Shadow Sneak
| Shadow Sneak | |
|---|---|
 Shadow Sneak in Ultimate. | |
| User | Greninja |
| Universe | Pokémon |
| Article on Bulbapedia | Shadow Sneak (move) |
| “ | Hold  to move the shadow. Release to attack.
|
” |
| —Smash for 3DS's foldout | ||
| “ | Sends a shadow along the ground. When the button's released, it warps to that point and strikes! | ” |
| —Description from Ultimate's Move List | ||
Shadow Sneak (かげうち, Shadow Strike) is Greninja's side special move.
Overview
The move allows Greninja to suddenly disappear and reappear to ambush foes. The longer the button is held down, the greater the distance, and Greninja can still move about freely, jump, and even taunt[1], but cannot dash, attack (except for its down taunt), shield, or grab.
When performed, a duplicate of Greninja's shadow on the floor will move forward as long as the button is pressed. Should Greninja move while the shadow creeps forward, the shadow will move relative to its position. Releasing the button will teleport Greninja to the shadow, doing a quick kick upon reappearing. If the player holds the control stick or directional pad forward as Greninja reappears, Greninja will perform a frontal backflip kick that does 10%. However if the player holds in the opposite direction as Greninja reappears, Greninja will perform a back bounce-off kick that does 12% damage and slightly stronger knockback.
When used toward an edge while on the ground, Greninja will not teleport past the edge. Shadow Sneak also doesn't cause helplessness in mid-air, extending Greninja's already impressive recovery.
Due to the shadow being the only indicator, performing the move in the air, on a stage where the shadow is less visible (e.g. Pictochat 2) or when the stage is tilted in a way so that the floor is not visible makes timing the move more difficult, but also works as a mindgame as a player opponent might also have difficulty seeing the shadow. The shadow is also more subtle in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U than Super Smash Bros. for 3DS.
If Greninja is on flat ground, the shadow cannot be moved onto a slope, or vice versa.
Customization
Special Move customization was added in Super Smash Bros. 4. These are the variations:
| 1. Shadow Sneak | 2. Shadow Strike | 3. Shadow Dash |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
| "Send a shadow along the ground. Release the button to warp to that point and strike!" | "A slower, more powerful form of Shadow Sneak that delivers a truly decisive blow." | "Instantly warp a set distance. Less flexible than the standard Shadow Sneak, but more speedy." |
- Shadow Sneak: Default.
- Shadow Strike: Shadow moves farther but slower through the ground, attack deals more knockback.
- Shadow Dash: Teleport is instant, no moving Shadow; it teleports a specific distance equal to about 75% of Shadow Sneak's max range. Attack deals less knockback.
Origin
Introduced in Generation IV, Shadow Sneak is a physical Ghost-type attack. Essentially, it is a Ghost-type variation of Quick Attack, as it is identical in function in all ways including having a priority of +1.
Greninja is capable of learning Shadow Sneak, but at level 23, long before it evolves, so it requires the Move Reminder to learn it.
Gallery
Shadow Sneak being used in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.
Shadow Sneak being used in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
Greninja uses Shadow Sneak near Charizard in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
Trivia
- Although Greninja can't shield while using the move, it can use the move while shielding. It also applies to the custom moves as well. It is the only special move with this distinction.
- This also makes it the only Out of Shield option that doesn't require jumping or the up direction.
- There is a glitch involving this move being used in a Team Battle where if a Greninja player has a lower port number than their partner, they won't be able to perform the backwards kick of the move against a member of a red team.[2]. It does not appear to happen in the 3DS.[citation needed]
