Editing Substitute

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. 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. It disappears after a few seconds.

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 counterattack can be directed in eight directions, including diagonally. If aimed downward, the counterattack will [[meteor smash]], although Greninja will likely [[self-destruct]] if this is done offstage.

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. 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.

In ''Ultimate'', Substitute has received buffs and nerfs but was buffed overall. 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. 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. However, it has higher-end lag on whiff while all variants also have more lag, but lower KO power as well in return.