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 a decent partner pool via one egg group. Evolving adds up to 240 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Starly easily with 45 breeding partners from the Flying egg group. Pass egg moves like Astonish, Double-Edge, Feather Dance and 3 more to offspring.
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
Egg moves make a real difference. Starly gets Astonish and Double-Edge exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Fighting and Fire coverage and more rounds out the picture alongside Brave Bird and Double-Edge.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
10 encounter spots for Starly at decent spawn rates starting from early-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Best Locations
You can catch Starly through 10 walking encounters from Lv. 7-18, but availability differs between Violet and Scarlet. Some spots are exclusive to one version.
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