Best Modest Nature Pokemon in Gold & Silver (+Sp. Attack)

MODEST 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 Modest 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 MODEST NATURE POKEMON

Modest boosts Sp. Attack by 10% at the expense of Attack. In Gold & Silver, top picks include Lugia, Blissey, Mew, and more. You'll want this on anything that only fires off special moves. Natures weren't in Gold & Silver. Competitive players apply Modest when breeding these Pokemon in Gen 3+ games.

Modest raises Sp. Attack by 10% and lowers Attack by 10%. Special Sweepers and special Wallbreakers that only use special moves. 91 Pokemon competitively run this nature.

#	Pokemon	Tier	Role	Ability	+SpA	-Atk	Spe
1	Lugia PSYCHICFLYING	S	Special Tank	Multiscale	90+14	90-11	110
2	Blissey NORMAL	B	Special Tank	Natural Cure	75+12	10-3	55
3	Mew PSYCHIC	B	Bulky Support	Synchronize	100+15	100-12	100
4	Suicune WATER	B	Special Tank	Pressure	90+14	75-10	85
5	Entei FIRE	B	Special Tank	Pressure	90+14	115-14	100
6	Celebi PSYCHICGRASS	B	Special Tank	Natural Cure	100+15	100-12	100
7	Articuno ICEFLYING	B	Special Tank	Pressure	95+14	85-11	85
8	Chinchou WATERELECTRIC	B	Special Revenge Killer	Voltabsorb	56+10	38-6	67
9	Ivysaur GRASSPOISON	C	Special Attacker	Chlorophyll	80+13	62-9	60
10	Magneton ELECTRICSTEEL	C	Special Attacker	Magnetpull	120+17	60-8	70
11	Weepinbell GRASSPOISON	C	Special Attacker	Chlorophyll	85+13	90-11	55
12	Slowking WATERPSYCHIC	C	Special Tank	Regenerator	100+15	75-10	30
13	Tangela GRASS	C	Bulky Support	Chlorophyll	100+15	55-8	60
14	Kingdra WATERDRAGON	C	Special Attacker	Swiftswim	95+14	95-12	85
15	Seadra WATER	C	Special Tank	Sniper	95+14	65-9	85
16	Horsea WATER	C	Utility	Swiftswim	70+12	40-6	60
17	Venusaur GRASSPOISON	C	Special Attacker	Chlorophyll	100+15	82-11	80
18	Golduck WATER	C	Special Attacker	Swiftswim	95+14	82-11	85
19	Cyndaquil FIRE	C	Special Revenge Killer	Blaze	60+11	52-8	65
20	Poliwag WATER	C	Special Attacker	Waterabsorb	40+9	50-7	90
21	Sunflora GRASS	C	Special Attacker	Chlorophyll	105+15	75-10	30
22	Oddish GRASSPOISON	C	Special Tank	Chlorophyll	75+12	50-7	30
23	Blastoise WATER	C	Special Attacker	Torrent	85+13	83-11	78
24	Exeggutor GRASSPSYCHIC	C	Special Attacker	Chlorophyll	125+17	95-12	55
25	Gloom GRASSPOISON	C	Special Attacker	Chlorophyll	85+13	65-9	40
26	Hoothoot NORMALFLYING	C	Special Attacker	Tintedlens	36+8	30-5	50
27	Houndour DARKFIRE	C	Bulky Support	Earlybird	80+13	60-8	65
28	Porygon2 NORMAL	C	Special Tank	Download	105+15	80-10	60
29	Seaking WATER	C	Special Attacker	Lightningrod	65+11	92-12	68
30	Lapras WATERICE	C	Special Tank	Waterabsorb	85+13	85-11	60
31	Lanturn WATERELECTRIC	C	Special Tank	Voltabsorb	76+12	58-8	67
32	Mareep ELECTRIC	C	Special Tank	Static	65+11	40-6	35
33	Drowzee PSYCHIC	C	Special Attacker	Insomnia	43+9	48-7	42
34	Politoed WATER	C	Special Tank	Drizzle	90+14	75-10	70
35	Omastar ROCKWATER	C	Special Attacker	Swiftswim	115+16	60-8	55
36	Quilava FIRE	C	Special Revenge Killer	Blaze	80+13	64-9	80
37	Weezing POISON	C	Special Tank	Levitate	85+13	90-11	60
38	Porygon NORMAL	C	Special Attacker	Analytic	85+13	60-8	40
39	Nidoqueen POISONGROUND	C	Special Tank	Sheerforce	75+12	92-12	76
40	Octillery WATER	C	Special Tank	Sniper	105+15	105-13	45
41	Pikachu ELECTRIC	C	Special Attacker	Lightningrod	50+10	55-8	90
42	Slugma FIRE	C	Special Attacker	Flame Body	70+12	40-6	20
43	Ampharos ELECTRIC	C	Special Tank	Static	115+16	75-10	55
44	Slowbro WATERPSYCHIC	C	Special Tank	Owntempo	100+15	75-10	30
45	Venomoth BUGPOISON	C	Special Attacker	Tintedlens	90+14	65-9	90
46	Butterfree BUGFLYING	C	Special Attacker	Compoundeyes	90+14	45-7	70
47	Ninetales FIRE	C	Special Attacker	Flashfire	81+13	76-10	100
48	Growlithe FIRE	C	Special Tank	Intimidate	70+12	70-9	60
49	Vileplume GRASSPOISON	C	Special Tank	Effect Spore	110+16	80-10	50
50	Meganium GRASS	C	Special Attacker	Overgrow	83+13	82-11	80
51	Bellossom GRASS	C	Special Tank	Chlorophyll	90+14	80-10	50
52	Magnemite ELECTRICSTEEL	C	Special Attacker	Magnetpull	95+14	35-6	45
53	Victreebel GRASSPOISON	C	Special Attacker	Chlorophyll	100+15	105-13	70
54	Mantine WATERFLYING	C	Special Tank	Waterabsorb	80+13	40-6	70
55	Electrode ELECTRIC	C	Special Attacker	Soundproof	80+13	50-7	150
56	Togetic FAIRYFLYING	C	Bulky Support	Serenegrace	80+13	40-6	40
57	Magcargo FIREROCK	C	Special Attacker	Weakarmor	90+14	50-7	30
58	Wigglytuff NORMALFAIRY	C	Special Tank	Competitive	85+13	70-9	45
59	Corsola WATERROCK	C	Special Attacker	Regenerator	65+11	55-8	35
60	Mr. Mime PSYCHICFAIRY	C	Special Attacker	Technician	100+15	45-7	90
61	Yanma BUGFLYING	C	Special Attacker	Speed Boost	75+12	65-9	95
62	Flareon FIRE	C	Special Tank	Flashfire	95+14	130-15	65
63	Noctowl NORMALFLYING	C	Special Tank	Tintedlens	86+13	50-7	70
64	Raichu ELECTRIC	C	Special Tank	Static	90+14	90-11	110
65	Typhlosion FIRE	C	Special Revenge Killer	Flashfire	109+16	84-11	100
66	Hypno PSYCHIC	C	Special Tank	Forewarn	73+12	73-10	67
67	Bayleef GRASS	C	Special Tank	Overgrow	63+11	62-9	60
68	Jynx ICEPSYCHIC	C	Special Revenge Killer	Forewarn	115+16	50-7	95
69	Electabuzz ELECTRIC	C	Special Attacker	Static	95+14	83-11	105
70	Misdreavus GHOST	C	Special Attacker	Levitate	85+13	60-8	85
71	Ledian BUGFLYING	C	Special Attacker	Earlybird	55+10	35-6	85
72	Wartortle WATER	C	Special Tank	Torrent	65+11	63-9	58
73	Bellsprout GRASSPOISON	D	Utility	Chlorophyll	70+12	75-10	40
74	Smoochum ICEPSYCHIC	D	Special Revenge Killer	Forewarn	85+13	30-5	65
75	Flaaffy ELECTRIC	D	Special Attacker	Static	80+13	55-8	45
76	Exeggcute GRASSPSYCHIC	D	Bulky Support	Harvest	60+11	40-6	40
77	Nidorino POISON	D	Special Tank	Poison Point	55+10	72-10	65
78	Chikorita GRASS	D	Special Tank	Overgrow	49+10	49-7	45
79	Togepi FAIRY	D	Bulky Support	Serenegrace	40+9	20-4	20
80	Squirtle WATER	D	Special Attacker	Torrent	50+10	48-7	43
81	Bulbasaur GRASSPOISON	D	Special Attacker	Overgrow	65+11	49-7	45
82	Ponyta FIRE	D	Special Attacker	Flashfire	65+11	85-11	90
83	Remoraid WATER	D	Special Tank	Hustle	65+11	65-9	65
84	Sunkern GRASS	D	Special Tank	Earlybird	30+8	30-5	30
85	Staryu WATER	D	Bulky Support	Natural Cure	70+12	45-7	85
86	Psyduck WATER	D	Bulky Support	Damp	65+11	52-8	55
87	Unown PSYCHIC	D	Special Wallbreaker	Levitate	72+12	72-10	48
88	Cleffa FAIRY	D	Special Tank	Magic Guard	45+9	25-5	15
89	Eevee NORMAL	D	Special Tank	Adaptability	45+9	55-8	55
90	Nidorina POISON	D	Special Tank	Poison Point	55+10	62-9	56
91	Kabuto ROCKWATER	D	Bulky Support	Swift Swim	55+10	80-10	55

Lugia

PSYCHIC FLYING

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Multiscale

+SpA

90 +14

Spe

110

Blissey

NORMAL

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Natural Cure

+SpA

75 +12

Spe

Mew

PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Synchronize

+SpA

100 +15

Spe

100

Suicune

WATER

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Pressure

+SpA

90 +14

Spe

Entei

FIRE

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Pressure

+SpA

90 +14

Spe

100

Celebi

PSYCHIC GRASS

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Natural Cure

+SpA

100 +15

Spe

100

Articuno

ICE FLYING

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Pressure

+SpA

95 +14

Spe

Chinchou

WATER ELECTRIC

Role

Special Revenge Killer

Ability

Voltabsorb

+SpA

56 +10

Spe

Ivysaur

GRASS POISON

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpA

80 +13

Spe

Magneton

ELECTRIC STEEL

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Magnetpull

+SpA

120 +17

Spe

Weepinbell

GRASS POISON

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpA

85 +13

Spe

Slowking

WATER PSYCHIC

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Regenerator

+SpA

100 +15

Spe

Tangela

GRASS

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpA

100 +15

Spe

Kingdra

WATER DRAGON

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Swiftswim

+SpA

95 +14

Spe

Seadra

WATER

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Sniper

+SpA

95 +14

Spe

Horsea

WATER

Role

Utility

Ability

Swiftswim

+SpA

70 +12

Spe

Venusaur

GRASS POISON

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpA

100 +15

Spe

Golduck

WATER

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Swiftswim

+SpA

95 +14

Spe

Cyndaquil

FIRE

Role

Special Revenge Killer

Ability

Blaze

+SpA

60 +11

Spe

Poliwag

WATER

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Waterabsorb

+SpA

40 +9

Spe

Sunflora

GRASS

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpA

105 +15

Spe

Oddish

GRASS POISON

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpA

75 +12

Spe

Blastoise

WATER

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Torrent

+SpA

85 +13

Spe

Exeggutor

GRASS PSYCHIC

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpA

125 +17

Spe

Gloom

GRASS POISON

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpA

85 +13

Spe

Hoothoot

NORMAL FLYING

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Tintedlens

+SpA

36 +8

Spe

Houndour

DARK FIRE

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Earlybird

+SpA

80 +13

Spe

Porygon2

NORMAL

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Download

+SpA

105 +15

Spe

Seaking

WATER

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Lightningrod

+SpA

65 +11

Spe

Lapras

WATER ICE

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Waterabsorb

+SpA

85 +13

Spe

Lanturn

WATER ELECTRIC

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Voltabsorb

+SpA

76 +12

Spe

Mareep

ELECTRIC

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Static

+SpA

65 +11

Spe

Drowzee

PSYCHIC

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Insomnia

+SpA

43 +9

Spe

Politoed

WATER

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Drizzle

+SpA

90 +14

Spe

Omastar

ROCK WATER

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Swiftswim

+SpA

115 +16

Spe

Quilava

FIRE

Role

Special Revenge Killer

Ability

Blaze

+SpA

80 +13

Spe

Weezing

POISON

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Levitate

+SpA

85 +13

Spe

Porygon

NORMAL

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Analytic

+SpA

85 +13

Spe

Nidoqueen

POISON GROUND

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Sheerforce

+SpA

75 +12

Spe

Octillery

WATER

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Sniper

+SpA

105 +15

Spe

Pikachu

ELECTRIC

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Lightningrod

+SpA

50 +10

Spe

Slugma

FIRE

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Flame Body

+SpA

70 +12

Spe

Ampharos

ELECTRIC

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Static

+SpA

115 +16

Spe

Slowbro

WATER PSYCHIC

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Owntempo

+SpA

100 +15

Spe

Venomoth

BUG POISON

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Tintedlens

+SpA

90 +14

Spe

Butterfree

BUG FLYING

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Compoundeyes

+SpA

90 +14

Spe

Ninetales

FIRE

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Flashfire

+SpA

81 +13

Spe

100

Growlithe

FIRE

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Intimidate

+SpA

70 +12

Spe

Vileplume

GRASS POISON

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Effect Spore

+SpA

110 +16

Spe

Meganium

GRASS

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Overgrow

+SpA

83 +13

Spe

Bellossom

GRASS

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpA

90 +14

Spe

Magnemite

ELECTRIC STEEL

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Magnetpull

+SpA

95 +14

Spe

Victreebel

GRASS POISON

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpA

100 +15

Spe

Mantine

WATER FLYING

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Waterabsorb

+SpA

80 +13

Spe

Electrode

ELECTRIC

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Soundproof

+SpA

80 +13

Spe

150

Togetic

FAIRY FLYING

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Serenegrace

+SpA

80 +13

Spe

Magcargo

FIRE ROCK

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Weakarmor

+SpA

90 +14

Spe

Wigglytuff

NORMAL FAIRY

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Competitive

+SpA

85 +13

Spe

Corsola

WATER ROCK

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Regenerator

+SpA

65 +11

Spe

Mr. Mime

PSYCHIC FAIRY

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Technician

+SpA

100 +15

Spe

Yanma

BUG FLYING

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Speed Boost

+SpA

75 +12

Spe

Flareon

FIRE

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Flashfire

+SpA

95 +14

Spe

Noctowl

NORMAL FLYING

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Tintedlens

+SpA

86 +13

Spe

Raichu

ELECTRIC

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Static

+SpA

90 +14

Spe

110

Typhlosion

FIRE

Role

Special Revenge Killer

Ability

Flashfire

+SpA

109 +16

Spe

100

Hypno

PSYCHIC

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Forewarn

+SpA

73 +12

Spe

Bayleef

GRASS

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Overgrow

+SpA

63 +11

Spe

Jynx

ICE PSYCHIC

Role

Special Revenge Killer

Ability

Forewarn

+SpA

115 +16

Spe

Electabuzz

ELECTRIC

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Static

+SpA

95 +14

Spe

105

Misdreavus

GHOST

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Levitate

+SpA

85 +13

Spe

Ledian

BUG FLYING

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Earlybird

+SpA

55 +10

Spe

Wartortle

WATER

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Torrent

+SpA

65 +11

Spe

Bellsprout

GRASS POISON

Role

Utility

Ability

Chlorophyll

+SpA

70 +12

Spe

Smoochum

ICE PSYCHIC

Role

Special Revenge Killer

Ability

Forewarn

+SpA

85 +13

Spe

Flaaffy

ELECTRIC

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Static

+SpA

80 +13

Spe

Exeggcute

GRASS PSYCHIC

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Harvest

+SpA

60 +11

Spe

Nidorino

POISON

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Poison Point

+SpA

55 +10

Spe

Chikorita

GRASS

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Overgrow

+SpA

49 +10

Spe

Togepi

FAIRY

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Serenegrace

+SpA

40 +9

Spe

Squirtle

WATER

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Torrent

+SpA

50 +10

Spe

Bulbasaur

GRASS POISON

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Overgrow

+SpA

65 +11

Spe

Ponyta

FIRE

Role

Special Attacker

Ability

Flashfire

+SpA

65 +11

Spe

Remoraid

WATER

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Hustle

+SpA

65 +11

Spe

Sunkern

GRASS

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Earlybird

+SpA

30 +8

Spe

Staryu

WATER

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Natural Cure

+SpA

70 +12

Spe

Psyduck

WATER

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Damp

+SpA

65 +11

Spe

Unown

PSYCHIC

Role

Special Wallbreaker

Ability

Levitate

+SpA

72 +12

Spe

Cleffa

FAIRY

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Magic Guard

+SpA

45 +9

Spe

Eevee

NORMAL

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Adaptability

+SpA

45 +9

Spe

Nidorina

POISON

Role

Special Tank

Ability

Poison Point

+SpA

55 +10

Spe

Kabuto

ROCK WATER

Role

Bulky Support

Ability

Swift Swim

+SpA

55 +10

Spe

MODEST NATURE GUIDE

+10%Sp. Attack

-10%Attack

Flavor Preference

Likes Dry, dislikes Spicy

Competitive Role

Special Sweepers and special Wallbreakers that only use special moves.

Modest vs Timid

Choose Modest

+Sp. Attack / -Attack

Pokemon that rely purely on special moves for damage
Trick Room special attackers
Bulky special attackers that do not need to outspeed
Choice Specs wallbreakers focused on raw power

Choose Timid

+Speed / -Attack

Fast special sweepers in the base 80-110 Speed range
Pokemon that need to outspeed base 100 threats
Setup sweepers (Nasty Plot, Calm Mind) that boost power anyway

How to Get

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

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

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

Other +Sp. Attack Natures

MODEST FAQs

What does the Modest nature do in Pokemon?

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

What are the best Modest nature Pokemon?

Top Modest users include Lugia, Blissey, Mew, and Suicune. They benefit from the Sp. Attack boost because their main damage comes from that stat. The Attack drop doesn't hurt them since they don't rely on it.

Is Modest a good nature for competitive Pokemon?

Modest is a strong competitive nature. It's one of the most-used natures in competitive formats. The key is matching it to Pokemon that don't need Attack in their moveset.

How do I get a Modest nature Pokemon?

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

Should I use Modest or Timid?

Modest prioritizes power, while Timid goes for speed. Pick Modest when your Pokemon's role depends on the stat it boosts. Go with Timid when speed matters more for your team.