Quick Answer:
The most effective Pokémon nature depends on your Pokémon's role: boost the stat you want to maximize (Attack, Special Attack, Speed, etc.) and lower the stat you don't need. You can obtain specific natures through breeding with an Everstone, using Mints in later games, or soft resetting until you get the desired nature.
How to Choose the Best Nature
- Match the nature to the role:
- Physical attackers (e.g., Garchomp) → Adamant (+Attack, -Sp. Atk) or Jolly (+Speed, -Sp. Atk).
- Special attackers (e.g., Alakazam) → Modest (+Sp. Atk, -Attack) or Timid (+Speed, -Attack).
- Defensive tanks (e.g., Blissey) → Bold (+Defense, -Attack) or Calm (+Sp. Def, -Attack).
- Avoid lowering your main stat: Never pick a nature that reduces the stat your Pokémon relies on most.
- Consider Speed carefully: Speed often determines battle flow. Timid/Jolly are popular because outspeeding opponents is crucial.
- Neutral natures: Hardy, Docile, Serious, Bashful, and Quirky don't affect stats. These are less effective competitively.
How to Obtain Specific Natures
- Breeding with Everstone:
- If a parent Pokémon holds an Everstone, its nature is passed down to the offspring. This is the most reliable method in older games.
- Mints (Gen 8 onwards):
- Mints change how a Pokémon's stats grow without altering its displayed nature. For example, a Timid Mint makes any Pokémon effectively Timid.
- Synchronize ability:
- Pokémon with Synchronize (like Abra) increase the chance of encountering wild Pokémon with the same nature.
- Soft resetting:
- For legendaries or gift Pokémon, save before receiving them and reset until you get the desired nature.
- Trading or catching multiples:
- Sometimes the fastest way is to catch several of the same species and pick the best-natured one.
Why Natures Matter
- Each nature gives a 10% boost to one stat and a 10% reduction to another.
- Choosing the right nature can make the difference between outspeeding an opponent or being knocked out first.
- Competitive players always optimize natures alongside EV training and IV breeding for maximum efficiency.