Best Lax Nature Pokemon in Gold & Silver (+Defense)

LAX NATURE CALCULATOR

Natures weren't part of the series until Generation III (Ruby & Sapphire), so Gold & Silver doesn't have them. Every stat is calculated from base stats, IVs (called DVs back then), and Stat Experience alone. If you're looking for the Lax nature's stat effect, switch the game filter above to any Gen III or later title. That said, the concept still helps with planning teams for remakes like FireRed & LeafGreen or HeartGold & SoulSilver, where natures do apply.

BEST LAX NATURE POKEMON

Lax raises Defense 10% but cuts Sp. Defense. It's an unusual pick since most walls would rather keep their special bulk intact. In Gold & Silver, Dunsparce is one of the most popular Lax users, alongside Chikorita. Natures weren't in Gold & Silver. Competitive players apply Lax when breeding these Pokemon in Gen 3+ games.

Lax raises Defense by 10% and lowers Sp. Defense by 10%. Physically defensive Pokemon balancing both defense stats. 2 Pokemon competitively run this nature.

#	Pokemon	Tier	Role	Ability	+Def	-SpD	Spe
1	Dunsparce NORMAL	C	Bulky Support	Serenegrace	70+12	65-9	45
2	Chikorita GRASS	D	Bulky Support	Overgrow	65+11	65-9	45

Dunsparce

NORMAL

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Serenegrace

+Def

70 +12

Spe

Chikorita

GRASS

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Overgrow

+Def

65 +11

Spe

LAX NATURE GUIDE

+10%Defense

-10%Sp. Defense

Flavor Preference

Likes Sour, dislikes Bitter

Competitive Role

Physically defensive Pokemon balancing both defense stats.

Lax vs Impish

Choose Lax

+Defense / -Sp. 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 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 Lax Pokemon that has the Synchronize ability. Wild Pokemon will match its nature. (Gen 3+)

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

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

Other +Defense Natures

LAX FAQs

What does the Lax nature do in Pokemon?

Lax raises Defense by 10% and lowers Sp. Defense by 10%. At level 100 with full investment, that's roughly a 30-point swing on the boosted stat. Pokemon with Lax nature prefer Sour flavor and dislike Bitter.

What are the best Lax nature Pokemon?

Top Lax users include Dunsparce and Chikorita. They benefit from the Defense boost because their main damage comes from that stat. The Sp. Defense drop doesn't hurt them since they don't rely on it.

Is Lax a good nature for competitive Pokemon?

Lax is a strong competitive nature. It fills a solid niche for defensive builds. The key is matching it to Pokemon that don't need Sp. Defense in their moveset.

How do I get a Lax nature Pokemon?

Synchronize is the fastest method. Lead with a Pokemon that has Synchronize and Lax nature, and wild encounters match it (Gen 3+). Breeding works too: give the Lax parent an Everstone and all offspring inherit the nature. Nature Mints (Gen 8+) let you change the stat effect to Lax without rebreeding.

Should I use Lax or Impish?

Lax prioritizes physical mixed defense, while Impish goes for dedicated physical wall. Pick Lax when your Pokemon's role depends on the stat it boosts. Go with Impish when dedicated physical wall matters more for your team.