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 live in the fields and mountains, gathering in large flocks. Their cries are quite obnoxious. Though small, their wings are strong—a strike from them leaves pain that persists for a week.
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 a decent partner pool via one egg group. Evolving adds up to 240 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Starly easily with 16 breeding partners from the Flying egg group.
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
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Starly's options are limited here. You've got Giga Impact and Double-Edge for STAB damage, but there isn't much beyond Normal and Flying hitting power. TMs help fill gaps, though the kit stays tight.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
6 encounter spots for Starly at decent spawn rates starting from mid-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Best Locations
You can find Starly through 6 walking encounters at walking. The list is sorted by game progression, so the earliest accessible spots show up first.
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