Something new to the game mechanics of Pokemon in the third generation compared to the last two is the addition of Nature Values, or just simply Natures. Choosing the right nature is important for your pokemon, as it can give you a definitive edge in battle. Along with that, it can also hamper your chances to win if used incorrectly. This guide points out how to use Nature Values effectively.
First off, let me explain how nature values affect pokemon. In the game mechanics of today, a nature value will always give a 10% increase in one stat and a 10% decrease in another stat. If you know of the neutral natures that give no bonus whatsoever, its because one stat is having a 10% increase and a 10% decrease in the same stat. They cancel each other out basically. Natures will give potential bonuses to every stat except for Hit Points.
So, the first thing to do when going for a nature for your pokemon is to have a moveset in mind. If you're going for a special sweeper, you might as well choose something that's going to increase your special attack. Along with that though, you're going to have to decrease one of your other stats. However, if you're not using any attacks that use the Attack stat, then you might as well choose the nature to decrease that stat (which is Modest, btw).
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, on the Skills page on your Pokémon's status screen, you may notice a slight hue on the stat name. This will indicate the stats that the nature of your Pokémon will boost. If the stat name has a slight tint of Red to it, it boosts that stat and if it has a hint of Blue, it hinders that stat. In addition to that, the natures also affect the Pokémon's Pokéathlon stats.
When transferring from Pokémon Red, Green, Blue or Yellow, the Pokémon's nature is determined by dividing the experience the Pokémon has by 25. Then, using the remainder of that, you can determine the nature so if the remainder is 10, then it is Timid, or if it's 0, it is Hardy.
Below are all the natures and what states they raise. The berries stop confusion when used on Pokémon of the certain nature
| Natures Name | Berry | Raises | Lowers | Loved Pokéblock | Hated Pokéblock | Gen 1 Remainder |
|
Hardy がんばりや |
None | None | None | None | 0 | |
|
Lonely さみしがり |
|
Attack | Defense | Spicy (Cool) | Sour (Tough) | 1 |
|
Brave ゆうかん |
|
Attack | Speed | Spicy (Cool) | Sweet (Cute) | 2 |
|
Adamant いじっぱり |
|
Attack | Special Attack | Spicy (Cool) | Dry (Beauty) | 3 |
|
Naughty やんちゃ |
|
Attack | Special Defense | Spicy (Cool) | Bitter (Smart) | 4 |
|
Bold ずぶとい |
|
Defense | Attack | Sour (Tough) | Spicy (Cool) | 5 |
|
Docile すなお |
None | None | None | None | 6 | |
|
Relaxed のんき |
|
Defense | Speed | Sour (Tough) | Sweet (Cute) | 7 |
|
Impish わんぱく |
|
Defense | Special Attack | Sour (Tough) | Dry (Beauty) | 8 |
|
Lax のうてんき |
|
Defense | Special Defense | Sour (Tough) | Bitter (Smart) | 9 |
|
Timid おくびょう |
|
Speed | Attack | Sweet (Cute) | Spicy (Cool) | 10 |
|
Hasty せっかち |
|
Speed | Defense | Sweet (Cute) | Sour (Tough) | 11 |
|
Serious まじめ |
None | None | None | None | 12 | |
|
Jolly ようき |
|
Speed | Special Attack | Sweet (Cute) | Dry (Beauty) | 13 |
|
Naďve むじゃき |
|
Speed | Special Defense | Sweet (Cute) | Bitter (Smart) | 14 |
|
Modest ひかえめ |
|
Special Attack | Attack | Dry (Beauty) | Spicy (Cool) | 15 |
|
Mild おっとり |
|
Special Attack | Defense | Dry (Beauty) | Sour (Tough) | 16 |
|
Quiet れいせい |
|
Special Attack | Speed | Dry (Beauty) | Sweet (Cute) | 17 |
|
Bashful てれや |
None | None | None | None | 18 | |
|
Rash うっかりや |
|
Special Attack | Special Defense | Dry (Beauty) | Bitter (Smart) | 19 |
|
Calm おだやか |
|
Special Defense | Attack | Bitter (Smart) | Spicy (Cool) | 20 |
|
Gentle おとなしい |
|
Special Defense | Defense | Bitter (Smart) | Sour (Tough) | 21 |
|
Sassy なまいき |
|
Special Defense | Speed | Bitter (Smart) | Sweet (Cute) | 22 |
|
Careful しんちょう |
|
Special Defense | Special Attack | Bitter (Smart) | Dry (Beauty) | 23 |
|
Quirky きまぐれ |
None | None | None | None | 24 |
Thanks to Dragonair for writing this for us