Modest nature pokemon is a popular topic because this Nature can make special attackers hit harder. When you check a Pokemon’s summary and see “Modest,” it means the stat growth favors Special Attack while lowering Attack. That is good for many Pokemon that use moves such as Flamethrower, Thunderbolt, Psychic, Shadow Ball, Moonblast, Surf, or Energy Ball.
However, this Nature is not the right choice for every build. Some Pokemon need physical Attack, while others need more Speed. So, before you choose it, you should understand what the stat change means and which moves work best with it.
In this guide, I’ll explain what Modest means, which Pokemon benefit from it, how to get the right Nature, and how it compares with Timid. This will help you build a stronger team for story mode, raids, and casual battles.
What Is Modest Nature in Pokemon?
In Pokemon, a Nature changes how some stats grow. A modest nature pokemon gains more Special Attack but loses some Attack. That makes it better with special moves and weaker with physical moves.
For example, moves like Psychic, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, and Shadow Ball use Special Attack. Moves like Earthquake, Crunch, Close Combat, and Iron Head use Attack. If your Pokemon mainly uses special moves, this Nature can be a strong option.
So, if you are asking what is modest nature in pokemon, the simple answer is: it is a Nature for special attackers. It increases the power of special moves while reducing physical damage.
Modest Nature Stats Explained
This Nature raises Special Attack and lowers Attack. In most mainline Pokemon games, a Nature increases one non-HP stat by 10% and decreases another non-HP stat by 10%. HP is not affected.
- Boosted stat: Special Attack
- Lowered stat: Attack
- Best for: Special attackers
- Weak for: Physical attackers
This is why it works well on Pokemon that rarely use physical moves. If a Pokemon does not need Attack, the downside feels small. At the same time, the Special Attack boost can make many battles easier.
Why Special Attackers Benefit From Modest Nature
Special attackers care about Special Attack more than physical Attack. When that stat is higher, their special moves deal more damage. This is the main reason players often choose this build style.
Gengar is a good example because it often uses Shadow Ball and Sludge Bomb. Gardevoir uses Psychic and Moonblast. Chandelure can use Flamethrower, Fire Blast, and Shadow Ball. These Pokemon do not need much physical Attack, so the downside is usually fine.
This is also why the phrase nature modest pokemon appears in many beginner searches. Players want to know if their Pokemon has a good stat setup, and for special attackers, the answer is often yes.
Best Pokemon for Modest Nature
The best choices are usually Pokemon with high Special Attack, and movesets focused on special damage. Here are some strong examples:
- Alakazam: Works well with Psychic-type special attacks and coverage moves.
- Gengar: Great with Shadow Ball, Sludge Bomb, and Thunderbolt.
- Espeon: A fast Psychic-type that can hit hard with special moves.
- Gardevoir: Strong with Moonblast, Psychic, and other special attacks.
- Chandelure: Has very high Special Attack and strong Fire/Ghost coverage.
- Sylveon: A good Fairy-type option for special damage.
- Charizard: Can use this setup when built around special Fire and Flying moves.
- Greninja: Can work with special moves, though some players prefer Timid for Speed.
These are not the only options. Many Pokemon can use this Nature well if their moveset focuses on Special Attack. Before you decide, check the Pokemon’s best stat and the move category it uses most.
When This Nature Is Not a Good Choice
Do not use this Nature on Pokemon that depend on physical Attack. For example, Garchomp, Dragonite, Tyranitar, Scizor, Gallade, and many Lucario physical builds usually need Attack to deal strong damage.
You should also be careful with mixed attackers. Some Pokemon use both physical and special moves. If you lower Attack, part of the moveset may become weaker. In that case, a neutral Nature or another offensive Nature may work better.
Speed is another thing to consider. This Nature does not make your Pokemon faster. If your strategy depends on moving first, Timid Nature may be better because it increases Speed while lowering Attack.
How to Get a Modest Nature Pokemon
There are several ways to get a modest nature pokemon, but the best method depends on the game you play. Older games often rely more on catching and breeding, while newer games make the process easier with Mints.
- Catch multiple Pokemon until one has the Nature you want.
- Breed with an Everstone to pass down Nature.
- Use Synchronize in some older games to influence wild encounters.
- Use a Modest Mint in newer games to change Nature-based stat effects.
Breeding a Modest Nature Pokemon with Everstone
Breeding is a classic method. In many Pokemon games, a parent holding an Everstone can pass its Nature to the egg. This helps when you already have the right parent and want the baby Pokemon to inherit the same stat pattern.
For example, if you are breeding a special attacker, give an Everstone to the parent with the desired Nature. Then keep hatching eggs until you get the ability, stats, and moves you want.
Using Synchronize in Older Games
In some older games, the Synchronize Ability can help players find wild Pokemon with a matching Nature. If the Pokemon at the front of your party has the Nature you want and Synchronize, wild encounters may have a better chance to match it.
This method changes by generation, so always check the rules for the game you are playing. Still, it is a well-known method for older Nature hunting.
Using a Modest Mint to Fix Stats
In newer Pokemon games, Mints are one of the easiest ways to fix stats. A Modest Mint makes the Pokemon’s stat effects act like this Nature: more Special Attack and less Attack.
This is useful if you caught a shiny Pokemon, legendary Pokemon, raid Pokemon, or a rare partner with the wrong Nature. Instead of catching another one, you can use a Mint and improve the stat effect quickly.
Modest Nature vs Timid Nature
Many players compare these two because both can work for special attackers. The difference is simple:
- Modest: Increases Special Attack and lowers Attack.
- Timid: Increases Speed and lowers Attack.
Choose Modest if you want more damage. Choose Timid if you need to move first. For casual gameplay, the extra power often feels better. For competitive battles, Speed can matter more because one turn can decide the match.
Best Moves for Modest Nature Builds
A modest nature pokemon should usually use special moves. Before you pick a move, check whether it is physical, special, or status. Special moves use the stat this Nature boosts.
Good special moves include:
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Thunderbolt
- Flamethrower
- Fire Blast
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Energy Ball
Try not to rely on physical moves such as Earthquake, Crunch, Iron Head, Dragon Claw, or Close Combat. Those moves use Attack, which this build lowers.
Is This Nature Good for Raids?
Yes, it can be good for raids when the Pokemon uses special attacks. Raid battles often reward serious damage, and more Special Attacks can help you clear battles faster. However, the best setup still depends on the raid boss, your Pokemon, and your full moveset.
For many casual raid builds, this Nature is easy to use because it focuses on damage. If the Pokemon does not need physical Attack, the lowered stat is not a big issue.
Common Mistakes with Modest Builds
Many beginners think that every positive Nature works for every Pokemon, but that is not true. A Nature only helps when it matches the Pokemon’s role.
- Using this Nature on a physical attacker.
- Choosing physical moves for a special build.
- Thinking it increases Speed.
- Using a Mint and expecting every displayed detail to change.
- Not checking the Pokemon’s best stats before training it.
The easiest rule is simple: if your Pokemon mostly uses special moves, this Nature can be good. If it mostly uses physical moves, choose something else.
Modest Nature Pokemon FAQ
What does Modest Nature do?
It is a Nature that increases Special Attack and lowers Attack. It is best for Pokemon that use special moves instead of physical moves.
Is it good for battles?
Yes, it is good for special attackers. It helps special moves deal more damage, but it is not good for Pokemon that rely on physical Attack.
Which Pokemon should use it?
Pokemon like Gengar, Alakazam, Espeon, Gardevoir, Chandelure, Sylveon, and some Charizard builds can use it well. The main point is that the Pokemon should focus on Special Attack.
How do you get this Nature?
You can catch many Pokemon, breed with an Everstone, use Synchronize in some older games, or use a Modest Mint in newer games.
Does it affect Speed?
No, it does not affect Speed. It boosts Special Attack and lowers Attack. If you want more Speed, Timid Nature may be better.
Can you change the stat effect?
In newer games, Nature Mints can change the stat effect. For example, a Modest Mint gives the same stat effect as this Nature.
Final Tips for Modest Nature Pokemon
Modest nature pokemon builds are useful when you want stronger special attacks. This setup works best on Pokemon that use special moves and do not need their physical Attack stat. It is simple, powerful, and beginner-friendly.
If you want more damage, this Nature is a great choice. If you need more Speed, compare it with Timid before deciding. The best answer depends on your Pokemon, moveset, and battle style.
For more official Pokemon information, visit the official Pokemon website. You can also check detailed Nature data on Bulbapedia and item information from Pokemon Database.
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- Best Pokemon Nature Guide for Beginners
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