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.
If you visit a beach at the end of summer, you’ll be able to see groups of Staryu lighting up in a steady rhythm.
Fish Pokémon nibble at it, but Staryu isn’t bothered. Its body regenerates quickly, even if part of it is completely torn off.
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.
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 32 breeding partners from the Water3 egg group.
Ditto only
Eviolite turns Staryu into a wall that rivals fully evolved options. Natural Cure and Modest nature stack with max HP and Sp. Def EVs to create a surprisingly tough defensive core. Recover patches up chip damage.
Best Build
Best Staryu Moveset
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
Recommended Teammates
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 coverage across 7 types. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Staryu's scattered across 4 spots in early-game routes 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
Staryu appears in 4 walking locations at Lv. 10-18 across Shield and Sword. Not all encounters show up in every version, so check which ones match your game.
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