TheManlyLadybug
Banned deucer.
Status: Quality Control
QC Checks: 2/3 [Calloflochie] [Limitless] [---]
GP Checks: 0/2 [---] [---]
Overview
#######
Starmie is back for another round in the ring, ready to take on a variety of roles for its team. Its ability Analytic along with stellar coverage and good Special Attack make it very hard to switch into, making it an effective wallbreaker. Its amazing Speed allows it to tie with or outspeed most of the metagame. This makes Starmie a prime candidate for the role of a revenge killer. Starmie beats most spinblockers, making it a good offensive spinner and giving it an advantage over other spinners such as Forretress. Starmie also has decent bulk, Natural Cure to get rid of status, and access to reliable recovery, allowing it to act as a bulky, reliable spinner.
However, just because Starmie has a lot of great attributes doesn't mean it's perfect. Starmie is weak to U-Turn, Volt Switch, and Pursuit, meaning that it can be taken advantage of by smart opponents. Additionally, fast Electric-types are extremely common in the current metagame, as well as bulky Water-types. Starmie also has a bad case of 4MSS, as it can't run everything it would like to in one set. Nevertheless, Starmie is strong, fast, and as versatile as the oceans it comes from; underestimate at your own demise.
All-Out Attacker
###########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump / Scald
move 2: Psyshock / Thunderbolt
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Rapid Spin / Recover
ability: Analytic / Natural Cure
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Starmie's main STAB move and is its most spammable attack. Scald is a viable alternative for more reliability and the nifty 30% to burn targets, though it's not as powerful. Thunderbolt offers key coverage on the pesky Water-types roaming the tier. However, Psyshock is a solid choice as well, hitting Pokemon such as Machamp and said Water-types on their weaker Defense while being a reliable STAB move in general. Ice Beam is crucial for covering Grass- and Dragon-types. Rapid Spin offers necessary support for Pokemon such as Chandelure and Houndoom. However, if your team doesn't require hazard removal, Recover is great for healing up on the switch or against weak walls, and helps Starmie recover from the beatings of a match.
Set Details
==========
The Speed EVs and a Timid nature make Starmie as fast as possible in order to tie with base 115 Pokemon and outspeed Mienshao, Galvantula and Froslass. The Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb give Starmie some firepower. Alternatively, Leftovers can be used for more survivability throughout the match. Analytic provides a 30% boost to Starmie's moves when hitting opponents on the switch, helping it achieve a greater number of OHKOs and 2HKOs. Natural Cure is another decent ability, healing status on the switch and making it even harder to wear down, but Starmie generally appreciates the extra boost in power on the switch.
Usage Tips
==========
This set's main job is to remove hazards and break down opposing walls with its fantastic coverage. Don't sacrifice Starmie to get damage off on a Pokemon unless it is necessary, as Starmie's Speed really comes in handy late-game. It's a good idea to bring Starmie in with a slow Volt Switch or U-Turn from Pokemon such as Forretress, Rotom-H, and Forretress. This set is more than capable of revenge killing if necessary, as Starmie can outspeed a lot of threats. This set also appreciates hazards to net extra OHKOs and 2HKOs. Forretress and Shuckle are good examples of hazard setters.
Team Options
===========
Pokemon that are weak to Stealth Rock, such as Houndoom and Honchkrow, appreciate the support Starmie offers. Pokemon that can counter fast Electric-types make great teammates. Rotom-H, Ampharos, and Lanturn are good examples. Starmie works well on a dedicated rain team, as rain powers up Starmie's STAB attacks and allows it to reliably run the more powerful Thunder over Thunderbolt. Wallbreakers such as Hydreigon and Darmanitan break down walls for Starmie to clean up later in the match. Pokemon that can break through common counters to Starmie make great teammates. For example, Abomasnow deals with many of Starmie's counters and allows it to run the more powerful Blizzard over Ice Beam.
Choice Specs
##########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump / Scald
move 2: Psyshock / Thunderbolt
move 3: Trick
move 4: Ice Beam / Rapid Spin
ability: Analytic
item: Choice Specs
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
=======
Hydro Pump provides a strong, spammable STAB move. Scald is a viable alternative for the reliability and the burn chance. Psyshock is optimal in the second slot to get past special walls. However, Thunderbolt strikes Water-types a little harder. Trick cripples walls that Starmie can't get past, and allows it to switch moves afterwards. Ice Beam provides key coverage on Grass- and Dragon-types. Rapid Spin is an option in the last slot if your team badly needs a Spinner, but the lost coverage really hurts and being locked into Rapid Spin isn't a favorable situation. Nevertheless, it still provides crucial support for many Pokemon.
Set Details
========
Analytic is mandatory for guaranteeing many OHKOs and 2HKOs on the switch. Maximum investment in Special Attack along with Choice Specs allows it to break down walls for its team. Timid nature and max Speed allows it to outspeed many relevant Pokemon and tie with common Pokemon such as Cinccino and Houndoom that reside in its Speed tier.
Usage Tips
========
Contrary to the All-Out Attacker, this set functions as more of a wallbreaker, breaking down opposing Pokemon for teammates to sweep later on. It can still act as a viable late-game cleaner, though. Do not spam Trick right away just to pass it on to a random Pokemon, and don't feel like you need to use it every match. Trick is solely for crippling defensive Pokemon that Starmie can't get past. It's a good idea to bring in Starmie on a slow Volt Switch or U-Turn from Pokemon such as Forretress and Rotom-H. This set can revenge kill Pokemon if needed, as Starmie outpaces many threatening Pokemon.
Team Options
==========
This set aims to break down walls, so Pokemon that appreciate Starmie's ability to weaken their checks make great teammates. Pivots are very much appreciated, as Starmie will be switching in and out a lot and needs Pokemon it can fall back on when forced out. Abomasnow defeats many Pokemon that generally trouble Starmie. Fighting-types such as Virizion, Cobalion, and Mienshao can defeat Dark-types for Starmie. Virizion in particular can check Electric-types and defeat Water-types for Starmie.
Bulky
#########
name: Bulky
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Scald
move 3: Psyshock / Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
move 4: Recover
ability: Natural Cure
item: Leftovers
evs: 240 HP / 40 SpA / 4 SpD / 224 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
======
Rapid Spin is the crux of this set. Scald is the preferred STAB move, as the burn chance is too good to pass up. Psyshock hits most neutral targets for solid damage. Ice Beam and Thunderbolt are more for specific types of Pokemon. Ice Beam hits Grass- and Dragon-types, while Thunderbolt targets Water-types. Recover is reliable recovery and it's great to have, especially on a more defensively orientated set such as this.
Set Details
=========
240 EVs in HP give it enough bulk to stick around for a while, minimize Stealth Rock damage, and maximize Leftovers recovery. 224 Speed EVs and a Timid nature allow Starmie to otuspeed everything up to +Spe Tornadus. The rest go in Special Attack to increase damage output with 4 in SpD to prevent SpA boosts to opposing Download Pokemon. Natural Cure is the preferred ability for this set, as it prevents status from crippling Starmie. Leftovers is the go-to item on this set, increasing survivability.
Usage Tips
=========
This set takes more of a defensive approach and aims to take advantage of Natural Cure and Recover to consistently spin away hazards throughout the match. Generally switch into moves it resists, then spin away hazards (if needed) and spread burns. Don't sacrifice Starmie unless the opponent's hazard setter has been removed and Starmie has done its job.
Team Options
===========
Abomasnow can defeat many of Starmie's counters, such as bulky Water-types, Grass-types, and Dragon-types. Steel-types can combine with Starmie to form a decent core, as Starmie handles Fire-types while Steel-types wall Grass-types Ferroseed is a good example, as it walls many offensive threats to Starmie. Pokemon such as Houndoom, Chandelure, and Galvantula appreciate the support Starmie provides, and can defeat common checks to Starmie.
Choice Scarf
#########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Hydro Pump / Scald
move 2: Ice Beam / Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Trick
ability: Analytic
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
======
Hydro Pump is your main weapon for revenge killing. Ice Beam provides crucial coverage against a lot of threats such as Aerodactyl. Dazzling Gleam can be used over Ice Beam to revenge kill Hydreigon. Thunderbolt mainly hits Water-types. Trick is great for crippling Pokemon after Starmie has done its job.
Set Details
========
Choice Scarf is the crux of this set, allowing Starmie to revenge kill Pokemon such as Aerodactyl, Manectric, Crobat, and Sceptile. Analytic punishes switch-ins and helps achieve OHKOs and 2HKOs. Maximum investment in Special Attack allows it to hit as hard as possible. Max Speed and a Timid nature give Starmie the Speed needed to do its job.
Usage Tips
========
This set acts first and foremost as a revenge killer. Only use Trick after Starmie has completed its job and only on defensive Pokemon. After fulfilling its role on the team and crippling a Pokemon with Trick, Starmie can launch powerful attacks with its superb coverage or be used as death fodder.
Team Options
==========
This set doesn't need a lot of support, as Starmie is the one supporting its team. Slower Pokemon such as Chandelure and Heracross appreciate Starmie's ability to revenge kill faster threats Bulky pivots are appreciated, as Starmie will often be forced out after revenge killing a Pokemon.
Other Options
##########
A dual screens set can work, but it faces competition from Azelf, who has access to Stealth Rock and Taunt. However, Starmie has numerous traits over Azelf, such as better typing, Rapid Spin, and Recover. Grass Knot and Hidden Power Grass hit Gastrodon and heavier Water-types hard, but Thunderbolt and Psyshock are generally better choices. Thunder Wave nails faster switch-ins, allowing it to outspeed and OHKO next turn. Signal Beam 2HKOes Celebi on the switch, but has little merit outside of that. Blizzard can be used over Ice Beam if paired with Abomasnow for the extra power. Rain Dance or Hail can be used to set up favorable weather for the team, but giving up a coverage move often isn't worth it. A set centered around Gravity is actually a decent option, as Starmie has a great movepool that can take advantage of the accuracy boost. Expert Belt is a decent choice on the All-Out Attacker, as it maintains solid damage on super effective moves and doesn't have recoil.
Checks and Counters
##############
**Bulky Grass-types**: Specially defensive Grass-types such as Celebi, Shaymin, and Amoonguss can switch into Starmie and heal the damage or threaten it with a STAB Giga Drain, but it should be noted that these Pokemon must switch into a resisted attack. Amoonguss walls most variants, but loses to Psyshock.
**Bulky Water-types**: Specially defensive Water-types such as Milotic, Gastrodon, Jellicent, Lanturn, and Slowking can easily switch into most of Starmie's attacks, though it should be noted that most of these Pokemon have to switch into the right attack. Lanturn deserves a special mention, as it resists every one of Starmie's common attacks besides Psyshock and does big damage with Volt Switch.
**Kyurem**: Kyurem can switch into most of Starmie's attacks and threaten back with a STAB move.
**Special Walls**: Dedicated special walls such as Florges and Umbreon can freely switch into any of Starmie's attacks and react accordingly.
**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon that can outspeed and OHKO Starmie through higher Speed or priority make great checks. Examples include Jolteon, Scarf Heliolisk, Scarf Hydreigon, Scarf Krookodile, Sceptile, Manectric, Mega Absol, Toxicroak, and Scarf Chandelure, but it should be noted that most of these Pokemon can't directly switch into Starmie.
**Bulky Spinblockers**: Bulky spinblockers such as Trevenant, Jellicent, and Sableye can block the defensive set, but lose to offensive variants.
**Water Immunities**: Pokemon immune to Water-type moves can switch into Starmie's main STAB move and threaten it from there. Cacturne, Jellicent, Gastrodon, Heliolisk, and Toxicroak are good examples.
QC Checks: 2/3 [Calloflochie] [Limitless] [---]
GP Checks: 0/2 [---] [---]
Overview
#######
Starmie is back for another round in the ring, ready to take on a variety of roles for its team. Its ability Analytic along with stellar coverage and good Special Attack make it very hard to switch into, making it an effective wallbreaker. Its amazing Speed allows it to tie with or outspeed most of the metagame. This makes Starmie a prime candidate for the role of a revenge killer. Starmie beats most spinblockers, making it a good offensive spinner and giving it an advantage over other spinners such as Forretress. Starmie also has decent bulk, Natural Cure to get rid of status, and access to reliable recovery, allowing it to act as a bulky, reliable spinner.
However, just because Starmie has a lot of great attributes doesn't mean it's perfect. Starmie is weak to U-Turn, Volt Switch, and Pursuit, meaning that it can be taken advantage of by smart opponents. Additionally, fast Electric-types are extremely common in the current metagame, as well as bulky Water-types. Starmie also has a bad case of 4MSS, as it can't run everything it would like to in one set. Nevertheless, Starmie is strong, fast, and as versatile as the oceans it comes from; underestimate at your own demise.
All-Out Attacker
###########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump / Scald
move 2: Psyshock / Thunderbolt
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Rapid Spin / Recover
ability: Analytic / Natural Cure
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Starmie's main STAB move and is its most spammable attack. Scald is a viable alternative for more reliability and the nifty 30% to burn targets, though it's not as powerful. Thunderbolt offers key coverage on the pesky Water-types roaming the tier. However, Psyshock is a solid choice as well, hitting Pokemon such as Machamp and said Water-types on their weaker Defense while being a reliable STAB move in general. Ice Beam is crucial for covering Grass- and Dragon-types. Rapid Spin offers necessary support for Pokemon such as Chandelure and Houndoom. However, if your team doesn't require hazard removal, Recover is great for healing up on the switch or against weak walls, and helps Starmie recover from the beatings of a match.
Set Details
==========
The Speed EVs and a Timid nature make Starmie as fast as possible in order to tie with base 115 Pokemon and outspeed Mienshao, Galvantula and Froslass. The Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb give Starmie some firepower. Alternatively, Leftovers can be used for more survivability throughout the match. Analytic provides a 30% boost to Starmie's moves when hitting opponents on the switch, helping it achieve a greater number of OHKOs and 2HKOs. Natural Cure is another decent ability, healing status on the switch and making it even harder to wear down, but Starmie generally appreciates the extra boost in power on the switch.
Usage Tips
==========
This set's main job is to remove hazards and break down opposing walls with its fantastic coverage. Don't sacrifice Starmie to get damage off on a Pokemon unless it is necessary, as Starmie's Speed really comes in handy late-game. It's a good idea to bring Starmie in with a slow Volt Switch or U-Turn from Pokemon such as Forretress, Rotom-H, and Forretress. This set is more than capable of revenge killing if necessary, as Starmie can outspeed a lot of threats. This set also appreciates hazards to net extra OHKOs and 2HKOs. Forretress and Shuckle are good examples of hazard setters.
Team Options
===========
Pokemon that are weak to Stealth Rock, such as Houndoom and Honchkrow, appreciate the support Starmie offers. Pokemon that can counter fast Electric-types make great teammates. Rotom-H, Ampharos, and Lanturn are good examples. Starmie works well on a dedicated rain team, as rain powers up Starmie's STAB attacks and allows it to reliably run the more powerful Thunder over Thunderbolt. Wallbreakers such as Hydreigon and Darmanitan break down walls for Starmie to clean up later in the match. Pokemon that can break through common counters to Starmie make great teammates. For example, Abomasnow deals with many of Starmie's counters and allows it to run the more powerful Blizzard over Ice Beam.
Choice Specs
##########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump / Scald
move 2: Psyshock / Thunderbolt
move 3: Trick
move 4: Ice Beam / Rapid Spin
ability: Analytic
item: Choice Specs
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
=======
Hydro Pump provides a strong, spammable STAB move. Scald is a viable alternative for the reliability and the burn chance. Psyshock is optimal in the second slot to get past special walls. However, Thunderbolt strikes Water-types a little harder. Trick cripples walls that Starmie can't get past, and allows it to switch moves afterwards. Ice Beam provides key coverage on Grass- and Dragon-types. Rapid Spin is an option in the last slot if your team badly needs a Spinner, but the lost coverage really hurts and being locked into Rapid Spin isn't a favorable situation. Nevertheless, it still provides crucial support for many Pokemon.
Set Details
========
Analytic is mandatory for guaranteeing many OHKOs and 2HKOs on the switch. Maximum investment in Special Attack along with Choice Specs allows it to break down walls for its team. Timid nature and max Speed allows it to outspeed many relevant Pokemon and tie with common Pokemon such as Cinccino and Houndoom that reside in its Speed tier.
Usage Tips
========
Contrary to the All-Out Attacker, this set functions as more of a wallbreaker, breaking down opposing Pokemon for teammates to sweep later on. It can still act as a viable late-game cleaner, though. Do not spam Trick right away just to pass it on to a random Pokemon, and don't feel like you need to use it every match. Trick is solely for crippling defensive Pokemon that Starmie can't get past. It's a good idea to bring in Starmie on a slow Volt Switch or U-Turn from Pokemon such as Forretress and Rotom-H. This set can revenge kill Pokemon if needed, as Starmie outpaces many threatening Pokemon.
Team Options
==========
This set aims to break down walls, so Pokemon that appreciate Starmie's ability to weaken their checks make great teammates. Pivots are very much appreciated, as Starmie will be switching in and out a lot and needs Pokemon it can fall back on when forced out. Abomasnow defeats many Pokemon that generally trouble Starmie. Fighting-types such as Virizion, Cobalion, and Mienshao can defeat Dark-types for Starmie. Virizion in particular can check Electric-types and defeat Water-types for Starmie.
Bulky
#########
name: Bulky
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Scald
move 3: Psyshock / Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
move 4: Recover
ability: Natural Cure
item: Leftovers
evs: 240 HP / 40 SpA / 4 SpD / 224 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
======
Rapid Spin is the crux of this set. Scald is the preferred STAB move, as the burn chance is too good to pass up. Psyshock hits most neutral targets for solid damage. Ice Beam and Thunderbolt are more for specific types of Pokemon. Ice Beam hits Grass- and Dragon-types, while Thunderbolt targets Water-types. Recover is reliable recovery and it's great to have, especially on a more defensively orientated set such as this.
Set Details
=========
240 EVs in HP give it enough bulk to stick around for a while, minimize Stealth Rock damage, and maximize Leftovers recovery. 224 Speed EVs and a Timid nature allow Starmie to otuspeed everything up to +Spe Tornadus. The rest go in Special Attack to increase damage output with 4 in SpD to prevent SpA boosts to opposing Download Pokemon. Natural Cure is the preferred ability for this set, as it prevents status from crippling Starmie. Leftovers is the go-to item on this set, increasing survivability.
Usage Tips
=========
This set takes more of a defensive approach and aims to take advantage of Natural Cure and Recover to consistently spin away hazards throughout the match. Generally switch into moves it resists, then spin away hazards (if needed) and spread burns. Don't sacrifice Starmie unless the opponent's hazard setter has been removed and Starmie has done its job.
Team Options
===========
Abomasnow can defeat many of Starmie's counters, such as bulky Water-types, Grass-types, and Dragon-types. Steel-types can combine with Starmie to form a decent core, as Starmie handles Fire-types while Steel-types wall Grass-types Ferroseed is a good example, as it walls many offensive threats to Starmie. Pokemon such as Houndoom, Chandelure, and Galvantula appreciate the support Starmie provides, and can defeat common checks to Starmie.
Choice Scarf
#########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Hydro Pump / Scald
move 2: Ice Beam / Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Trick
ability: Analytic
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
======
Hydro Pump is your main weapon for revenge killing. Ice Beam provides crucial coverage against a lot of threats such as Aerodactyl. Dazzling Gleam can be used over Ice Beam to revenge kill Hydreigon. Thunderbolt mainly hits Water-types. Trick is great for crippling Pokemon after Starmie has done its job.
Set Details
========
Choice Scarf is the crux of this set, allowing Starmie to revenge kill Pokemon such as Aerodactyl, Manectric, Crobat, and Sceptile. Analytic punishes switch-ins and helps achieve OHKOs and 2HKOs. Maximum investment in Special Attack allows it to hit as hard as possible. Max Speed and a Timid nature give Starmie the Speed needed to do its job.
Usage Tips
========
This set acts first and foremost as a revenge killer. Only use Trick after Starmie has completed its job and only on defensive Pokemon. After fulfilling its role on the team and crippling a Pokemon with Trick, Starmie can launch powerful attacks with its superb coverage or be used as death fodder.
Team Options
==========
This set doesn't need a lot of support, as Starmie is the one supporting its team. Slower Pokemon such as Chandelure and Heracross appreciate Starmie's ability to revenge kill faster threats Bulky pivots are appreciated, as Starmie will often be forced out after revenge killing a Pokemon.
Other Options
##########
A dual screens set can work, but it faces competition from Azelf, who has access to Stealth Rock and Taunt. However, Starmie has numerous traits over Azelf, such as better typing, Rapid Spin, and Recover. Grass Knot and Hidden Power Grass hit Gastrodon and heavier Water-types hard, but Thunderbolt and Psyshock are generally better choices. Thunder Wave nails faster switch-ins, allowing it to outspeed and OHKO next turn. Signal Beam 2HKOes Celebi on the switch, but has little merit outside of that. Blizzard can be used over Ice Beam if paired with Abomasnow for the extra power. Rain Dance or Hail can be used to set up favorable weather for the team, but giving up a coverage move often isn't worth it. A set centered around Gravity is actually a decent option, as Starmie has a great movepool that can take advantage of the accuracy boost. Expert Belt is a decent choice on the All-Out Attacker, as it maintains solid damage on super effective moves and doesn't have recoil.
Checks and Counters
##############
**Bulky Grass-types**: Specially defensive Grass-types such as Celebi, Shaymin, and Amoonguss can switch into Starmie and heal the damage or threaten it with a STAB Giga Drain, but it should be noted that these Pokemon must switch into a resisted attack. Amoonguss walls most variants, but loses to Psyshock.
**Bulky Water-types**: Specially defensive Water-types such as Milotic, Gastrodon, Jellicent, Lanturn, and Slowking can easily switch into most of Starmie's attacks, though it should be noted that most of these Pokemon have to switch into the right attack. Lanturn deserves a special mention, as it resists every one of Starmie's common attacks besides Psyshock and does big damage with Volt Switch.
**Kyurem**: Kyurem can switch into most of Starmie's attacks and threaten back with a STAB move.
**Special Walls**: Dedicated special walls such as Florges and Umbreon can freely switch into any of Starmie's attacks and react accordingly.
**Faster Pokemon**: Pokemon that can outspeed and OHKO Starmie through higher Speed or priority make great checks. Examples include Jolteon, Scarf Heliolisk, Scarf Hydreigon, Scarf Krookodile, Sceptile, Manectric, Mega Absol, Toxicroak, and Scarf Chandelure, but it should be noted that most of these Pokemon can't directly switch into Starmie.
**Bulky Spinblockers**: Bulky spinblockers such as Trevenant, Jellicent, and Sableye can block the defensive set, but lose to offensive variants.
**Water Immunities**: Pokemon immune to Water-type moves can switch into Starmie's main STAB move and threaten it from there. Cacturne, Jellicent, Gastrodon, Heliolisk, and Toxicroak are good examples.
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