Harden is a Normal-type status move with no power or accuracy specifications, as it does not deal damage nor necessitate accuracy checks. When used, Harden boosts the user's Defense stat by one stage, making it more resilient against physical attacks. Commonly used by Pokémon with defensive roles, Harden helps to mitigate damage over the course of the battle. This move can be learned naturally by various Pokémon, often those with naturally high Defense stats, and is a staple in the movesets of many early-game Pokémon due to its simplicity and effectiveness in prolonging a Pokémon's longevity during fights.