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.
An enigmatic POKéMON that can effortlessly regenerate any appendage it loses in battle.
Staryu Weakness
AvgStaryu is weak to Electric and Grass-type moves. Its Water typing keeps the defensive matchups simple. Only 2 weaknesses makes it relatively easy to build around defensively.
- Only 15 types exist — Dark, Steel, and Fairy are absent
- Ghost has no effect on Psychic (a known bug, fixed in Gen II)
- Special stat governs both offense and defense — no Sp.Atk / Sp.Def split
Staryu evolves into Starmie, but can't breed. At 340 stats as a Water type, evolution is the only path. Evolving adds up to 180 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Best Build
Gen 1 build content has limited support (no abilities, held items, or natures).
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
TMs define Staryu's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Hydro Pump and Surf, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it Normal and Ice coverage and more. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
high spawn rates in early-game fishing spots across 17 locations. Staryu's one of the easier catches on the list. Two different catch methods are in play here. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Best Locations
17 spots to find Staryu at Lv. 15-33 via fishing and walking. Not all of them exist in both Blue and Red versions, so filter by your copy below.
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