how to get ash greninja in pokemon sun and moon

How to Obtain Ash-Greninja in Pokémon Sun and Moon

For trainers venturing through the Alola region in Pokémon Sun and Moon, one of the most coveted and unique creatures available is not found in tall grass or through standard evolution. It is Ash-Greninja, a special form of Greninja that embodies the powerful Bond Phenomenon first showcased in the Pokémon XY anime series. This guide details the steps to acquire this powerful partner and explores its significance within the games.

Table of Contents

Understanding Ash-Greninja and the Bond Phenomenon
The Demo is Key: Pokémon Sun and Moon Special Demo Version
Completing the Demo and Transferring Your Reward
Receiving Ash-Greninja in Your Main Game
Ash-Greninja's Stats, Ability, and Battle Prowess
Strategic Use in a Playthrough and Competitive Viability
The Legacy and Uniqueness of Ash-Greninja

Understanding Ash-Greninja and the Bond Phenomenon

Ash-Greninja is far more than a cosmetic variant. It represents the culmination of a perfect sync between Trainer and Pokémon, known as the Bond Phenomenon. When this synergy is achieved in battle, Greninja transforms, taking on characteristics of its Trainer, Ash Ketchum—notably the distinctive hair-like style on its head. This transformation is more than aesthetic; it triggers a drastic change in ability and enhances the power of its Water-type moves. In the games, this is mechanically represented by its unique ability, Battle Bond. This ability is the functional core of Ash-Greninja and cannot be obtained by any other means, making it a truly exclusive acquisition.

The Demo is Key: Pokémon Sun and Moon Special Demo Version

The sole method to obtain Ash-Greninja is through the official Pokémon Sun and Moon Special Demo Version. This free application was distributed on the Nintendo eShop and remains the only legitimate gateway. The demo features a unique, self-contained story where the player is given a Greninja that can transform into Ash-Greninja. It is crucial to download and play through this specific demo version. Alternative demos or other Pokémon games will not yield the same result. The process begins here, and progress within this demo is mandatory.

Completing the Demo and Transferring Your Reward

Within the Special Demo Version, players will undertake a brief adventure on Mahalo Trail. After completing the demo's storyline and battles, the Greninja in your party becomes a permanent fixture of the demo save file. Importantly, this Greninja already has the Battle Bond ability. To prepare it for transfer, you must speak with Professor Kukui in the demo's Pokémon Center. He will offer to take care of your Greninja. Once this is done, the Greninja is ready to be sent to the full version of Pokémon Sun or Moon. Ensure you have a saved game file in the main retail version of either Sun or Moon on the same Nintendo 3DS system.

Receiving Ash-Greninja in Your Main Game

Launch your copy of Pokémon Sun or Moon. Upon reaching the first Pokémon Center in the game, located in Hau'oli City, head to the deliveryman standing at the counter. This non-player character distributes mystery gifts and transferred Pokémon. Interact with him, and he will present you with the Ash-Greninja from the demo. It will be at Level 36 and will know the moves Water Shuriken, Aerial Ace, Double Team, and Night Slash. It also holds a rare Pep Berry. From this moment, Ash-Greninja is fully integrated into your team and can be used throughout your Alolan journey.

Ash-Greninja's Stats, Ability, and Battle Prowess

Ash-Greninja boasts a stat distribution that emphasizes speed and special attack, making it a formidable offensive threat. Its base Speed of 132 is exceptional, and its Special Attack of 145 is devastating. The true power, however, lies in its Battle Bond ability. When Ash-Greninja knocks out an opposing Pokémon, its form changes, and its Speed, Special Attack, and Attack stats receive a significant boost. Furthermore, its signature move, Water Shuriken, transforms from a multi-strike move into a devastating single-hit attack with a base power of 20, always striking three times for a total of 60 power pre-transformation, and becoming a monstrous 160-power move after Battle Bond activates. This combination allows it to sweep through teams once it gains momentum.

Strategic Use in a Playthrough and Competitive Viability

In a standard playthrough of Sun and Moon, receiving Ash-Greninja relatively early provides a massive advantage. Its high stats and powerful ability can handle many challenges posed by the Island Trials. It is particularly effective against the Fire-type Trial on Akala Island and the formidable Totem Pokémon encounters. In competitive circles, while Ash-Greninja was not permitted in official VGC tournaments during the Sun and Moon era, it was a dominant force in other formats like the Battle Spot Singles. Its ability to snowball after a single knockout forced opponents to play cautiously. Common strategies involved using it as a late-game cleaner, supported by U-turn or Volt Switch users to get it safely onto the battlefield. Its movepool, allowing for coverage options like Dark Pulse, Ice Beam, and Gunk Shot, made it unpredictable and difficult to counter consistently.

The Legacy and Uniqueness of Ash-Greninja

Ash-Greninja remains a landmark distribution in the Pokémon series. It is a direct bridge between the anime's lore and the video games, implementing a narrative concept as a functional game mechanic. Its acquisition method through a demo was innovative, encouraging player engagement across multiple applications. Unlike event Pokémon that are simply distributed, obtaining Ash-Greninja requires active participation in a mini-adventure, creating a stronger sense of ownership for the trainer. In subsequent Pokémon games, this specific form has become unavailable through normal means, cementing its status as a special souvenir from the Alola region. For players of Sun and Moon, it is not just a powerful tactical asset but a unique piece of Pokémon history that exemplifies the bond that defines the entire franchise.

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