DPP Ninjask (Concise)*

Xia

On porpoise
is a Contributor Alumnus
Status: Complete




[Baton Pass V1 (Classic)]

<p>Ninjask’s signature RSE set, geared towards Passing Speed and Attack increases, makes a comeback in the DPP metagame. Substitute is used to block status and provide Ninjask with the free turns it needs to boost its Attack, something very risky to try without a Substitute in play. Once Ninjask boosts its stats, it can Baton Pass them onto its teammates, or can try to net a quick KO first with your choice of STAB attack.</p>

<p>The EV spread allows Ninjask to reach 416 Speed, enough to outspeed everything this side of Electrode (who is rarely seen in OU play). The HP investment and Leftovers allows Ninjask to Substitute five times, equating to a guaranteed +5 Speed boost, thanks to Speed Boost. Max Attack adds bite to either X-Scissor (the more powerful, more useful option) or Aerial Ace (used to hit threats like Heracross and Breloom super effectively).</p>

<p>Though Ninjask has a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, its usage as a lead nullifies this hindrance. Therefore, Ninjask’s biggest concerns are common leads, like Infernape and Metagross, who have access to priority attacks. These priority attacks can be used to push Ninjask’s HP below 25% prematurely, cutting the number of Speed boosts Ninjask can Pass off significantly. Roar users also cause problems, forcing Ninjask out, along with its stat boosts. To combat these two threats, having appropriate Baton Pass recipients is ideal. Combating the lead threats is as simple as having a check to them, while bypassing phazers can be done through the move Ingrain (available only to Cradily and Smeargle) or abilities like Soundproof and Suction Cups that block phazing moves.</p>

[Baton Pass V2 (Pure Speed)]

<p>By exchanging Swords Dance for Protect, Ninjask sacrifices Attack boosts in favor of eliminating many of the strategies used to stop him from Baton Passing. Trick users who would have normally been able to outspeed and Choice Ninjask now find themselves locked into a move rendered useless by Ninjask's +1 Speed and a protective Substitute. Fake Out users, as well, have their opening strategies foiled by Protect.</p>

<p>The EV spread, as well, reflects a more defensive set &mdash the Speed investment allows Ninjask to outspeed common positively natured base 120 Speed Trick users; Defense EVs allow Ninjask to tank priority attacks much better (especially Ice Shards and Bullet Punches).</p>

<p>Since Ninjask isn't Passing Attack boosts, Pokemon with naturally high offensive capabilities are welcome additions. Pokemon like Heracross, Ursaing, Marowak, Porygon-Z, and Togekiss all welcome Speed increases to help them pull of a sweep. Defensively minded players wary of priority attacks should consider Lucario as a teammate; it resists both Bullet Punch and ExtremeSpeed, the most common priority attacks in the game.</p>

[Baton Pass V3 (Focus Sash)]

<p>Though more novel than the previous sets, Focus Sash Ninjask is able to Pass +2 Attack and +1 Speed without resorting to complex strategies. This works best as a lead, since previous damage will render Focus Sash useless. Swords Dance can be used on the first turn without fear of being OHKOed, allowing Ninjask to quickly Pass boosts. Focus Sash is ruined by sandstorm and hail, however, so Sunny Day is used to ensure Focus Sash saves Ninjask from Pokemon like Tyranitar, Hippowdon, and Abomasnow.</p>

<p>This set is very useful in Ubers, where Groudon and Kyogre exist to rid the field of sandstorm and hail. By adding one of these Pokemon, Ninjask can forego Sunny Day for Protect, netting it an extra Speed increase before Baton Passing.</p>

<p>Priority users are even bigger threats to this set than the others, as are Taunt users like Aerodactyl. The selling point of this set, however, is its suprise factor. Since many people expect a Substitute from Ninjask, getting a Swords Dance or two in is quite possible. Due to Focus Sash, defensive EVs aren't a necessity.</p>

<p>All Baton Pass recipients listed above are great teammates for this Ninjask, though physical attackers are prefered due to Swords Dance boosts. To combat the auto-weather inducers, adding Heatran is ideal, since Earthquake (commonly seen on Tyranitar and Hippowdon) won't be used against Ninjask, allowing Heatran to switch in with impunity.</p>

<p>Ubers partners should be Pokemon who benefit from Speed and can sweep fairly easily. Groudon and Deoxys-A fit this mold, as do Rayquaza, Giratina-O, Garchomp, and physical Dialga. The latter choices are able to sweep through most of the metagame with powerful Dragon-type attacks.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Though Ninjask enjoys Rapin Spin support when not being used as a lead, it doesn't necessarily need teammates to effectively perform its job; the main Pokemon Ninjask is concerned with is who it is Passing its boosts to. Slow, powerful Pokemon like Marowak, Tyranitar, and Rhyperior greatly enjoy the Speed increases Ninjask provides, though Steel-type priority (aka Bullet Punch) will wreck the latter two. Heracross and Ursaring are great options with powerful base 120+ STAB attacks. Basically anything that enjoys having its Speed stat increased will enjoy being paired up with Ninjask, provided they do not share common weaknesses.</p>

<p>Phazers are problematic for Ninjask, so having an answer to them is ideal. Magnezone takes care of Skarmory lacking Shed Shell and Explodes on troublesome Pokemon, like Swampert and Hippowdon, assuming Magnezone doesn't switch in directly. Having Ingrain Passed to Ninjask from Smeargle is the most permanent solution, since it carries through the Baton Pass chain. Pokemon with helpful abilities, like Soundproof and Suction Cups, are also useful in keeping stat boosts from being erased. The ever-present Taunt is also greatly appreciated, as it stops Stealth Rock, Haze, enemy stat-boosters, and phaze moves all at once.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Adding pinch Berries, like Petaya and Liechi, to Ninjask's sets is viable, adding another potential boost to the Baton Pass chain (and provide Ninjask with a way to suppliment special attackers). Giving Ninjask a Choice Band could provide you with a gimmicky revenge killer, though Ninjask's offensive stats are still lacking. As for a sweeping set, adding Night Slash and Dig could work, though Ninjask's limited movepool and Attack make anything outside of Baton Passing difficult. Roost sounds good on paper, but the lack of defenses makes using it obsolete. Sand Attack and Screech could help Ninjask, though the prediction needed and amount of time Ninjask would remain on the unprotected, makes them lesser options.</p>

[Opinion]

<p>Ninjask is the resident Baton Passer in OU. It is unmatched in ease of use and overall effectiveness when used correctly, though it doesn't excel at much else. Though its horrid defenses means it's only useful as a support option, Ninjask is your way of making Marowak, Rampardos, and other slow, offensive juggernauts viable in the upper tiers.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Since Ninjask tends to hide behind a Substitute and Baton Passes at the first sign of danger, some strategy is needed to exploit his pathetic defenses. Stealth Rock takes away 50% of its HP when it switches in, making Stealth Rockers with phazing moves ideal counters. Residual damage from weather effects is also useful in breaking Focus Sashes.</p>
 
<p>Haze and phaze Pokemon are ideal candidates to erase the stat boosts Ninjask tries to Pass, though Hazers should still be wary of the possibility of Ninjask Passing a Substitute. Intimidate also does a good job of ruining Ninjask's strategy. Taunt can hit through a Substitute, crippling Ninjask long enough to allow for a clean KO. Trickers, such as Jirachi and Gengar, deserve mention as the easiest way to stop Ninjask not utilizing Protect. Though rare, Trick Room is also an effective strategy to counter Ninjask.</p>
 
<p>Priority attacks, especially Ice Shard, will decimate Ninjask. A combination of Fake Out + priority is ideal, since many Ninjask are equipped with Focus Sash. Other useful priority attacks are ExtremeSpeed, Mach Punch, and Vacuum Wave. Take note of the fact that V2 can tank priority attacks long enough to Pass away a +1 Speed boost.</p>
 
Still a WIP.




[Baton Pass V1 (Classic)]

<p>Ninjask’s signature RSE set, geared towards passing Speed and Attack increases, makes a comeback in the DPP metagame. Substitute is used to block status and provide Ninjask with the free turns it needs to boost its Attack, something very risky to try without a Substitute in play. Once Ninjask boosts its stats, it can Baton Pass them onto its teammates, or can try to net a quick KO first with your choice of STAB attack.</p>

<p>The EV spread allows Ninjask to reach 416 Speed, enough to outspeed everything this side of Electrode (who is rarely seen in OU play). The HP investment and Leftovers allows Ninjask to Substitute five times, equating to a guaranteed +5 Speed boost, thanks to Speed Boost. Max Attack adds bite to either X-Scissor (the more powerful, more useful option) or Aerial Ace (used to hit threats like Heracross and Breloom super effectively).</p>

<p>Though Ninjask has a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, its usage as a lead nullifies this hindrance. Therefore, Ninjask’s biggest concerns are common leads, like Infernape and Metagross, who have access to priority attacks. These priority attacks can be used to push Ninjask’s HP below 25% prematurely, cutting the number of Speed boosts Ninjask can pass off significantly. Roar users also cause problems, forcing out Ninjask and its stat boosts. To combat these two threats, having appropriate Baton Pass recipients is ideal. Combating the lead threats is as simple as having a check to them, while bypassing phazers can be done through the move Ingrain (available only to Cradily and Smeargle) or abilities like Soundproof and Suction Cups that block a phazing moves.</p>

[Baton Pass V2 (Pure Speed)]

<p>By exchanging Swords Dance for Protect, Ninjask sacrifices Attack boosts in favor of eliminating many of the strategies used to stop him from Baton Passing. Trick users who would have normally been able to outspeed and Choice Ninjask now find themselves locked into a move rendered useless by Ninjask's +1 Speed and a protective Substitute. Fake Out users, as well, have their opening strategies foiled by Protect.</p>

<p>The EV spread, as well, reflects a more defensive set &mdash the Speed investment allows Ninjask to outspeed common positively natured base 120 Speed Trick users; Defense EVs allow Ninjask to tank priority attacks much better (especially Ice Shards and Bullet Punches).</p>

<p>Since Ninjask isn't passing Attack boosts, (remove having) Pokemon with naturally high offensive capabilities are welcome additions. Pokemon like Heracross, Ursaing, Marowak, Porygon-Z, and Togekiss all welcome Speed increases to help them pull of a sweep. Defensively minded players wary of priority attacks should consider Lucario as a teammate; it resists both Bullet Punch and ExtremeSpeed, the most common priority attacks in the game.</p>

[Baton Pass V3 (Focus Sash)]

<p>Though more novel than the previous sets, Focus Sash Ninjask is able to pass +2 Attack and +1 Speed without resorting to complex strategies. This works best as a lead, since previous damage will render Focus Sash useless. Swords Dance can be used on the first turn without fear of being OHKOed, allowing Ninjask to quickly pass boosts. Focus Sash is ruined by sandstorm and hail, however, so Sunny Day is used to ensure Focus Sash saves Ninjask from Pokemon like Tyranitar, Hippowdon, and Abomasnow.</p>

<p>This set is very useful in Ubers, where Groudon and Kyogre exist to rid the field of sandstorm and hail. By adding one of these Pokemon, Ninjask can forego Sunny Day for Protect, netting it an extra Speed Boost before Baton Passing.</p>

<p>Priority users are even bigger threats to this set than the others, as are Taunt users like Aerodactyl. The selling point of this set, however, is its surprise factor. Since many people expect a Substitute from Ninjask, getting a Swords Dance or two in is quite possible. Due to Focus Sash, defensive EVs aren't a necessity.</p>

<p>All Baton Pass recipients listed above are great teammates for this Ninjask, though physical attackers are prefered due to Swords Dance boosts. To combat the auto-weather inducers, adding Heatran is ideal, since Earthquake (commonly seen on Tyranitar and Hippowdon) won't be used against Ninjask, allowing Heatran to switch in with impunity.</p>

<p>Uber partners should be Pokemon who benefit from Speed and can sweep fairly easily. Groudon and Deoxys-A fit this mold, as do Rayquaza, Giratina-O, Garchomp, and physical Dialga. The latter choices are able to sweep through most of the metagame with powerful Dragon-type attacks.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Though Ninjask enjoys Rapin Spin support when not being used as a lead, it doesn't necessarily need teammates to effectively perform its job; the main Pokemon Ninjask is concerned with is who it is passing its boosts to. Basically anything that enjoys having its Speed stat increased, and sometimes its Attack stat, will enjoy being paired up with Ninjask, provided they do not share common weaknesses.</p>

<p>Phazers are problematic for Ninjask, so having an answer to them is ideal. Magnezone takes care of Skarmory lacking Shed Shell and Explodes on troublesome Pokemon like Swampert and Hippowdon, assuming it doesn't switch in directly. Having Ingrain passed to Ninjask from Smeargle is the most permanent solution, since it carries through the Baton Pass chain. Pokemon with helpful abilities, like Soundproof and Suction Cups, are also useful in keeping stat boosts from being erased. The ever-present Taunt is also greatly appreciated, as it stops Stealth Rock, Haze, enemy stat-boosters, and phaze moves all at once.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Adding pinch Berries, like Petaya and Liechi, to Ninjask's sets is viable, adds another potential boost to the Baton Pass chain (and provides Ninjask with a way to suppliment special attackers). Giving Ninjask a Choice Band could provide you with a gimmicky revenge killer, though Ninjask's offensive stats are still lacking. As for a sweeping set, adding Night Slash and Dig could work, though Ninjask's limited movepool and Attack make anything outside of Baton Passing difficult. Roost sounds good on paper, but the lack of defenses makes using it obsolete. Sand Attack and Screech could help Ninjask, though the prediction needed and the amount of time Ninjask would remain unprotected make them lesser options.</p>

[Opinion]

<p>Ninjask is the resident Baton Passer in OU. It is unmatched in ease of use and overall effectiveness when used correctly, though it doesn't excel at much else.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Since Ninjask tends to hide behind a Substitute and Baton Passes at the first sign of danger, some strategy is needed to exploit his pathetic defenses. Stealth Rock takes away 50% of its HP when it switches in, making Stealth Rockers with phazing moves ideal counters. Residual damage from weather effects is also useful in breaking Focus Sashes.</p>
 
<p>Phazing Pokemon are ideal candidates to erase the stat boosts Ninjask tries to pass, though Hazers should still be wary of the possibility of Ninjask passing a Substitute. Intimidate also does a good job of ruining Ninjask's strategy. Taunt can hit through a Substitute, crippling Ninjask long enough to allow for a clean KO. Trickers, such as Jirachi and Gengar, deserve mention as the easiest way to stop Ninjask not utilizing Protect. Though rare, Trick Room is also an effective strategy to counter Ninjask.</p>
 
<p>Priority attacks, especially Ice Shard, will decimate Ninjask. A combination of Fake Out + priority is ideal, since many Ninjask are equipped with Focus Sash.Other useful priority attacks are ExtremeSpeed, Mach Punch, and Vacuum Wave. Take note of the fact that V2 can tank priority attacks long enough to Pass away a +1 Speed boost.</p>
 

Xia

On porpoise
is a Contributor Alumnus
Thank you for that DJX09; if I didn't include one of your edits it's most likely because it was grammatically incorrect (such as the it's/its correction you gave me).
 
Thank you for that DJX09; if I didn't include one of your edits it's most likely because it was grammatically incorrect (such as the it's/its correction you gave me).
Yeah. I'm a bit tired. My bad. I think the other ones are good though.

Edit: I fixed it.
 

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