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Pelipper is an essential Pokemon for rain Water teams thanks to its Drizzle ability, as well as the utility it provides through U-turn and Defog. Hurricane is Pelipper's STAB move of choice, hitting Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Zarude. Scald is another STAB option to hit other weather setters and Electric-types such as Hippowdon, Tyranitar, and Tapu Koko on the switch, as well as spreading burns. U-turn helps Pelipper safely bring in its teammates, while Roost keeps it healthy throughout a match. Heavy-Duty Boots prevents Stealth Rock from wearing Pelipper down, allowing it to set rain consistently. Most Pokemon on Water teams appreciate Pelipper setting rain and checking Grass-types. Swift Swim users, including Barraskewda, Kingdra, and Seismitoad, can decimate offensive teams under rain with their high Speed and high-powered STAB moves. Seismitoad can also double as an Electric sponge and Stealth Rock setter, but these roles can also be covered by Swampert, which has Flip Turn to further preserve momentum and greater bulk to survive Grass Knot from the likes of Tapu Koko and Alolan Raichu. Urshifu-R appreciates rain making its Surging Strikes even harder to switch into, and it helps break past walls such as Ferrothorn. Crawdaunt is a wallbreaker that can help break through defensive cores in types like Psychic and Poison while also threatening frailer Pokemon with rain-boosted Aqua Jet. Slowking switches into Freeze-Dry users such as Kyurem and Alolan Ninetales for Pelipper. Toxapex alleviates pressure on Pelipper to check difficult Grass-types like Rillaboom, Zarude, and Tapu Bulu. Both Slowking and Toxapex can also provide momentum with Teleport and Eject Button, respectively, which is crucial to bring in rain sweepers, and this is also why other pivots like Swampert and Barraskewda are valued so highly.

Hurricane is strong, unable to miss in rain, and deals with Grass-types such as Rillaboom and Amoonguss, which resist rain-boosted Water-type attacks. Weather Ball is a powerful attack when used in rain, and it's generally Pelipper's strongest offensive option, but it's heavily reliant on weather dominance to be effective. Scald is a slightly weaker alternative that is functional outside of rain while offering burn utility. Tailwind helps make up for Pelipper's paltry Speed stat, and it provides utility to teammates. One important example use is to counter opposing Tailwind, which cramps Swift Swim partners like Kingdra. Protect keeps Pelipper safe while stalling field conditions such as Trick Room and Tailwind. Eject Button helps Pelipper switch out after setting rain, getting more offensive Pokemon in immediately to effectively use rain turns. On the other hand, Damp Rock increases how long rain lasts, meaning Pelipper needs to switch in less often. The given EV spread allows Pelipper to outspeed the majority of the unboosted metagame in Tailwind, up to and including Dragapult and Zeraora. Combined with a Modest nature, the Special Attack EVs make Hurricane a guaranteed 2HKO on standard Amoonguss through Sitrus Berry, while the remaining EVs are placed into HP to maximize Pelipper's limited bulk.

Pelipper, courtesy of its ability Drizzle, is a mainstay on rain teams. Summoning rain allows Pelipper to enable dangerous wallbreakers such as Ash-Greninja, Mega Swampert, and Manaphy. Pelipper's physical bulk, solid defensive typing, and access to Scald allow it to check dangerous Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny, Landorus-T, and Mega Scizor. Pelipper also is able to support its team rather well as a Defogger courtesy of Roost to remain healthy. U-turn allows Pelipper to pivot safely into its powerful teammates, which is incredibly important, as they generally do not want to take chip damage. Unfortunately, Pelipper is the only entry hazard removal that Zapdos rain teams have access to, meaning it often has to take Stealth Rock damage before using Defog. This can cut into its longevity, as Pelipper can be exploited on the turns it is using Roost by strong special attackers such as Tapu Koko and Tapu Lele. The ability to summon rain with Drizzle is incredibly important, as it enables several powerful walbreakers such as Mega Swampert, Ash-Greninja, Manaphy, and Zapdos. Mega Swampert is a particularly potent teammate, as not only is it enabled by Pelipper's Drizzle, but it is also a great check to strong Electric-type attackers such as Tapu Koko, Magnezone, and Zeraora. Ferrothorn is also a great teammate, as it can switch into Tapu Lele, Tapu Koko, and Magearna, all of which threaten Pelipper out. Rain also weakens Fire-type attacks, which Ferrothorn greatly appreciates. Ferrothorn can also use this as an opportunity to set Spikes for its teammates.

Drizzle alongside a Choice Specs boost turns Pelipper into a powerful wallbreaker under the rain, allowing Hurricane to always hit making it a reliable STAB attack. Hurricane allows Pelipper to take on Grass-type threats such as Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn. Additionally, it deals with Water-resistant foes that may want to switch into Pelipper like Toxapex, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad. Hydro Pump is the main STAB attack and is especially powerful boosted by the rain, allowing it to OHKO Pokemon such as Galarian Weezing and 2HKO bulky Pokemon such as Aegislash, Porygon2, and Celesteela. U-turn allows Pelipper to generate momentum by bringing in a teammate on a predicted switch-in. Defog can be used in a pinch allowing Pelipper to remove hazards such as Sticky Webs, Toxic Spikes, and Stealth Rock for its teammates. Knock Off can be used to remove items off predicted switch-ins such as Blissey's Heavy-Duty Boots, Rotom-W's Leftovers, and Toxapex's Black Sludge. Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment alongside a Timid nature and Choice Specs allows Pelipper to be as fast and powerful a wallbreaker as possible. Pelipper's teammates appreciate its ability to break past Grass-type Pokemon thanks to Choice Specs boosted Hurricane and its ability to set rain, especially its teammates with Swift Swim. Due to the fact rain boosts Water STAB it allows teammates such as Urshifu-R, Mega Swampert, and Kingdra to become more threatening wallbreakers. Pelipper also provides rain teams with a Ground immunity allowing it to switch into Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Excadrill. Mega Swampert appreciates the rain that Pelipper grants allowing it to outspeed threats such as Deoxys-S, Mega Lopunny, and Tapu Koko. Mega Swampert provides a switch and takes on Electric-type Pokemon for Pelipper in return such as Zapdos, Zeraora, and Regieleki. Barraskewda is a secondary Swift Swim abuser on rain teams, being able to more easily take on Pokemon such as Ferrothorn thanks to Close Combat, its faster Speed tier allowing it to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame, however, it does not provide an Electric immunity for Pelipper. Instead, Barraskewda can threaten Electric-type Pokemon by just wearing them down with its strong Water STAB boosted by rain. Urshifu-R is able to take on Steel- and Normal-type Pokemon for Pelipper such as Ferrothorn and Blissey. All three of the aforementioned Pokemon also form a momentum core with Pelipper as they all have either Flip Turn or U-turn, providing rain teams with more momentum. On top of all this, they are capable of breaking special walls such as Slowking, Galarian Slowking, and Blissey for Pelipper, in return Pelipper can easily break physically defensive Pokemon such as Skarmory for them. Greninja can help in a variety of ways taking on opposing Water teams with Grass Knot and Hidden Power Electric, taking on Poison-type Pokemon such as Toxapex with Extrasensory, take on Flying-type Pokemon such as Tornadus-T and Mantine with Ice Beam and Hidden Power Electric, or act as a revenge killer and take on threats such as Tapu Koko with Gunk Shot. Kingdra is the primary special attacking abuser of rain using Swift Swim, it can take on Dragon-type Pokemon for Pelipper such as Kyurem and Kommo-o. Additionally, Kingdra is capable of running Hurricane, allowing it to wear down Grass-type Pokemon alongside Pelipper such as Ferrothorn. Tapu Fini can be used as an emergency check to Dragon-type Pokemon with a Choice Scarf outspeeding threats such a Freeze Dry Kyurem and Mega Altaria. Additionally, it can Trick its Choice Scarf onto a wall such as Slowking, preventing it from checking Pelipper as easily. Slowking and Toxapex are present on rain teams to act as a defensive pivot, while not losing momentum for rain teams. Slowking achieves this through Teleport, while Toxapex relies on an Eject Button. Slowking can also provide resistance to Psychic-type attacks from Pokemon such as Tapu Lele and provide Future Sight support, while Toxapex can improve the Fairy matchup and check Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu, while setting up Toxic Spikes, allowing Pelipper to more easily break through Pokemon such as Galarian Corsola. Manaphy takes advantage of rain through Hydration, allowing it to bring a better matchup against more defensive teams due to being able to absorb status, then being able to break past them thanks to Tail Glow and Waterium Z. Manaphy can also aid Pelipper in the Poison matchup by using Psychic allowing it to break past Mega Venusaur and Toxapex, making Pelipper's job easier.

Drizzle allows Pelipper to support the Swift Swim archetype of Water teams, while its great utility moves and typing, providing an immunity to Ground, make it a fantastic rain setter. Scald allows Pelipper to fish for burns against Pokemon such as Celesteela and Garchomp, while also preventing it from becoming too passive. U-turn allows Pelipper to pick up momentum and bring in an offensive teammate safely such as Mega Swampert. Roost allows Pelipper to stay healthy through the match, giving it the ability to set rain multiple times through the game. Defog allows Pelipper to clear hazards such as Sticky Webs and Toxic Spikes for its teammates. Heavy-Duty Boots prevents it from being chipped by Stealth Rock, allowing it to act as a rain setter more times throughout the match. Maximum HP and Defense investment alongside a Relaxed nature and 9 Speed IVs allow Pelipper to under-speed Hippowdon, allowing it to set the rain, helping in the weather war and be as physically bulky as possible tanking attacks such as Mamoswine's Icicle Crash. All Swift Swim users appreciates Pelipper's ability to set rain, which it can do multiple times a match due to its decent bulk and access to Heavy-Duty Boots and reliable recovery. Pelipper also provides Water teams with a Ground immunity allowing it to switch into Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Excadrill. Mega Swampert provides an Electric immunity for Pelipper and can break Poison- and Electric-type Pokemon for Pelipper such as Toxapex, Alolan Muk, Tapu Koko, and Zapdos. Barraskewda sacrifices power and bulk for Speed instead of Mega Swampert allowing it to take on Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Latios and Choice Scarf Greninja under rain. Urshifu-R can break past Normal-, Ice-, Steel-, and Dark-type Pokemon such as Blissey, Porygon2, Kyurem, Ferrothorn, and Mandibuzz. Mega Swampert, Barraskewda, and Urshifu-R all form a momentum-generating core with Pelipper as each of them have a pivoting move like Flip Turn or U-turn. Kingdra is a great teammate for Pelipper, since this set does not run Hurricane it is near mandatory on Kingdra allowing it to take on Grass-types like Mega Venusaur and Tapu Bulu. Kingdra can revenge killing Dragon-type Pokemon such as Kyurem, Kommo-o, and Choice Scarf Latias with Draco Meteor. Greninja can take on a variety of Pokemon for Pelipper such as Mega Venusaur with Extrasensory, Galarian Moltres and Garchomp with Ice Beam, Gastrodon and Swampert with Grass Knot, or act as a revenge killer and take on threats such as +1 Volcarona with a Choice Scarf Rock Slide set. Choice Scarf Tapu Fini can take on threats such as Hydreigon and Kyurem with Moonblast. Slowking or Toxapex complete a defensive core with Pelipper, acting as the teams defensive pivots and providing some sort of momentum such as Teleport in Slowking's case or Eject Button in Toxapex's case. Slowking can help take on threatening Psychic-type Pokemon such as Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele, while Toxapex can take on Fairy-type Pokemon such as Azumarill and Tapu Bulu with Sludge Bomb and provide Toxic Spikes and Haze support. Empoleon while hard to fit on rain teams can make an excellent teammate due to a few key resistances it brings to the table being against Fairy-, Psychic-, and Dragon-type attacks, while also being able to clear the field of hazards with Defog. However, Empoleon perpetuates a weakness to Ground attacks for Water teams, however, due to the fact Heavy-Duty Boots Pelipper has access to reliable recovery it is a solid option. Manaphy acts as a stall breaker for Pelipper with Tail Glow alongside Waterium Z it can break past a plethora of Pokemon such as Celesteela, Clefable, Galarian Corsola, Aegislash, and Ferrothorn. Additionally, it can run Psychic to take on Poison-type Pokemon such as Toxapex and Mega Venusaur or Ice Beam to take on Dragon- and Flying-type Pokemon such as Garchomp, Dragonite, and Tornadus-T.

Moves Scald and Hurricane are the go-to STAB moves of choice, providing strong offensive coverage that can hit many Pokemon for at least neutral effectiveness. Hurricane is also perfectly accurate in rain, which could help against opposing Pokemon that try to increase their evasion. Tailwind lets Pelipper support its team in scenarios where its attacks wouldn't hit very hard, so its teammates can start dealing more damage first. Protect lets Pelipper survive opposing attacks that might KO it or break its Focus Sash, so it can survive longer. Set Details Maximum Special Attack and Speed EVs are used to make Pelipper as fast and as offensive as possible, with the remaining 4 EVs placed in HP. Pelipper doesn't really need a Timid nature to outspeed anything significant, and it can boost its Speed with Tailwind anyway, so the extra power that Modest provides is appreciated. Drizzle is mandatory for Pelipper to do its job, and it is the only thing that makes Pelipper viable. Focus Sash is necessary for Pelipper to set Tailwind more reliably and can even set it in the face of strong Electric-type attackers, letting Pelipper outspeed them afterwards. Usage Tips Pelipper is a good lead, as its Focus Sash lets it ensure that it gets up Tailwind early on unless it is double targeted. Once Tailwind is up, you can continue hitting the foes hard with Pelipper or switch it out to let its teammates take full advantage of the increased Speed. Use Protect to block Fake Out and being double-targeted. Be wary of opposing Pokemon with Trick Room, as Tailwind under Trick Room makes your Pokemon even more vulnerable. Opposing weathers can be an issue. If an opposing team is well-prepared for rain offense, you can just use Pelipper as more of a support Pokemon to set Tailwind and hit opposing Pokemon with rain-boosted Scalds. Opponents are likely to bring their own form of weather to counter yours. Take note of the Speed of the other weather setters, and if you think Pelipper will outspeed them, don't lead with it so you can switch it in later. Team Options Golduck is a fantastic partner to Pelipper, as Golduck is the best Swift Swim user in the format, and Pelipper's rain also powers up its Water-type attacks. Early-game pressure from Golduck also makes it easier for Pelipper to set up Tailwind for subsequent turns. Grass-types such as Kartana and Tapu Bulu are good partners to Pelipper, as they can switch in on any Electric-type attacks directed at it and immediately threaten the foe. Ground-types like Garchomp and Krookodile can also switch in on Electric-type attacks and are free to use Earthquake next to Pelipper due to its Flying typing. Electric-types such as Alolan Raichu, Tapu Koko, and Xurkitree are useful to take on any bulky Water-types that your opponent brought to tackle the rain. Teammates that can take on other weather setters are also appreciated, as Pelipper has a difficult time dealing with most of them. Fire- and Rock-types like Arcanine and Nihilego are useful against hail and sun teams, while the Grass-types mentioned above are useful against sand and opposing rain teams.

Pelipper and Politoed are the only two users of Drizzle in the format and, given that the former is more offensive, it typically sees the most use. A Ground immunity and access to STAB Hurricane and Tailwind are the main contributing factors. Scald is often the better Water-type STAB move given its accuracy and chance to burn, although Brine takes advantage of Pelipper’s low Speed in dealing massive damage to a foe already harmed by its partner. Swift Swim users such as Ludicolo and Mega Swampert are obvious beneficiaries of rain. Steel-types such as Metagross and Ferrothorn appreciate it weakening Fire-type moves.

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-Wash or Empoleon can help, especially if Pelipper forgoes Defog, to take pressure off Pelipper and let it switch in on threats more easily.

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.

Moves Hurricane is a powerful STAB move that will never miss in rain, which can help Pelipper check Grass-type Pokemon that are annoying to rain teams, such as Amoonguss and Tapu Bulu. Hydro Pump, when boosted by rain, is significantly more powerful than Hurricane, so it is the better option for hitting foes hard in general. Tailwind provides speed control for Pelipper and its allies. Protect can keep Pelipper safe from attacks while an ally attacks or can help stall out Trick Room or opposing Tailwind. Be careful that you are not stalling out your own rain, however. U-turn can help gain momentum, as Pelipper can pivot into a Pokemon that will do the most work depending on the situation. Wide Guard can be used in the last moveslot to protect Pelipper and its allies from moves that would hit multiple team members. Set Details Drizzle is an ability that provides eight turns of rain when used with Damp Rock, enabling Swift Swim users like Mega Swampert and Kingdra to sweep. Maximum Speed EVs are used to outrun Deoxys-A and Mega Aerodactyl under Tailwind. Usage Tips As long as your team has rain sweepers healthy, Pelipper should be preserved to ensure rain stays up so they can maintain a fast, strong offensive presence. If an opponent has their own weather setter, make sure to keep Pelipper as healthy as possible in order to win the weather war. Pelipper can also be used as a slow pivot thanks to its access to U-turn, giving it momentum that can be a crucial edge over an opponent. Pokemon that run Electric-type coverage moves should always be feared when using Pelipper, as almost all of these can OHKO Pelipper, potentially your team's only rain setter. Tailwind needs to be used appropriately to help keep pace with other members of your team. Pelipper is a great switch-in for other weather conditions like sun and sand and is a particularly good switch-in for Mega Charizard Y, which is a pain for rain teams. Switches should happen before opposing setters Mega Evolve, as otherwise the turn will end up with sand, sun, or hail up against Mega Tyranitar, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Abomasnow. Pelipper can be sacrificed late-game to set rain and take back momentum by capitalizing on the free turn. Team Options Swift Swim users such as Mega Swampert and Kingdra can be used to gain doubled Speed during rain, allowing them to outrun the entire unboosted metagame and turn them into major threats with their rain-boosted STAB attacks. Mega Swampert also has great synergy with Pelipper due to its Electric immunity and Pelipper's immunity to Earthquake. They also appreciate the removal of Grass-types through Pelipper's Hurricane. Grass-types such as Tapu Bulu can help break through bulky Water-types which rain teams can struggle with. Bulky Steel-types such as Metagross and Aegislash can benefit from rain halving their Fire weakness. Since teams with Pelipper tend to be more offensive, Pokemon that offer offensive pressure, most notably Deoxys-A, and Tapu Lele, along with the aforementioned rain sweepers, work well together. Landorus-T can be a good teammate to help deal with annoyances to rain, such as Tyranitar, Zapdos, Ferrothorn, and Kyurem-B. Pelipper appreciates a teammate that can deal with other weather, like Grass-types for opposing rain and sand or Rock-types for sand and hail. Pokemon that can threaten Mega Charizard Y and Amoonguss, such as Kyurem-B and Tapu Koko, can help deal with common checks to rain teams.

Hurricane is an excellent STAB attack under the rain, perfect for dealing serious damage to Grass-types. Scald is a reliable Water-type attack to use, but Hydro Pump deals much more damage. Tailwind is an excellent speed control move, and ensures that your Swift Swim partner won't be the only fast teammate. Although hard to fit in, Wide Guard can be useful for blocking spread attacks such as Rock Slide. Focus Sash will usually ensure Pelipper gets Tailwind up, and gets around its iffy special bulk. Despite the low Speed stat, maximizing it lets Pelipper take advantage of Tailwind. If you see Charizard or slower weather changes such as Tyranitar or Torkoal in team preview, consider putting Pelipper in the back, since the removal of the rain makes Pelipper much easier to deal with. Swift Swim teammates should almost always be considered, with the two most common choices being Kingdra and Ludicolo. Pelipper's rain setting powers make it a great teammate for Pokemon that are weak to Fire, such as Steel-type Pokemon. Lightning Rod support can come in handy against Electric-types, though note that some such as Tapu Koko may carry Discharge to get around this. Consider packing some anti Trick Room measures, since they can make Tailwind backfire. Since Pelipper has a Ground-type immunity, pairing it with users of Earthquake is a good idea to consider.

Hydro Pump is Pelipper's strongest Water-type STAB move and hits harder than Hurricane as long as rain is up. Scald provides a more accurate alternative to Hydro Pump and is a safer alternative to Hurricane if rain is not up. It also offers a useful burn chance that can be used to wear down threats to rain sweepers. Hurricane provides Pelipper with a powerful Flying-type STAB move that hits Grass-types that threaten rain sweepers like Kingdra and wears down opposing Water-types. Ice Beam hits Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Salamence harder than either of its STAB moves. U-turn allows Pelipper to pivot into a teammate more safely than directly switching would, which can help maintain momentum especially against opposing weather setters. Focus Sash ensures that Pelipper can take a hit and U-turn out safely, so that it can come back and reset weather again if necessary or function as a revenge killer. Damp Rock allows Pelipper to more reliably make use of its own rain if necessary while still giving a rain sweeper plenty of turns to clean up, which can be particularly dangerous against teams that lack weather of their own. Drizzle is a necessary ability for Pelipper to function as rain support, and gives it perfectly accurate Hurricane as well as boosted Water-type moves. Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment is preferred over bulk because Pelipper is still not very bulky with investment, This also allows Pelipper to potentially close up a game with its powerful STAB moves if it's the last Pokemon remaining, as well as outspeed bulkier foes such as Mega Venusaur. A Modest nature is preferred to give Pelipper some extra power and provides a more signficant boost than Timid nature would, though a Timid nature allows it to outspeed threats such as Adamant Breloom. Pelipper is always used a support for another rain sweeper, so Swift Swim Pokemon such as Kingdra should always be used alongside Pelipper. Electric-, Grass-, and Water-types are problematic for rain teams even if Pelipper can threaten some of them, so it should have teammates that can help cover those weaknesses. Pelipper should ideally have some teammates that aren't dependent on rain at all, since relying on Pelipper a lot restricts the team too much. Similarly, Pelipper pairs well with Pokemon that benefit from rain but don't rely on it such as Steel-types and Grass-types.

Moves Scald threatens checks to Pelipper's teammates due to its chance to burn. Defog is one of the main reasons to use defensive Pelipper, as it clears entry hazards away for teammates like Simisear and Regice that don't appreciate switching into Stealth Rock. Roost recovers HP, allowing Pelipper to become a more reliable check to physical attackers like Monferno and Mawile. U-turn allows Pelipper to gain momentum when the opponent switches out. Set Details Neither of Pelipper's abilities are particularly useful, but in order to run Defog, it needs Keen Eye. This EV spread, along with an Impish nature, is used in order to maximize Pelipper's physical bulk. The 248 HP EVs minimize damage from Stealth Rock. Leftovers gives Pelipper passive recovery that allows it to check physical attackers more often. Pelipper can run an alternative EV spread of 160 HP / 252 Def / 96 Spe with an Impish nature in order to outspeed fully invested, neutral-natured Pokemon with base 45 Speed like Golem and Crustle. Usage Tips Pelipper should switch in on Pokemon that it walls like Monferno or Camerupt so it can have a chance to go for Defog or Roost. Remember your priorities when using Pelipper. If you need it healthy in order to check an opposing Pokemon, then it's likely you should go for Roost when given a free turn. However, if you need entry hazards off the field because your wincon is weak to them, then you should consider going for Defog first. You can spam Scald in order to try and burn bulkier Pokemon as they switch into Pelipper, crippling them for Pelipper's teammates. For example, if the foe switches in Regice to take on Pelipper, burning it will cripple it by wearing it down. If your opponent has a Pawniard or Purugly, be careful about when to use Defog, as you will give them an Attack boost from Defiant if you use it. Team Options Strong wallbreakers such as Cacturne and Stoutland, which appreciate free switches that Pelipper provides by using a slow U-turn, are great partners for it. Pelipper pairs well with other Pokemon that use Volt Switch or U-turn, such as Zebstrika or Monferno, as together they gain lots of momentum. Chinchou is a good example of this because it creates a defensive core with Pelipper in which Chinchou covers Pelipper's weaknesses and vice-versa. Teammates that are weak to entry hazards, such as Regice, Rotom-F, and Rapidash, appreciate Pelipper's ability to use Defog. Pokemon that appreciate Fire-types being checked, such as Cacturne and Regice, are great teammates for Pelipper. Finally, Pokemon that can take Electric-type attacks for Pelipper, such as Golem or Chinchou, are great partners for it.

Moves Roost is used to provide longevity and lets Pelipper check physical attackers more reliably. Scald can burn and cripple physical attackers that try to switch into Pelipper. Defog removes annoying entry hazards on both sides of the field and is one of Pelipper's main niches. U-turn is used in the last slot to generate momentum for Pelipper's teammates and to allow Pelipper to switch out of unfavorable situations. Hurricane is an option over U-turn to have a stronger STAB move that hits Grass- and Fighting-type Pokemon such as Virizion and Medicham for large amounts of damage, but it has rather low accuracy. Air Slash can be used in the last slot if accuracy on Hurricane is an issue, but it fails to guarantee the 2HKO on Scrafty and does not OHKO Virizion. Set Details Leftovers are used to provide passive recovery for Pelipper every turn. Rocky Helmet is an option in order to further punish physical attackers that try to attack Pelipper. Keen Eye is the only ability that should be used, because Rain Dish is incompatible with Defog. The given EV spread with a Bold Nature is used to maximize Pelipper's Defense and the HP EVs grant it the ability to switch into Stealth Rock four times from full health as opposed to three times. A spread of 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 Spe can be used to outspeed uninvested base 70 Speed Pokemon such as Hitmontop. A set with 0 Speed IVs with a Relaxed nature is another option to guarantee that Pelipper can get off a slow U-turn against a majority of the Pokemon in the tier. Usage Tips You should not carelessly switch Pelipper into status-inflicting moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave, as these can heavily cripple it. Pelipper should be used as a defensive pivot against Fighting-, Bug-, and Steel-type Pokemon that cannot inflict much damage on it. Pelipper should use Roost when it is low on health in order to check physical attackers more reliably. Pelipper should constantly use Scald against physical attackers to cripple them and support its teammates. It can also use U-turn on predicted switches or to provide momentum for the team if Pelipper faces an unfavorable matchup. Team Options Pelipper dislikes status, so clerics such as Roselia and Aromatisse make good partners. The former can deal with Electric- and Water-types that give Pelipper trouble, while Pelipper deals with Steel- and Fire-types that plague Roselia. The latter also appreciates Pelipper's ability to beat Escavlier and Mega Camerupt. Fire-types such as Delphox and Emboar appreciate Pelipper's ability to remove entry hazards for them Ground-types. Rhyperior resists Electric- and Rock-type attacks and can provide Stealth Rock support for Pelipper. Pokemon that are weak to Fighting-type moves, such as Scrafty and Sneasel, greatly benefit from Pelipper's ability to beat Fighting-types and also appreciate Pelipper's ability to generate free switches with U-turn. Wallbreakers such as Exploud appreciate Pelipper's ability to give them a safe switch in via a slow U-turn, while they can easily dent defensive Pokemon that trouble Pelipper. Because Pelipper is very vulnerable to Taunt users such as Qwilfish and Drapion, Pokemon that can heavily pressure them, such as Delphox, Seismitoad, and Flygon, make excellent partners.

After an Agility, Pelipper outspeeds the entire unboosted metagame, and when combined with its nice STAB options, Pelipper can operate as a solid sweeper. Hydro Pump is a valuable STAB attack, hitting Pokemon such as Solrock, Simisear, and Lairon. Hurricane hits Pokemon that otherwise tank Hydro Pump, like Grass-types such as Meganium and Leafeon, as well as Walrein, and it is aided by being perfectly accurate under rain. Air Slash can be opted for instead, trading off power and accuracy in rain for a more reliable STAB move outside of it. Pelipper most commonly runs Roost in the final moveslot, allowing it to recover HP on Pokemon that don't immediately threaten it such as Clefairy or Frillish. Alternatively, Knock Off can remove Eviolite from Pokemon such as Staryu, Frillish, and Clefairy, weakening them for Pelipper or its teammates to break through them. Water Gem is generally preferred, allowing it to have a one-time boost on Hydro Pump and notably allows it to OHKO Pokemon it otherwise couldn't such as Raichu and Persian, as well as physically defensive Clefairy in rain. Alternatively, Leftovers can be used to mitigate damage, while Lum Berry allows Pelipper to set up on Pokemon attempting to status it, such as Clefairy and Frillish. Rain Dish allows Pelipper to have a bit of extra recovery under rain. Agility Pelipper fits best on rain teams, as well as offense and balance teams looking for a solid sweeper. When Pelipper is used on a rain team, rain setters like Emolga and Illumise are required partners. Wallbreakers on rain teams like Raichu, Kingler, and Beartic can break down threats for Pelipper to win in the endgame. Pelipper's most direct threats are Electric-types like Emolga and Raichu, so Pokemon like Solrock and Graveler that can check them are great partners to have. Pivots like Persian and Mienfoo can give Pelipper a safe switch to setup. Whiscash is a notable partner; it can remove Pokemon like Emolga and Solrock that Pelipper can struggle against, and Pelipper can remove threats like Leafeon, Gloom, and Staryu for Whiscash. Other special attackers like Simisear and Mr. Mime can partner up with Pelipper to help take down their shared checks like Clefairy and Muk. If Pelipper is running Knock Off, Pokemon like Kingler and Lairon appreciate Pelipper knocking off their checks to help them break through easier.

Pelipper sets itself apart from other pivots and Water-types, such as Vullaby, Mienfoo, and Frillish, thanks to its unique defensive typing letting it take on Pokemon like Kingler, Pawniard, and Flareon at the same time, not relying on Eviolite to function at its fullest potential, and having neat utility options such as Scald, U-turn, Roost, and Knock Off, the latter of which allows Pelipper to remove Clefairy's Eviolite. Scald's burn chance combined with Pelipper's decent physical bulk makes it difficult for physical attackers such as Kingler and Persian to take on Pelipper. Knock Off allows Pelipper to cripple Pokemon such as Clefairy, Mienfoo, and Frillish that rely on their Eviolite to function at their highest potential. Alternatively, Toxic can be opted for instead, putting Pokemon such as Dragon Dance Shelgon and Solrock on a timer, but means Pelipper has a harder time breaking though Pokemon such as Clefairy. Rain Dish is generally useless, but it can help against the occasional rain teams. Pelipper is generally seen on balance teams needing a reliable pivot. Pelipper's best teammates are generally ones that appreciate having a pivot to tank hits for them and allow them to come in safely as well as Pokemon that help negate Pelipper's weaknesses. Pokemon like Persian, Raichu, and Emolga can form a powerful pivot core with Pelipper. Setup sweepers such as Kingler, Lairon, and Muk enjoy having Pelipper as a teammate to help get them in safely to attempt a sweep. Special tanks such as Clefairy and Meganium can form a solid defensive core with Pelipper, with Pelipper checking foes like Magmar, Pawniard, and Beartic while Clefairy and Meganium check threats like Raichu and Pikachu. Ground-types such as Hippopotas and Graveler are also useful partners to have, as they help with Pelipper's weaknesses to common Electric- and Rock-type attacks. Pelipper's weakness to Stealth Rock makes it difficult to get in safely often, so spinners like Staryu can be helpful to have. If Pelipper has decided to drop Knock Off in its moveset, then a way to take advantage of Clefairy is necessary. Mienfoo, Muk, and Whiscash can threaten Clefairy and force it out.

With its high-power STAB moves that give it great coverage against most of the metagame, as well as strong pivoting potential thanks to U-turn and Roost, Pelipper can serve as one of BW ZU's best special wallbreakers and offensive pivots. Hydro Pump deals serious damage to Pokemon like Simisear and Solrock, as well as hitting foes like specially defensive Clefairy and Mienfoo decently. Scald can be run instead for its reliability and burn chance, though it lacks the power to reach certain damage thresholds such as OHKOing Persian after Stealth Rock. Hurricane chips Meganium, Frillish, and Gloom, which can take Hydro Pump. Pelipper's STAB combination is unresisted by the entire metagame, and the two types complement each other well, which gives it a niche over other offensive Water-types like Walrein and Whiscash that struggle to deal with opposing Water- and Grass-types, respectively. U-turn allows Pelipper to safely pivot against Pokemon that may switch in on it like Muk and Clefairy, as well as helping to bring in its teammates safely. Pelipper opts for Leftovers to slightly offset damage from Stealth Rock and have small amounts of reliable recovery. However, Sky Plate and Splash Plate can boost the power of Hurricane and Hydro Pump, respectively, allowing Pelipper to OHKO Persian and 2HKO physically defensive Clefairy with one of these moves. Rain Dish can provide a slight amount of recovery against rain teams. Generally, Pelipper is seen on offense and balance teams looking for a strong special wallbreaker with the longevity to threaten special walls like Meganium and Clefairy over longer games. Ground-types like Hippopotas and Graveler that can deal with the Electric-types Pelipper is most immediately threatened by, such as Pikachu and Emogla, are great partners to have. Other wallbreakers like Mr. Mime and Exploud appreciate Pelipper's ability to beat their checks like Meganium and Graveler. Pelipper also enjoys having partners that can do residual damage to the opponents's team so it can have an easier time wallbreaking; Knock Off from Pokemon like Persian and Mienfoo and status from Pokemon such as Wormadam-S and Solrock are thus useful to have. Entry hazard support from Solrock and Clefairy can be helpful, as it allows Pelipper to get useful KOs on Pokemon like Persian and 2HKOs on physically defensive Clefairy and Walrein. Rapid Spin support from Staryu can remove Stealth Rock to allow Pelipper to enter the field more safely. Pelipper can weaken Pokemon like Gloom, Muk, and Clefairy for Raichu, allowing Raichu to take advantage of them later in the game. In return, Raichu takes Electric-type attacks aimed at Pelipper and can help wear down their shared checks, like Muk.