Staraptor weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Staraptor is a fierce Normal and Flying-type Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This raptor-esque bird is an offensive powerhouse, using its fast Speed and high Attack stat to mow down enemies. Combined with its ability Reckless, which increases the power of its strongest moves, Staraptor can become an offensive menace. However, Staraptor isn’t unstoppable. There are tons of Pokémon out there that can match Staraptor and its power. Here is our guide on Staraptor weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

As a Normal- and Flying-type Pokémon, Staraptor is weak to a variety of different types. Staraptor takes extra damage from Ice-type, Rock-type, and Electric-type moves. Currently, Staraptor is in the ‘UU’ tier in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and as such, this guide will refer to other Pokémon that counter Staraptor found in that tier.

Staraptor Weaknesses and Best Counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

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Iron Thorns

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Iron Thorns is a strong Pokémon and one of the best Staraptor counters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. While Iron Thorns is slower than Staraptor, its Rock- and Electric-typing allow it to tank many of Staraptor’s attacks. Additionally, Iron Thorns has its pick of the litter in moves that will deal extra damage to Staraptor as a Rock and Electric-type. Use Iron Thorns and take the opportunity to set up numerous Dragon Dance boosts and wipe out Staraptor and the other enemies.

Sandy Shocks

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Sandy Shocks is another Electric-type Pokémon that is notable for being a bit faster than Staraptor. Staraptor already has an impressive and respectable Speed stat of 100, but Sandy Shocks just edges it out with a Speed stat of 101. As Staraptor is weak to Electric-type moves, Sandy Shocks can be used as a way to reliably outspeed and shock Staraptor back to its Poké Ball. Be aware that its Ground-type moves will not connect against Staraptor.

Kilowattrel

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Kilowattrel is the regional bird of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and is an Electric- and Flying-type Pokémon itself. Kilowattrel will more reliably outspeed Staraptor with its Speed stat of 121, but it deals a little less damage than Iron Thorns. While Sandy Shocks may have an easier time defeating Staraptor, use Kilowattrel if you think you’ll need the extra boost in speed. Fortunately, Kilowattrel should take less damage from Staraptor’s Flying-type moves.

Tyranitar

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Tyranitar is an alternate counter to Staraptor. As the original form of Iron Thorns, Tyranitar maintains its Rock-typing which allows it to tank many of Staraptor’s attacks. Additionally, it’s a bit bulkier than Iron Thorns with higher Special Defense stats. You might consider using Tyranitar over Iron Thorns if you need it to battle another Special Attacker as well. Tyranitar’s Rock-type moves will still mow down Staraptor with Tyranitar’s high offensive stats.

And those are the Staraptor weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. For more, be sure to hit up our features and guides hub, where we help with sandwich recipes, tower locations, and way more.