If you’re a Pokémon fan and you have a Staryu, you might wonder: How do I evolve it? The process is simple, but there are a few strategic choices you may want to consider. In this article, you will learn what item is needed, when to evolve, and how that affects your moves and performance.
Staryu is a Water-type Pokémon, introduced in Generation I. It is shaped like a starfish, with a central core that glows. It does not evolve by leveling up or by trading — instead, it evolves through a special evolution item.
When Staryu evolves, it becomes Starmie, a more powerful Water / Psychic dual type (in most games). Because Staryu’s only evolution is by item, you have control over when to evolve it.
What You Need: A Water Stone
To evolve Staryu into Starmie, you must use a Water Stone. This is the only method. The evolution is not tied to level or friendship. As soon as you apply the Water Stone, Staryu will immediately evolve into Starmie.
- In mainline Pokémon games (like Red, Blue, Yellow, Sword & Shield, etc.), just use the Water Stone on your Staryu.
- In Pokémon GO, the process is different: you don’t use a Water Stone. Instead, you evolve Staryu by spending a required number of Staryu candies (often 50 candies in many games).
Thus, depending on which Pokémon game you are playing, the mechanics differ. But in the standard core games, the Water Stone is the item you’ll need.
When Should You Evolve Staryu?
Although you can evolve Staryu at almost any time (once you have a Water Stone), sometimes it’s better to wait. Here are key considerations:
Moves Learned by Staryu vs. Starmie
- Some of Staryu’s natural level-up moves may only be learned before evolution. Once Staryu becomes Starmie, it stops learning new moves by leveling in many games.
- For example, in some generations Staryu can learn a move like Power Gem at a certain level. If you evolve too early, you might miss that ability to learn it naturally.
- On the other hand, most of the powerful moves Starmie is known for (like Ice Beam, Psychic, Thunderbolt, Surf) are usually taught via TM / HM / TR or via Move Tutors. These are still accessible after evolution.
Because of this, many players wait until Staryu has learned key moves they want before evolving. Once you evolve, you rely more on TMs and move relearn mechanics than natural leveling.
Strategic Timing
Here are general guidelines:
- Wait until Staryu has learned most of its useful innate moves before evolving.
- If the moves you’re most interested in can be taught via TM later, you can evolve early and train Starmie’s greater stats sooner.
- Don’t delay too long if your team needs a stronger, evolved Pokémon for battles ahead.
In short: evolve before you miss out, but not so early that you lose access to rare moves.
Steps to Evolve: A Simple Walk-through
Here’s a clear, step-by-step to handle the evolution:
- Catch or acquire a Staryu.
- Train it (battle, gain experience) so it reaches the level you want.
- Decide which moves you want it to learn naturally before evolving.
- Acquire a Water Stone (in main games).
- Open your item bag, select Water Stone, use it on Staryu.
- Watch the dramatic evolution into Starmie, complete with animation.
- After evolution, teach or relearn moves via TM, Move Tutors, or Move Relearner.
If you are playing Pokémon GO, step 4 is replaced by collecting the required candies and pressing “Evolve.” You will not use a Water Stone there.
