Base Stats
Abilities
Type Matchups
View full type chart →Damage multipliers vs. water / dark typing. Ability-based immunities (e.g. Levitate) are not included.
Forms · 4 variations
Evolution Line
Battle & Lore Hub
Battle Strategy
Ash-Greninja functions as a premier late-game cleaner and revenge killer that relies on securing a knockout to trigger the Battle Bond transformation. Once transformed, it uses its immense Speed and Special Attack to overwhelm opponents with boosted Water Shuriken and high-base power coverage moves.
Best Used In
Primarily excels in National Dex OU and Generation 7 OU, where it acts as a defining offensive threat and the premier 'Spikes' setter for hyper-offensive teams.
Strengths
- ›Highest Speed tier among unboosted common threats
- ›Priority Water Shuriken scales significantly after transformation
- ›Excellent dual STAB offensive coverage
- ›Unrivaled cleaning potential against weakened teams
Weaknesses
- ›Extremely frail with poor defensive utility
- ›Highly dependent on securing a KO to become viable
- ›Vulnerable to common priority moves like Mach Punch and Grassy Glide
- ›Hard-walled by specific defensive cores like Toxapex or Ferrothorn
Competitive Tips
- ›Equip Choice Specs to maximize immediate wallbreaking power and ensure the first KO.
- ›Utilize Spikes to chip down switch-ins like Tapu Fini or Assault Vest Magearna.
- ›Run Hydro Pump for raw power, but rely on Water Shuriken to bypass Choice Scarf users.
- ›Use U-turn on predicted switches to maintain momentum and chip checks into KO range.
- ›Avoid staying in against faster Electric-types like Tapu Koko unless they are in Shuriken range.
Recommended Teammates
Tapu Koko
Provides U-turn/Volt Switch support and pressures bulky Water-types like Toxapex.
Ferrothorn
Sets entry hazards to help Greninja reach KO thresholds and resists Electric/Grass moves.
Landorus-Therian
Provides Slow U-turn support for safe entry and handles Physical attackers.
Magearna
Acts as a pivot into Fairy-types and can weaken the opposing team with Fleur Cannon.
Heatran
Traps and removes passive walls like Chansey or Toxapex using Magma Storm.
Game History
Introduced in Generation 7 via a special Sun and Moon demo, Ash-Greninja was a dominant force in the SM OU tier. While its Battle Bond ability was reworked in Generation 9 to provide stat boosts instead of a form change, its legacy remains tied to its unique anime-inspired transformation.
Trivia
- ◆It is the only Pokémon whose appearance changes mid-battle based on the friendship lore of the anime.
- ◆Water Shuriken becomes a multi-hit move that always hits three times and increases in power after transformation.
- ◆The 'giant orange shuriken' on its back in the anime is represented in-game by the move's animation change.
- ◆Despite being a 'form,' it cannot be used in official VGC formats that ban 'Special' Pokémon.
- ◆Its design is based on a Japanese ninja (shinobi) and the concept of 'Kizuna' or the bond between trainer and Pokémon.
- ◆In Generation 9, the Battle Bond ability was nerfed to no longer change Greninja's physical appearance.
Moves · 81 total
Level-Up
16 movesTM / HM
61 movesMove Tutor
4 movesWhere to find· 6 games
X
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Y
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Omega Ruby
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Alpha Sapphire
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Ultra Sun
1 spot- •Poni Wilds
Ultra Moon
1 spot- •Poni Wilds