Pokémon counters guide

Best Counters for Starmie

Find practical counter Pokémon, attacking types, and defensive matchup notes for Starmie.

WaterPsychic
Starmie Pokémon sprite

Starmie

#0121

Quick answer

Starmie is best pressured by Electric, Grass, Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type attacks at 2x damage. Because there is no 4x weakness, defensive safety, Speed, and raw stats matter more.

Best move types

Electric×2Grass×2Bug×2Ghost×2

Top weaknesses (5)

Electric×2Grass×2Bug×2Ghost×2Dark×2

Type matchup table

Electric type iconElectric2x
Grass type iconGrass2x
Bug type iconBug2x
Ghost type iconGhost2x
Dark type iconDark2x
Normal type iconNormal1x
Poison type iconPoison1x
Ground type iconGround1x
Flying type iconFlying1x
Rock type iconRock1x
Dragon type iconDragon1x
Fairy type iconFairy1x
Fire type iconFire0.5x
Water type iconWater0.5x
Ice type iconIce0.5x
Fighting type iconFighting0.5x
Psychic type iconPsychic0.5x
Steel type iconSteel0.5x

Recommended practical counters

Overqwil Pokémon sprite

Overqwil

#0904

Immune to PsychicBudget option
DarkPoison
  • Deals 2x damage with Dark-type attacks
  • Has STAB Dark-type attacks
  • Is immune to the target's Psychic 0x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
Best typeDark×2

Safe into Psychic 0x

115 offense · 85 Speed

Strong theoretical counters

Best move types to use

Electric×2Grass×2Bug×2Ghost×2Dark×2

Move availability depends on game version and learnset data, so this page recommends move types rather than guaranteed moves.

Electric type pageGrass type pageBug type pageGhost type pageDark type page

Counter notes for Starmie

  • Starmie is a Water / Psychic Pokémon with 115 base Speed and stronger special attack (100 Sp. Atk). Electric, Grass, Bug, Ghost, and Dark attacks all work offensively, but safer counters are usually the ones that reduce risk from its own STAB types.
  • Starmie has several 2x weaknesses rather than a single 4x weakness, so the best counters are the ones that can hit it super-effectively while also reducing the risk from Water / Psychic STAB.
  • Known abilities include Illuminate, Natural Cure, and Analytic. This page does not assume ability-specific battle effects, so verify the format before relying on a single counter.
  • Avoid counters that are weak to Water / Psychic unless they are fast enough to pressure immediately or bulky enough to survive the exchange.
  • Starmie has alternate forms in the National Dex, but this page focuses on the standard Water / Psychic matchup.

What not to use

Fire×0.5Water×0.5Ice×0.5Fighting×0.5Psychic×0.5Steel×0.5

These attacking types are resisted or blocked by the defender's typing, so they are usually lower-priority choices unless they provide a special battle role.

Battle caveats

  • This ranking uses modern Gen 6+ type matchups, STAB value, defensive switch-in safety, and base stats.
  • Abilities, held items, Terastallization, weather, terrain, and format rules can change real battle outcomes.
  • Coverage moves can punish obvious counters, so treat this as type-based guidance rather than a full matchup simulator.
  • Move availability depends on game version and learnset data; this page recommends attacking types rather than guaranteed moves.

Related pages

Starmie weakness chartStarmie PokédexWater / Psychic countersElectric type pageGrass type pageBug type pagePokémon type chartSpeed tiers

FAQ

What is the best counter for Starmie?

Starmie is best countered by Pokémon that can use Electric, Grass, Bug, Ghost, and Dark (2x) attacks while avoiding bad defensive matchups into Water / Psychic STAB attacks. Because there is no 4x weakness, Speed, bulk, and offensive stats matter more when choosing the actual Pokémon.

What type is best against Starmie?

Electric, Grass, Bug, Ghost, and Dark are the strongest attacking types against Starmie, dealing 2x damage under the modern Gen 6+ type chart.

How many useful attacking types hit Starmie super-effectively?

Starmie has 5 super-effective attacking options: Electric, Grass, Bug, Ghost, and Dark. Use the highest multiplier first, then choose a Pokémon that is not exposed to Water / Psychic STAB attacks.

Are abilities included in this counter ranking?

No. The ranking uses base typing and base stats. Abilities, items, Terastallization, weather, terrain, and special move rules can change the real matchup.

Does Terastallization change Starmie counters?

Yes. Terastallization can replace the defensive typing used here, so the recommended counter types may change completely in formats where Tera is active.

What should I avoid using against Starmie?

Avoid relying on Fire, Water, Ice, Fighting, and Psychic attacks unless they have a special role or unusually high power.

© 2026 NationalDex. All rights reserved.
Pokémon and Pokémon character names are trademarks of Nintendo / GAME FREAK / Creatures Inc. This is a fan-made website for learning and community use only. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the trademark holders.
Terms·Privacy·About

Search NationalDex

Search Pokémon, moves, abilities, types, and items.