greninja-ash #10117
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
Immune to (0x damage):
greninja-ash
Generation VI · #10117 — Ninja Pokémon
Ash-Greninja, also known as the Battle Bond form of Greninja, represents a unique phenomenon in the Pokémon world where a bond between trainer and Pokémon transcends the boundaries of conventional evolution. This form was first introduced in Generation VII and exists as a distinct transformation triggered by Greninja's signature ability, Battle Bond, which activates after defeating an opponent in battle. Unlike traditional evolution or Mega Evolution, Ash-Greninja emerged from the anime series as a canonized in-game mechanic, bridging the gap between the animated narrative and gameplay experience. The Ash-Greninja form features a remarkable stat total of 640, representing a substantial boost from the standard Greninja's 530, with particularly notable increases in Attack (145 compared to 95) and Special Attack (153 compared to 103). This form carries a gender ratio of 100% male and 0% female, setting it apart from regular Greninja which maintains standard distribution, and belongs to the Undiscovered egg group, preventing traditional breeding.
Base Stats
Height
1.5m
Weight
40.0kg
Category
Ninja Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
blue
Shape
humanoid
Abilities
Transforms this Pokémon into Ash-Greninja after fainting an opponent. Water Shuriken's power is 20 and always hits three times.
Greninja-ash Biology & Physical Characteristics
Ash-Greninja maintains the same physical dimensions as its base form, standing at 1.5 meters (4'11") and weighing 40.0 kilograms (88.2 lbs), yet its biological composition undergoes a profound transformation upon activation of Battle Bond. The most striking visual distinction manifests in its appearance, where Ash-Greninja develops a more humanoid physiology with enhanced ninja-like characteristics that reflect its closer synchronization with its trainer's spirit. The form exhibits an intensified coloration pattern and a more defined musculature structure, suggesting elevated physical conditioning and combat readiness. Its water-manipulating capabilities become more refined and powerful, allowing it to generate Water Shuriken with enhanced force and precision. The transformation fundamentally alters how Greninja's elemental water affinity interacts with its dark-type nature, creating a more cohesive and powerful dual-type expression. This biological shift appears to be temporary, lasting only during active battle conditions when the Pokémon's bond with its trainer is actively channeled into combat enhancement.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Greninja-ash Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Ash-Greninja occupies a unique position within Pokémon genetics, being classified as 100% male with no female Ash-Greninja ever being documented, a stark contrast to standard Greninja which maintains the typical 87.5% male to 12.5% female distribution found across most Pokémon species. This exclusive gender distribution aligns with the form's connection to Ash and its mechanics as a trainer-specific transformation rather than a true evolutionary form, suggesting that the form's manifestation may be restricted at a biological or metaphysical level. The Ash-Greninja form belongs to the Undiscovered egg group, which prevents any possibility of traditional breeding regardless of gender availability, making it reproductively isolated from both standard Greninja and other Pokémon species. This breeding restriction reinforces the uniqueness of Ash-Greninja as a non-hereditary transformation that must be earned through individual battle achievement and trainer bonding rather than passed down through generations. The combination of exclusive gender distribution and breeding group classification suggests that Ash-Greninja represents a form so deeply intertwined with individual achievement and specific trainer bonds that it cannot be perpetuated through biological inheritance, fundamentally distinguishing it from traditional Pokémon reproduction mechanics.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
yellow
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
red blue
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
tm03
xd
tm03
colosseum
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
blue japan
tm03
red green japan
tm04
sword shield
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
+687 more TMs/HMs
greninja-ash's Evolution Chain
Greninja-ash Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Ash-Greninja represents a distinct evolutionary pathway separate from both traditional evolution and Mega Evolution, existing as its own transformative form that activates mid-battle rather than through evolutionary leveling or item-based Mega Evolution. While standard Greninja evolves from Frogadier at level 36 through conventional means, the emergence of Ash-Greninja specifically requires a Greninja to possess the Battle Bond ability, which must then trigger by defeating an opponent during combat. This mechanic creates a performance-based evolution system where combat excellence directly correlates with transformative power, distinguishing it from the static nature of standard evolution and the turn-limited effects of Mega Evolution. The form differs fundamentally from Mega Greninja, another distinct form that utilizes the Greninjite Mega Stone for temporary mega-level transformation during generation VI and VII games. Where Mega Greninja represents raw power amplification through ancient Mega Evolution mechanics, Ash-Greninja embodies the culmination of trainer-Pokémon synchronization, making it narratively and mechanically unique within the broader context of Greninja's transformative possibilities.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Greninja-ash Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Ash-Greninja exhibits behavior that transcends typical Pokémon instinct, demonstrating a level of tactical awareness and trainer-synchronized coordination that rivals legendary Pokémon in terms of battle prowess and strategic sophistication. This form appears exclusively when conditions of mutual trust and battle excellence are achieved, suggesting that Greninja must first prove its combat mettle by defeating an opponent before the transformation becomes available. The active engagement requirement reflects a philosophical balance between power and harmony—the form cannot exist without demonstrated battle competence, yet it requires the emotional foundation of a strong trainer bond. In terms of habitat preferences, Ash-Greninja retains the aquatic affinities of its evolutionary line, favoring environments with accessible water sources where it can both hide and execute its water-based techniques with maximum efficacy. The form's enhanced speed (132 base speed compared to 122) and refined attack precision suggest it operates most effectively in dynamic environments requiring rapid repositioning and complex multi-target assault patterns.
Pokedex Entries
Generation VI
It creates throwing stars out of compressed water. When it spins them and throws them at high speed, these stars can split metal in two.
It appears and vanishes with a ninja’s grace. It toys with its enemies using swift movements, while slicing them with throwing stars of sharpest water.
It creates throwing stars out of compressed water. When it spins them and throws them at high speed, these stars can split metal in two.
It appears and vanishes with a ninja’s grace. It toys with its enemies using swift movements, while slicing them with throwing stars of sharpest water.
Greninja-ash Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The design philosophy of Ash-Greninja draws directly from its origination in the Pokémon XY&Z anime series, where Ash Ketchum's Greninja develops this form through an unprecedented bond forged through their journey together. The transformation incorporates visual elements inspired by both ninja aesthetics and anime protagonist power-up tropes, creating a form that feels simultaneously grounded in Greninja's core identity and elevated by its connection to one of the franchise's most iconic trainers. The name 'Ash-Greninja' itself explicitly references this trainer bond, marking the first major instance where a Pokémon's form is formally named after a specific trainer rather than a descriptive attribute or location. The form's etymology reflects the convergence of Greninja's existing ninja theme—evident in its species classification as the Ninja Pokémon—with the martial arts philosophy emphasized throughout Ash's character development, particularly his evolution from a reckless trainer to one who understands the deeper significance of human-Pokémon partnership. The visual presentation incorporates streamlined proportions and enhanced definition that suggest aerodynamic optimization, complementing the increased speed stat that mechanically reflects this design choice.
Learnable Moves
Greninja-ash can learn 81 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| bounce | flying | Physical | 85 | 85 | 5 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| brutal swing | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bubble | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| chilling water | water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| extrasensory | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| false swipe | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| feint attack | dark | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| gunk shot | poison | Physical | 120 | 80 | 5 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hydro cannon | water | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice punch | ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| lick | ghost | Physical | 30 | 100 | 30 |
| liquidation | water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| low sweep | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| mat block | fighting | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| night slash | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| pound | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| role play | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scald | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shadow sneak | ghost | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| smack down | rock | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| smokescreen | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| snatch | dark | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| snowscape | ice | Status | 0 | — | 10 |
| spikes | ground | Status | — | — | 20 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| toxic spikes | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pledge | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| water shuriken | water | Special | 15 | 100 | 20 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
Greninja-ash Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Ash-Greninja stands as an exceptionally formidable presence with the balanced stat distribution and exceptional Special Attack of 153 allowing it to execute powerful special-based strategies while maintaining the Speed of 132 necessary for priority execution in fast-paced metagames. The Battle Bond ability, while requiring an opponent to be defeated before activation, provides exceptional value in extended battles and competitive formats where multiple matchups occur, essentially granting Greninja a mid-battle power spike that can turn momentum decisively in the trainer's favor. Water Shuriken gains particular prominence in Ash-Greninja's arsenal, with the ability modification ensuring it strikes three times consistently while maintaining 20 base power per hit, creating reliable pressure against bulky opponents and enabling chip damage strategies. The form's elevated Special Attack of 153 represents a 50-point increase over standard Greninja's 103, fundamentally expanding its special-based move coverage and enabling reliable 2HKO scenarios against many competitive threats. However, Ash-Greninja faces vulnerability through its unchanged defensive stats (Defense 67, Special Defense 71), requiring skillful prediction and speed advantage exploitation to maximize defensive utility, and its reliance on Battle Bond triggering means it performs optimally in formats allowing multi-turn battling scenarios rather than single-elimination matches.
Commonly Asked Questions About Greninja-ash
What type is Greninja-ash?
Greninja-ash is a water and dark type Pokemon.
What does Greninja-ash evolve into?
Greninja-ash does not evolve into any other Pokemon. It is the final form in its evolution line.
What are Greninja-ash's weaknesses?
Greninja-ash is weak to grass, electric, fighting, bug and fairy type moves.
Greninja-ash Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Ash-Greninja achieved unprecedented cultural significance within the Pokémon franchise by becoming the first Pokémon form to be directly named after and spiritually tied to a specific trainer character, fundamentally reshaping how the community understood trainer-Pokémon bonds beyond the standard competitive framework. The form's emergence through the anime series and subsequent canonization into core gameplay mechanics represented a watershed moment for anime-to-game integration, demonstrating that narratively significant character developments could become mechanically meaningful gameplay elements without compromising competitive integrity. This form generated substantial fanbase enthusiasm and artistic expression, with numerous fan communities celebrating the emotional culmination of Ash and Greninja's relationship while engaging in extensive competitive analysis of the form's strategic applications. The Ash-Greninja phenomenon influenced subsequent game design philosophy, inspiring developers to explore additional trainer-specific transformations and bonds, though no other form has achieved equivalent narrative and mechanical resonance. In esports and competitive communities, Ash-Greninja catalyzed discussions about bonding mechanics versus pure statistical power, creating a philosophical divide between players who valued the narrative achievement and those focused purely on mathematical stat optimization.
Where to Find Greninja-ash in Every Pokémon Game
Ash-Greninja availability varies significantly across game generations and distributions, as its emergence requires specific conditions rather than straightforward acquisition methods. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, where the form was introduced, players could obtain a special Greninja with Battle Bond through event distribution, providing access to trainers who received this gift early in their adventure. Subsequent distributions through Poké Portal News in various regions expanded accessibility, allowing additional players to obtain Ash-Greninja without requiring Level 36 Greninja capture and evolution. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the form remains obtainable through similar distribution mechanisms and gameplay progression, maintaining its special status while gradually becoming more accessible to the broader playerbase. Standard Greninja itself remains readily available through normal gameplay progression, being found in the wild or through evolution from Frogadier found in water-based routes across multiple game generations. For players seeking the specific Ash-Greninja form with Battle Bond rather than other Greninja variants, event participation and distribution timing remain critical factors, though rereleases and distribution events have substantially increased cumulative accessibility over successive generations, ensuring that motivated players can eventually obtain this iconic form without exclusively relying on limited-time opportunities.