OU Starmie

[Gary]

Shootingstarmie is a lazy ass bitch

Overview
########

With the multiple changes to the OU metagame, Starmie isn't as effective as it once used to be. Defog is often the more preferred method of removing entry hazards, and Excadrill is the prime OU offensive Rapid Spinner, leaving little room for Starmie to flourish. Additionally, Starmie is as vulnerable as ever to common moves such as Pursuit, U-turn, and Volt Switch, and its defenses aren't exactly anything to write home about. However, it still has a great base 115 Speed and amazing coverage, along with a great ability in Analytic, allowing Starmie to be a potent offensive threat. It's also a great check to many top tier threats, such as Keldeo, Garchomp, Excadrill, Landorus, and Gengar. Overall, play to Starmie's good points, and it can be a great asset.


Offensive Spinner
########
name: Offensive Spinner
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Psyshock / Thunderbolt
move 4: Rapid Spin
ability: Analytic
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Moves
========

This set plays to Starmie's natural offensive capabilities. Analytic is the ability of choice for its incredible power boost on the switch, and Starmie makes great use of it with the numerous switches it forces. Hydro Pump is STAB and hits stupidly hard on the switch, thanks to the boost Analytic provides and its awesome Base Power. Surf can be used for more consistency, but Hydro Pump is generally better. Ice Beam provides nice coverage against Dragon- and Flying-types, such as Latios, Mandibuzz, Zapdos, and Dragonite. It is also a more accurate and reliable option against Mega Pinsir, Garchomp, Landorus, Gliscor, and Thundurus, than Hydro Pump. Psyshock is a secondary STAB that hits Mega Venusaur and Chansey for nice damage; it also has a slim chance to OHKO Assault Vest Conkeldurr. However, Thunderbolt offers more coverage, allowing Starmie to hit Water-types such as Azumarill, and giving it superb BoltBeam coverage. Finally, Rapid Spin is used as it supports the team by removing entry hazards.

Recover can also be used as an option, but Starmie really needs the coverage in order to be threatening. A fourth coverage move can also be considered in place of Rapid Spin, although forgoing said move compromises a ton of utility.

Set Details
========

The EVs are used for maximum power and speed, allowing Starmie to outrun and OHKO a majority of OU threats. Timid is a must, since Starmie is all about Speed, and being outsped by Keldeo, Terrakion, Latios, and other top threats just isn't worth it. As for abilities, Analytic is the preferred ability because of the power boost it provides on the switch, allowing Starmie to 2HKO nearly everything in the tier with the right coverage move. Natural Cure allows Starmie to stay healthy, and lets it take on Thunder Wave Thundurus without having to worry about being crippled for the rest of the match.

Life Orb is the item of choice to boost Starmie's otherwise above average offense while also benefitting its great coverage and powerful moves. The recoil from Life Orb is not a huge problem as Starmie operates on a hit-and-run basis. Leftovers and Expert Belt are alternatives that give Starmie more durability than Life Orb, although the loss of power will be noticeable.

Usage Tips
========

This set is more suited to offensive teams that rely on VoltTurn or a late-game sweeper that's weak to entry hazards like Talonflame, Volcarona, Dragonite, so pairing it up with said Pokemon is a good idea. Starmie's main role is to Rapid Spin, so make that your first priority over hitting something hard on the switch. If the removal of entry hazards isn't the number one priority, then spamming Hydro Pump is generally a good idea.

Team Options
========

As already stated, the best partners for Starmie are powerful sweepers that are weak to entry hazards, making Volcarona, Dragonite, and Talonflame your best options. Starmie is also pretty popular on VoltTurn teams for its ability to effectively remove entry hazards, so a good partner would be Scizor. (Mega) Scizor can beat all of Starmie's checks such as Tyranitar and Blissey, while Starmie can easily beat the Heatran and Skarmory that check Scizor. Mega Manectric is a good user of Volt Switch that can check (Mega) Scizor, Greninja, and opposing Water-types.


Other Options
========

An all-out attacking set can be considered, as it gives Starmie incredible coverage, but the main reason to use Starmie is for its ability to Rapid Spin. Choice Specs Starmie with Trick is a pretty fun set to try out, as it can cripple Chansey and Ferrothorn very nicely with a well-timed Trick while dishing out heavy damage in general, but Starmie generally prefers the ability to switch moves. Reflect is an option to check Ferrothorn and Tyranitar, but Starmie doesn't have much moveslots to run it. Hidden Power Fire is a coverage option that hits Ferrothorn and Scizor for solid damage, but outside of that there's little use for it. Thunder Wave is a neat option to cripple fast Pokemon like Keldeo and Latias.


Checks and Counters
========

**Pursuit Trappers**: Pursuit trappers can eliminate Starmie from the game. These include Choice Scarf Tyranitar, Bisharp, and (Mega) Scizor. However, none of them particularly like taking a STAB Life Orb Hydro Pump to the face; they can even be OHKOed with a little prior damage.

**Faster Attackers**: Greninja, Alakazam, and offensive Deoxys-S all outspeed and can check Starmie with their respective Dark-, Ghost-, or Grass-type attacks. Choice Scarf users such as Excadrill, Tyranitar, and Landorus-T can also surprise and OHKO Starmie, but all of them can be KOed by half of Starmie's movepool (Ice Beam and Hydro Pump).

**Chansey**: Chansey can tank anything Starmie throws at it and can continually use Soft-boiled in order to stall out Life Orb recoil.

**Bulky Tanks**: Aegislash is a fantastic check to Starmie because it not only OHKOs it with Shadow Ball, but it can also prevent it from Rapid Spinning. On a similar note, Kyurem-B can tank even two Life Orb Psyshocks, and either OHKO back or recover stall with Roost. Additionally, Mega Gyarados and Suicune can set up sweeps fairly easily against Starmie; the former is especially notable for completely resisting the combination of Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Psyshock, and can tank at least one Thunderbolt for free before sweeping at +1.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types can usually take on Starmie easily provided they don't take too many well-timed Psyshocks or Ice Beams. Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss are bulky enough stand up to Psyshock-less Starmie, while Ferrothorn counters it completely.

 

[Calm Pokemaster]

Deletions
Additions / Corrections
Comments

Hide

Overview
########

With the new generation and multiple changes to our the OU metagame, Starmie isn't as effective as it once used to be. Defog is often the more preferred method of removing hazards, and Excadrill is the prime OU offensive Rapid Spinner, leaving little room for Starmie to flourish. Additionally, Starmie is as vulnerable as ever to common moves such as Pursuit, U-turn, and Volt Switch. However, it still has a great base 115 Speed and amazing coverage, along with a great ability in Analytic, allowing Starmie to still be a potent offensive threat, and it has access to a great ability in Analytic. However, Starmie's typing leaves it vulnerable to common attacks such as Pursuit, U-turn, and Volt Switch. (I don't play OU, but is that all Starmie has going for it? You could perhaps mention some common threats it checks, because as it is this Overview focuses a bit too much on Starmie's negatives) Overall, play to Starmie's good points however, and it can be a great asset.


Offensive Spinner
########
name: Offensive Spinner
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Psyshock / Thunderbolt
move 4: Rapid Spin
ability: Analytic
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Moves
========

This set plays to Starmie's natural offensive capabilities. Analytic is the ability of choice for its incredible power boost on the switch, and Starmie makes great use of it with the numerous switches it forces. (I presume this is how the set functions; ignore if I am wrong) Hydro Pump is STAB and hits stupidly hard on the switch, thanks to the boost Analytic provides and its awesome Base Power. Ice Beam provides nice coverage for against Grass- and Dragon-types. Psychock is the main option for Starmie as it's STAB and is a secondary STAB that (Hydro Pump comes first on the list, and it isn't slashed with anything else, so I guess that's the primary STAB) hits Mega Venusaur and Chansey for nice damage; it also Psyshock has a slim chance to OHKO Conkeldurr, which is a big threat in the metagame right now. Thunderbolt however offers more coverage, which allowing Starmie to hit Water-types, and creates giving it the infamous "Bolt-beam" superb BoltBeam coverage. Finally, Rapid Spin is used as it supports the team by removing hazards.

("infamous" means "known for a bad deed or quality". I'm sure that's not what you mean here :P)

Set Details
========

The EVs are used for maximum power and speed. Surf can be used for more consistency, but overall Hydro Pump is generally better. You might think an all-out attacking set could be useful, but Starmie is mainly used for its ability to Rapid Spin. Recover can also be an option, but Starmie really needs the to coverage in order to be threatening. Analytic is the preferred ability, (remove comma) because of the power boost it provides on the switch, allowing Starmie to 2HKO nearly everything in the tier with the right coverage move. Timid is a must, since Starmie is all about Speed, and being outsped by Keldeo, Terrakion, Latios, and other top threats just isn't worth it.

Usage Tips
========

This set is more suited to offensive teams that rely on VoltTurn or a late-game sweeper that's weak to entry hazards (Talonflame, Volcarona, Dragonite, (remove comma) etc.), so pairing it up with said Pokemon is a good idea. Starmie's main role of the game is to generally Rapid Spin, so make that your first priority over hitting something hard on the switch. If the removal of hazards isn't the number one priority, then generally spamming Hydro Pump is generally a good idea.

Team Options
========

As already stated, the best partners for Starmie are powerful sweepers that are weak to entry hazards, making Volcarona, Dragonite, and Talonflame your best options. Starmie is also pretty popular on VoltTurn teams for its ability to effectively remove hazards, so good partners include Scizor. Scizor can beat all of Starmie's checks (Tyranitar, Blissey, etc), such as Tyranitar and Blissey, while Starmie can easily beat the Heatran and Skarmory that check Scizor Scizor's checks (Heatran, Skarmory, etc).


Other Options
========

A full out An all-out attacker set can be considered, as it gives you Starmie incredible coverage, but the main reason to use Starmie is for its ability to Rapid Spin. Choice Specs Starmie with Trick is a pretty fun set to try out, as it can cripple Chansey and Ferrothorn very nicely with a well-timed Trick while dishing out heavy damage in general, but The Power out put is also solid. Starmie generally prefers the ability to switch moves however. Starmie can potentially run a Reflect type set, as it beats most of Starmie's checks, like Reflect is an option to check Ferrothorn and Tyranitar, but it's kinda gimmicky, and Starmie doesn't have much room to run it. Hidden Power Fire is a coverage option that an be considered for it's ability to hits Ferrothorn and Scizor for solid damage, but outside of that there's little use for it. Thunder Wave is a neat option to use on Starmie to cripple fast Pokemon like Keldeo and Latias.


Checks and Counters
========

**Pursuit Trappers**: Pursuit trappers can eliminate Starmie from the game. These include Tyranitar, Weavile, Bisharp, and Scizor all make for good Pursuit users. (You could maybe mention that Tyranitar sponges most of Starmie's attacks well? Ignore if I'm wrong.)

**Special Walls**: Blissey, Chansey, and other special walls can tank anything Starmie throws at them, but they can't stop Starmie it from Rapid Spinning.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types stop Starmie from spinning, so Gourgiest, Trevenant, and Aegislash can all be considered checks, and they also can also hit Starmie for solid damage with their respective STAB attacks.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types can usually take on Starmie easily. Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss can easily stand up to Starmie if it isn't running Psyshock, while Celebi and Ferrothorn counter it regardless.

GP 1 / 2

 

[Gary]

Deletions
Additions / Corrections
Comments

Hide

Overview
########

With the new generation and multiple changes to our the OU metagame, Starmie isn't as effective as it once used to be. Defog is often the more preferred method of removing hazards, and Excadrill is the prime OU offensive Rapid Spinner, leaving little room for Starmie to flourish. Additionally, Starmie is as vulnerable as ever to common moves such as Pursuit, U-turn, and Volt Switch. However, it still has a great base 115 Speed and amazing coverage, along with a great ability in Analytic, allowing Starmie to still be a potent offensive threat, and it has access to a great ability in Analytic. However, Starmie's typing leaves it vulnerable to common attacks such as Pursuit, U-turn, and Volt Switch. (I don't play OU, but is that all Starmie has going for it? You could perhaps mention some common threats it checks, because as it is this Overview focuses a bit too much on Starmie's negatives) Overall, play to Starmie's good points however, and it can be a great asset.


Offensive Spinner
########
name: Offensive Spinner
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Psyshock / Thunderbolt
move 4: Rapid Spin
ability: Analytic
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Moves
========

This set plays to Starmie's natural offensive capabilities. Analytic is the ability of choice for its incredible power boost on the switch, and Starmie makes great use of it with the numerous switches it forces. (I presume this is how the set functions; ignore if I am wrong) Hydro Pump is STAB and hits stupidly hard on the switch, thanks to the boost Analytic provides and its awesome Base Power. Ice Beam provides nice coverage for against Grass- and Dragon-types. Psychock is the main option for Starmie as it's STAB and is a secondary STAB that (Hydro Pump comes first on the list, and it isn't slashed with anything else, so I guess that's the primary STAB) hits Mega Venusaur and Chansey for nice damage; it also Psyshock has a slim chance to OHKO Conkeldurr, which is a big threat in the metagame right now. Thunderbolt however offers more coverage, which allowing Starmie to hit Water-types, and creates giving it the infamous "Bolt-beam" superb BoltBeam coverage. Finally, Rapid Spin is used as it supports the team by removing hazards.

("infamous" means "known for a bad deed or quality". I'm sure that's not what you mean here :P)

Set Details
========

The EVs are used for maximum power and speed. Surf can be used for more consistency, but overall Hydro Pump is generally better. You might think an all-out attacking set could be useful, but Starmie is mainly used for its ability to Rapid Spin. Recover can also be an option, but Starmie really needs the to coverage in order to be threatening. Analytic is the preferred ability, (remove comma) because of the power boost it provides on the switch, allowing Starmie to 2HKO nearly everything in the tier with the right coverage move. Timid is a must, since Starmie is all about Speed, and being outsped by Keldeo, Terrakion, Latios, and other top threats just isn't worth it.

Usage Tips
========

This set is more suited to offensive teams that rely on VoltTurn or a late-game sweeper that's weak to entry hazards (Talonflame, Volcarona, Dragonite, (remove comma) etc.), so pairing it up with said Pokemon is a good idea. Starmie's main role of the game is to generally Rapid Spin, so make that your first priority over hitting something hard on the switch. If the removal of hazards isn't the number one priority, then generally spamming Hydro Pump is generally a good idea.

Team Options
========

As already stated, the best partners for Starmie are powerful sweepers that are weak to entry hazards, making Volcarona, Dragonite, and Talonflame your best options. Starmie is also pretty popular on VoltTurn teams for its ability to effectively remove hazards, so good partners include Scizor. Scizor can beat all of Starmie's checks (Tyranitar, Blissey, etc), such as Tyranitar and Blissey, while Starmie can easily beat the Heatran and Skarmory that check Scizor Scizor's checks (Heatran, Skarmory, etc).


Other Options
========

A full out An all-out attacker set can be considered, as it gives you Starmie incredible coverage, but the main reason to use Starmie is for its ability to Rapid Spin. Choice Specs Starmie with Trick is a pretty fun set to try out, as it can cripple Chansey and Ferrothorn very nicely with a well-timed Trick while dishing out heavy damage in general, but The Power out put is also solid. Starmie generally prefers the ability to switch moves however. Starmie can potentially run a Reflect type set, as it beats most of Starmie's checks, like Reflect is an option to check Ferrothorn and Tyranitar, but it's kinda gimmicky, and Starmie doesn't have much room to run it. Hidden Power Fire is a coverage option that an be considered for it's ability to hits Ferrothorn and Scizor for solid damage, but outside of that there's little use for it. Thunder Wave is a neat option to use on Starmie to cripple fast Pokemon like Keldeo and Latias.


Checks and Counters
========

**Pursuit Trappers**: Pursuit trappers can eliminate Starmie from the game. These include Tyranitar, Weavile, Bisharp, and Scizor all make for good Pursuit users. (You could maybe mention that Tyranitar sponges most of Starmie's attacks well? Ignore if I'm wrong.)

**Special Walls**: Blissey, Chansey, and other special walls can tank anything Starmie throws at them, but they can't stop Starmie it from Rapid Spinning.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types stop Starmie from spinning, so Gourgiest, Trevenant, and Aegislash can all be considered checks, and they also can also hit Starmie for solid damage with their respective STAB attacks.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types can usually take on Starmie easily. Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss can easily stand up to Starmie if it isn't running Psyshock, while Celebi and Ferrothorn counter it regardless.

GP 1 / 2

Thank you. Check as been implemented.

 

[horyzhnz]

Gary2346
add or change
remove
comments

Starmie.

Overview
########

With the multiple changes to the OU metagame, Starmie isn't as effective as it once used to be. Defog is often the more preferred method of removing entry hazards, and Excadrill is the prime OU offensive Rapid Spinner, leaving little room for Starmie to flourish. Additionally, Starmie is as vulnerable as ever to common moves such as Pursuit, U-turn, and Volt Switch. However, it still has a great base 115 Speed and amazing coverage, along with a great ability in Analytic, allowing Starmie to be a potent offensive threat. It's also a great check to many top tier threats, such as Keldeo, Garchomp, Excadrill, Landorus, and Gengar. Overall, play to Starmie's good points, and it can be a great asset.


Offensive Spinner
########
name: Offensive Spinner
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Psyshock / Thunderbolt
move 4: Rapid Spin
ability: Analytic
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Moves
========

This set plays to Starmie's natural offensive capabilities. Analytic is the ability of choice for its incredible power boost on the switch, and Starmie makes great use of it with the numerous switches it forces. Hydro Pump is STAB and hits stupidly hard on the switch, thanks to the boost Analytic provides and its awesome Base Power. Ice Beam provides nice coverage against Dragon-types, such as Latios and Dragonite. Psyshock is a secondary STAB that hits Mega Venusaur and Chansey for nice damage; it also has a slim chance to OHKO Assault Vest Conkeldurr. However,(AC) Thunderbolt however offers more coverage, which allowing Starmie to hit Water-types such as Azumarill, and giving it superb BoltBeam coverage. Finally, Rapid Spin is used as it supports the team by removing entry hazards.

Set Details
========

The EVs are used for maximum power and speed. Surf can be used for more consistency, but Hydro Pump is generally better. You might think an all-out attacking set could be useful, but Starmie is mainly used for its ability to Rapid Spin. Recover can also be used as an option, but Starmie really needs the coverage in order to be threatening. Analytic is the preferred ability because of the power boost it provides on the switch, allowing Starmie to 2HKO nearly everything in the tier with the right coverage move. Timid is a must, since Starmie is all about Speed, and being outsped by Keldeo, Terrakion, Latios, and other top threats just isn't worth it.

Usage Tips
========

This set is more suited to offensive teams that rely on VoltTurn or a late-game sweeper that's weak to entry hazards like (Talonflame, Volcarona, and Dragonite etc.), so pairing it up with said Pokemon is a good idea. Starmie's main role is to Rapid Spin, so make that your first priority over hitting something hard on the switch. If the removal of entry hazards isn't the number one priority, then spamming Hydro Pump is generally a good idea.

Team Options
========

As already stated, the best partners for Starmie are powerful sweepers that are weak to entry hazards, making Volcarona, Dragonite, and Talonflame your best options. Starmie is also pretty popular on VoltTurn teams for its ability to effectively remove entry hazards, so a good partners include would be Scizor (you can keep the original sentence, but if so you should list some more U-turn users) . Scizor can beat all of Starmie's checks such as Tyranitar and Blissey, while Starmie can easily beat the Heatran and Skarmory that check Scizor.


Other Options
========

An all-out attacker attacking ('all-out attacking set was used in 'Set Details', so this is just for consistency) set can be considered, as it gives Starmie incredible coverage, but the main reason to use Starmie is for its ability to Rapid Spin. Choice Specs Starmie with Trick is a pretty fun set to try out, as it can cripple Chansey and Ferrothorn very nicely with a well-timed Trick while dishing out heavy damage in general, but Starmie generally prefers the ability to switch moves. Reflect is an option to check Ferrothorn and Tyranitar, but it's kinda gimmicky, and Starmie doesn't have much room to run it. Hidden Power Fire is a coverage option that hits Ferrothorn and Scizor for solid damage, but outside of that there's little use for it. Thunder Wave is a neat option to cripple fast Pokemon like Keldeo and Latias.


Checks and Counters
========

**Pursuit Trappers**: Pursuit trappers can eliminate Starmie from the game. These include Choice Scarf Tyranitar, Bisharp, and Scizor.

**Greninja**: Greninja outspeeds and OHKOs Starmie with Dark Pulse or Hidden Power Grass.

**Chansey**: Chansey can tank anything Starmie throws at it and can continually use Softboiled Soft-Boiled comfortably in order to comfortably stall out Life Orb recoil.

**Aegislash**: Aegislash is a fantastic check to Starmie because it not only OHKOs it with Shadow Ball, but it can also prevent it from Rapid Spinning.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types can usually take on Starmie easily. Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss are bulky enough stand up to Starmie, while Ferrothorn counters it completely.

Calm cleaned this up really well, not much to change, so good job.

GP 2/2

 

[gnr61]

I know this is basically done and Starmie is a pretty straightforward Pokemon, but I feel Natural Cure is worthy of a strong mention in OO. Starmie makes a decent ScarfDrill + Keldeo replacement for HO teams, and with Natural Cure it has the rather unique benefit for a fast Water attacker of giving no fucks about Thundurus-I, an incredibly obnoxious threat increasingly relied on as a sole RKiller and stop to HO sweepers, one on one; and if Starmie's ability hasn't been revealed, an opponent may well risk going for the 'crippling' Thunder Wave only to be one-shotted and have Starmie come back to spin again later. Again, the power provided by Analytic is pretty definitive as Starmie's niche, but for offensive teams who want a fast Water-spammer that can't be shut down by Thundurus (barring full paralysis) Natural Cure is a pretty cool option.

I've also been testing Analytic Starmie in lieu of Specs/LO Keldeo on rain HO and been extremely pleased, perhaps worth a footnote in Team Options as rain loves keeping its own hazards up but appreciates them gone on its own side, plus trading Keldeo's ability to more easily beat Ferrothorn, Chansey, MGyara, Tyranitar and Bisharp for acing Venusaur, Azumarill, Dragonite, Gyarados, Gengar and Lati@s while forcing Thunderus to status can be situationally quite useful for rain, assuming the aforementioned are still dispatchable by teammates.

 

[Gary]

I know this is basically done and Starmie is a pretty straightforward Pokemon, but I feel Natural Cure is worthy of a strong mention in OO. Starmie makes a decent ScarfDrill + Keldeo replacement for HO teams, and with Natural Cure it has the rather unique benefit for a fast Water attacker of giving no fucks about Thundurus-I, an incredibly obnoxious threat increasingly relied on as a sole RKiller and stop to HO sweepers, one on one; and if Starmie's ability hasn't been revealed, an opponent may well risk going for the 'crippling' Thunder Wave only to be one-shotted and have Starmie come back to spin again later. Again, the power provided by Analytic is pretty definitive as Starmie's niche, but for offensive teams who want a fast Water-spammer that can't be shut down by Thundurus (barring full paralysis) Natural Cure is a pretty cool option.

I've also been testing Analytic Starmie in lieu of Specs/LO Keldeo on rain HO and been extremely pleased, perhaps worth a footnote in Team Options as rain loves keeping its own hazards up but appreciates them gone on its own side, plus trading Keldeo's ability to more easily beat Ferrothorn, Chansey, MGyara, Tyranitar and Bisharp for acing Venusaur, Azumarill, Dragonite, Gyarados, Gengar and Lati@s while forcing Thunderus to status can be situationally quite useful for rain, assuming the aforementioned are still dispatchable by teammates.

Yeah I'll mention cure in set comments.

This is done.