Top 5 Ground-Type Counters to Greninja in Pokemon GO (2024)
1. Garchomp
Garchomp is a dual Dragon/Ground-type Pokemon that boasts excellent stats across the board. Its high Attack and Stamina make it a powerful attacker and a durable tank, capable of withstanding Greninja's Water Shuriken and Hydro Cannon. Its Ground-type attacks hit Greninja super effectively, making it a top-tier counter.
- Fast Move: Mud Shot (charges up energy quickly)
- Charge Moves: Earthquake, Outrage, Sand Tomb (for shield baiting)
- Why it's good: Garchomp's typing gives it resistance to Electric-type attacks, which can be useful in certain matchups. Its raw power and coverage moves allow it to perform well even against non-Water-type opponents.
2. Excadrill
Excadrill, a Ground/Steel-type, stands out for its amazing Attack stat. This glass cannon can put intense pressure on Greninja with its fast-charging moves and high damage output. The Steel-typing offers resistance to key threats, especially Dragon-type attacks, and also protects against Greninja's Dark-type moves.
- Fast Move: Mud-Slap
- Charge Moves: Drill Run, Rock Slide
- Why it's good: Excadrill's single-minded focus on attack allows it to quickly dispatch Greninja before it can unleash its stronger charged attacks. Rock Slide provides good coverage against Flying-types.
3. Swampert
Swampert, a dual Water/Ground-type, is a strong and versatile choice with good stats across the board. Being part Water-type, it’s important to note that it will take neutral damage from Greninja's Water attacks. However, its Ground-type moves are still super effective, and it can apply significant shield pressure.
- Fast Move: Mud Shot
- Charge Moves: Earthquake, Hydro Cannon (Community Day move, highly recommended)
- Why it's good: Swampert's combination of Water and Ground-typing gives it excellent coverage and resistance to Electric-type attacks. The Hydro Cannon is incredibly powerful and allows it to deal significant damage even to Pokemon that aren't weak to Water.
4. Flygon
Flygon, the Mystic Pokemon, is a Dragon/Ground-type known for its balanced stats and access to powerful moves. While not as dominant as Garchomp, Flygon provides a good balance of offense and defense and can still deal significant damage to Greninja.
- Fast Move: Mud Shot
- Charge Moves: Earthquake, Dragon Claw
- Why it's good: Flygon is a solid choice in lower leagues due to accessibility. It is a strong alternative to Garchomp for Trainers on a budget.
5. Krookodile
Krookodile is a dual Ground/Dark-type Pokemon. This typing gives it a useful resistance to Ghost and Dark-type attacks that are more prevalent in some metas, while also offering offensive presence against Greninja. It provides a unique moveset compared to other ground-type options, making it a strong surprise pick.
- Fast Move: Mud-Slap
- Charge Moves: Earthquake, Crunch
- Why it's good: Krookodile's resistance to Dark-type attacks provides a crucial advantage against any Greninja carrying Night Slash. Its access to Crunch allows it to hit Ghost-types for neutral damage, further expanding its coverage.
These are just some of the top Ground-type counters to Greninja in Pokemon GO. The best choice for your team will depend on your individual playstyle and the current meta. Remember to consider factors such as IVs, move sets, and team composition when choosing your Pokemon.
Which Ground-type Pokemon is your favorite to use against Greninja, and why?
