Bold Nature: Stats and Best Uses
Bold is a defensive nature that raises Defense by 10% and lowers Attack by 10%. It is best for physical walls and support Pokémon that use special attacks or status moves instead of physical attacks.
What is Bold nature best for?
- Physical walls that do not need their Attack stat
- Defensive special attackers that must take contact moves
- Support Pokémon expected to switch into physical threats repeatedly
When not to use it: Avoid Bold when physical attacks are important to the set, including utility attacks whose damage still depends on the Attack stat.
Pokémon that can use Bold
- Toxapex teams can use special or status moves while maximizing its already strong physical defense.
- Slowbro teams often checks physical attackers and can deal damage from its Special Attack stat.
- Blissey teams has enormous natural special bulk, so Bold investment can address its much weaker Defense.
These are representative competitive examples, not universal prescriptions. A Pokémon's ideal nature depends on its moves, EVs, format, teammates, and intended matchups.
Bold compared with similar natures
When should you use a Bold nature?
Bold multiplies the final Defense stat by 1.1. That makes it a natural choice when a Pokémon's job is to absorb physical attacks, but the correct EV spread still depends on the exact attacks and damage ranges it needs to handle.
The Attack reduction is harmless only when the set truly does not rely on physical damage. Special attacks and status moves are unaffected, as are fixed-damage moves. If a wall uses physical attacks, Impish usually preserves its damage while providing the same Defense boost.
See the complete Pokémon nature chart, compare defensive matchups with the type chart, or browse defensive team examples.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Bold nature do?
Bold raises Defense by 10% and lowers Attack by 10%. It does not affect HP, Special Attack, Special Defense, or Speed.
Is Bold or Impish better?
Both raise Defense. Use Bold for a Pokémon that uses special or status moves; use Impish for one that uses physical moves.
Is Bold good for special attackers?
Bold can suit bulky special attackers when physical survivability is more valuable than a Special Attack or Speed boost. Fast or purely offensive special attackers usually prefer another nature.