Natu Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Psychic is able to OHKO Mienfoo as well as Foongus and Timburr after Stealth Rock damage. Heat Wave is used to damage Steel-types that would otherwise wall Natu, such as Ferroseed, Magnemite, and Pawniard. Dazzling Gleam trades hitting Steel-types for hitting Dark-types such as Vullaby and destroys Scraggy, both of which are immune to Psychic. U-turn allows Natu to gains momentum for the team and pivot out of a bad matchup while doing some chip damage. Roost restores the HP taken from Life Orb recoil and other attacks and can play mind games with Sucker Punch users like Pawniard. Sucker Punch can be used instead as priority to hit faster Pokemon, such as Gastly, Abra, and weakened Choice Scarf users. Giga Drain is also an option to hit Water- and Rock-types like Shellder and Omanyte while recovering HP; however, it doesn't provide as much coverage as Natu's other moves. Set Details The EV spread optimizes Natu's offensive capabilities, inclining towards Special Attack due to Psychic being its primary attack. Life Orb gives Natu some much-needed power, as it increases the damage output of all attacks used at the cost of some HP; as such, 19 HP IVs or less are required to minimize the recoil damage taken from Life Orb. A Naive nature is used to maximize Speed while not hindering the power of U-turn and Sucker Punch. Magic Bounce is the only ability Natu should have, as it provides utility in blocking status moves, preventing Natu from being crippled by status ailments such as paralysis and sleep. Usage Tips Natu discourages the use of entry hazards from the likes of Onix and Dwebble when it is alive and can function as a lead to inhibit the thought of the opponent using them really early. However, it should use U-turn right away to switch out of all relevant Stealth Rock users other than Ferroseed, which it can beat if carrying Heat Wave, as it normally loses to them one-on-one. Onix is an exception, as it Speed ties with Natu, making it safer to just manually switch. U-turn is also a great move to use early-game, as it provides offensive momentum and deals chip damage against foes switching in on Natu for its teammates to KO later on. Natu's poor bulk doesn't allow it to take many unresisted hits, meaning that it should often be brought in on safe switches, such as from a slow U-turn or Volt Switch. However, if you predict that your opponent will use a status move, Natu can switch in to reflect the status back to the user, potentially crippling it or its team. Roost can also be used when predicting a switch to restore HP and to play mind games with Sucker Punch. Lastly, avoid keeping Natu on the field when the opponent has an Alolan Grimer or Pawniard, as they can easily Pursuit trap it. Team Options Diglett is an exceptional partner to Natu, as it can get rid of Alolan Grimer, Pawniard, Electric-types, and Rock-types, while Natu can pivot it in safely with U-turn. U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Chinchou, Magnemite, and Vullaby are able to bring Natu in safely and form VoltTurn cores. Fighting-types like Mienfoo and Timburr can dispose of Dark-, Rock-, and Steel-types, which can be troublesome for Natu. Alolan Grimer and Pawniard are able to Pursuit trap Ghost-types, which Natu is weak to. Pokemon weak to Fighting- and Poison-types, such as Carvanha and Snivy, benefit from Natu's ability to check these Pokemon. Shell Smash users such as Tirtouga and Dwebble are able to more easily set up and net many KOs thanks to Natu bouncing entry hazards back to the opposing side. Additionally, the aforementioned Pokemon, as well as Magnemite, especially appreciate entry hazards being cleared, as they otherwise break their Sturdy.

Moves Psychic hits Poison- and Fighting-types super effectively, such as Foongus, Timburr, and Mareanie. Roost provides a reliable form of recovery, which extends Natu's longevity. Heat Wave allows Natu to counter Ferroseed, dealing incredible damage to it, and it can also hit Pawniard on the switch. U-turn allows Natu to switch out while doing chip damage and provides offensive momentum. Thunder Wave can cripple faster Pokemon such as Gastly, Staryu, and Doduo on the switch, making them easier for Natu's teammates to handle. Set Details Magic Bounce is Natu's main niche and allows it to counter certain defensive Pokemon like Ferroseed and Foongus by bouncing back entry hazards and other status moves. 196 HP EVs maximize Natu's HP stat and, coupled with 156 Defense EVs and a Bold nature, allow Natu to take physical hits better—notably, it usually avoids the 2HKO from Ferroseed's and Croagunk's Knock Off. 36 Special Attack EVs are used to allow Natu to OHKO Mienfoo with Psychic and Ferroseed with Heat Wave after minimal chip damage. The rest are put into Special Defense to hit an Eviolite-optimal number and Speed to outspeed Croagunk and slow Mienfoo. Usage Tips Natu is used to primarily counter certain defensive Pokemon such as Foongus and Ferroseed, as its ability Magic Bounce prevents them from using status moves and entry hazards such as Spore and Stealth Rock against it while it can beat them with Psychic and Heat Wave, respectively. Natu also counters Croagunk, as it is able to switch into any of Croagunk's attacks and OHKO it with Psychic while also being able to provide offensive momentum with U-turn if these Pokemon decide to switch out into a counter. U-turn can also be used whenever Natu wants to safely bring in another Pokemon to set up or pressure an opposing Pokemon. With Magic Bounce, Natu discourages entry hazard setters like Onix and Ferroseed from using Stealth Rock and Spikes, and as such, Natu should be kept alive as long as the opponent can still use those Pokemon. Due to this, it can be used as a lead to prohibit the use of entry hazards of said Pokemon in the early turns and can KO Ferroseed with Heat Wave. It should, however, not stay in on most hazard setters such as Onix and Dwebble, since they beat Natu with super effective moves. Be especially careful of using Natu when the opponent has Alolan Grimer or Pawniard, as their access to Pursuit allows them to trap Natu and dispose of it. Natu is still quite passive and can be setup bait for Pokemon such as Vullaby and Scraggy, as they don't take much damage from its attacks. Lastly, Natu can use Thunder Wave on predicted switches to cripple the incoming foe, making it easier for Natu's teammates to handle. Team Options Fighting-types such as Mienfoo, Timburr, and Scraggy can check Dark-, Rock-, and Steel-types that can trouble Natu and appreciate Natu's ability to get rid of Poison-types like Croagunk and Foongus. Diglett is an amazing partner, as it is able to trap and KO most of Natu's checks and counters, such as Alolan Grimer, Pawniard, and Magnemite, while Natu can deter entry hazards and bring it in safely with U-turn. Water-types such as Chinchou, Corphish, and Shellder benefit from Natu's ability to counter Foongus and Ferroseed and pivot the Water-types in safely, with Chinchou being able to form a VoltTurn core with Natu. Sturdy users such as Tirtouga and Magnemite especially appreciate entry hazards being bounced back to the opposing side by Natu, as it prevents their Sturdy from being broken. Other Pokemon weak to Stealth Rock, such as Ponyta, Doduo, and Rufflet, are also helped by Natu being able to bounce entry hazards back. Dark-types such as Alolan Grimer, Pawniard, and Vullaby counter Ghost-types that can trouble Natu, with the first two being able to Pursuit trap them.

Moves Psychic is a STAB move that hits Poison- and Fighting-types for large amounts of damage. It also deals plenty of damage to anything that does not resist it. Heat Wave is a great coverage option for Ferroseed and Pawniard, which otherwise beats Natu. Dazzling Gleam is a good way for Natu to beat Dark-types such as Vullaby which are otherwise some of its worst matchups. Sucker Punch allows Natu to hit threatening Ghost-types such as Gastly, as well as Psychic-types such as Abra. It also helps to pick off weakened opponents. Giga Drain is a great coverage move that allows Natu to deal with some of its biggest threats, including Tirtouga, Omanyte, and weakened Chinchou. Roost is used for a steady source of recovery that improves Natu's longevity. Lastly, U-turn is used to gain momentum, while also hitting opposing Psychic-, Grass-, and Dark-types for decent damage. Set Details 196 Speed EVs allow Natu to hit 17 Speed, which is a highly valuable Speed tier. 196 EVs go into Special Attack to allow Natu to hit harder, and 116 EVs in Attack are used so that U-turn and Sucker Punch do respectable amounts of damage. Magic Bounce is the obvious ability, as it bounces back status moves that could stop a sweep. A Naive nature is good to both boost Speed while not lowering either offensive stat. Finally, Life Orb is used to hit hard, while 19 HP IVs are used to reduce Life Orb damage. Usage Tips Offensive Natu is not bulky, so it should not be switching into attacks often. Always switch in on predicted status moves. Use U-turn whenever you don't know what your opponent will do, as it allows you to gain momentum. Life Orb damage racks up quickly, so use Roost when you run low on health. As this Natu variant is frail, slow Volt Switch and U-turn users are good teammates to get it in. Chinchou has good type synergy with Natu, while Mienfoo resists Knock Off. Team Options Dwebble, Fletchling, and Houndour appreciate the protection from Stealth Rock, as they aren't very bulky. Shell Smash users, such as Omanyte, Dwebble, and Tirtouga, can also work as partners, as they appreciate having entry hazards removed. Natu can also deal with threatening Grass-types for these Pokemon. Ground-types such as Drilbur can beat problematic Electric-types for Natu. Diglett works especially well as it traps and can safely KO them. Other Pokemon that are weak to entry hazards and crippled by status benefit from Natu's presence.

Moves Roost is used for a steady source of recovery and to improve Natu's longevity. Psychic is a STAB move that hits Poison- and Fighting-types for lots of damage, as well as dealing plenty of damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Heat Wave is a great coverage option to hit Ferroseed and Pawniard, which otherwise beats Natu super effectively. U-turn is used to gain momentum and also to hit opposing Psychic-types for decent amounts of damage. Lastly, Thunder Wave allows Natu to spread status with no drawbacks, as it cannot be hit with Taunt or statused itself. Set Details The given EVs maximize HP for more mixed bulk and hit Eviolite numbers in Natu's defensive stats, and the remaining EVs are put into Special Attack and Speed for slightly more offensive presence. A Bold nature increases Natu's Defense, which helps it take hits. Magic Bounce is why Natu has a niche in Little Cup, preventing it from being hit with Taunt, or statused, as well as bouncing back entry hazards. Finally, Eviolite is the only item that should be considered on this set, as Natu needs the bulk. Usage Tips Natu can always switch in on a predicted status or hazard move, but it should be wary of attacks. It should never stay in on Dark-types, as they typically have the upper hand. Use Roost whenever you have the chance in order to replenish health to boost Natu's longevity, as while Natu is bulky, it can get worn down. When in doubt, use U-turn to gain momentum and switch into a good option to take care of your opponent. Thunder Wave anything that you need gone or that threatens your team. Good Thunder Wave targets include Pawniard, which might use Sucker Punch, and Fletchling, which poses a threat to lots of Pokemon on many teams. Team Options Natu provides plenty team support. Dwebble, Fletchling, and Houndour appreciate the protection from Stealth Rock, as they aren't very bulky. Shell Smash users such as Omanyte, Dwebble, and Tirtouga can be partners as well, as they appreciate hazards gone. Natu can also deal with threatening Grass-types for these Pokemon. Fighting-types work well with Natu, as they take care of troublesome Dark-types. Ground-types such as Diglett help to beat threatening Electric-types. Anything that is weak to entry hazards and crippled by status typically benefit from Natu's presence.

Moves Reflect and Light Screen provide bulk to Natu and its teammates, allowing them to set up. U-turn is for momentum, and it is a good way to get Natu's teammates in after setting up dual screens. Psychic is a good STAB move that is used so that Natu has at least some offensive presence. Wish can be used instead to provide recovery, and Natu can pass Wishes to its teammates via U-turn to ensure that they're at full health. Set Details Light Clay is best run here to increase the number of turns that dual screens will be up. This set is not meant to be offensive, as it is used just to set up screens while passively preventing entry hazards as well as providing Wish support. Magic Bounce is the obvious ability. The EV spread is used so that this Natu can be flexible when setting up dual screens. 196 Speed EVs are used so Natu can outspeed many Pokemon and get up screens reliably. 36 EVs are invested into Attack to give U-turn some power, while the rest of the EVs are put into HP and defenses to maximize Natu's bulk. A Jolly nature is used to raise Speed while lowering Special Attack. If you are using Psychic, you can put the 36 EVs into Special Attack instead of Attack and use a Timid nature. Usage Tips Switch Natu in on any status and hazards, but be wary of attacks. Set up dual screens to help teammates tank hits and pass Wishes. Use U-turn to gain momentum when you don't know what your opponent is going to do. Prediction is key on this set, so always predict switch-ins. Finally, always switch out of Dark-types such as Pawniard, as Natu can't do anything to them. Team Options Many Pokemon appreciate protection from entry hazards, and Natu works well to mitigate this issue for many Pokemon. Dwebble, Fletchling, and Houndour appreciate the protection from Stealth Rock, as they aren't very bulky. Shell Smash Pokemon such as Omanyte, Dwebble, and Tirtouga can be used as well, because they appreciate dual screens' protection as well as hazard blocking. Natu can also deal with threatening Grass-types for these Pokemon. Ground-types such as Drilbur can beat problematic Electric-types for Natu. Diglett works especially well as it traps and can safely KO them. Finally, anything that is weak to entry hazards and crippled by status can benefit from Natu's presence.

Natu can function as an effective Choice user with its good Speed and Special Attack stat. The choice between the items depends on what you're planning to do with Natu. Choice Specs allows Natu to hit as hard as possible, while Choice Scarf boosts its Speed to 25 - an excellent Speed benchmark to hit the Little Cup metagame. This ensures that Natu is not outpaced by the likes of Mankey and Houndour. Psychic and Heat Wave provide optimal coverage alongside each other, while Hidden Power Fighting deals with the pesky Munchlax. U-turn is the crux of the set, allowing Natu to escape from Stunky's grasp. Natu's STAB options are pretty mediocre to begin with, since there are a number of Pokemon that resist both Psychic- and Flying-type attacks. In the absence of a decent Flying-type option, Natu can only muster Psychic for its main STAB move, which allows it to strike Fighting-types for super effective damage, as well as Munchlax for a 3HKO. With Choice Specs equipped, Heat Wave will always 2HKO Bronzor on the switch -- a common switch-in to this set, with a 2.56% chance of OHKOing Bronzor with Stealth Rock down. Shadow Ball could be used over Heat Wave to hit Psychic-types for super effective damage, along with Bronzor for neutral damage. However, Bronzor and Steel-types in general are far more common than Psychic-types. Hidden Power Fighting is Natu's more reliable move against Stunky, as Heat Wave's accuracy is shaky. Hidden Power Fighting also smacks Munchlax much harder than Psychic would, as it deals 42.42% - 54.55% on standard Munchlax. The final slot is U-turn, and can used with both Choice Specs and Choice Scarf, as it allows Natu to escape from a possible Stunky trap. Natu pairs well with Substitute Diglett, as Natu can use U-turn on a predicted switch to Stunky or Munchlax and buy a free switch to Diglett, who can then use Earthquake to take them out. Substitute ensures Diglett won't die from Stunky's Sucker Punch. Natu also appreciates Stealth Rock support because it has a slim chance of OHKOing Bronzor with Heat Wave otherwise.

Natu's unique typing and access to dual screens allow it to become a valuable addition on any team that requires dual screens support. Despite its mediocre defensive stats, Natu boasts impressive resistances to Grass- and Fighting-type attacks, along with an immunity to Ground-type moves. This gives Natu an ample number of opportunities to set up dual screens on many Choiced Pokemon, with a particular emphasis on Fighting-types, in the metagame. Wish and U-turn make an excellent combo, as it allows Natu to Wish-pass with ease. Roost is optional if you prefer to heal yourself instantly. The basic idea of the set is to set up dual screens on a predicted switch-out by the likes of Mankey or Machop. After that, Natu can use U-turn to safely bring in a set-up Pokemon that appreciates dual screens support such as Dratini, Buizel, and Krabby. Natu also has Wish in its arsenal, and is one of the few Pokemon who can use Wish in conjunction with U-turn. With dual screens, Wish and U-turn, the next switch-in is almost bound to get at least a single boost in. If you're looking to focus on Wish alone, then Psychic could go over Light Screen or Reflect so Natu has a chance against Taunt users. Roost could go over Wish in order to heal off Natu's nasty weakness to Stealth Rock in one turn. Roost generally keeps Natu's health in mint condition and ensures Natu can set up dual screens once again in later stages of the match. Set-up Pokemon are the best offensive partners for Natu, as they can easily take advantage of eight turn dual screens on the field. Dratini is a prime example of a Pokemon who excels with dual screens support, as it can wreak havoc after getting two Dragon Dance boosts. Krabby gets a special mention as well because it can set up both Agility and Swords Dance with its already high Defense stat, in conjunction with Reflect and Light Screen support. Basically, any set-up Pokemon can fit in with this particular set because most set-up users benefit from dual screens support.

A Choice Band or a Life Orb helps Natu inflict damage from the physical side. While Natu's Attack stat isn't exactly superb, it does have a couple of physical moves to catch its typical counters off guard. For example, Stunky would suffer a 2HKO from Drill Peck while Munchlax will always fall under a 2HKO from Zen Headbutt. It's bittersweet that Natu doesn't even OHKO the two, but it still makes an excellent Stunky and Munchlax lure. U-turn allows it to scout the opponent. Zen Headbutt is the STAB of choice here, which can 2HKO Munchlax. The additional 20% flinch can come in handy at certain times. Sucker Punch is a nifty move to catch Gastly off guard. The third slot is a tough choice between Drill Peck and Pluck. Drill Peck is preferred on the Choice Band set if Natu is looking to grab the 2HKO on Stunky. However, Pluck is the better alternative with Life Orb. Pluck's special side effect allows it to steal the opponent's Berry. Natu could grab a possible Speed boost from Salac Berry, or restore some health with Oran Berry in the process. The final slot is for U-turn which helps Natu scout incoming switches. If you decide to run Life Orb over Choice Band, Heat Wave is the desirable choice over U-turn so Natu actually stands a chance against Bronzor. However, Natu would need a Naughty nature over Adamant in that case. Since Natu will lure in Munchlax and Stunky for the most part, Choice Scarf Gastly can take advantage of their removal from the match. Elekid makes a great partner as well due to its ability to sweep late game. Furthermore, Elekid can take advantage of Natu's ability to possibly steal Oran Berries, which makes Elekid's sweep significantly easier. Bronzor will always trouble this particular set even with Heat Wave, as Bronzor will eventually bypass Natu's mediocre defenses with Flash Cannon. Natu can't afford to waste its time trying to take down Bronzor with Heat Wave's unreliable accuracy, while Bronzor sets up. As such, Magby or Ponyta should be around to scare it off with their Fire-type moves. A defensive Gligar doesn't mind coming in on this set as well, and it can use a free turn to set up Stealth Rock or take Natu down with Stone Edge. Pair Natu with Wynaut in order to bring down Gligar with Counter or bring a Bronzor of your own to check Gligar.

Despite seemingly being outclassed due to Spoink's superior base stats and defensive utility, Natu has some key traits that allow it to carve out a niche as a Substitute and Toxic user. Psychic is a solid STAB-type with few checks in the tier. Notably, a super effective hit on Poison-types like Dustox and Grimer narrows the pool of Pokemon that can check Natu. Thanks to Natu's solid base 70 Speed, it can use Substitute in front of Pokemon that could tank a Psychic such as Spoink and Chinchou, while at minimum Speed tying Castform, which regularly does not fully invest in Speed. Toxic racks up damage on the many special tank checks to Natu like Castform and Lileep, particularly synergizing with Substitute due to the free turns it provides. Protect primarily allows Natu to stall more turns while the opponent is badly poisoned, but the extra turns of recovery from Leftovers and scouting it provides are appreciated as well. Hidden Power Grass is an alternative that allows Natu to immediately KO even specially defensive variants of Rhyhorn and pressure defensive Staryu without expending Psychic PP, although it becomes easier to force Natu out when it can't Protect to force additional Toxic damage. Maximum Speed and a Timid nature are used so that Natu can confidently outspeed Pokemon like Seaking, Chinchou, and Cyndaquil. 12 EVs HP are used to maximize Leftovers recovery, while the rest are dedicated to Special Attack. Both of Natu's abilities can be useful; Early Bird allows Natu to switch directly into Butterfree's Sleep Powder and wake up relatively quickly, while Synchronize can punish the very common Thunder Wave, Will-O Wisp, and Toxic at the cost of crippling Natu. Natu should be used on balance and offense teams which can take advantage of the pressure it applies, and Pokemon that serve as reliable switch-ins to faster attackers that threaten to OHKO Natu are ideal teammates. Spikes have excellent synergy with Natu, as the damage dealt to foes switching in combined with Toxic's increasing damage makes it very difficult to answer. Snorunt stands out as a Spiker with a strong offensive profile, although Pineco's Explosion can also get the ball rolling for Natu. Elekid sits in a nearly uncontested Speed tier, allowing it to clean up teams Natu has weakened and revenge kill targets like Pidgeotto and chipped Aipom. Swift Swim attackers like Horsea are similarly effective, running through teams once roadblocks like Chinchou and Bayleef have been put into KO range. Natu isn't powerful enough that it can threaten immediate KOs for offense teams, so other Pokemon that can such as Wailmer, Choice Band Aipom, and Seaking are great partners. Natu provides very little defensive utility, so it requires partners that can swap into attacks directed at it. Magnemite is a great partner, resisting many common Rock- and Normal-type attacks, keeping up offensive pressure, and even potentially trapping the other Steel-types that wall Natu. Koffing is another great pairing thanks to its mix of offense and defense. Its great physical bulk allows it to easily switch into unboosted physical attacks and threaten foes with Will-O-Wisp or its strong attacking movepool.