Editing Substitute

{{ArticleIcons|ssb4=y|ultimate=y}}

|image=[[File:Greninja Down B SSBU.gif|300px]]

|caption=Greninja using Substitute in ''Ultimate''.

|universe={{uv|Pokémon}}

'''Substitute''' ({{ja|みがわり|Migawari}}, ''{{s|wikipedia|Scapegoat}}'') is [[Greninja]]'s [[down special move]].

 

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.

 

Special Move customization was added in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. These are the variations:

==Trophy==

|name=Substitute Doll

|desc-ntsc=If it looks like a Pokémon and it gets attacked like a Pokémon, it's probably a—Oh, no, it could also be a Substitute Doll. This cute plush figure appears out of nowhere when a Pokémon uses the move Substitute. Is that a smile on its face or a grimace of determination? Only the doll knows, and it's not telling.

|desc-pal=If it looks like a Pokémon and it gets attacked like a Pokémon, it's probably a- Oh, no, it could also be a Substitute doll. This cute plush figure appears out of nowhere when a Pokémon uses the move Substitute. Is that a smile on its face or a grimace of determination? Only the doll knows, and it's not telling.

|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1=Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue|release1=09/1998|console2=3DS|game2=Pokémon X & Pokémon Y|release2=10/2013}}

}}

{{clrl}}

[[File:SubstituteXY.gif|thumb|Substitute being used in Generation VI.]]

{{s|Bulbapedia|Substitute}} is a Normal-type status move in the {{Uv|Pokémon}} games introduced in Generation I. When used, the Pokémon loses 25% of its maximum HP from its current HP and leaves the screen, replaced by a substitute doll. The substitute has its own HP which is equal to the HP the user lost to create the substitute, but derives its type and stats from the currently active Pokémon - the move {{s|Bulbapedia|Baton Pass}} allows for switching Pokémon without losing the substitute. When the Pokémon is attacked by any move that isn't sound-based, the substitute takes damage instead - once a substitute loses all of its HP, it fades away. When the Substitute user wants to use another move, the Substitute and Pokémon will temporarily switch places to allow said Pokémon to use the move. If the Pokémon does not have enough HP to make the substitute, the move will fail, although in Generation I, a Pokemon will faint itself if used with 25% or less HP.

While the move is widely available to almost all Pokémon via TM or Move Tutor, Greninja is one of the few Pokémon able to learn this move by leveling up as well. Its usage in ''Smash'' is a reference to the substitution/body-replacement techniques used by ninja in popular folklore to escape danger. The log occasionally left behind is a notable hallmark of this.

 

==Gallery==

Greninja Down Special Smash 3DS.jpg|Substitute being readied.

Greninja Down Special Activation Smash 3DS.jpg|Substitute being used in the 3DS version of ''Smash 4'', leaving a log behind.

Substitute Doll Smash 3DS.jpg|A Substitute Doll left behind by the move.

Substitute Attack SSB4.jpeg|The Substitute counter attack in {{forwiiu}}.

SSB4-Wii U challenge image R06C02.png|The challenge image.

Greninja SSBU Skill Preview Down Special.png|Substitute as shown by the [[Move List]] in ''Ultimate''.

[[File:Sakurai used Substitute.jpg|thumb|A substitute in place of Masahiro Sakurai.]]