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"A counter attack absorbs an incoming attack and quickly dishes out a counter blow. Time it just right, and you'll be able to strike back at your opponent!"
―Nia, in Training Mode
CI16 WiiU PokkenTournament LearnToFight CounterAttack image912w

A Gengar absorbing a opponent's attack, about to throw it back at the opponent.

A counter attack is a type of attack that absorbs normal attacks then immediately strikes back at the opponent, but can interrupted by a grab attack. By default, they can be activated by pressing the X and A buttons simultaneously. They can also be charged to withstand longer attack sequences, cause more damage, pierce other counters, or cancelled into a dash to perform a Counter Attack Dash Cancel.

While being available to all fighters, the properties of the standard counter attack move vary between Pokémon to Pokémon.

Mechanics[]

Pikalibre counter1

Pikachu Libre readying a counter attack.

Startup[]

Upon input, the fighter is granted counter armor for a brief period of time, negating any damage and hit stuns from most normal attacks.

Counter armor disappears just before counterattacking, meaning normal attacks can interrupt the counter attack process during this small window of time.

Counterattacking[]

Pikalibre counter2

Pikachu Libre using a counterattack and causing a critical hit.

After startup, the fighter quickly retaliates with a counterattack. If this hits an opponent performing a normal attack, the move will score a Critical Hit.

Stance-induced counter armor[]

While not true counter attacks, stances can also put a fighter into a counter armor state. This counter armor provides protection against certain types of attacks. For instance, Mewtwo's Low Stance allows it to counter low-placed attacks.

Command Counters[]

There are other Pokémon moves that have similar properties with standard counter attacks. These moves are simply known as command counters. They interact the same way they do with other move types in the Attack Triangle. Command counters usually have a different effect when executed, depending on the character.

Counter-type Burst Attacks[]

Four Pokémon have their Burst Attacks classified as counter attacks, namely Chandelure, Suicune, Sceptile, and Weavile. Counter-type Burst Attacks are impervious to most normal attacks, but they can be stopped by a well-timed piercing attack or grab.

List of command counters[]

Character

Move input

Name

Additional effect

Aegislash
Blastoise Charge and release A Withdraw Damageless move that transitions into Shell Fortress Stance. Causes a four-second defense buff.
Blaziken
Braixen 2A Light Screen Counters any non-piercing projectiles, including beams.
Chandelure f.A or 6A Smog Releases a gray stationary smoke that explodes when cleared.
Charizard f.A or 6A Fire Punch Can transition to Flying Stance.
Croagunk
Darkrai
Decidueye
Empoleon
Garchomp b.A / 4A Stone Edge Plays an extra cutscene when it does a Critical Hit, dealing more damage. 
Gardevoir Dazzling Gleam A follow-up counter move to Calm Mind.
Gengar Charge & release A Sludge Bomb Throws three toxic puddles that lowers the opponent's attack stat.
Lucario 8A Extreme Speed Does an upward-diagonal motion, potentially hitting airborne opponents.
Machamp Charge & release A Scary Face Reduces the opponent's speed.
Mewtwo b.A or 4A Barrier Can transition to other moves such as Telekinesis, Drain Punch, or Confusion.
n.A or 5A Confusion A counter follow-up to Barrier.
f.A or 6A Fire Punch Can transition to Ice Punch, that can be followed up by Thunder Punch.
Pikachu 8A Volt Tackle Does multiple diagonal up-dashes, potentially hitting airborne opponents.
Pikachu Libre 2A Wild Charge Does more damage on grounded opponents.
Midair A Spark
Sceptile f.A or 6A Leaf Blade Hitting the foe with the leading edge deals more damage.
Scizor A Swords Dance Allows the use of more attacks and extended combos.
Shadow Mewtwo A ~ X Psywave: Vortex Can hit opponents in the air, piercing any counters along the way.
Suicune b.A or 4A Mirror Coat Quickly shoots out a stream of water after being activated by a non-piercing projectile, including beams.
Weavile 2A Taunt Proceeds to Night Slash when activated, reducing the opponent's Synergy Gauge.

Trivia[]

  • Counter attacks basically hit the opponent the same way as Normal Attacks do, only that counterattacks lack the ability to stop grabs.
  • Most Critical Hit counter attacks launch or crumple the opponent.
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