Greninja is one of ten playable Pokémon in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Making his debut in Smash for Wii U, he brings his high mobility and improved moveset to Smash Ultimate.
The water-type Pokémon makes a very convincing ninja. He's the final evolution of Froakie and was created in the sixth generation of Pokémon games.
Greninja is a hit-and-run character that can quickly close in for attacks and then promptly pull out and escape. He's also got great ground-to-air potential and a good punish game thanks to multiple combo starters and advantageous frame data.
How to unlock Greninja
Greninja can be unlocked in a few ways:
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Have him join your party during the World of Light story mode.
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Playing Smash matches can unlock Greninja, but there are 57 other characters to unlock before him.
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Complete Classic Mode six times using Donkey Kong or any other character he unlocks.
Greninja's Alternate Costumes
Similar to fellow Pokémon Lucario, Greninja doesn't get much variety in the costumes he has. They're just color swaps that change the pigment of his skin, tongue, and other aspects of his body. All the colors included are:
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Grey
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Red
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Pink
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Green
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Black
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Purple
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Indigo
Greninja changes since the last appearance
Greninja received several changes since his appearance in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. His Moveset has been tweaked overall and also has his animations and Final Smash.
Forward Throw deals more damage while an arrow appears overhead to indicate the direction Hydro Pump will send him. He's generally lighter now and becomes Ash Greninja during his Final Smash.
Greninja Move List
Normals
Neutral (A)
Greninja attacks opponents with two palm thrusts, followed by a double palm thrust that emits a water blast. If tapped repeatedly, he does a series of knife hand strikes and ends the attack with a final strike that emits a small water blast. Its speed makes it a great combo breaker.
Side Normal (Side+A)
This attack does a hook kick that sends opponents flying backward.
Up Normal (Up+A)
Greninja attacks with his tongue, serving as a great aerial combo starter, and it's also a convenient juggling tool.
Down Normal (Down+A)
This attack is a low hand sweep that's a good combo starter thanks to how it sends opponents up at an angle.
Dash Attack (Double Side+A)
Greninja does a low sweep attack, which is probably one of the best dash attacks in the game because of how it sets opponents up in the air for combos. It also crosses opponents that have their shields up.
Specials
Water Shuriken
(Neutral special) (B) – Greninja creates a shuriken of water and fires it straight ahead. He's also able to charge it, making the projectile grow in size and damage. Both versions have a limited distance they travel.
Shadow Sneak
Side special (Side + B) – In a whirl of smoke, Greninja warps towards his target and launch them into the air. Depending on his proximity to the opponent, the attack can come from the front or back.
Hydro Pump
Up special (Up + B) – This move fires a powerful jet of water from below that launches the Pokémon up in the direction you choose. Useful for escaping tight situations or catching up to an airborne opponent.
Substitute
Down special (Down + B) – Greninja adopts a special stance, and if attacked while in it, he evades by substituting his body with an item and counters with a dash attack. Greninja's counter is quick to initiate, allowing him to control the flow of battle.
Final Smash
Secret Ninja Attack
Special (B when Final Smash Meter is full) - Greninja hits a portion of the ground, which causes Mat Block to flip opponents into the air. He then strikes them repeatedly with dash attacks before hitting them back down to the ground. His Final Smash doesn't have much range, so make sure to dash into range before making use of it.
Overview
Strengths
The agile Pokémon has excellent combo potential, with his mobility giving him an air of unpredictability. He's also able to cancel into any ground attack, which will help you keep your opponents guessing. Dash in and out of their attack range and mixup your attacks for maximum efficiency. As you keep applying pressure, your opponent will start pushing buttons that you can punish for significant damage.
Weaknesses
While Greninja's recovery is better than it used to be, his lightness plays against him as heavy-hitting opponents will send him flying effortlessly. You could say they're his weakness, but that's only if their attacks hit. His speed and the varying range of his attacks can also be hard to get used to at first. Execution is critical.
Greninja's return to the Super Smash Bros. roster is well worth it as he's much improved since his first appearance. His playstyle and Moveset will have many opponents worried sick, and that's why he's considered well above average on many tier lists.
