Pokémon Emerald, a beloved entry in the Pokémon franchise, introduced a crucial element to Pokémon battling: Natures. Understanding Natures is key to building a powerful and competitive team. This guide will delve into the mechanics of Natures, exploring their effects and how to utilize them effectively in your Emerald gameplay.
What are Natures in Pokémon Emerald?
Natures are inherent traits that every Pokémon possesses from the moment it's hatched or caught. Each Nature boosts one stat while lowering another. This subtle yet significant modification can dramatically influence a Pokémon's performance in battle. For example, a Pokémon with a "Adamant" Nature will have increased Attack but decreased Special Attack. This system adds a layer of strategic depth, forcing trainers to carefully consider their Pokémon's Nature when building their team.
How do Natures Affect Stats?
Natures modify a Pokémon's base stats by a factor of 1.1 (10% increase) for the boosted stat and 0.9 (10% decrease) for the lowered stat. These changes are applied after the calculation of the base stats, individual values (IVs), and effort values (EVs). This means that even with perfect IVs and maxed EVs, a Nature still significantly impacts a Pokémon's final stats. This subtle percentage change compounds over time and through level-ups, making a well-chosen Nature invaluable.
Which Nature is Best for Each Pokémon?
There isn't a single "best" Nature for every Pokémon. The optimal Nature depends heavily on the Pokémon's stat spread, its movepool, and your desired battle strategy. A Pokémon reliant on physical attacks would generally benefit from a Nature that boosts its Attack stat, while a special attacker would thrive with a Nature boosting its Special Attack. However, consider the trade-off; that boosted stat gain comes at the cost of a lowered stat. For example, a Pokémon with naturally high Special Defense might still benefit from a Nature boosting Attack even if its Special Attack is lowered, as the slight reduction in the already high Special Defense has less impact.
What are the Different Natures in Pokémon Emerald?
There are 25 different Natures in Pokémon Emerald, each impacting a different pair of stats. A complete list is readily available through online resources and within the game itself through various in-game interactions. Remember, experimentation and understanding your Pokémon's strengths and weaknesses is crucial for selecting the right Nature.
How can I tell my Pokémon's Nature?
You can determine a Pokémon's Nature by checking its summary screen either in your party or your PC. The game will explicitly state the Nature and its effects.
Can I change a Pokémon's Nature?
No, you cannot directly change a Pokémon's Nature after it is determined. This adds to the importance of carefully choosing your Pokémon and breeding to get the desired Nature.
Is there a way to predict a Pokémon's Nature before hatching?
No, there's no guaranteed method to predict a Pokémon's Nature before hatching. Breeding and relying on chance remain the primary means of obtaining Pokémon with desired Natures.
Do Natures affect anything other than stats?
No, Natures solely affect a Pokémon's base stats. They do not influence other aspects like HP, type, or movepool.
By carefully considering the impact of Natures, trainers can significantly enhance their Pokémon's capabilities and dominate battles in Pokémon Emerald. Remember that understanding your Pokémon's strengths, its movepool, and the trade-offs involved in Nature selection are critical to building a successful team. Happy battling!
