Best Careful Nature Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet (+Sp. Defense)

CAREFUL NATURE CALCULATOR

Check how Careful nature changes any Pokemon's stats at level 50. Careful boosts Sp. Defense by 10% and cuts Sp. Attack by the same amount, so it matters more for some builds than others. Type a name below to see the exact stat shift and whether Careful is the right call.

In Scarlet & Violet, Nature Mints can change a Pokemon's stat effects without changing its actual nature.

Select a Pokemon above to see how Careful changes their stats

BEST CAREFUL NATURE POKEMON

10% more Sp. Defense and 10% less Sp. Attack. Careful suits Pokemon that rely on physical attacks or status moves while tanking special hits. Over in Scarlet & Violet, Ting-Lu is one of the most popular Careful users, alongside Alomomola and Gliscor. In Scarlet & Violet, Tera Type + Careful creates walls that opponents struggle to crack without specific coverage.

Careful raises Sp. Defense by 10% and lowers Sp. Attack by 10%. Special walls that rely on physical or status moves. 91 Pokemon competitively run this nature.

SHOWINGRegional48

#	Pokemon	Tier	Role	Ability	+SpD	-SpA	Spe
1	Ting-Lu DARKGROUND	A	Bulky Support	Vesselofruin	80+13	55-8	45
2	Alomomola WATER	A	Bulky Support	Regenerator	45+9	40-6	65
3	Gliscor GROUNDFLYING	B	Bulky Support	Poisonheal	75+12	45-7	95
4	Jirachi STEELPSYCHIC	B	Bulky Support	Serenegrace	100+15	100-12	100
5	Garganacl ROCK	B	Bulky Support	Purifyingsalt	90+14	45-7	35
6	Hippowdon GROUND	B	Bulky Support	Sand Stream	72+12	68-9	47
7	Clefable FAIRY	B	Bulky Support	Magic Guard	90+14	95-12	60
8	Clodsire POISONGROUND	B	Bulky Support	Unaware	100+15	45-7	20
9	Registeel STEEL	B	Bulky Support	Clearbody	150+20	75-10	50
10	Grimmsnarl DARKFAIRY	B	Bulky Support	Prankster	75+12	95-12	60
11	Umbreon DARK	B	Bulky Support	Synchronize	130+18	60-8	65
12	Snorlax NORMAL	B	Bulky Support	Thickfat	110+16	65-9	30
13	Araquanid WATERBUG	B	Bulky Support	Waterbubble	132+18	50-7	42
14	Rhyperior GROUNDROCK	B	Bulky Support	Solidrock	55+10	55-8	40
15	Fezandipiti POISONFAIRY	B	Bulky Support	Toxicchain	125+17	70-9	99
16	Avalugg ICE	B	Bulky Support	Sturdy	46+9	44-7	28
17	Regigigas NORMAL	B	Bulky Support	Slowstart	110+16	80-10	100
18	Carbink ROCKFAIRY	B	Bulky Support	Sturdy	150+20	50-7	50
19	Skarmory STEELFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Keeneye	70+12	40-6	70
20	Timburr FIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Guts	35+8	25-5	35
21	Forretress BUGSTEEL	C	Bulky Support	Sturdy	60+11	60-8	40
22	Scraggy DARKFIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Shedskin	70+12	35-6	48
23	Zweilous DARKDRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Hustle	70+12	65-9	58
24	Metang STEELPSYCHIC	C	Bulky Support	Clearbody	80+13	55-8	50
25	Dragonair DRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Shedskin	70+12	70-9	70
26	Incineroar FIREDARK	C	Bulky Support	Intimidate	90+14	80-10	60
27	Rhyhorn GROUNDROCK	C	Bulky Support	Reckless	30+8	30-5	25
28	Trapinch GROUND	C	Bulky Support	Arenatrap	45+9	45-7	10
29	Eelektrik ELECTRIC	C	Bulky Support	Levitate	70+12	75-10	40
30	Frigibax DRAGONICE	C	Bulky Support	Thermalexchange	45+9	35-6	55
31	Sableye DARKGHOST	C	Bulky Support	Prankster	65+11	65-9	50
32	Swablu NORMALFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Natural Cure	75+12	40-6	50
33	Nacli ROCK	C	Physical Tank	Purifyingsalt	35+8	35-6	25
34	Sliggoo DRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Sapsipper	113+16	83-11	60
35	Hitmontop FIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Intimidate	110+16	35-6	70
36	Monferno FIREFIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Ironfist	52+10	78-10	81
37	Munchlax NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Thickfat	85+13	40-6	5
38	Gothorita PSYCHIC	C	Bulky Support	Shadowtag	85+13	75-10	55
39	Gastrodon WATERGROUND	C	Bulky Support	Stickyhold	82+13	92-12	39
40	Shinx ELECTRIC	C	Bulky Support	Intimidate	34+8	40-6	45
41	Muk POISON	C	Bulky Support	Poisontouch	100+15	65-9	50
42	Cacnea GRASS	C	Utility	Waterabsorb	40+9	85-11	35
43	Komala NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Comatose	95+14	75-10	65
44	Vibrava GROUNDDRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Levitate	50+10	50-7	70
45	Trevenant GHOSTGRASS	C	Bulky Support	Harvest	82+13	65-9	56
46	Marshtomp WATERGROUND	C	Bulky Support	Torrent	70+12	60-8	50
47	Skiploom GRASSFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Infiltrator	65+11	45-7	80
48	Litten FIRE	C	Bulky Support	Intimidate	40+9	60-8	70
49	Hypno PSYCHIC	C	Physical Tank	Insomnia	115+16	73-10	67
50	Altaria DRAGONFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Natural Cure	105+15	70-9	80
51	Gogoat GRASS	C	Bulky Support	Sapsipper	81+13	97-12	68
52	Dewpider WATERBUG	C	Bulky Support	Waterbubble	72+12	40-6	27
53	Vespiquen BUGFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Pressure	102+15	80-10	40
54	Vigoroth NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Vitalspirit	55+10	55-8	90
55	Phanpy GROUND	C	Bulky Support	Pickup	40+9	40-6	40
56	Charjabug BUGELECTRIC	C	Bulky Support	Battery	75+12	55-8	36
57	Phantump GHOSTGRASS	C	Bulky Support	Harvest	60+11	50-7	38
58	Pineco BUG	C	Bulky Support	Sturdy	35+8	35-6	15
59	Poliwrath WATERFIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Waterabsorb	90+14	70-9	70
60	Feraligatr WATER	C	Physical Tank	Torrent	83+13	79-10	78
61	Koffing POISON	C	Bulky Support	Neutralizinggas	45+9	60-8	35
62	Granbull FAIRY	C	Bulky Support	Intimidate	60+11	60-8	45
63	Piloswine ICEGROUND	C	Physical Attacker	Thickfat	60+11	60-8	50
64	Snubbull FAIRY	C	Bulky Support	Intimidate	40+9	40-6	30
65	Probopass ROCKSTEEL	C	Bulky Support	Sturdy	150+20	75-10	40
66	Mudbray GROUND	C	Bulky Support	Stamina	55+10	45-7	45
67	Swalot POISON	C	Bulky Support	Liquidooze	83+13	73-10	55
68	Dunsparce NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Serenegrace	65+11	65-9	45
69	Cosmoem PSYCHIC	C	Bulky Support	Sturdy	131+18	29-5	37
70	Volbeat BUG	C	Bulky Support	Swarm	85+13	47-7	85
71	Jigglypuff NORMALFAIRY	C	Bulky Support	Cutecharm	25+7	45-7	20
72	Kricketune BUG	C	Bulky Support	Swarm	51+10	55-8	65
73	Shelgon DRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Rock Head	50+10	60-8	50
74	Stunky POISONDARK	D	Physical Attacker	Aftermath	41+9	41-7	74
75	Bulbasaur GRASSPOISON	D	Bulky Support	Overgrow	65+11	65-9	45
76	Eevee NORMAL	D	Bulky Support	Adaptability	65+11	45-7	55
77	Deerling NORMALGRASS	D	Utility	Sapsipper	50+10	40-6	75
78	Snover GRASSICE	D	Bulky Support	Snow Warning	60+11	62-9	40
79	Shuppet GHOST	D	Bulky Support	Cursedbody	33+8	63-9	45
80	Gulpin POISON	D	Bulky Support	Liquidooze	53+10	43-7	40
81	Nuzleaf GRASSDARK	D	Physical Attacker	Chlorophyll	40+9	60-8	60
82	Riolu FIGHTING	D	Bulky Support	Steadfast	40+9	35-6	60
83	Seel WATER	D	Bulky Support	Thickfat	70+12	45-7	45
84	Igglybuff NORMALFAIRY	D	Utility	Cutecharm	20+7	40-6	15
85	Numel FIREGROUND	D	Bulky Support	Simple	45+9	65-9	35
86	Spinarak BUGPOISON	D	Bulky Support	Swarm	40+9	40-6	30
87	Vulpix FIRE	D	Bulky Support	Flashfire	65+11	50-7	65
88	Larvesta BUGFIRE	D	Bulky Support	Flame Body	55+10	50-7	60
89	Chimchar FIRE	D	Bulky Support	Ironfist	44+9	58-8	61
90	Snivy GRASS	D	Bulky Support	Overgrow	55+10	45-7	63
91	Carkol ROCKFIRE	D	Bulky Support	Flashfire	70+12	60-8	50

Ting-Lu

DARK GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Vesselofruin

+SpD

80 +13

Spe

Alomomola

WATER

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Regenerator

+SpD

45 +9

Spe

Gliscor

GROUND FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Poisonheal

+SpD

75 +12

Spe

Jirachi

STEEL PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Serenegrace

+SpD

100 +15

Spe

100

Garganacl

ROCK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Purifyingsalt

+SpD

90 +14

Spe

Hippowdon

GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sand Stream

+SpD

72 +12

Spe

Clefable

FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Magic Guard

+SpD

90 +14

Spe

Clodsire

POISON GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Unaware

+SpD

100 +15

Spe

Registeel

STEEL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Clearbody

+SpD

150 +20

Spe

Grimmsnarl

DARK FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Prankster

+SpD

75 +12

Spe

Umbreon

DARK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Synchronize

+SpD

130 +18

Spe

Snorlax

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Thickfat

+SpD

110 +16

Spe

Araquanid

WATER BUG

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Waterbubble

+SpD

132 +18

Spe

Rhyperior

GROUND ROCK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Solidrock

+SpD

55 +10

Spe

Fezandipiti

POISON FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Toxicchain

+SpD

125 +17

Spe

Avalugg

ICE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+SpD

46 +9

Spe

Regigigas

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Slowstart

+SpD

110 +16

Spe

100

Carbink

ROCK FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+SpD

150 +20

Spe

Skarmory

STEEL FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Keeneye

+SpD

70 +12

Spe

Timburr

FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Guts

+SpD

35 +8

Spe

Forretress

BUG STEEL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+SpD

60 +11

Spe

Scraggy

DARK FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Shedskin

+SpD

70 +12

Spe

Zweilous

DARK DRAGON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Hustle

+SpD

70 +12

Spe

Metang

STEEL PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Clearbody

+SpD

80 +13

Spe

Dragonair

DRAGON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Shedskin

+SpD

70 +12

Spe

Incineroar

FIRE DARK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Intimidate

+SpD

90 +14

Spe

Rhyhorn

GROUND ROCK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Reckless

+SpD

30 +8

Spe

Trapinch

GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Arenatrap

+SpD

45 +9

Spe

Eelektrik

ELECTRIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Levitate

+SpD

70 +12

Spe

Frigibax

DRAGON ICE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Thermalexchange

+SpD

45 +9

Spe

Sableye

DARK GHOST

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Prankster

+SpD

65 +11

Spe

Swablu

NORMAL FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Natural Cure

+SpD

75 +12

Spe

Nacli

ROCK

Role

Physical Tank

Ability

Purifyingsalt

+SpD

35 +8

Spe

Sliggoo

DRAGON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sapsipper

+SpD

113 +16

Spe

Hitmontop

FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Intimidate

+SpD

110 +16

Spe

Monferno

FIRE FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Ironfist

+SpD

52 +10

Spe

Munchlax

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Thickfat

+SpD

85 +13

Spe

Gothorita

PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Shadowtag

+SpD

85 +13

Spe

Gastrodon

WATER GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Stickyhold

+SpD

82 +13

Spe

Shinx

ELECTRIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Intimidate

+SpD

34 +8

Spe

Muk

POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Poisontouch

+SpD

100 +15

Spe

Cacnea

GRASS

Role

Utility

Ability

Waterabsorb

+SpD

40 +9

Spe

Komala

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Comatose

+SpD

95 +14

Spe

Vibrava

GROUND DRAGON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Levitate

+SpD

50 +10

Spe

Trevenant

GHOST GRASS

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Harvest

+SpD

82 +13

Spe

Marshtomp

WATER GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Torrent

+SpD

70 +12

Spe

Skiploom

GRASS FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Infiltrator

+SpD

65 +11

Spe

Litten

FIRE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Intimidate

+SpD

40 +9

Spe

Hypno

PSYCHIC

Role

Physical Tank

Ability

Insomnia

+SpD

115 +16

Spe

Altaria

DRAGON FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Natural Cure

+SpD

105 +15

Spe

Gogoat

GRASS

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sapsipper

+SpD

81 +13

Spe

Dewpider

WATER BUG

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Waterbubble

+SpD

72 +12

Spe

Vespiquen

BUG FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Pressure

+SpD

102 +15

Spe

Vigoroth

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Vitalspirit

+SpD

55 +10

Spe

Phanpy

GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Pickup

+SpD

40 +9

Spe

Charjabug

BUG ELECTRIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Battery

+SpD

75 +12

Spe

Phantump

GHOST GRASS

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Harvest

+SpD

60 +11

Spe

Pineco

BUG

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+SpD

35 +8

Spe

Poliwrath

WATER FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Waterabsorb

+SpD

90 +14

Spe

Feraligatr

WATER

Role

Physical Tank

Ability

Torrent

+SpD

83 +13

Spe

Koffing

POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Neutralizinggas

+SpD

45 +9

Spe

Granbull

FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Intimidate

+SpD

60 +11

Spe

Piloswine

ICE GROUND

Role

Physical Attacker

Ability

Thickfat

+SpD

60 +11

Spe

Snubbull

FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Intimidate

+SpD

40 +9

Spe

Probopass

ROCK STEEL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+SpD

150 +20

Spe

Mudbray

GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Stamina

+SpD

55 +10

Spe

Swalot

POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Liquidooze

+SpD

83 +13

Spe

Dunsparce

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Serenegrace

+SpD

65 +11

Spe

Cosmoem

PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+SpD

131 +18

Spe

Volbeat

BUG

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Swarm

+SpD

85 +13

Spe

Jigglypuff

NORMAL FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Cutecharm

+SpD

25 +7

Spe

Kricketune

BUG

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Swarm

+SpD

51 +10

Spe

Shelgon

DRAGON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Rock Head

+SpD

50 +10

Spe

Stunky

POISON DARK

Role

Physical Attacker

Ability

Aftermath

+SpD

41 +9

Spe

Bulbasaur

GRASS POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Overgrow

+SpD

65 +11

Spe

Eevee

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Adaptability

+SpD

65 +11

Spe

Deerling

NORMAL GRASS

Role

Utility

Ability

Sapsipper

+SpD

50 +10

Spe

Snover

GRASS ICE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Snow Warning

+SpD

60 +11

Spe

Shuppet

GHOST

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Cursedbody

+SpD

33 +8

Spe

Gulpin

POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Liquidooze

+SpD

53 +10

Spe

Nuzleaf

GRASS DARK

Role

Physical Attacker

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpD

40 +9

Spe

Riolu

FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Steadfast

+SpD

40 +9

Spe

Seel

WATER

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Thickfat

+SpD

70 +12

Spe

Igglybuff

NORMAL FAIRY

Role

Utility

Ability

Cutecharm

+SpD

20 +7

Spe

Numel

FIRE GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Simple

+SpD

45 +9

Spe

Spinarak

BUG POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Swarm

+SpD

40 +9

Spe

Vulpix

FIRE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Flashfire

+SpD

65 +11

Spe

Larvesta

BUG FIRE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Flame Body

+SpD

55 +10

Spe

Chimchar

FIRE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Ironfist

+SpD

44 +9

Spe

Snivy

GRASS

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Overgrow

+SpD

55 +10

Spe

Carkol

ROCK FIRE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Flashfire

+SpD

70 +12

Spe

CAREFUL NATURE GUIDE

+10%Sp. Defense

-10%Sp. Attack

Flavor Preference

Likes Bitter, dislikes Dry

Competitive Role

Special walls that rely on physical or status moves.

Careful vs Calm

Choose Careful

+Sp. Defense / -Sp. 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 Calm

+Sp. Defense / -Attack

Defensive Pokemon that still need attacking power
Pokemon that run both physical and special moves

How to Get

SynchronizeLead with a Careful Pokemon that has the Synchronize ability. Wild Pokemon will match its nature. (Gen 3+)

BreedingGive the parent with Careful nature an Everstone. The offspring will inherit it. (100% since Gen 5)

Nature MintUse a Careful Mint to change stat effects to Careful. The original nature name stays but stats change. (Gen 8+)

Other +Sp. Defense Natures

CAREFUL FAQs

What does the Careful nature do in Pokemon?

Careful gives your Pokemon 10% more Sp. Defense at the cost of Sp. Attack. That tradeoff works best when the lowered stat isn't part of your moveset. Pokemon with Careful nature prefer Bitter flavor and dislike Dry.

What are the best Careful nature Pokemon?

Competitively, Ting-Lu, Alomomola, Gliscor, and Jirachi run Careful most often. The +Sp. Defense boost complements their role, and the -Sp. Attack penalty barely affects their game plan.

Is Careful a good nature for competitive Pokemon?

For the right Pokemon, Careful is one of the best natures you can pick. It fills a solid niche for defensive builds. Just don't slap it on something that uses Sp. Attack-based moves.

How do I get a Careful nature Pokemon?

Breeding with an Everstone is the most reliable approach since Gen 5. The parent holding it passes its nature to every offspring. Synchronize works for wild catches. And if you already have the Pokemon, a Careful Mint from the Battle Tower changes the stat effects to Careful.

Should I use Careful or Calm?

Short answer: Careful for physical wall utility, Calm for special wall utility. There's no universal best. Check your Pokemon's base stats and common threats in the format you're playing to decide which tradeoff is better.