[OVERVIEW]
Greninja's stats may seem mediocre, but much like any accomplished ninja, it's second to none at assassination thanks to a wide variety of unique tools! The most prominent of these tools is its ability Protean, which functionally gives it STAB on every attack in the game, more than making up for its mediocre offenses. Greninja isn't limited to just type changing shenanigans, as it is also the best user of the ability Torrent in Battle Spot Singles, being able to annihilate most offensive Pokemon with a Torrent-boosted Hydro Vortex from Hydro Cannon. Combine this with Greninja's incredible Speed stat, which allows it to outspeed Naganadel and Mega Salamence, and this puts the silent assassin among the deadliest offensive threats in the metagame!
Greninja may be a deadly offensive threat, but it has very lackluster defensive stats that make it very difficult to switch in. Even with Protean or Torrent making up for Greninja's low offensive stats, it still misses out on important KOs against Pokemon it hits for neutral damage and doesn't do particularly well against stall teams, meaning Greninja is a Pokemon that should not be used recklessly.
[SET]
name: Protean Sweeper
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Water Shuriken
move 3: Dark Pulse / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Gunk Shot / Scald / Hydro Pump
item: Focus Sash / Waterium Z / Life Orb
ability: Protean
nature: Naive / Timid
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam is a fantastic option on Greninja, letting it KO many prominent threats such as Landorus-T, Naganadel, Mega Salamence, and Thundurus-T. Water Shuriken is a good priority move that has the potential to do a lot of damage due to its multi-hit nature. It helps Greninja pick off weakened Blaziken, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Excadrill, and other offensive threats. Dark Pulse is the best shot Greninja has against Aegislash and Mega Metagross. It also prevents Cresselia from walling Greninja, and the flinch chance can come in handy. If Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor are serious problems, Hidden Power Fire can be used to deal with them. Hidden Power Fire is also notable for allowing a healthy Greninja to survive any attack a Focus Sash Kartana throws at it thanks to Protean.
For the last slot, going mixed with Gunk Shot can be a good choice for OHKOing Tapu Lele, 2HKOing Tapu Fini, and blasting the less common Water / Fairy types, Azumarill and Primarina. Scald is a reliable Water-type attack, while Hydro Pump is a riskier, more powerful option that should be used with Waterium Z. Surf works as a mid-way option between the two if Scald's burn chance isn't appealing for the team. Finally, if using Focus Sash, Rock Tomb is a reasonable choice to give Greninja some speed control and a way to deal serious damage to Charizard formes and Volcarona.
Set Details
========
This Greninja set is extremely customizable, so using specific moves or items to cover team weaknesses is worthy of consideration. Focus Sash can have the most devastating potential consequences, making Greninja an excellent lead that can pressure common foes such as Landorus-T thanks to surviving at least one attack from them. Alternatively, Life Orb gives Greninja a significant boost in damage. For example, Dark Pulse has a 75% shot of OHKOing Mega Metagross with Stealth Rock up, Hydro Pump now 2HKOes Assault Vest Tyranitar, and Gunk Shot OHKOes offensive Tapu Fini after Stealth Rock damage. Waterium Z also works well if using Hydro Pump to give Greninja a powerful Water-type STAB attack with Hydro Vortex. If using only special attacks and a Timid nature, put the remaining 4 EVs in Special Defense to survive offensive Mega Gengar's Sludge Bomb.
Usage Tips
========
This Greninja is best used mid- or late-game, since missing out on a KO can lead to disaster. Since this is one of Greninja's most unpredictable sets, you can easily force out Pokemon that are weak to its common moves, such as Ice Beam, and predict the switch to gain an edge by using Greninja's less common moves such as Hidden Power Fire and Grass Knot. Greninja's knack for forcing switches also makes it a good candidate to double switch with.
With a Focus Sash, using Greninja early in the game becomes a much more feasible task. Since Greninja excels in at forcing switches, consider predicting its switch-in and using an appropriate move.
Team Options
========
Since Greninja is frail, Pokemon with U-turn and Volt Switch are a great way to get it in unharmed. Landorus-T is an excellent choice with diverse options, being able to play a supportive role to set up Stealth Rock, use Assault Vest to sponge hits from Tapu Koko, or even run Knock Off to punish Porygon2 switch-ins for Greninja. Rotom-H is another great choice, as it's a good check to Tapu Koko and can use Trick to scare off Porygon2. Landorus-T and Rotom-H are also notable for underspeeding a wide variety of threats that Greninja can punish, but faster options, such as Tapu Koko and Thundurus-T, are also good choices.
While most offensive Pokemon appreciate chip damage, it is key to Greninja's success as a cleaner rather than just a revenge killer. Stealth Rock support from bulky setters such as Landorus-T is the easiest way to achieve this, and Pokemon that can help against Tapu Koko and Choice Scarf Electric-types such as Thundurus-T are particularly good choices. Good examples include Hippowdon, which is notable for kicking up a Sandstorm to rack up even more residual damage, and Ferrothorn, which does an excellent job at defeating Tapu Koko that lack Hidden Power Fire.
[SET]
name: Substitute + Torrent
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Hydro Cannon
move 3: Water Shuriken
move 4: Ice Beam / Dark Pulse
item: Waterium Z
ability: Torrent
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This Greninja attempts to bust through bulky foes with powerful Torrent-powered attacks. Substitute is the key to this tactic, safely whittling Greninja's HP into the one-third range for Torrent to activate. Hydro Cannon, when paired with Waterium Z and a Torrent boost, becomes an extremely powerful attack. Even foes that resist Hydro Vortex, such as Ferrothorn and Tapu Fini, will take over 50% from it! Additionally, Hydro Vortex also assassinates Blaziken through its Protect after Stealth Rock damage, thus removing its ability to revenge kill Greninja easily. Water Shuriken further accentuates Greninja's power against Blaziken, KOing Mega Blaziken after a Hydro Vortex through its Protect, in addition to picking off weakened threats. Ice Beam deals massive damage to Mega Salamence, Naganadel, Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Serperior. Dark Pulse is a secondary STAB attack that does good damage to Aegislash and has a chance to make the foe flinch.
Set Details
========
Greninja should always have Waterium Z, which makes Hydro Cannon less risky. 4 Special Defense EVs are needed to allow Greninja to survive a Sludge Bomb from offensive Mega Gengar. A Timid nature lets Greninja outspeed Mega Salamence and Naganadel.
Usage Tips
========
The general idea is to use Substitute three times against offensive Pokemon, which will put Greninja into Torrent's range. Using Hydro Vortex from Hydro Cannon is the best option when in Torrent range in most cases. While Hydro Vortex is extremely powerful when boosted by Torrent, some bulkier switch-ins to Greninja such as Ferrothorn will still survive it, so it's usually best to save Greninja for mid- or late-game, when such threats are in KO range.
With Torrent, Hydro Canon on its own is still very powerful. When using this move, make sure setup sweepers are either gone or easily checked by your team, or you'll be severely punished due to the recharge turn. Regardless, expect to lose Greninja the next turn if this doesn't end the match.
Team Options
========
Users of U-turn and Volt Switch are extremely useful to Greninja, since not only do these moves help scout your opponent's team to determine when to set up a Substitute more easily, they also get Greninja in safely. Good examples of such Pokemon that pair well with Greninja include Landorus-T, Rotom-H, Thundurus-T, Zapdos, and Scizor.
It is a good idea to have checks to bulky Water-types such as Tapu Fini, and Ferrothorn and Snorlax in particular even though Hydro Vortex hits them hard. Thundurus-T hits Tapu Fini hard and smashes Ferrothorn with Focus Blast while helping against Tapu Koko, a potential revenge killer. Mega Charizard X and Y and Blaziken do well against Ferrothorn, deal massive damage to Snorlax, and have ways around Tapu Fini. If bulky Water-types are especially problematic, Tapu Bulu can be used, as it does well against Tapu Fini and Mega Gyarados and can deal heavy damage to Snorlax.
[SET]
name: Torrent + Focus Sash
move 1: Scald / Surf
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Water Shuriken
move 4: Ice Beam / Dark Pulse / Toxic
item: Focus Sash
ability: Torrent
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Unlike other Focus Sash Greninja sets, this set focuses on Greninja's ability to disrupt opposing leads. Taunt is an excellent way to stop the opponent's gameplans such as setting up Stealth Rock or Trick Room, coming in handy later to stop other Pokemon from setting up. Greninja needs a reliable Water-type STAB attack to use when Torrent is activated, and Scald is a perfect fit with the bonus of potentially burning targets. Surf is also a reasonable option, as it is slightly more powerful and does not interfere with status from teammates. Water Shuriken is a useful priority attack that can easily pick off lead Blaziken after a hit from Scald as well as let Greninja sweep late-game when Torrent would be activated.
The last moveslot is team specific. Ice Beam is useful for hitting Dragon-types like Mega Salamence, Naganadel, and Garchomp hard and does good damage to Breloom and Serperior. Dark Pulse is a reliable STAB attack that has a chance to make opposing Pokemon flinch and isn't affected by Mega Charizard Y's sun. Finally, Toxic may seem strange, but it's useful for crippling bulky switch-ins such as Porygon2 and Snorlax.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature with maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed is needed to outspeed major threats such as Mega Salamence and Naganadel and deal as much damage as possible. Since this Greninja usually focuses on using its STAB attacks, Torrent is a better option than Protean to take advantage of boosted Water-type attacks when Greninja is low on health.
Usage Tips
========
This Greninja is best used early-game, since Focus Sash will allow it to survive an attack and it does a great job at stopping teams from executing their early-game plans with Taunt. However, Greninja doesn't need to be sacrificed early-game, since, with Torrent, it has the potential to sweep offensive teams late-game, especially if Stealth Rock isn't up on your side. However, note that due to its lower coverage in comparison to Protean Greninja, this Greninja isn't as effcient at late-game sweeping.
Team Options
========
Consider Pokemon that benefit from Stealth Rock being off the field, since this Greninja prevents it early-game, as well as setup sweepers that benefit from bulky Pokemon being Taunted. Volcarona is an excellent example — it can easily set up Quiver Dance with Stealth Rock off the field and bulky foes such as Porygon2 and Hippowdon unable to inflict it with status or phaze it due to Taunt. Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y are also reasonable options, but note that Mega Charizard Y's sun will weaken Greninja's Water-type moves. Mega Salamence is an especially notable option, since this Greninja can cripple Porygon2 with Toxic. Landorus-T, having little issue with Stealth Rock can also work well here due to Greninja crippling common checks to it.
[SET]
name: Physically Based Choice Scarf
move 1: Gunk Shot
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Rock Slide / Rock Tomb
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Protean
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Choice Scarf may seem strange on such a fast Pokemon, but it allows Greninja to revenge kill many prominent speedy Pokemon, such as Tapu Koko, and Pokemon that boost their Speed, such as Naganadel, Volcarona, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Salamence. Gunk Shot hits Fairy-types that would otherwise wall Greninja, such as Tapu Fini, and OHKOes Tapu Lele and Tapu Koko. Ice Beam allows Greninja to effectively revenge kill Landorus-T and Dragon-types. U-turn gives Greninja a way to break Mimikyu's Disguise without putting itself in danger and can work well when leading. Rock Slide allows Greninja to revenge kill Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y, deal massive damage to Mega Charizard X, and 2HKO Araquanid switch-ins. Rock Tomb is less powerful than Rock Slide, but its speed control can be useful.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Attack EVs are needed so Greninja can revenge kill its targets. A Naive nature is preferred, since this Greninja needs Ice Beam to KO Dragon-types and it leaves Greninja less vulnerable to priority attacks compared to a Hasty nature. Protean is required because Greninja's attacks are fairly weak without a STAB boost.
Usage Tips
========
Using U-turn early-game gives Greninja increased scouting potential, making it an excellent lead. Its increased Speed also makes Greninja a great revenge killer of Speed-boosting threats such as Mega Salamence, Mega Charizard Y, Volcarona, and Naganadel. Since this Greninja uses Choice Scarf and is physically based, bulky Pokemon, such as Porygon2, Chansey, and Ferrothorn are massive problems for it, so consider benching it when facing stall teams.
Team Options
========
Stealth Rock support helps ensure that Greninja does not miss KOing important threats like Naganadel. Good, bulky candidates include Landorus-T, Hippowdon, and Ferrothorn, but more offensive setters such as Garchomp can also work.
Defensive Pokemon that often show up outside of stall teams, such as Porygon2 and Ferrothorn, are also big issues for this Greninja, and Kartana is more threatening than usual due to this Greninja's focus on physical attacks. These factors make Mega Charizard X an excellent teammate, since it easily sets up on Ferrothorn, forces out Kartana that lack Giga Impact, and also takes pressure off Greninja to surprise Tapu Koko. Volcarona is another awesome Fire-type that has the bonus of setting up against Porygon2 that lack a way to inflict paralysis. Mega Lopunny and Blaziken are less bulky but speedy teammates that can threaten many of Choice Scarf Greninja's threats as well.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Grass Knot paired with Grassium Z can get surprise KOs on foes like Tapu Fini, Rotom-W, and Swampert. It has better accuracy than Hydro Pump and can give Greninja a useful defensive typing. However, it offers much lesser coverage than Greninja's other options. Spikes can be set up to destroy Focus Sashes, but its inability to affect Flying-types and Pokemon with Levitate makes it less rewarding than using a Stealth Rock setter. Toxic Spikes is also usable, but it's generally outclassed by Toxic.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Porygon2**: Porygon2 only fears a Torrent-boosted Hydro Vortex. Otherwise, its bulk is often too much for Greninja to handle, letting it punish Greninja with status or deal good damage to Greninja's soft Special Defense.
**Araquanid**: Unless Greninja carries a Rock-type attack or Gunk Shot, it won't be doing much damage to Araquanid, whose Water-type attacks deal massive damage despite Greninja's resistance to them.
**Faster Pokemon**: Tapu Koko is chief among Greninja's problems due to its superior speed and access to Volt Switch, although it must watch out for Choice Scarf Greninja's Gunk Shot. Choice Scarf Thundurus-T, Choice Scarf Rotom-W, and Mega Manectric are also problematic for similar reasons. Hitting Greninja's weaknesses isn't even needed most of the time due to its poor defensive stats, so most Choice Scarf Pokemon are problematic as long as Greninja does not carry a Focus Sash.
**Mimikyu**: Like many offensive Pokemon, Mimikyu will easily revenge kill Greninja as long as it has Disguise up. Even without it, a healthy Mimikyu can survive regular attacks from Greninja in most cases.
**Ferrothorn**: Greninja that lack Hidden Power Fire or Low Kick will have severe problems muscling past Ferrothorn. However, note that a Torrent-boosted Hydro Vortex coming from Hydro Cannon does over 50% to physically defensive Ferrothorn.
**Mega Kangaskhan**: Mega Kangaskhan's good bulk and ability let it bust through Greninja fairly easily, though Low Kick and Torrent sets can still threaten to deal a lot of damage.
**Breloom**: While Breloom is easily KOed by Greninja, its access to Mach Punch means it can pick off Greninja early, especially before Protean kicks in.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Theorymon, 29010]]
- Quality checked by: [[Psynergy, 248085], [greilmercenary9, 336524]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Axial, 479489], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [JockeMS, 53214]]
Greninja's stats may seem mediocre, but much like any accomplished ninja, it's second to none at assassination thanks to a wide variety of unique tools! The most prominent of these tools is its ability Protean, which functionally gives it STAB on every attack in the game, more than making up for its mediocre offenses. Greninja isn't limited to just type changing shenanigans, as it is also the best user of the ability Torrent in Battle Spot Singles, being able to annihilate most offensive Pokemon with a Torrent-boosted Hydro Vortex from Hydro Cannon. Combine this with Greninja's incredible Speed stat, which allows it to outspeed Naganadel and Mega Salamence, and this puts the silent assassin among the deadliest offensive threats in the metagame!
Greninja may be a deadly offensive threat, but it has very lackluster defensive stats that make it very difficult to switch in. Even with Protean or Torrent making up for Greninja's low offensive stats, it still misses out on important KOs against Pokemon it hits for neutral damage and doesn't do particularly well against stall teams, meaning Greninja is a Pokemon that should not be used recklessly.
[SET]
name: Protean Sweeper
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Water Shuriken
move 3: Dark Pulse / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Gunk Shot / Scald / Hydro Pump
item: Focus Sash / Waterium Z / Life Orb
ability: Protean
nature: Naive / Timid
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam is a fantastic option on Greninja, letting it KO many prominent threats such as Landorus-T, Naganadel, Mega Salamence, and Thundurus-T. Water Shuriken is a good priority move that has the potential to do a lot of damage due to its multi-hit nature. It helps Greninja pick off weakened Blaziken, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Excadrill, and other offensive threats. Dark Pulse is the best shot Greninja has against Aegislash and Mega Metagross. It also prevents Cresselia from walling Greninja, and the flinch chance can come in handy. If Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor are serious problems, Hidden Power Fire can be used to deal with them. Hidden Power Fire is also notable for allowing a healthy Greninja to survive any attack a Focus Sash Kartana throws at it thanks to Protean.
For the last slot, going mixed with Gunk Shot can be a good choice for OHKOing Tapu Lele, 2HKOing Tapu Fini, and blasting the less common Water / Fairy types, Azumarill and Primarina. Scald is a reliable Water-type attack, while Hydro Pump is a riskier, more powerful option that should be used with Waterium Z. Surf works as a mid-way option between the two if Scald's burn chance isn't appealing for the team. Finally, if using Focus Sash, Rock Tomb is a reasonable choice to give Greninja some speed control and a way to deal serious damage to Charizard formes and Volcarona.
Set Details
========
This Greninja set is extremely customizable, so using specific moves or items to cover team weaknesses is worthy of consideration. Focus Sash can have the most devastating potential consequences, making Greninja an excellent lead that can pressure common foes such as Landorus-T thanks to surviving at least one attack from them. Alternatively, Life Orb gives Greninja a significant boost in damage. For example, Dark Pulse has a 75% shot of OHKOing Mega Metagross with Stealth Rock up, Hydro Pump now 2HKOes Assault Vest Tyranitar, and Gunk Shot OHKOes offensive Tapu Fini after Stealth Rock damage. Waterium Z also works well if using Hydro Pump to give Greninja a powerful Water-type STAB attack with Hydro Vortex. If using only special attacks and a Timid nature, put the remaining 4 EVs in Special Defense to survive offensive Mega Gengar's Sludge Bomb.
Usage Tips
========
This Greninja is best used mid- or late-game, since missing out on a KO can lead to disaster. Since this is one of Greninja's most unpredictable sets, you can easily force out Pokemon that are weak to its common moves, such as Ice Beam, and predict the switch to gain an edge by using Greninja's less common moves such as Hidden Power Fire and Grass Knot. Greninja's knack for forcing switches also makes it a good candidate to double switch with.
With a Focus Sash, using Greninja early in the game becomes a much more feasible task. Since Greninja excels in at forcing switches, consider predicting its switch-in and using an appropriate move.
Team Options
========
Since Greninja is frail, Pokemon with U-turn and Volt Switch are a great way to get it in unharmed. Landorus-T is an excellent choice with diverse options, being able to play a supportive role to set up Stealth Rock, use Assault Vest to sponge hits from Tapu Koko, or even run Knock Off to punish Porygon2 switch-ins for Greninja. Rotom-H is another great choice, as it's a good check to Tapu Koko and can use Trick to scare off Porygon2. Landorus-T and Rotom-H are also notable for underspeeding a wide variety of threats that Greninja can punish, but faster options, such as Tapu Koko and Thundurus-T, are also good choices.
While most offensive Pokemon appreciate chip damage, it is key to Greninja's success as a cleaner rather than just a revenge killer. Stealth Rock support from bulky setters such as Landorus-T is the easiest way to achieve this, and Pokemon that can help against Tapu Koko and Choice Scarf Electric-types such as Thundurus-T are particularly good choices. Good examples include Hippowdon, which is notable for kicking up a Sandstorm to rack up even more residual damage, and Ferrothorn, which does an excellent job at defeating Tapu Koko that lack Hidden Power Fire.
[SET]
name: Substitute + Torrent
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Hydro Cannon
move 3: Water Shuriken
move 4: Ice Beam / Dark Pulse
item: Waterium Z
ability: Torrent
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This Greninja attempts to bust through bulky foes with powerful Torrent-powered attacks. Substitute is the key to this tactic, safely whittling Greninja's HP into the one-third range for Torrent to activate. Hydro Cannon, when paired with Waterium Z and a Torrent boost, becomes an extremely powerful attack. Even foes that resist Hydro Vortex, such as Ferrothorn and Tapu Fini, will take over 50% from it! Additionally, Hydro Vortex also assassinates Blaziken through its Protect after Stealth Rock damage, thus removing its ability to revenge kill Greninja easily. Water Shuriken further accentuates Greninja's power against Blaziken, KOing Mega Blaziken after a Hydro Vortex through its Protect, in addition to picking off weakened threats. Ice Beam deals massive damage to Mega Salamence, Naganadel, Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Serperior. Dark Pulse is a secondary STAB attack that does good damage to Aegislash and has a chance to make the foe flinch.
Set Details
========
Greninja should always have Waterium Z, which makes Hydro Cannon less risky. 4 Special Defense EVs are needed to allow Greninja to survive a Sludge Bomb from offensive Mega Gengar. A Timid nature lets Greninja outspeed Mega Salamence and Naganadel.
Usage Tips
========
The general idea is to use Substitute three times against offensive Pokemon, which will put Greninja into Torrent's range. Using Hydro Vortex from Hydro Cannon is the best option when in Torrent range in most cases. While Hydro Vortex is extremely powerful when boosted by Torrent, some bulkier switch-ins to Greninja such as Ferrothorn will still survive it, so it's usually best to save Greninja for mid- or late-game, when such threats are in KO range.
With Torrent, Hydro Canon on its own is still very powerful. When using this move, make sure setup sweepers are either gone or easily checked by your team, or you'll be severely punished due to the recharge turn. Regardless, expect to lose Greninja the next turn if this doesn't end the match.
Team Options
========
Users of U-turn and Volt Switch are extremely useful to Greninja, since not only do these moves help scout your opponent's team to determine when to set up a Substitute more easily, they also get Greninja in safely. Good examples of such Pokemon that pair well with Greninja include Landorus-T, Rotom-H, Thundurus-T, Zapdos, and Scizor.
It is a good idea to have checks to bulky Water-types such as Tapu Fini, and Ferrothorn and Snorlax in particular even though Hydro Vortex hits them hard. Thundurus-T hits Tapu Fini hard and smashes Ferrothorn with Focus Blast while helping against Tapu Koko, a potential revenge killer. Mega Charizard X and Y and Blaziken do well against Ferrothorn, deal massive damage to Snorlax, and have ways around Tapu Fini. If bulky Water-types are especially problematic, Tapu Bulu can be used, as it does well against Tapu Fini and Mega Gyarados and can deal heavy damage to Snorlax.
[SET]
name: Torrent + Focus Sash
move 1: Scald / Surf
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Water Shuriken
move 4: Ice Beam / Dark Pulse / Toxic
item: Focus Sash
ability: Torrent
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Unlike other Focus Sash Greninja sets, this set focuses on Greninja's ability to disrupt opposing leads. Taunt is an excellent way to stop the opponent's gameplans such as setting up Stealth Rock or Trick Room, coming in handy later to stop other Pokemon from setting up. Greninja needs a reliable Water-type STAB attack to use when Torrent is activated, and Scald is a perfect fit with the bonus of potentially burning targets. Surf is also a reasonable option, as it is slightly more powerful and does not interfere with status from teammates. Water Shuriken is a useful priority attack that can easily pick off lead Blaziken after a hit from Scald as well as let Greninja sweep late-game when Torrent would be activated.
The last moveslot is team specific. Ice Beam is useful for hitting Dragon-types like Mega Salamence, Naganadel, and Garchomp hard and does good damage to Breloom and Serperior. Dark Pulse is a reliable STAB attack that has a chance to make opposing Pokemon flinch and isn't affected by Mega Charizard Y's sun. Finally, Toxic may seem strange, but it's useful for crippling bulky switch-ins such as Porygon2 and Snorlax.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature with maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed is needed to outspeed major threats such as Mega Salamence and Naganadel and deal as much damage as possible. Since this Greninja usually focuses on using its STAB attacks, Torrent is a better option than Protean to take advantage of boosted Water-type attacks when Greninja is low on health.
Usage Tips
========
This Greninja is best used early-game, since Focus Sash will allow it to survive an attack and it does a great job at stopping teams from executing their early-game plans with Taunt. However, Greninja doesn't need to be sacrificed early-game, since, with Torrent, it has the potential to sweep offensive teams late-game, especially if Stealth Rock isn't up on your side. However, note that due to its lower coverage in comparison to Protean Greninja, this Greninja isn't as effcient at late-game sweeping.
Team Options
========
Consider Pokemon that benefit from Stealth Rock being off the field, since this Greninja prevents it early-game, as well as setup sweepers that benefit from bulky Pokemon being Taunted. Volcarona is an excellent example — it can easily set up Quiver Dance with Stealth Rock off the field and bulky foes such as Porygon2 and Hippowdon unable to inflict it with status or phaze it due to Taunt. Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y are also reasonable options, but note that Mega Charizard Y's sun will weaken Greninja's Water-type moves. Mega Salamence is an especially notable option, since this Greninja can cripple Porygon2 with Toxic. Landorus-T, having little issue with Stealth Rock can also work well here due to Greninja crippling common checks to it.
[SET]
name: Physically Based Choice Scarf
move 1: Gunk Shot
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Rock Slide / Rock Tomb
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Protean
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Choice Scarf may seem strange on such a fast Pokemon, but it allows Greninja to revenge kill many prominent speedy Pokemon, such as Tapu Koko, and Pokemon that boost their Speed, such as Naganadel, Volcarona, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Salamence. Gunk Shot hits Fairy-types that would otherwise wall Greninja, such as Tapu Fini, and OHKOes Tapu Lele and Tapu Koko. Ice Beam allows Greninja to effectively revenge kill Landorus-T and Dragon-types. U-turn gives Greninja a way to break Mimikyu's Disguise without putting itself in danger and can work well when leading. Rock Slide allows Greninja to revenge kill Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y, deal massive damage to Mega Charizard X, and 2HKO Araquanid switch-ins. Rock Tomb is less powerful than Rock Slide, but its speed control can be useful.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Attack EVs are needed so Greninja can revenge kill its targets. A Naive nature is preferred, since this Greninja needs Ice Beam to KO Dragon-types and it leaves Greninja less vulnerable to priority attacks compared to a Hasty nature. Protean is required because Greninja's attacks are fairly weak without a STAB boost.
Usage Tips
========
Using U-turn early-game gives Greninja increased scouting potential, making it an excellent lead. Its increased Speed also makes Greninja a great revenge killer of Speed-boosting threats such as Mega Salamence, Mega Charizard Y, Volcarona, and Naganadel. Since this Greninja uses Choice Scarf and is physically based, bulky Pokemon, such as Porygon2, Chansey, and Ferrothorn are massive problems for it, so consider benching it when facing stall teams.
Team Options
========
Stealth Rock support helps ensure that Greninja does not miss KOing important threats like Naganadel. Good, bulky candidates include Landorus-T, Hippowdon, and Ferrothorn, but more offensive setters such as Garchomp can also work.
Defensive Pokemon that often show up outside of stall teams, such as Porygon2 and Ferrothorn, are also big issues for this Greninja, and Kartana is more threatening than usual due to this Greninja's focus on physical attacks. These factors make Mega Charizard X an excellent teammate, since it easily sets up on Ferrothorn, forces out Kartana that lack Giga Impact, and also takes pressure off Greninja to surprise Tapu Koko. Volcarona is another awesome Fire-type that has the bonus of setting up against Porygon2 that lack a way to inflict paralysis. Mega Lopunny and Blaziken are less bulky but speedy teammates that can threaten many of Choice Scarf Greninja's threats as well.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Grass Knot paired with Grassium Z can get surprise KOs on foes like Tapu Fini, Rotom-W, and Swampert. It has better accuracy than Hydro Pump and can give Greninja a useful defensive typing. However, it offers much lesser coverage than Greninja's other options. Spikes can be set up to destroy Focus Sashes, but its inability to affect Flying-types and Pokemon with Levitate makes it less rewarding than using a Stealth Rock setter. Toxic Spikes is also usable, but it's generally outclassed by Toxic.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Porygon2**: Porygon2 only fears a Torrent-boosted Hydro Vortex. Otherwise, its bulk is often too much for Greninja to handle, letting it punish Greninja with status or deal good damage to Greninja's soft Special Defense.
**Araquanid**: Unless Greninja carries a Rock-type attack or Gunk Shot, it won't be doing much damage to Araquanid, whose Water-type attacks deal massive damage despite Greninja's resistance to them.
**Faster Pokemon**: Tapu Koko is chief among Greninja's problems due to its superior speed and access to Volt Switch, although it must watch out for Choice Scarf Greninja's Gunk Shot. Choice Scarf Thundurus-T, Choice Scarf Rotom-W, and Mega Manectric are also problematic for similar reasons. Hitting Greninja's weaknesses isn't even needed most of the time due to its poor defensive stats, so most Choice Scarf Pokemon are problematic as long as Greninja does not carry a Focus Sash.
**Mimikyu**: Like many offensive Pokemon, Mimikyu will easily revenge kill Greninja as long as it has Disguise up. Even without it, a healthy Mimikyu can survive regular attacks from Greninja in most cases.
**Ferrothorn**: Greninja that lack Hidden Power Fire or Low Kick will have severe problems muscling past Ferrothorn. However, note that a Torrent-boosted Hydro Vortex coming from Hydro Cannon does over 50% to physically defensive Ferrothorn.
**Mega Kangaskhan**: Mega Kangaskhan's good bulk and ability let it bust through Greninja fairly easily, though Low Kick and Torrent sets can still threaten to deal a lot of damage.
**Breloom**: While Breloom is easily KOed by Greninja, its access to Mach Punch means it can pick off Greninja early, especially before Protean kicks in.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Theorymon, 29010]]
- Quality checked by: [[Psynergy, 248085], [greilmercenary9, 336524]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Axial, 479489], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [JockeMS, 53214]]
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