In-battle formes
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HP: | 61 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Attack: | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Defense: | 45 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Sp. Atk: | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Sp. Def: | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Speed: | 160 |
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Strategies
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- fr
Overview
Ninjask distinguishes itself with amazing Speed backed up by Speed Boost, making it an effective revenge killer and late-game cleaner, especially when combined with Swords Dance. Ninjask's STAB options also allow it to threaten massive damage or outright KOs on offensive Pokemon like Salazzle, Starmie, and Rotom-C. Even options that switch into Ninjask, like Copperajah and Mudsdale, fear repeated U-turn damage and the threats that use such opportunities to come in. However, Ninjask's average Attack leaves a lot to be desired, and it will struggle to break through bulkier teams without a hefty helping of team support. Furthermore, Ninjask's terrible bulk gives it very limited opportunities to set up, as it will take massive damage even from uninvested attacks. Lastly, the use of Acrobatics precludes Ninjask from wearing Heavy-Duty Boots, requiring Ninjask users to run steady entry hazard removal to keep it in play throughout the game.
Swords Dance
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Set Details
Acrobatics is the preferred STAB attack; Pokemon that could otherwise endure a +2 Dual Wingbeat, such as Drapion and Talonflame, are unable to do so for +2 Acrobatics. Several targets, such as Passimian, are guaranteed to be OHKOed by Acrobatics. Protect is useful for scouting the moves of Choice Scarf users such as Passimian and Rotom-C; the Speed Boost accumulated on such turns allows Ninjask to outpace them. 168 EVs allow Ninjask to outpace Choice Scarf Tyrantrum without needing to use Protect; with this Speed, Ninjask is also able to outspeed certain threats at +2, such as Agility Kingdra. The remaining EVs are put into Ninjask's physical bulk and can make a difference when trying to take a priority attack such as +2 Decidueye's Shadow Sneak.
Ninjask greatly appreciates teammates that can break down enemy walls like Copperajah and Diancie. Pokemon like Passimian, Toxicroak, and Golurk will do so gladly and enjoy Ninjask's propensity to bait in and use U-turn on these walls. Wallbreakers will also be glad to have Ninjask around to check faster threats like Starmie for them. Ninjask can also form potent VoltTurn cores with the likes of Talonflame and Rotom-C. Early-game, Ninjask must use U-turn if faced with Steel-types like Copperajah, Rock-types like Tyrantrum, or Fire-types like Arcanine, so it pairs well with Pokemon that can endure attacks from them, such as Gastrodon and Mudsdale. Defog and Rapid Spin support from the likes of Rotom-C, Starmie, and Dhelmise is strongly recommended to remove Stealth Rock and to check Diancie. Xatu is notable for preventing Stealth Rock users such as Stakataka and Mudsdale from setting it in the first place.
Other Options
Ninjask can opt to use Dual Wingbeat with Heavy-Duty Boots. Doing so greatly relieves the pressure to keep entry hazards off, making Ninjask easier to fit on teams and use. However, doing so sacrifices a lot of power, and Ninjask's sweeping potential and ability to force switches will sharply drop as a result.
Checks and Counters
Stealth Rock Users: Stealth Rock users like Diancie, Mudsdale, and Copperajah realistically won't drop to Acrobatics even with prior damage and easily take the opportunity to set up Stealth Rock, making it hard for Ninjask to come in in the future. They also easily KO Ninjask with STAB moves or coverage.
Offensive Rock-types and Steel-types: Rock-types and Steel-types like Tyrantrum, Aerodactyl, Stakataka, and Escavalier use their STAB moves and coverage to force Ninjask to retreat while taking little from U-turn.
Fire-types: Flame Body and Intimidate users like bulky Talonflame and Arcanine can safely switch into Ninjask's unboosted attacks and proceed to threaten it with OHKOs or status. Furthermore, their slower pivoting options in U-turn and Teleport allow them to grab momentum from Ninjask. Note that Talonflame needs to be wary of a KO from +2 Acrobatics.
Rocky Helmet: Users of Rocky Helmet or Aftermath such as Garbodor and Xatu can tack massive amounts of damage on Ninjask as it attacks, further reducing its ability to come in with Stealth Rock on the field. The extra damage also greatly hampers Ninjask's ability to sweep, as setting up becomes more dangerous and it becomes more susceptible to priority moves.
Priority Moves: Extreme Speed, Sucker Punch, and Shadow Sneak users such as Arcanine, Toxicroak, and Decidueye can give Ninjask quite the headache, as its terrible bulk means it has a hard time enduring such moves. Fake Out and First Impression are ineffective, though, as Ninjask will just block these moves with Protect.
Credits
- Written by Mariannabelle
- Quality checked by Rabia and S1nn0hC0nfirm3d
- Grammar checked by Rabia and deetah