[OVERVIEW]
<p>With apologies to anthropologist Ashley Montagu, Staraptor's purpose is "to die young as late as possible". This predatory bird can certainly make an impact with its fearsome Attack, decent Speed, and high Base Power moves, with
enough power power enough to OHKO and 2HKO some of the most common threats in OU with little support. Why Staraptor outclasses comparable Normal/Flying-type Pokemon is no mystery: it has Close Combat to round out its type coverage, disposing of Rock- and Steel-types that would otherwise wall its Normal- and Flying-type STAB attacks. What differentiates Staraptor from other competitors in OU is its ability to abuse the Flying-type STAB, which has deceptively great coverage in the current metagame alongside Close Combat.</p>
<p>The bad news is that while Staraptor is capable of sweeping whole teams, its lackluster defenses, weakness to Stealth Rock, and reliance on recoil moves limit its survivability on the battlefield severely. The mere existence of faster competitors and priority attacks in the metagame
regulates Staraptor's Staraptor’s (Im not too picky on this, but I know some people who do the actual htmling or whatever prefer ' to’)own presence as well. Despite these weaknesses, Staraptor has qualities that differentiate it from the many physical attackers that roam this new generation,
[space]making it a significant threat when
given met with the right conditions.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double
-Edge
Move 4: U-turn / Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
ability: Intimidate / Reckless
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>When equipped with a Choice Band, Staraptor becomes just as fearsome as it was last generation. With its decent base 100 Speed, Staraptor can outspeed much of the metagame and come out on top without being hit or severely crippled. Staraptor can even 2HKO some of OU's
strongest most hardened physical walls, such as Vaporeon, Swampert, and Ferrothorn. The strategy is simple
: spam a STAB move to puncture holes in the opposing team, or use Close Combat against Rock- or Steel-types. Choice Band Staraptor can also function as a pseudo-lead, as it can KO many potential leads or U-turn safely away from danger.<p>
<p>All of the moves on the set save U-Turn have over 100 Base Power, and together have unresisted coverage amongst common OU Pokemon. Brave Bird is Staraptor's signature attack: save for recoil, Brave Bird is an otherwise completely abusable, consistent STAB move. Any Pokemon weak or neutral to Brave Bird will take a hefty chunk of damage. The next two attacks cover these gaps in Brave Bird's coverage: Close Combat will deal with most Steel- and Rock-types, while Double-Edge or Return will easily handle most Electric-types. Double-Edge is more powerful, but has the same recoil issues as Brave Bird. Return is a slightly weaker
[backspace]—yet still powerful
[backspace]—which can be useful in picking off the frail or the weakened.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>In the fourth slot, Staraptor can choose a utility move. U-Turn is the primary option so Staraptor can scout out its counters and put a decent dent in anything that doesn’t resist it. Though a super effective U-Turn is weaker than STAB Brave Bird, Double
-Edge, and Return, it can be used to take advantage of threats such
like Whimsicott, Celebi, and Reuniclus, while retaining momentum. Quick Attack is also a good option for the fourth slot; while it’s not the best move to be locked in, a Choice Band STAB boosted Quick Attack can maim frail, unsuspecting threats expecting to eliminate Staraptor.</p>
<p>Staraptor has a decent expanse of options despite its simplicity. As far as natures go, a Jolly nature should be the way to go so Staraptor is not easily revenge killed. An Adamant nature is a lesser
alternate option
that provides more for power, though Staraptor loses the speed advantage against threats such like +0 Haxorus, Hydreigon, Volcarona, and Nidoking. Staraptor can also opt between its two fantastic abilities: Intimidate and the new Reckless. Intimidate lowers the opponent's Attack on the switch-in, granting Staraptor a few more opportunities to switch into physical attacks and sweep, such as Scizor's U-turn and Gyarados’ Waterfall. Reckless, on the other hand, increases the attack power of Staraptor’s recoil moves, which are already very powerful on their own, by 20%, which is essentially a free Sharp Beak boost. Intimidate is the primary ability so Staraptor has more opportunities to switch in and fight.</p>
<p>Aside from faster threats that can defeat Staraptor before he lands a hit, Staraptor has trouble against certain Steel-types, such as Bronzong, Jirachi, Skarmory, Scizor, and Metagross, which it cannot OHKO with Close Combat. In return, they all have ways of eliminating it. The best way to address these threats is to employ Pokemon like Heatran, Magnezone, or Chandelure. Heatran and Chandelure both have generally good defensive and offensive synergy with Staraptor and can promptly KO the aforementioned Pokemon with Fire Blasts coming from fantastically high Special Attack stats. Magnezone, on the other hand, ensures that all the Steel-types Staraptor faces are killed by utilizing Magnet Pull. Rapid Spin support is especially useful from the likes of Life Orb Starmie to spin away Stealth Rock, since Staraptor is likely going to switch in and out often. Starmie can also eliminate a few troublesome Pokemon with a powerful STAB Hydro Pump. Finally, Staraptor achieves many significant KOs it would otherwise miss out on with Stealth Rock or a single layer of Spikes on the opponent's side of the field. Offensively-inclined teammates who can set up these hazards include Garchomp, Ferrothorn, and Mamoswine,
who all of whom will
all be happy to switch into several special moves for Staraptor.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double
-Edge
Move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Intimidate / Reckless
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>One of Staraptor’s obstacles
to performing a successful sweep is
the that fact that there are many threats that can still outspeed and KO him before he can successfully land a hit. Giving Staraptor a Choice Scarf promptly eliminates this problem. By holding a Choice Scarf, it gains the ability to outspeed and take out its normal counters, yet still maintain a powerful offensive presence. Because of Staraptor’s already high Attack and Speed, it can revenge or surprise kill many unsuspecting setup threats and would-be counters. Due to high Speed, Choice Scarf Staraptor can also make a great lead; unlike its Choice Band counterpart, Staraptor can now eliminate faster threats and limit set up.</p>
<p>In contrast to some alternative revenge killers and scouts, Staraptor is not offensively weak and can actually serve multiple roles on a team with just one of its moves. Brave Bird, as always, is a reliable STAB that can be used consistently, despite recoil. The only type that commonly resists the powerful Brave Bird are the Steel- and Rock-types, which can be easily handled with team members or Close Combat, and Electric-types, which can be taken care of by repeated switch-ins to Staraptor's Normal-type STAB move of choice. In addition to Brave Bird, Return or Double
-Edge can be used alongside it to provide a powerful Normal-type STAB. Return is a reliable move that can pick off weakened opponents, whereas Double
-Edge is basically a Normal-type version of Brave Bird with different coverage. Keep in mind that since this set is weaker than his other sets, Close Combat should be used only on weathered Rock- and Steel-types.</p>
<p>Unlike the previous set, U-Turn is crucial here so Staraptor can take advantage of its Speed and act more as a scout and revenge killer. U-Turn is a fantastic utility move that can throw the momentum of the battle into the user’s favor. In addition, certain—if not most—
[backspace]Pokemon faster than Staraptor are hit super-effectively by U-Turn, so it can make a dent by predicting switch-ins and U-turning to the appropriate counter.
[space]The scouting method should be used early-game so Staraptor will not easily stopped by bulky attackers.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Like with the Choice Band, Staraptor must choose between more power or survivability. A Jolly nature allows Staraptor a chance to speed tie with the likes of +1 Volcarona and +1 Salamence, while keeping a steady step over slower Pokemon. An Adamant nature, however, grants Staraptor extra "oomph" to compensate for the lowered damage output caused by the lack of an Attack-boosting item. Intimidate versus Reckless is also a matter of whether you need to keep Staraptor on the field or not. Intimidate increases Staraptor’s survivability against unboosted physical attacks, whereas Reckless gives a convenient boost to Double
-Edge and Brave Bird. Intimidate should be used to soften some hits, and Reckless essentially gives a slightly weaker, yet faster, version of Choice Band Staraptor.</p>
<p>Because of its immunities and U-turn, Staraptor finds itself switching in and out of the battlefield very often. Stealth Rock can be an ample threat to its survivability; therefore, employing an offensive Rapid Spinner ensures that Staraptor does it job well. Starmie and Excadrill are both wonderful Rapid Spinners who can also pack a punch. A user of Wish is also recommended, so Staraptor can more easily scout and sweep in a healthy condition, especially when it is spamming recoil moves. Blissey and Eviolite Chansey are the best choices for this role, since they can sponge off any Special Attacks aimed at Staraptor and force switches, giving them opportunities to use Wish. Staraptor also doesn’t mind some entry hazard support to force enemy switches.</p>
<p>The exchange in power for
Speed speed hurts Staraptor, since it can’t break through teams like it could with a Choice Band. Skarmory, Metagross, Jirachi, and Bronzong give Choice Scarf Staraptor trouble since they are all neutral to Close Combat and can survive a now-weakened Brave Bird. Magnezone, Chandelure, and Heatran, again, make good teammates for Staraptor for countering these threats and having fantastic Special Attack stats. They can also be used to eliminate physically defensive walls that Staraptor dislikes. Most Electric-types in general are solid counters as well. A good way to address Electric-types is by utilizing Jolteon; with its great Special Attack, decent Special Defense, and Volt Absorb, Jolteon by itself becomes a threatening Special sweeper. Alternatively, Latios and Latias take many special attacks with ease and can set up Calm Mind.</p>
[SET]
name: Life Orb
Move 1: Brave Bird
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Return / Double
-Edge
Move 4: Roost / Quick Attack
item: Life Orb
ability: Intimidate / Reckless
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Choice Band Staraptor is a monster in itself, one of the problems it consistently finds itself in is its inability to switch attacks and reliably beat the Pokemon that resist its STAB. Granting Staraptor a Life Orb allows Staraptor the pleasure of switching attacks in exchange for a bit of survivability. Instead of having to rely on prediction and teammates to beat its checks, Staraptor can now sweep through teams by simply abusing its powerful attacks with exceptional type coverage. Because of its high Attack and moderately high Speed, Life Orb suits Staraptor perfectly; whereas Staraptor with Choice Band is the "battering ram" of a team, this set aims to be more of a sweeper with good coverage.</p>
<p>Like on every Staraptor set, Brave Bird and Close Combat are givens due to
both having good coverage together
, as well as and high base power. In fact, many Rock- and Steel-types can be 2HKOed by the simple combination of Brave Bird followed by Close Combat, so Staraptor is not easily countered. Return is the main option as a secondary STAB move because it does not induce recoil as Double
-Edge does. Return can also reliably pick off weakened enemies, so Staraptor does not have to rely on its other risky moves to KO threats. Roost is given a slot to recover damage caused by recoil and Stealth Rock damage, thereby extending Staraptor's rampage. However, Quick Attack can also be put in place of it. At times, Staraptor may fall short, so Quick Attack can be useful against weakened opponents for a quick finish. U-Turn can be used for scouting would-be counters, but it has more utility on Staraptor’s choice sets where Staraptor takes less damage from recoil. Keep in mind that replacing Roost means that Staraptor will lack recovery, making
its his life
[backspace]span much shorter.<p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Unlike its choice sets, Staraptor has a slightly larger expanse of other options to choose from. It can opt to use Double
-Edge for more power; however, Staraptor requires Brave Bird, which offers more coverage and already induces recoil, so Double
-Edge needs careful consideration so it’s not "overkill". One benefit of using Double
-Edge is the fact that Staraptor also has Roost, which alleviates the recoil anyways. Staraptor’s two abilities, Intimidate and Reckless, also need to be considered for "sustainability versus power". Whereas Intimidate allows Staraptor to switch into physical attacks often without taking dire damage, Reckless boosts the power of Brave Bird and Double
-Edge. When using Reckless, Staraptor can actually afford to use Double
-Edge because of Roost and the power boost.</p>
<p>As for the choice of nature, a Jolly nature is
the primary
option so Staraptor can contend with Pokemon at and below the 100 base mark, such as Salamence, Haxorus, and Volcarona. However, a Staraptor with an Adamant nature relies less on entry hazards and has more power than its Jolly counterpart overall. It should be noted that with entry hazards, a Jolly nature achieves all of Staraptor’s necessary KOs.
Jolly-
natured Staraptor can even score some lost kills with Quick Attack
t, hereby making the Adamant nature inferior.</p>
<p>Like its choiced counterparts, Life Orb Staraptor has issues with facing certain Steel-types, bulky walls, and faster opponents. Staraptor is in even greater danger with tanks because the opponent can take advantage of resistances and attempt to stall out Staraptor with Life Orb damage and recoil. Heatran, Chandelure, and Magnezone are near-perfect teammates as explained in the above analyses. Since Staraptor’s lifespan is shortened with Life Orb, Wish support is an option if it does not have time to Roost. Blissey, Eviolite Chansey, and Jirachi all do a good job of Wish-passing and walling Special Attacks aimed at Staraptor. Entry hazard support is absolutely helpful to guarantee some KOs on specific targets. Without a single layer of Spikes or Stealth Rock, Jolly Staraptor cannot OHKO physically-defensive Blissey or Celebi with a super-effective move. Having some entry hazards also puts hazard-weak opponents, such as Gyarados and Salamence, in an awkward position if they choose to switch into Brave Bird. Ferrothorn absolutely loves switching into the special attacks aimed at Staraptor, also being capable of setting up multiple layers of Spikes and Stealth Rock at a safe pace.</p>
[OTHER OPTIONS]
<p>Like its Normal-/Flying-type peers, Staraptor doesn't have much else to say about the rest of his movepool, except that it's barren. Offensively, Staraptor always has to choose between Return and Double
-Edge as its main Normal-type STAB move. Retaliate is another option, but is generally situational because the move can only be used at its full power (140 Base Power excluding STAB) on the turn after a teammate has fainted. Retaliate is best used on the Choice Scarf set where Staraptor can effectively revenge kill and is in need of more powerful options. Pursuit is an offensive option as well to pick off escaping Pokemon, though because of an extremely weak base power and having Brave Bird to hit Ghost-types, Pursuit is better left off to Tyranitar and Scizor.</p>
<p>A combination of Roost and Substitute can be utilized so Staraptor can scout and defeat its counters before they can touch it behind a Substitute. This set's attacking options should include Brave Bird and Close Combat because they offer great coverage as well as high base power. Roost is essential so Staraptor can heal off recoil caused by Brave Bird and Substitute, and instead of Life Orb, Staraptor can use a Sharp Beak to boost Brave Bird without additional recoil.</p>
<p>Agility can also be utilized with Life Orb. With an Agility and just a few Speed EVs, Staraptor can outspeed threats it couldn't touch before, even Excadrill in Sandstorm. Most of the time, however, Staraptor would rather 2HKO threats rather than faint after a somewhat useless speed boost. Work Up is always an option on a Pokemon that has no other way of boosting its offenses, though Staraptor rarely finds time to set up with its defenses. Work Up can be viable on an all-out offensive set with a boosting item like Sharp Beak or Life Orb, or a support item like Lum Berry or Leftovers.<p>
[CHECKS AND COUNTERS]
<p>Staraptor generally hates having extra health taken away, and due to his recoil moves and frailness, it will not last long if it takes passive damage. Stealth Rock is the easiest way of making sure Staraptor's life span remains limited. Passive damage can also be achieved through sandstorm and hail,
both of which can be induced by Tyranitar and Abomasnow
, respectively. Taking into account recoil damage, Stealth Rock, and weather damage, you will find that Staraptor's life span is generally extremely short. By using prediction and switching in resistances to Staraptor’s attacks, the bird will fall eventually. One can check Staraptor with faster threats such as Jolteon, Espeon, Starmie, Gengar, and Mienshao. Note that most of the Pokemon faster than Staraptor cannot take one of its attacks and some can be defeated by using U-Turn or Quick Attack.</p>
<p>As for walling Staraptor, physical walls do a great job of checking it. Though most bulky Water-types risk being 2HKOed by Brave Bird, Double
-Edge, and Return, they can take at least one of these attacks and retaliate with Ice Beam. Notable mentions are Swampert, Suicune, Vaporeon, and Quagsire. Zapdos is a much faster, more offensively-inclined physical wall that resists Close Combat and Brave Bird and can swiftly eliminate the predatory bird with its choice of Electric-type move. Zapdos does risk being 2HKOed by Staraptor’s Normal-type moves along with being outrun, though. Thundurus shares the same typing with Zapdos, also resisting Staraptor’s two main moves and KOing swiftly with a Thunderbolt.
Cofagrigus Cofagrius and normal Rotom sponges and is immune to Staraptor’s moves, and, additionally, they can cripple Staraptor with Will-O-Wisp, rendering it nearly useless for the rest of the match.</p>
