Pokémon Sword And Shield Guide: Pokémon Natures Explained

Just like all previous Pokémon games, Pokémon Sword and Shield feature "Natures" for all Pokémon. Here's a simple explanation.

While there are a lot of new elements to explore in Pokémon: Sword and Shield, many of the series’ core mechanics come back, including natures. The nature of your Pokémon affects how much damage they can take or dish out, as well as determines the order in which they attack during battles.

In this guide, we’ll explain what Pokémon natures are, how they operate, and how to go about changing your Pokémon’s nature.

If you would like more general tips and tricks for getting started in Sword and Shield, read our Beginner’s Guide for everything you need to know about the Galar Region.

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Pokémon Natures Explained

Pokemon Natures

There are a total of 25 different natures that, in most cases, will boost a specific stat by 10% while lowering another by 10%. The only exception is the HP stat, which is not affected by natures at all. In the wild, a Pokémon’s nature is randomly decided before the start of a battle.

Since any Pokémon can have any nature regardless if they’re the same species, it’s worthwhile to have a decent variety in your party for different battle scenarios. To check a Pokémon’s nature, select their name, ‘Check Summary,’ and scroll to the pen and paper icon.

List Of Natures

NatureIncreased StatReduced StatFavorite FlavorHated Flavor
BashfulN/AN/AN/AN/A
DocileN/AN/AN/AN/A
HardyN/AN/AN/AN/A
QuirkyN/AN/AN/AN/A
SeriousN/AN/AN/AN/A
AdamantAttackSpecial AttackSpicyDry
BraveAttackSpeedSpicySweet
LonelyAttackDefenseSpicySour
NaughtyAttackSpecial DefenseSpicyBitter
BoldDefenseAttackSourSpicy
ImpishDefenseSpecial AttackSourDry
LaxDefenseSpecial DefenseSourBitter
RelaxedDefenseSpeedSourSweet
ModestSpecial AttackAttackDrySpicy
MildSpecial AttackDefenseDrySour
QuietSpecial AttackSpeedDrySweet
RashSpecial AttackSpecial DefenseDryBitter
CalmSpecial DefenseAttackBitterSpicy
CarefulSpecial DefenseSpecial AttackBitterDry
GentleSpecial DefenseDefenseBitterSour
SassySpecial DefenseSpeedBitterSweet
HastySpeedDefenseSweetSour
JollySpeedSpecial AttackSweetDry
NaiveSpeedSpecial DefenseSweetBitter
TimidSpeedAttackSweetSpicy

How To Change Pokémon Natures

Change Pokemon Natures

Since natures are randomly decided, chances are most of the Pokémon you catch will not have their ideal nature.

It is generally recommended you get a nature that enhances a stat your Pokémon already excels at or the very least doesn’t bring the stat down. Below we’ll explain the two methods for assigning new natures to your Pokémon.

Changing Natures With Mints

Change Pokemon Natures

Mints are a new item in Sword and Shield that allow you to change a Pokémon’s stats. They can only be purchased after beating the main story and are found inside the Battle Tower (Wyndon Tower) at the BP Shop on the left side of the counter. Mints cost 50 BP each, which are “Battle Points” earned from winning matches in the Battle Tower.

To use a Mint, highlight the item in your inventory and select ‘Use this item’ along with the desired Pokémon. While Mints will alter your Pokémon’s associated stats, the description in their summary page will remain the same.

Breeding For Specific Natures

Pokemon Breeding For Specific Natures

In previous games, breeding was the go-to method for passing down specific natures to offspring. This is still possible in Sword and Shield by giving a Pokémon an Everstone to hold before placing them in the daycare. Doing so guarantees the egg will inherit the nature of the parent holding the Everstone.

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Justin Fernandez

As a fan of both indie and triple-A games, Justin finds joy in discovering and sharing hidden gems with other passionate gamers. In addition to reporting on the latest and greatest titles, he manages GamingScan’s social media channels.

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