Staryu is technically a pre-evolution of Starmie, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Only weak to Electric and Grass. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets. Been around since Gen 1.
Staryu's spread isn't flashy. Speed leads, HP trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Easy to catch and worth 1 Speed EV, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
At night, the center of its body slowly flickers with the same rhythm as a human heartbeat.
Even if its body is torn, it can regenerate as long as the glowing central core remains intact.
Staryu Weakness
GoodStaryu is weak to Electric and Grass-type moves. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Only 2 weaknesses makes it relatively easy to build around defensively.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
Evolving Staryu into Starmie takes an evolution item. It's not a simple level-up, so check the chain details below. Evolving adds up to 180 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Staryu (with patience) with 13 breeding partners from the Water3 egg group. Pass egg moves like Aurora Beam, Barrier, Supersonic to offspring.
Ditto only
Best Build
Gen 2 build content has limited support (no abilities).
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Breeding opens up real options for Staryu. Aurora Beam and Barrier come exclusively from egg moves, and they're worth the effort. The rest of the kit covers basics through Hydro Pump and Surf and Normal and Ice coverage and more.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Staryu's scattered across 36 spots in mid-game fishing spots with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Best Locations
Bring Good Rod and Super Rod for Staryu. There are 36 fishing encounters from Lv. 20-40 with no walking alternatives. Pick the spot with the best rate and settle in.
Staryu isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Starmie to unlock its full potential. At 340 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Staryu evolves into Starmie using a Water Stone. Staryu is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Staryu fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 70 Sp. Atk. Base 85 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Staryu appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Staryu has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 20 titles across all 9 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
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 IVDP
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