[BH] Ash-Greninja

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Overview

Water Bubble turns Ash-Greninja into a fast, powerful wallbreaker that is difficult to check for both offensive and defensive teams. Ash-Greninja also boasts high Speed and powerful mixed attacking stats and is capable of outspeeding many common offensive threats such as Mega Mewtwo X. This extra Speed and its Dark typing set it apart from Primal Kyogre, the other main Water Bubble user, and gives it immunity to Prankster moves, which can make it difficult to stop. It is also able to run STAB moves such as Dark Pulse and Power Trip to beat some of its switch-ins, such as Giratina. Though Water Bubble is definitely its strongest set, its great stat spread allows it to lure its common checks with other moves or sets, such as Ice Beam to beat Zygarde-C or a physical Shell Smash set to surprise Assault Vest users.

Sadly, these incredible offensive stats come at the cost of bulk. Decently strong neutral attacks can OHKO Ash-Greninja, and priority attacks from Triage and -ate ability users such as Mega Rayquaza, Kyurem-B, Mega Diancie, and Zekrom can stop it cold. Its Dark / Water typing saddles it with weaknesses to common Bug-, Fighting-, Fairy-, Grass-, and Electric-type moves, forcing it out and also causing it to take huge damage from defensive U-turn and Volt Switch pivots, such as Registeel, Giratina, and Solgaleo, that switch in to check it.

Water Bubble Wallbreaker
Greninja-Ash @ Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
Ability: Water Bubble
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature / Modest Nature
- Steam Eruption / Water Spout
- Volt Switch
- Earth Power / Moongeist Beam
- Water Shuriken / Trick / Moongeist Beam / Water Spout

Set Comments

Moves

Steam Eruption is a consistent STAB move that can demolish walls, OHKOing almost every non-Assault Vest Steel-type, along with many other Pokemon besides. Alternatively, Water Spout is useable, especially with a Choice Scarf, since its higher power makes up for the lack of a boosting item; however, running this move forces you to play more carefully with Ash-Greninja, since Water Spout weakens as Ash-Greninja takes more damage. If running Water Spout, Steam Eruption is also a useable backup STAB move that can be ran in the third or fourth moveslot to maintain power when Ash-Greninja's health is low. Volt Switch allows Ash-Greninja to scout and gain momentum for its team, which is vital when playing offense. It also does enormous damage to opposing Flying- and Water-types such as Primal Kyogre, Yveltal, Celesteela, and Ash-Greninja. Earth Power 2HKOes many Rock- and Fire-types that run Water immunity abilities such as Primal Groudon and Diancie. Alternatively, one can opt to run Moongeist Beam in the third or fourth moveslot, as it beats Sturdy Shedinja and can also do solid damage to Giratina if it switches in, though Steam Eruption is still more potent against Giratina. Water Shuriken allows Ash-Greninja to pick off weakened faster targets and slower +1 priority users. It is best used with Choice Specs, since its power is considerable when the item is equipped. Trick can be ran to cripple walls that try to switch in at the cost of a considerable amount of power behind Ash-Greninja's moves or being able to outspeed offensive threats.

Set Details

Water Bubble powers up STAB moves even further and prevents Scald and Steam Eruption burns. Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment along with a Timid nature allow it to do as much damage as it can and outspeed base 125 and 130 Speed Pokemon, including Mega Gengar, Marshadow, and Mega Mewtwo X, while wearing Choice Specs, which allows Ash-Greninja to break through walls easily. Choice Scarf can be ran if you instead want a fast revenge killer that can dispatch Focus Sash Deoxys-A, Deoxys-S, or Pheromosa while still being able to deal considerable damage to defensive Pokemon as well. Choice Scarf with a Timid nature enables Ash-Greninja to outspeed neutral-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon that have boosted to +2, though it cannot outspeed positive-natured base 90s. A Modest nature can also be ran, but being able to outspeed Primal Groudon at +2 is definitely worth considering.

Usage Tips

Ash-Greninja is best played conservatively early-game; bring it in to see what your opponent will send in against it, pivot out, then focus on removing that counter to facilitate its sweep. Recklessly switching in Ash-Greninja against even defensive Pokemon is foolhardy, since it is unable to stomach Volt Switch or U-turn very well. Use Ash-Greninja to apply significant offensive pressure against the opposing team. It does this well, since its Water Bubble-boosted STAB moves can KO or cripple most Pokemon that are unprepared for it. Try to keep entry hazards up against offensive teams, whose Pokemon often carry Focus Sashes. Entry hazard removal against these teams is not as important as continually applying offensive pressure. Conversely, do your best to keep entry hazards off your side of the field when facing bulkier teams especially if running Water Spout; they will weaken its power severely. Sticky Web can neuter Ash-Greninja's powerful offensive stats by slowing it down, while Toxic Spikes shorten its life span considerably with poison, both of which makes it unable to survive a drawn-out struggle. Watch out for common fast Dazzling users such as Mega Gengar and Deoxys-A before clicking Water Shuriken, as this can give your opponent two free turns to do as they please.

Carefully weigh the opportunity cost before using Trick. If your opponent has other bulky Pokemon that can take a hit from Ash-Greninja with reduced power, you may want to refrain from using Trick until they are weakened. Tricking Choice Scarf onto a wall can actually work against you, since the wall may now outspeed Ash-Greninja and be able to cripple it. Tricking a Choice Scarf onto an offensive Pokemon can be suicidal. Never trick Choice Scarf onto an Imposter user, though tricking Choice Specs can still be a smart play if you can force the Imposter user out.


Team Options

Ash-Greninja often provides the support that teammates need, crippling walls with its strong attacks. However, its job can be made easier with entry hazards, as they break Focus Sashes and Sturdy. On offensive teams, Deoxys-S with Mold Breaker can usually succeed in at least setting up Stealth Rock. On bulkier teams, passive walls such as Registeel, Shuckle, Giratina, and Mega Audino can function as able Stealth Rock setters, as well as slow pivots to get Ash-Greninja safely into the game. Bulky entry hazard removal pivots are important to keep Ash-Greninja at peak performance and preserve momentum. Giratina, Assault Vest Solgaleo, Mega Audino, and Aegislash can run Defog or Rapid Spin to keep the field clear. They are also solid switch-ins to Water Absorb or Desolate Land Pokemon.

Ash-Greninja absolutely requires an Imposter-proofing teammate. Desolate Land Primal Groudon can take any attack besides Earth Power, forcing the Imposter Pokemon to manually switch out. Assault Vest Water-resistant pivots such as Mega Gyarados and Primal Kyogre can take an Imposter Pokemon's attack and threaten to knock off their items. Storm Drain or Water Absorb Ground-types are usually solid checks to Imposter Pokemon as well. Powerful wallbreakers can build offensive pressure until they overwhelm the opposing team's checks to Ash-Greninja. Stakeout Choice Band Primal Groudon can easily OHKO Water Absorb Primal Groudon and Steel-types that often run Assault Vest such as Celesteela, Magearna, and Solgaleo. Pixilate Mega Diancie breaks through Giratina, Palkia, and Mega Gyarados. Bulky setup sweepers such as Poison Heal Kyogre and Mega Garchomp can take advantage of Ash-Greninja's momentum to set up. Psychic Terrain support is helpful to control priority moves, many of which can severely damage Ash-Greninja, but remember that Water Shuriken will also fail if it is up. Mega Mewtwo Y and Deoxys-Attack can viably run Psychic Surge, which allows them to set up or sweep without fear of being picked off by priority moves while protecting Ash-Greninja from them as well.

Strategy Comments

Other Options

A Focus Sash + Shell Smash set running powerful offensive moves, such as Power Trip, Steam Eruption, Crabhammer, Sludge Wave, Earth Power, and Close Combat can surprise Ash-Greninja's usual checks and sweep with the help of wallbreakers, Psychic Terrain, and entry hazard control. It also has the option of running a different ability, such as Dazzling or Mold Breaker. Spooky Plate Mega Gengar performs this better., though, since it has perfect neutral two-move coverage in Judgment and Secret Sword, doesn't necessarily require that the field be clear of hazards, and is self Imposter-proof. Ice Beam can be ran to ensure an OHKO on Zygarde-Complete, which can stop Ash-Greninja dead if it runs Water Absorb. Most Zygarde do not, though, and Steam Eruption is a clean 2HKO otherwise. It also hits Mega Audino running Water Absorb, though not for much. Moonblast can severely cripple bulky Dragon-types that would otherwise switch into Water-type attacks. Its power is unimpressive otherwise, and the loss of a coverage move is usually not worth it unless you are facing a 4x Water-resistant Pokemon such as Palkia or Mega Sceptile.

Life Orb or Expert Belt are options if you don't have confidence in your prediction skills, but Ash-Greninja will find itself being worn down quickly if wearing Life Orb, and the loss of power or speed behind its moves when using Expert Belt is a letdown. Steam Eruption is a much wiser choice than Water Spout on this set because the loss of HP each use will weaken Water Spout's power. Core Enforcer can be used to remove Water Absorb and other abilities from switch-ins.


Checks and Counters

Bulky Assault Vest Users: Bulky Assault Vest users that resist Water or special attacks such as Mega Gyarados, Palkia, and Dialga can avoid the 2HKO from Steam Eruption and retaliate hard, though they must be wary of other moves, such as Trick.

Water-immune Pokemon: Pokemon with abilities that grant immunity to Water such as Desolate Land and Water Absorb can switch in on a predicted Water-type move, forcing Ash-Greninja out and depleting its PP. Most of the common Water-immune Pokemon are vulnerable to a coverage move, such as Earth Power for Primal Groudon and Diancie. Most of these can also hit hard against Ash-Greninja with super effective moves such as Fleur Cannon and Volt Switch.

Fast Choice Scarf and Priority Users: Ash-Greninja's frailty leaves it open to being revenge killed by fast threats such as Deoxys-A and Mega Mewtwo Y. Many of these Pokemon use a Choice Scarf as well, outspeeding even Choice Scarf Ash-Greninja. If not supported by Psychic Terrain, priority can fell Ash-Greninja. Aerilate, Galvanize, or Pixilate Extreme Speed from Mega Rayquaza, Zekrom, or Mega Diancie, respectively, can quickly end Ash-Greninja. Triage users often carry Fighting-, Bug-, or Grass-type moves, such as Giga Drain, Drain Punch, and Leech Life, all of which are super effective against Ash-Greninja.

Speed Control and Status: Paralysis and Sticky Web are banes to Ash-Greninja's sweep, slowing it down to the point where most bulkier offensive Pokemon can KO it before it can do anything. Poison limits Ash-Greninja's sweep severely, though luckily, thanks to Water Bubble, Ash-Greninja does not fear being burned.
 
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I'm going to go in order, with the exception of The Ruins of Alpha's analysis, because that formatting needs work and you already got some comments to consider. Also, I'm pretty sure that you're either going to need additional sets or considerable OO mentions for Mold Breaker, Normalize and Adaptability. (If I had to pick, I'd say Normalize or Mold Breaker would be the most deserving of a set.)

First of all, SuperSkylake:

Overview
  • There's some vague stuff here. Add a mention of speed to the "high offensive stats" bit, since that's really the main niche it has over Kyogre-Primal. Note that its Dark STAB is also an additional advantage over Kyogre, besides protecting it from Pranksters. Move the "offensive luring sets" thing to the end and mention the sets and their corresponding checks by name.
  • I would also add that the Bug weakness is not helpful combined with its frailty, as the walls it's supposed to check like Registeel and Zygarde-Complete often run U-turn and can damage it considerably on their way out.
Moves
  • I feel that Water Spout is usable on either set. Maybe just say that it's more useful on Scarf.
  • Mention that Earth Power's 2HKO on Primal Groudon is especially useful because they often run Desolate Land or Water Absorb. Also note that it hits certain Water Absorb Fairy-types like Magearna and Diancie, which are occasionally used as counters, super effectively.
  • "Water Bubble-boosted 60 BP STAB" isn't correct. Ash Greninja can get as many hits as it wants; it's only Battle Bond that locks it at three 20 BP hits.
Set Details
  • Its wallbreaking is far from "unmatchable" so I would go with a more accurate thing like "excellent" or "outstanding."
Usage Tips
  • Say that it can't afford to take extra damage especially with Water Spout
Team Options
  • Get rid of the first sentence, as it doesn't add anything. Note that entry hazards are particularly useful if Ash Greninja lacks Water Shuriken.
  • Remove the "Assault Vest" before "Solgaleo" as while I know what you mean, it makes it sound like Assault Vest Solgaleo can use Defog.
  • I'd prefer that these wallbreakers eliminated specific checks and counters to Ash Greninja. Right now it just seems sort of random. Definitely don't say "a second Ash Greninja" imo. I'm not sure which would be best, but as I see it the main switch-ins are Water Absorb (especially Fairy-types for Kyogre's Core Enforcer, some Steel-types Pdon) and AV Mega Gyarados, Dialga and Palkia so maybe good examples of wallbreakers would be Stakeout Primal Groudon (which you already have) for the Steel-types and Pixilate Mega Diancie (which you don't) for Palkia and Gyarados. Otherwise, use your best judgment or wait for other QC.
  • Mention that Psychic Terrain should not be used in conjunction with Water Shuriken Greninja
Other Options
  • Note that the Shell Smash set could also make use of Power Trip and doesn't even necessarily need to be Water Bubble because it's less of a wallbreaker and more of a sweeper.
  • Core Enforcer must be mentioned here as an option for non-Choice sets as it neutralizes any non-Scarf, non-Fairy-type Water Absorb and Desolate Land users.
  • Say that Life Orb should not be used with Water Spout
Checks and Counters
  • Solgaleo is not a Water Bubble check so I wouldn't put that in the first bullet point.
  • For the Water Immunities point I would also add that some aren't hit super effectively by any relevant coverage moves, such as the occasionally used Mega Audino.
  • Get rid of the Imposter bullet point, as what you said there applies to pretty much any offensive Pokemon in BH.
  • Get rid of Tailwind and Trick Room in the last point because they are incredibly obscure and remove Poison because you mentioned it earlier. I would focus on speed control and list specific users of moves like Nuzzle to watch out for.
Good start! QC 1/3

Reserving Celesteela
I can has M-Gyarados? :heart:
These are both approved!
 
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Electrolyte

Wouldn't Wanna Know
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SuperSkylake Here's check #2 for Ash-Greninja (from now known as "AG"):

Overview
- This is pretty good, but the structure / organization of your writing can be improved.
- Water Bubble is AG's biggest (honestly, only) set, so talk about how Water Bubble makes it a upper level meta threat, first.
- Then talk about how Greninja specifically differs from other Water Bubble users. For example, it has high Speed, it has high SpA / Atk, and it has a Dark typing to give it immunity to Prankster and coverage to hit things like Giratina and Dialga.
- In weaknesses, talk about the impact of having those weaknesses. The reason why they are especially bad is because these are the Pokemon that AG is supposed to muscle past, but because it often cant even tank the weak pivot moves that these Pokemon almost always carry, it struggles to regain momentum if it is lost and has a lot of difficulty switching in.
- I think it makes the most sense to mention the lures right before weaknesses but right after other advantages simply because that's the standard format for analyses, but it really doesn't matter. What you should do when you write this up, however, is include some kind of transition to qualify your negative comments about AG so it makes sense to once again talk about other positive options it has.


Water Bubble (Wall)Breaker
Moves

- Under Earth Power, say that its specific purpose is to hit Water-immune Steel-, Rock-, or Fire-types. AVest Magearna is a bad example because even Steam Eruption does more than Earth Power. Full-power Water Spout is always stronger than Earth Power against every non-water immune meta threat than Earth Power is (225 BP against a resist vs Earth Power's 180 BP against a weakness). So, you must mention that EPower is only for these water-immune checks.
- Again, Water Spout is stronger than Moongeist vs Giratina, so qualify your statement that it is a more reliable way to hit Giratina than Water Spout, as opposed to just doing solid damage. Also, for formality purposes, mention specifically that Moongeist can be slashed into the third or fourth slot because that's what you're doing.

Set Details
- For the Scarf, mention that it can also outspeed and revenge kill some boosted Pokemon. 252+ AG with Scarf beats +2 Spe Pokemon all the way up to 252 neutral base 100s and base 90s (like Zekrom, PKyogre, PDon, and Yveltal). Unfortunately, it cannot beat 252+ base 90s.

Usage Tips
- Add that, in early game, your main purpose is to deal damage but also scout to see how the opponent responds to AG's presence so you know whether the opponent has a water-immune Pokemon or not and what kind of set it is if they do carry it. Once you pinpoint their wall, you can target it and, once removed, pave the way for an AG sweep.

Team Options
- Also mention defensive responses to common water-immune Pokemon. For example, Giratina and Zygarde are both fantastic options to respond to Desolate / Water Absorb PDon or immune Steel- / Fire- / Rock-types so you don't lose any momentum if the opponent catches you with a surprise immunity.
- I agree with Uselesscrab here, don't mention doubling up on AGs because having two Choice spammers that are actively countered will absolutely kill your momentum.
- "Priority control is useful not only to shield Greninja but to allow it to run Water Shuriken when it is inactive." - This sentence confuses me. Just warn that if Psychic Surge is used, AG wont be able to use Water Shuriken.
- Psychic Surge Yveltal?? I've never seen that and it sounds weird considering Yveltal doesn't benefit from terrains. Remove it.

Strategy Comments
Other Options

- For Moonblast, qualify that it is still not significantly stronger than Steam Eruption, and is definitely weaker than Water Spout against every Dragon-type except like Mega Sceptile (plus, it doesn't even hit Dialga, either).
- Explain why Steam Eruption is better - because LO reduces Water Spout's power

Checks and Counters
- Assault Vest users really only have to worry about trick. Remember, Earth Power does less than Water Spout to all three Pokemon you mentioned rofl (even to Palkia).
- Mach Punch MMX and Pheromosa is not really a thing, and even 252 Atk MMX only OHKOs 6.3% of the time


Nice work! Just watch your writing structure and make sure it's logically organized. QC 2/3

 
Double stab on ash greninja is unneeded. It would rather be crippling or killing its checks than having some extra power behind its water spout that will just disappear after a few switchins to rocks. Sure it can do stuff liek 2hKO eviolite chansey but teammates are better for that anyway.
Not sure what other set you'd use Core Enforcer on besides the Life Orb set. The sash smash set doesn't have room for it. If ou use it while choice locked, you have to switch moves. I suppose a set with expert belt might work to bluff a choice item though. I might add that to OO.
 
I actually did implement it, because it's good to run double stab when you use scarf so that you have solid power behind your first few attacks even with the scarf equipped.
 
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SuperSkylake

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Overview

The newly released Water Bubble ability turns Ash-Greninja into a fast, powerful wallbreaker that is difficult to check for both offensive and defensive teams. Ash-Greninja also boasts high Speed and powerful mixed attacking stats and is capable of outspeeding many common offensive threats such as Mega Mewtwo X. This extra higher Speed and its Dark typing set it apart from Primal Kyogre, the other main Water Bubble user, and gives it immunity to Prankster moves, which can make it difficult to stop. It is also able to run STAB moves such as Dark Pulse and Power Trip to beat some of its switch-ins, such as Giratina. Though Water Bubble is definitely its strongest set, its great stat spread allows it to lure its common checks with other moves or sets, such as Ice Beam to beat Zygarde-Complete or a physical Shell Smash set to surprise Assault Vest users. (AP)
(line break)

Sadly, these incredible offensive stats come at the cost of bulk. Decently strong neutral attacks can OHKO Ash-Greninja, and priority attacks from the likes of Mega Rayquaza, Kyurem-B, Mega Diancie, (AC) or Zekrom running -ate abilities or Triage (Who has -ate abilities or Triage? All of the mentioned Pokemon, or just Zekrom? If they all do, then use ", and priority attacks from the likes of -ate or Triage .... ". But if it's just Zekrom, then use ", Mega Diancie, or -ate or Traige Zekrom") can stop it cold. Its Dark / Water typing saddles it with weaknesses to Bug, Fighting, Fairy, Grass, and Electric, bug; Fighting; Fairy; Grass and Electric, (Are these common offensive typings? Simply listing the types A-G is weak to doesn't really help; either state why these weaknesses are bad, or just remove the line) forcing it out and also causing it to take huge damage from defensive U-turn and Volt Switch pivots, (AC) such as Registeel, Giratina, (AC) and Solgaleo, that switch in to check it.

Water Bubble Wallbreaker
Greninja-Ash @ Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
Ability: Water Bubble
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature / Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk (Pretty sure this line should be removed, since sets with no physical moves automatically have this)
- Steam Eruption / Water Spout
- Volt Switch
- Earth Power / Moongeist Beam
- Water Shuriken / Trick / Moongeist Beam / Water Spout

(Fixed the spacing)


Set Comments

Moves

Steam Eruption is a consistent STAB move that can demolish walls, OHKOing almost every non-Assault Vest Steel-type Steel type not wearing an Assault Vest, along with many other Pokemon besides. Alternatively, Water Spout is useable especially with a Choice Scarf, since its higher power makes up for the lack of a boosting item; however, running this move forces you to play more carefully with Ash-Greninja, since Water Spout weakens as Ash-Greninja takes more damage. If running Water Spout, Steam Eruption is also a useable backup STAB move that can be ran in the third or fourth moveslot to maintain power when Ash-Greninja's health is low. (remove line break) Volt Switch allows Ash-Greninja to scout and gain momentum for its team, which is vital when playing offense. It also does enormous damage to opposing Flying- and Water -types such as Primal Kyogre, Yveltal, Celesteela, (AC) and Ash Greninja. (remove line break) Earth Power 2HKOes many Rock- and Fire-types that run Water immunity abilities such as Primal Groudon and Diancie. Alternatively, Moongeist Beam beats Sturdy Shedinja and can also do solid damage to Giratina if it switches in, though Steam Eruption is still more potent against it. Moongeist Beam should be used if you need to beat Sturdy Shedinja and can be ran in either the third or fourth moveslot. The fourth slot has many options: (subjective line, but feel that the "move does this" structure is getting a bit robotic) Water Shuriken allows Ash-Greninja to pick off weakened faster targets and slower +1 priority users. It is best used with Choice Specs, (AC) since its power is considerable when they are the item is equipped, and often falls short when they are not. (obvious; remove line break) Trick can be ran to cripple walls that try to switch in, (RC) at the cost of a considerable amount of power behind Ash-Greninja's moves, (RC) or being able to outspeed offensive threats.
Moongeist Beam beats Sturdy Shedinja and can also do solid damage to Giratina if it switches in, though Steam Eruption is still more potent against Giratina. Moongeist Beam is used if you are desperate to beat Sturdy Shedinja and can be ran in either the third or fourth moveslot.

Set Details

Water Bubble is the key to the set, as it powers up Ash-Greninja's STAB moves even further and prevents Scald and Steam Eruption burns. (remove line break) Maximum SpA Special Attack and Speed investment along with a Timid nature allow it to do as much damage as it can and outspeed the base 125 and 130 Speed tiers that include Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Marshadow, and Mega Mewtwo X while wearing Choice Specs, which allows Ash-Greninja to break through walls easily. Choice Scarf can be ran if you instead want a fast revenge killer that can dispatch Focus Sash Deoxys-A, Deoxys-S, or Pheromosa while still being able to deal considerable damage to defensive Pokemon as well. Choice Scarf with a Timid nature can also lets Ash-Greninja outspeed neutral-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon that have boosted to +2 speed, though it cannot outspeed positive-natured speed base 90s. Modest can also be ran, but being able to outspeed Primal Groudon at +2 is definitely worth considering.

Usage Tips (I removed a bunch of unnecessary line breaks)

Ash-Greninja is best played conservatively early-game; bring it in to test see what your opponent will send in against it, pivot out, then focus on removing that counter to facilitate its sweep. Recklessly switching in Ash-Greninja against even defensive mons Pokemon is foolhardy, since it is unable to stomach Volt Switch or U-turn very well. Use Ash-Greninja to apply significant offensive pressure against the opposing team. It does this well, since its Water Bubble-boosted STAB moves can KO or cripple most of the metagame Pokemon that are unprepared for it. Try to keep entry hazards up against offensive teams, whose Pokemon often carry Focus Sashes. Entry hazard removal against these teams is not as important as continually applying offensive pressure. Conversely, do your best to keep entry hazards off your side of the field when facing bulkier teams especially if running Water Spout; they will weaken its power severely. Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes can neuter Ash-Greninja's powerful offensive stats by slowing it down or shortening its life span considerably with poison, something that makes it ill-suited for a drawn-out struggle. Watch out for common fast Dazzling users such as Mega Gengar and Deoxys-Attack before clicking Water Shuriken, (AC) as this can give your opponent two free turns to do as they please he pleases.
(line break here, just to not make this a massive chunk)
Carefully weigh the opportunity cost before using Trick. If your opponent has other bulky Pokemon that can take a hit from Ash-Greninja with reduced power, you may want to refrain from using Trick until they are weakened. Tricking Choice Scarf onto a wall can actually work against you, since the wall may now outspeed Ash-Greninja and be able to cripple it. Tricking a Choice Scarf onto an offensive Pokemon can be suicidal. Never trick Choice Scarf onto an Imposter user, though Tricking Choice Specs can still be a smart play if you can force the Imposter user out.


Team Options

Ash-Greninja is often provides the support that teammates need, crippling walls with its strong attacks. However, its job can be made easier with entry hazards, (AC) as they break Focus Sashes and Sturdy. On offensive teams, Deoxys-Speed with Mold Breaker can usually succeed in at least setting up Stealth Rock. On bulkier teams, passive walls such as Registeel, Shuckle, Giratina, (AC) or and Mega Audino can function as able Stealth Rock setters. These teammates are also as well as useful slow pivots to get Ash-Greninja safely into the game. Bulky entry hazard removal pivots are important to keep Ash-Greninja at peak performance and preserve momentum. Giratina, Assault Vest Solgaleo, Mega Audino, (AC) and Aegislash can run Defog or Rapid Spin to keep the field clear. These They are also solid switch-ins to Water Absorb or Desolate Land Pokemon.
Greninja absolutely requires an Imposter-proofing teammate. Desolate Land Primal Groudon can take any attack besides Earth Power, forcing the Imposter Pokemon to manually switch out. Assault Vest Water-resistant pivots such as Mega Gyarados or and Primal Kyogre can take an impostor's Imposter Pokemon's attack and threaten to knock off their items. Storm Drain or Water Absorb Ground-types are usually solid checks to Impostors Imposter Pokemon as well.

Powerful wallbreakers can build offensive pressure until they overwhelm the opposing team's checks to Ash-Greninja. Stakeout Choice Band Primal Groudon can easily OHKO Water Absorb Primal Groudon and Steel-types that often run Assault Vest such as Celesteela, Magearna, (AC) and Solgaleo. Pixelate Pixilate Mega Diancie breaks through Giratina, Palkea Palkia, (AC) and Mega Gyarados. Bulky setup sweepers such as Poison Heal Kyogre or and Mega Garchomp can take advantage of Ash-Greninja's momentum to set up. Psychic Terrain support is helpful to control priority moves, many of which can severely damage Ash-Greninja, but remember that Water Shuriken will also fail if it is up. Mega Mewtwo Y and Deoxys-Attack can viably run Psychic Surge, which allows them to set up or sweep without fear of being picked off by priority moves while protecting Ash-Greninja from them as well.

Strategy Comments

Other Options

A Focus Sash + (plus sign) Shell Smash set running powerful offensive moves, such as Power Trip, Steam Eruption, Crabhammer, Sludge Wave, Earth Power, (AC) or Close Combat can surprise Ash-Greninja's usual checks and sweep, (RC) with the help of wallbreakers, Psychic Terrain, (AC) and entry hazard control. It also has the option of running a different ability, such as Dazzling or Mold Breaker. Spooky Plate Mega Gengar performs this better, (AC) though, since it has perfect neutral two-move coverage in Judgment and Secret Sword, doesn't necessarily require that the field be clear of hazards, and is self Imposter-proof. Ice Beam can be ran to ensure an OHKO on Zygarde-Complete, which can stop Ash-Greninja dead if it runs Water Absorb. Most Zygarde do not, (AC) though, and Steam Eruption is a clean 2HKO otherwise. It also hits Mega Audino running Water Absorb, though not for much. Moonblast can severely cripple bulky Dragon-types that would otherwise switch into Water-types attacks. Its power is unimpressive otherwise, and the loss of a coverage move is usually not worth it unless you are facing a 4x Water-resistant Pokemon such as Palkia or Mega Sceptile.

Life Orb or Expert Belt are options if you don't have confidence in your prediction skills, but Ash-Greninja will find itself being worn down quickly if wearing Life Orb, (AC) and the loss of power or speed behind its moves when using Expert Belt is a letdown. Steam Eruption is a much wiser choice than Water Spout on this set because the loss of HP each use will weaken Water Spout's power. Core Enforcer can be used to remove Water Absorb and other abilities from switch-ins.


Checks and Counters

Bulky Assault Vest Users: Bulky Assault Vest users that resist Water or special attacks such as Mega Gyarados, Palkia, (AC) and Dialga can avoid the 2HKO from Steam Eruption and retaliate hard, though they must be wary of its other moves, such as Trick.

Water-immune Pokemon Immunities: Pokemon with abilities that grant immunity to Water such as Desolate Land and Water Absorb can switch in on a predicted Water-type move, forcing Ash-Greninja out and depleting its PP. Most of the common Water-immune mons Pokemon are vulnerable to a coverage move, such as Earth Power for Primal Groudon or Diancie. Most of these can also hit hard against Ash-Greninja with super effective moves such as Fleur Cannon or and Volt Switch.

Fast Choice Scarf and Priority Users: Ash-Greninja's frailty leaves it open to being revenge killed by fast threats such as Deoxys-Attack and Mega Mewtwo Y. Many of these mons Pokemon use a Choice Scarf as well, outspeeding even Choice Scarf Ash-Greninja. If not supported by Psychic Terrain, priority can fell Ash-Greninja. Aerilate, Galvanize, (AC) and Pixelate Pixilate Extreme Speed from Mega Rayquaza, Zekrom, (AC) and Mega Diancie, (AC) respectively, (AC) can quickly end Greninja. Triage users often carry Fighting, Bug, (AC) or Grass-type moves, such as Giga Drain, Drain Punch, (AC) and Leech Life, all of which are super effective on Ash-Greninja.

Speed Control and Status: Paralysis and Sticky Web are banes to Ash-Greninja's sweep, slowing it down to the point where most bulkier offensive mons Pokemon can kill KO it before it can do anything. Poisons limit Poison limits Ash-Greninja's sweep severely, though luckily, thanks to Water Bubble, Ash-Greninja does not fear being burned.
Overall, grammar was not very good; there were a lot of very simple errors. Please proofread your analysis before sending it to GP, thanks! Please implement this carefully, replying to my post, then removing the red stuff, and deformatting using the Tx button the blue stuff. Also, be sure to remove punctuation marks, e.g. (AC), and any comments that are in (brackets).

GP 1/2 (Kris is it ok if this has two GP checks, a lot had to be changed and i'm not too sure if the writer will implement everything correctly--would rather have two checkers)
 
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Sobi

Banned deucer.
SuperSkylake

you haven't implemented my check properly. there are loads of stuff you missed. please implement my check carefully; follow the steps I told you (reply to my check / remove red / deformat blue / address comments)

when you've done so, tag me and I'll double check this (kris didn't reply to my post so i'll give this a second look-over and then the stamp)
 

Sobi

Banned deucer.
SuperSkylake
Overview

Water Bubble turns Ash-Greninja into a fast, powerful wallbreaker that is difficult to check for both offensive and defensive teams. Ash-Greninja also boasts high Speed and powerful mixed attacking stats and is capable of outspeeding many common offensive threats such as Mega Mewtwo X. This extra Epeed and its Dark typing set it apart from Primal Kyogre, the other main Water Bubble user, and gives it immunity to Prankster moves, which can make it difficult to stop. It is also able to run STAB moves such as Dark Pulse and Power Trip to beat some of its switch-ins, such as Giratina. Though Water Bubble is definitely its strongest set, its great stat spread allows it to lure its common checks with other moves or sets, such as Ice Beam to beat Zygarde-C or a physical Shell Smash set to surprise Assault Vest users.

Sadly, these incredible offensive stats come at the cost of bulk. Decently strong neutral attacks can OHKO Ash-Greninja, and priority attacks from Triage and -ate ability users such as Mega Rayquaza, Kyurem-B, Mega Diancie, and Zekrom can stop it cold. Its Dark / Water typing saddles it with weaknesses to common Bug-, Fighting-, Fairy-, Grass-, and Electric-type moves, forcing it out and also causing it to take huge damage from defensive U-turn and Volt Switch pivots, such as Registeel, Giratina, and Solgaleo, that switch in to check it.

Water Bubble Wallbreaker
Greninja-Ash @ Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
Ability: Water Bubble
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature / Modest Nature
- Steam Eruption / Water Spout
- Volt Switch
- Earth Power / Moongeist Beam
- Water Shuriken / Trick / Moongeist Beam / Water Spout

Set Comments

Moves

Steam Eruption is a consistent STAB move that can demolish walls, OHKOing almost every non-Assault Vest Steel-type, along with many other Pokemon besides. Alternatively, Water Spout is useable, especially with a Choice Scarf, since its higher power makes up for the lack of a boosting item; however, running this move forces you to play more carefully with Ash-Greninja, since Water Spout weakens as Ash-Greninja takes more damage. If running Water Spout, Steam Eruption is also a useable backup STAB move that can be ran in the third or fourth moveslot to maintain power when Ash-Greninja's health is low. Volt Switch allows Ash-Greninja to scout and gain momentum for its team, which is vital when playing offense. It also does enormous damage to opposing Flying- and Water-types such as Primal Kyogre, Yveltal, Celesteela, and Ash-Greninja. Earth Power 2HKOes many Rock- and Fire-types that run Water immunity abilities such as Primal Groudon and Diancie. Alternatively, one can opt to run Moongeist Beam in the third or fourth moveslot, as it beats Sturdy Shedinja and can also do solid damage to Giratina if it switches in, though Steam Eruption is still more potent against Giratina. Water Shuriken allows Ash-Greninja to pick off weakened faster targets and slower +1 priority users. It is best used with Choice Specs, since its power is considerable when the item is equipped. Trick can be ran to cripple walls that try to switch in at the cost of a considerable amount of power behind Ash-Greninja's moves or being able to outspeed offensive threats.

Set Details

Water Bubble powers up STAB moves even further and prevents Scald and Steam Eruption burns. Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment along with a Timid nature allow it to do as much damage as it can and outspeed base 125 and 130 Speed Pokemon, including Mega Gengar, Marshadow, and Mega Mewtwo X, while wearing Choice Specs, which allows Ash-Greninja to break through walls easily. Choice Scarf can be ran if you instead want a fast revenge killer that can dispatch Focus Sash Deoxys-A, Deoxys-S, or Pheromosa while still being able to deal considerable damage to defensive Pokemon as well. Choice Scarf with a Timid nature enables Ash-Greninja to outspeed neutral-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon that have boosted to +2, though it cannot outspeed positive-natured base 90s. A Modest nature can also be ran, but being able to outspeed Primal Groudon at +2 is definitely worth considering.

Usage Tips

Ash-Greninja is best played conservatively early-game; bring it in to see what your opponent will send in against it, pivot out, then focus on removing that counter to facilitate its sweep. Recklessly switching in Ash-Greninja against even defensive Pokemon is foolhardy, since it is unable to stomach Volt Switch or U-turn very well. Use Ash-Greninja to apply significant offensive pressure against the opposing team. It does this well, since its Water Bubble-boosted STAB moves can KO or cripple most Pokemon that are unprepared for it. Try to keep entry hazards up against offensive teams, whose Pokemon often carry Focus Sashes. Entry hazard removal against these teams is not as important as continually applying offensive pressure. Conversely, do your best to keep entry hazards off your side of the field when facing bulkier teams especially if running Water Spout; they will weaken its power severely. Sticky Web can neuter Ash-Greninja's powerful offensive stats by slowing it down, while Toxic Spikes shorten its life span considerably with poison, both of which makes it unable to survive a drawn-out struggle. Watch out for common fast Dazzling users such as Mega Gengar and Deoxys-A before clicking Water Shuriken, as this can give your opponent two free turns to do as they please.

Carefully weigh the opportunity cost before using Trick. If your opponent has other bulky Pokemon that can take a hit from Ash-Greninja with reduced power, you may want to refrain from using Trick until they are weakened. Tricking Choice Scarf onto a wall can actually work against you, since the wall may now outspeed Ash-Greninja and be able to cripple it. Tricking a Choice Scarf onto an offensive Pokemon can be suicidal. Never trick Choice Scarf onto an Imposter user, though tricking Choice Specs can still be a smart play if you can force the Imposter user out.


Team Options

Ash-Greninja often provides the support that teammates need, crippling walls with its strong attacks. However, its job can be made easier with entry hazards, as they break Focus Sashes and Sturdy. On offensive teams, Deoxys-S with Mold Breaker can usually succeed in at least setting up Stealth Rock. On bulkier teams, passive walls such as Registeel, Shuckle, Giratina, and Mega Audino can function as able Stealth Rock setters, as well as slow pivots to get Ash-Greninja safely into the game. Bulky entry hazard removal pivots are important to keep Ash-Greninja at peak performance and preserve momentum. Giratina, Assault Vest Solgaleo, Mega Audino, and Aegislash can run Defog or Rapid Spin to keep the field clear. They are also solid switch-ins to Water Absorb or Desolate Land Pokemon.

Ash-Greninja absolutely requires an Imposter-proofing teammate. Desolate Land Primal Groudon can take any attack besides Earth Power, forcing the Imposter Pokemon to manually switch out. Assault Vest Water-resistant pivots such as Mega Gyarados and Primal Kyogre can take an Imposter Pokemon's attack and threaten to knock off their items. Storm Drain or Water Absorb Ground-types are usually solid checks to Imposter Pokemon as well. Powerful wallbreakers can build offensive pressure until they overwhelm the opposing team's checks to Ash-Greninja. Stakeout Choice Band Primal Groudon can easily OHKO Water Absorb Primal Groudon and Steel-types that often run Assault Vest such as Celesteela, Magearna, and Solgaleo. Pixilate Mega Diancie breaks through Giratina, Palkia, and Mega Gyarados. Bulky setup sweepers such as Poison Heal Kyogre and Mega Garchomp can take advantage of Ash-Greninja's momentum to set up. Psychic Terrain support is helpful to control priority moves, many of which can severely damage Ash-Greninja, but remember that Water Shuriken will also fail if it is up. Mega Mewtwo Y and Deoxys-Attack can viably run Psychic Surge, which allows them to set up or sweep without fear of being picked off by priority moves while protecting Ash-Greninja from them as well.

Strategy Comments

Other Options

A Focus Sash + Shell Smash set running powerful offensive moves, such as Power Trip, Steam Eruption, Crabhammer, Sludge Wave, Earth Power, and Close Combat can surprise Ash-Greninja's usual checks and sweep with the help of wallbreakers, Psychic Terrain, and entry hazard control. It also has the option of running a different ability, such as Dazzling or Mold Breaker. Spooky Plate Mega Gengar performs this better., though, since it has perfect neutral two-move coverage in Judgment and Secret Sword, doesn't necessarily require that the field be clear of hazards, and is self Imposter-proof. Ice Beam can be ran to ensure an OHKO on Zygarde-Complete, which can stop Ash-Greninja dead if it runs Water Absorb. Most Zygarde do not, though, and Steam Eruption is a clean 2HKO otherwise. It also hits Mega Audino running Water Absorb, though not for much. Moonblast can severely cripple bulky Dragon-types that would otherwise switch into Water-type attacks. Its power is unimpressive otherwise, and the loss of a coverage move is usually not worth it unless you are facing a 4x Water-resistant Pokemon such as Palkia or Mega Sceptile.

Life Orb or Expert Belt are options if you don't have confidence in your prediction skills, but Ash-Greninja will find itself being worn down quickly if wearing Life Orb, and the loss of power or speed behind its moves when using Expert Belt is a letdown. Steam Eruption is a much wiser choice than Water Spout on this set because the loss of HP each use will weaken Water Spout's power. Core Enforcer can be used to remove Water Absorb and other abilities from switch-ins.


Checks and Counters

Bulky Assault Vest Users: Bulky Assault Vest users that resist Water or special attacks such as Mega Gyarados, Palkia, and Dialga can avoid the 2HKO from Steam Eruption and retaliate hard, though they must be wary of other moves, such as Trick.

Water-immune Pokemon: Pokemon with abilities that grant immunity to Water such as Desolate Land and Water Absorb can switch in on a predicted Water-type move, forcing Ash-Greninja out and depleting its PP. Most of the common Water-immune Pokemon are vulnerable to a coverage move, such as Earth Power for Primal Groudon and Diancie. Most of these can also hit hard against Ash-Greninja with super effective moves such as Fleur Cannon and Volt Switch.

Fast Choice Scarf and Priority Users: Ash-Greninja's frailty leaves it open to being revenge killed by fast threats such as Deoxys-A and Mega Mewtwo Y. Many of these Pokemon use a Choice Scarf as well, outspeeding even Choice Scarf Ash-Greninja. If not supported by Psychic Terrain, priority can fell Ash-Greninja. Aerilate, Galvanize, or Pixilate Extreme Speed from Mega Rayquaza, Zekrom, or Mega Diancie, respectively, can quickly end Ash-Greninja. Triage users often carry Fighting-, Bug-, or Grass-type moves, such as Giga Drain, Drain Punch, and Leech Life, all of which are super effective against Ash-Greninja.

Speed Control and Status: Paralysis and Sticky Web are banes to Ash-Greninja's sweep, slowing it down to the point where most bulkier offensive Pokemon can KO it before it can do anything. Poison limits Ash-Greninja's sweep severely, though luckily, thanks to Water Bubble, Ash-Greninja does not fear being burned.


there were still some stuff that you didn't catch :| so i did the check but didn't show the changes so you can easily copy/paste it and there's a relatively low chance of anything going wrong



gp 1/1
 
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