You can change a Pokémon's nature using mints, but only its stat growth—not its actual nature

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced mints, items that let you alter how a Pokémon's stats grow without changing its nature value itself. If you use a Jolly Mint on a Pokémon with a Modest nature, its stats will grow as if it were Jolly (higher Speed, lower Special Attack), but the Pokédex will still show Modest as its nature. This matters because some competitive formats and certain in-game mechanics check the actual nature, not the stat pattern.

If you need to change the actual nature—the value that shows in the Pokédex and affects move preferences in Pokémon Legends: Arceus or other games—Scarlet and Violet do not offer a way to do that. You would need to catch or breed a new Pokémon with the nature you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Mints change how a Pokémon's stats grow but do not change the nature displayed in the Pokédex.
  • You can buy mints at the Pokémon Center in Mesagoza or find them in the overworld throughout Paldea.
  • Each mint costs 20,000 Pokédollars or can be found for free in specific locations.
  • Mints work on any Pokémon level 1 and up, and the stat changes take effect when ready.
  • If you need to change the actual nature value, you must catch or breed a Pokémon with the nature you want.

Where to buy or find mints

The easiest way to get mints is to buy them at the Pokémon Center in Mesagoza, the main city. Walk to the counter and select "Buy Items," then scroll to the Mints section. Each mint costs 20,000 Pokédollars. There are 25 different mints—one for each nature—so you can buy whichever one matches the stat pattern you want.

If you want to find mints without spending money, they are scattered across Paldea in the overworld. You can spot them as glowing items on the ground, usually near landmarks or in grassy areas. The locations vary, so exploring and checking your map markers will help you find them. Some players report finding mints near the Titan Pokémon locations or in caves.

How to use a mint on your Pokémon

Open your bag and go to the Mints pocket. Select the mint you want to use, then choose the Pokémon you want to explore it to. The mint is consumed when ready, and the Pokémon's stat growth pattern changes right away. You do not need to level up the Pokémon for the change to take effect—a level 5 Pokémon will grow with the new stat pattern from that point forward.

If you have already leveled a Pokémon to level 100, using a mint will not retroactively change its current stats. The mint only affects future level-ups. For a level 100 Pokémon, you would need to use a Hyper Training item or breed a new one with the nature you want.

The difference between mints and actual nature

A Pokémon's nature is a permanent value assigned when it is caught or hatched. It affects two stats: one increases by 10 percent, one decreases by 10 percent. A Jolly nature, for example, raises Speed and lowers Special Attack. Mints let you change which stats get the boost and penalty, but they do not change the nature itself.

This distinction matters in specific situations. Some Pokémon have nature-based move preferences in older games, and certain competitive formats may check the actual nature rather than the stat pattern. For most players using Scarlet and Violet, mints are enough—they let you optimize a Pokémon's stats without needing to catch or breed a new one.

When you might want to breed instead

If you are playing a game that checks actual nature—such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus, where nature affects move preferences—or if you want a Pokémon with a specific nature for competitive play in formats that care about the nature value itself, breeding is your only option in Scarlet and Violet.

To breed for nature, catch two Pokémon of compatible egg groups and place them in a Picnic together. The offspring will inherit the nature of one parent if you give that parent an Everstone to hold before breeding. This takes longer than using a mint, but it gives you the actual nature you want.

Mints work on any Pokémon, including legendaries

You can use mints on Legendary Pokémon, Paradox Pokémon, and any other Pokémon in your party. There is no restriction based on rarity or level. This makes mints especially useful if you caught a Legendary with a nature that does not match your battle plan—you can adjust its stats without needing to hunt for another one.

The same applies to Pokémon you receive as gifts or from trades. If a traded Pokémon has a nature you do not want, a mint fixes the stat growth when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do mints change the nature shown in the Pokédex?

No. The Pokédex will always show the original nature. Mints only change how the stats grow. If you need the actual nature value to change, you must breed or catch a new Pokémon.

Can I use a mint on a level 100 Pokémon?

Yes, but it will not change the Pokémon's current stats. Mints only affect future level-ups. For a level 100 Pokémon, you would need Hyper Training or a new Pokémon with the nature you want.

What if I use the wrong mint?

You can use another mint to change the stat pattern again. Mints are not one-time use—you can explore as many as you want to the same Pokémon. Just buy or find another mint and use it.

Are there mints for every nature?

Yes. There are 25 mints in Scarlet and Violet, one for each nature. You can buy any of them at the Mesagoza Pokémon Center for 20,000 Pokédollars each.