Greninja doesn’t look like much on paper: it’s not a Pokémon ex, it needs to evolve twice, its attack only hits for 60, and its HP is pretty low for a Stage 2 Pokémon. But it has enough unique qualities to give it a special niche:
- All its pre-evolutions just need C to attack. Greninja itself only needs one extra W energy to work, so it is playable in decks with another type of Energy, and even into decks without W in the Energy Zone by using Misty and hopefully hitting one heads to get going.
- Greninja’s attack Mist Slash is cheap at just WC and hits for a decent 60.
- The Water Shuriken ability is Greninja’s best asset. Once per turn, Greninja can deal 20 damage to any of your opponent’s Pokémon, Active or Benched, with no energy cost. It can finish off a Pokémon that retreated with a low HP count or deal the exact amount of extra damage needed to secure a KO before or after your attack for turn.
While it’s often played as a secondary engine in Water decks such as Starmie ex, Greninja is now finding success as the centerpiece of its own archetype.
Greninja - Mewtwo ex variant
Rarity requirements
◊◊◊◊ – Mewtwo ex
◊◊◊ – Greninja, Kangaskhan
◊◊ – Giovanni, Sabrina
Booster pack requirements
Froakie line
Kangaskhan
Sabrina
Mewtwo ex
Giovanni
This surprising version pioneered by Fengar99 runs Kangaskhan, Mewtwo ex and WP energies in the Energy Zone. Put high-HP Pokémon in the Active Spot to absorb damage and attack for a cheap energy cost, while setting up one or two Greninja in the back to snipe with Water Shuriken.
Kangaskhan is a very efficient attacker, needing just C for its Dizzy Punch. Its strong bulk resists Pikachu ex’s fully powered Circle Circuit, making it a reliable frontliner.
Mewtwo ex serves dual roles as both a wall and a secondary attacker. Without needing Gardevoir’s support, it functions well with a maximum of 2 specific P Energy. Its Psydrive attack is perfect for finishing off bulkier threats.
Weaknesses
- The Froakie line is very fragile, with HP much lower than average. Its Weakness to L is also a big problem in a metagame where Pikachu ex is one of the top decks.
