Comprehensive Pokémon Nature Guide Stat Optimization for Competitive Battling
guides

Comprehensive Pokémon Nature Guide Stat Optimization for Competitive Battling

A beginner-friendly guide to Pokémon Natures. Learn how to choose the right Nature for your competitive team, featuring a complete 25-Nature stat chart and tips on using Mints to optimize stats.

For trainers entering the world of competitive battling, understanding "Natures" is one of the most fundamental steps. Pokémon Natures directly influence stat growth, transforming an ordinary Pokémon into a devastating sweeper or an impenetrable wall.

The Core Rules of Pokémon Natures

Generally, a Pokémon's Nature affects its stats in a give-and-take format. The mechanics operate under the following rules:

  • Increased Stat: The Nature provides a +10% bonus to the chosen stat.

  • Decreased Stat: The Nature applies a -10% penalty to the chosen stat.

  • The Exception: HP is completely unaffected by any Nature.

  • Neutral Natures: There are 5 Natures in the game that have no stat modifiers (no increases or decreases): Hardy, Docile, Serious, Bashful, and Quirky.

The Big Four: Essential Natures for General Play

If you are just starting out and find all 25 Natures overwhelming, focus on these four. They are the standard choices for over 80% of offensive Pokémon in the game.

  • Adamant (Physical Attacker - Max Power): Increases Attack / Decreases Special Attack

  • Jolly (Physical Attacker - Max Speed): Increases Speed / Decreases Special Attack

  • Modest (Special Attacker - Max Power): Increases Special Attack / Decreases Attack

  • Timid (Special Attacker - Max Speed): Increases Speed / Decreases Attack

The Golden Rule: Always increase the stat your Pokémon relies on, and decrease the stat it never uses. For instance, a physical attacker will never use special moves, making it ideal to lower Special Attack to boost either Attack or Speed.

Nature Selection Table by Team Role

For quick reference during team building, you can choose the optimal Nature based on your Pokémon's specific role using the table below.

Pokémon RoleRecommended NatureStat Adjustment
Physical Attacker (Power Focus)AdamantIncreases Attack / Decreases Special Attack
Physical Attacker (Speed Focus)JollyIncreases Speed / Decreases Special Attack
Special Attacker (Power Focus)ModestIncreases Special Attack / Decreases Attack
Special Attacker (Speed Focus)TimidIncreases Speed / Decreases Attack
Pure Physical WallBoldIncreases Defense / Decreases Attack
Physical Tank (With Counter Potential)ImpishIncreases Defense / Decreases Special Attack
Pure Special WallCalmIncreases Special Defense / Decreases Attack
Special Tank (With Counter Potential)CarefulIncreases Special Defense / Decreases Special Attack
Trick Room Attacker (Physical)BraveIncreases Attack / Decreases Speed
Trick Room Attacker (Special)QuietIncreases Special Attack / Decreases Speed

Modifying Nature Effects in Modern Games

In recent Pokémon generations, trainers no longer need to hatch hundreds of eggs to find the perfect Nature. The introduction of "Mints" allows you to modify stat growth instantly.

If a Pokémon has an unfavorable Nature, using a specific Mint will realign its stat changes. For example, using an Adamant Mint will change the stat progression to increase Attack and decrease Special Attack, functioning exactly like an Adamant Nature. Note that Mints only alter the stat calculations; the original Nature name listed in the Pokémon's summary screen will remain unchanged.

Complete 25 Pokémon Nature Chart

For advanced team building and specialized strategies, here is the complete reference table for all 25 Natures available in the game.

NatureIncreased Stat (+10%)Decreased Stat (-10%)
LonelyAttackDefense
BraveAttackSpeed
AdamantAttackSpecial Attack
NaughtyAttackSpecial Defense
BoldDefenseAttack
RelaxedDefenseSpeed
ImpishDefenseSpecial Attack
LaxDefenseSpecial Defense
TimidSpeedAttack
HastySpeedDefense
JollySpeedSpecial Attack
NaiveSpeedSpecial Defense
ModestSpecial AttackAttack
MildSpecial AttackDefense
QuietSpecial AttackSpeed
RashSpecial AttackSpecial Defense
CalmSpecial DefenseAttack
GentleSpecial DefenseDefense
SassySpecial DefenseSpeed
CarefulSpecial DefenseSpecial Attack