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.
Table of ContentsShow
Pokémon Natures Explained
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
| Nature | Increased Stat | Reduced Stat | Favorite Flavor | Hated Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bashful | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Docile | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hardy | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Quirky | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Serious | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Adamant | Attack | Special Attack | Spicy | Dry |
| Brave | Attack | Speed | Spicy | Sweet |
| Lonely | Attack | Defense | Spicy | Sour |
| Naughty | Attack | Special Defense | Spicy | Bitter |
| Bold | Defense | Attack | Sour | Spicy |
| Impish | Defense | Special Attack | Sour | Dry |
| Lax | Defense | Special Defense | Sour | Bitter |
| Relaxed | Defense | Speed | Sour | Sweet |
| Modest | Special Attack | Attack | Dry | Spicy |
| Mild | Special Attack | Defense | Dry | Sour |
| Quiet | Special Attack | Speed | Dry | Sweet |
| Rash | Special Attack | Special Defense | Dry | Bitter |
| Calm | Special Defense | Attack | Bitter | Spicy |
| Careful | Special Defense | Special Attack | Bitter | Dry |
| Gentle | Special Defense | Defense | Bitter | Sour |
| Sassy | Special Defense | Speed | Bitter | Sweet |
| Hasty | Speed | Defense | Sweet | Sour |
| Jolly | Speed | Special Attack | Sweet | Dry |
| Naive | Speed | Special Defense | Sweet | Bitter |
| Timid | Speed | Attack | Sweet | Spicy |
How To Change Pokémon 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
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
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.
