Good Speed and access to Scald, Recover, and Rapid Spin combine to make Staryu the best entry hazard remover in the tier. Scald is a godsend to every defensive Water-type, doubling as an easy-to-spam attack that threatens otherwise good checks with a burn. Rapid Spin is a luxury in a tier with very few forms of hazard control and is the cornerstone of Staryu's niche. Recover is crucial to keeping Staryu able to remove entry hazards long-term, distinguishing it from every other spinner. The last moveslot is dedicated to making Staryu harder to exploit, as Scald on its own is somewhat easy to take advantage of. Toxic is the most common option, as Poison- and Steel-types do not want to risk a Scald burn. However, this leads to Staryu being wholly incapable of doing anything against Clefairy other than using Rapid Spin and switching out. Thunder Wave remedies this, applying another useful status that Pokemon immune to Electric are hesitant to counter due to the threat of Scald. Thunderbolt can be used on fully Defense-invested Staryu that would get outsped by Walrein and are susceptible to Substitute, but the damage to any Water-type other than opposing Staryu and Pelipper is paltry at best. Natural Cure allows Staryu to take a Will-O-Wisp or Toxic and cleanse it by switching out, improving its longevity greatly. This is particularly useful against the Rock- and Ground-types such as Solrock or Hippopotas that struggle to pressure Staryu with status, a trait that other spinners cannot replicate. A Timid nature and enough Speed to outrun a fully invested Solrock are used, as using Rapid Spin before Solrock can use Explosion is key against hyper offense teams. However, maximum Defense or Special Defense investment with the corresponding nature can be used to counter Rock-types or Pelipper better, respectively.
Staryu is most commonly seen on defensive and balance teams that use staples crippled by Stealth Rock, such as Pelipper, Walrein, Emolga, and Simisear. These Pokemon are already excellent with Stealth Rock present, but they can be overwhelming with the entry hazard removal and status that Staryu provides. Even Pokemon not weak to Stealth Rock, such as Persian and Muk, can stick around seemingly forever with hazards cleared. Staryu's support can be excellent in preserving its teammates, but it needs partners that can facilitate it to consistently use Rapid Spin. Counters to Meganium and Clefairy are paramount, as Aromatherapy undoes any status Staryu applies and Clefairy is a foolproof wall. Muk, Leafeon, and Mienfoo are excellent long-term counters to the pair, which is accentuated by Staryu forcing them in and removing entry hazards. These three also appreciate Staryu's ability to pivot into passive walls, Solrock especially, from where it can reliably spread status or remove hazards. Staryu's utility can be unreliable against hyper offense teams that load up on multiple Pokemon that carry Lum Berry or take advantage of the turns that Staryu spends using Rapid Spin and Recover. Speedy Pokemon that are reliable against hyper offense such as Emolga, Persian, Choice Scarf Mienfoo, and Choice Scarf Grumpig can help revenge kill in return once Staryu is inevitably sacrificed. Staryu's bulk, even with Eviolite, is not particularly impressive. Grass-types with great natural bulk to take hits, especially from Electric- and Grass-type moves, are appreciated, such as Meganium, Leafeon, and Ivysaur.
