Staryu is technically a pre-evolution of Starmie, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Natural Cure clears status conditions when it switches out, adding extra value. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets.
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.
STARYU’s center section has an organ called the core that shines bright red. If you go to a beach toward the end of summer, the glowing cores of these POKéMON look like the stars in the sky.
STARYU apparently communicates with the stars in the night sky by flashing the red core at the center of its body. If parts of its body are torn, this POKéMON simply regenerates the missing pieces and limbs.
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
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 19 breeding partners from the Water3 egg group.
Ditto only
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 3.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Staryu develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Hydro Pump and Blizzard 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
Staryu starts showing up in mid-game fishing spots at decent spawn rates across 2 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Best Locations
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.
Run Natural Cure on Staryu. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Staryu also gets Illuminate and Analytic, but they don't compare.
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