National Dex Ash-Greninja [GP 2/2]

[Guard]

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Water Shuriken
move 4: Spikes / U-turn
item: Choice Specs
ability: Battle Bond
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Ash-Greninja is a respectable offensive threat in National Dex due to its great Special Attack and Speed, formidable offensive typing, and access to potent priority in Water Shuriken. Said traits make Ash-Greninja one of the better late-game cleaners and a good way to limit threats such as Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Mega Mawile. However, Ash-Greninja's bulk is quite mediocre, meaning it cannot repeatedly pivot into even resisted hits such as Heatran's Magma Storm. This also makes it prone to faster attackers and priority users such as Mega Lopunny, Mega Medicham, and Rillaboom. Moreover, Ash-Greninja's full potential is only reached once it has claimed a KO and activated Battle Bond, which restricts its initial breaking prowess. Even when transformed, Ash-Greninja can't break through all of its most common checks at once, with Blissey and Toxapex being popular Pokemon that restrict Spikes and U-turn sets, respectively.

Surf may be used over Hydro Pump on rain teams to have both accuracy and power, but its considerably lower power outside of rain may hinder Ash-Greninja's overall wallbreaking prowess by situationally missing out on KOs. Spikes gives Ash-Greninja an option to punish the opponent in the long run for switching in checks such as Toxapex, Tapu Fini lacking Defog, and Ferrothorn. However, keep in mind that forgoing U-turn boils down to making Ash-Greninja a momentum drain against Blissey. U-turn enables Ash-Greninja to take proper advantage of Blissey, which no other move can offer, and is its best option against Hydreigon and Defog Tapu Fini. It fails to make much of any progress against Toxapex, however.

Ash-Greninja generally fits best on balance and bulky offensive teams capable of providing it with a sturdy defensive backbone it can fall back on, as well as proper offensive support in order to assist it in activating Battle Bond and cleaning up. Depending on the set, either Toxapex or Blissey will be the largest roadblock to activating Battle Bond. If running U-turn, run teammates that can take advantage of both Toxapex and Blissey after Ash-Greninja pivots out of them. Mega Medicham, Garchomp, Taunt Heatran, and Tapu Lele are some great options in this regard. If running Spikes, forcing progress against Blissey with smart double switches into teammates such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, Cinderace, and Kartana is especially crucial. Tapu Fini and Hydreigon are some other Pokemon Ash-Greninja may struggle against initially, with both comfortably stomaching its STAB moves. Thus, strong means of pressuring them like Kyurem and Tapu Koko can prove helpful. Knock Off support from the likes of Clefable, Toxapex, and Ferrothorn assists Ash-Greninja by removing crucial items from checks such as Blissey, Gastrodon, Tapu Fini, and Toxapex. Ferrothorn is particularly helpful, freeing up Ash-Greninja's last moveslot by virtue of being a great Spikes setter itself. Although Water Shuriken remedies this to an extent, Ash-Greninja remains prone to faster attackers as well as priority and Choice Scarf users such as Mega Medicham, Mega Lopunny, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, and Rillaboom. A sturdy defensive backbone consisting of Pokemon such as Slowbro, Clefable, Corviknight, and Zapdos can combat these threats. Slowbro and Slowking are particularly effective, pressuring Toxapex, Gastrodon, and Tapu Fini with Future Sight and safely bringing Ash-Greninja in with Teleport. Ash-Greninja is a powerful staple on rain teams, which greatly help it activate Battle Bond by pairing it with wallbreakers and strengthening its Water-type attacks. Wallbreakers that pair well with Ash-Greninja include Mega Swampert, Zapdos, and Manaphy. Lastly, as Ash-Greninja's bulk is quite mediocre, pivoting support from the likes of Slowbro, Corviknight, Blissey, and Mega Scizor can let it safely enter a battle.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ice Beam may be used over Spikes on rain teams with Ferrothorn as the Spikes setter so that Ash-Greninja can lure in and damage Hydreigon and Kommo-o for teammates to take advantage of. It is, however, strictly inferior to U-turn and Spikes outside of rain teams, as it leaves Ash-Greninja unable to make progress against many of its other checks and easily taken advantage of.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Bulky Water-types**: Most bulky Water-types are some of the best available options to check Ash-Greninja, as they can easily switch into Hydro Pump and take a few Dark Pulses as well. Tapu Fini is excellent even among these, resisting both of its STAB types, potentially setting up on it, and removing Spikes with Defog. Toxapex, especially if running Baneful Bunker, is another solid check that can easily deny Battle Bond activation. Gastrodon and the more niche Mantine are immune to Water-type attacks courtesy of their abilities, and they have the bulk and recovery to repeatedly tank Dark Pulse as well. Mantine is also capable of removing Spikes. However, Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery and is therefore prone to being overwhelmed in the long run, whereas both Toxapex and Gastrodon are prone to getting overwhelmed by either Spikes or Dark Pulse flinches if they aren't paired with sturdy Dark-resistant Pokemon such as Clefable and Mega Tyranitar. Ash-Greninja can also gain momentum from all of these checks with U-turn.

**Blissey and Chansey**: Blissey and Chansey sport tremendous special bulk and do not mind Ash-Greninja's attacks at all. Blissey is particularly effective due to its standard Heavy-Duty Boots set blocking entry hazard damage and its ability to preserve momentum with Teleport. Both can be taken advantage of with U-turn, however.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types are great options for checking Ash-Greninja, as they too resist Hydro Pump, and they often have the bulk to take repeated Dark Pulses as well. Ferrothorn, especially with Protect, is able to prevent Battle Bond from activating for quite some time and can punish U-turn with Iron Barbs. However, it lacks reliable recovery and is therefore prone to getting overwhelmed by repeated Dark Pulses. The rare Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth can preserve momentum with Regenerator, but they must watch out for a stray Ice Beam. Mega Venusaur is also capable of taking on an untransformed Ash-Greninja for quite some time. However, Synthesis having low PP greatly restricts it long-term. All of these are also prone to being taken advantage of by U-turn or overwhelmed by Spikes and stray Dark Pulse flinches if they aren't paired with satisfactory Dark-resistant Pokemon.

**Hydreigon and Kommo-o**: Hydreigon and Kommo-o are capable of directly pivoting into an untransformed Ash-Greninja, as they resist both of its STAB moves, and Hydreigon is immune to Spikes as well. From there, Hydreigon can force Ash-Greninja out and recover the damage with Roost, while Kommo-o can use the opportunity to set up Stealth Rock or cripple a switch-in with Toxic. However, Ash-Greninja remains capable of making progress with U-turn or Spikes. In addition, both must watch out for Ice Beam on rain teams.

**Faster Pokemon**: Ash-Greninja suffers from mediocre bulk and is therefore prone to faster attackers such as Mega Lopunny, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, and Choice Scarf Victini, as well as Tapu Koko before it transforms. However, Ash-Greninja's access to a strong priority move does help it to an extent in these matchups. Moreover, Ash-Greninja also resists common forms of priority such as Bullet Punch from Mega Scizor, Sucker Punch from Mega Mawile and Bisharp, and Water Shuriken from opposing Ash-Greninja. This makes priority outside of Rilaboom's Grassy Glide and Mega Medicham's Fake Out not a big concern as long as Ash-Greninja is fairly healthy.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Guard, 360582]]
- Quality checked by: [[Sputnik, 475916], [faded love, 241308], [Zneon, 487629]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [P Squared, 168392]]

 

[Sputnik]

Add Comment Delete

[OVERVIEW]

• Ash-Greninja is a menacing offensive threat in National Dex due to its phenomenal Special Attack and Speed, a formidable offensive typing, and access to potent priority in Water Shuriken.
• Ash-Greninja is one of the metagame’s premier Spikes setters as well, which allows it to singlehandedly make progress against many of its checks and dismantle them in the long run.
• However, Ash-Greninja’s full potential is only reached once it has claimed a kill and activated Battle Bond. Therefore, it is forced to start off a battle in its slower and noticeably weaker base form, which restricts its initial breaking prowess.
• Ash-Greninja’s bulk is quite mediocre, meaning it cannot even repeatedly pivot into resisted hits such as Heatran’s Magma Storm and Cinderace's Pyro Ball. This also makes it prone to faster attackers such as Mega Lopunny and Dragapult, and Choice Scarf users such as Cinderace and Kartana. Neither of these are really good Scarfers at the moment. There aren't many, to be honest, so maybe mention Scarf Lando (which isn't a perfect mention but it is a top scarfer) and also potentially reword it to include a mention of Rillaboom too.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Water Shuriken
move 4: Spikes
item: Choice Specs
ability: Battle Bond
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========

• Spikes gives Ash-Greninja an option to punish the opponent when they attempt to switch their checks into battle, such as Toxapex and Ferrothorn, I'd slot Gastrodon in on a few of these mentions considering how it is quite common right now. making them less reliable switch-ins as the battles progresses, as well as easing Battle Bond activation.
• Surf may be used over Hydro Pump on teams centered around rain, as it offers a more reliable STAB move without compromising any power in rain. However, it must be noted that there is a considerable power difference outside of rain, which may hinder Ash-Greninja’s overall wallbreaking prowess due to the reduced pressure Ash-Greninja can apply and by situationally missing out on KOes.

Usage Tips
========

• In order to reach its full potential, Ash-Greninja should work towards activating Battle Bond as soon as possible. Thus, never hesitate to use it as a way to revenge kill weakened threats whenever the opportunity arises. In a worst-case scenario, Ash-Greninja will force a switch, which will give it an opportunity to set up Spikes.
• Be cautious of locking Ash-Greninja into Water Shuriken in its base form unless the target is severely weakened, as it is an unreliable and exploitable move.
• Aim to set up Spikes whenever a switch to one of its checks, such as Toxapex, Blissey, Ferrothorn, and Hydreigon is expected. However, in situations where Tapu Fini is on the opponent's team, it is often better to double switch into Pokemon that can take advantage of Tapu Fini or attack instead in order to gradually weaken it throughout the match.
• Attempt to bring Ash-Greninja in through either predicted double switches or pivoting support, as it is a frail Pokemon.

Team Options
========

• Ash-Greninja generally fits best on balance and bulky offensive teams capable of providing it with a sturdy defensive backbone it can fall back on, as well as proper offensive support in order to assist it in activating Battle Bond and cleaning up.
• Tapu Fini is the single largest roadblock for Ash-Greninja’s Battle Bond activation, since it can take on both of its STAB moves comfortably and remove Spikes. Thus, strong means of pressuring it through the likes of Hydreigon, Cinderace, and Z-Move Heatran, as well as Knock Off support from Clefable, Weavile, Toxapex, and even your own Tapu Fini can immensely assist Ash-Greninja in this matchup.
• Blissey and Hydreigon are other such obstacles. The former switches into an Ash-Greninja with impunity and can preserve momentum with Teleport, while the latter can take any attack from an untransformed Ash-Greninja and recover off the damage with Roost. Moreover, neither is bothered by Spikes. Thus, Pokemon that can take advantage of Blissey, such as Mega Mawile and Gliscor, and Pokemon that can switch into Hydreigon and force it out, such as Tapu Fini, Blissey, bulky Volcarona, and Clefable, are wise team options.
• Furthermore, although Water Shuriken remedies this to an extent, Ash-Greninja remains prone to faster attackers and Choice Scarf users such as Mega Lopunny, Dragapult, Kartana, and Cinderace. Rillaboom would be a good mention here. As a result, pairing it with a sturdy defensive backbone that can combat these threats, consisting of Pokemon such as Tangrowth, Clefable, Slowbro, and Hippowdon, is encouraged. Slowbro is a particularly effective partner, since it can pressure Toxapex and Tapu Fini with Future Sight and safely bring Ash-Greninja in with Teleport.
• Wallbreakers that can assist Ash-Greninja in activating Battle Bond, as well as its own wallbreaking by overwhelming Toxapex and Ferrothorn are sensible teammates as well. Examples include Cinderace, Hydreigon, Dracovish, Kyurem, and Garchomp.
• Ash-Greninja is an immensely powerful staple in rain. Said playstyle hugely bolsters its chances of activating Battle Bond with the assistance of fellow wallbreakers and the boost in power of Water-type attacks. As such, rain support from Pelipper, as well as wallbreakers that can pressure Ash-Greninja's checks such as Mega Swampert, Manaphy, and Dracovish are potent options to pair it with in said archetype.
• Lastly, as Ash-Greninja's bulk is quite mediocre, pivoting support from the likes of Slowbro, Corviknight, Blissey, and Mega Scizor can give Ash-Greninja safe opportunities to enter a battle.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Ice Beam may be used over Spikes on rain-centered teams with Ferrothorn as the Spikes setter, as it can lure Hydreigon and Kommo-Oo for teammates to take advantage of. It is, however, strictly inferior to Spikes in any other build, as it leaves Ash-Greninja unable to punish switches to many of its checks.
• U-turn is a niche option over Spikes in order to take proper advantage of Blissey, Hydreigon, and Tapu Fini, which do not mind Spikes. It still preserves momentum against other checks such as Toxapex, Ferrothorn, and Kommo-Oo but remains the inferior option against them due to compromising the ability to make progress in the long run.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Bulky Water-types**: Most bulky Water-types are some of the best available options to check Ash-Greninja, as they can easily switch into Hydro Pump and take a few uses of Dark Pulse as well. Tapu Fini is one of the best available counterplay options to Ash-Greninja. It resists both STAB moves and is even capable of removing Spikes with Defog. Toxapex, especially if running Baneful Bunker, is another solid check that can easily deny Battle Bond activation. The more niche Gastrodon and Mantine are immune to Water-type attacks courtesy of their abilities, and have the bulk and recovery to repeatedly tank Dark Pulse as well. Mantine is also capable of removing Spikes. Very nitpicky but Gastrodon is properly good these days so I'm not sure if referring to it as niche is the play...but that's up to you.However, Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery and is therefore prone to being overwhelmed in the long run, whereas both Toxapex and Gastrodon are prone to getting overwhelmed by either Spikes or Dark Pulse flinches if they aren't paired with sturdy Dark-resistant Pokemon such as Clefable, Hydreigon, Mega Tyranitar, and Magearna.

**Blissey and Chansey**: Blissey and Chansey sport tremendous special bulk and do not mind Ash-Greninja's attacks at all. Blissey is particularly effective due to its semi-immunity to entry hazard damage and ability to preserve momentum with Teleport. Both of them are Spikes bait, however.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types are great options for checking Ash-Greninja, as they too resist Hydro Pump, and often have the bulk to take repeated uses of Dark Pulse as well. Ferrothorn, especially with Protect, is able to prevent Battle Bond from activating for quite some time. However, it lacks reliable recovery and is therefore prone to getting overwhelmed by repeated uses of Dark Pulse. Amoonguss is another good option that can also preserve momentum with Regenerator. Potentially mention the capability to harshly punish Ash-gren's team with Spore. Mega Venusaur is also capable of taking on an untransformed Ash-Greninja for quite some time. However, Synthesis having low PP largely restricts it long-term. All of these are also prone to getting overwhelmed by Spikes or stray Dark Pulse flinches if they aren't paired with satisfying satisfactory Dark-resistant Pokemon.

**Dark-resistant Dragon-types**: Both Hydreigon and Kommo-Oo are capable of directly pivoting into an untransformed Ash-Greninja, as they resist both of its STAB moves, and Hydreigon is immune to Spikes as well. From there, Hydreigon can force Ash-Greninja out and Roost off the damage, while Kommo-Oo can use the opportunity to set up Stealth Rock or cripple a switchin with Toxic. However, Ash-Greninja remains capable of making progress with Spikes. Mention the possibility of Ice Beam on rain teams.

**Faster Pokemon**: Ash-Greninja suffers from mediocre bulk and is therefore prone to faster attackers and Choice Scarf users. Some examples could be useful. However, its access to a strong priority move does help it to an extent in these matchups. Moreover, Ash-Greninja also resists common forms of priority, such as Bullet Punch from Mega Scizor, Sucker Punch from Bisharp, Cinderace, and Mega Mawile, and Water Shuriken from opposing Ash-Greninja, making priority not so much of a concern as long as Ash-Greninja is fairly healthy.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Guardsweeper, 360582]]
- Quality checked by: [[SputnikGT, 475916], [username2, userid2], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

Excellent work, QC 1/3

 

[sanguine]

add remove comment

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Water Shuriken
move 4: U-turn / Spikes
item: Choice Specs
ability: Battle Bond
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Ash-Greninja is a respectable offensive threat in National Dex due to its great Special Attack and Speed, a formidable offensive typing, and access to potent priority in Water Shuriken. Said Speed and priority move make Ash-Greninja one of the better forms of speed control, allowing it to limit threats such as Cinderace, Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Kartana and Mega Aerodactyl (This is optional, but I think this is probably a better example of fast stuff that it can limit) (I would add a mention of how effective Greninja is at being a late-game win condition / cleaner here) However, Ash-Greninja’s bulk is quite mediocre, meaning it cannot repeatedly pivot into even resisted hits such as Heatran’s Magma Storm and Cinderace's Pyro Ball. This also makes it prone to faster attackers and priority users such as Mega Lopunny, Mega Medicham, and Rillaboom. Moreover, Ash-Greninja’s full potential is only reached once it has claimed a kill and activated Battle Bond. In other words, it is forced to start off a battle in its slower and noticeably weaker base form, which restricts its initial breaking prowess. This is especially exaggerated by the fact that Ash-Greninja can't break through its most common checks at once, with both Blissey and Toxapex being incredibly popular Pokemon that restrict Spikes and U-turn sets, respectively. Surf may be used over Hydro Pump on teams centered around rain, as it offers a more reliable STAB move without compromising any power in rain. However, it must be noted that there is a considerable power difference outside of rain, which may hinder Ash-Greninja’s overall wallbreaking prowess by situationally missing out on KOes. U-turn enables Ash-Greninja to take proper advantage of Blissey, Tapu Fini, and Hydreigon. However, keep in mind that forgoing Spikes means Ash-Greninja is easily neutralized by has more trouble with Toxapex. (U-Turn into teammate is still a net win, and you can always fish. Neutralized is a bit too strong of a word in this case, at least for me) Meanwhile, Spikes may give Ash-Greninja an option to punish the opponent a lot more effectively on the long run when they attempt to switch in checks such as Toxapex and Ferrothorn, but forgoing U-turn boils down to Ash-Greninja being turned into a momentum drain against Blissey.

Ash-Greninja generally fits best on balance and bulky offensive teams capable of providing it with a sturdy defensive backbone it can fall back on, as well as proper offensive support in order to assist it in activating Battle Bond and cleaning up. Depending on the set, Toxapex and Blissey will be the largest roadblocks to Ash-Greninja's Battle Bond activation. If running U-turn, it is strongly suggested to run teammates that can take advantage of both Toxapex and Blissey after Ash-Greninja pivots out of them with U-turn. Mega Medicham, Garchomp, Taunt Heatran, and Tapu Lele are some great options in this regard. If running Spikes, ways to force progress against Blissey with smart double switches into teammates such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, Cinderace, and Kartana is especially crucial. Tapu Fini and Hydreigon are some other Pokemon Ash-Greninja may struggle against initially, with both comfortably stomaching Ash-Greninja's STAB moves. Thus, strong means of pressuring these through the likes of Cinderace, Kyurem, and Tapu Koko can prove to be helpful. Knock Off support from the likes of Clefable, Toxapex, and Ferrothorn can assist Ash-Greninja by removing crucial items from checks such as Blissey, Gastrodon, Tapu Fini, and Toxapex. Furthermore, although Water Shuriken remedies this to an extent, Ash-Greninja remains prone to faster attackers as well as priority and Choice Scarf users such as Mega Medicham, Mega Lopunny, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, and Rillaboom. As a result, pairing it with a sturdy defensive backbone that can combat these threats, consisting of Pokemon such as Slowbro, Clefable, Corviknight, and Zapdos, is encouraged. Slowbro and Slowking are particularly effective partners capable of pressuring Toxapex, Gastrodon, and Tapu Fini with Future Sight and safely bringing Ash-Greninja in with Teleport. Ash-Greninja is a powerful staple in rain; said playstyle hugely bolsters its chances of activating Battle Bond with the assistance of fellow wallbreakers and the boost in power of Water-type attacks. As such, rain support from Pelipper, as well as wallbreakers that can pressure Ash-Greninja's checks such as Mega Swampert, Zapdos, and Manaphy are potent options to pair it with in said archetype. Lastly, as Ash-Greninja's bulk is quite mediocre, pivoting support from the likes of Slowbro, Corviknight, Blissey, and Mega Scizor can give Ash-Greninja safe opportunities to enter a battle. (Mention some setup threats that either bust holes for Greninja or take advantage of the pressure provided at some point in this paragraph. I would also consider adding mentions of hazard setters with a specific emphasis on Ferrothorn, who can either set Stealth Rock or allow Greninja to run U-turn comfortably by taking over the Spikes role)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ice Beam may be used over Spikes on rain-centered teams with Ferrothorn as the Spikes setter, as it can lure Hydreigon and Kommo-o for teammates to take advantage of. It is, however, strictly inferior to U-turn or Spikes in any other build, as it leaves Ash-Greninja unable to make progress against many of its other checks.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Bulky Water-types**: Most bulky Water-types are some of the best available options to check Ash-Greninja, as they can easily switch into Hydro Pump and take a few uses of Dark Pulse as well. Tapu Fini is one of the best available counterplay options to Ash-Greninja. It resists both STAB moves and is capable of using it as setup bait or removing Spikes with Defog. Toxapex, especially if running Baneful Bunker, is another solid check that can easily deny Battle Bond activation. Gastrodon and the more niche Mantine are immune to Water-type attacks courtesy of their abilities, and have the bulk and recovery to repeatedly tank Dark Pulse as well. Mantine is also capable of removing Spikes. However, Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery and is therefore prone to being overwhelmed in the long run, whereas both Toxapex and Gastrodon are prone to getting overwhelmed by either Spikes or Dark Pulse flinches if they aren't paired with sturdy Dark-resistant Pokemon such as Clefable, Mega Tyranitar, and Magearna. (Mantine also is big U-Turn bait, so I would mention that somehow)

**Blissey and Chansey**: Blissey and Chansey sport tremendous special bulk and do not mind Ash-Greninja's attacks at all. Blissey is particularly effective due to its semi-immunity to entry hazard damage and ability to preserve momentum with Teleport. Both can be taken advantage of with U-turn, however.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types are great options for checking Ash-Greninja, as they too resist Hydro Pump, and often have the bulk to take repeated uses of Dark Pulse as well. Ferrothorn, especially with Protect, is able to prevent Battle Bond from activating for quite some time and can punish U-turn with Iron Barbs. However, it lacks reliable recovery and is therefore prone to getting overwhelmed by repeated uses of Dark Pulse. Amoonguss is another good option that can also preserve momentum with Regenerator and Spore. Mega Venusaur is also capable of taking on an untransformed Ash-Greninja for quite some time. However, Synthesis having low PP largely restricts it long-term. All of these are also prone to being taken advantage of by U-turn or overwhelmed by Spikes and stray Dark Pulse flinches if they aren't paired with satisfactory Dark-resistant Pokemon. (Add a sentence or two discussing Assault Vest Tangrowth and mentioning how Amoonguss needs to watch for Ice Beam)

**Dark-resistant Dragon-types**: Both Hydreigon and Kommo-o are capable of directly pivoting into an untransformed Ash-Greninja, as they resist both of its STAB moves, and Hydreigon is immune to Spikes as well. From there, Hydreigon can force Ash-Greninja out and Roost off the damage, while Kommo-o can use the opportunity to set up Stealth Rock or cripple a switchin with Toxic. However, Ash-Greninja remains capable of making progress with U-turn and or Spikes. In addition, both must watch out for Ice Beam on rain teams.

**Faster Pokemon**: Ash-Greninja suffers from mediocre bulk and is therefore prone to faster attackers and Choice Scarf users such as Mega Lopunny, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, and Choice Scarf Victini, as well as Tapu Koko before Greninja transforms and Jirachi, Rillaboom, and Mega Medicham. However, Ash-Greninja's access to a strong priority move does help it to an extent in these matchups. Moreover, Ash-Greninja also resists common forms of priority, such as Bullet Punch from Mega Scizor, Sucker Punch from Cinderace, Mega Mawile, and Bisharp, as well as Water Shuriken from opposing Ash-Greninja. (AP) This makes making priority outside of Rilaboom’s Grassy Glide or and Fake Out from Mega Medicham not so much of a concern as long as Ash-Greninja is fairly healthy.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Guard, 360582]]
- Quality checked by: [[Sputnik, 475916], [faded love, 241308], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

Great work! QC 1 / 2

 

[Zneon]

add comment delete

Spoiler

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Water Shuriken
move 4: U-turn / Spikes
item: Choice Specs
ability: Battle Bond
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Ash-Greninja is a respectable offensive threat in National Dex due to its great Special Attack and Speed, a formidable offensive typing, and access to potent priority in Water Shuriken. Said traits make Ash-Greninja one of the better late-game cleaners, as well as a good form of speed control capable of limiting threats such as Cinderace, Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Mega Aerodactyl. However, Ash-Greninja’s bulk is quite mediocre, meaning it cannot repeatedly pivot into even resisted hits such as Heatran’s Magma Storm and Cinderace's Pyro Ball. This also makes it prone to faster attackers and priority users such as Mega Lopunny, Mega Medicham, and Rillaboom. Moreover, Ash-Greninja’s full potential is only reached once it has claimed a kill and activated Battle Bond. In other words, it is forced to start off a battle in its slower and noticeably weaker base form, which restricts its initial breaking prowess. This is especially exaggerated by the fact that Ash-Greninja can't break through its most common checks at once, with both Blissey and Toxapex being incredibly popular Pokemon that restrict Spikes and U-turn sets, respectively. Surf may be used over Hydro Pump on teams centered around rain, as it offers a more reliable STAB move without compromising any power in rain. However, it must be noted that there is a considerable power difference outside of rain, which may hinder Ash-Greninja’s overall wallbreaking prowess by situationally missing out on KOes. U-turn enables Ash-Greninja to take proper advantage of Blissey, Tapu Fini, and Hydreigon i feel you should emphasize blissey here because its why u-turn has become great on ash-greninja, pivoting on a mon that would otherwise abuse it for momentum is very important. However, keep in mind that forgoing Spikes means Ash-Greninja has more trouble with Toxapex. Meanwhile, Spikes may give Ash-Greninja an option to punish the opponent a lot more effectively on the long run when they attempt to switch in checks such as Toxapex, Tapu Fini and Ferrothorn, but forgoing U-turn boils down to Ash-Greninja being a momentum drain against Blissey.

Ash-Greninja generally fits best on balance and bulky offensive teams capable of providing it with a sturdy defensive backbone it can fall back on, as well as proper offensive support in order to assist it in activating Battle Bond and cleaning up. Depending on the set, Toxapex and Blissey will be the largest roadblocks to Ash-Greninja's Battle Bond activation. If running U-turn, it is strongly suggested to run teammates that can take advantage of both Toxapex and Blissey after Ash-Greninja pivots out of them with U-turn. Mega Medicham, Garchomp, Taunt Heatran, and Tapu Lele are some great options in this regard. If running Spikes, ways to force progress against Blissey with smart double switches into teammates such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, Cinderace, and Kartana is especially crucial. Tapu Fini and Hydreigon are some other Pokemon Ash-Greninja may struggle against initially, with both comfortably stomaching Ash-Greninja's STAB moves. Thus, strong means of pressuring these through the likes of Cinderace, Kyurem, and Tapu Koko can prove to be helpful. Knock Off support from the likes of Clefable, Toxapex, and Ferrothorn can assist Ash-Greninja by removing crucial items from checks such as Blissey, Gastrodon, Tapu Fini, and Toxapex. Ferrothorn is particularly helpful, freeing up Ash-Greninja's last moveslot by virtue of being a great Spikes setter itself. Furthermore, although Water Shuriken remedies this to an extent, Ash-Greninja remains prone to faster attackers as well as priority and Choice Scarf users such as Mega Medicham, Mega Lopunny, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, and Rillaboom. As a result, pairing it with a sturdy defensive backbone that can combat these threats, consisting of Pokemon such as Slowbro, Clefable, Corviknight, and Zapdos, is encouraged. Slowbro and Slowking are particularly effective partners capable of pressuring Toxapex, Gastrodon, and Tapu Fini with Future Sight and safely bringing Ash-Greninja in with Teleport. Ash-Greninja is a powerful staple in rain; said playstyle hugely bolsters its chances of activating Battle Bond with the assistance of fellow wallbreakers and the boost in power of Water-type attacks. As such, rain support from Pelipper, as well as wallbreakers that can pressure Ash-Greninja's checks such as Mega Swampert, Zapdos, and Manaphy are potent options to pair it with in said archetype. Lastly, as Ash-Greninja's bulk is quite mediocre, pivoting support from the likes of Slowbro, Corviknight, Blissey, and Mega Scizor can give Ash-Greninja safe opportunities to enter a battle. it's worth mentioning tapu koko here because its ability to pressure bulky water types and dragons that check ash greninja is very valuable, especially if running u-turn

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ice Beam may be used over Spikes on rain-centered teams with Ferrothorn as the Spikes setter, as it can lure Hydreigon and Kommo-o for teammates to take advantage of. It is, however, strictly inferior to U-turn or Spikes in any other build, as it leaves Ash-Greninja unable to make progress against many of its other checks. its worth stating how ice beam is generally also a very awful move to lock into and easy to take advantage of when scouted

Checks and Counters
===================

**Bulky Water-types**: Most bulky Water-types are some of the best available options to check Ash-Greninja, as they can easily switch into Hydro Pump and take a few uses of Dark Pulse as well. Tapu Fini is one of the best available counterplay options to Ash-Greninja. It resists both STAB moves and is capable of using it as setup bait or removing Spikes with Defog. Toxapex, especially if running Baneful Bunker, is another solid check that can easily deny Battle Bond activation. Gastrodon and the more niche Mantine are immune to Water-type attacks courtesy of their abilities, and have the bulk and recovery to repeatedly tank Dark Pulse as well. Mantine is also capable of removing Spikes. However, Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery and is therefore prone to being overwhelmed in the long run, whereas both Toxapex and Gastrodon are prone to getting overwhelmed by either Spikes or Dark Pulse flinches if they aren't paired with sturdy Dark-resistant Pokemon such as Clefable, Mega Tyranitar, and Magearna. Ash-Greninja can also gain momentum from all of these checks with U-turn.

**Blissey and Chansey**: Blissey and Chansey sport tremendous special bulk and do not mind Ash-Greninja's attacks at all. Blissey is particularly effective due to its semi-immunity to entry hazard damage and ability to preserve momentum with Teleport. Both can be taken advantage of with U-turn, however. this is optional but you could say how these two will almost always prevent ash-greninja from transforming without excessive support

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types are great options for checking Ash-Greninja, as they too resist Hydro Pump, and often have the bulk to take repeated uses of Dark Pulse as well. Ferrothorn, especially with Protect, is able to prevent Battle Bond from activating for quite some time and can punish U-turn with Iron Barbs. However, it lacks reliable recovery and is therefore prone to getting overwhelmed by repeated uses of Dark Pulse. The rare Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth are other options that can preserve momentum with Regenerator, but must watch out for a stray Ice Beam. Mega Venusaur is also capable of taking on an untransformed Ash-Greninja for quite some time. However, Synthesis having low PP largely restricts it long-term. All of these are also prone to being taken advantage of by U-turn or overwhelmed by Spikes and stray Dark Pulse flinches if they aren't paired with satisfactory Dark-resistant Pokemon.

**Dark-resistant Dragon-types**: Both Hydreigon and Kommo-o are capable of directly pivoting into an untransformed Ash-Greninja, as they resist both of its STAB moves, and Hydreigon is immune to Spikes as well. From there, Hydreigon can force Ash-Greninja out and Roost off the damage, while Kommo-o can use the opportunity to set up Stealth Rock or cripple a switchin with Toxic. However, Ash-Greninja remains capable of making progress with U-turn and or Spikes. In addition, both must watch out for Ice Beam on rain teams.

**Faster Pokemon**: Ash-Greninja suffers from mediocre bulk and is therefore prone to faster attackers such as Mega Lopunny, Choice Scarf Landorus-T and Choice Scarf Victini, as well as Tapu Koko before Greninja transforms. However, Ash-Greninja's access to a strong priority move does help it to an extent in these matchups. Moreover, Ash-Greninja also resists common forms of priority such as Bullet Punch from Mega Scizor, Sucker Punch from Cinderace, Mega Mawile, and Bisharp, as well as Water Shuriken from opposing Ash-Greninja. This makes priority outside of Rilaboom’s Grassy Glide and Fake Out from Mega Medicham not so much of a concern as long as Ash-Greninja is fairly healthy.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Guard, 360582]]
- Quality checked by: [[Sputnik, 475916], [faded love, 241308], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

amazing work as usual! QC 2/2

 

[Adeleine]

Add/Fix Remove Comment
(AC)/(RC): Add/Remove Comma

Hide

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Water Shuriken
move 4: U-turn / Spikes
item: Choice Specs
ability: Battle Bond
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Ash-Greninja is a respectable offensive threat in National Dex due to its great Special Attack and Speed, a formidable offensive typing, and access to potent priority in Water Shuriken. Said traits make Ash-Greninja one of the better late-game cleaners (RC) as well as a good form of speed control capable of limiting and a good way to limit faster threats such as Cinderace, Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Mega Aerodactyl. However, Ash-Greninja’s bulk is quite mediocre, meaning it cannot repeatedly pivot into even resisted hits such as Heatran’s Magma Storm and Cinderace's Pyro Ball. This also makes it prone to faster attackers and priority users such as Mega Lopunny, Mega Medicham, and Rillaboom. Moreover, Ash-Greninja’s full potential is only reached once it has claimed a kill KO and activated Battle Bond. In other words, it is forced to start off a battle in its slower and noticeably weaker base form, which restricts its initial breaking prowess. This is especially exaggerated by the fact that Even when transformed, Ash-Greninja can't break through all of its most common checks at once, with both Blissey and Toxapex being incredibly popular Pokemon that restrict Spikes and U-turn sets, respectively. (made new paragraph under)

Surf may be used over Hydro Pump on teams centered around rain, as it offers a more reliable STAB move without compromising any power in rain. However, it must be noted that there is a considerable power difference rain teams to have both accuracy and power, but its considerably lower power outside of rain (RC) which may hinder Ash-Greninja’s overall wallbreaking prowess by situationally missing out on KOes. U-turn enables Ash-Greninja to take proper advantage of Blissey, which no other move can offer, (period -> comma) In addition, U-turn is also Ash-Greninja's and is its best option against Hydreigon and Defog Tapu Fini. However, keep in mind that Ash-Greninja has more trouble breaking Toxapex if running U-turn. Meanwhile, Spikes may gives Ash-Greninja an option to punish the opponent a lot more effectively on in the long run when they attempt to switch for switching in checks such as Toxapex, Tapu Fini lacking Defog, and Ferrothorn, but forgoing U-turn boils down to making Ash-Greninja being a momentum drain against Blissey.

Ash-Greninja generally fits best on balance and bulky offensive teams capable of providing it with a sturdy defensive backbone it can fall back on, as well as proper offensive support in order to assist it in activating Battle Bond and cleaning up. Depending on the set, Toxapex and Blissey will be the largest roadblocks to Ash-Greninja's Battle Bond activation either Toxapex or Blissey will be the largest roadblock to activating Battle Bond. If running U-turn, it is strongly suggested to run teammates that can take advantage of both Toxapex and Blissey after Ash-Greninja pivots out of them with U-turn. Mega Medicham, Garchomp, Taunt Heatran, and Tapu Lele are some great options in this regard. If running Spikes, ways to force forcing progress against Blissey with smart double switches into teammates such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, Cinderace, and Kartana is especially crucial. Tapu Fini and Hydreigon are some other Pokemon Ash-Greninja may struggle against initially, with both comfortably stomaching Ash-Greninja's its STAB moves. Thus, strong means of pressuring these through the likes of them like Cinderace, Kyurem, and Tapu Koko can prove to be helpful. Knock Off support from the likes of Clefable, Toxapex, and Ferrothorn can assists Ash-Greninja by removing crucial items from checks such as Blissey, Gastrodon, Tapu Fini, and Toxapex. Ferrothorn is particularly helpful, freeing up Ash-Greninja's last moveslot by virtue of being a great Spikes setter itself. Furthermore, Although Water Shuriken remedies this to an extent, Ash-Greninja remains prone to faster attackers as well as priority and Choice Scarf users such as Mega Medicham, Mega Lopunny, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, and Rillaboom. As a result, pairing it with a sturdy defensive backbone that can combat these threats, A sturdy defensive backbone consisting of Pokemon such as Slowbro, Clefable, Corviknight, and Zapdos, is encouraged can combat these threats. Slowbro and Slowking are particularly effective, (AC) partners capable of pressuring Toxapex, Gastrodon, and Tapu Fini with Future Sight and safely bringing Ash-Greninja in with Teleport. Ash-Greninja is a powerful staple in rain; said playstyle hugely bolsters its chances of activating Battle Bond with the assistance of fellow wallbreakers and the boost in power of on rain teams, which greatly help it activate Battle Bond by pairing it with wallbreakers and strengthening its Water-type attacks. As such, rain support from Pelipper, as well as wallbreakers that can pressure Ash-Greninja's checks such as Mega Swampert, Zapdos, and Manaphy are potent options to pair it with in said archetype. Rain wallbreakers that pair well with Ash-Greninja include Mega Swampert, Zapdos, and Manaphy. Lastly, as Ash-Greninja's bulk is quite mediocre, pivoting support from the likes of Slowbro, Corviknight, Blissey, and Mega Scizor can give Ash-Greninja safe opportunities to let it safely enter a battle.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ice Beam may be used over Spikes on rain-centered teams with Ferrothorn as the Spikes setter (RC) as it so that Ash-Greninja can lure in and damage Hydreigon and Kommo-o for teammates to take advantage of. It is, however, strictly inferior to U-turn or Spikes in any other build and Spikes outside of rain teams, as it leaves Ash-Greninja unable to make progress against many of its other checks and is easily taken advantage of.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Bulky Water-types**: Most bulky Water-types are some of the best available options to check Ash-Greninja, as they can easily switch into Hydro Pump and take a few uses of Dark Pulses as well. Tapu Fini is one of the best available counterplay options to Ash-Greninja. It resists excellent even among these, resisting both of its STAB moves and is capable of using it as setup bait or types, potentially setting up on it, and removing Spikes with Defog. Toxapex, especially if running Baneful Bunker, is another solid check that can easily deny Battle Bond activation. Gastrodon and the more niche Mantine are immune to Water-type attacks courtesy of their abilities, and they have the bulk and recovery to repeatedly tank Dark Pulse as well. Mantine is also capable of removing Spikes. However, Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery and is therefore prone to being overwhelmed in the long run, whereas both Toxapex and Gastrodon are prone to getting overwhelmed by either Spikes or Dark Pulse flinches if they aren't paired with sturdy Dark-resistant Pokemon such as Clefable, Mega Tyranitar, and Magearna. Ash-Greninja can also gain momentum from all of these checks with U-turn.

**Blissey and Chansey**: Blissey and Chansey sport tremendous special bulk and do not mind Ash-Greninja's attacks at all. Blissey is particularly effective due to its semi-immunity to standard Heavy-Duty Boots set blocking entry hazard damage and its ability to preserve momentum with Teleport. Both can be taken advantage of with U-turn, however.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types are great options for checking Ash-Greninja, as they too resist Hydro Pump, and they often have the bulk to take repeated uses of Dark Pulses as well. Ferrothorn, especially with Protect, is able to prevent Battle Bond from activating for quite some time and can punish U-turn with Iron Barbs. However, it lacks reliable recovery and is therefore prone to getting overwhelmed by repeated uses of Dark Pulses. The rare Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth are other options that can preserve momentum with Regenerator, but they must watch out for a stray Ice Beam. Mega Venusaur is also capable of taking on an untransformed Ash-Greninja for quite some time. However, Synthesis having low PP largely greatly restricts it long-term. All of these are also prone to being taken advantage of by U-turn or overwhelmed by Spikes and stray Dark Pulse flinches if they aren't paired with satisfactory Dark-resistant Pokemon.

**Dark-resistant Dragon-types Hydreigon and Kommo-o**: Both Hydreigon and Kommo-o are capable of directly pivoting into an untransformed Ash-Greninja, as they resist both of its STAB moves, and Hydreigon is immune to Spikes as well. From there, Hydreigon can force Ash-Greninja out and Roost off recover the damage with Roost, while Kommo-o can use the opportunity to set up Stealth Rock or cripple a switch-in (added hyphen) with Toxic. However, Ash-Greninja remains capable of making progress with U-turn and or Spikes. In addition, both must watch out for Ice Beam on rain teams.

**Faster Pokemon**: Ash-Greninja suffers from mediocre bulk and is therefore prone to faster attackers such as Mega Lopunny, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, (AC) and Choice Scarf Victini, as well as Tapu Koko before Greninja it transforms. However, Ash-Greninja's access to a strong priority move does help it to an extent in these matchups. Moreover, Ash-Greninja also resists common forms of priority such as Bullet Punch from Mega Scizor, Sucker Punch from Cinderace, Mega Mawile, and Bisharp, as well as and Water Shuriken from opposing Ash-Greninja. This makes priority outside of Rilaboom’s Grassy Glide and Fake Out from Mega Medicham not so much of a Mega Medicham's Fake Out not a big concern as long as Ash-Greninja is fairly healthy.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Guard, 360582]]
- Quality checked by: [[Sputnik, 475916], [faded love, 241308], [Zneon, 487629]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [username2, userid2]]

1/2

 

[P Squared]

GP 2/2

mostly just fixing apostrophes

Hide

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Water Shuriken
move 4: Spikes / U-turn
item: Choice Specs
ability: Battle Bond
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Ash-Greninja is a respectable offensive threat in National Dex due to its great Special Attack and Speed, formidable offensive typing, and access to potent priority in Water Shuriken. Said traits make Ash-Greninja one of the better late-game cleaners and a good way to limit threats such as Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Mega Mawile. However, Ash-Greninja's (straight apostrophe, not curly) bulk is quite mediocre, meaning it cannot repeatedly pivot into even resisted hits such as Heatran's (same) Magma Storm. This also makes it prone to faster attackers and priority users such as Mega Lopunny, Mega Medicham, and Rillaboom. Moreover, Ash-Greninja's (same) full potential is only reached once it has claimed a KO and activated Battle Bond, which restricts its initial breaking prowess. Even when transformed, Ash-Greninja can't break through all of its most common checks at once, with both Blissey and Toxapex being popular Pokemon that restrict Spikes and U-turn sets, respectively.

Surf may be used over Hydro Pump on rain teams to have both accuracy and power, but its considerably lower power outside of rain may hinder Ash-Greninja's overall wallbreaking prowess by situationally missing out on KOs. Spikes gives Ash-Greninja an option to punish the opponent in the long run for switching in checks such as Toxapex, Tapu Fini lacking Defog, and Ferrothorn. However, keep in mind that forgoing U-turn boils down to making Ash-Greninja a momentum drain against Blissey. U-turn enables Ash-Greninja to take proper advantage of Blissey, which no other move can offer, and is its best option against Hydreigon and Defog Tapu Fini. It fails to make much of any progress against Toxapex, however.

Ash-Greninja generally fits best on balance and bulky offensive teams capable of providing it with a sturdy defensive backbone it can fall back on, as well as proper offensive support in order to assist it in activating Battle Bond and cleaning up. Depending on the set, either Toxapex or Blissey will be the largest roadblock to activating Battle Bond. If running U-turn, run teammates that can take advantage of both Toxapex and Blissey after Ash-Greninja pivots out of them. Mega Medicham, Garchomp, Taunt Heatran, and Tapu Lele are some great options in this regard. If running Spikes, forcing progress against Blissey with smart double switches into teammates such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, Cinderace, and Kartana is especially crucial. Tapu Fini and Hydreigon are some other Pokemon Ash-Greninja may struggle against initially, with both comfortably stomaching its STAB moves. Thus, strong means of pressuring them like Kyurem and Tapu Koko can prove helpful. Knock Off support from the likes of Clefable, Toxapex, and Ferrothorn assists Ash-Greninja by removing crucial items from checks such as Blissey, Gastrodon, Tapu Fini, and Toxapex. Ferrothorn is particularly helpful, freeing up Ash-Greninja's last moveslot by virtue of being a great Spikes setter itself. Although Water Shuriken remedies this to an extent, Ash-Greninja remains prone to faster attackers as well as priority and Choice Scarf users such as Mega Medicham, Mega Lopunny, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, and Rillaboom. A sturdy defensive backbone consisting of Pokemon such as Slowbro, Clefable, Corviknight, and Zapdos can combat these threats. Slowbro and Slowking are particularly effective, pressuring Toxapex, Gastrodon, and Tapu Fini with Future Sight and safely bringing Ash-Greninja in with Teleport. Ash-Greninja is a powerful staple on rain teams, which greatly help it activate Battle Bond by pairing it with wallbreakers and strengthening its Water-type attacks. Wallbreakers that pair well with Ash-Greninja include Mega Swampert, Zapdos, and Manaphy. Lastly, as Ash-Greninja's bulk is quite mediocre, pivoting support from the likes of Slowbro, Corviknight, Blissey, and Mega Scizor can let it safely enter a battle.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ice Beam may be used over Spikes on rain teams with Ferrothorn as the Spikes setter so that Ash-Greninja can lure in and damage Hydreigon and Kommo-o for teammates to take advantage of. It is, however, strictly inferior to U-turn and Spikes outside of rain teams, as it leaves Ash-Greninja unable to make progress against many of its other checks and easily taken advantage of.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Bulky Water-types**: Most bulky Water-types are some of the best available options to check Ash-Greninja, as they can easily switch into Hydro Pump and take a few Dark Pulses as well. Tapu Fini is excellent even among these, resisting both of its STAB types, potentially setting up on it, and removing Spikes with Defog. Toxapex, especially if running Baneful Bunker, is another solid check that can easily deny Battle Bond activation. Gastrodon and the more niche Mantine are immune to Water-type attacks courtesy of their abilities, and they have the bulk and recovery to repeatedly tank Dark Pulse as well. Mantine is also capable of removing Spikes. However, Tapu Fini lacks reliable recovery and is therefore prone to being overwhelmed in the long run, whereas both Toxapex and Gastrodon are prone to getting overwhelmed by either Spikes or Dark Pulse flinches if they aren't paired with sturdy Dark-resistant Pokemon such as Clefable and Mega Tyranitar. Ash-Greninja can also gain momentum from all of these checks with U-turn.

**Blissey and Chansey**: Blissey and Chansey sport tremendous special bulk and do not mind Ash-Greninja's attacks at all. Blissey is particularly effective due to its standard Heavy-Duty Boots set blocking entry hazard damage and its ability to preserve momentum with Teleport. Both can be taken advantage of with U-turn, however.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types are great options for checking Ash-Greninja, as they too resist Hydro Pump, and they often have the bulk to take repeated Dark Pulses as well. Ferrothorn, especially with Protect, is able to prevent Battle Bond from activating for quite some time and can punish U-turn with Iron Barbs. However, it lacks reliable recovery and is therefore prone to getting overwhelmed by repeated Dark Pulses. The rare Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth can preserve momentum with Regenerator, but they must watch out for a stray Ice Beam. Mega Venusaur is also capable of taking on an untransformed Ash-Greninja for quite some time. However, Synthesis having low PP greatly restricts it long-term. All of these are also prone to being taken advantage of by U-turn or overwhelmed by Spikes and stray Dark Pulse flinches if they aren't paired with satisfactory Dark-resistant Pokemon.

**Hydreigon and Kommo-o**: Hydreigon and Kommo-o are capable of directly pivoting into an untransformed Ash-Greninja, as they resist both of its STAB moves, and Hydreigon is immune to Spikes as well. From there, Hydreigon can force Ash-Greninja out and recover the damage with Roost, while Kommo-o can use the opportunity to set up Stealth Rock or cripple a switch-in with Toxic. However, Ash-Greninja remains capable of making progress with U-turn or Spikes. In addition, both must watch out for Ice Beam on rain teams.

**Faster Pokemon**: Ash-Greninja suffers from mediocre bulk and is therefore prone to faster attackers such as Mega Lopunny, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, and Choice Scarf Victini, as well as Tapu Koko before it transforms. However, Ash-Greninja's access to a strong priority move does help it to an extent in these matchups. Moreover, Ash-Greninja also resists common forms of priority such as Bullet Punch from Mega Scizor, Sucker Punch from Mega Mawile and Bisharp, and Water Shuriken from opposing Ash-Greninja. This makes priority outside of Rilaboom's (last one!) Grassy Glide and Mega Medicham's Fake Out not a big concern as long as Ash-Greninja is fairly healthy.