Moves
Brave Bird is Staraptor's STAB move, hitting targets that don't resist the attack hard while hitting Bug-, Fighting-, and Grass-types such as Mega Pinsir, Buzzwole, and Mega Venusaur super effectively. Roost is a reliable recovery move that prolongs Staraptor's longevity throughout the match. Defog supports Staraptor's team by clearing the field of entry hazards. U-turn is used to gain momentum for Staraptor's team while safely switching its teammates in.
Set Details
252 HP EVs and 200 Defense EVs with an Impish nature maximize Staraptor's ability to take physical attacks. 56 Speed EVs allow Staraptor to outspeed Adamant Swords Dance Tapu Bulu, a huge threat to the type. Intimidate helps Staraptor and its teammates tank attacks from physical attackers more effectively. Leftovers grants passive recovery each turn, which Staraptor highly appreciates.
Usage Tips
Bring Staraptor into physical attackers that it's able to take on and cripple with Intimidate such as Choice Scarf Excadrill and Buzzwole. Thanks to Roost and Intimidate, it's able to continuously switch into physical attackers, so it's always best to keep to Staraptor healthy by using Roost frequently. However, Staraptor needs to be cautious about physical attackers switching into it, because Intimidate will not lower their Attack, sometimes forcing it to switch out and have one of its teammates take a hit from the opposing side. For example, while Staraptor is on the field, Choice Band Dragonite can switch in without worrying about a decrease in Attack and proceed to use Outrage, which forces Staraptor to switch to Porygon2 to tank Dragonite's attack. While Staraptor can check many physical attackers, most setup sweepers such as Landorus-T use it as setup bait, so it needs to be careful. It's very important that Staraptor keeps Stealth Rock off the field as much as possible, as it limits the physical hits Staraptor can take, so switch Staraptor in as soon as the foe sets Stealth Rock to avoid taking damage, and use Defog afterwards. Do not be afraid to use Roost as a means of scouting a strong physical attack, as Staraptor appreciates staying on the field longer for use later in the game. Staraptor should never be used to tank any special attacks; a teammate such as Chansey should. Staraptor should switch into defensive Pokemon such as Skarmory, Forretress, and opposing Chansey to remove entry hazards with Defog. However, it hates being hit by Toxic from the likes of Toxapex and has no way to spread status, so it loses to most walls one-on-one.
Team Options
Together, Chansey and Porygon2 create an outstanding defensive core with Staraptor. All teammates appreciate Staraptor's ability to soften physical attacks for its team, its neutrality to Fighting-type attacks, and its ability to remove entry hazards. Chansey is a great partner for Staraptor, as it can sponge special attacks, set up Stealth Rock, switch into status thanks to Natural Cure, spread status with Toxic, and cure Staraptor of any status with Heal Bell. In return, Staraptor can take on physical attackers and Fighting-types. Porygon2 pairs well with Staraptor as another physically defensive tank that can punish setup sweepers such as Mega Scizor with Foul Play and spread status with moves such as Toxic. Porygon-Z appreciates Staraptor's support increasing its chances to take a hit without receiving chip damage so it can sweep more easily. Alongside Staraptor, Meloetta is also another reliable check to Fighting teams thanks to its Psychic typing, and it is able to break through other teams. Meloetta appreciates Staraptor switching into physical attackers that it's weak to, such as Heracross. Diggersby can break through walls for Staraptor thanks to Huge Power, and its Ground typing grants it an immunity to Electric-type attacks and lets it switch into Thunder Wave users such as Klefki and Jirachi. Diggersby can also take on Steel-types such as Heatran. Power-Up Punch + Encore Mega Lopunny can take out walls that Staraptor can't beat, such as Toxapex, and Mega Pidgeot can be an offensive check to Fighting-types, removing some pressure from Staraptor. Setup sweepers such as Mega Charizard X are always a problem for Staraptor, so Choice Scarf Ditto serves as a great way to eliminate them.