Happiness & Friendship

Happiness has been a constant feature in Pokémon since Pokémon Yellow and allows for you to create bonds with the Pokémon. Typically this was used for moves such as Return & Frustration, but as they're now removed the only element that wold appear for Friendship is the various evolutions that required it. However, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl has brought the changes from Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu & Eevee and Sword & Shield.

Previously the Happiness value was required for you to reach the value of 220. Now, you only need a happiness value of around 160 in order for your Pokémon to evolve.

Reaching Maximum Friendship

In these games, happiness and affection are once again tied together as the same value so the higher the Pokémon's happiness, the better rewards your Pokémon get. These rewards do not carry over to multiplayer.

The Happiness can be improved by walking with your Pokémon (either outside the Poké Ball or otherwise), healing it, winning battles. There is also a daily Massage in Veilstone City that gives a small boost and one in the Ribbon Syndicate in the Resort Area which gives a big boost.

Action	Current Friendship
Action	0-99	100-199	200+
Level Up without Rare Candy	+3	+2	+1
Faint from Pokémon less than 30 levels higher	-1	-1	-1
Faint from Pokémon more than 30 levels higher	-5	-5	-10
Battle Gym Leader or Champion	+5	+3	0
Walking (50% chance every 128 steps)	+1	+1	+1
Walking (50% chance every 128 steps) Pokémon following	+1	+1	+1
Eat a Poffin	+1	+1	+1
Massage	+3	+3	+3
Pomeg Berry Kelpsy Berry Qualot Berry Hondew Berry Grepa Berry Tamato Berry	+10	+5	+1
HP Up Protein Iron Carbos Calcium Rare Candy PP Up Zinc PP Max	+4	+2	0
Guard Spec. Dire Hit X Attack X Defense X Speed X Accuracy X Sp. Atk X Sp. Def	+1	+1	0
Energy Powder Heal Powder	-5	-5	-10
Energy Root Revival Herb	-5	-5	-10

Happiness can be checked through the Happiness Checker in Hearthome City, or through the Pokétch app where you can touch it to see its friendship. Two big full hearts mean it is at maximum friendship

Statement	Happiness Checker Description	Special Effect
Hmm... It seems to dislike you a little.	0-49	None
It's feeling neutral toward you. It's up to you to change that.	50-89	None
It's warming up to you. That's my impression.	100-149	None
It's quite friendly to you. It must be happy being with you.	150-199	None
It's very friendly toward you. I can tell you treat it kindly.	200-229	Pokémon bounces when sent into battle Text boxes indicate what it's doing in battle Slim chance of preventing itself being prevented from being knocked out from a move
It's very friendly toward you. I can tell you treat it kindly.	230+	Pokémon bounces when sent into battle Text boxes indicate what it's doing in battle Small chance of preventing itself being prevented from being knocked out from a move Increase of experience gained from battle of 20% Chance of recovering from status conditions by itself
It simply adores you! Why, I feel like I'm intruding!	255	Pokémon bounces when sent into battle Text boxes indicate what it's doing in battle Decent chance of preventing itself being prevented from being knocked out from a move Increase of experience gained from battle of 20% Chance of recovering from status conditions by itself Slim chance of avoiding opponents moves Critical Hit ratio increased by 1

When your Pokémon reaches maximum friendship, you can also receive the Best Friends Ribbon in Hearthome City's Pokémon Fan Club.