[OVERVIEW]
Possessing a very solid Attack stat and STAB on Flying-type moves, Staraptor is one of the best revenge killers in the metagame with Gale Wings, though it faces some competition for the title. Most notably, Staraptor clashes with Honchkrow and Braviary, both of which have higher Attack and HP stats, in addition to overall superior bulk, which are critical for Gale Wings Pokemon to function. However, Staraptor's access to Close Combat means that unlike Braviary and Honchkrow, it does not need to lower its Attack when using its Fighting-type coverage move, and a relatively high base Speed among Flying-types allows it to outspeed and revenge kill every other common Gale Wings user in the metagame. Double-Edge is another move that heavily benefits Staraptor, as it allows Staraptor to break through many of its Electric-type checks far better than Braviary can with Return. Arguably the most useful tool of them all, however, is its access to the coveted Final Gambit, giving Staraptor the ability to eliminate switch-ins to its Flying-type moves, meaning it works well on teams with other Flying-type attackers. Unfortunately, like its companions, Staraptor has rather limited coverage, causing it to be unable to do much to its regular counters bar using U-turn or giving up its life with Final Gambit. In addition, Extreme Speed is very common in the tier, and because of this Staraptor is not without common revenge killers of its own.
[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Double-Edge / Return
move 4: U-turn / Final Gambit
item: Choice Band
ability: Gale Wings
nature: Adamant
evs: 160 HP / 252 Atk / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird, given priority by Gale Wings and backed up by Staraptor's excellent Attack stat and a Choice Band, allows Staraptor to revenge kill most of the metagame. Close Combat maims Rock-types and Steel-types, which would otherwise have little to fear from Staraptor. Double-Edge is the Normal-type STAB move of choice, netting a very important 2HKO against Intimidate Zapdos after Stealth Rock, one of the most prominent Pokemon used to check Gale Wings users in the metagame. Return is a possibility over Double-Edge that, while being weaker, does not wear Staraptor down with recoil. However, it does not net the 2HKO on Intimidate Zapdos, making it an inferior choice. U-turn allows Staraptor to maintain momentum in addition to scouting the opponent's switch-in and possibly accumulating hazard damage. Final Gambit, on the other hand, is often the preferred choice on teams with another Flying-type attacker or Gale Wings user to eliminate the opponent's best Flying-type check, giving leeway for your other Flying-type Pokemon to sweep.
Set Details
========
Gale Wings turns Staraptor into one of the metagame's best revenge killers. Maximum Attack investment and an Adamant nature maximize Staraptor's damage output, letting it hit as hard as possible, and 96 Speed EVs allow Staraptor to outspeed maximum investment neutral-natured Braviary, the fastest relevant Gale Wings user other than Staraptor itself in the metagame. The rest of Staraptor's EVs are dumped into HP so it can take as much recoil damage as possible. Finally, a Choice Band increases Staraptor's Attack even further, bringing the power of its moves to very dangerous levels. Sharp Beak is also a possibility that alleviates prediction, but the drop in power from Choice Band is noticeable.
Usage Tips
========
Staraptor should be used as a revenge killer, forcing out almost all attackers that don't resist Flying-type attacks under the threat of its extremely powerful Choice Band-boosted Brave Bird. In general, Staraptor should almost always be using Brave Bird, as the move's priority is Staraptor's top selling point. However, if you expect a Rock-type or Steel-type to switch in, Close Combat should be used, and the same should be done with Double-Edge and Electric-types. Stealth Rock is extremely detrimental to Staraptor's performance given it reduces the number of Brave Birds Staraptor can use. This means that keeping Stealth Rock off the field should be a top priority when using Staraptor. Because of this same reason, switching Staraptor in directly is also ill-advised due to its low defenses.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can remove Stealth Rock from the field via Rapid Spin or Defog such as Skarmory and Mew make great partners for Staraptor. Gale Wings Skarmory, most notably, is an excellent teammate to Final Gambit Staraptor, since it can proceed to sweep itself once Staraptor lures and KOes the opponent's Gale Wings check. Entry hazards of your own from a Pokemon such as Deoxys-S or Ferrothorn are also recommended when utilizing Staraptor, as the additional damage they provide help Staraptor score many crucial OHKOs. Flash Fire Steel-types such as Doublade can absorb most faster priority attacks, which force Staraptor out of the field. Magnet Pull Pokemon such as Heatran and Rotom-W can trap and eliminate otherwise problematic Steel-types that can absorb Brave Bird such as Skarmory. It is highly recommended to use U-turn on Staraptor if a Magnet Pull teammate is being used, as Staraptor can pivot directly into the Magnet Pull user after a Steel-type switches in. Finally, pivots that can help Staraptor get into play without taking any attacks such as Vaporeon and Umbreon greatly aid Staraptor. Both of these examples are also notable for being able to offer Staraptor Wish support, which can extend its presence on the battlefield and restore Final Gambit to full power.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Tailwind is an option on Staraptor that allows it to support its team with a priority Speed-boosting move before it goes down, though it often cannot find space for the move. Pursuit is another option with a surprise factor to trap weakened Pokemon and Pokemon weak to Dark, but it isn't terribly strong due to Staraptor's lack of Dark STAB. Tinted Lens allows Staraptor to break through its usual switch-ins, but Staraptor is not as threatening to everything else without priority. Poison Heal may seem like an attractive option seeing as it heals Staraptor's recoil damage and gives it access to Facade, but Braviary does this better with both superior bulk and access to Bulk Up.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Doublade and Aegislash**: Given that Aegislash and Doublade either resist or are immune to every move Staraptor has, both of these Pokemon are the best available counters to Staraptor. In addition, they can't be trapped by Magnet Pull users due to their Ghost typing, though they must watch out for Pursuit users such as Tyranitar.
**Bulky Pokemon that Resist Normal and Flying**: Resisting both Brave Bird and Double-Edge in addition to taking neutral damage from Close Combat, Skarmory, Diancie, Jirachi, and Mega Metagross all have no problems taking any attack Staraptor has to throw at them. Other Pokemon such as Rhyperior and Regirock also work decently, though they must watch out for Close Combat. However, it is important to note that Staraptor can eliminate all of these Pokemon using a full-health Final Gambit, which can be problematic for them if Staraptor's team has other Flying-types that these Pokemon are meant to handle.
**Bulky Intimidate Walls**: Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Cresselia, and Mandibuzz are excellent switch-ins to Staraptor courtesy of their immense physical bulk. However, keep in mind that all of these Pokemon can be severely weakened by Final Gambit.
**Extreme Speed**: Genesect, Lucario, and Entei are all examples of Pokemon that can revenge kill Staraptor with Refrigerate or Tough Claws Extreme Speed thanks to the move's higher priority than Brave Bird.
Last edited:
