BDSP Starmie

BT89

go on, take everything
is a Pre-Contributor
:dp/starmie:
you spin me, right round baby, right round

[OVERVIEW]
Starmie is a prominent offensive threat due to its strong movepool, good ability in Analytic, and high Speed that lets it outspeed the majority of the unboosted metagame, notably outpacing Latias, Garchomp, and Infernape. These traits are further accentuated by Starmie’s access to Rapid Spin, letting it act as one of the metagame’s best methods of entry hazard removal. Furthermore, Starmie resists common priority moves such as Scizor's Bullet Punch, Weavile's Ice Shard, Crawdaunt and Azumarill's Aqua Jet, and Breloom's Mach Punch, allowing it to make great use of the Speed boost granted by Rapid Spin. Starmie’s great coverage allows it constantly force switches, activating Analytic. However, Starmie’s unboosted power is somewhat lacking due to its average base 100 Special Attack, leaving it reliant on Analytic to find a way around special walls like Blissey and Jirachi. In addition to this, Hydro Pump, while providing crucial damage output, is unreliable due to its accuracy, making Starmie somewhat inconsistent. Its typing, while providing tangible defensive merit, does not compensate for its vulnerability to repeated hits from offensive Pokemon. While Starmie has high Speed, it is not enough to outspeed common offensive threats, such as Alakazam, Weavile, and Azelf.

[SET]
name: Life Orb Wallbreaker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb
ability: Analytic
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

[SET COMMENTS]
Ice Beam handles Pokemon that resist Hydro Pump like Latias, Breloom, and Celebi while giving Starmie a more accurate move to use against Ground-types like Gliscor and Garchomp. Thunderbolt is a useful coverage move for Water-types such as Crawdaunt, Azumarill and Slowbro. Rapid Spin not only allows Starmie to remove entry hazards but also boosts its Speed, making Starmie harder to revenge kill. 29 HP IVs minimize Life Orb recoil.

Starmie best fits on offensive teams due to its great Speed and wallbreaking potential. Starmie's frailty means it appreciates pivot support from Pokemon like Rotom-W and Scizor, as their slow pivots allow them to bring in Starmie safely. Scizor in particular makes for a good partner, as it is able to efficiently lure Heatran. Starmie allows Scizor to run Swords Dance over Defog thanks to Rapid Spin. Breloom is a good partner, as it can threaten Water-types like Rotom-W and Feraligatr while benefiting from Starmie’s ability to beat faster Pokemon like Infernape. Due to Starmie's access to Rapid Spin, strong wallbreakers that are weak to entry hazards like Dragonite and Weavile are great partners; Dragonite particularly appreciates Starmie's Rapid Spin support to keep Multiscale intact, allowing it to set up with Dragon Dance more easily. Infernape synergizes well with Starmie, as Starmie keeps entry hazards off the field to prevent Infernape from being overwhelmed by entry hazard damage, while Infernape threatens Pokemon that check Starmie like Jirachi and Celebi. Mamoswine is able to beat special walls that typically switch into Starmie, like Jirachi and Blissey. Magnezone is a solid partner, as it can weaken Jirachi, making it easier to break through for Starmie. Heatran makes a very strong partner, as it has great defensive synergy with Starmie, checking Pokemon like Weavile, Clefable, and Celebi, while Starmie beats Ground-types like Garchomp and Gliscor. In addition, Starmie's Rapid Spin pairs very well with Heatran's Stealth Rock, as they can improve Starmie's teammates' longevity while wearing down foes throughout the match.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Scald
move 2: Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
move 3: Recover
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Scald is a spammable STAB move that deals good damage to threats like Nidoking while threatening Starmie’s checks with a potential burn. Recover gives Starmie some much-needed longevity, possibly letting it outlast entry hazard setters. It also allows Starmie to act as a more consistent check to Pokemon like Gliscor and Mamoswine. Ice Beam covers the majority of the Grass- and Dragon-types that can switch into Scald, such as Tangrowth and Latias. Alternatively, Thunderbolt allows Starmie to hit Water-types like Feraligatr, Crawdaunt and Azumarill. Rapid Spin allows it to support its teammates by clearing opposing entry hazards due to its good matchups against entry hazard setters, such as Gliscor and Garchomp. 216 Speed EVs allow Starmie to outspeed Latias, while the rest is put into HP and Defense to take hits from physical attackers like Gliscor more easily. Natural Cure is useful for absorbing status, namely Clefable's Thunder Wave, Breloom's Spore, and Roserade's Toxic Spikes.

Starmie fits mainly on bulky offense, balance, and stall teams that appreciate its Rapid Spin support. Scizor is a great partner, as it appreciates Starmie’s ability to check Heatran while freeing it to run Swords Dance, while Starmie appreciates Scizor checking Pokemon like Weavile and Clefable. Tangrowth is another good option as it can check offensive Pokemon that can overwhelm Starmie, such as Breloom and Crawdaunt while appreciating Starmie’s ability to remove entry hazards and check Heatran. Entry hazards setters like Gliscor and Skarmory appreciate Starmie being able to maintain their entry hazards while threatening opposing entry hazard setters. Walls that enjoy having entry hazards removed like Tangrowth and Blissey make for good teammates, checking Breloom and Roserade respectively while appreciating Starmie’s ability to outspeed and threaten wallbreakers like Mamoswine. Togekiss can act as a check to Pokemon that can overwhelm Starmie like Alakazam and Slowbro while appreciating the removal of Stealth Rock.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Psychic gives Starmie a secondary STAB attack that can 2HKO Rotom-W while still maintaining good damage on Breloom and Tangrowth. However, without Ice Beam or Thunderbolt, Starmie faces issues breaking through Latias and Slowbro. Surf can act as a midground between Scald and Hydro Pump, having more power than the former and better accuracy than the latter. However, Starmie generally prefers Scald and Hydro Pump due to the former threatening checks with a burn and the latter having much more power. Thunder Wave can act as a solid supportive option, slowing down key Pokemon like Latias, Infernape, and Weavile, enabling potent offensive Pokemon such as Choice Specs Heatran, Heracross, and set up sweepers like Feraligatr and Alakazam to exploit them.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Tangrowth, Celebi, and Roserade can wall any Starmie without Ice Beam and deal major damage to it with Giga Drain. Rotom-C can do the same while grabbing momentum with Volt Switch. However, outside of Celebi, these Pokemon are heavily vulnerable to switching into Analytic-boosted Ice Beam.

**Faster Threats**: Due to Starmie’s merely average bulk, it is vulnerable to faster threats. Weavile and Alakazam, though not able to directly switch in, can outspeed and OHKO Starmie with Throat Chop and Shadow Ball. Choice Scarf users like Rotom-W, Rotom-C, and Garchomp can switch into a predicted Hydro Pump or Thunderbolt and OHKO Starmie after minor chip damage.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Blissey completely walls Starmie and can set up with Calm Mind on Starmie while threatening with Thunderbolt. Jirachi takes little damage from anything Starmie can throw at it and sets up Stealth Rock on Starmie. Utility Latias is able to switch into anything besides Ice Beam and punish Starmie with Thunder Wave.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[BT89, 487308]]
- Quality checked by: [[dex, 277988], [Savouras, 409438]]
- Grammar checked by: [[dex, 277988]]
 
Last edited:

dex

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QC Check

However, Starmie’s raw unboosted power is somewhat lacking due to its average 100 Special Attack, leaving it hard-pressed to find a way around special walls like Blissey and Tangrowth without an Analytic boost.
Tangrowth isn't a special wall and can't switch into starmie for fear of pump into beam. Replace it with Jirachi.

Its defensive typing, while decent defensively, does not compensate for its merely average bulk, leaving it vulnerable to repeated hits from offensive Pokemon.
Just say "Its typing" at the beginning, reads better

Hydro Pump is Starmie’s most powerful STAB that can deal decent damage to Pokemon like Clefable.
no need for this sentence, nix it

Thunderbolt is useful coverage for Water-types such as Azumarill and Slowbro.
Gotta mention Crawdaunt here.

Starmie is best fit for offensive teams due to its great Speed tier and good wallbreaking potential. Starmie's frailty means it appreciates pivot support from Pokemon like Rotom-W and Scizor, as their slow pivots allow them to bring in Starmie safely. Scizor in particular makes for a good partner, as it is able to efficiently lure Heatran. Breloom is a good partner, as it can threaten out Water-types like Rotom-W and Feraligatr while benefiting from Starmie’s ability to beat faster Pokemon like Latios and Infernape. Due to Starmie being able to remove hazards with Rapid Spin, strong wallbreakers weak to hazards like Dragonite and Weavile are great partners, as the former can keep Multiscale intact and set up more easily with Dragon Dance, and the latter appreciates being able to remain as healthy as possible throughout the course of a game.
Add a section for Infernape; they cover each other super well. Magnezone is nice for forcing chip onto Jirachi. Mamoswine is a good option for pressuring Gastrodon with Freeze-Dry and generally matching up very well into the special walls that tend to switch into Starmie. Make a note about Scizor that Starmie frees it to run Swords Dance over Defog.

Ice Beam covers a majority of the Grass- and Dragon-types that can switch into Scald, such as Tangrowth and the Eon twins.
You cannot say Eon twins, say Latios and Latias.

Alternatively, Thunderbolt allows Starmie to hit Water-types like Feraligatr and Azumarill.
Again, for sure mention Crawdaunt

Natural Cure allows Starmie to heal itself from status ailments, mainly paralysis and burn.
Nix this

Starmie fits mainly on bulky offense, balance, and stall teams that appreciate its support capabilities with Rapid Spin. Scizor is a great partner, as it heavily appreciates Starmie’s ability to check Heatran, while Starmie appreciates Scizor checking Pokemon that can handle Starmie like Latios and Clefable. Tangrowth is a great partner as it can check offensive Pokemon that can overwhelm Starmie such as Breloom and Crawdaunt while appreciating Starmie’s ability to remove hazards and check Heatran. Entry hazards setters like Gliscor and Skarmory appreciate Starmie being able to maintain their hazards while removing opposing hazards. Walls that enjoy having entry hazards removed like Tangrowth and Blissey make for good team mates, checking Breloom and Roserade respectively while appreciating Starmie’s ability to outspeed and threaten wallbreakers like Mamoswine.
Again, note that Starmie frees up Swords Dance on Scizor. I'd mention Togekiss as a nice support option in the face of Slowbro and Alakazam.

Choice Scarf users like Rotom-W, Rotom-C, and Salamence can enter on a predicted Hydro Pump and OHKO Starmie after minor chip damage.
Replace mence with Chomp

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Blissey can completely wall Starmie, and in return, set up with Calm Mind and threaten Starmie with Thunderbolt. Defensive Latias, while being 2HKOed by Ice Beam, can enter on any other move from Starmie, and threaten it out with Draco Meteor.
Defensive Lati doesn't actually threaten it out if it's bulky. I'd replace it with Jirachi, which can wishpass on it and setup rocks on it.

1/2
 

BT89

go on, take everything
is a Pre-Contributor
QC Check


Tangrowth isn't a special wall and can't switch into starmie for fear of pump into beam. Replace it with Jirachi.


Just say "Its typing" at the beginning, reads better


no need for this sentence, nix it


Gotta mention Crawdaunt here.


Add a section for Infernape; they cover each other super well. Magnezone is nice for forcing chip onto Jirachi. Mamoswine is a good option for pressuring Gastrodon with Freeze-Dry and generally matching up very well into the special walls that tend to switch into Starmie. Make a note about Scizor that Starmie frees it to run Swords Dance over Defog.


You cannot say Eon twins, say Latios and Latias.


Again, for sure mention Crawdaunt


Nix this


Again, note that Starmie frees up Swords Dance on Scizor. I'd mention Togekiss as a nice support option in the face of Slowbro and Alakazam.


Replace mence with Chomp


Defensive Lati doesn't actually threaten it out if it's bulky. I'd replace it with Jirachi, which can wishpass on it and setup rocks on it.

1/2
Implemented, thanks!
 
Overview >

Namely Latias, Garchomp and Infernape. A few more examples never hurt.

Talk about the speedboosting buffed rapid spin allowin it to not only get rid of your hazards but also outspeedin everything in the tier aswell as resisting key priority moves.

Talk about how important for certain rolls and damage outspeed Hydro Pump is but how unreliable owing to its accurasy it is.

Talk about how this fast hard hitting pokemon resists many of the priorities used in the tier, things like Ice Shard, Mach Punch, Bullet punch and Aqua Jet which is super important as a rapid spin sweeper or in general as a fast hard hitting mon

Mention Weavile too that its one of the v few thigns outspeedin this with Alakazam and Azelf that speed ties.

Set 1 > Do Breloom and Celebi, 2 of the most useful utility grass types in the tier one with poison heal hp invested sets and the other with pivoting bulky spreads both gettin clapped by analytic icebeams.

In set comments when u talk about partners i would like Heatran to be included too as they form a v good fire water then possibly a grass type with them, resisting alot of things and having many utilities like Rocks, Rapid Spin, Hazard spam if the grass type is Roserade, speed control and more. Plus of course that it weakens and beats Gliscor and grounds for it while heatran stops things like Cosmic Power Clefable.

Do not mention in the last lines the Gastrodon thing, its not used cuz its not v good without Toxic and outclassed by Water Absorb Quag that does similar things and has toxic which is huge (and still not used enough to be worth mentioning)

Set 2 >

In the set comments where u say Eon twins, since Latios is banned change it please.

Talk about the general utility of status absorbtion of this Pokemon versus the plethora of Twave from things like Clefable, Spores aswell as toxic spikes vs roserade allowing Starmie to reliably remove those too.

Other Options > Mention Thunder Wave being a great option having similar effects with Thunderbolt while still annoying a bigger variaty of Pokemons while also slowing down key threats for strong but slow partners like Specs Heatran, Heracross and more.

Checks and Counters >

Include Celebi and utility twave Latias. Celebi is a big hit for both sets forcing you to either have to predict it with analytic ice beam otherwise it beats you or for the utility set to be completely destroyed by it. Latias especially twave max hp has a shit ton of utility vs both Starmie sets even if LO Ice beam does aton u still gotta call it on the switch which is a limiting factor for the sets.

Great analysis, really liked some creative but valid things u mentioned like Rapid Spin Utility + Togekiss and other synergies. Definitely giving you the QC as soon as u include the thngs I and a few others talked above!

QC-Splash-small.gif
 
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[OVERVIEW]
Starmie is a prominent offensive threat courtesy of its strong movepool, good ability in Analytic, and a strong high Speed tier that lets it outspeed the majority of the unboosted metagame, namely Latias, Garchomp, and Infernape. These traits are further accentuated by Starmie’s access to Rapid Spin, letting it act as one of the tier’s metagame's best methods of hazard removal and giving it a layer of utility. Rapid Spin also grants Starmie a Speed boost boosts Starmie's Speed, letting it outrun the entire unboosted metagame. Furthermore, Starmie resists common priority moves, namely such as (reducing repetition) Scizor's Bullet Punch, Weavile's Ice Shard, Crawdaunt and Azumarill's Aqua Jet, and Breloom's Mach Punch, allowing it to make great use of the Speed boost granted by Rapid Spin. Starmie’s great coverage allows it constantly force switches, and punish the majority of them switch-in's due to with Analytic. However, Starmie’s raw unboosted ('raw' is implied by using the word 'unboosted') power is somewhat lacking due to its average 100 Special Attack, leaving it hard-pressed reliant on Analytic to find a way around special walls like Blissey and Jirachi without an Analytic boost. In addition to this, Hydro Pump, while providing a crucial damage rolls output, is wholly unreliable as a main STAB option (average readers will know Hydro Pump gets STAB boost) due to its flimsy accuracy, making Starmie somewhat inconsistent as an offensive presence Pokemon. Its Starmie's typing, while providing a tangible defensive merit, does not compensate for its merely average bulk, leaving it vulnerable to vulnerability to repeated hits from offensive Pokemon due to its average bulk. Starmie's Speed tier, while certainly strong While Starmie has high Speed, is not enough to outspeed common Pokemon,(AC) such as Alakazam, Weavile, and Azelf.

[SET]
name: Offensive Rapid Spin
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb
ability: Analytic
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

[SET COMMENTS]
Ice Beam handles Pokemon that resist Hydro Pump like Latias, Breloom, and Celebi while giving it Starmie (Ice Beam is the subject so you have to specify Starmie) a more accurate move to use against Ground-types like Gliscor and Garchomp. Thunderbolt is a useful coverage move for Water-types such as Crawdaunt, Azumarill and Slowbro. Rapid Spin not only allows Starmie to remove hazards,(AC) but also gives it a speed boost boosts its Speed, making it Starmie (Rapid Spin is the subject) harder to revenge kill. 29 HP IVs are used for minimized minimize Life Orb recoil.

Starmie is best fit for offensive teams due to its great Speed tier and good wallbreaking potential. Starmie's frailty means it appreciates pivot support from Pokemon like Rotom-W and Scizor, as their slow pivots allow them to bring in Starmie safely. Scizor in particular makes for a good partner, as it is able to efficiently lure Heatran. Starmie also (this is a transition from how Scizor helps Starmie to how the reverse is true so 'also' would be awkward here) frees allows Scizor to run Swords Dance over Defog thanks to Rapid Spin. Breloom is a good partner, as it can threaten out Water-types like Rotom-W and Feraligatr while benefiting from Starmie’s ability to beat faster Pokemon like Infernape. Due to Starmie being able to remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin, strong wallbreakers weak to entry hazards like Dragonite and Weavile are great partners, as the former can keep Multiscale intact and (remove space here) set up more easily with Dragon Dance more easily, and the latter appreciates being able to can remain as healthy as possible throughout the course of a game. Infernape synergizes well with Starmie, as Starmie provides hazard removal to prevent Infernape from being overwhelmed by entry hazard damage, while Infernape has great offensive synergy with Starmie, targeting threatening Pokemon that check Starmie like Jirachi and Shaymin. Mamoswine is able to beat the special walls that typically switch into Starmie (such as?). Magnezone is a solid partner, as it can trap and force damage onto weaken Jirachi, making it easier to break through for Starmie. Heatran makes for a very strong partner, as it has great defensive synergy with Starmie, checking Pokemon like Weavile, Clefable, and Celebi, while Starmie beats Ground-types like Garchomp and Gliscor. In addition, Starmie's Rapid Spin pairs very well with Heatran's Stealth Rock, assisting the longevity of teammates while maintaining one's own hazards as they can improve Starmie's teammates' longevity while wearing down foes throughout the match.

[SET]
name: Defensive Rapid Spin
move 1: Scald
move 2: Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
move 3: Recover
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Scald is a spammable STAB move that deals good damage to threats like Nidoking while threatening Starmie's checks with a potential burn. Recover gives Starmie a much-needed longevity, possibly letting it outlast entry hazard setters and remove hazards permanently (outlasting entry hazard setters implies this). It also allows it Starmie to act as a more consistent check to Pokemon like Gliscor and Mamoswine. Ice Beam covers a the majority of the Grass- and Dragon-types that can switch into Scald, such as Tangrowth and Latias. Alternatively, Thunderbolt allows Starmie to hit Water-types like Feraligatr, Crawdaunt and Azumarill. Rapid Spin is the crux of this set, allowing it allows Starmie to support its teammates by clearing away entry hazards due to its good matchups against entry hazard setters such as Gliscor (the advantageous matchup against entry hazard setters itself is singular). 216 Speed EVs allow Starmie to outspeed Latias, while the rest is put into HP and Defense to more easily take hits from physical attackers like Gliscor more easily. Natural Cure is useful for absorbing status, namely Clefable's Thunder Wave, Breloom's Spore, and Roserade's Toxic Spikes.

Starmie fits mainly on bulky offense, balance, and stall teams that appreciate its support capabilities with Rapid Spin support. Scizor is a great partner, as it appreciates Starmie’s ability to check Heatran and being able to run Swords Dance enabling it to run Swords Dance over Defog ('being able to run Swords Dance' will make it sound like Starmie can run Swords Dance for Scizor, which is not true), while Starmie appreciates Scizor checking Pokemon like Weavile and Clefable. Tangrowth is a great partner as it can check offensive Pokemon that can overwhelm Starmie,(AC) such as Breloom and Crawdaunt while appreciating Starmie’s ability to remove entry hazards and check Heatran. Entry hazards setters like Gliscor and Skarmory appreciate Starmie being able to maintain their hazards (How? By threatening other entry hazard removers?) while removing opposing hazards. Walls that enjoy having entry hazards removed like Tangrowth and Blissey make for good team mates teammates, checking Breloom and Roserade respectively while appreciating Starmie’s ability to outspeed and threaten wallbreakers like Mamoswine. Togekiss can act as a check to Pokemon that can overwhelm Starmie like Alakazam and Slowbro while appreciating the removal of Stealth Rock.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Psychic gives Starmie a secondary STAB attack that can 2HKO Rotom-W while still maintaining a good damage on Breloom and Tangrowth. However, without Ice Beam or Thunderbolt, Starmie faces issues breaking through Latias and Slowbro respectively. Surf can act as a midground middleground between Scald and Hydro Pump, having more power than the former and better accuracy than the latter. However, Starmie generally prefers Scald and Hydro Pump due to the former threatening checks with burn and the latter having much more power. Thunder Wave can act as a solid supportive option, slowing down key Pokemon like Latias, Infernape, and Weavile, enabling potent offensive Pokemon such as Choice Specs Heatran, Heracross, and set up sweepers like Feraligatr and Alakazam to exploit them.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Tangrowth, Celebi, and Roserade can wall any set Starmie without Ice Beam, and in return, deal major damage with Giga Drain. Rotom-C can do the same while being able grab momentum with Volt Switch. However, outside of Celebi, these Pokemon are heavily vulnerable to switching into Analytic-boosted Ice Beam.

**Faster Threats**: Due to Starmie’s merely average bulk, it is vulnerable to faster threats. Weavile and Alakazam, though not being able to directly switch in, can outspeed and OHKO Starmie with Throat Chop and Shadow Ball respectively. Choice Scarf users like Rotom-W, Rotom-C, and Garchomp can enter on switch into a predicted Hydro Pump or Thunderbolt and OHKO Starmie after minor chip damage.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Blissey can completely wall Starmie, and in return, set up with Calm Mind and threaten Starmie with Thunderbolt. Jirachi takes little damage from anything Starmie can throw at it, and in return, can freely sets up Stealth Rock on Starmie. Utility Latias is able to switch into on anything besides Ice Beam,(RC) and punish Starmie with Thunder Wave.
 
Last edited:

BT89

go on, take everything
is a Pre-Contributor
Remove Add Comments
[OVERVIEW]
Starmie is a prominent offensive threat courtesy of its strong movepool, good ability in Analytic, and a strong high Speed tier that lets it outspeed the majority of the unboosted metagame, namely Latias, Garchomp, and Infernape. These traits are further accentuated by Starmie’s access to Rapid Spin, letting it act as one of the tier’s metagame's best methods of hazard removal and giving it a layer of utility. Rapid Spin also grants Starmie a Speed boost boosts Starmie's Speed, letting it outrun the entire unboosted metagame. Furthermore, Starmie resists common priority moves, namely such as (reducing repetition) Scizor's Bullet Punch, Weavile's Ice Shard, Crawdaunt and Azumarill's Aqua Jet, and Breloom's Mach Punch, allowing it to make great use of the Speed boost granted by Rapid Spin. Starmie’s great coverage allows it constantly force switches, and punish the majority of them switch-in's due to with Analytic. However, Starmie’s raw unboosted ('raw' is implied by using the word 'unboosted') power is somewhat lacking due to its average 100 Special Attack, leaving it hard-pressed reliant on Analytic to find a way around special walls like Blissey and Jirachi without an Analytic boost. In addition to this, Hydro Pump, while providing a crucial damage rolls output, is wholly unreliable as a main STAB option (average readers will know Hydro Pump gets STAB boost) due to its flimsy accuracy, making Starmie somewhat inconsistent as an offensive presence Pokemon. Its Starmie's typing, while providing a tangible defensive merit, does not compensate for its merely average bulk, leaving it vulnerable to vulnerability to repeated hits from offensive Pokemon due to its average bulk. Starmie's Speed tier, while certainly strong While Starmie has high Speed, is not enough to outspeed common Pokemon,(AC) such as Alakazam, Weavile, and Azelf.

[SET]
name: Offensive Rapid Spin
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb
ability: Analytic
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

[SET COMMENTS]
Ice Beam handles Pokemon that resist Hydro Pump like Latias, Breloom, and Celebi while giving it Starmie (Ice Beam is the subject so you have to specify Starmie) a more accurate move to use against Ground-types like Gliscor and Garchomp. Thunderbolt is a useful coverage move for Water-types such as Crawdaunt, Azumarill and Slowbro. Rapid Spin not only allows Starmie to remove hazards,(AC) but also gives it a speed boost boosts its Speed, making it Starmie (Rapid Spin is the subject) harder to revenge kill. 29 HP IVs are used for minimized minimize Life Orb recoil.

Starmie is best fit for offensive teams due to its great Speed tier and good wallbreaking potential. Starmie's frailty means it appreciates pivot support from Pokemon like Rotom-W and Scizor, as their slow pivots allow them to bring in Starmie safely. Scizor in particular makes for a good partner, as it is able to efficiently lure Heatran. Starmie also (this is a transition from how Scizor helps Starmie to how the reverse is true so 'also' would be awkward here) frees allows Scizor to run Swords Dance over Defog thanks to Rapid Spin. Breloom is a good partner, as it can threaten out Water-types like Rotom-W and Feraligatr while benefiting from Starmie’s ability to beat faster Pokemon like Infernape. Due to Starmie being able to remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin, strong wallbreakers weak to entry hazards like Dragonite and Weavile are great partners, as the former can keep Multiscale intact and (remove space here) set up more easily with Dragon Dance more easily, and the latter appreciates being able to can remain as healthy as possible throughout the course of a game. Infernape synergizes well with Starmie, as Starmie provides hazard removal to prevent Infernape from being overwhelmed by entry hazard damage, while Infernape has great offensive synergy with Starmie, targeting threatening Pokemon that check Starmie like Jirachi and Shaymin. Mamoswine is able to beat the special walls that typically switch into Starmie (such as?). Magnezone is a solid partner, as it can trap and force damage onto weaken Jirachi, making it easier to break through for Starmie. Heatran makes for a very strong partner, as it has great defensive synergy with Starmie, checking Pokemon like Weavile, Clefable, and Celebi, while Starmie beats Ground-types like Garchomp and Gliscor. In addition, Starmie's Rapid Spin pairs very well with Heatran's Stealth Rock, assisting the longevity of teammates while maintaining one's own hazards as they can improve Starmie's teammates' longevity while wearing down foes throughout the match.

[SET]
name: Defensive Rapid Spin
move 1: Scald
move 2: Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
move 3: Recover
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Scald is a spammable STAB move that deals good damage to threats like Nidoking while threatening Starmie's checks with a potential burn. Recover gives Starmie a much-needed longevity, possibly letting it outlast entry hazard setters and remove hazards permanently (outlasting entry hazard setters implies this). It also allows it Starmie to act as a more consistent check to Pokemon like Gliscor and Mamoswine. Ice Beam covers a the majority of the Grass- and Dragon-types that can switch into Scald, such as Tangrowth and Latias. Alternatively, Thunderbolt allows Starmie to hit Water-types like Feraligatr, Crawdaunt and Azumarill. Rapid Spin is the crux of this set, allowing it allows Starmie to support its teammates by clearing away entry hazards due to its good matchups against entry hazard setters such as Gliscor (the advantageous matchup against entry hazard setters itself is singular). 216 Speed EVs allow Starmie to outspeed Latias, while the rest is put into HP and Defense to more easily take hits from physical attackers like Gliscor more easily. Natural Cure is useful for absorbing status, namely Clefable's Thunder Wave, Breloom's Spore, and Roserade's Toxic Spikes.

Starmie fits mainly on bulky offense, balance, and stall teams that appreciate its support capabilities with Rapid Spin support. Scizor is a great partner, as it appreciates Starmie’s ability to check Heatran and being able to run Swords Dance enabling it to run Swords Dance over Defog ('being able to run Swords Dance' will make it sound like Starmie can run Swords Dance for Scizor, which is not true), while Starmie appreciates Scizor checking Pokemon like Weavile and Clefable. Tangrowth is a great partner as it can check offensive Pokemon that can overwhelm Starmie,(AC) such as Breloom and Crawdaunt while appreciating Starmie’s ability to remove entry hazards and check Heatran. Entry hazards setters like Gliscor and Skarmory appreciate Starmie being able to maintain their hazards (How? By threatening other entry hazard removers?) while removing opposing hazards. Walls that enjoy having entry hazards removed like Tangrowth and Blissey make for good team mates teammates, checking Breloom and Roserade respectively while appreciating Starmie’s ability to outspeed and threaten wallbreakers like Mamoswine. Togekiss can act as a check to Pokemon that can overwhelm Starmie like Alakazam and Slowbro while appreciating the removal of Stealth Rock.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Psychic gives Starmie a secondary STAB attack that can 2HKO Rotom-W while still maintaining a good damage on Breloom and Tangrowth. However, without Ice Beam or Thunderbolt, Starmie faces issues breaking through Latias and Slowbro respectively. Surf can act as a midground middleground between Scald and Hydro Pump, having more power than the former and better accuracy than the latter. However, Starmie generally prefers Scald and Hydro Pump due to the former threatening checks with burn and the latter having much more power. Thunder Wave can act as a solid supportive option, slowing down key Pokemon like Latias, Infernape, and Weavile, enabling potent offensive Pokemon such as Choice Specs Heatran, Heracross, and set up sweepers like Feraligatr and Alakazam to exploit them.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Tangrowth, Celebi, and Roserade can wall any set Starmie without Ice Beam, and in return, deal major damage with Giga Drain. Rotom-C can do the same while being able grab momentum with Volt Switch. However, outside of Celebi, these Pokemon are heavily vulnerable to switching into Analytic-boosted Ice Beam.

**Faster Threats**: Due to Starmie’s merely average bulk, it is vulnerable to faster threats. Weavile and Alakazam, though not being able to directly switch in, can outspeed and OHKO Starmie with Throat Chop and Shadow Ball respectively. Choice Scarf users like Rotom-W, Rotom-C, and Garchomp can enter on switch into a predicted Hydro Pump or Thunderbolt and OHKO Starmie after minor chip damage.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Blissey can completely wall Starmie, and in return, set up with Calm Mind and threaten Starmie with Thunderbolt. Jirachi takes little damage from anything Starmie can throw at it, and in return, can freely sets up Stealth Rock on Starmie. Utility Latias is able to switch into on anything besides Ice Beam,(RC) and punish Starmie with Thunder Wave.
implemented pretty much all of these, ty!
 

dex

Hard as Vince Carter’s knee cartilage is
is a Site Content Manageris an official Team Rateris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a CAP Contributor Alumnus
[OVERVIEW]
Starmie is a prominent offensive threat courtesy ofdue to its strong movepool, good ability in Analytic, and high Speed that lets it outspeed the majority of the unboosted metagame, namelyotably outpacing Latias, Garchomp, and Infernape. These traits are further accentuated by Starmie’s access to Rapid Spin, letting it act as one of the metagame’s best methods of entry hazard removal. Rapid Spin boosts Starmie’s Speed, letting it outrun the entire unboosted metagame. Furthermore, Starmie resists common priority moves such as Scizor's Bullet Punch, Weavile's Ice Shard, Crawdaunt and Azumarill's Aqua Jet, and Breloom's Mach Punch, allowing it to make great use of the Speed boost granted by Rapid Spin. Starmie’s great coverage allows it constantly force switches, and punish the majority of switch-ins withctivating Analytic. However, Starmie’s unboosted power is somewhat lacking due to its average base 100 Special Attack, leaving it reliant on Analytic to find a way around special walls like Blissey and Jirachi. In addition to this, Hydro Pump, while providing crucial damage output, is unreliable due to its flimsy accuracy, making Starmie somewhat inconsistent as an offensive Pokemon. Its typing, while providing tangible defensive merit, does not compensate for its vulnerability to repeated hits from offensive Pokemon. While Starmie has high Speed, it is not enough to outspeed common Pokemonoffensive threats, such as Alakazam, Weavile, and Azelf.

[SET]
name: Offensive Rapid Spin
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb
ability: Analytic
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

[SET COMMENTS]
Ice Beam handles Pokemon that resist Hydro Pump like Latias, Breloom, and Celebi while giving Starmie a more accurate move to use against Ground-types like Gliscor and Garchomp. Thunderbolt is a useful coverage move for Water-types such as Crawdaunt, Azumarill, and Slowbro. Rapid Spin not only allows Starmie to remove entry hazards, but also boosts its Speed, making Starmie harder to revenge kill. 29 HP IVs minimize Life Orb recoil.

Starmie is best fit forbest fits on offensive teams due to its great Speed and wallbreaking potential. Starmie's frailty means it appreciates pivot support from Pokemon like Rotom-W and Scizor, as their slow pivots allow them to bring in Starmie safely. Scizor, in particular, makes for a good partner, as it is able to efficiently lure Heatran. Starmie allows Scizor to run Swords Dance over Defog thanks to Rapid Spin. Breloom is a good partner, as it can threaten Water-types like Rotom-W and Feraligatr while benefiting from Starmie’s ability to beat faster Pokemon like Infernape. Due to Starmie being able to remove entry hazards with's access to Rapid Spin, strong wallbreakers that are weak to entry hazards like Dragonite and Weavile are great partners, as the former can keep Multiscale intact and set up; Dragonite particularly appreciates Starmie's Rapid Spin support to keep Multiscale intact, allowing it to set up with Dragon Dance more easily, and the latter can remain as healthy as possible throughout the course of a game. Infernape synergizes well with Starmie, as Starmie provides hazard removalkeeps entry hazards off the field to prevent Infernape from being overwhelmed by entry hazard damage, while Infernape has great offensive synergy with Starmie, threateningthreatens Pokemon that check Starmie like Jirachi and Celebi. Mamoswine is able to beat special walls that typically switch into Starmie, like Jirachi and Blissey. Magnezone is a solid partner, as it can weaken Jirachi, making it easier to break through for Starmie. Heatran makes a very strong partner, as it has great defensive synergy with Starmie, checking Pokemon like Weavile, Clefable, and Celebi, while Starmie beats Ground-types like Garchomp and Gliscor. In addition, Starmie's Rapid Spin pairs very well with Heatran's Stealth Rock, as they can improve Starmie's teammates' longevity while wearing down foes throughout the match.

[SET]
name: Defensive Rapid Spin
move 1: Scald
move 2: Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
move 3: Recover
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Scald is a spammable STAB move that deals good damage to threats like Nidoking while threatening Starmie’s checks with a potential burn. Recover gives Starmie some much-needed longevity, possibly letting it outlast entry hazard setters. It also allows Starmie to act as a more consistent check to Pokemon like Gliscor and Mamoswine. Ice Beam covers the majority of the Grass- and Dragon-types that can switch into Scald, such as Tangrowth and Latias. Alternatively, Thunderbolt allows Starmie to hit Water-types like Feraligatr, Crawdaunt, and Azumarill. Rapid Spin allows it to support its teammates by clearing opposing entry hazards due to its good matchups against entry hazard setters, such as Gliscor and Garchomp. 216 Speed EVs allow Starmie to outspeed Latias, while the rest is put into HP and Defense to take hits from physical attackers like Gliscor more easily. Natural Cure is useful for absorbing status, namely Clefable's Thunder Wave, Breloom's Spore, and Roserade's Toxic Spikes.

Starmie fits mainly on bulky offense, balance, and stall teams that appreciate its Rapid Spin support. Scizor is a great partner, as it appreciates Starmie’s ability to check Heatran and enablwhile freeing it to run Swords Dance, while Starmie appreciates Scizor checking Pokemon like Weavile and Clefable. Tangrowth is a great partnernother good option, as it can check offensive Pokemon that can overwhelm Starmie, such as Breloom and Crawdaunt while appreciating Starmie’s ability to remove entry hazards and check Heatran. Entry hazards setters like Gliscor and Skarmory appreciate Starmie being able to maintain their entry hazards while threatening opposing entry hazard setters. Walls that enjoy having entry hazards removed like Tangrowth and Blissey make for good teammates, checking Breloom and Roserade respectively while appreciating Starmie’s ability to outspeed and threaten wallbreakers like Mamoswine. Togekiss can act as a check to Pokemon that can overwhelm Starmie like Alakazam and Slowbro while appreciating the removal of Stealth Rock.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Psychic gives Starmie a secondary STAB attack that can 2HKO Rotom-W while still maintaining good damage on Breloom and Tangrowth. However, without Ice Beam or Thunderbolt, Starmie faces issues breaking through Latias and Slowbro. Surf can act as a middleground between Scald and Hydro Pump, having more power than the former and better accuracy than the latter. However, Starmie generally prefers Scald and Hydro Pump due to the former threatening checks with a burn and the latter having much more power. Thunder Wave can act as a solid supportive option, slowing down key Pokemon like Latias, Infernape, and Weavile, enabling potent offensive Pokemon such as Choice Specs Heatran, Heracross, and set up sweepers like Feraligatr and Alakazam to exploit them.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Tangrowth, Celebi, and Roserade can wall any Starmie without Ice Beam, and deal major damage to it with Giga Drain. Rotom-C can do the same while being able grabbing momentum with Volt Switch. However, outside of Celebi, these Pokemon are heavily vulnerable to switching into Analytic-boosted Ice Beam.

**Faster Threats**: Due to Starmie’s merely average bulk, it is vulnerable to faster threats. Weavile and Alakazam, though not being able to directly switch in, can outspeed and OHKO Starmie with Throat Chop and Shadow Ball. Choice Scarf users like Rotom-W, Rotom-C, and Garchomp can switch into a predicted Hydro Pump or Thunderbolt and OHKO Starmie after minor chip damage.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Blissey can completely walls Starmie, and can set up with Calm Mind and threaten Starmieon it while threatening it with Thunderbolt. Jirachi takes little damage from anything Starmie can throw at it, and sets up Stealth Rock on Starmie. Utility Latias is able to switch into anything besides Ice Beam and punish Starmie with Thunder Wave.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[BT89, 487308]]
- Quality checked by: [[dex, 277988], [Savouras, 409438]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1dex, 277988]]

1/1
 

BT89

go on, take everything
is a Pre-Contributor
[OVERVIEW]
Starmie is a prominent offensive threat courtesy ofdue to its strong movepool, good ability in Analytic, and high Speed that lets it outspeed the majority of the unboosted metagame, namelyotably outpacing Latias, Garchomp, and Infernape. These traits are further accentuated by Starmie’s access to Rapid Spin, letting it act as one of the metagame’s best methods of entry hazard removal. Rapid Spin boosts Starmie’s Speed, letting it outrun the entire unboosted metagame. Furthermore, Starmie resists common priority moves such as Scizor's Bullet Punch, Weavile's Ice Shard, Crawdaunt and Azumarill's Aqua Jet, and Breloom's Mach Punch, allowing it to make great use of the Speed boost granted by Rapid Spin. Starmie’s great coverage allows it constantly force switches, and punish the majority of switch-ins withctivating Analytic. However, Starmie’s unboosted power is somewhat lacking due to its average base 100 Special Attack, leaving it reliant on Analytic to find a way around special walls like Blissey and Jirachi. In addition to this, Hydro Pump, while providing crucial damage output, is unreliable due to its flimsy accuracy, making Starmie somewhat inconsistent as an offensive Pokemon. Its typing, while providing tangible defensive merit, does not compensate for its vulnerability to repeated hits from offensive Pokemon. While Starmie has high Speed, it is not enough to outspeed common Pokemonoffensive threats, such as Alakazam, Weavile, and Azelf.

[SET]
name: Offensive Rapid Spin
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb
ability: Analytic
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

[SET COMMENTS]
Ice Beam handles Pokemon that resist Hydro Pump like Latias, Breloom, and Celebi while giving Starmie a more accurate move to use against Ground-types like Gliscor and Garchomp. Thunderbolt is a useful coverage move for Water-types such as Crawdaunt, Azumarill, and Slowbro. Rapid Spin not only allows Starmie to remove entry hazards, but also boosts its Speed, making Starmie harder to revenge kill. 29 HP IVs minimize Life Orb recoil.

Starmie is best fit forbest fits on offensive teams due to its great Speed and wallbreaking potential. Starmie's frailty means it appreciates pivot support from Pokemon like Rotom-W and Scizor, as their slow pivots allow them to bring in Starmie safely. Scizor, in particular, makes for a good partner, as it is able to efficiently lure Heatran. Starmie allows Scizor to run Swords Dance over Defog thanks to Rapid Spin. Breloom is a good partner, as it can threaten Water-types like Rotom-W and Feraligatr while benefiting from Starmie’s ability to beat faster Pokemon like Infernape. Due to Starmie being able to remove entry hazards with's access to Rapid Spin, strong wallbreakers that are weak to entry hazards like Dragonite and Weavile are great partners, as the former can keep Multiscale intact and set up; Dragonite particularly appreciates Starmie's Rapid Spin support to keep Multiscale intact, allowing it to set up with Dragon Dance more easily, and the latter can remain as healthy as possible throughout the course of a game. Infernape synergizes well with Starmie, as Starmie provides hazard removalkeeps entry hazards off the field to prevent Infernape from being overwhelmed by entry hazard damage, while Infernape has great offensive synergy with Starmie, threateningthreatens Pokemon that check Starmie like Jirachi and Celebi. Mamoswine is able to beat special walls that typically switch into Starmie, like Jirachi and Blissey. Magnezone is a solid partner, as it can weaken Jirachi, making it easier to break through for Starmie. Heatran makes a very strong partner, as it has great defensive synergy with Starmie, checking Pokemon like Weavile, Clefable, and Celebi, while Starmie beats Ground-types like Garchomp and Gliscor. In addition, Starmie's Rapid Spin pairs very well with Heatran's Stealth Rock, as they can improve Starmie's teammates' longevity while wearing down foes throughout the match.

[SET]
name: Defensive Rapid Spin
move 1: Scald
move 2: Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
move 3: Recover
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Scald is a spammable STAB move that deals good damage to threats like Nidoking while threatening Starmie’s checks with a potential burn. Recover gives Starmie some much-needed longevity, possibly letting it outlast entry hazard setters. It also allows Starmie to act as a more consistent check to Pokemon like Gliscor and Mamoswine. Ice Beam covers the majority of the Grass- and Dragon-types that can switch into Scald, such as Tangrowth and Latias. Alternatively, Thunderbolt allows Starmie to hit Water-types like Feraligatr, Crawdaunt, and Azumarill. Rapid Spin allows it to support its teammates by clearing opposing entry hazards due to its good matchups against entry hazard setters, such as Gliscor and Garchomp. 216 Speed EVs allow Starmie to outspeed Latias, while the rest is put into HP and Defense to take hits from physical attackers like Gliscor more easily. Natural Cure is useful for absorbing status, namely Clefable's Thunder Wave, Breloom's Spore, and Roserade's Toxic Spikes.

Starmie fits mainly on bulky offense, balance, and stall teams that appreciate its Rapid Spin support. Scizor is a great partner, as it appreciates Starmie’s ability to check Heatran and enablwhile freeing it to run Swords Dance, while Starmie appreciates Scizor checking Pokemon like Weavile and Clefable. Tangrowth is a great partnernother good option, as it can check offensive Pokemon that can overwhelm Starmie, such as Breloom and Crawdaunt while appreciating Starmie’s ability to remove entry hazards and check Heatran. Entry hazards setters like Gliscor and Skarmory appreciate Starmie being able to maintain their entry hazards while threatening opposing entry hazard setters. Walls that enjoy having entry hazards removed like Tangrowth and Blissey make for good teammates, checking Breloom and Roserade respectively while appreciating Starmie’s ability to outspeed and threaten wallbreakers like Mamoswine. Togekiss can act as a check to Pokemon that can overwhelm Starmie like Alakazam and Slowbro while appreciating the removal of Stealth Rock.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Psychic gives Starmie a secondary STAB attack that can 2HKO Rotom-W while still maintaining good damage on Breloom and Tangrowth. However, without Ice Beam or Thunderbolt, Starmie faces issues breaking through Latias and Slowbro. Surf can act as a middleground between Scald and Hydro Pump, having more power than the former and better accuracy than the latter. However, Starmie generally prefers Scald and Hydro Pump due to the former threatening checks with a burn and the latter having much more power. Thunder Wave can act as a solid supportive option, slowing down key Pokemon like Latias, Infernape, and Weavile, enabling potent offensive Pokemon such as Choice Specs Heatran, Heracross, and set up sweepers like Feraligatr and Alakazam to exploit them.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Tangrowth, Celebi, and Roserade can wall any Starmie without Ice Beam, and deal major damage to it with Giga Drain. Rotom-C can do the same while being able grabbing momentum with Volt Switch. However, outside of Celebi, these Pokemon are heavily vulnerable to switching into Analytic-boosted Ice Beam.

**Faster Threats**: Due to Starmie’s merely average bulk, it is vulnerable to faster threats. Weavile and Alakazam, though not being able to directly switch in, can outspeed and OHKO Starmie with Throat Chop and Shadow Ball. Choice Scarf users like Rotom-W, Rotom-C, and Garchomp can switch into a predicted Hydro Pump or Thunderbolt and OHKO Starmie after minor chip damage.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Blissey can completely walls Starmie, and can set up with Calm Mind and threaten Starmieon it while threatening it with Thunderbolt. Jirachi takes little damage from anything Starmie can throw at it, and sets up Stealth Rock on Starmie. Utility Latias is able to switch into anything besides Ice Beam and punish Starmie with Thunder Wave.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[BT89, 487308]]
- Quality checked by: [[dex, 277988], [Savouras, 409438]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1dex, 277988]]

1/1
implemented, this should be ready for upload!
 

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