Best Careful Nature Pokemon in Sword & Shield (+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 Sword & Shield, 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 Sword & Shield, Ferrothorn is one of the most popular Careful users, alongside Jirachi and Hippowdon. Dynamax doubles HP for three turns. Careful's Sp. Defense boost compounds with that extra bulk in Sword & Shield.

Careful raises Sp. Defense by 10% and lowers Sp. Attack by 10%. Special walls that rely on physical or status moves. 86 Pokemon competitively run this nature.

SHOWINGRegional52

#	Pokemon	Tier	Role	Ability	+SpD	-SpA	Spe
1	Ferrothorn GRASSSTEEL	B	Bulky Support	Iron Barbs	116+16	54-8	20
2	Jirachi STEELPSYCHIC	B	Bulky Support	Serenegrace	100+15	100-12	100
3	Hippowdon GROUND	B	Bulky Support	Sand Stream	72+12	68-9	47
4	Tapu Bulu GRASSFAIRY	B	Bulky Support	Grassy Surge	95+14	85-11	75
5	Clefable FAIRY	B	Bulky Support	Magic Guard	90+14	95-12	60
6	Grimmsnarl DARKFAIRY	B	Bulky Support	Prankster	75+12	95-12	60
7	Registeel STEEL	B	Bulky Support	Clearbody	150+20	75-10	50
8	Umbreon DARK	B	Bulky Support	Synchronize	130+18	60-8	65
9	Snorlax NORMAL	B	Bulky Support	Thickfat	110+16	65-9	30
10	Araquanid WATERBUG	B	Bulky Support	Waterbubble	132+18	50-7	42
11	Rhyperior GROUNDROCK	B	Bulky Support	Solidrock	55+10	55-8	40
12	Avalugg ICE	B	Bulky Support	Sturdy	46+9	44-7	28
13	Steelix STEELGROUND	B	Bulky Support	Sturdy	65+11	55-8	30
14	Regigigas NORMAL	B	Bulky Support	Slowstart	110+16	80-10	100
15	Tangrowth GRASS	B	Bulky Support	Chlorophyll	50+10	110-13	50
16	Carbink ROCKFAIRY	B	Bulky Support	Sturdy	150+20	50-7	50
17	Wailord WATER	B	Bulky Support	Pressure	45+9	90-11	60
18	Guzzlord DARKDRAGON	B	Bulky Support	Beastboost	53+10	97-12	43
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	Wobbuffet PSYCHIC	C	Bulky Support	Shadowtag	58+11	33-6	33
22	Ferroseed GRASSSTEEL	C	Bulky Support	Iron Barbs	86+13	24-5	10
23	Scraggy DARKFIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Shedskin	70+12	35-6	48
24	Zweilous DARKDRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Hustle	70+12	65-9	58
25	Metang STEELPSYCHIC	C	Bulky Support	Clearbody	80+13	55-8	50
26	Seismitoad WATERGROUND	C	Bulky Support	Waterabsorb	75+12	85-11	74
27	Golbat POISONFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Innerfocus	75+12	65-9	90
28	Dragonair DRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Shedskin	70+12	70-9	70
29	Incineroar FIREDARK	C	Bulky Support	Intimidate	90+14	80-10	60
30	Rhyhorn GROUNDROCK	C	Bulky Support	Reckless	30+8	30-5	25
31	Trapinch GROUND	C	Bulky Support	Arenatrap	45+9	45-7	10
32	Sableye DARKGHOST	C	Bulky Support	Prankster	65+11	65-9	50
33	Drapion POISONDARK	C	Bulky Support	Battlearmor	75+12	60-8	95
34	Swablu NORMALFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Natural Cure	75+12	40-6	50
35	Claydol GROUNDPSYCHIC	C	Bulky Support	Levitate	120+17	70-9	75
36	Sliggoo DRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Sapsipper	113+16	83-11	60
37	Wailmer WATER	C	Bulky Support	Waterveil	35+8	70-9	60
38	Hitmontop FIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Intimidate	110+16	35-6	70
39	Munchlax NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Thickfat	85+13	40-6	5
40	Gothorita PSYCHIC	C	Bulky Support	Shadowtag	85+13	75-10	55
41	Togedemaru ELECTRICSTEEL	C	Bulky Support	Sturdy	73+12	40-6	96
42	Gastrodon WATERGROUND	C	Bulky Support	Stickyhold	82+13	92-12	39
43	Cradily ROCKGRASS	C	Bulky Support	Suctioncups	107+15	81-11	43
44	Shinx ELECTRIC	C	Bulky Support	Intimidate	34+8	40-6	45
45	Stoutland NORMAL	C	Utility	Intimidate	90+14	45-7	80
46	Vibrava GROUNDDRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Levitate	50+10	50-7	70
47	Trevenant GHOSTGRASS	C	Bulky Support	Harvest	82+13	65-9	56
48	Marshtomp WATERGROUND	C	Bulky Support	Torrent	70+12	60-8	50
49	Litten FIRE	C	Bulky Support	Intimidate	40+9	60-8	70
50	Altaria DRAGONFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Natural Cure	105+15	70-9	80
51	Bouffalant NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Sapsipper	95+14	40-6	55
52	Dewpider WATERBUG	C	Bulky Support	Waterbubble	72+12	40-6	27
53	Miltank NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Sapsipper	70+12	40-6	100
54	Lickitung NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Oblivious	75+12	60-8	30
55	Vespiquen BUGFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Pressure	102+15	80-10	40
56	Lickilicky NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Oblivious	95+14	80-10	50
57	Charjabug BUGELECTRIC	C	Bulky Support	Battery	75+12	55-8	36
58	Phantump GHOSTGRASS	C	Bulky Support	Harvest	60+11	50-7	38
59	Poliwrath WATERFIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Waterabsorb	90+14	70-9	70
60	Throh FIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Guts	85+13	30-5	45
61	Koffing POISON	C	Bulky Support	Neutralizinggas	45+9	60-8	35
62	Piloswine ICEGROUND	C	Physical Attacker	Thickfat	60+11	60-8	50
63	Mudbray GROUND	C	Bulky Support	Stamina	55+10	45-7	45
64	Walrein ICEWATER	C	Bulky Support	Icebody	90+14	95-12	65
65	Dunsparce NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Serenegrace	65+11	65-9	45
66	Krabby WATER	C	Utility	Sheerforce	25+7	25-5	50
67	Cosmoem PSYCHIC	C	Bulky Support	Sturdy	131+18	29-5	37
68	Garbodor POISON	C	Bulky Support	Aftermath	82+13	60-8	75
69	Jigglypuff NORMALFAIRY	C	Bulky Support	Cutecharm	25+7	45-7	20
70	Shelgon DRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Rock Head	50+10	60-8	50
71	Stunky POISONDARK	D	Physical Attacker	Aftermath	41+9	41-7	74
72	Togepi FAIRY	D	Bulky Support	Serenegrace	65+11	40-6	20
73	Bulbasaur GRASSPOISON	D	Bulky Support	Overgrow	65+11	65-9	45
74	Baltoy GROUNDPSYCHIC	D	Bulky Support	Levitate	70+12	40-6	55
75	Eevee NORMAL	D	Bulky Support	Adaptability	65+11	45-7	55
76	Snover GRASSICE	D	Bulky Support	Snow Warning	60+11	62-9	40
77	Nuzleaf GRASSDARK	D	Physical Attacker	Chlorophyll	40+9	60-8	60
78	Riolu FIGHTING	D	Bulky Support	Steadfast	40+9	35-6	60
79	Whismur NORMAL	D	Bulky Support	Soundproof	23+7	51-8	28
80	Igglybuff NORMALFAIRY	D	Utility	Cutecharm	20+7	40-6	15
81	Mime Jr. PSYCHICFAIRY	D	Bulky Support	Filter	90+14	70-9	60
82	Vulpix FIRE	D	Bulky Support	Flashfire	65+11	50-7	65
83	Larvesta BUGFIRE	D	Bulky Support	Flame Body	55+10	50-7	60
84	Zubat POISONFLYING	D	Bulky Support	Infiltrator	40+9	30-5	55
85	Pumpkaboo GHOSTGRASS	D	Bulky Support	Pickup	55+10	44-7	51
86	Carkol ROCKFIRE	D	Bulky Support	Flashfire	70+12	60-8	50

Ferrothorn

GRASS STEEL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Iron Barbs

+SpD

116 +16

Spe

Jirachi

STEEL PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Serenegrace

+SpD

100 +15

Spe

100

Hippowdon

GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sand Stream

+SpD

72 +12

Spe

Tapu Bulu

GRASS FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Grassy Surge

+SpD

95 +14

Spe

Clefable

FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Magic Guard

+SpD

90 +14

Spe

Grimmsnarl

DARK FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Prankster

+SpD

75 +12

Spe

Registeel

STEEL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Clearbody

+SpD

150 +20

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

Avalugg

ICE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+SpD

46 +9

Spe

Steelix

STEEL GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+SpD

65 +11

Spe

Regigigas

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Slowstart

+SpD

110 +16

Spe

100

Tangrowth

GRASS

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpD

50 +10

Spe

Carbink

ROCK FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+SpD

150 +20

Spe

Wailord

WATER

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Pressure

+SpD

45 +9

Spe

Guzzlord

DARK DRAGON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Beastboost

+SpD

53 +10

Spe

Skarmory

STEEL FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Keeneye

+SpD

70 +12

Spe

Timburr

FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Guts

+SpD

35 +8

Spe

Wobbuffet

PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Shadowtag

+SpD

58 +11

Spe

Ferroseed

GRASS STEEL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Iron Barbs

+SpD

86 +13

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

Seismitoad

WATER GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Waterabsorb

+SpD

75 +12

Spe

Golbat

POISON FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Innerfocus

+SpD

75 +12

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

Sableye

DARK GHOST

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Prankster

+SpD

65 +11

Spe

Drapion

POISON DARK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Battlearmor

+SpD

75 +12

Spe

Swablu

NORMAL FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Natural Cure

+SpD

75 +12

Spe

Claydol

GROUND PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Levitate

+SpD

120 +17

Spe

Sliggoo

DRAGON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sapsipper

+SpD

113 +16

Spe

Wailmer

WATER

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Waterveil

+SpD

35 +8

Spe

Hitmontop

FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Intimidate

+SpD

110 +16

Spe

Munchlax

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Thickfat

+SpD

85 +13

Spe

Gothorita

PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Shadowtag

+SpD

85 +13

Spe

Togedemaru

ELECTRIC STEEL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+SpD

73 +12

Spe

Gastrodon

WATER GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Stickyhold

+SpD

82 +13

Spe

Cradily

ROCK GRASS

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Suctioncups

+SpD

107 +15

Spe

Shinx

ELECTRIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Intimidate

+SpD

34 +8

Spe

Stoutland

NORMAL

Role

Utility

Ability

Intimidate

+SpD

90 +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

Litten

FIRE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Intimidate

+SpD

40 +9

Spe

Altaria

DRAGON FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Natural Cure

+SpD

105 +15

Spe

Bouffalant

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sapsipper

+SpD

95 +14

Spe

Dewpider

WATER BUG

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Waterbubble

+SpD

72 +12

Spe

Miltank

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sapsipper

+SpD

70 +12

Spe

100

Lickitung

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Oblivious

+SpD

75 +12

Spe

Vespiquen

BUG FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Pressure

+SpD

102 +15

Spe

Lickilicky

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Oblivious

+SpD

95 +14

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

Poliwrath

WATER FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Waterabsorb

+SpD

90 +14

Spe

Throh

FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Guts

+SpD

85 +13

Spe

Koffing

POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Neutralizinggas

+SpD

45 +9

Spe

Piloswine

ICE GROUND

Role

Physical Attacker

Ability

Thickfat

+SpD

60 +11

Spe

Mudbray

GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Stamina

+SpD

55 +10

Spe

Walrein

ICE WATER

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Icebody

+SpD

90 +14

Spe

Dunsparce

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Serenegrace

+SpD

65 +11

Spe

Krabby

WATER

Role

Utility

Ability

Sheerforce

+SpD

25 +7

Spe

Cosmoem

PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+SpD

131 +18

Spe

Garbodor

POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Aftermath

+SpD

82 +13

Spe

Jigglypuff

NORMAL FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Cutecharm

+SpD

25 +7

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

Togepi

FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Serenegrace

+SpD

65 +11

Spe

Bulbasaur

GRASS POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Overgrow

+SpD

65 +11

Spe

Baltoy

GROUND PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Levitate

+SpD

70 +12

Spe

Eevee

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Adaptability

+SpD

65 +11

Spe

Snover

GRASS ICE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Snow Warning

+SpD

60 +11

Spe

Nuzleaf

GRASS DARK

Role

Physical Attacker

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpD

40 +9

Spe

Riolu

FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Steadfast

+SpD

40 +9

Spe

Whismur

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Soundproof

+SpD

23 +7

Spe

Igglybuff

NORMAL FAIRY

Role

Utility

Ability

Cutecharm

+SpD

20 +7

Spe

Mime Jr.

PSYCHIC FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Filter

+SpD

90 +14

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

Zubat

POISON FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Infiltrator

+SpD

40 +9

Spe

Pumpkaboo

GHOST GRASS

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Pickup

+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, Ferrothorn, Jirachi, Hippowdon, and Tapu Bulu 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.