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 around mountains and fields, chasing after bug Pokémon. Their singing is noisy and annoying.
Because they are weak individually, they form groups. However, they bicker if the group grows too big.
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.
Starly keeps momentum with U-turn, switching out after dealing damage or scouting. Focus Sash gives it a guaranteed survive from full HP, max Attack without Speed EVs let it hit hard on the way out, and the remaining moves prevents dead turns.
Best Build
Best Starly Moveset
- Endeavor
- Quick Attack
- Unknown
- U Turn
Recommended Teammates
Starly develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Take Down and Brave Bird show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
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
