Starly (LC Analysis)

[Aerrow]

Starly

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[OVERVIEW]

<p>From the general Little Cup battler’s viewpoint, Starly is seen as an inferior version of Taillow, as it has a useless ability along with a noticeably lower base Speed stat. But what allows Starly to be of any use in a Little Cup battle is access to two powerful STAB moves, Brave Bird and Double Edge, that makes Starly a reasonable threat if given the proper support.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Double-Edge
move 2: Brave Bird / Pluck
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Heat Wave / Pursuit
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Naive
EVs: 236 Atk / 196 Spe / 36 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Due to Starly’s meager defenses and average base Speed, it is unable to effectively play the role of a set-up sweeper; it must resort to using a Choice item instead to maximize its offensive capabilities. With a decent Attack stat and its Speed being boosted by a Choice Scarf, along with a decent physical movepool including U-turn, Starly is able to play the role of a revenge-killer or a scouting member on a Little Cup team.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Choice Scarf is absolutely necessary, as it gives Starly a much needed boost in Speed, which it needs in its role as a revenge-killer. The EVs given maximize Starly’s Attack and Speed with a Naive nature, while the rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack to give Heat Wave a small power-up. Brave Bird and Double-Edge serve as Starly’s STAB attacks, while Heat Wave and U-turn are used for coverage; the former hits Steel-types, and the latter is used for scouting. If you feel wary about the massive recoil Starly will take from its STABs, Pluck can be used instead of Brave Bird as a recoil-free alternative. Pluck also allows Starly to steal Oran Berries from opponents to recover HP lost from Double-Edge. Also, if you want to be able to trap Ghost- and Psychic-types, Pursuit can be used over Heat Wave; if this decision is made, it will be beneficial to change the EV spread and nature to ones that benefit exclusively the Attack stat.</p>

[TEAM OPTIONS]

<p>Courtesy of Starly’s mediocre defenses, priority attacks will prove to be a huge problem for it, so packing Pokemon that can effectively deal with said priority moves are recommended. Aron and Gligar, with their massive base Defense, can easily switch into moves like Fake Out and start to set up or retaliate without too much of a problem. Also, due to Starly’s Flying-type, a Rapid Spinner, such as Anorith or Staryu, can be very useful as they are able to remove Stealth Rock, which heavily reduces Starly’s ability to switch in and scout in general.</p>

[OPTIONAL CHANGES]

<p>Starly’s movepool doesn’t contain many other options, though a set revolving around Agility can be used to remedy Starly’s Speed; however, due to its meager defenses, this is not recommended. Similarly, a Tailwind or Feather Dance set can be adopted, though the chances of these sets succeeding are very low indeed. Also, a set using a Liechi or Salac Berry can be used, due to the recoil from Starly’s STABs, but often Starly will be out of the skies before it can even start to sweep.</p>

[COUNTERS]

<p>Like all other Flying-types, Stealth Rock is Starly's bane; Starly can usually only switch in twice when Stealth Rock is up, after factoring in recoil from its STABs. Bronzor, Geodude, and Aron among others are excellent counters, as they all resist Starly’s STABs and can switch in and start to set up immediately. Naturally, Pokemon that outpace Starly are also great counters, as even their weakest attacks will inflict good damage against Starly's weak defenses. They must be careful when switching into one of Starly's STABs though, as Starly is capable of taking a chunk out of even the bulkiest of switch-ins.</p>

 

[bugmaniacbob]

Just to point something out:

[OVERVIEW]

• Though Taillow does seem to outclass it, Starly has something Taillow doesn’t, access to a more powerful STAB normal type attack, Double Edge

Taillow has Toxic Orb + Facade, which is a) more powerful and b) doesn't have recoil damage (unless you count Toxic damage which is usually lower per attack over the course of the entire battle).

If there are any other reasons why I would even consider using Starly over Taillow or Doduo, I would like to hear them - otherwise I can pretty much conclude that Starly is outclassed full stop. This isn't stopping it getting an analysis, but the 'sole advantage' you have listed isn't an advantage at all.

 

[Zoom]

Taillow has Toxic Orb + Facade, which is a) more powerful and b) doesn't have recoil damage (unless you count Toxic damage which is usually lower per attack over the course of the entire battle).

I think Aerrow meant that Starly has stronger normal STAB on choice sets, as Tailow can't have Choice Scarf / Band + Toxic Orb at the same time. Starly can run Double Edge, whereas Tailow's strongest STAB (without Orb, holding Scarf / Band) is Return.

Otherwise this set looks good, I mean it's not good, but it's probably the best set Starly can run without being totally outclassed and every LC Pokémon needs a set, despite being worse than bad and yeah there is no reason to run Starly over Tailow / Doduo.

PS: You forgot to post the nature/s in the OP.

 

[Aerrow]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Bugmaniacbob: Sorry about that; I'll change the OP.

Zoom: Although you have a valid reason concerning the Double Edge vs. Facade matter, I'll still have to apply bugmaniacbob's changes as they seem to be more legit; but I will still add that Starly has a stronger normal type STAB on choice sets.

 

[Heysup]

Why use Choice Band when you can use Life Orb? What does the .2 multiplier give you that switching attacks doesn't?

 

[Aerrow]

You have a point there Heysup; I'll move the LO information from OC to the actual set; I'll rename it Offensive while keeping the choice scarf as an option while putting choice band in AC.

 

[Brambane]

Actually, Double-Edge isn't even that much of an advantage, since Doduo learns it and has better Attack and Speed. To be honest, Starly is probably the worst Normal / Flying-type in Little Cup. I'd say even Pidgey is slightly better since it has Faint Attack and the very gimmicky Mirror Move along with all of Starly's options. At least Starly is cuter.

But, if I for some reason decided to use Starly, Choice Scarf would probably be the set I'd use. I might recommend Leichi or Salac for OC actually, since you have all that recoil to activate it. It's a good outline for a terrible Pokemon. Approved.

 

[Aerrow]

Thanks Dracoyoshi! Changes have been made.

 

[Kannon]

Starly's gimmick is high powered dual STAB. The set should be rectified to resemble this. Remove Life Orb, as with it you kill yourself faster than you kill the other pokemon. Remove roost, since starly is far too frail to effectively use it.

The set should be Brave Bird/Double-Edge/U-Turn/Pursuit or Heat Wave with max attack, max speed, and the rest in special attack with a speed boosting nature taking from whichever defense is worse (probably special defense, starly might be able to come in on physical grass moves or weak fighting moves)

 

[Aerrow]

Changes have been implemented.

 

[Kannon]

blah blah approve

 

[Aerrow]

OP updated with the write-up. This is now ready for GP checks.

 

[Fatecrashers]

Starly Starly Night

GP Check 1/2

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[OVERVIEW]

<p>From the general Little Cup battler’s viewpoint, Starly is seen as an inferior version of Taillow, as it has a useless ability along with a noticeably acute lower base Speed stat. But what allows Starly to be of any use in an LC a Little Cup battle is access to two powerful STABs consisting of Brave Bird and Double Edge, making Starly a formidable threat if given the proper support.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Double Edge
move 2: Brave Bird / Pluck
move 3: Heat Wave / Pursuit
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Naive
EVs: 236 Atk/ 196 Spe/ 36 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Due to Starly’s meager defenses and average base Speed, it's unable to effectively play the role of a set-up sweeper; so it must resort to using a Choice item instead to maximize its offensive capabilities. With a decent Attack stat and its Speed being powered by a choice scarf boosted by a Choice Scarf, along with a decent physical move pool including U-turn, Starly is effectively able to play the role of a revenge-killer or a scouting member of on a Little Cup team.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The use of a Choice Scarf is absolutely necessary as it gives Starly a much needed boost in Speed which it will need in its role of a Revenge-Killer as a revenge-killer. The EVs given maximize Starly’s Attack and Speed with a Naïve nature while the rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack to give its special attacks a small power-up. Brave Bird and Double Edge serve as Starly’s STAB attacks while Heat Wave and U-turn are used for coverage; the former being used for hitting hits Pokemon who resist Starly’s dual STABs, and the latter being is used for scouting. If you feel dreary wary about the massive recoil Starly will take from its STABs, Pluck can be used instead of Brave Bird to lessen the amount of recoil as a recoil-free alternative. Also, if you want to be able to trap Ghost- and Psychic-types, Pursuit can be used over Heat Wave; but if this decision is made, it will be beneficial to change the EV spread and nature to ones focusing on only attacking from the physical side that benefit exclusively the Attack stat.</p>

[TEAM OPTIONS]

<p>Courtesy of Starly’s mediocre defenses, priority attacks will prove to be a huge problem for it, so packing Pokemon who can effectively deal with said priority moves are recommended. Aron and Gligar, with their massive base Defense, stats can easily switch into moves like Fake Out and start to set up or retaliate without to too much of a problem. Also, due to Starly’s Flying-typing, a Rapid Spinner like Anorith or Staryu can be very useful as they are able to remove Stealth Rock, which heavily reduces Starly’s ability to switch in and scout in general.</p>

[OPTIONAL CHANGES]

<p>Starly’s movepool doesn’t hold many other options from utilizing a choice scarf, though a set revolving around Agility can be used to remedy Starly’s Speed; Stat, but due to its meager defenses, this set is not recommended. Similarly, a Tailwind or Feather Dance set can be adopted, though the viability of the aforementioned sets seem very dim noting the specific circumstances needed to pull off a sweep though the chances of these sets succeeding are very low indeed. Also, a Substitute set using a Liechi or Salac Berry can be used, but due to the recoil provided by from Starly’s STABs but in most access, Starly will be shot out of the skies before it can even start to sweep with this set.</p> (I wasn't sure what you were trying to say here, is Substitute good with recoil moves or isn't it?)

[COUNTERS]

<p>Stealth Rock, like with any other Flying-Type is Starly’s bane as after two rounds of recoil from Brave Bird or Double Edge, it will usually limit the amount of times Starly can switch backing to two. Like all other Flying-types, Stealth Rock is Starly's bane; Starly can usually only switch in twice when there's rocks up, after factoring in recoil from its STABs. Bronzor, Geodude, and Aron among others are excellent counters as they all resist Starly’s STABs and can start to can switch in and set up immediately while taking a small amount of damage from Starly’s attacks. Naturally, Pokemon that outpace Starly are also great counters as they can attack even with their weakest moves while still being able to deal massive damage to Starly due to its dull defensive stats although they must beware of switching into one of Starly's STABs as it will inflict a large amount of damage even to the bulkier of switch-ins. as even their weakest attacks will inflict good damage against Starly's weak defenses. They must be careful when switching into one of Starly's STABs though, as Starly is capable of taking a chunk out of even the bulkiest of switch-ins.</p>

Quite a bit that needs fixing up here, I also rewrote some sections that sounded awkward. There was also one bit I commented on which I think you should clarify in your writing. PM or VM after you've made the changes and I will stamp this for you.

 

[Aerrow]

Changes have been made.

 

[bugmaniacbob]

GP Check (2/2)

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[OVERVIEW]

<p>From the general Little Cup battler's viewpoint, Starly is seen as an inferior version of Taillow, as it has a useless ability along with a noticeably lower base Speed stat. But what allows Starly to be of any use in a Little Cup battle is access to two powerful STABs STAB moves consisting of Brave Bird and Double Edge, making Starly a formidable reasonable threat if given the proper support.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Double Edge
move 2: Brave Bird / Pluck
move 3: Heat Wave / Pursuit
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Naive
EVs: 236 Atk/ 196 Spe/ 36 SpA

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Due to Starly's meager defenses and average base Speed, it's unable to effectively play the role of a set-up sweeper (um, it doesn't have any set-up moves? so it can't be a set-up sweeper anyway? It might be better to put down 'unboosted cleaner' instead or something); it must resort to using a Choice item instead to maximize its offensive capabilities. With a decent Attack stat and its Speed being boosted by a Choice Scarf, along with a decent physical movepool including U-turn, Starly is effectively able to play the role of a revenge-killer or a scouting member on a Little Cup team.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Choice Scarf is absolutely necessary as it gives Starly a much needed boost in Speed which it will need in its role as a revenge-killer. The EVs given maximize Starly's Attack and Speed with a Naive nature while the rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack to give its special attacks Heat Wave a small power-up. Brave Bird and Double Edge serve as Starly’s STAB attacks while Heat Wave and U-turn are used for coverage; the former hits Pokemon who resist Starly's dual STABs Steel-types (it doesn't hurt Rock-types), and the latter is used for scouting. If you feel wary about the massive recoil Starly will take from its STABs, Pluck can be used instead of Brave Bird as a recoil-free alternative. Also, if you want to be able to trap Ghost- and Psychic-types, Pursuit can be used over Heat Wave; if this decision is made, it will be beneficial to change the EV spread and nature to ones that benefit exclusively the Attack stat.</p>

[TEAM OPTIONS]

<p>Courtesy of Starly's mediocre defenses, priority attacks will prove to be a huge problem for it, so packing Pokemon who can effectively deal with said priority moves are recommended. Aron and Gligar, with their massive base Defense, can easily switch into moves like Fake Out and start to set up or retaliate without too much of a problem. Also, due to Starly's Flying-typing type, a Rapid Spinner like Anorith or Staryu can be very useful as they are able to remove Stealth Rock, which heavily reduces Starly’s ability to switch in and scout in general.</p>

[OPTIONAL CHANGES]

<p>Starly's movepool doesn’t hold many other options, though a set revolving around Agility can be used to remedy Starly’s Speed; but however, due to its meager defenses, this is not recommended. Similarly, a Tailwind or Feather Dance set can be adopted, though the chances of these sets succeeding are very low indeed. Also, a set using a Liechi or Salac Berry can be used, due to the recoil from Starly's STABs, but often Starly will be out of the skies before it can even start to sweep.</p>

[COUNTERS]

<p>Like all other Flying-types, Stealth Rock is Starly's bane; Starly can usually only switch in twice when there's rocks up, after factoring in recoil from its STABs. Bronzor, Geodude, and Aron among others are excellent counters as they all resist Starly's STABs and can switch in and start to set up immediately. Naturally, Pokemon that outpace Starly are also great counters as even their weakest attacks will inflict good damage against Starly's weak defenses. They must be careful when switching into one of Starly's STABs though, as Starly is capable of taking a chunk out of even the bulkiest of switch-ins.</p>

 

[Aerrow]

Changes made; and about you comment about Starly's set up moves; it does have access to Agility so I guess that counts. I guess this is ready for upload after Fatecrashers stamps this analysis!

 

[Fatecrashers]

I stamped it, this is done.

 

[Aerrow]

Okay; this is ready for upload!