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).

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
Hardy		None	None	None	None
Lonely		Attack	Defense	Spicy (Cool)	Sour (Tough)
Brave		Attack	Speed	Spicy (Cool)	Sweet (Cute)
Adamant		Attack	Special Attack	Spicy (Cool)	Dry (Beauty)
Naughty		Attack	Special Defense	Spicy (Cool)	Bitter (Smart)
Bold		Defense	Attack	Sour (Tough)	Spicy (Cool)
Docile		None	None	None	None
Relaxed		Defense	Speed	Sour (Tough)	Sweet (Cute)
Impish		Defense	Special Attack	Sour (Tough)	Dry (Beauty)
Lax		Defense	Special Defense	Sour (Tough)	Bitter (Smart)
Timid		Speed	Attack	Sweet (Cute)	Spicy (Cool)
Hasty		Speed	Defense	Sweet (Cute)	Sour (Tough)
Serious		None	None	None	None
Jolly		Speed	Special Attack	Sweet (Cute)	Dry (Beauty)
Naďve		Speed	Special Defense	Sweet (Cute)	Bitter (Smart)
Modest		Special Attack	Attack	Dry (Beauty)	Spicy (Cool)
Mild		Special Attack	Defense	Dry (Beauty)	Sour (Tough)
Quiet		Special Attack	Speed	Dry (Beauty)	Sweet (Cute)
Bashful		None	None	None	None
Rash		Special Attack	Special Defense	Dry (Beauty)	Bitter (Smart)
Calm		Special Defense	Attack	Bitter (Smart)	Spicy (Cool)
Gentle		Special Defense	Defense	Bitter (Smart)	Sour (Tough)
Sassy		Special Defense	Speed	Bitter (Smart)	Sweet (Cute)
Careful		Special Defense	Special Attack	Bitter (Smart)	Dry (Beauty)
Quirky		None	None	None	None

Thanks to Dragonair for writing this for us