powder 	-5 	-5 	-10
Using Energy Root 	Using Energy Root 	-10 	-10 	-15
Using Revival Herb 	Using Revival Herb 	-15 	-15 	-20
===Generation VII===
====Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon====
=====Modification=====
Friendship boosts do not apply to massages.
Various actions can change a Pokémon's friendship:
Event 	Event 	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship
Event 	Event 	0 to 99 	100 to 199 	200 to 255
Massage (Konikoni City) 	"I think you'll notice a lot of friendly feelings!" 	+40 	+40 	+40
Massage (Konikoni City) 	"[It] helped inspire some good, friendly feelings toward you." 	+20 	+20 	+20
Massage (Konikoni City) 	"It's feeling a bit more friendly toward you already, I'd say." 	+10 	+10 	+10
: getting a Friendly Combo 	: getting a Friendly Combo 	+20 	+20 	+20
: getting a Friendly Lunch 	: getting a Friendly Lunch 	+10 	+10 	+10
: getting a Friendly Drink 	: getting a Friendly Drink 	+5 	+5 	+5
Using 	Using 	+10 	+5 	+2
hot springs 	hot springs 	+5 	+5 	+5
Level up in battle 	Level up in battle 	+5 	+4 	+3
Battling against an island kahuna, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party)	Battling against an island kahuna, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party)	+5 	+4 	+3
Using a vitamin 	Using a vitamin 	+5 	+3 	+2
Using a wing 	Using a wing 	+3 	+2 	+1
Walking 128 steps (sometimes; for whole party) 	Walking 128 steps (sometimes; for whole party) 	+2 	+2 	+1
Using a battle item 	Using a battle item 	+1 	+1 	0
Fainting 	If opponent is less than 30 levels higher 	-1 	-1 	-1
Fainting 	If opponent is at least 30 levels higher 	-5 	-5 	-10
Using Energy Powder or Heal Powder 	Using Energy Powder or Heal Powder 	-5 	-5 	-10
Using Energy Root 	Using Energy Root 	-10 	-10 	-15
Using Revival Herb 	Using Revival Herb 	-15 	-15 	-20
====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.
Friendship	Effect
0-99 	None
100-149 	
*Boosted Exp. Points (with a multiplier of 4915/4096, or approximately 20% more)
*10% chance of not fainting from a hit that would normally knock it out (leaving it with 1 HP)
150-199 	
*15% chance of not fainting from a hit that would normally knock it out
*Boosted Exp. Points (with a multiplier of 4915/4096, or approximately 20% more)
*20% chance of recovering from status conditions on its own
200-254 	
*20% chance of not fainting from a hit that would normally knock it out
*Boosted Exp. Points (with a multiplier of 4915/4096, or approximately 20% more)
*20% chance of recovering from status conditions on its own
*10% accuracy subtracted from an opponent's move (no effect on , however)
255 	
*25% chance of not fainting from a hit that would normally knock it out
*Boosted Exp. Points (with a multiplier of 4915/4096, or approximately 20% more)
*20% chance of recovering from status conditions on its own
*10% accuracy subtracted from an opponent's move (no effect on , however)
*Increased critical hit ratio (namely, each stage's chance is doubled)
=====Modification=====
Various actions can change a Pokémon's friendship:
Event 	Event 	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship
Event 	Event 	0 to 99 	100 to 199 	200 to 255
Level up 	Level up 	+2 	+1 	+1
Fainting 	If opponent is less than 30 levels higher 	-1 	-1 	-1
Fainting 	If opponent is at least 30 levels higher 	-5 	-5 	-10
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party)	Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party)	+4 	+3 	+2
Throwing 500 into the fountain in Cerulean City 	Throwing 500 into the fountain in Cerulean City 	+20 (whole party) 	+20 (whole party) 	+20 (whole party)
Throwing 50 into the fountain in Cerulean City 	Throwing 50 into the fountain in Cerulean City 	+2 (whole party) 	+2 (whole party) 	+2 (whole party)
Walking 255 steps (50%; for the and walking Pokémon) 	Walking 255 steps (50%; for the and walking Pokémon) 	+2 	+2 	+1
Using a vitamin 	Using a vitamin 	+5 	+3 	+2
Using a battle item 	Using a battle item 	+1 	+1 	0
===Generation VIII===
====Pokémon Sword and Shield====
=====Modification=====
In , friendship can only be increased to a certain cap without using Pokémon Camp or . 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 are the only ways to reach the maximum friendship value of 255.
Various actions can change a Pokémon's friendship:
Event 	Event 	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship	 	
Event 	Event 	0 to 99 	100 to 159 	160 to 179 	180+ 	 	
Level up 	Level up 	+3 	+2 	0 	0 	 	
Using 	Using 	+10 	+5 	+1 	+1 	+1	+1
Battling against a Gym Leader or the Champion 	Battling against a Gym Leader or the Champion 	+5 	+3 	0 	0 	 	
Fainting 	If opponent is less than 30 levels higher 	-1 	-1 	-1 	-1 	 	
Fainting 	If opponent is at least 30 levels higher 	-5 	-5 	-10 	-10 	 	
Walking 128 steps (for whole party, 50% chance to occur) 	Walking 128 steps (for whole party, 50% chance to occur) 	+1 	+1 	0 	0 	 	
Walking 255 steps with walking Pokémon in Isle of Armor or Crown Tundra	Walking 255 steps with walking Pokémon in Isle of Armor or Crown Tundra	+1 	+1 	+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 Friendshiphttps://twitter.com/Sibuna_Switch/status/1574102961109848066)
*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 
*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.
=====Effects=====
In these games, friendship has the following effects:
Friendship	hearts	Effect
0-179 	0-2 	None
180-219 	3 	
*Pokémon moves a little when sent out in battle
*10% chance of not fainting from a hit that would normally knock it out (leaving it with 1 HP)
220-254 	4 	
*Pokémon bounces up-and-down when sent out in battle
*15% chance of not fainting from a hit that would normally knock it out
*Boosted Exp. Points (with a multiplier of 4915/4096, or approximately 20% more)
*20% chance of recovering from status conditions on its own
255 	5 	
*Pokémon bounces up-and-down when sent out in battle
*20% chance of not fainting from a hit that would normally knock it out
*Boosted Exp. Points (with a multiplier of 4915/4096, or approximately 20% more)
*20% chance of recovering from status conditions on its own
*10% accuracy subtracted from an opponent's move (no effect on , however)
*Increased critical hit ratio (namely, each stage's chance is doubled)
These effects do not occur in link battles, the , Restricted Sparring, or Max Raid Battles. In addition, Pokémon with at least 1 heart may find items after cooking together at Pokémon Camp.
====Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl====
=====Modification=====
In , leveling up can once again increase friendship all the way to the maximum of 255.
Various actions can change a Pokémon's friendship:
Event 	Event 	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship	Change based on current friendship
Event 	Event 	0 to 99 	100 to 199 	200 to 255
Level up (excluding Rare Candy) 	Level up (excluding Rare Candy) 	+3 	+2 	+1
Fainting 	If opponent is less than 30 levels higher 	-1 	-1 	-1
Fainting 	If opponent is at least 30 levels higher 	-5 	-5 	-10
Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party)	Battling against a Gym Leader, Elite Four member, or the Champion (whole party)	+5 	+3 	0
Walking 128 steps (50%; for whole party) 	Walking 128 steps (50%; for whole party) 	+1 	+1 	+1
Walking 128 steps (50%; for walking Pokémon) 	Walking 128 steps (50%; for walking Pokémon) 	+1 	+1 	+1
Feeding a Pokémon a Poffin 	Feeding a Pokémon a Poffin 	+1 	+1 	+1
Using 	Using 	+10 	+5 	+1
Using a vitamin 	Using a vitamin 	+4 	+2 	0
Using a battle item 	Using a battle item 	+1 	+1 	0
Using Energy Powder or Heal Powder 	Using Energy Powder or Heal Powder 	-5 	-5 	-10
Using Energy Root 	Using Energy Root 	-10 	-10 	-15
Using Revival Herb 	Using Revival Herb 	-15 	-15 	-20
=====Effects=====
Walking Pokémon have a chance to find Berries; this chance increases with Pokémon's friendship value.
In these games, friendship has the following effects:
Friendship	Effect
0-179 	None
180-219 	
*Pokémon moves a little when sent out in battle
*10% chance of not fainting from a hit that would normally knock it out (leaving it with 1 HP)
220-254 	
*Pokémon bounces up-and-down when sent out in battle
*15% chance of not fainting from a hit that would normally knock it out
*Boosted Exp. Points (with a multiplier of 4915/4096, or approximately 20% more)
*20% chance of recovering from status conditions on its own
255 	
*Pokémon bounces up-and-down when sent out in battle
*20% chance of not fainting from a hit that would normally knock it out
*Boosted Exp. Points (with a multiplier of 4915/4096, or approximately 20% more)
*20% chance of recovering from status conditions on its own
*10% accuracy subtracted from an opponent's move (no effect on , however)
*Increased critical hit ratio (namely, each stage's chance is doubled)
These effects are not applied in link battles and in the .
====Pokémon Legends: Arceus====
=====Effects=====
Friendship has no mechanical effect in this game.
=====Modification=====
Various actions can change 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
===Generation IX===
====Pokémon Scarlet and Violet====
=====Effects=====
Friendship effects do not occur in Tera Raid Battles.
==In the side series games==
===Pokémon Stadium 2===
Depositing a Pokémon in a Pokémon Stadium 2 box will reset its friendship to 70.
===Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness===
In Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, purifying a Pokémon increases its friendship by 70.
==In the spin-off games==
===Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia===
Friendship also has an effect in the second game of the Pokémon Ranger series. 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 . This state of mind increases the speed the Partner Gauge fills up due to more Partner Energy being provided.
===Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire ===
In Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire, the concept of friendship Evolution is represented by obtaining hearts to evolve certain Pokémon in the Evolution Mode.
==In animation==
===Pokémon the Series===
In , the bond between s and their has been a theme since the first episode, in which had trouble to form a friendship with his newly obtained . After risking his safety to protect Pikachu from a flock of angry , he had 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 s. Ash believes that befriending a Pokémon will make it grow stronger, and he treats 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 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 , Mr. Contesta, stated that a Pokémon's well being must be the number one priority of a Coordinator.
In the episode 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, 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 s. 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 , friendship affects the power of . This was shown in the episode Going for Choke!, in which Harley's received a boost while using the move under the command of Jessie, a Trainer it does not like. Although the concept of has not been addressed directly, the Soothe Bell has appeared in Pokémon the Series. In , the friendship between Ash and his 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 Pokémon the Series 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 's Pokémon that knows or is in 's has 0 friendship, and all other NPCs' Pokémon in those generations have 255 friendship.
==In other languages==
==Notes==
==References==
==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
==Related articles==
* List of Pokémon by base friendship
* Friendship rating
* Friendship Evolution
* Affection
Category:Game mechanics
Category:Terminology
de:Freundschaft
es:Amistad
fr:Bonheur
it:Affetto
ja:なつき度
zh:亲密度