What Pokemon Beats Greninja? A Comprehensive Guide to Countering the Ninja Pokémon

Greninja, the beloved Water/Dark-type Ninja Pokémon, is a formidable opponent, especially in its 7-star Tera Raid form. This makes figuring out the best counters crucial for victory in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The simple answer is: Several Pokémon, particularly those with Water-absorbing or Storm Drain abilities paired with advantageous typings and strong movesets, can effectively counter Greninja. This guide delves into the specifics, offering a detailed look at the most successful strategies and Pokémon to deploy against this challenging foe.

Top Pokémon Counters for Greninja

While there are many Pokémon that can hold their own against Greninja, some stand out as exceptional counters. These champions excel due to their abilities, typings, or specific move sets. Here are some of the best options:

Clodsire: The Stalwart Defender

Clodsire is a surprisingly effective counter to Greninja, primarily because of its Water Absorb ability. This ability completely negates Water-type attacks, turning them into HP recovery, thus undermining a core aspect of Greninja’s offense. Furthermore, Clodsire’s Ground/Poison typing provides a 25% damage reduction from Greninja’s Poison attacks.

• Strategic Advantage: Clodsire’s defensive prowess and Water immunity make it an ideal wall against Greninja. Its moveset can include moves like Earth Power for dealing super-effective damage, and moves to lower Greninja’s accuracy and special defense.
• Best Build: A build focusing on HP and Special Defense investment is recommended for maximum staying power.

Gastrodon: The Special Attack Sponge

Gastrodon, a Water/Ground-type, is another excellent choice due to its Storm Drain ability. This ability not only negates Water-type attacks but also boosts Gastrodon’s Special Attack, allowing it to hit back harder. Its Ground-typing resists Greninja’s Poison-type attacks, further adding to its resilience.

• Strategic Advantage: Storm Drain provides a significant advantage, turning Greninja’s strongest attacks into a power boost. Moves like Earth Power can deal substantial damage, while Mud Shot can lower Greninja’s speed for allies to capitalize on.
• Best Build: A Calm nature, with investments in HP and Special Defense, alongside a Ground Tera-type is ideal. Consider moves like Recover, Amnesia, and Clear Smog alongside Earth Power to maximize support and damage output.

Slowbro: The Stored Power Powerhouse

While perhaps not as straightforward as Clodsire and Gastrodon, Slowbro, especially with a specific strategy, is a formidable opponent. Stored Power, a Psychic-type move that gains power with stat boosts, becomes exceptionally dangerous when Slowbro is set up with boosts.

• Strategic Advantage: By using moves that boost its defenses, Slowbro can survive long enough to build up the power of Stored Power, delivering massive damage.
• Best Build: Focus on maximizing defense and special defense. Finding a Slowbro with good IVs is helpful, and the Tera type is less important than the move set.

Amoonguss: The Spore and Support Master

Amoonguss, a Grass/Poison type, doesn’t have type advantages over the raid itself but it does have an important role as a support Pokemon against Greninja.

• Strategic Advantage: Amoonguss can use Spore to put Greninja to sleep, and then can use moves like Clear Smog to remove the stat boosts the Greninja might use during the battle.
• Best Build: Amoonguss should be built with high HP and Special Defense, alongside an item that allows it to act safely as a support option for your team.

The Challenge of Greninja’s Tera Type

It’s crucial to note that while Greninja is naturally a Water/Dark type, the 7-star Tera Raid version has a Poison Tera Type. This change significantly alters the dynamics of the battle, making it necessary to adapt strategies to exploit Poison’s weaknesses while carefully navigating Greninja’s diverse move pool. This is why using Pokémon that can absorb or nullify water damage is still very important to the strategy against this raid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Greninja’s weaknesses?

Greninja, being a Water/Dark type, is weak to Bug, Electric, Fairy, Fighting, and Grass-type attacks. However, the 7-star raid Greninja has a Poison Tera type, making it weak to Psychic and Ground type attacks, while still being weak to Fighting types.

2. What ability should my Greninja counter have?

Water Absorb or Storm Drain are highly recommended as they negate Greninja’s Water-type attacks, turning them into HP recovery or Special Attack boosts.

3. Can you use Ash-Greninja in Scarlet and Violet?

No, Ash-Greninja is not obtainable in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This special form was available in previous games but is currently unavailable.

4. What is the best Tera Type for Gastrodon against Greninja?

A Ground Tera type is excellent for Gastrodon, enhancing the power of its Earth Power and further resisting Greninja’s Poison moves.

5. Is Greninja weak to Fighting?

Yes, Greninja is naturally weak to Fighting type attacks. The Poison Tera-type for the 7-star raid also leaves it weak to Fighting.

6. Why is Greninja so strong in battles?

Greninja is powerful due to its high Speed, Special Attack, and access to a variety of powerful moves. It is also very versatile which leads to it being a dangerous opponent.

7. What is Greninja’s most dangerous move?

Greninja’s offensive moves can vary, but Hydro Pump can be very dangerous if your Pokemon is not able to mitigate water attacks. It also has strong coverage moves that may hit you hard if you don’t have type advantages.

8. Can Clodsire effectively lower Greninja’s stats?

Yes, Clodsire can use moves that lower Greninja’s accuracy and Special Defense, making it easier for you and your allies to deal damage.

9. How long did the 7-star Greninja raid run?

The 7-star Greninja raid ran twice, from January 27 to January 30 and from February 10 to February 13, 2023.

10. What are some hard Pokemon to find in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?

Some of the more difficult Pokémon to find include Trevenant, Ditto, Zorua, Paradox Forms, The Treasures of Ruin, Tauros’ Blaze & Aqua Breeds, Palafin, Gholdengo, and Charcadet.

11. Does Greninja’s scarf come from its tongue?

Yes, the scarf around Greninja’s neck is indeed its tongue. Upon evolving, it uses it as a sign of its devotion and willpower.

12. What is the best way to beat Greninja solo?

Using a Gastrodon with the moveset listed earlier with a Ground Tera Type. Make sure that it is at least level 100 and has good stats.

13. Which Pokémon is a good alternative to Gastrodon?

Amoonguss and Slowbro can also work as reliable options, but require specific strategies. Be sure to focus on maximizing defenses and stat boosts to make the fight survivable.

14. Why was Greninja banned in past competitive metas?

Greninja was banned in some metas due to its ability to diversify its moveset, allowing it to get around its usual counters. It was considered an over-centralizing threat.

15. What are Greninja’s best 4 moves?

Greninja is very versatile, but a useful moveset includes Surf or Hydro Pump, Night Slash, Ice Beam, and Extrasensory for coverage. However, this will change depending on the opponent.

Conclusion

Beating Greninja in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet requires careful planning and using the right Pokémon. Clodsire, Gastrodon, Slowbro, and Amoonguss stand out as the most reliable options. By leveraging their abilities, typings, and strategic movesets, you can overcome this formidable opponent and emerge victorious. Remember to adjust your strategy based on the Poison Tera-type of the 7-star raid, and you’ll be well-equipped to handle Greninja.