
" Vanish momentarily, and then reappear with a powerful explosion. " Evade an incoming enemy attack by summoning a substitute, and then counterattack." Special Move customization was added in Super Smash Bros. Instructional quotes case foldoutĭeceive with a substitute, and then counter an attack.Įvades an incoming enemy attack by summoning a substitute and then counterattacking. However, it has higher-end lag on whiff while all variants also have more lag, but lower KO power as well in return. Substitute is more consistent as it slows down opponents and it now grants Greninja invincibility while also having a larger counter window, making it safer. An extreme problem with Substitute was its inconsistency due to a lack of intangibility and opponents often being able to dodge the attack, but was extremely powerful in return, even having a strong spike hitbox. In Ultimate, Substitute has received buffs and nerfs but was buffed overall. Additionally, Greninja is not intangible during the kick, hence the attack can get interrupted by quick attacks such as a jab infinite, or even backfire with Greninja hurling straight into an enemy's powerful move. While the counterattack itself is flexible, the counter itself is rather limited due to its average counter-frames, a rather slow startup, and high ending lag. If aimed downward, the counterattack will meteor smash, although Greninja will likely self-destruct if this is done offstage. The counterattack can be directed in eight directions, including diagonally.

This move is functionally similar to Lucario's Double Team as a counterattack however, a direction can be held after a successful counter to perform the countering attack in that direction. The log or doll can be hit and flung around by damage, and can even stop one-hit projectiles such as Shadow Ball or Charge Shot, or activate hitbox-detecting attacks like Upperdash Arm and Quick Draw, making it a situational shield. Functioning as a counterattack, Greninja strikes a pose and, when attacked, disappears in a puff of smoke with a log or a Substitute doll taking its place it then reappears with a strong flying kick.
