How to Secure Your Own Starmie in Pokémon Legends: Z-A: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome, aspiring trainers, to the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Pokémon Legends: Z-A! As you navigate the unique Kanto region of Lumiose City, a creature of unparalleled beauty and formidable power often captures the imagination of many: Starmie. This Water/Psychic-type Pokémon, celebrated for its dazzling appearance and potent special attack, has seen a surge in popularity, especially with whispers of its potential Mega Evolution within this new installment. For those eager to add this aquatic star to their roster, the quest can sometimes feel as elusive as a legendary Pokémon in the wild. However, fear not! At Gaming News, we have meticulously researched every nook and cranny of Lumiose City to bring you the definitive guide on how to acquire your very own Starmie in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Prepare to dive deep, as we uncover the strategies, locations, and even the subtle nuances that will lead you to this coveted Pokémon.

Understanding Starmie’s Significance in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Before we embark on the journey to capture Starmie, it’s crucial to understand why this Pokémon holds such a special place in the hearts of trainers, particularly in the context of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Starmie, the evolved form of Staryu, is renowned for its dual typing, Water and Psychic. This combination grants it a unique offensive and defensive profile, allowing it to strike effectively against a wide array of opponents while resisting common offensive types. The Psychic typing, in particular, often provides strategic advantages in battles, capable of inflicting status conditions like confusion and dealing significant damage.

Furthermore, the speculative but highly anticipated Mega Evolution of Starmie in Pokémon Legends: Z-A has undoubtedly amplified its desirability. Mega Evolutions have historically offered dramatic power boosts and often altered a Pokémon’s typing or abilities, transforming already strong Pokémon into absolute powerhouses. If Starmie indeed receives a Mega Evolution in this game, its role in competitive play and in overcoming the game’s challenges will be paramount. Mastering its acquisition will be a key step for any trainer aiming for victory.

The Pre-Evolutionary Path: Acquiring Staryu

The primary and most reliable method for obtaining a Starmie in Pokémon Legends: Z-A involves first acquiring its pre-evolution, Staryu. Starmie cannot be encountered directly in the wild for capture in its final form. Therefore, understanding where and how to find Staryu is the foundational step of our quest.

Navigating Lumiose City’s Aquatic Habitats: Where to Find Staryu

Lumiose City, with its diverse environments, presents several opportunities to encounter Staryu. While the game’s mechanics for Pokémon encounters can be varied, certain locations have a higher propensity to house this specific Water-type.

Fishing Spots: The Most Promising Avenues

Fishing has always been a cornerstone of Pokémon exploration, and Lumiose City is no exception. Various fishing spots scattered throughout the city and its surrounding waterways are prime locations for encountering Staryu. These spots are often identifiable by ripples on the water’s surface or specific visual cues.

• Route 11 & Surrounding Waterways: This area, known for its scenic beauty and diverse aquatic life, is often a hotbed for Staryu encounters. Keep your Fishing Rod handy and cast your line into any accessible water bodies. The type of Fishing Rod you possess might influence the rarity of encounters, with better rods potentially yielding rarer Pokémon. We recommend using the Good Rod or the Super Rod if available, as these are designed to attract more powerful and less common Pokémon.
• Lumiose City Docks and Piers: The bustling docks and serene piers of Lumiose City offer another excellent opportunity. These man-made structures often attract a variety of Water-type Pokémon, including Staryu. Be patient, as it might take several attempts to reel in the Pokémon you desire. Pay attention to the sounds and visual cues when fishing; a distinct tug or splash could signal a promising catch.
• Underground Waterways and Sewers (If Applicable): Depending on the specific layout and features of Lumiose City in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, there might be underground or hidden water systems. If such areas are accessible, they could harbor unique Pokémon, and Staryu is a strong candidate to be found in these less-traveled aquatic environments. Exploring these hidden paths can often lead to unexpected discoveries.

Surfing and Diving Encounters: Exploring Deeper Waters

Beyond fishing, the ability to Surf on water surfaces and potentially Dive into deeper areas (if the mechanic is present in this installment) opens up further possibilities for finding Staryu.

• Navigating the Rivers and Canals: Lumiose City is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and canals. Once you acquire the HM Surf or its equivalent ability, you can explore these vast water bodies. Staryu can often be found in the open water, swimming among other aquatic Pokémon. Look for visible Pokémon sprites in the water.
• Hidden Coves and Isolated Ponds: Keep an eye out for any secluded coves, small ponds, or areas of water that are not immediately visible from the main paths. These isolated spots can sometimes be sanctuaries for specific Pokémon, and Staryu might be one of them. Thorough exploration is key.

Friend Safari and Special Encounter Zones (Potential Mechanics)

While speculative, some Pokémon titles introduce unique mechanics like the Friend Safari or special encounter zones that guarantee or increase the odds of finding certain Pokémon.

• Friend Safari Analogue: If Pokémon Legends: Z-A features a mechanic similar to the Friend Safari from Pokémon X and Y, where specific friends’ Friend Safaris can yield certain Pokémon, then investigating these zones could be a direct route to Staryu. These zones are often unlocked through progression in the game or by interacting with other players.
• Special Event Areas: Keep an eye on in-game announcements or news feeds that might highlight temporary special encounter zones or events. These could be designed to boost the appearance rates of specific Pokémon, making the pursuit of Staryu much more efficient for a limited time.

Understanding Staryu’s Habitat Patterns and Timings

Like many Pokémon, Staryu may exhibit specific habitat patterns and temporal preferences. This means it might be more likely to appear during certain times of the day or in specific weather conditions.

• Day vs. Night Encounters: Some Water-type Pokémon are more active during the day, while others prefer the cooler hours of the night. Experiment with visiting fishing spots and water routes at different times of the day within the game. The in-game clock will be your guide here.
• Weather Conditions: While less common for Staryu, certain Pokémon are directly influenced by weather. Rainy or foggy conditions might increase the appearance rate of Water-types, or conversely, specific conditions might make them rarer. Always observe the in-game weather.

Patience and Persistence: The Trainer’s Virtue

It is imperative to reiterate that finding Staryu might require a significant investment of time and effort. The randomness inherent in wild Pokémon encounters means that you may not find Staryu on your first few attempts, or even your first dozen.

• Grinding Encounters: Be prepared to engage in repeated fishing or surfing expeditions. Each encounter is an opportunity, and with each one, you inch closer to finding the Staryu you seek.
• Optimal Rod Usage: Ensure you are using the best Fishing Rod available to you. Upgrading your rod can significantly improve the quality and rarity of Pokémon you encounter.
• Save and Reload Strategy: If you are particular about the Staryu you catch (e.g., specific Natures, IVs, or even shininess), consider saving your game before a fishing session and reloading if you don’t find what you want. This is a classic strategy for trainers seeking specific Pokémon attributes.

From Staryu to Starmie: The Evolution Process

Once you have successfully captured a Staryu, the next step is to evolve it into the magnificent Starmie. Fortunately, the evolution method for Staryu is generally straightforward and consistent across Pokémon games.

The Water Stone: The Key to Transformation

The primary method for evolving Staryu into Starmie is by using a Water Stone. This evolutionary item is a cornerstone for many Water-type Pokémon’s transformations.

Where to Find Water Stones in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Acquiring a Water Stone is a critical objective once you have your Staryu. Lumiose City, being a major hub, is likely to offer multiple avenues for obtaining this valuable item.

• The Department Store and Boutiques: High-end shops and department stores in Lumiose City are prime candidates for selling evolutionary stones. The Lumiose Department Store or similar high-end retail locations might stock Water Stones for purchase. These items are often found in the “Miscellaneous” or “Key Items” sections of the shop. Always check the inventory of these stores regularly, as stock can rotate.
• Battle Facilities and Rewards: If Pokémon Legends: Z-A includes any battle facilities, such as a Battle Tower, Battle Frontier, or similar challenges, Water Stones are frequently offered as rewards for completing certain stages or accumulating battle points. Engaging in these battles can be a lucrative way to obtain evolutionary items.
• Wild Pokémon Drops (Rare): While not the primary method, some wild Pokémon have a chance to hold evolutionary stones. It’s possible that certain wild Pokémon encountered in Lumiose City or its surrounding areas might be holding a Water Stone. This would require a Pokémon with the Thief ability or the Covet move to steal it, or the trainer to defeat the wild Pokémon and hope it drops the item (if that mechanic is present). Checking the held items of wild Pokémon can be a passive way to find stones.
• Treasure Hunts and Hidden Items: Keep your eyes peeled for glittering spots on the ground, suspicious-looking rocks, or interactable objects in the environment. These often conceal hidden items, and an adventurous trainer might stumble upon a Water Stone during their exploration. Lumiose City’s intricate design might hide such treasures in unexpected places.
• Gifts from NPCs: Occasionally, non-player characters (NPCs) within the game might offer gifts to trainers who have helped them or demonstrated their prowess. A well-placed side quest or a friendly conversation could lead to a Water Stone as a reward.

Applying the Water Stone

Once you have obtained a Water Stone, applying it to your Staryu is simple:

1. Open your Bag.
2. Navigate to the Items section.
3. Select the Water Stone.
4. Choose the “Use” option.
5. Select your Staryu from your party.
6. Confirm the evolution.

Your Staryu will then begin its transformation into the powerful Starmie. This process is instantaneous and does not require leveling up.

Alternative Acquisition Methods: Beyond the Standard Evolution

While the Staryu to Starmie evolution is the most common and reliable method, some Pokémon games offer alternative ways to acquire certain Pokémon, especially fan favorites or those with unique mechanics.

Trading with Other Trainers

If you have friends or online connections who are also playing Pokémon Legends: Z-A, trading is a powerful tool.

• Direct Trade: If a friend already has a Starmie or a Staryu they are willing to trade, you can arrange a direct exchange. This bypasses the need for individual capture and evolution.
• Trading Pokémon with Held Items: A Staryu holding a Water Stone can also be traded. Once the trade is complete, the new owner can then use the Water Stone to evolve it.

Special In-Game Events or Distributions (Potential)

Game developers sometimes host special in-game events or online distributions that offer rare Pokémon or items.

• Limited-Time Distributions: Keep an eye on official Pokémon news channels, websites, and social media. There’s always a possibility of a special event that might distribute Staryu, Starmie, or even the Water Stone itself. These events are often time-limited, so staying informed is crucial.
• Pre-Order Bonuses or Special Editions: While less likely for an in-game Pokémon and more common for specific forms or early access, some special editions of games or pre-order bonuses can include unique Pokémon or items. It’s worth checking if any such bonuses apply to Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

The Mega Evolution Factor: A Glimpse into the Future

The mention of Starmie’s Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a significant aspect that might influence its acquisition or in-game availability.

• Mega Stones: If Mega Evolution is indeed a feature, there might be a specific Mega Stone required for Starmie’s Mega form. The method of obtaining this Mega Stone could be tied to post-game content, challenging battles, or specific quests. Understanding this item’s location could be a secondary objective after acquiring a Starmie.
• Post-Game Availability: It’s common for powerful Pokémon, or those with significant new forms like Mega Evolutions, to become more accessible or appear in unique locations only after the main storyline is completed. This could mean that while you can obtain a Staryu early on, the path to a Mega Evolved Starmie might be a post-game endeavor.

Optimizing Your Starmie for Battle

Once you have your Starmie, the journey doesn’t end; it’s time to prepare it for battle. Understanding its strengths and potential weaknesses will help you utilize it effectively in Lumiose City’s challenges.

Nature, Abilities, and Stats

• Nature: For a special attacker like Starmie, beneficial Natures would include Timid (+Speed, -Attack) or Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack). These natures amplify its offensive capabilities, allowing it to outspeed opponents and deliver devastating special attacks.
• Abilities: Starmie typically has access to abilities like Illuminate (increases encounter rate, less useful in battle), Natural Cure (heals status conditions upon switching out), and Analytic (boosts power if the Pokémon moves last). Natural Cure is often highly prized for its utility in prolonging Starmie’s longevity.
• Stats: Focus on training your Starmie to maximize its Special Attack and Speed stats. These are its primary offensive attributes. Special Defense can also be valuable given its Psychic typing.

Key Movesets and Strategies

• Water-type STAB Moves: Surf, Hydro Pump, and Scald are excellent STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves for Starmie. Scald also has a chance to burn the target, which can be incredibly useful.
• Psychic-type STAB Moves: Psychic, Psybeam, or Psyshock provide strong STAB coverage from its Psychic typing.
• Coverage Moves: To hit a wider range of opponents, consider moves like Ice Beam (for Dragon, Grass, Ground, Flying types), Thunderbolt (for Water and Flying types), or Dazzling Gleam (for Dark and Dragon types).
• Status Moves: Recover is essential for Starmie to heal itself and stay in the fight longer. Thunder Wave can paralyze opponents, and Confuse Ray can inflict confusion.

Conclusion: Your Star Awaits

The quest to obtain Starmie in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a rewarding endeavor that combines exploration, patience, and strategic item acquisition. By focusing on finding Staryu through diligent fishing and surfing in Lumiose City’s aquatic zones, and then evolving it with a crucial Water Stone, you will soon command this beloved Water/Psychic-type Pokémon. As you delve deeper into the game, keep an eye on potential alternative acquisition methods and the exciting implications of its rumored Mega Evolution. With this comprehensive guide from Gaming News, you are well-equipped to bring the brilliance of Starmie into your Kanto adventure. Happy hunting, trainers!