Starly sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Staraptor as fast as possible. Been around since Gen 4. Ground and Ghost moves can't touch it, and only 3 types hit it super-effectively.
Starly's spread isn't flashy. Speed leads, Defense trails, 0 stats clear the bar. Easy to catch and worth 1 Speed EV, on a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
They flock in great numbers. Though small, they flap their wings with great power.
Usually with a large flock, it is barely noticeable when alone. Its cries are very strident.
Starly Weakness
GoodStarly is weak to Electric, Ice, and Rock-type moves. On the flip side, it's immune to Ground and Ghost-type moves entirely.
Starly is the start of a three-stage chain. It evolves into Staravia first, then eventually reaches Staraptor. For breeding, quick to hatch with no compatible partners via one egg group. Evolving adds up to 240 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Starly easily from the Flying egg group. Pass egg moves like Astonish, Detect, Double-Edge and 5 more to offspring.
Focus Sash guarantees Starly survives one hit from full HP. That's enough to deal early damage and fire off Endeavor before going down. Keeneye and flexible EVs EVs maximize first-turn impact.
Best Build
Best Starly Moveset
- Unknown
- Endeavor
- Brave Bird
- Agility
Egg moves make a real difference. Starly gets Astonish and Detect exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Fighting and Steel coverage and more rounds out the picture alongside Brave Bird and Double-Edge.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Easy grab on Starly with high spawn rates across 44 locations in early-game routes. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Best Locations
Which version you're playing matters for Starly. 44 walking spots at Lv. 2-26 spread across Shining Pearl and Brilliant Diamond, and some routes only appear in one cartridge. Check the version badges below.
Starly isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Staravia to unlock its full potential. At 245 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Starly evolves into Staravia at level 14. Starly is the base form in a 3-stage evolutionary line.
Keen Eye is the go-to ability for Starly. It prevents accuracy from being lowered. Its hidden ability Reckless can work in specific setups.
Starly fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 55 Attack. At base 60 Speed, it won't be moving first often. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Starly appears in 13 games, including Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Diamond & Pearl.
Starly first appeared in Diamond & Pearl and has been available in 13 games across 6 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDPDebut
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A