Nature Mints in Pokémon: A Comprehensive Guide
There are 21 Nature Mints in the Pokémon world. Each mint corresponds to a different Nature, affecting the stats of your beloved Pokémon. These mints provide a fantastic way to customize your team for competitive battling or simply to optimize your Pokémon’s strengths.
Understanding Nature Mints
The Purpose of Nature Mints
In the Pokémon series, Natures play a crucial role in shaping a Pokémon’s stats. Each Nature, with a few exceptions, increases one stat by 10% and decreases another by 10%. This can significantly impact a Pokémon’s performance in battle. However, what if your Pokémon has a Nature that doesn’t suit its intended role? That’s where Nature Mints come into play!
Nature Mints were introduced as a mechanic to provide players with more control over their Pokémon’s stats. They don’t actually change the Pokémon’s underlying Nature but modify its stat growth to mirror the effects of the desired Nature. This means you can effectively re-spec your Pokémon without needing to catch or breed for a specific Nature.
How Nature Mints Work
Using a Nature Mint on a Pokémon will adjust its stats as if it had the Nature represented by the Mint. For example, if you use an Adamant Mint on a Pokémon with a Modest Nature, that Pokémon will now have its Attack stat increased and its Special Attack stat decreased, mimicking the effect of an Adamant Nature. It’s important to remember that the underlying Nature remains unchanged for breeding and berry consumption purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nature Mints
What are the specific names of all 21 Nature Mints?
The 21 Nature Mints correspond to the stat-altering Natures in the game:
- Adamant Mint: Raises Attack, Lowers Special Attack
- Bashful Mint: No Stat Change (Neutral Nature)
- Bold Mint: Raises Defense, Lowers Attack
- Brave Mint: Raises Attack, Lowers Speed
- Calm Mint: Raises Special Defense, Lowers Attack
- Careful Mint: Raises Special Defense, Lowers Special Attack
- Gentle Mint: Raises Special Defense, Lowers Defense
- Hardy Mint: No Stat Change (Neutral Nature)
- Hasty Mint: Raises Speed, Lowers Defense
- Impish Mint: Raises Defense, Lowers Special Attack
- Jolly Mint: Raises Speed, Lowers Special Attack
- Lax Mint: Raises Defense, Lowers Special Defense
- Lonely Mint: Raises Attack, Lowers Defense
- Mild Mint: Raises Special Attack, Lowers Defense
- Modest Mint: Raises Special Attack, Lowers Attack
- Naive Mint: Raises Speed, Lowers Special Defense
- Naughty Mint: Raises Attack, Lowers Special Defense
- Quiet Mint: Raises Special Attack, Lowers Speed
- Quirky Mint: No Stat Change (Neutral Nature)
- Rash Mint: Raises Special Attack, Lowers Special Defense
- Serious Mint: No Stat Change (Neutral Nature)
Where can I find Nature Mints in Pokémon games?
The availability of Nature Mints varies between games, but they are commonly found in shops after reaching a certain point in the story, such as obtaining a specific number of Gym Badges. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Nature Mints can be purchased at Chansey Supply shops after obtaining six Gym Badges. They can also be found through in-game events or as rewards for completing certain tasks.
How much do Nature Mints cost?
The cost of Nature Mints can also vary. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, each Mint costs 20,000 Poke Dollars. It is wise to use items like the Amulet Coin to increase the amount of money earned in trainer battles to afford these mints.
Do Nature Mints permanently change a Pokémon’s Nature?
No, Nature Mints do not permanently alter a Pokémon’s underlying Nature. They only change the stat distribution to mimic the effects of the chosen Nature. The original Nature remains the same.
Can I use multiple Nature Mints on the same Pokémon?
Yes, you can use multiple Nature Mints on the same Pokémon, but only one at a time. Each subsequent Mint will override the effect of the previous one, adjusting the stat distribution to match the new Mint’s corresponding Nature.
Do Nature Mints affect breeding?
No, because Nature Mints do not change the underlying Nature, they do not affect breeding. If you want to pass down a specific Nature, you must use an Everstone held by the Pokémon with the desired Nature.
Do Nature Mints affect which berries a Pokémon likes or dislikes?
Yes, berries are affected by the Pokémon’s true Nature, not the stat modifications from the Mint. When using Pinch Berries (Figy, Wiki, Aguav, Mago, or Iapapa), ensure that the Pokémon’s original Nature is taken into account to avoid confusion.
Do Nature Mints work on Level 100 Pokémon?
Yes, Nature Mints work on Pokémon of any level, including Level 100. The impact is identical regardless of the Pokémon’s level.
Do Nature Mints affect Individual Values (IVs) or Effort Values (EVs)?
No, Nature Mints do not affect IVs (Individual Values) or EVs (Effort Values). IVs are predetermined stats unique to each Pokémon, while EVs are earned through battling and influence stat growth. Nature Mints only alter the way those stats are distributed based on Nature.
What is the best strategy for using Nature Mints?
The best strategy is to first determine the optimal Nature for the Pokémon’s role in battle. Consider the Pokémon’s base stats, movepool, and the overall strategy you plan to use. Then, use the corresponding Nature Mint to optimize its stat distribution.
Are there any risks associated with using Nature Mints?
There are no inherent risks. However, it’s crucial to understand the effects of each Nature and how it will impact your Pokémon’s performance. Using the wrong Mint could inadvertently weaken your Pokémon.
Can I undo the effects of a Nature Mint?
You cannot undo the effects of a Nature Mint directly. You would need to use another Nature Mint to change the stat distribution to a different Nature.
What are some popular Nature choices for different Pokémon types?
Popular Nature choices often depend on the Pokémon’s strengths and weaknesses:
- Physical Attackers: Adamant (Attack up, Special Attack down), Jolly (Speed up, Special Attack down)
- Special Attackers: Modest (Special Attack up, Attack down), Timid (Speed up, Attack down)
- Defensive Pokémon: Bold (Defense up, Attack down), Calm (Special Defense up, Attack down)
Can Nature Mints be traded between players?
This depends on the specific Pokémon game. In some games, items like Nature Mints can be traded between players. Check your game’s specific trading rules and regulations.
Are Nature Mints beneficial for learning and teaching in gaming?
Absolutely! Nature Mints and the strategy involved contribute to cognitive skills such as planning, resource management, and critical thinking. The Games Learning Society explores such aspects of game-based learning. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org. The integration of strategic elements like Nature Mints in Pokémon makes the game a great example of how games can foster learning and skill development.
Nature Mints are a game-changer for Pokémon trainers. They offer the freedom to customize your team to its full potential, making them a valuable tool for both casual and competitive players.