[Overview]
<p>Pelipper is one of the most overlooked Pokemon in the metagame, which is understandable, as there was absolutely nothing remarkable about it in the previous generations. However, in the fifth generation, Pelipper gained two interesting attributes that give it a niche in the metagame. The first is a powerful new STAB move in Hurricane. The second is its Dream World ability, Rain Dish. These two attributes make Pelipper a highly effective Pokemon at both setting up Rain Dance and abusing it, thanks to boosted STAB Water-type moves and a perfectly accurate Hurricane.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, it's not all clear skies for our pelican pal. Pelipper has no exceptional stats, low Speed, and a Stealth Rock weakness, which all make it rather easy to revenge kill. Any Pokemon carrying an Electric-type move will easily force Pelipper out, meaning that it will take even more damage from the omnipresent entry hazard. Pelipper has its good points, but it also has its bad points; however, it's undeniable that using Pelipper will definitely earn you cool points.</p>
[SET]
name: Rain Dance
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Hurricane
move 4: Roost
item: Damp Rock / Life Orb
ability: Rain Dish
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Pelipper will inevitably find itself most at home on a Rain Dance team, as both a supporter and an attacker. Rain Dance is obviously the main move on this set, providing support for Pelipper's teammates while ensuring that Pelipper can make the most of its other attributes. Under rain, Pelipper transforms from an average Pokemon into a powerful tank. Hydro Pump, which is boosted by both STAB and rain, becomes an incredibly powerful attack that will heavily dent any Pokemon that doesn't resist it, and even Pokemon that do will still have to be careful. Unfortunately, it suffers from a low 80% accuracy, so Surf is a perfectly viable replacement should you prefer reliability over power. Hurricane is Pelipper's secondary STAB move, and in contrast to Hydro Pump receives a boost in accuracy from rain. Hurricane always hits while under the rain, and sports an impressive 120 Base Power in addition to a nifty 30% chance to confuse. These two moves hit everything present in NU for at least neutral damage, so Pelipper is free to use its last slot for Roost, enabling it to set up Rain Dance multiple times during a match. It also takes advantage of Pelipper's natural bulkiness.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The item choice can be difficult. If you intend to use Pelipper on a dedicated Rain Dance team, then Damp Rock is the preferred item. However, if you intend to use Pelipper as a standalone tank, then Life Orb is the better option. It will provide an extra sting to Pelipper's attacks, and the recoil is mitigated by Rain Dish. The EV spread focuses on Pelipper's bulk and Special Attack, but a faster EV spread can be used as well. However, this is not recommended, since Swanna does this better, thanks to its higher base Speed.</p>
<p>Pelipper has a weakness to Stealth Rock, so a Rapid Spin user is recommended for a teammate; however, this is not completely necessary, due to the fact that Pelipper has both passive and instant recovery in Rain Dish and Roost, respectively. However, a Pokemon that can switch into Electric-type moves is a must. Ground-type Pokemon such as Golem make excellent teammates, since they resist Rock and are immune to Electric-type moves. Electric-type Pokemon that have an immunity to said moves through Lightningrod, such as Raichu, are also good teammates, since they can receive a boost and abuse their STAB Thunders while it's raining.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Pelipper doesn't have much of a movepool, and it is best to stick to the options already listed. Pelipper's only other noteworthy offensive moves are Scald and Ice Beam. Scald has a nice chance to burn the opponent, but it is significantly weaker than Hydro Pump. It may have some use on a more defensive set, though. Ice Beam is a move commonly seen on most bulky Water-types; however, Pelipper already has all the coverage it needs with its STAB moves. The only notable Pokemon that Pelipper hits harder with Ice Beam is Altaria. U-turn can be used to gain momentum and bring in another Rain Dance sweeper unharmed, thanks to Pelipper's low Speed. Tailwind is a cool move that doubles your team's Speed for a few turns, but it doesn't last long enough to warrant any real use. Stockpile can increase both of Pelipper's defenses, and could be used on a gimmicky set with Roost and Scald.</p>
[Checks & Counters]
<p>Pelipper can be surprisingly difficult to counter.Regice is one of the best options, since it can comfortably take any of Pelipper's attacks and retaliate with Thunderbolt. One of the best ways to deal with Pelipper is to send in something faster than it that can OHKO it. Nearly all Electric-type Pokemon fall into this category and can come in while Pelipper is either setting up Rain Dance or using Roost. Pokemon with a resistance to Hurricane helps as well. Other Pokemon that can outspeed and OHKO Pelipper include Magmortar and Emboar, thanks to their ability to use Thunderbolt and Wild Charge, respectively. Surprise Hidden Power Electrics can also spell doom for the friendly pelican.</p>
