ninjask #291
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
ninjask
Generation III · #0291 — Ninja Pokémon
Ninjask, known as the Ninja Pokémon, is a Bug/Flying-type introduced in Generation III that represents one of the fastest creatures in the entire Pokédex. With a base Speed stat of 160—among the highest in the franchise—Ninjask embodies pure velocity, living up to its ninja-inspired design through both its mechanics and lore. This remarkable speed is so profound that Ninjask was historically believed to be invisible by those who observed only its distinctive cry without witnessing the creature itself. The Pokémon evolves from Nincada at level 20 and holds a unique position in the evolution chain, as the evolution process can simultaneously create Shedinja, a Ghost-type partner Pokémon, if specific conditions are met during the evolution. Despite its unparalleled velocity, Ninjask presents a training challenge; if not properly trained, it will refuse to obey its trainer and cry loudly and continuously, putting the trainer's skill and authority to the test.
Base Stats
Height
0.8m
Weight
12.0kg
Category
Ninja Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
yellow
Shape
bug-wings
Habitat
forest
Abilities
Raises Speed one stage after each turn.
Bypasses light screen, reflect, and safeguard.
Ninjask Biology & Physical Characteristics
Ninjask is a small, cicada-like Pokémon measuring 0.8 meters in height and weighing only 12 kilograms, making it an extremely lightweight creature perfectly suited for aerial maneuverability. Its body exhibits a striking color scheme dominated by black with distinctive yellow and gray accents, creating high-contrast patterns that enhance its insectoid appearance. The creature possesses two pairs of membranous wings with pronounced red triangular tips and intricate veining, allowing for the aerodynamic control necessary to achieve its legendary speed. Its head is predominantly yellow, topped with pointed crests on either side, while a solid black band stretches between its gleaming red eyes, expanding into a circular pattern on its forehead. The underside of its head features a segmented gray structure resembling a delicate veil. Extending from its chest are gray, insectoid arms with small yellow claws typically held inward, complemented by similar back legs, and its abdomen features a distinctive yellow ring near its tip against its predominantly black carapace.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Ninjask Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Ninjask exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, allowing for straightforward breeding with any compatible partner. The species belongs exclusively to the Bug Egg Group, meaning it can only breed with other Pokémon in this classification, such as Scyther, Heracross, Forretress, and numerous other insectoid creatures. When bred, Ninjask offspring emerge after 15 egg cycles, equivalent to approximately 3,599 to 3,855 steps of travel, making it moderately quick to hatch compared to many other Pokémon species. The breeding process results in offspring that begin as Nincada rather than Ninjask, as Nincada represents the base form of the evolutionary line. A newly hatched Nincada will eventually evolve into Ninjask upon reaching level 20, provided the proper conditions are met. This breeding mechanic means that dedicated trainers seeking multiple Ninjask or attempting to acquire both Ninjask and Shedinja can breed Nincada from their trained specimens, allowing for strategic team-building opportunities. The base happiness value of 70 indicates that Ninjask and its line generally have reasonable bonding potential with their trainers, though the species' notorious disobedience when improperly trained can complicate this relationship.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
black white
tm01
black 2 white 2
tm01
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm01
x y
tm03
yellow
tm03
red blue
tm03
blue japan
tm03
red green japan
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
tm06
emerald
tm06
firered leafgreen
tm06
diamond pearl
tm06
platinum
tm06
ruby sapphire
tm06
colosseum
tm06
black 2 white 2
+579 more TMs/HMs
ninjask's Evolution Chain
Ninjask Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Ninjask evolves from Nincada when that Bug/Ground-type Pokémon reaches level 20, triggering a fascinating and unique evolutionary mechanic in the Pokémon series. This evolution creates a transformation from a burrowing, ground-bound insect into an aerial speedster, accompanied by a dramatic shift in typing from Bug/Ground to Bug/Flying. The evolution process possesses a remarkable secondary effect: if the trainer has an empty slot in their party and carries an extra Poké Ball in their bag at the moment of Nincada's evolution, a second Pokémon, Shedinja, will simultaneously be created and added to the party. Shedinja, a Bug/Ghost-type, is essentially Nincada's shed exoskeleton given supernatural animation, representing the discarded husk left behind as Nincada sheds its skin to become Ninjask. This dual-creation evolution is one of the most distinctive mechanics in the franchise, requiring careful party management and inventory planning. Ninjask itself does not undergo further evolution or Mega Evolution, representing the final form of Nincada's primary evolutionary line, though players can obtain both Ninjask and Shedinja simultaneously through proper evolution conditions.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Ninjask Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Ninjask congregates in tropical and temperate forests where it feeds voraciously on tree sap, a dietary preference shared with its pre-evolution Nincada. The Pokémon's defining behavioral characteristic is its extraordinary speed, moving at such velocity that it often becomes imperceptible to the naked eye—a phenomenon that contributed to historical beliefs that Ninjask was completely invisible. Its signature cry, while clearly audible even at maximum speed, is remarkably distinctive and penetrating; prolonged exposure to this sound is known to induce persistent headaches in those who hear it. Ninjask exhibits a temperamental nature when improperly trained, actively resisting trainer commands and vocalizing loudly and continuously as a form of protest. According to multiple Pokédex entries, Ninjask possesses reflexes so acute that it is said to be capable of evading virtually any attack, making it a formidable opponent despite its diminutive size. Its behavior pattern reflects a creature in constant motion, rarely remaining stationary, embodying the restless energy of a ninja perpetually engaged in swift, precise action.
Pokedex Entries
Generation III
NINJASK moves around at such a high speed that it cannot be seen, even while its crying can be clearly heard. For that reason, this POKéMON was long believed to be invisible.
If NINJASK is not trained properly, it will refuse to obey the TRAINER and cry loudly continuously. Because of this quality, this POKéMON is said to be one that puts the TRAINER’s abilities to the test.
Because it darts about vigorously at high speed, it is very difficult to see. Hearing its distinctive cries for too long induces a headache.
This POKéMON is so quick, it is said to be able to avoid any attack. It loves to feed on tree sap.
Generation IV
Because it moves so quickly, it sometimes becomes unseeable. It congregates around tree sap.
Its cry leaves a lasting headache if heard for too long. It moves so quickly that it is almost invisible.
Generation V
Because it moves so quickly, it sometimes becomes unseeable. It congregates around tree sap.
Because it moves so quickly, it sometimes becomes unseeable. It congregates around tree sap.
Generation VI
Its cry leaves a lasting headache if heard for too long. It moves so quickly that it is almost invisible.
Because it moves so quickly, it sometimes becomes unseeable. It congregates around tree sap.
Ninjask moves around at such a high speed that it cannot be seen, even while its crying can be clearly heard. For that reason, this Pokémon was long believed to be invisible.
If Ninjask is not trained properly, it will refuse to obey the Trainer and cry loudly continuously. Because of this quality, this Pokémon is said to be one that puts the Trainer’s abilities to the test.
Generation VIII
Its cry leaves a lasting headache if heard for too long. It moves so quickly that it is almost invisible.
This Pokémon is so quick, it is said to be able to avoid any attack. It loves to feed on tree sap.
Ninjask Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Ninjask's design draws inspiration from both the ninja archetype and the cicada insect, creating a cohesive fusion of martial and entomological elements. The name 'Ninjask' derives from the combination of 'ninja'—reflecting its stealth, speed, and combat prowess—and 'ask,' likely referencing the distinctive cry or call associated with the creature, mirroring the acoustic properties of cicadas. The Japanese designation 'Tekkanin' (鉄火忍) compounds the characters for 'iron,' 'fire,' and 'ninja,' emphasizing resilience and combat intensity. Visually, Ninjask exhibits pronounced cicada characteristics including its membranous wings, segmented body structure, and the overall insectoid morphology, while its color palette of black, yellow, and gray, combined with its pointed head crests and lean physique, reinforces the ninja aesthetic. The red-tipped wings evoke the image of a warrior's striking implements, while its diminutive stature belies its formidable capabilities, a common theme in ninja lore where small, unassuming individuals possess extraordinary abilities. The segmented gray underside of its head resembles traditional ninja face coverings or veils, further cementing the martial identity despite its biological foundation as a true insect Pokémon.
Learnable Moves
Ninjask can learn 69 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| absorb | grass | Special | 20 | 100 | 25 |
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| air cutter | flying | Special | 60 | 95 | 25 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| bug bite | bug | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bug buzz | bug | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dual wingbeat | flying | Physical | 40 | 90 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| false swipe | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury cutter | bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| fury swipes | normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| harden | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| leech life | bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| metal claw | steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mind reader | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| sand attack | ground | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| scratch | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| silver wind | bug | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| skitter smack | bug | Physical | 70 | 90 | 10 |
| slash | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| string shot | bug | Status | — | 95 | 40 |
| struggle bug | bug | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| x scissor | bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
Ninjask Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Ninjask functions almost exclusively as a setup sweeper and speed control specialist, leveraging its unmatched Speed stat of 160 to outspeed virtually every opponent. Its signature ability, Speed Boost, is exceptionally valuable in competitive formats, automatically increasing Ninjask's Speed by one stage after each turn, allowing it to snowball into an increasingly faster threat that becomes essentially impossible to outspeed once it begins accumulating boosts. Trainers typically employ Ninjask with a Physical attacking build centered around its respectable Attack stat of 90, utilizing STAB moves like X-Scissor for Bug coverage and Aerial Ace or Acrobatics for Flying coverage, supplemented by priority moves such as Quick Attack or Aqua Jet for clutch KOs. The hidden ability Infiltrator provides a valuable alternative in specific metagames, enabling Ninjask to bypass defensive screens like Light Screen and Reflect, circumventing common defensive strategies. However, Ninjask's defensive liabilities are significant; with base defenses of only 45 and 50, it cannot withstand most attacks, requiring careful switching and defensive pivoting to keep it healthy. The species performs best in fast-paced offensive formats where setup opportunities and speed advantage translate into immediate victory conditions, making it a specialized choice rather than a generalist team member, though dedicated players have achieved success through careful speed control and momentum management.
Commonly Asked Questions About Ninjask
What type is Ninjask?
Ninjask is a bug and flying type Pokemon.
What does Ninjask evolve into?
Ninjask evolves into shedinja.
What are Ninjask's weaknesses?
Ninjask is weak to rock, electric, ice, flying and fire type moves.
Ninjask Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Ninjask has maintained a consistent presence in Pokémon media and competitive communities since its introduction in Generation III, becoming emblematic of speed-focused strategies and the iconic Bug-type evolutionary mechanics central to Pokémon's design philosophy. The species' unique dual-evolution mechanic with Shedinja represents a pivotal design moment in the franchise, introducing complexity and reward for attentive players managing their party and inventory—a feature that has influenced subsequent Pokémon game design. In the anime, Ninjask has appeared in various contexts ranging from trainer battles to wild encounters, consistently portrayed as a swift, elusive creature that challenges protagonists' abilities and strategic thinking. The Pokémon has resonated particularly strongly with competitive players who appreciate speed-based team archetypes and with collectors who seek to obtain the Shedinja companion created during Ninjask's evolution. The phrase 'fast as Ninjask' has become idiomatic within fan communities when describing exceptionally quick Pokémon or strategies. Its design has also influenced merchandise, trading cards, and fan artwork, with the ninja aesthetic proving perennially appealing to audiences of all ages. The mysterious history of Ninjask being believed invisible due to its speed captures imaginations and has been referenced in educational contexts discussing how perception relates to motion, making Ninjask culturally significant beyond traditional gaming communities.
Where to Find Ninjask in Every Pokémon Game
Ninjask's availability varies significantly across different Pokémon games, though it has appeared in the majority of mainline titles since its introduction in Generation III Hoenn. In the original Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald versions, Ninjask can be obtained by evolving Nincada at level 20, with Nincada found in various routes and cave systems throughout Hoenn. The species remained available in subsequent generations including Diamond and Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver, and Black and White versions, appearing in different regional locations appropriate to each game's setting. In more recent generations, Ninjask has been catchable or obtainable through evolution in X and Y (Central Kalos region), Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and Sword and Shield, maintaining its presence as a standard Bug-type representative. The species also appears in Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee, with availability dependent on the catch mechanics of those remakes. For players seeking Ninjask through breeding, compatibility with the Bug Egg Group provides flexibility across most games where breeding facilities exist. Pokémon HOME and transfer systems in contemporary games allow veteran trainers to transport previously-caught Ninjask forward to newer titles, ensuring the species remains accessible to long-term players managing multi-generation collections.