Walls that use status or special moves love Bold. 10% more Defense and Attack goes down, which doesn't matter if you're not clicking physical attacks. Over in Legends: Z-A, Latios is one of the most popular Bold users, alongside Skarmory and Foongus. Tera shifts defensive matchups entirely. Bold's Defense boost lets you absorb hits you normally couldn't after Terastallizing.
Bold raises Defense by 10% and lowers Attack by 10%. Physical walls and support Pokemon that use special moves. 79 Pokemon competitively run this nature.
| # | Pokemon | Tier | Role | Ability | +Def | -Atk | Spe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Latios DRAGONPSYCHIC | S | Bulky Support | Levitate | 80+13 | 90-11 | 110 |
| 2 |  Skarmory STEEL | A | Bulky Support | Sturdy | 140+19 | 80-10 | 70 |
| 3 |  Foongus GRASSPOISON | A | Bulky Support | Regenerator | 45+9 | 55-8 | 15 |
| 4 |  Milotic WATER | A | Bulky Support | Marvelscale | 79+13 | 60-8 | 81 |
| 5 |  Amoonguss GRASSPOISON | A | Bulky Support | Regenerator | 70+12 | 85-11 | 30 |
| 6 |  Clefable FAIRY | A | Bulky Support | Magic Guard | 73+12 | 70-9 | 60 |
| 7 |  Slowbro WATERPSYCHIC | A | Bulky Support | Regenerator | 110+16 | 75-10 | 30 |
| 8 |  Jolteon ELECTRIC | A | Bulky Support | Voltabsorb | 60+11 | 65-9 | 130 |
| 9 |  Florges FAIRY | A | Bulky Support | Symbiosis | 68+12 | 65-9 | 75 |
| 10 |  Glimmet ROCKPOISON | A | Bulky Support | Toxicdebris | 42+9 | 35-6 | 60 |
| 11 |  Altaria DRAGON | B | Bulky Support | Natural Cure | 90+14 | 70-9 | 80 |
| 12 |  Venusaur GRASSPOISON | B | Bulky Support | Overgrow | 83+13 | 82-11 | 80 |
| 13 |  Vaporeon WATER | B | Bulky Support | Waterabsorb | 60+11 | 65-9 | 65 |
| 14 |  Klefki STEELFAIRY | B | Bulky Support | Prankster | 91+14 | 80-10 | 75 |
| 15 |  Sylveon FAIRY | B | Bulky Support | Pixilate | 65+11 | 65-9 | 60 |
| 16 |  Palossand GHOSTGROUND | B | Bulky Support | Watercompaction | 110+16 | 75-10 | 35 |
| 17 |  Houndstone GHOST | B | Bulky Support | Fluffy | 100+15 | 101-13 | 68 |
| 18 |  Porygon2 NORMAL | B | Bulky Support | Trace | 90+14 | 80-10 | 60 |
| 19 |  Hippowdon GROUND | B | Bulky Support | Sand Stream | 118+17 | 112-14 | 47 |
| 20 |  Glaceon ICE | B | Special Tank | Icebody | 110+16 | 60-8 | 65 |
| 21 |  Meowstic PSYCHIC | B | Bulky Support | Prankster | 76+12 | 48-7 | 104 |
| 22 |  Slowking WATERPSYCHIC | B | Bulky Support | Oblivious | 80+13 | 75-10 | 30 |
| 23 |  Umbreon DARK | B | Bulky Support | Innerfocus | 110+16 | 65-9 | 65 |
| 24 |  Latias DRAGONPSYCHIC | B | Bulky Support | Levitate | 90+14 | 80-10 | 110 |
| 25 |  Avalugg ICE | B | Bulky Support | Icebody | 184+23 | 117-14 | 28 |
| 26 |  Carbink ROCKFAIRY | B | Bulky Support | Sturdy | 150+20 | 50-7 | 50 |
| 27 |  Cobalion STEELFIGHTING | B | Bulky Support | Justified | 129+18 | 90-11 | 108 |
| 28 |  Abomasnow GRASSICE | B | Utility | Snow Warning | 75+12 | 92-12 | 60 |
| 29 |  Slurpuff FAIRY | B | Bulky Support | Sweetveil | 86+13 | 80-10 | 72 |
| 30 |  Qwilfish WATERPOISON | B | Bulky Support | Intimidate | 85+13 | 95-12 | 85 |
| 31 |  Clefairy FAIRY | C | Bulky Support | Friendguard | 48+10 | 45-7 | 35 |
| 32 |  Sableye DARKGHOST | C | Bulky Support | Prankster | 75+12 | 75-10 | 50 |
| 33 |  Cofagrigus GHOST | C | Bulky Support | Mummy | 145+19 | 50-7 | 30 |
| 34 |  Roserade GRASSPOISON | C | Bulky Support | Natural Cure | 65+11 | 70-9 | 90 |
| 35 |  Runerigus GROUNDGHOST | C | Bulky Support | Wanderingspirit | 145+19 | 95-12 | 30 |
| 36 |  Phantump GHOSTGRASS | C | Bulky Support | Harvest | 48+10 | 70-9 | 38 |
| 37 |  Ampharos ELECTRIC | C | Bulky Support | Static | 85+13 | 75-10 | 55 |
| 38 |  Blastoise WATER | C | Bulky Support | Torrent | 100+15 | 83-11 | 78 |
| 39 |  Liepard DARK | C | Bulky Support | Prankster | 50+10 | 88-11 | 106 |
| 40 |  Swalot POISON | C | Bulky Support | Stickyhold | 83+13 | 73-10 | 55 |
| 41 |  Spoink PSYCHIC | C | Bulky Support | Thickfat | 35+8 | 25-5 | 60 |
| 42 |  Dachsbun FAIRY | C | Bulky Support | Wellbakedbody | 115+16 | 80-10 | 95 |
| 43 |  Stunfisk GROUNDELECTRIC | C | Bulky Support | Static | 84+13 | 66-9 | 32 |
| 44 |  Camerupt FIREGROUND | C | Bulky Support | Solidrock | 70+12 | 100-12 | 40 |
| 45 |  Wigglytuff NORMALFAIRY | C | Bulky Support | Competitive | 45+9 | 70-9 | 45 |
| 46 |  Chimecho PSYCHIC | C | Bulky Support | Levitate | 80+13 | 50-7 | 65 |
| 47 |  Floette FAIRY | C | Bulky Support | Flowerveil | 47+9 | 45-7 | 52 |
| 48 |  Meganium GRASS | C | Bulky Support | Leafguard | 100+15 | 82-11 | 80 |
| 49 |  Braixen FIRE | C | Bulky Support | Blaze | 58+11 | 59-8 | 73 |
| 50 |  Drampa NORMALDRAGON | C | Bulky Support | Berserk | 85+13 | 60-8 | 36 |
| 51 |  Dragalge POISONDRAGON | C | Bulky Support | Adaptability | 90+14 | 75-10 | 44 |
| 52 |  Riolu FIGHTING | C | Bulky Support | Prankster | 40+9 | 70-9 | 60 |
| 53 |  Vivillon BUG | C | Bulky Support | Compoundeyes | 50+10 | 52-8 | 89 |
| 54 |  Wartortle WATER | C | Bulky Support | Torrent | 80+13 | 63-9 | 58 |
| 55 |  Aromatisse FAIRY | C | Bulky Support | Aromaveil | 72+12 | 72-10 | 29 |
| 56 |  Ariados BUGPOISON | C | Bulky Support | Insomnia | 70+12 | 90-11 | 40 |
| 57 |  Hippopotas GROUND | C | Bulky Support | Sand Stream | 78+13 | 72-10 | 32 |
| 58 |  Mawile STEELFAIRY | C | Bulky Support | Intimidate | 85+13 | 85-11 | 50 |
| 59 |  Audino NORMAL | C | Bulky Support | Regenerator | 86+13 | 60-8 | 50 |
| 60 |  Jigglypuff NORMALFAIRY | C | Bulky Support | Competitive | 20+7 | 45-7 | 20 |
| 61 |  Sandygast GHOSTGROUND | C | Bulky Support | Watercompaction | 80+13 | 55-8 | 15 |
| 62 |  Grumpig PSYCHIC | C | Bulky Support | Thickfat | 65+11 | 45-7 | 80 |
| 63 |  Squirtle WATER | C | Special Tank | Torrent | 65+11 | 48-7 | 43 |
| 64 |  Numel FIREGROUND | C | Bulky Support | Simple | 40+9 | 60-8 | 35 |
| 65 |  Furfrou NORMAL | C | Bulky Support | Furcoat | 60+11 | 80-10 | 102 |
| 66 |  Snover GRASSICE | C | Bulky Support | Snow Warning | 50+10 | 62-9 | 40 |
| 67 |  Bulbasaur GRASSPOISON | C | Special Tank | Overgrow | 49+10 | 49-7 | 45 |
| 68 |  Slowpoke WATERPSYCHIC | C | Bulky Support | Regenerator | 65+11 | 65-9 | 15 |
| 69 |  Fletchinder FIRE | C | Bulky Support | Galewings | 55+10 | 73-10 | 84 |
| 70 |  Glalie ICE | C | Bulky Support | Innerfocus | 80+13 | 80-10 | 80 |
| 71 |  Shelgon DRAGON | C | Bulky Support | Overcoat | 100+15 | 95-12 | 50 |
| 72 |  Mudkip WATER | D | Bulky Support | Torrent | 50+10 | 70-9 | 40 |
| 73 |  Spewpa BUG | D | Bulky Support | Friendguard | 60+11 | 22-5 | 29 |
| 74 |  Scatterbug BUG | D | Bulky Support | Compoundeyes | 40+9 | 35-6 | 35 |
| 75 |  Pumpkaboo GHOSTGRASS | D | Bulky Support | Frisk | 70+12 | 66-9 | 51 |
| 76 |  Cleffa FAIRY | D | Bulky Support | Friendguard | 28+8 | 25-5 | 15 |
| 77 |  Inkay DARKPSYCHIC | D | Bulky Support | Contrary | 53+10 | 54-8 | 45 |
| 78 |  Trubbish POISON | D | Bulky Support | Stickyhold | 62+11 | 50-7 | 65 |
| 79 |  Bayleef GRASS | D | Bulky Support | Overgrow | 80+13 | 62-9 | 60 |
Latios
DRAGON PSYCHIC
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Levitate+Def
80 +13Spe
110Skarmory
STEEL
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Sturdy+Def
140 +19Spe
70Foongus
GRASS POISON
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Regenerator+Def
45 +9Spe
15Milotic
WATER
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Marvelscale+Def
79 +13Spe
81Amoonguss
GRASS POISON
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Regenerator+Def
70 +12Spe
30Clefable
FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Magic Guard+Def
73 +12Spe
60Slowbro
WATER PSYCHIC
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Regenerator+Def
110 +16Spe
30Jolteon
ELECTRIC
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Voltabsorb+Def
60 +11Spe
130Florges
FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Symbiosis+Def
68 +12Spe
75Glimmet
ROCK POISON
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Toxicdebris+Def
42 +9Spe
60Altaria
DRAGON
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Natural Cure+Def
90 +14Spe
80Venusaur
GRASS POISON
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Overgrow+Def
83 +13Spe
80Vaporeon
WATER
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Waterabsorb+Def
60 +11Spe
65Klefki
STEEL FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Prankster+Def
91 +14Spe
75Sylveon
FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Pixilate+Def
65 +11Spe
60Palossand
GHOST GROUND
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Watercompaction+Def
110 +16Spe
35Houndstone
GHOST
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Fluffy+Def
100 +15Spe
68Porygon2
NORMAL
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Trace+Def
90 +14Spe
60Hippowdon
GROUND
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Sand Stream+Def
118 +17Spe
47Glaceon
ICE
Role
Special TankAbility
Icebody+Def
110 +16Spe
65Meowstic
PSYCHIC
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Prankster+Def
76 +12Spe
104Slowking
WATER PSYCHIC
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Oblivious+Def
80 +13Spe
30Umbreon
DARK
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Innerfocus+Def
110 +16Spe
65Latias
DRAGON PSYCHIC
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Levitate+Def
90 +14Spe
110Avalugg
ICE
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Icebody+Def
184 +23Spe
28Carbink
ROCK FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Sturdy+Def
150 +20Spe
50Cobalion
STEEL FIGHTING
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Justified+Def
129 +18Spe
108Abomasnow
GRASS ICE
Role
UtilityAbility
Snow Warning+Def
75 +12Spe
60Slurpuff
FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Sweetveil+Def
86 +13Spe
72Qwilfish
WATER POISON
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Intimidate+Def
85 +13Spe
85Clefairy
FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Friendguard+Def
48 +10Spe
35Sableye
DARK GHOST
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Prankster+Def
75 +12Spe
50Cofagrigus
GHOST
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Mummy+Def
145 +19Spe
30Roserade
GRASS POISON
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Natural Cure+Def
65 +11Spe
90Runerigus
GROUND GHOST
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Wanderingspirit+Def
145 +19Spe
30Phantump
GHOST GRASS
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Harvest+Def
48 +10Spe
38Ampharos
ELECTRIC
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Static+Def
85 +13Spe
55Blastoise
WATER
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Torrent+Def
100 +15Spe
78Liepard
DARK
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Prankster+Def
50 +10Spe
106Swalot
POISON
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Stickyhold+Def
83 +13Spe
55Spoink
PSYCHIC
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Thickfat+Def
35 +8Spe
60Dachsbun
FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Wellbakedbody+Def
115 +16Spe
95Stunfisk
GROUND ELECTRIC
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Static+Def
84 +13Spe
32Camerupt
FIRE GROUND
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Solidrock+Def
70 +12Spe
40Wigglytuff
NORMAL FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Competitive+Def
45 +9Spe
45Chimecho
PSYCHIC
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Levitate+Def
80 +13Spe
65Floette
FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Flowerveil+Def
47 +9Spe
52Meganium
GRASS
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Leafguard+Def
100 +15Spe
80Braixen
FIRE
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Blaze+Def
58 +11Spe
73Drampa
NORMAL DRAGON
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Berserk+Def
85 +13Spe
36Dragalge
POISON DRAGON
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Adaptability+Def
90 +14Spe
44Riolu
FIGHTING
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Prankster+Def
40 +9Spe
60Vivillon
BUG
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Compoundeyes+Def
50 +10Spe
89Wartortle
WATER
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Torrent+Def
80 +13Spe
58Aromatisse
FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Aromaveil+Def
72 +12Spe
29Ariados
BUG POISON
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Insomnia+Def
70 +12Spe
40Hippopotas
GROUND
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Sand Stream+Def
78 +13Spe
32Mawile
STEEL FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Intimidate+Def
85 +13Spe
50Audino
NORMAL
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Regenerator+Def
86 +13Spe
50Jigglypuff
NORMAL FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Competitive+Def
20 +7Spe
20Sandygast
GHOST GROUND
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Watercompaction+Def
80 +13Spe
15Grumpig
PSYCHIC
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Thickfat+Def
65 +11Spe
80Squirtle
WATER
Role
Special TankAbility
Torrent+Def
65 +11Spe
43Numel
FIRE GROUND
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Simple+Def
40 +9Spe
35Furfrou
NORMAL
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Furcoat+Def
60 +11Spe
102Snover
GRASS ICE
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Snow Warning+Def
50 +10Spe
40Bulbasaur
GRASS POISON
Role
Special TankAbility
Overgrow+Def
49 +10Spe
45Slowpoke
WATER PSYCHIC
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Regenerator+Def
65 +11Spe
15Fletchinder
FIRE
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Galewings+Def
55 +10Spe
84Glalie
ICE
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Innerfocus+Def
80 +13Spe
80Shelgon
DRAGON
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Overcoat+Def
100 +15Spe
50Mudkip
WATER
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Torrent+Def
50 +10Spe
40Spewpa
BUG
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Friendguard+Def
60 +11Spe
29Scatterbug
BUG
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Compoundeyes+Def
40 +9Spe
35Pumpkaboo
GHOST GRASS
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Frisk+Def
70 +12Spe
51Cleffa
FAIRY
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Friendguard+Def
28 +8Spe
15Inkay
DARK PSYCHIC
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Contrary+Def
53 +10Spe
45Trubbish
POISON
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Stickyhold+Def
62 +11Spe
65Bayleef
GRASS
Role
Bulky SupportAbility
Overgrow+Def
80 +13Spe
60+10%Defense
-10%Attack
Flavor Preference
Likes Sour, dislikes Spicy
Competitive Role
Physical walls and support Pokemon that use special moves.
Bold vs Impish
Choose Bold
+Defense / -Attack
- Pokemon that need to check physical threats (use +Def)
- Pokemon that need to check special threats (use +SpD)
- Walls and tanks that rarely attack
Choose Impish
+Defense / -Sp. Attack
- Defensive Pokemon that still need attacking power
- Pokemon that run both physical and special moves
How to Get
SynchronizeLead with a Bold Pokemon that has the Synchronize ability. Wild Pokemon will match its nature. (Gen 3+)
BreedingGive the parent with Bold nature an Everstone. The offspring will inherit it. (100% since Gen 5)
Nature MintUse a Bold Mint to change stat effects to Bold. The original nature name stays but stats change. (Gen 8+)
Other +Defense Natures
What does the Bold nature do in Pokemon?
Bold raises Defense by 10% and lowers Attack by 10%. At level 100 with full investment, that's roughly a 30-point swing on the boosted stat. Pokemon with Bold nature prefer Sour flavor and dislike Spicy.
What are the best Bold nature Pokemon?
Top Bold users include Latios, Skarmory, Foongus, and Milotic. They benefit from the Defense boost because their main damage comes from that stat. The Attack drop doesn't hurt them since they don't rely on it.
Is Bold a good nature for competitive Pokemon?
Bold is a strong competitive nature. It fills a solid niche for defensive builds. The key is matching it to Pokemon that don't need Attack in their moveset.
How do I get a Bold nature Pokemon?
Synchronize is the fastest method. Lead with a Pokemon that has Synchronize and Bold nature, and wild encounters match it (Gen 3+). Breeding works too: give the Bold parent an Everstone and all offspring inherit the nature. Nature Mints (Gen 8+) let you change the stat effect to Bold without rebreeding.
Should I use Bold or Impish?
Bold prioritizes special defense utility, while Impish goes for physical defense utility. Pick Bold when your Pokemon's role depends on the stat it boosts. Go with Impish when physical defense utility matters more for your team.