What is the best nature for Froakie and Greninja in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Natures are extremely important in Pokémon as they can completely change a Pokémon’s stats. Having the right nature can transform an average special attacker into a great one or a frail Pokémon into a bulkier one. Naturally, you’ll want to have the best nature possible for your newly acquired Froakie or Greninja in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Note: For more information about the game, check out our Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides and features hub.

The best nature for Froakie and Greninja in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Greninja is an all-around attacker with fantastic Speed but mediocre bulk. Its Water and Dark typing leave it weak to Bug, Electric, Fairy, Fighting, and Grass-type moves. In general, neither Froakie nor Greninja are especially bulky Pokémon and neither a change of nature nor even EV training is going to change that.

Due to Greninja’s lack of bulk, it is usually best to choose its nature based on its strengths. With base 95 Attack and base 103 Special Attack, you can build Greninja to be either a physical attacker or a special attacker. A Greninja optimized for Special Attack will hit slightly harder, but a Physical Attack Greninja could catch an opponent off guard.

You can change a Pokémon’s nature using mints purchased at Chansey Supply. Screenshot by PC Invasion

Given this, the best nature for Greninja is usually either Adamant for a Physical Attacker or Modest for a Special Attacker. Both of these natures allow Greninja to deal as much damage as possible without having to sacrifice any bulk. The only downside to these natures is that they force you to use one type of move, either Special or Physical.

Players who want to keep Greninja as a hybrid attacker will instead want it to have a Hasty nature. A Hasty nature raises Speed but lowers Defense. Although this nature makes Greninja extremely frail, it is also fantastic for revenge killing and out-speeding opponents. Hasty is arguably the best all-around nature for Greninja in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet if you want it to perform well in as many matchups as possible.

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet can be purchased on the Nintendo Store.