GENTLE NATURE CALCULATOR
Check how Gentle nature changes any Pokemon's stats at level 50. Gentle boosts Sp. Defense by 10% and cuts Defense 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 Gentle is the right call.
In Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, natures are permanent and can't be changed after catching or breeding.
Select a Pokemon above to see how Gentle changes their stats
BEST GENTLE NATURE POKEMON
Gentle trades Defense for Sp. Defense. Losing physical bulk is rough for a wall, so this only works on Pokemon that already have high Defense or rarely take physical hits. In Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee, You'll see it on Machoke, Drowzee, and Vulpix. Gentle's defensive bonus carries through Mega Evolution. The higher base stats amplify the 10% nature multiplier.
Gentle raises Sp. Defense by 10% and lowers Defense by 10%. Specially defensive Pokemon balancing both defense stats. 3 Pokemon competitively run this nature.
GENTLE NATURE GUIDE
+10%Sp. Defense
-10%Defense
Flavor Preference
Likes Bitter, dislikes Sour
Competitive Role
Specially defensive Pokemon balancing both defense stats.
Gentle vs Calm
Choose Gentle
+Sp. Defense / -Defense
- 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 Gentle Pokemon that has the Synchronize ability. Wild Pokemon will match its nature. (Gen 3+)
BreedingGive the parent with Gentle nature an Everstone. The offspring will inherit it. (100% since Gen 5)
Nature MintUse a Gentle Mint to change stat effects to Gentle. The original nature name stays but stats change. (Gen 8+)
Other +Sp. Defense Natures
GENTLE FAQs
What does the Gentle nature do in Pokemon?
It's a +10% Sp. Defense, -10% Defense nature. The 10% multiplier applies after base stats and EVs, so the actual point difference grows as stats get higher. Pokemon with Gentle nature prefer Bitter flavor and dislike Sour.
What are the best Gentle nature Pokemon?
Machoke, Drowzee, and Vulpix are among the strongest Gentle picks. What they share is a reliance on Sp. Defense and little need for Defense. Check the tier list for current rankings.
Is Gentle a good nature for competitive Pokemon?
Yes. It fills a solid niche for defensive builds. You'll see Gentle on dedicated Sp. Defense-focused builds across most tiers and formats.
How do I get a Gentle nature Pokemon?
Three options: (1) Synchronize lead forces wild Pokemon to match your lead's nature. (2) Everstone breeding passes the nature 100% of the time since Gen 5. (3) a Gentle Mint changes the stat effects after the fact. Mints don't change the nature name, just the stat modifiers.
Should I use Gentle or Calm?
It depends on what your team needs. Gentle is the mixed special tank option. Calm is the dedicated special wall option. Most of the time, your Pokemon's moveset and role make the decision obvious.