[OVERVIEW]
Water
========
Pelipper's ability Drizzle is a blessing to rain teams, as it single-handedly enables them to function. Pelipper's Flying typing along with a Hurricane that does not miss in rain allows it to deal with problematic Grass-types, most notably Mega Venusaur, as well as Fighting- and Bug-types. Its high Base Power STAB moves allow it to have a threatening offensive presence with Choice Specs and rip through many common walls like Celesteela, Mega Sableye, and Toxapex. Pelipper's decent defensive typing also allows it to run a defensive set despite its lackluster bulk to check some physical threats such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Gallade. However, it should be noted that Pelipper's offensive sets are incredibly frail due to the lack of investment in bulk. Coupled with its low Speed, offensive Pelipper is unable to reliably check faster threats like Mega Diancie and Terrakion. While it is valued as a Defogger, having to switch into entry hazards to remove them makes Pelipper rather unreliable due to its weakness to Stealth Rock. Thus, despite being a staple on rain teams, Pelipper is very underwhelming, making it hard to justify using outside of rain-oriented teams.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs (Water)
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Defog
item: Choice Specs
ability: Drizzle
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hurricane allows Pelipper to eliminate walls that rain teams generally have a hard time breaking through such as Mega Venusaur and Toxapex. Hydro Pump helps Pelipper deal massive damage to walls such as Mega Sableye, Porygon2, and Celesteela. U-turn allows Pelipper to act as a pivot to gain momentum and give teammates a free switch. Defog lets Pelipper help the team clear entry hazards such as Sticky Web, which hinders even Swift Swim users. It also clears Stealth Rock to let Pelipper switch in more often without worry.
Set Details
========
Drizzle supports the team with rain while boosting Pelipper's own moves. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Pelipper to be as fast as possible. 252 EVs in Special Attack with Choice Specs allow Pelipper to hit as hard as possible. A Modest nature can also be used to hit harder, but then Pelipper fails to outspeed threats like Adamant Tapu Bulu.
Usage Tips
========
Pelipper should be used early to dismantle opposing defensive cores with Hurricane + Hydro Pump, a move combination unresisted by most of the metagame. Getting rain up early also enables teammates such as Mega Swampert and Kingdra to become immediate threats. Send Pelipper in whenever rain ends to continue supporting Pokemon that can take advantage of it. Keep Pelipper alive to get as many rain turns as possible, especially in matchups like Electric, where Drizzle support is the key to winning. U-turn should be used on expected switches to gain momentum or switch out on slower foes like Cradily and Tyranitar that heavily pressure Pelipper. Keeping track of remaining rain turns is vital to the success of rain teams. Avoid switching Pelipper in when there is still a turn of rain up, as this essentially wastes its Drizzle and may lead to it taking unnecessary damage. That said, Pelipper works best with rain, so do not be afraid to utilize it while rain is up. Avoid sacrificing Pelipper early unless the remaining rain turns can help teammates win the game. Switch into Stealth Rock users that Pelipper can force out such as Swampert and Hippowdon to use Defog without having to take damage from Stealth Rock. Avoid getting statused, as any chip damage can be the difference between Pelipper coming safely in or fainting to Stealth Rock, and paralysis halves Pelipper's already horrible Speed.
Team Options
========
Mega Swampert is a fantastic teammate, as it can take advantage of Pelipper's Drizzle with its ability Swift Swim to become an incredibly powerful and fast sweeper. Swampert's Ground typing also lets it absorb Electric-type attacks and deal with Electric-type Pokemon with STAB Earthquake. It also gets Stealth Rock to chip foes, giving a teammate or even itself an easier time cleaning up late-game. Keldeo appreciates Pelipper's rain to boost its already powerful Water-type STAB moves to immense levels. Pelipper also helps get rid of walls that Keldeo cannot deal with such as Toxapex and deal with Grass-type Pokemon. In return, Keldeo takes on Pokemon like Alolan Muk and Chansey. Toxapex is a fantastic defensive pivot that can set up Toxic Spikes to wear down opposing walls and wall offensive threats such as Terrakion. In return, Pelipper provides a Ground immunity. Manaphy acts as both a secondary source of rain and potent special sweeper for rain teams with Z-Rain Dance. It can also make use of its wide coverage to patch up weaknesses in the team. Greninja works as a revenge killer to deal with the likes of Tapu Bulu and Tapu Koko without the reliance on rain. This alleviates pressure from Pelipper to come in every time rain is gone and helps prevent opponents from exploiting the team's reliance on rain. Greninja also greatly appreciates the removal of Mega Venusaur. Kingdra is another Swift Swim user that can become a strong sweeper in rain. Seismitoad can also take advantage of the rain with Swift Swim, performs a similar role to Mega Swampert as an Electric-immune sweeper, and is able to set Stealth Rock, freeing up a moveslot for Mega Swampert to run other coverage moves. Lastly, Azumarill's rain-boosted Aqua Jet is very hard to deal with after a Belly Drum, and it can make use of Pelipper's U-turn to get in safely.
[SET]
name: Defensive (Water)
move 1: Scald
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Roost
move 4: Defog / U-turn
item: Leftovers
ability: Drizzle
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald allows Pelipper to potentially burn foes while dealing decent damage with the rain boost. Hurricane synergizes nicely with Drizzle to allow Pelipper to beat threats like Mega Lopunny and Mega Venusaur. Roost keeps Pelipper healthy throughout the battle so it can come in to set rain multiple times. Defog is useful to get rid of entry hazards. U-turn provides a slow pivot to give offensive Pokemon such as Mega Swampert that can take advantage of rain a free switch.
Set Details
========
Drizzle provides rain for the team as Pelipper switches in and is the only ability it should be using. Maximum investment in HP and Defense along with a Bold nature allows Pelipper to be as bulky as possible. Leftovers gives Pelipper passive recovery to further increase its longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Pelipper is usually safe to lead in order to get rain up early and pressure some common leads like Garchomp and Mega Lopunny. However, beware of slower weather setters, such as Hippowdon and Torkoal, and Mega Charizard Y, as they can replace Pelipper's rain with their own weather. U-turn should be used frequently to get an ally in safely to take advantage of the limited rain turns. Scald should also be used often if the opponent is not immediately pressured by your sweepers. Keep Pelipper healthy throughout the battle with Roost and remove Stealth Rock whenever possible so it can switch in more easily. Switch Pelipper into Stealth Rock users it can beat like Garchomp and Swampert to catch them on the turn they try to get Stealth Rock up, allowing Pelipper to force them out and Defog Stealth Rock away without taking damage from it. Avoid letting Pelipper be statused by moves such as Scald and Toxic, as they can severely hamper Pelipper's ability to wall or switch into threats due to its underwhelming base stats. Despite its weakness to Electric-type attacks, Pelipper is vital in the Electric matchup thanks to its rain support making Mega Swampert a massive threat to Electric teams.
Team Options
========
Mega Swampert is the best Swift Swim user to pair with Pelipper, as it grants the team an Electric immunity and has access to Stealth Rock. Toxapex works well with Pelipper as another pivot to take pressure off Pelipper, as having to take damage while using U-turn hinders Pelipper's ability to check certain threats like Garchomp. It is also a reliable switch-in to a majority of the metagame and appreciates Pelipper's ability to come in on Ground-type attacks. Taunt Keldeo can help get rid of walls Pelipper has trouble with like Mega Sableye, Porygon2, and Alolan Muk, while Pelipper gets rid of troublesome Grass-types like Mega Venusaur and Tapu Bulu. Greninja is a fantastic revenge killer that does not rely on rain to outspeed foes. It can help the team deal with Choice Scarf Pokemon that can threaten Mega Swampert such as Latios and Gengar. Manaphy is a strong setup sweeper that can also help set up rain in the event Pelipper is unable to. Strong coverage moves along with Tail Glow enable Manaphy to deal with walls that defensive Pelipper fails to like Zapdos and Gastrodon. Manaphy's ability Hydration also allows it to soak up status moves for the team with rain up. An alternative Defogger like Rotom-W or Empoleon can help, especially if Pelipper forgoes Defog, to take pressure off Pelipper and let it switch in on threats more easily.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Water
--------
Utilizing Choice Scarf instead of Choice Specs allows Pelipper to surprise Pokemon that usually outspeed it such as Kommo-o and Mega Diancie, but it loses out on the power to wallbreak effectively.
Checks and Counters
===================
Water
--------
**Electric-types**: Electric-type Pokemon like Alolan Raichu, Tapu Koko, and Rotom-W either are faster than Pelipper or don't mind its attacks and threaten it with a 4x super effective STAB attack.
**Rock-types**: While Pelipper can threaten Rock-type Pokemon with a rain-boosted Scald or Hydro Pump, faster Rock-types like Mega Diancie and Terrakion threaten to KO it with their own STAB moves.
**Stealth Rock**: Every time Pelipper switches in with Stealth Rock up, it loses a quarter of its health. Drizzle also does not activate if Pelipper faints to Stealth Rock, preventing you from sacrificing it to get rain up.
**Status**: Status ailments like poison and burn further chip down Pelipper. Paralysis also hinders it by halving its Speed.
**Faster Attackers**: Pelipper's underwhelming defenses and low Speed cause it to be easily revenge killed by faster Pokemon such as Kyurem-B and Latios.
**Opposing Weather**: Mega Charizard Y, Torkoal, Hippowdon, Tyranitar, and Alolan Ninetales can change the weather. This takes away a massive part of Pelipper's kit, making it difficult for Pelipper to support the team properly.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Tapo Collino, 457258]]
- Water Analysis by: [[Tapo Collino, 457258]]
- Quality checked by: [[maroon, 305839], [Havens, 391540], [Vid, 239907]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Rabia, 336073]]
Water
========
Pelipper's ability Drizzle is a blessing to rain teams, as it single-handedly enables them to function. Pelipper's Flying typing along with a Hurricane that does not miss in rain allows it to deal with problematic Grass-types, most notably Mega Venusaur, as well as Fighting- and Bug-types. Its high Base Power STAB moves allow it to have a threatening offensive presence with Choice Specs and rip through many common walls like Celesteela, Mega Sableye, and Toxapex. Pelipper's decent defensive typing also allows it to run a defensive set despite its lackluster bulk to check some physical threats such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Gallade. However, it should be noted that Pelipper's offensive sets are incredibly frail due to the lack of investment in bulk. Coupled with its low Speed, offensive Pelipper is unable to reliably check faster threats like Mega Diancie and Terrakion. While it is valued as a Defogger, having to switch into entry hazards to remove them makes Pelipper rather unreliable due to its weakness to Stealth Rock. Thus, despite being a staple on rain teams, Pelipper is very underwhelming, making it hard to justify using outside of rain-oriented teams.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs (Water)
move 1: Hurricane
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Defog
item: Choice Specs
ability: Drizzle
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hurricane allows Pelipper to eliminate walls that rain teams generally have a hard time breaking through such as Mega Venusaur and Toxapex. Hydro Pump helps Pelipper deal massive damage to walls such as Mega Sableye, Porygon2, and Celesteela. U-turn allows Pelipper to act as a pivot to gain momentum and give teammates a free switch. Defog lets Pelipper help the team clear entry hazards such as Sticky Web, which hinders even Swift Swim users. It also clears Stealth Rock to let Pelipper switch in more often without worry.
Set Details
========
Drizzle supports the team with rain while boosting Pelipper's own moves. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Pelipper to be as fast as possible. 252 EVs in Special Attack with Choice Specs allow Pelipper to hit as hard as possible. A Modest nature can also be used to hit harder, but then Pelipper fails to outspeed threats like Adamant Tapu Bulu.
Usage Tips
========
Pelipper should be used early to dismantle opposing defensive cores with Hurricane + Hydro Pump, a move combination unresisted by most of the metagame. Getting rain up early also enables teammates such as Mega Swampert and Kingdra to become immediate threats. Send Pelipper in whenever rain ends to continue supporting Pokemon that can take advantage of it. Keep Pelipper alive to get as many rain turns as possible, especially in matchups like Electric, where Drizzle support is the key to winning. U-turn should be used on expected switches to gain momentum or switch out on slower foes like Cradily and Tyranitar that heavily pressure Pelipper. Keeping track of remaining rain turns is vital to the success of rain teams. Avoid switching Pelipper in when there is still a turn of rain up, as this essentially wastes its Drizzle and may lead to it taking unnecessary damage. That said, Pelipper works best with rain, so do not be afraid to utilize it while rain is up. Avoid sacrificing Pelipper early unless the remaining rain turns can help teammates win the game. Switch into Stealth Rock users that Pelipper can force out such as Swampert and Hippowdon to use Defog without having to take damage from Stealth Rock. Avoid getting statused, as any chip damage can be the difference between Pelipper coming safely in or fainting to Stealth Rock, and paralysis halves Pelipper's already horrible Speed.
Team Options
========
Mega Swampert is a fantastic teammate, as it can take advantage of Pelipper's Drizzle with its ability Swift Swim to become an incredibly powerful and fast sweeper. Swampert's Ground typing also lets it absorb Electric-type attacks and deal with Electric-type Pokemon with STAB Earthquake. It also gets Stealth Rock to chip foes, giving a teammate or even itself an easier time cleaning up late-game. Keldeo appreciates Pelipper's rain to boost its already powerful Water-type STAB moves to immense levels. Pelipper also helps get rid of walls that Keldeo cannot deal with such as Toxapex and deal with Grass-type Pokemon. In return, Keldeo takes on Pokemon like Alolan Muk and Chansey. Toxapex is a fantastic defensive pivot that can set up Toxic Spikes to wear down opposing walls and wall offensive threats such as Terrakion. In return, Pelipper provides a Ground immunity. Manaphy acts as both a secondary source of rain and potent special sweeper for rain teams with Z-Rain Dance. It can also make use of its wide coverage to patch up weaknesses in the team. Greninja works as a revenge killer to deal with the likes of Tapu Bulu and Tapu Koko without the reliance on rain. This alleviates pressure from Pelipper to come in every time rain is gone and helps prevent opponents from exploiting the team's reliance on rain. Greninja also greatly appreciates the removal of Mega Venusaur. Kingdra is another Swift Swim user that can become a strong sweeper in rain. Seismitoad can also take advantage of the rain with Swift Swim, performs a similar role to Mega Swampert as an Electric-immune sweeper, and is able to set Stealth Rock, freeing up a moveslot for Mega Swampert to run other coverage moves. Lastly, Azumarill's rain-boosted Aqua Jet is very hard to deal with after a Belly Drum, and it can make use of Pelipper's U-turn to get in safely.
[SET]
name: Defensive (Water)
move 1: Scald
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Roost
move 4: Defog / U-turn
item: Leftovers
ability: Drizzle
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald allows Pelipper to potentially burn foes while dealing decent damage with the rain boost. Hurricane synergizes nicely with Drizzle to allow Pelipper to beat threats like Mega Lopunny and Mega Venusaur. Roost keeps Pelipper healthy throughout the battle so it can come in to set rain multiple times. Defog is useful to get rid of entry hazards. U-turn provides a slow pivot to give offensive Pokemon such as Mega Swampert that can take advantage of rain a free switch.
Set Details
========
Drizzle provides rain for the team as Pelipper switches in and is the only ability it should be using. Maximum investment in HP and Defense along with a Bold nature allows Pelipper to be as bulky as possible. Leftovers gives Pelipper passive recovery to further increase its longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Pelipper is usually safe to lead in order to get rain up early and pressure some common leads like Garchomp and Mega Lopunny. However, beware of slower weather setters, such as Hippowdon and Torkoal, and Mega Charizard Y, as they can replace Pelipper's rain with their own weather. U-turn should be used frequently to get an ally in safely to take advantage of the limited rain turns. Scald should also be used often if the opponent is not immediately pressured by your sweepers. Keep Pelipper healthy throughout the battle with Roost and remove Stealth Rock whenever possible so it can switch in more easily. Switch Pelipper into Stealth Rock users it can beat like Garchomp and Swampert to catch them on the turn they try to get Stealth Rock up, allowing Pelipper to force them out and Defog Stealth Rock away without taking damage from it. Avoid letting Pelipper be statused by moves such as Scald and Toxic, as they can severely hamper Pelipper's ability to wall or switch into threats due to its underwhelming base stats. Despite its weakness to Electric-type attacks, Pelipper is vital in the Electric matchup thanks to its rain support making Mega Swampert a massive threat to Electric teams.
Team Options
========
Mega Swampert is the best Swift Swim user to pair with Pelipper, as it grants the team an Electric immunity and has access to Stealth Rock. Toxapex works well with Pelipper as another pivot to take pressure off Pelipper, as having to take damage while using U-turn hinders Pelipper's ability to check certain threats like Garchomp. It is also a reliable switch-in to a majority of the metagame and appreciates Pelipper's ability to come in on Ground-type attacks. Taunt Keldeo can help get rid of walls Pelipper has trouble with like Mega Sableye, Porygon2, and Alolan Muk, while Pelipper gets rid of troublesome Grass-types like Mega Venusaur and Tapu Bulu. Greninja is a fantastic revenge killer that does not rely on rain to outspeed foes. It can help the team deal with Choice Scarf Pokemon that can threaten Mega Swampert such as Latios and Gengar. Manaphy is a strong setup sweeper that can also help set up rain in the event Pelipper is unable to. Strong coverage moves along with Tail Glow enable Manaphy to deal with walls that defensive Pelipper fails to like Zapdos and Gastrodon. Manaphy's ability Hydration also allows it to soak up status moves for the team with rain up. An alternative Defogger like Rotom-W or Empoleon can help, especially if Pelipper forgoes Defog, to take pressure off Pelipper and let it switch in on threats more easily.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Water
--------
Utilizing Choice Scarf instead of Choice Specs allows Pelipper to surprise Pokemon that usually outspeed it such as Kommo-o and Mega Diancie, but it loses out on the power to wallbreak effectively.
Checks and Counters
===================
Water
--------
**Electric-types**: Electric-type Pokemon like Alolan Raichu, Tapu Koko, and Rotom-W either are faster than Pelipper or don't mind its attacks and threaten it with a 4x super effective STAB attack.
**Rock-types**: While Pelipper can threaten Rock-type Pokemon with a rain-boosted Scald or Hydro Pump, faster Rock-types like Mega Diancie and Terrakion threaten to KO it with their own STAB moves.
**Stealth Rock**: Every time Pelipper switches in with Stealth Rock up, it loses a quarter of its health. Drizzle also does not activate if Pelipper faints to Stealth Rock, preventing you from sacrificing it to get rain up.
**Status**: Status ailments like poison and burn further chip down Pelipper. Paralysis also hinders it by halving its Speed.
**Faster Attackers**: Pelipper's underwhelming defenses and low Speed cause it to be easily revenge killed by faster Pokemon such as Kyurem-B and Latios.
**Opposing Weather**: Mega Charizard Y, Torkoal, Hippowdon, Tyranitar, and Alolan Ninetales can change the weather. This takes away a massive part of Pelipper's kit, making it difficult for Pelipper to support the team properly.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Tapo Collino, 457258]]
- Water Analysis by: [[Tapo Collino, 457258]]
- Quality checked by: [[maroon, 305839], [Havens, 391540], [Vid, 239907]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Rabia, 336073]]
Last edited: