Natu

Using Natu in a Playthrough

The Natu line develops into Xatu, a relatively fast Psychic/Flying special attacker whose combination of Psychic offense, Flying utility, and a Ground immunity gives it several useful story matchups. Natu evolves at level 25, after which Xatu's base 95 Special Attack and 95 Speed allow it to threaten slower Fighting-, Poison-, and Grass-type opponents before they can respond. Older generations are somewhat awkward because Xatu's Flying attacks were physical before the Generation IV physical/special split and therefore did not use its stronger Special Attack, while later games provide special Flying options such as Air Slash that fit its stats much better. Its typing supplies a particularly strong resistance to Fighting along with useful Grass and Psychic resistances, but weaknesses to Rock, Electric, Ice, Ghost, and Dark make Xatu much less forgiving when it is placed into the wrong matchup. From Generation V onward, a Hidden Ability Xatu can have Magic Bounce, reflecting many status moves and entry hazards back at their user, although Hidden Ability access is usually too restricted to assume during a normal playthrough.

Natu in Competitive Pokémon

Xatu's competitive identity changed dramatically with the introduction of Magic Bounce in Generation V. Before that point it was primarily a lower-tier Psychic/Flying attacker or support Pokemon, but Magic Bounce gave it the unusual ability to reflect hazards such as Stealth Rock and many disruptive status moves rather than merely absorbing them. This created legitimate niches even above Xatu's ordinary tier placement: in Black and White it appeared on OU and even Ubers teams specifically to deter hazard setters and stall-oriented opponents, while later generations continued to use it as an anti-hazard pivot with tools such as Roost, U-turn, Thunder Wave, screens, and Psychic or Flying STAB. Its base 95 Speed is useful for a support Pokemon, but 65/70/70 bulk is only modest and its Rock weakness is particularly ironic for a Pokemon often tasked with preventing Stealth Rock. Xatu therefore succeeds competitively because Magic Bounce gives it a rare strategic role, not because its raw stats are exceptional.

Natu in Nuzlockes

The Natu line can be a strong Nuzlocke specialist because Xatu's Speed, special offense, Ground immunity, and quadruple resistance to Fighting create several matchups in which it can enter battle with relatively little risk. Psychic STAB is especially valuable against Fighting- and Poison-type opponents, while later special Flying moves allow Xatu to take better advantage of its Special Attack than it could in the earliest generations. The danger is its long list of weaknesses and only average defenses: Rock, Electric, Ice, Ghost, and Dark coverage can turn an apparently safe battle into a sudden loss, and Xatu should not be used as a generic defensive pivot simply because it has useful resistances. Synchronize can punish certain opponents that inflict paralysis, poison, or burns, while Early Bird can reduce sleep duration; Magic Bounce is even stronger defensively when legitimately obtainable, but should not normally be assumed in a standard run. Used with matchup knowledge, Xatu is a valuable offensive and immunity-based switch option, but it rewards careful planning much more than blind switching.

Natu is a tiny, cautious bird Pokemon whose wings are too underdeveloped for true flight, forcing it to travel by hopping and climbing tree trunks. It normally forages on the ground or pecks at fresh tree shoots, and it can also harvest food from cactus plants while deftly avoiding their spines. Natu possesses prophetic abilities that appear to contribute to its nervous temperament, and it is easily startled despite its supernatural awareness. One of its strangest habits is fixing its gaze on an object or creature and continuing to stare until the target finally moves. Wild Natu are associated with forests, ruins, and other secluded environments where their small size and climbing ability allow them to forage safely.