What’s the Best Moveset and Stats for a Starmie to be Useful in a Competitive Play?

Introduction

In competitive play, Starmie is a versatile Water/Psychic-type Pokémon with a variety of movesets and stats that can make it a formidable opponent. The optimal moveset and stats for a competitive Starmie are crucial for maximizing its effectiveness and utility in the current metagame.

Here, we will discuss the best moveset and stats for a Starmie that can effectively pressure opponents while also providing utility. Additionally, we will explore two distinct sets for Starmie, one optimized for offensive support and another for defensive tanking. Lastly, we will provide a breakdown of the necessary EVs and natures for Starmie based on the chosen set.

Optimal Moveset and Stats

A competitive Starmie set would typically have the following:

Hydro Pump Psychic Thunderbolt Rapid Spin

With stats:

104 HP 109 Special Attack 85 Speed

This combination of moves and stats makes Starmie a versatile and threatening special attacker. The Water/Psychic typing, powerful STAB moves, and the ability to clear hazards with Rapid Spin make Starmie a useful choice in a competitive environment.

Hydro Pump

Hydro Pump provides strong Water-type coverage. This move is effective against a wide range of Pokémon, including Water and Grass types, making it a solid choice for a moveset that needs extensive coverage.

Psychic and Thunderbolt

Psychic and Thunderbolt offer coverage against opposing Water, Grass, and Dragon types. Psychic specifically targets Water and Dragon types, while Thunderbolt is effective against Water and Flying types.

High Special Attack and Speed

The high Special Attack and Speed stats allow Starmie to hit hard and quickly, making it a dangerous opponent in team battles. These stats also make it easier for Starmie to catch targets and OHKO (One-Hit KO) opponents that are otherwise difficult to take down.

Rapid Spin

Rapid Spin is a versatile move that supports the team by removing entry hazards. This added utility makes Starmie a more valuable asset in a competitive environment.

Two Sets for Starmie

Starmie can be used as either an offensive support or a defensive tank, depending on the team composition and strategy. Here are two movesets for Starmie:

Life Orb Set

Starmie @ Life Orb Ability: Analytic EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe Timid Nature IVs: 0 Atk Moves: - Hydro Pump, - Ice Beam, - Thunderbolt / Psyshock, - Rapid Spin / Recover

This set is designed to take advantage of forced switches to do big damage, thanks to Analytic's damage boost. Hydro Pump is the main STAB move, and Ice Beam hits Dragons and Grasses. Thunderbolt hits Waters, and Psyshock can hit Chansey and Toxapex harder. Rapid Spin is a support move that clears hazards on your side, while Recover provides reliable recovery.

Defensive/Tank Set

Starmie @ Leftovers Ability: Natural Cure / Analytic EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe Timid Nature IVs: 0 Atk Moves: - Scald, - Ice Beam / Toxic, - Recover, - Rapid Spin / Toxic

This set aims to be more of a tank, crippling opponents with Scald and Toxic. Since you are more focused on spreading status, you can use both Recover and Rapid Spin. Natural Cure allows Starmie to avoid status conditions, while Analytic helps chip offensive mons better.

Stat-wise Recommendations

Statwise, you might want to focus on Speed and Special Attack. A Timid nature for speed or Modest nature for power is recommended. Starmie is already quite fast, so a non-Speed boosting nature like Timid should not hinder it too much. However, keep an eye out for Scarf users that usually outspeed it.

For EVs, 252 SpA and 252 Spe would be optimal for maximizing your special attack and speed, while 4 SpD ensures you can endure the inevitable special attacks thrown at you. This setup allows Starmie to hit hard, move quickly, and survive some damage.

Starmie is appreciated for its ability to run Thunderbolt, which gives it great coverage against Water and Flying types, and Ice Beam, which covers Grass types. Overall, Starmie gets a great coverage movepool that allows it to be an all-out offensive attacker. STAB moves like Hydro Pump and Psychic (based on team needs) have high Base Power and can hit hard on defensive mons. Remember, prediction is your friend in competitive play.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for an offensive support Pokémon or a defensive tank, Starmie can adapt to your team's needs. By optimizing movesets and stats, you can make Starmie a powerful and versatile asset in your competitive play.