Selecting the best nature for Empoleon is a pivotal decision for any competitive Water Steel type, as it dictates how effectively this regal Pokémon can control the pace of a battle. As the final evolution of the starter Piplup, Empoleon combines impressive base stats with a versatile movepool that allows it to function as both a powerful physical attacker and a supportive pivot. However, without the correct nature, even the most well-trained Empoleon can falter against faster threats or struggle to break through resilient opponents.
Understanding Nature Mechanics
In the complex formula that determines a Pokémon's statistical prowess, nature serves as a crucial modifier that can either enhance or hinder specific attributes. For Empoleon, which typically focuses on high Defense and Special Defense, the choice revolves around whether to prioritize its offensive capabilities or its resilience. A nature that increases a stat by 10% is balanced by one that decreases another stat by the same amount, forcing trainers to weigh the trade-offs carefully. This inherent limitation means that understanding Empoleon's role on the team is essential before locking in a final nature choice.
Optimizing for Physical Attack
The Adamant Nature
For players who utilize Empoleon as a physical sweeper or a robust wallbreaker, the Adamant nature is often the superior choice. By increasing the Attack stat while decreasing the Sp. Atk stat, Adamant maximizes the damage output of moves like Liquidation and Earthquake. This nature allows Empoleon to threaten opposing Water and Rock types that would otherwise wall its special attacks, making it a more unpredictable and dangerous pivot. The slight drop in Sp. Atk is rarely a concern for a Pokémon that typically relies on brute force rather than technical special sweeping.
The Jolly Nature
Speed is a critical factor in determining the success of a physical attacker, which is why the Jolly nature is frequently recommended for fast-paced metagames. By boosting Speed while lowering Sp. Atk, Jolly Empoleon can outrun key threats that normally pose a danger to slower Pokémon. This allows it to execute revenge kills or set up Stealth Rock without retaliation. The nature synergizes perfectly with a Timid or neutral nature from a teammate, creating a balanced offensive core that can apply pressure across the entire battlefield.
Optimizing for Defensive Utility
The Impish Nature
When deployed in a support or stall role, the Impish nature is widely regarded as the best nature for Empoleon. Impish increases Defense while decreasing Sp. Atk, which directly addresses Empoleon's greatest strength: its physical bulk. This nature allows the Pokémon to comfortably switch into physical attacks from threats like Gyarados, Excadrill, and opposing physical Water types. By tanking hits that would KO lesser Pokémon, Impish Empoleon can act as a reliable check, phazing opponents, or setting up critical hazards that turn the tide of battle.
The Relaxed Nature
An alternative to Impish for defensive builds is the Relaxed nature, which increases Defense while decreasing Speed. This nature is ideal for Trick Room teams or slower-paced environments where raw speed is irrelevant. A Relaxed Empoleon becomes an immovable fortress, capable of absorbing powerful physical assaults and retaliating with moves like Roar or Whirlwind. While the speed reduction can be a liability in standard formats, the enhanced durability is often worth the trade-off for teams designed to control the pace of the match.
Special Considerations and Final Recommendations
While the aforementioned natures cover the majority of use cases, trainers should also consider the Modest nature for specialized special attacking sets. Although Modest lowers Attack, the significant boost to Sp. Atk can turn Empoleon into a surprising special sweeper when paired with Life Orb or Choice Specs. Ultimately, the best nature for Empoleon is entirely dependent on the team composition and the metagame environment. By aligning the nature with the intended function of the Pokémon, players can ensure that Empoleon remains a formidable force in any battle.
