Do natures matter in Pokemon?
Yes. Natures are one of the most impactful mechanics in Pokemon. Each nature gives a 10% boost to one stat and a 10% penalty to another, which at level 100 can mean a difference of 30+ stat points. In competitive play, using the wrong nature can determine whether you outspeed a threat or survive a critical hit.
What is the best nature for a physical attacker?
Adamant (+Attack, -Sp. Attack) is the best nature for most physical attackers because it maximizes Attack while lowering the unused Sp. Attack. If outspeeding specific threats is more important, use Jolly (+Speed, -Sp. Attack) instead. For Trick Room teams, Brave (+Attack, -Speed) is optimal.
What is the best nature for a special attacker?
Modest (+Sp. Attack, -Attack) maximizes Special Attack on Pokemon that only use special moves. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is preferred on fast special sweepers who need to outspeed threats. Choose Modest for raw power, Timid for speed priority.
What are neutral natures in Pokemon?
The five neutral natures are Hardy, Docile, Serious, Bashful, and Quirky. These natures have no stat effect (they increase and decrease the same stat, canceling out). Neutral natures are generally suboptimal in competitive play because they waste the opportunity for a beneficial 10% stat boost.
How do Nature Mints work?
Nature Mints (introduced in Sword and Shield) change a Pokemons stat modifiers to match the mints nature without changing the actual nature. For example, using an Adamant Mint on a Modest Pokemon gives it +Attack/-Sp. Attack effects, but its nature still reads Modest for breeding and flavor purposes.
Can you change a Pokemons nature?
You cannot change a Pokemons actual nature, but Nature Mints (available in Sword/Shield, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, and Scarlet/Violet) can override the stat effects. In earlier games, the only way to get the right nature is breeding with an Everstone or catching with Synchronize.
What nature is best for tanks and walls?
For physical walls, use Bold (+Defense, -Attack) or Impish (+Defense, -Sp. Attack). For special walls, use Calm (+Sp. Defense, -Attack) or Careful (+Sp. Defense, -Sp. Attack). Choose between dropping Attack or Sp. Attack based on whether the wall uses physical moves.
How do natures affect Pokemon breeding?
A parent holding an Everstone will pass its nature to the offspring. In Generation 5 and later, this is 100% guaranteed from either parent. In Generation 4, it was a 50% chance from either parent. In Generation 3 (Emerald only), 50% from the mother only.