Best Impish Nature Pokemon in Sword & Shield (+Defense)

IMPISH NATURE CALCULATOR

Check how Impish nature changes any Pokemon's stats at level 50. Impish boosts 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 Impish 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 Impish changes their stats

BEST IMPISH NATURE POKEMON

Impish gives 10% Defense at the cost of Sp. Attack. Physical walls that rely on Body Slam, Knock Off, or U-turn over special coverage will want this. In Sword & Shield, Ho-Oh, Lugia, Giratina, and others all run Impish in competitive play. Nature Mints swap your stat effects to Impish for 50 BP. Dynamax makes defensive natures even stronger.

Impish raises Defense by 10% and lowers Sp. Attack by 10%. Physical walls that rely on physical or status moves. 96 Pokemon competitively run this nature.

SHOWINGRegional64

#	Pokemon	Tier	Role	Ability	+Def	-SpA	Spe
1	Ho-Oh FIREFLYING	S	Bulky Support	Regenerator	90+14	110-13	90
2	Lugia PSYCHICFLYING	S	Bulky Support	Multiscale	130+18	90-11	110
3	Giratina GHOSTDRAGON	S	Bulky Support	Pressure	120+17	100-12	90
4	Zygarde DRAGONGROUND	A	Physical Attacker	Powerconstruct	121+17	81-11	95
5	Ferrothorn GRASSSTEEL	B	Bulky Support	Iron Barbs	131+18	54-8	20
6	Corviknight FLYINGSTEEL	B	Bulky Support	Pressure	105+15	53-8	67
7	Hippowdon GROUND	B	Bulky Support	Sand Stream	118+17	68-9	47
8	Shuckle BUGROCK	B	Bulky Support	Sturdy	230+28	10-3	5
9	Steelix STEELGROUND	B	Bulky Support	Rockhead	200+25	55-8	30
10	Uxie PSYCHIC	B	Bulky Support	Levitate	130+18	75-10	95
11	Tapu Bulu GRASSFAIRY	B	Bulky Support	Grassy Surge	115+16	85-11	75
12	Runerigus GROUNDGHOST	B	Bulky Support	Wanderingspirit	145+19	50-7	30
13	Diancie ROCKFAIRY	B	Bulky Support	Clearbody	150+20	100-12	50
14	Rhyperior GROUNDROCK	B	Bulky Support	Solidrock	130+18	55-8	40
15	Avalugg ICE	B	Bulky Support	Icebody	184+23	44-7	28
16	Torkoal FIRE	B	Bulky Support	Shellarmor	140+19	85-11	20
17	Regirock ROCK	B	Bulky Support	Clearbody	200+25	50-7	50
18	Rhydon GROUNDROCK	B	Bulky Support	Rockhead	120+17	45-7	40
19	Regigigas NORMAL	B	Bulky Support	Slowstart	110+16	80-10	100
20	Kingler WATER	B	Bulky Support	Shellarmor	115+16	50-7	75
21	Grookey GRASS	C	Bulky Support	Grassy Surge	50+10	40-6	65
22	Skarmory STEELFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Sturdy	140+19	40-6	70
23	Mandibuzz DARKFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Overcoat	105+15	55-8	80
24	Flygon GROUNDDRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Levitate	80+13	80-10	100
25	Wooper WATERGROUND	C	Bulky Support	Unaware	45+9	25-5	15
26	Vibrava GROUNDDRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Levitate	50+10	50-7	70
27	Solrock ROCKPSYCHIC	C	Bulky Support	Levitate	85+13	55-8	70
28	Sandslash GROUND	C	Bulky Support	Sandveil	110+16	45-7	65
29	Gabite DRAGONGROUND	C	Bulky Support	Rough Skin	65+11	50-7	82
30	Machoke FIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Guts	70+12	50-7	45
31	Ditto NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Imposter	48+10	48-7	48
32	Hippopotas GROUND	C	Bulky Support	Sand Stream	78+13	38-6	32
33	Lairon STEELROCK	C	Bulky Support	Rockhead	140+19	50-7	40
34	Weezing POISON	C	Bulky Support	Levitate	120+17	85-11	60
35	Toxicroak POISONFIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Dryskin	65+11	86-11	85
36	Miltank NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Thickfat	105+15	40-6	100
37	Hitmontop FIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Intimidate	95+14	35-6	70
38	Sableye DARKGHOST	C	Bulky Support	Prankster	75+12	65-9	50
39	Quagsire WATERGROUND	C	Bulky Support	Waterabsorb	85+13	65-9	35
40	Ferroseed GRASSSTEEL	C	Bulky Support	Iron Barbs	91+14	24-5	10
41	Mudbray GROUND	C	Bulky Support	Stamina	70+12	45-7	45
42	Mudsdale GROUND	C	Bulky Support	Stamina	100+15	55-8	35
43	Cradily ROCKGRASS	C	Bulky Support	Stormdrain	97+14	81-11	43
44	Munchlax NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Thickfat	40+9	40-6	5
45	Druddigon DRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Rough Skin	90+14	60-8	48
46	Armaldo ROCKBUG	C	Bulky Support	Battlearmor	100+15	70-9	45
47	Orbeetle BUGPSYCHIC	C	Bulky Support	Frisk	110+16	80-10	90
48	Sandaconda GROUND	C	Bulky Support	Shedskin	125+17	65-9	71
49	Onix ROCKGROUND	C	Bulky Support	Rockhead	160+21	30-5	70
50	Slowpoke WATERPSYCHIC	C	Bulky Support	Regenerator	65+11	40-6	15
51	Nincada BUGGROUND	C	Bulky Support	Compoundeyes	90+14	30-5	40
52	Sandshrew GROUND	C	Bulky Support	Sandveil	85+13	20-4	40
53	Dubwool NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Fluffy	100+15	60-8	88
54	Bergmite ICE	C	Bulky Support	Sturdy	85+13	32-6	28
55	Shelgon DRAGON	C	Bulky Support	Rockhead	100+15	60-8	50
56	Pinsir BUG	C	Physical Attacker	Hypercutter	100+15	55-8	85
57	Emolga ELECTRICFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Static	60+11	75-10	103
58	Togetic FAIRYFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Serenegrace	85+13	80-10	40
59	Golbat POISONFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Infiltrator	70+12	65-9	90
60	Kangaskhan NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Scrappy	80+13	40-6	90
61	Type: Null NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Battlearmor	95+14	95-12	59
62	Torracat FIRE	C	Bulky Support	Intimidate	50+10	80-10	90
63	Dartrix GRASSFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Longreach	75+12	70-9	52
64	Boldore ROCK	C	Bulky Support	Sturdy	105+15	50-7	20
65	Garbodor POISON	C	Bulky Support	Aftermath	82+13	60-8	75
66	Stonjourner ROCK	C	Bulky Support	Powerspot	135+18	20-4	70
67	Duskull GHOST	C	Bulky Support	Levitate	90+14	30-5	25
68	Trubbish POISON	C	Bulky Support	Aftermath	62+11	40-6	65
69	Cosmoem PSYCHIC	C	Bulky Support	Sturdy	131+18	29-5	37
70	Qwilfish WATERPOISON	C	Bulky Support	Intimidate	85+13	55-8	85
71	Timburr FIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Ironfist	55+10	25-5	35
72	Dunsparce NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Serenegrace	70+12	65-9	45
73	Sudowoodo ROCK	C	Bulky Support	Rockhead	115+16	30-5	30
74	Gurdurr FIGHTING	C	Bulky Support	Guts	85+13	40-6	40
75	Larvesta BUGFIRE	D	Bulky Support	Flame Body	55+10	50-7	60
76	Vullaby DARKFLYING	D	Bulky Support	Overcoat	75+12	45-7	60
77	Klang STEEL	D	Bulky Support	Clearbody	95+14	70-9	50
78	Skorupi POISONBUG	D	Bulky Support	Sniper	90+14	30-5	65
79	Kabuto ROCKWATER	D	Bulky Support	Battlearmor	90+14	55-8	55
80	Snorunt ICE	D	Bulky Support	Innerfocus	50+10	50-7	50
81	Squirtle WATER	D	Bulky Support	Torrent	65+11	50-7	43
82	Klink STEEL	D	Bulky Support	Clearbody	70+12	45-7	30
83	Seedot GRASS	D	Bulky Support	Chlorophyll	50+10	30-5	30
84	Pidove NORMALFLYING	D	Bulky Support	Bigpecks	50+10	36-6	43
85	Shelmet BUG	D	Bulky Support	Shellarmor	85+13	40-6	25
86	Carkol ROCKFIRE	D	Physical Tank	Steamengine	90+14	60-8	50
87	Bulbasaur GRASSPOISON	D	Bulky Support	Overgrow	49+10	65-9	45
88	Purrloin DARK	D	Bulky Support	Prankster	37+8	50-7	66
89	Dwebble BUGROCK	D	Bulky Support	Sturdy	85+13	35-6	55
90	Swinub ICEGROUND	D	Utility	Snowcloak	40+9	30-5	50
91	Eevee NORMAL	D	Bulky Support	Adaptability	50+10	45-7	55
92	Morgrem DARKFAIRY	D	Bulky Support	Prankster	45+9	75-10	70
93	Golett GROUNDGHOST	D	Bulky Support	Ironfist	50+10	35-6	35
94	Pancham FIGHTING	D	Bulky Support	Ironfist	62+11	46-7	43
95	Clefairy FAIRY	D	Bulky Support	Friendguard	48+10	60-8	35
96	Silicobra GROUND	D	Utility	Sand Spit	75+12	35-6	46

Ho-Oh

FIRE FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Regenerator

+Def

90 +14

Spe

Lugia

PSYCHIC FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Multiscale

+Def

130 +18

Spe

110

Giratina

GHOST DRAGON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Pressure

+Def

120 +17

Spe

Zygarde

DRAGON GROUND

Role

Physical Attacker

Ability

Powerconstruct

+Def

121 +17

Spe

Ferrothorn

GRASS STEEL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Iron Barbs

+Def

131 +18

Spe

Corviknight

FLYING STEEL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Pressure

+Def

105 +15

Spe

Hippowdon

GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sand Stream

+Def

118 +17

Spe

Shuckle

BUG ROCK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+Def

230 +28

Spe

Steelix

STEEL GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Rockhead

+Def

200 +25

Spe

Uxie

PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Levitate

+Def

130 +18

Spe

Tapu Bulu

GRASS FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Grassy Surge

+Def

115 +16

Spe

Runerigus

GROUND GHOST

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Wanderingspirit

+Def

145 +19

Spe

Diancie

ROCK FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Clearbody

+Def

150 +20

Spe

Rhyperior

GROUND ROCK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Solidrock

+Def

130 +18

Spe

Avalugg

ICE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Icebody

+Def

184 +23

Spe

Torkoal

FIRE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Shellarmor

+Def

140 +19

Spe

Regirock

ROCK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Clearbody

+Def

200 +25

Spe

Rhydon

GROUND ROCK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Rockhead

+Def

120 +17

Spe

Regigigas

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Slowstart

+Def

110 +16

Spe

100

Kingler

WATER

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Shellarmor

+Def

115 +16

Spe

Grookey

GRASS

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Grassy Surge

+Def

50 +10

Spe

Skarmory

STEEL FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+Def

140 +19

Spe

Mandibuzz

DARK FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Overcoat

+Def

105 +15

Spe

Flygon

GROUND DRAGON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Levitate

+Def

80 +13

Spe

100

Wooper

WATER GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Unaware

+Def

45 +9

Spe

Vibrava

GROUND DRAGON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Levitate

+Def

50 +10

Spe

Solrock

ROCK PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Levitate

+Def

85 +13

Spe

Sandslash

GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sandveil

+Def

110 +16

Spe

Gabite

DRAGON GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Rough Skin

+Def

65 +11

Spe

Machoke

FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Guts

+Def

70 +12

Spe

Ditto

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Imposter

+Def

48 +10

Spe

Hippopotas

GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sand Stream

+Def

78 +13

Spe

Lairon

STEEL ROCK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Rockhead

+Def

140 +19

Spe

Weezing

POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Levitate

+Def

120 +17

Spe

Toxicroak

POISON FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Dryskin

+Def

65 +11

Spe

Miltank

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Thickfat

+Def

105 +15

Spe

100

Hitmontop

FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Intimidate

+Def

95 +14

Spe

Sableye

DARK GHOST

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Prankster

+Def

75 +12

Spe

Quagsire

WATER GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Waterabsorb

+Def

85 +13

Spe

Ferroseed

GRASS STEEL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Iron Barbs

+Def

91 +14

Spe

Mudbray

GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Stamina

+Def

70 +12

Spe

Mudsdale

GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Stamina

+Def

100 +15

Spe

Cradily

ROCK GRASS

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Stormdrain

+Def

97 +14

Spe

Munchlax

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Thickfat

+Def

40 +9

Spe

Druddigon

DRAGON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Rough Skin

+Def

90 +14

Spe

Armaldo

ROCK BUG

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Battlearmor

+Def

100 +15

Spe

Orbeetle

BUG PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Frisk

+Def

110 +16

Spe

Sandaconda

GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Shedskin

+Def

125 +17

Spe

Onix

ROCK GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Rockhead

+Def

160 +21

Spe

Slowpoke

WATER PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Regenerator

+Def

65 +11

Spe

Nincada

BUG GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Compoundeyes

+Def

90 +14

Spe

Sandshrew

GROUND

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sandveil

+Def

85 +13

Spe

Dubwool

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Fluffy

+Def

100 +15

Spe

Bergmite

ICE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+Def

85 +13

Spe

Shelgon

DRAGON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Rockhead

+Def

100 +15

Spe

Pinsir

BUG

Role

Physical Attacker

Ability

Hypercutter

+Def

100 +15

Spe

Emolga

ELECTRIC FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Static

+Def

60 +11

Spe

103

Togetic

FAIRY FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Serenegrace

+Def

85 +13

Spe

Golbat

POISON FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Infiltrator

+Def

70 +12

Spe

Kangaskhan

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Scrappy

+Def

80 +13

Spe

Type: Null

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Battlearmor

+Def

95 +14

Spe

Torracat

FIRE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Intimidate

+Def

50 +10

Spe

Dartrix

GRASS FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Longreach

+Def

75 +12

Spe

Boldore

ROCK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+Def

105 +15

Spe

Garbodor

POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Aftermath

+Def

82 +13

Spe

Stonjourner

ROCK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Powerspot

+Def

135 +18

Spe

Duskull

GHOST

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Levitate

+Def

90 +14

Spe

Trubbish

POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Aftermath

+Def

62 +11

Spe

Cosmoem

PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+Def

131 +18

Spe

Qwilfish

WATER POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Intimidate

+Def

85 +13

Spe

Timburr

FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Ironfist

+Def

55 +10

Spe

Dunsparce

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Serenegrace

+Def

70 +12

Spe

Sudowoodo

ROCK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Rockhead

+Def

115 +16

Spe

Gurdurr

FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Guts

+Def

85 +13

Spe

Larvesta

BUG FIRE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Flame Body

+Def

55 +10

Spe

Vullaby

DARK FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Overcoat

+Def

75 +12

Spe

Klang

STEEL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Clearbody

+Def

95 +14

Spe

Skorupi

POISON BUG

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sniper

+Def

90 +14

Spe

Kabuto

ROCK WATER

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Battlearmor

+Def

90 +14

Spe

Snorunt

ICE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Innerfocus

+Def

50 +10

Spe

Squirtle

WATER

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Torrent

+Def

65 +11

Spe

Klink

STEEL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Clearbody

+Def

70 +12

Spe

Seedot

GRASS

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Chlorophyll

+Def

50 +10

Spe

Pidove

NORMAL FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Bigpecks

+Def

50 +10

Spe

Shelmet

BUG

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Shellarmor

+Def

85 +13

Spe

Carkol

ROCK FIRE

Role

Physical Tank

Ability

Steamengine

+Def

90 +14

Spe

Bulbasaur

GRASS POISON

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Overgrow

+Def

49 +10

Spe

Purrloin

DARK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Prankster

+Def

37 +8

Spe

Dwebble

BUG ROCK

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Sturdy

+Def

85 +13

Spe

Swinub

ICE GROUND

Role

Utility

Ability

Snowcloak

+Def

40 +9

Spe

Eevee

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Adaptability

+Def

50 +10

Spe

Morgrem

DARK FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Prankster

+Def

45 +9

Spe

Golett

GROUND GHOST

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Ironfist

+Def

50 +10

Spe

Pancham

FIGHTING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Ironfist

+Def

62 +11

Spe

Clefairy

FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Friendguard

+Def

48 +10

Spe

Silicobra

GROUND

Role

Utility

Ability

Sand Spit

+Def

75 +12

Spe

IMPISH NATURE GUIDE

+10%Defense

-10%Sp. Attack

Flavor Preference

Likes Sour, dislikes Dry

Competitive Role

Physical walls that rely on physical or status moves.

Impish vs Bold

Choose Impish

+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 Bold

+Defense / -Attack

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

How to Get

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

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

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

Other +Defense Natures

IMPISH FAQs

What does the Impish nature do in Pokemon?

It's a +10% Defense, -10% Sp. Attack nature. The 10% multiplier applies after base stats and EVs, so the actual point difference grows as stats get higher. Pokemon with Impish nature prefer Sour flavor and dislike Dry.

What are the best Impish nature Pokemon?

Ho-Oh, Lugia, Giratina, and Zygarde are among the strongest Impish picks. What they share is a reliance on Defense and little need for Sp. Attack. Check the tier list for current rankings.

Is Impish a good nature for competitive Pokemon?

Yes. It fills a solid niche for defensive builds. You'll see Impish on dedicated Defense-focused builds across most tiers and formats.

How do I get an Impish 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) an Impish Mint changes the stat effects after the fact. Mints don't change the nature name, just the stat modifiers.

Should I use Impish or Bold?

It depends on what your team needs. Impish is the physical defense utility option. Bold is the special defense utility option. Most of the time, your Pokemon's moveset and role make the decision obvious.