View source for Starmie

{{Short description|Pokémon species}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Starmie
| image = Starmie.png
| caption = Starmie artwork by [[Ken Sugimori]]
| alt = refer to caption
| image_upright = 
| series = [[Pokémon]]
| firstgame = [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] (1996)
| creator = 
| designer = [[Ken Sugimori]] (finalized)<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=64 Dream |date=February 2000 |page=73 |script-title=ja:『''ポケモン金・銀''』の 開発者に話を聞きました! |trans-title=We Spoke to the Developers of ''Pokémon Gold'' and ''Silver''!|language=Japanese}}</ref>
| voice = [[Rikako Aikawa]]<ref name="VA">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mau2.com/voice/5483f3|title=愛河里花子|trans-title=Rikako Aikawa|language=ja|website=まうまう|access-date=October 21, 2025}}</ref>
| species = Pokémon
| lbl21 = [[Pokémon types|Type]]
| data21 = Water and Psychic
}}
{{Nihongo|'''Starmie'''|スターミー|Sutāmī|lead=yes}} is a [[List of Pokémon|Pokémon species]] in [[Nintendo]] and [[Game Freak]]'s [[Pokémon|''Pokémon'' media franchise]], and the [[Pokémon evolution|evolved]] form of [[Staryu]]. First introduced in the video games [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']], it was designed by [[Ken Sugimori]], and has appeared in multiple games in the series, including ''[[Pokémon Go]]'' and the ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]''.

Resembling two overlapped [[starfish]] with a jewel in its center, Starmie is classified as a Water- and Psychic-type Pokémon. In the franchise's fictional universe, Starmie is believed to have arrived from [[outer space]] and can transmit [[radio waves]]. A Starmie has been owned by the Gym Leader [[Misty (Pokémon)|Misty]] in both the games and ''[[Pokémon: The Series]]''; the latter is voiced by [[Rikako Aikawa]]. An additional form of Starmie, referred as '''Mega Starmie''', was introduced in the 2025 video game ''[[Pokémon Legends: Z-A]]''.

Following its debut, Starmie received positive reception for its good stats and competitive abilities, going on to win multiple tournaments. The fight against Misty's Starmie also received discussion due to its function as an early game challenge. However, its [[Mega Evolution]] was more divisively received due to its design, becoming a [[Internet meme|meme]] within the Pokémon community.

==Concept and creation==
{{Multiple images
| image1        =  Zeester.jpg
| image2        = 27th Tokyo International Film Festival Ultraman from Ultraseven (15001540863).jpg
| caption1      =
| alt1          = A purple sunflower sea star in 2003
| alt2          = Ultraman attending the 27th Tokyo International Film Festival
| direction     = horizontal
| total_width   = 350
| caption_align = center
| footer        = Starfish species such as the [[sunflower sea star]] (left), and the Japanese superhero [[Ultraman (character)|Ultraman]] (right) are considered potential origins for Starmie's design
}}
Starmie is a species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for the ''[[Pokémon]]'' media franchise. Developed by [[Game Freak]] and published by [[Nintendo]], the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Green'' for the [[Game Boy]], which were later released in North America as [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] in 1998.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |title=''Pokémon Red'' & ''Blue'' – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=December 25, 2016 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001192920/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon. Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called [[Pokémon evolution|evolution]] via various means, such as exposure to specific items.<ref name="millenial"/> Each Pokémon has one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.<ref>{{cite book |title=Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook |date=July 28, 2015 |publisher=[[Scholastic Inc.]] |page=5 |isbn=9780545795661}}</ref> A major goal in each game is to complete the [[Pokédex]], a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.<ref name="millenial">{{cite book |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |first=Anne |last=Allison |date=May 2006 |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}}</ref>

Starmie evolves from the Pokémon [[Staryu]] when a "Water Stone" item is used on Staryu.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fakhoori |first=Niki |date=March 19, 2024 |title=All Pokemon That Evolve Using Items, Listed |url=https://primagames.com/tips/all-pokemon-that-evolve-using-items-listed |access-date=October 17, 2025 |website=Prima Games |language=en-US}}</ref> Starmie is a purple [[starfish]]-like Pokémon with ten arms;<ref name="Birch">{{Cite web|url=https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/newsroom/real-life-pokemon-you-can-meet-birch-aquarium|title=Real Life Pokemon You Can Meet at Birch Aquarium|last=Pipke|first=Belle|date=February 27, 2024|website=[[Birch Aquarium]]|access-date=October 19, 2025}}</ref> its body resembles two starfish overlapped.<ref name="Starman">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespark.jp/article/2025/10/21/158608.html|title=『ポケモンレジェンズZ-A』メガシンカで“美脚”を披露する衝撃的な姿…既視感は『MOTHER』のあのキャラ|trans-title="Pokemon Legends ZA" Mega Evolution Shows Off "Beautiful Legs" – Shocking Appearance... Feels Like That Character from "MOTHER"|language=ja|author1=三ツ矢(Mitsuya)|author2=八羽汰わちは (Yabata Wachiha)|date=October 21, 2025|website=Game*Spark|access-date=October 21, 2025}}</ref> Unlike most Pokémon, Starmie does not have a face,<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Gotta face ‘em all: Pokémon, Japanese animated characters, and the emergence of playful visual animism|journal=[[Sign Systems Studies]]|last=Cassone|first=Vincenzo Idone|doi=10.12697/SSS.2021.49.3-4.15|year=2021|volume=49|number=3-4|page=543–565|location=[[University of Turin]]|url=https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/b044/2a812aa9129f201222b2681fb8b1ab2f7061.pdf|format=PDF|access-date=October 20, 2025}}</ref>{{Reference page|page=548}} instead having a glowing red jewel at its center,<ref name="IGNStar">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-legends-z-as-mega-starmie-is-a-meme-now-thanks-to-its-horrible-legs|title=Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Starmie Is a Meme Now, Thanks to Its Horrible Legs|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=October 17, 2025|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=October 19, 2025|archive-date=October 19, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251019185328/https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-legends-z-as-mega-starmie-is-a-meme-now-thanks-to-its-horrible-legs|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Vasquez">{{Cite journal|author=[[Vivian Maria Vasquez|Vasquez, Vivian]]|title=What Pokemon Can Teach Us about Learning and Literacy|journal=Language Arts|volume=81|number=2|date=November 1, 2003|issn=0360-9170|doi=10.58680/la20032885|page=118-125|url=https://www.academia.edu/2205926/What_Pokemon_Can_Teach_Us_about_Learning_and_Literacy|access-date=October 19, 2025|url-access=registration}}</ref>{{Reference page|page=121}} which can glow in rainbow colors.<ref name="Dojo">{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Joseph |date=August 22, 2012 |title=Top Ten: Scariest Pokémon – Page 7 of 11 |url=https://www.nintendojo.com/features/columns/top-ten/top-ten-scariest-pokemon |access-date=October 17, 2025 |website=Nintendojo |language=en-US |archive-date=April 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422171009/https://www.nintendojo.com/features/columns/top-ten/top-ten-scariest-pokemon |url-status=live }}</ref> Starmie's [[Shiny Pokémon|shiny form]] changes its body to a deep blue-purple and its jewel to [[cerulean]] with its barrier turning to red.<ref name="Shiny">{{Cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/shiny-staryu-arrives-in-pokemon-go-for-ultra-unlock-enigma-week/|title=Shiny Staryu Arrives in Pokémon GO for Ultra Unlock: Enigma Week|last=Dwyer|first=Theo|date=August 7, 2020|website=[[Bleeding Cool]]|access-date=October 20, 2025|archive-date=October 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008093640/https://bleedingcool.com/games/shiny-staryu-arrives-in-pokemon-go-for-ultra-unlock-enigma-week/|url-status=live}}</ref> Starmie, alongside its prior evolutionary stage, Staryu, are implied in-universe to be from [[outer space]]. At night, Starmie transmits [[radio waves]] into outer space.<ref name="Dojo" /> To move around, it lifts itself into the air and floats,<ref name="Ride">{{Cite web|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2018/11/29/119015_2.html|title=『ポケモン ピカ・ブイ』この連れ歩きがヤバい！10選|trans-title=10 Amazing Things to Take with You in "Pokemon Let's Go"!|language=ja|author=すしし (Sushishi)|date=November 29, 2018|website=Inside Games|access-date=October 20, 2025|archive-date=April 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413131819/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2018/11/29/119015_2.html|url-status=live}}</ref> although it has also been depicted walking.<ref name="Starman" /> Starmie's English name is believed to be a play on words; in conjunction with its prior stage, Staryu, their names are a combination of "Starfish"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/origen-todos-nombres-pokemon-i-64542|title=El origen de TODOS los nombres de Pokémon (I)|trans-title=The origin of ALL Pokémon names (I)|language=es|last=Quesada|first=Daniel|date=July 11, 2016|website=[[HobbyConsolas]]|access-date=October 19, 2025|archive-date=January 27, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127080219/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/origen-todos-nombres-pokemon-i-64542|url-status=live}}</ref> / "Star", "You", and "Me".<ref>{{Cite web |title=『初代』ユニークすぎるポケモンの英語名 「声に出して読みたい」「ダジャレ（笑）」（2/2 ページ）|trans-title=『First Generation』Pokémon with Uniquely Quirky English Names: ‘You'll Want to Say Them Aloud’ ‘Puns (lol)’|language=ja|url=https://magmix.jp/post/133574/2 |access-date=October 17, 2025|last=Tatsuta|first=Yuki|date=January 21, 2023 |website=Magmix}}</ref> Both Staryu and Starmie are genderless.<ref name="SR"/> Its design is speculated to be based on the [[sunflower sea star]],<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Contribuições da Franquia Pokemón Para o Ensino de Biologia|trans-title=Contributions of Pokemón Franchise for the Teaching of Biology|journal=Revista Pleiade|language=pt-br|last=Henrique|first=Victor Hugo de Oliveira|year=2019|volume=13|number=28|page=29-35|doi=10.32915/pleiade.v13i28.543|location=[[Ceará State University]]|url=https://pleiade.uniamerica.br/index.php/pleiade/article/view/543/655|access-date=October 20, 2025|archive-date=May 22, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522092853/https://pleiade.uniamerica.br/index.php/pleiade/article/view/543/655|url-status=live|doi-access=free}}</ref>{{Reference page|page=32}} due to their shared similarities in color and large amount of arms.<ref name="Birch" /> Starmie's jewel may be a reference to the Colour Timer from the ''[[Ultraman]]'' franchise. Starmie and Staryu's jewels start blinking when they are injured, similar to how Colour Timers indicate its user is running out of energy. The ''Ultraman'' reference is extended to their appearances in the [[Pokémon (TV series)|''Pokémon'' anime]], where they communicate only using grunts instead of repeating their names, similar to how Ultras only grunt and shout during fights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-staryu-starmie-sound-explained/|title=Pokémon: Why Staryu & Starmie Grunt Instead Of Saying Their Names, Explained|last=Baird|first=Scott|date=June 21, 2020|website=[[TheGamer]]|access-date=October 20, 2025|archive-date=March 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321135054/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-staryu-starmie-sound-explained/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 2025 game ''[[Pokémon Legends: Z-A]]'' introduced a temporary, in-battle transformation for Starmie known as Mega Starmie. Mega Starmie looks identical to Starmie, but grows two human-like legs, which it can use to run around. It also poses with its arms on its hips when standing.<ref name="Starman" /> Its Mega Evolution gives it high speed and strong attacking stats. In the games' lore, Mega Starmie takes on this form due to attempting to resemble humans, though it is unclear if this is to replicate or to replace humanity.<ref name="PolyStar">{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-legends-za-leak-mega-starmie-legs-stats/|title=Pokémon fans are absolutely losing it at mega Starmie's goofy legs|last=Hernandez|first=Patricia|date=October 14, 2025|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|access-date=October 19, 2025|archive-date=October 13, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251013191933/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-legends-za-leak-mega-starmie-legs-stats/|url-status=live}}</ref> Its design may be partially also inspired by the Japanese superhero [[Ultraman (character)|Ultraman]].<ref name="MecStar">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamemeca.com/view.php?gid=1767099|title=걷는 아쿠스타? 포켓몬 Z-A 출시 전 ‘다시’ 불거진 유출|trans-title=Walking Akusta? Leaks Resurface Before Pokémon ZA's Release|language=ko|last=Shin|first=Jae-yeon|date=October 14, 2025|website=GameMeca|access-date=October 19, 2025}}</ref>

==Appearances==
===In video games===
Starmie first appeared in the 1996 video game ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Green'' (''Red'' and ''Blue'' outside of Japan); it is classified as a Water- and Psychic-type Pokémon and obtainable by evolving from Staryu using a Water Stone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://guidesmedia.ign.com/guides/9846/starmie.html|title=Pokémon Details #121 Starmie|website=[[IGN|IGN Guides]]|access-date=October 20, 2025|archive-date=October 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007095132/https://guidesmedia.ign.com/guides/9846/starmie.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Starmie appears in multiple games after, including the remakes [[FireRed and LeafGreen|''FireRed'' and ''LeafGreen'']],<ref name="RGGuide">{{Cite book|isbn=0-7615-4708-8|last=Mylonas|first=Eric|title=Pokémon Fire Red Version And Leaf Green Version (Prima Official Game Guide)|year=2004|location=[[Roseville, California]]|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|page=122}}</ref> and later [[Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|''Let's Go, Pikachu!'' and ''Let's Go, Eevee!'']]. In the latter, the player can ride on Starmie around the games' overworld.<ref name="Ride" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/457125-pokemon-lets-go-ride-pokemon-all-rideable-pokemon-list|title=Pokemon Let’s Go Ride Pokemon – All Rideable Pokemon|last=Saunders|first=Toby|date=November 14, 2018|website=[[GameRevolution]]|access-date=October 20, 2025|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726054804/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/457125-pokemon-lets-go-ride-pokemon-all-rideable-pokemon-list|url-status=live}}</ref> It is typically only available through evolving from Staryu, though in some games, like [[Pokémon Black and White|Pokémon ''Black'' and ''White'']], it can be found in the wild.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-black-and-white-item-location-guide/3/|title=All Pokemon Black and White item locations|last=Gudmundson|first=Carolyn|date=April 25, 2022|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|access-date=October 20, 2025}}</ref> Starmie has occasionally been a version exclusive, meaning one would need to be trade to be seen in the opposite version; a naturally obtainable Starmie can only be found in ''Pokémon LeafGreen'' and ''[[Pokémon X]]''.<ref name="RGGuide" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-x-and-y-guide-best-starters-strategies-what-to-do-where-to-go|title=Pokemon X and Y Guide: Best Starters, Strategies, What to Do, Where to Go|last=Quillen|first=Dustin|date=August 25, 2016|website=[[VG247]]|access-date=October 20, 2025|archive-date=January 14, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114162347/https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-x-and-y-guide-best-starters-strategies-what-to-do-where-to-go|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|''Pokémon Ultra Sun'' and ''Ultra Moon'']], the player can witness an event in which a Starmie is having a [[staring contest]] against a [[Corsola]] and a [[Slowpoke]]. Starmie can lose the contest if the player uses a Pokémon that can tickle it, and in-return the player is rewarded.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/03/7-bizarre-moments-you-dont-want-to-miss-in-pokemon-ultra-sun-and-ultra-moon|title=7 Bizarre Moments You Don't Want to Miss in Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|last=DeFreitas|first=Casey|date=January 3, 2018|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=October 20, 2025}}</ref> It was initially absent from [[Pokémon Sword and Shield|''Pokémon Sword'' and ''Shield'']] until the release of the ''[[Isle of Armor]]'' DLC expansion pack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/schwert-schild-wiederkehrende-pokemon-liste,3353066.html|title=Pokémon Schwert/Schild: 141 alte Pokémon, die in den DLCs dazukommen|trans-title=Pokémon Sword/Shield: 141 old Pokémon coming in the DLCs|language=de|last=Sprenger|first=Linda|date=June 3, 2020|website=[[GamePro|GamePro Germany]]|access-date=October 20, 2025|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512114606/https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/schwert-schild-wiederkehrende-pokemon-liste,3353066.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was not included in ''[[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]]'' or [[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet|''Pokémon Scarlet'' and ''Violet'']].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-fan-art-starmie-new-form/|title=Pokemon Fan Art Imagines Incredible New Form for Starmie|last=Knox|first=Jaret|date=February 19, 2022|website=[[Game Rant]]|access-date=October 20, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/960134-pokemon-scarlet-violet-indigo-disk-missing-pokemon-list|title=Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Indigo Disk Missing Pokemon List: Which Pokemon Are Still Gone?|last=Faulkner|first=Jason|date=December 14, 2023|website=[[GameRevolution]]|access-date=October 20, 2025|archive-date=December 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214213123/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/960134-pokemon-scarlet-violet-indigo-disk-missing-pokemon-list|url-status=live}}</ref> It was later featured in ''Pokémon Legends Z-A'', receiving a new form called Mega Starmie that makes it more powerful.<ref name="PolyStar" />

In the first generation games,{{efn|Including their remakes.<ref name="RGGuide" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-eevee-new-gameplay-trailer-1020334|title=New ‘Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee’ Trailer Shows More Gameplay|last=Martinez|first=Phillip|date=July 12, 2018|website=[[Newsweek]]|access-date=October 21, 2025}}</ref>}} Starmie is a Pokémon used by the Water-type Cerulean City Gym Leader [[Misty (Pokémon)|Misty]]; it is considered her best Pokémon.<ref name="Misty">{{Cite web|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2022/12/31/142889_2.html|title=あの頃のトラウマが蘇る…『ポケモン』シリーズで苦しめられた“強敵”ジムリーダー5選|trans-title=The trauma of those days is brought back to life... 5 "strong" gym leaders who caused me so much pain in the "Pokemon" series|language=ja|last=Otsuka|first=Sawadee|date=December 31, 2022|website=Inside Games|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=August 13, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250813192457/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2022/12/31/142889_2.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Misty, alongside her Starmie, re-appear in [[Pokémon Gold and Silver|''Pokémon Gold'' and ''Silver'']],{{efn|Including their remakes.<ref name="GSC">{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-tips-to-beating-gym-leader-misty-across-games/|title=Pokémon: 10 Tips To Beating Gym Leader Misty Across Games|last=Caballero|first=David|date=June 27, 2021|website=[[Screen Rant]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=May 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250512233739/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-tips-to-beating-gym-leader-misty-across-games/|url-status=live}}</ref>}} ''[[Pokémon Crystal]]'',<ref name="GSC" /> and [[Pokémon Black 2 and White 2|''Pokémon Black 2'' and ''White 2'']].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012-10-10-pokemons-world-tournament-is-rich-with-nostalgia.html|title=Pokemon's World Tournament is rich with nostalgia|last=Bailey|first=Kat|date=October 11, 2012|website=[[Engadget]]|access-date=October 21, 2025}}</ref> In the mobile game ''[[Pokémon Masters EX]]'', Misty, alongside her Starmie, are featured as a playable duo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamebiz.jp/news/244383|title=【レビュー】DeNAとポケモンがタッグを組んだ『ポケモンマスターズ』を先行プレイ…リアルタイム制にポケモンバトルを組み込んだ意欲作|trans-title=[Review] Pre-play of "Pokémon Masters," a collaboration between DeNA and Pokémon... an ambitious game that incorporates real-time Pokémon battles|language=ja|date=July 30, 2019|website=Gamebiz|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=August 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808082347/https://gamebiz.jp/news/244383|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201906/27178792.html|title=『ポケモンマスターズ』現在登場が判明しているトレーナーまとめ。リリース当初は65組のバディーズが仲間に！|trans-title=A summary of the trainers currently known to appear in "Pokémon Masters." 65 sync pairs will be available to join at the time of release!|language=ja|date=June 27, 2019|website=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=March 15, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315073856/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201906/27178792.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Starmie can be seen in other spin-off Pokémon video games, including ''[[Pocket Monster Stadium]]'',<ref name="Starman" /> ''[[Pokémon Stadium]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.space.com/entertainment/its-pokemon-day-here-are-ten-pokemon-from-space-to-celebrate-the-iconic-series|title=It's Pokémon Day! Here are 10 Pokémon from space to celebrate the iconic series|last=Spry|first=Jeff|date=February 27, 2025|website=[[Space.com]]|access-date=October 21, 2025}}</ref> ''[[Pokémon Snap]]'' and its sequel ''[[New Pokémon Snap]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fanbyte.com/legacy/a-list-of-all-known-pokemon-in-new-pokemon-snap|title=A List of All Known Pokemon in New Pokemon Snap|last=Skiffington|first=Dillion|date=July 13, 2023|website=Fanbyte|access-date=October 20, 2025|archive-date=January 23, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123082852/https://www.fanbyte.com/legacy/a-list-of-all-known-pokemon-in-new-pokemon-snap|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Pokémon Pinball: Ruby and Sapphire]]'',<ref>{{Cite book|title=ポケモンピンボールルビー&サファイアまるまるポケモン大百科|trans-title=Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire Guide|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|year=2003|language=ja|isbn=4-7577-1571-4}}</ref> ''[[Pokémon Ranger]]'',<ref>{{Cite book|title=Pokémon Ranger : The Official Nintendo Player's Guide|year=2006|location=[[Redmond, Washington]]|publisher=[[Nintendo of America]]|series=[[Nintendo Power]]|isbn=1-59812-011-5|page=79}}</ref> and the mobile game ''[[Pokémon Go]]''.<ref name="Shiny" /> Starmie has appeared in the ''[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon]]'' series,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rpgsite.net/feature/9522-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-dx-shiny-pokemon-where-to-find-and-how-to-catch-shinies|title=Pokemon Mystery Dungeon DX Shiny Pokemon: where to find and how to catch shinies|last=Foster|first=George|date=March 10, 2020|website=RPG Site|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=June 22, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250622120245/https://www.rpgsite.net/feature/9522-pokemon-mystery-dungeon-dx-shiny-pokemon-where-to-find-and-how-to-catch-shinies|url-status=live}}</ref> including a controllable Starmie found in the Sunken Treasure minigame in ''[[Gates to Infinity]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/pokemon-mystery-dungeon-gates-to-infinity-build-your-paradise/|title=Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity – Build Your Paradise|author=Laura|date=March 29, 2013|website=[[Siliconera]]|access-date=October 20, 2025|archive-date=August 24, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250824012538/https://www.siliconera.com/pokemon-mystery-dungeon-gates-to-infinity-build-your-paradise/|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''[[Pokémon: Magikarp Jump]]'', the player can receive a decoration based on Starmie after winning the "Heal League".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://app.famitsu.com/20170609_1064689/|title=『はねろ！コイキング』ゲッコウガ＆ゲンガーが仲間入り！新リーグ追加アップデートを実施|trans-title="Jump! Magikarp" Greninja and Gengar join the team! New league addition update|language=ja|date=June 9, 2017|website=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=October 23, 2025|archive-date=February 7, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207010750/https://app.famitsu.com/20170609_1064689/|url-status=live}}</ref> It  has been featured in multiple card sets in the ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]'',{{efn|Including:<br>* [[Pokémon Base Set|Base Set]]:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-base-set-most-nostalgic-cards/|title=The Most Nostalgic Cards From The Base Set – Pokemon TCG|date=June 8, 2022|website=[[TheGamer]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=June 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603163052/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-base-set-most-nostalgic-cards/|url-status=live}}</ref><br>* [[List of Pokémon Trading Card Game sets#Seventh generation sets|Team Up]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/the-cards-of-pokemon-tcg-team-up-part-14-kanto-psychic-types/|title=The Cards Of Pokémon TCG: Team Up Part 14: Kanto Psychic-Types|last=Dwyer|first=Theo|date=February 20, 2023|website=[[Bleeding Cool]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=September 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915131920/https://bleedingcool.com/games/the-cards-of-pokemon-tcg-team-up-part-14-kanto-psychic-types/|url-status=live}}</ref><br>* [[List of Pokémon Trading Card Game sets#Eighth generation sets|Brilliant Stars]]:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/full-pokemon-tcg-sword-shield-brilliant-stars-setlist-revealed/|title=Full Pokémon TCG Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars Setlist Revealed|last=Dwyer|first=Theo|date=February 12, 2022|website=[[Bleeding Cool]]|access-date=October 21, 2025}}</ref><br>* [[List of Pokémon Trading Card Game sets#Eigth generation sets|Sword & Shield–Astral Radiance]]:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/the-cards-of-pokemon-tcg-astral-radiance-part-49-starmie-misty/|title=The Cards Of Pokémon TCG: Astral Radiance Part 49: Starmie & Misty|last=Dwyer|first=Theo|date=September 12, 2022|website=[[Bleeding Cool]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=May 29, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250529221611/https://bleedingcool.com/games/the-cards-of-pokemon-tcg-astral-radiance-part-49-starmie-misty/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/the-cards-of-pokemon-tcg-astral-radiance-part-6-starmie-v/|title=The Cards Of Pokémon TCG: Astral Radiance Part 6: Starmie V|last=Dwyer|first=Theo|date=July 31, 2022|website=[[Bleeding Cool]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=February 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226200924/https://bleedingcool.com/games/the-cards-of-pokemon-tcg-astral-radiance-part-6-starmie-v/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2022/01/21/136377.html|title=『ポケカ』新弾「バトルリージョン」発表！デッキに1枚しか入れられない「かがやくポケモン」が新たな刺激に|trans-title=New Pokémon card set "Battle Region" announced! "Shiny Pokémon" that can only be placed one at a time in a deck brings new excitement|language=ja|author=ねんね太郎 (Nennetaro)|date=January 21, 2022|website=Inside Games|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125055450/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2022/01/21/136377.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2022/02/04/136613.html|title=『ポケカ』新弾「バトルリージョン」でヒスイ地方の面々が早くもカード化！イラストが尊いCSR/CHRも再登場|trans-title=The new Pokémon card series "Battle Region" will feature the characters from the Jade Region! CSR/CHR with their beautiful illustrations will also be making a comeback!|language=ja|author=ねんね太郎 (Nennetaro)|date=February 4, 2022|website=Inside Games|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=October 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026134546/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2022/02/04/136613.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br>* [[List of Pokémon Trading Card Game sets#Ninth generation sets|Scarlet & Violet–151]]:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-reveals-pokemon-card-151-staryu-line/|title=Pokémon TCG Reveals Pokémon Card 151: Staryu Line|last=Dwyer|first=Theo|date=May 9, 2023|website=[[Bleeding Cool]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=May 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517061426/https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-reveals-pokemon-card-151-staryu-line/|url-status=live}}</ref><br>* [[List of Pokémon Trading Card Game sets#Ninth generation sets|Destined Rivals]]:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/exclusive-pokemon-destined-rivals-mistys-psyduck-and-other-misty-cards-revealed-in-english/|title=Exclusive: Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals Misty’s Psyduck and other Misty cards revealed in English|last=Middler|first=Jordan|date=April 23, 2025|website=[[Video Games Chronicle]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=May 21, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521022825/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/exclusive-pokemon-destined-rivals-mistys-psyduck-and-other-misty-cards-revealed-in-english/|url-status=live}}</ref>}} with the card "Starmie ex" also appearing in ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket]]''.<ref name="TCGP">{{Cite web|url=https://en.as.com/meristation/news/look-no-further-this-is-the-best-deck-in-pokemon-tcg-pocket-with-misty-starmie-ex-and-lapras-ex-n/|title=Look no further: this is the best deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket, with Misty, Starmie ex and Lapras ex|last=Martínez|first=Rubén|date=November 8, 2024|website=[[MeriStation]]|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=January 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250112221557/https://en.as.com/meristation/news/look-no-further-this-is-the-best-deck-in-pokemon-tcg-pocket-with-misty-starmie-ex-and-lapras-ex-n/|url-status=live}}</ref> In ''[[Super Smash Bros. (video game)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' for the [[Nintendo 64]], players can summon various Pokémon from Poké Balls to fight for them, including Starmie.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Super Smash Bros. Official Prima Guide|last=Ward|first=Kip|year=1999|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|location=[[Rocklin, California]]|isbn=0-7615-2207-7|page=75}}</ref>

===In other media===
Starmie appears in ''[[Pokémon: The Series]]'', with one being featured on Misty's team since [[Pokémon: Indigo League|her introduction]], who accompanies protagonist [[Ash Ketchum]]. Misty had trouble using her Starmie, often times losing with it. Instead, she used it as a mode of transport.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/mistys-10-best-pokemon-in-the-anime-ranked/|title=Misty’s 10 Best Pokémon in the Anime, Ranked|last=Khan|first=Areeba|date=September 14, 2025|website=[[Comicbook.com]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=September 19, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250919002156/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/mistys-10-best-pokemon-in-the-anime-ranked/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the anime, Starmie is voiced by Japanese voice actress [[Rikako Aikawa]].<ref name="VA" />

"First Prize For Starmie" is an entry in the ''Pokémon Tales'' [[board book]] series for children. Written by Kazuyuki Yamamoto, illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno and published by [[Viz Media]], it tells the story of a group of Starmie that race each other across the galaxy, with one exploring the cosmo to get home for Christmas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2000-06-21/viz-items-shipping-in-october|title=Viz Items Shipping in October|date=June 21, 2000|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=August 4, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250804021008/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2000-06-21/viz-items-shipping-in-october|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Promotion and reception==
Starmie has been featured on a number of merchandise, such as a [[plush]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/research/articles/556514/2/|title=【ポケモン】カントー地方で初登場した好きなポケモンランキングTOP31！　第1位は「コイル」に決定！【2022年最新投票結果】|trans-title=[Pokémon] Top 31 Favorite Pokémon That First Appeared in the Kanto Region! Number 1 is "Coil"! [Latest 2022 Voting Results]|language=ja|date=May 15, 2022|website=ITmedia NetLab|access-date=October 24, 2025}}</ref> figurines,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/pick-up-capsule-toy-figures-of-pokemon-who-ignore-you/|title=Pick Up Capsule Toy Figures of Pokemon Who Ignore You|last=Stenbuck|first=Kite|date=December 18, 2024|website=[[Siliconera]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=August 7, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250807002709/https://www.siliconera.com/pick-up-capsule-toy-figures-of-pokemon-who-ignore-you/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hobby.dengeki.com/news/1650010/|title=「ポケモンスケールワールド」カントー地方セット第3弾があらわれた！人気の御三家や、ライチュウ、ヤドン、ジムリーダーのカスミを含む豪華セットで展開！|trans-title=The third Kanto region set from "Pokémon Scale World" has arrived! This luxurious set includes the popular starter trio, Raichu, Slowpoke, and Gym Leader Misty!|language=ja|date=August 19, 2022|website=[[Dengeki Hobby]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=April 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412205047/https://hobby.dengeki.com/news/1650010/|url-status=live}}</ref> accessories,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndw.jp/pokemon-news-250110/|title=ポケモントレーナーの魅力を届ける企画「最強トレーナーズフェスティバル」特設サイトも公開！トレーナーグッズをチェック！|trans-title=A special website for the "Strongest Trainers Festival," a project to showcase the charm of Pokémon trainers, has also been launched! Check out the trainer goods!|language=ja|date=January 10, 2025|website=[[Nintendo Dream|Nintendo Dream Web]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=May 24, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524215639/https://www.ndw.jp/pokemon-news-250110/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202102/17214556.html|title=ポケモンシャツの端切れを再利用したキーホルダー第5弾が2/19発売。イーブイ、メタモンなどがラインアップ|trans-title=The fifth series of keychains made from recycled Pokémon shirt scraps will be released on February 19th. The lineup includes Eevee, Ditto, and more.|language=ja|date=February 17, 2021|website=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=October 24, 2025|archive-date=February 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217092237/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202102/17214556.html|url-status=live}}</ref> a pillow,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2017/11/29/111241.html|title=『ポケモン』PCクッションシリーズ最新作は「ミュウ」！アームレストには「ニャスパー」や「スターミー」もデザイン|trans-title=The latest addition to the Pokémon PC cushion series is Mew! The armrests also feature Mewspur and Starmie.|language=ja|author=ひびき (Hibiki)|date=November 29, 2025|website=Inside Games|access-date=October 21, 2025}}</ref> painted {{Nihongo|shikishi {{small|{{bracket|[[:ja:色紙|ja]]}}}}|色紙|}},<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hobby.dengeki.com/news/729907/|title=『ポケモン』イラストを筆＆水彩画風タッチにアレンジ！リザードン、ミュウツー、ピカチュウなど初代ポケモンが食玩「色紙ART」に集結|trans-title="Pokémon" illustrations arranged in a brush and watercolor style! Charizard, Mewtwo, Pikachu, and other original Pokémon are gathered together in the candy toy "Shikishi ART"|language=ja|date=March 21, 2019|website=[[Dengeki Hobby]]|access-date=October 24, 2025|archive-date=June 8, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250608074302/https://hobby.dengeki.com/news/729907/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[card sleeves]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-japan-rolls-out-february-merch-featuring-misty/|title=Pokémon TCG Japan Rolls Out February Merch Featuring Misty|last=Dwyer|first=Theo|date=February 7, 2022|website=[[Bleeding Cool]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=March 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304132129/https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-japan-rolls-out-february-merch-featuring-misty/|url-status=live}}</ref> and clothing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://us.oricon-group.com/news/2161/|title=New Pokémon Christmas Merchandise Unveiled – Bold Sweater Designs Featuring Starmie and Marshtomp!|last=Tsuji|first=Taimu|date=October 18, 2024|website=Japan Anime News|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=July 15, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250715134506/https://us.oricon-group.com/news/2161/|url-status=live}}</ref> During a collaboration between [[Pokémon Center]]s and Star Jewelry, a number of items were designed which featured Starmie on them.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202111/26242395.html|title=【ポケモン】わざの“スピードスター”をテーマにしたグッズが12月1日よりポケモンセンターに登場。星がデザインされた雑貨やジュエリーがラインアップ|trans-title=[Pokemon] Merchandise themed around the move "Speed Star" will be available at Pokemon Centers from December 1st. The lineup includes miscellaneous goods and jewelry with star designs.|language=ja|date=November 26, 2021|website=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=October 24, 2025|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127020946/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202111/26242395.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In Japan, a [[pokéfuta]] depicting Starmie was installed in an area of [[Toyohashi]] in July 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202207/15268683.html|title=“ポケふた”が愛知県豊橋市に7月25日設置。バクフーンやスターミー＆デンヂムシなど7種類のポケモンが豊橋市の魅力とともデザイン|trans-title="Poke Lids" will be installed in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture on July 25th. Seven types of Pokemon, including Typhlosion, Starmie, and Charmander, are designed along with the charms of Toyohashi City.|language=ja|date=July 15, 2022|website=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=November 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129205925/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202207/15268683.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, to capture the rising popularity of ''Pokémon GO'', an [[Auckland]]-based [[jeweller]] created a promotion in-which customers who have caught Starmie in-game would receive a free gemstone.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ting-Edwards|first=James|date=August 26, 2016|issue=29|title=Poaching Pokémon in the Virtual Estate|newspaper=LawNews|publisher=ADLSI|page=1|url=https://articles.gallagherandco.co.nz/articles/lnews292016.pdf|format=PDF|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=June 24, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250624163548/https://articles.gallagherandco.co.nz/articles/lnews292016.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> According to a [[Vault 7|document leak]] published by [[WikiLeaks]], a [[Security hacker|hacking]] program named after Starmie was allegedly developed by the [[CIA]] for the purpose of exploiting [[Android (operating system)|Android]] devices that use the [[operating system]] versions [[Android Ice Cream Sandwich|Android 4.0]] to [[Android Jelly Bean|4.3]], such as the [[Samsung Galaxy Tab 2]], the [[Galaxy Note]] and the [[Samsung Galaxy S (1st generation)#Epic 4G|Epic 4G Touch]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-03-09/cia-operations-hacking-household-devices-have-pokemon-code-names/.113211|title=CIA Operations Hacking Household Devices Have Pokémon Code Names|last=Stimson|first=Eric|date=March 9, 2017|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=August 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805102007/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-03-09/cia-operations-hacking-household-devices-have-pokemon-code-names/.113211|url-status=live}}</ref> to gain [[Remote access service|remote access]] in order to collect [[user data]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/culture/cias-alleged-hackers-are-fixated-with-pokemon-in-vault-7-leak/|title=CIA's hackers are allegedly fixated on Pokemon|last=Ng|first=Alfred|date=March 7, 2017|website=[[CNET]]|access-date=October 21, 2025|archive-date=August 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811013005/https://www.cnet.com/culture/cias-alleged-hackers-are-fixated-with-pokemon-in-vault-7-leak/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Starmie has received positive reception from both critics and fans, appearing in many best Pokémon rankings; Alex Lucard from the ''Beckett Pokémon Unofficial Collector'' magazine noting that its typing and ability to learn powerful attacks made it a well-rounded member of any team.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Lucard|first=Alex|date=March 2008|volume=11|number=3|title=Beckett Unofficial Guide to Pokémon Issue 100|magazine=Beckett Pokémon Unofficial Collector|page=31|issn=1935-7818|location=[[Texas, United States]]|publisher=[[Beckett Media]]|access-date=}}</ref> Alex Olney, Jon Cartwright and Zion Grassl remarked during a video for ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' that it was an improvement over Staryu due to finding Starmie more intimidating.<ref>{{Cite video|last1=Olney|first1=Alex|last2=Cartwright|first2=Jon|last3=Grassl|first3=Jon|date=February 13, 2021|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig4zighzads|title=Ranking All 151 Pokémon from Gen 1|publisher=[[Nintendo Life]]|via=[[YouTube]]|time=1:32:07|access-date=October 17, 2025|archive-date=July 22, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722225200/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig4zighzads|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Inside Games''{{'}} Suenaga praised Starmie's return in ''Sword'' and ''Shield''{{'}}s DLC, describing it as one of their favourite Pokémon from the first generation and being an ace at combat; Suenaga even ran a full team of [[Shiny Pokémon|shiny]] Starmie each with a different moveset.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2020/07/05/128919.html|title=『ポケモン ソード・シールド』でスターミーが復活！初心者だけどランクマへ挑んでみようと思う【編集後記】|trans-title=Starmie returns in Pokémon Sword and Shield! I'm a beginner, but I'm going to try out ranked matches [Editor's Note]|language=ja|author=すえなが (Suenaga)|date=July 5, 2020|website=Inside Games|access-date=October 18, 2025}}</ref> During a study published in the journal ''Language Arts'', professor [[Vivian Maria Vasquez]] observed how players believed Starmie to be an enigma, citing it's unthreatening appearance contradicting its ability to have some of the best moves in the games. Vasquez also noted how, despite being genderless, Starmie garnered a reputation for being a "girl's Pokémon" because of its appearance as a "starry jewel."<ref name="Vasquez" /> Writing for ''Nintendo Life'', Evan Lambert described Starmie as being a [[non-binary]] icon within the community due to its genderless status and color scheme being similar to the [[non-binary flag]]. Additionally, he noted Starmie was a subject of [[Internet meme|memes]] among fans due it making suggestive cries in the French dub of the Pokémon anime.<ref name="Lambert">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/features/how-mega-starmie-became-the-internets-new-queer-icon|title=Feature: How Mega Starmie Became The Internet's New Queer Icon|last=Lambert|first=Evan E.|date=November 17, 2025|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|access-date=November 17, 2025}}</ref>

Critics commented on Starmie's role as an early game challenge in the first generation games as Misty's ace. Starmie's high speed stat and use of attacks such as Bubble Beam as reasons why many younger players had particular trouble beating it,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://futaman.futabanet.jp/articles/-/127655?page=1|title=御三家ゲット可能、アニメキャラ登場…実は赤・緑の完全版？意外に知らない『ポケットモンスター ピカチュウ』のすさまじき“完成度”|trans-title=You can get the starter Pokémon, anime characters appear... Is this actually the complete version of Red and Green? The surprising level of perfection of "Pokémon Pikachu" that many people don't know about|language=ja|author=ハチミツ (Honey)|date=November 26, 2024|website=Futabanet|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=April 11, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411174112/https://futaman.futabanet.jp/articles/-/127655?page=1|url-status=live}}</ref> with ''IGN'' describing Misty's Starmie as "an absolute pain" to fight.<ref name="OTD">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/01/17/pokemon-crystal-version-pokemon-of-the-day-starmie-121-382565|title=Pokemon of the Day: Starmie (#121)|author=PokémonoftheDayChick|date=February 7, 2013|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=October 17, 2025|archive-date=November 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130154906/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/01/17/pokemon-crystal-version-pokemon-of-the-day-starmie-121-382565|url-status=live}}</ref> Critics noted that players that chose [[Charmander]] as their starter would have a harder time beating it compared to players that chose [[Bulbasaur]],<ref name="OTD" /> with some seeing this a way to teach players to catch more type effective Pokémon such as [[Oddish]] in order to beat it.<ref name="Misty" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/research/articles/230960/|title=【ポケットモンスター】あなたが好きなカントー地方のポケモントレーナーは誰？【人気投票実施中】|trans-title=[Pokémon] Who is your favorite Pokémon trainer from the Kanto region? [Popularity poll underway]|language=ja|date=June 5, 2021|website=ITmedia NetLab|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=November 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125083335/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/research/articles/230960/|url-status=live}}</ref> Writing for ''Magmix'', author Sootball saw the fight as an example how basic knowledge about Pokémon mechanics such as Technical Machines (TMs) and type matchups are essential during early game, noting that for younger players who brute force through the game with just strong move "Misty's Starmie will likely seem too strong, like a world champion."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://magmix.jp/post/213323/2|title=初代『ポケモン』「ヒトカゲを選ぶとキツい」はホント？　実際にプレイして見えた「トラウマな敵」|trans-title=Is it true that choosing Charmander in the original Pokemon is tough? The traumatic enemies revealed by actual gameplay|language=ja|author=すすだま (Sootball)|date=February 15, 2024|website=Magmix|access-date=October 18, 2025}}</ref>

===In competitive===
Starmie gained particular attention for its combat abilities, where it was noted as both a strong and fast Pokémon among the selection during the earlier games in the series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/338/1338664/|title=『ポケモン GO』ブームの今、初代『ポケモン』の『青・ピカチュウ』を遊ぶ！ 対戦も交換もやっぱり楽しい！|trans-title=Playing the original Pokémon Blue and Pikachu in the midst of the Pokémon GO craze! Battles and trades are still so much fun!|language=ja|author=カワチ (Kawachi)|date=August 13, 2016|website=[[Dengeki Online]]|access-date=October 17, 2025}}</ref> Between 1997 and 1998, Starmie had been used to win official regional tournaments as well as the finals tournament "Nintendo Cup '97",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://realsound.jp/tech/2022/05/post-1031893.html|title=『ポケモン』ケンタロス、フーディンが使用禁止だからこそ盛り上がった『ニンテンドウカップ'99』の魅力を改めて振り返る|trans-title=Looking back at the appeal of the Nintendo Cup '99, which was made even more exciting by the ban on Pokémon like Tauros and Alakazam|language=ja|last=Mochizuki|first=Yuki|date=May 18, 2022|website=Real Sound|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=September 7, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250907110445/https://realsound.jp/tech/2022/05/post-1031893.html|url-status=live}}</ref> prompting it to be banned alongside other Pokémon from use in "Nintendo Cup '99" following the addition of new rules to promote other Pokémon to have more exposure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://realsound.jp/tech/2021/04/post-743694.html|title=ふぶき、はかいこうせん、ドわすれ……初代『ポケモン』の“壊れ技”といえば？|trans-title=Blizzard, Hyper Beam, Forget Me Not... What are the "broken moves" from the original Pokemon?|language=ja|last=Amijima|first=Levin|date=April 18, 2021|website=Real Sound|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=August 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807194341/https://realsound.jp/tech/2021/04/post-743694.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2024, Starmie is ranked in the top tier of competitive player for the first generation according to competitive Pokémon fan site [[Smogon]].<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Evaluating the Stability of the Smogon Tier List for Competitive Pokémon Battling|last1=Arnold|first1=Nathan|last2=Nicholas|first2=Fluty|last3=Flores|first3=Ryan D.|last4=Goldsmith|first4=Judy|last5=Harrison|first5=Brent|year=2024|journal=CEUR Workshop Proceedings|publisher= CEUR Workshop (CEUR-WS.org)|url=https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-3926/paper2.pdf|volume=3926|issue=Paper 2|location=[[Lexington, Kentucky]]|format=PDF|access-date=October 19, 2025}}</ref> In ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s "PokémonoftheDayChick" series of articles, Starmie was noted as being very versatile due to having a variety of different combat strategies for any situation in the first and second generations due to being able to learn many good offensive and defensive moves. When covering specific movesets for Starmie to use, the "[[Death Star|DeathStar]]" moveset was brought up as being infamous within the Pokémon community,{{efn|The strategy consisted of the moves Thunderwave, Confuse Ray, Recover and either Surf, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt or Psychic.<ref name="OTD" />}} and described as being "nigh unparalleled if you're in the market for a world class annoyer" due to being able to both paralyse and confuse opponents. However, when it came to Starmie's physical design, the author found it hard to attach to due to its lack of a face.<ref name="OTD" /> ''Futabanet''{{'}}s Honey similarly noted Starmie's moveset options, declaring it one of the best Pokémon to use in ''Red'' and ''Green''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://futaman.futabanet.jp/articles/-/125447?page=1|title=令和の子どもは知らない？『ポケモン赤・緑』世代の最強が現代と違いすぎる…大会最強は”ケンタロス”、最強タイプ、最強技は？(1/3ページ)|trans-title=Do children of the Reiwa era not know? The strongest Pokémon of the "Pokémon Red and Green" generation is completely different from today's... The strongest in tournaments is "Rapid Tauros", its strongest type, and its strongest moves? (Page 1/3)|language=ja|author=ハチミツ (Honey)|date=December 17, 2023|website=Futabanet|access-date=October 23, 2025|archive-date=August 4, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250804044759/https://futaman.futabanet.jp/articles/-/125447?page=1|url-status=live}}</ref> They continued that due to Starmie being able to learn the move "Blizzard", it alongside other Pokémon that could use the move such as [[List of generation I Pokémon#Tauros|Tauros]] were used abundantly at tournaments, causing Dragon-type Pokémon to become unable to be used at a competitive level due to their weakness to Ice-type moves.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://futaman.futabanet.jp/articles/-/125447?page=2|title=令和の子どもは知らない？『ポケモン赤・緑』世代の最強が現代と違いすぎる…大会最強は”ケンタロス”、最強タイプ、最強技は？(2/3ページ)|trans-title=Do children of the Reiwa era not know? The strongest Pokémon of the "Pokémon Red and Green" generation is completely different from today's... The strongest in tournaments is "Rapid Tauros", its strongest type, and its strongest moves? (Page 2/3)|language=ja|author=ハチミツ (Honey)|date=December 17, 2023|website=Futabanet|access-date=October 23, 2025}}</ref> Writing for ''USA Today''{{'}}s ''[[USA Today#For the Win|For the Win]]'' website, Cian Maher described Starmie as one of the best designed Psychic-type Pokémon in the series due to it having impressive Speed and Special Attacks stats for its type. Maher further recalled the "DeathStar" strategy, referred to in the article as "Death Starmie", reminiscing that "it doesn’t even need a Psychic move" to be considered the best of all Psychic-types.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ftw-eu.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2022/01/19/pokemon-best-psychic-types/81407060007/|title=The top ten Psychic Pokémon, ranked|last=Maher|first=Cian|date=January 19, 2022|website=[[USA Today#For the Win|For the Win]]|access-date=October 17, 2025}}</ref> Conversely, ''[[Screen Rant]]''{{'}}s Scott Baird believed that Starmie and its pre-evolution were poorly designed in ''Gold'' and ''Silver'', pointing out that they are programmed to learn moves that either don't work properly or can't be obtained due to being genderless. Baird speculates that this was likely an oversight during development, noting that the programmed moves were likely a holdover from a previous in-development build that was leaked where the pair were originally gendered.<ref name="SR">{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-staryu-starmie-gold-silver-bad-design/|title=Pokémon: Staryu & Starmie Were Poorly Designed In Gold & Silver|last=Baird|first=Scott|date=August 4, 2021|website=[[Screen Rant]]|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=July 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704210647/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-staryu-starmie-gold-silver-bad-design/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket]]'', the "Starmie ex" card was seen as a strong card within the game's [[Metagame#In trading card games|meta]] during the first few weeks. Often used in a deck alongside the Misty card and another Water-type Pokémon card,<ref name="TCGP" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://realsound.jp/tech/2024/11/post-1857195.html|title=「ポケポケ」リリース1か月の環境は？　ポケモンの“顔”「ピカチュウ」や安定感抜群の「ミュウツー」が活躍中|trans-title=What's the environment like one month after the release of "PokePoke"? The "face" of Pokemon, "Pikachu," and the incredibly stable "Mewtwo" are in action.|language=ja|last=Horie|first=Kuraha|date=November 30, 2024|website=Real Sound|access-date=October 23, 2025|archive-date=April 17, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250417122349/https://realsound.jp/tech/2024/11/post-1857195.html|url-status=live}}</ref> such as "[[Lapras]] ex" or "[[Articuno]] ex",<ref name="KotTCG">{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket-best-decks-mewtwo-charizard-1851696181/4|title=The 4 Best Decks To Dominate In Pokémon TCG Pocket – Starmie ex / Articuno ex|last1=Gach|first1=Ethan|last2=Walker|first2=John|date=October 25, 2025|website=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=October 27, 2025}}</ref> the "Starmie ex" card was considered a powerful card due to its ability to be easily set up as well as being able to do high amounts of damage without using a lot of energy;<ref name="KotTCG" /><ref name="GameP">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/pokemon-tcg-pocket-hasskarte-starmie-ex,3422396.html|title=Pokémon TCG Pocket-Fans hassen schon jetzt eine ganz bestimmte Karte und sie ist nicht einmal legendär – das ist der Grund dafür|trans-title=Pokémon TCG Pocket fans already hate one particular card, and it isn't even legendary – here's why|language=de|last=Mammone|first=Cassie|date=November 7, 2024|website=[[GamePro|GamePro Germany]]|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=November 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241107171316/https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/pokemon-tcg-pocket-hasskarte-starmie-ex,3422396.html|url-status=live}}</ref> outlets such as ''IGN'', ''Nintendo Life'' and ''[[TheGamer]]'' listed the card as one of the strongest cards in the game,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-tcg-pocket-battles-are-already-dominated-by-two-decks-in-particular|title=Pokémon TCG Pocket Battles Are Already Dominated by Two Decks in Particular|last=Dinsdale|first=Ryan|date=November 5, 2024|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=July 29, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729121439/https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-tcg-pocket-battles-are-already-dominated-by-two-decks-in-particular|url-status=live}}</ref> with the latter two noting it had little weakness outside of electric attacks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/pokemon-tcg-pocket-starmie-ex-deck-guide|title=Pokémon TCG Pocket: Starmie EX Deck Guide|last=Bell|first=Lowell|date=January 30, 2025|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=September 10, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250910124713/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/pokemon-tcg-pocket-starmie-ex-deck-guide|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket-starmie-articuno-ex-deck-cards-build-guide/|title=How To Build And Play A Starmie Ex And Articuno Ex Deck In Pokemon TCG Pocket|last=Whaling|first=Jacob|date=November 8, 2024|website=[[TheGamer]]|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=April 28, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428013950/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket-starmie-articuno-ex-deck-cards-build-guide/|url-status=live}}</ref> Starmie's card became quickly hated in the game's community due to believing it had too many strengths.<ref name="GameP" /> The card would also be listed on websites such as [[eBay]] by players to be sold through the game's trading mechanic for in-game currency and lower-value cards, in what ''IGN'' described as a "strange [community ran] [[black market]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-tcg-pocket-trading-has-spurred-a-strange-black-market-for-high-rarity-cards|title=Pokémon TCG Pocket Trading Has Spurred a Strange Black Market for High Rarity Cards|last=Dinsdale|first=Ryan|date=February 7, 2025|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=February 19, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219225905/https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-tcg-pocket-trading-has-spurred-a-strange-black-market-for-high-rarity-cards|url-status=live}}</ref> By March 2025, Starmie's position had fallen slightly in the meta, with players speculating this to be due to lower health points and the introduction of more affordable Water-type Pokémon cards,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket-players-discuss-the-downfall-of-starmie-ex/|title="It’s Become A Liability", Pokemon TCG Pocket Players Discuss The Downfall Of One Of The Game’s Former Meta Cards|last=Woods|first=Sam|date=March 11, 2025|website=[[TheGamer]]|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=March 11, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250311175134/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket-players-discuss-the-downfall-of-starmie-ex/|url-status=live}}</ref> however, the card is still considered to be a high tier.<ref name="KotTCG" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pockettactics.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket/decks|title=The best Pokémon TCG Pocket decks in the meta October 2025|last=Christie|first=Connor|date=October 8, 2025|website=[[Pocket Tactics]]|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=September 1, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250901155515/https://www.pockettactics.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket/decks|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Mega Evolution===
[[File:Mega Starmie.png|right|thumb|256px|alt=Mega Starmie as depicted in ''[[Pokémon Legends: Z-A]]''|Starmie's Mega Evolution form was the subject of discussion by critics and memes by fans]]
Mega Starmie's design received a mixed reception from both critics and Pokémon fans, with some fans supportive of the design and finding it funny and silly,<ref name="EuroStar">{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-legends-z-a-players-have-a-complicated-love-for-a-new-mega-evolution|title=Pokémon Legends: Z-A players have a complicated love for a new Mega Evolution|last=Makar|first=Connor|date=October 17, 2025|website=[[Eurogamer]]|access-date=October 19, 2025|archive-date=October 18, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018193940/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-legends-z-a-players-have-a-complicated-love-for-a-new-mega-evolution|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GRStar">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/pokemon/pokemon-legends-z-a-has-successfully-united-fans-around-the-world-under-one-cause-laughing-at-mega-starmie-because-what-the-heck-is-that/|title=Pokemon Legends Z-A has successfully united fans around the world under one cause: laughing at Mega Starmie, because what the heck is that|last=Koselke|first=Anna|date=October 17, 2025|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|access-date=October 19, 2025|archive-date=October 20, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251020184303/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/pokemon/pokemon-legends-z-a-has-successfully-united-fans-around-the-world-under-one-cause-laughing-at-mega-starmie-because-what-the-heck-is-that/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EscStar">{{Cite web|url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/news-mega-starmie-cursed-legs-pokemon-legends-z-a/|title=Bro, who keeps letting Game Freak make Pokémon games? Now they’ve cursed Mega Starmie|last=Richman|first=Olivia|date=October 14, 2025|website=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|access-date=October 19, 2025}}</ref> whereas others believed it ruined Starmie's design and took over from Mega [[Dragonite]] as the worst Mega design in ''Z-A''.<ref name="PolyStar" /><ref name="TheStar">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/mega-starmie-design-leaks-pokemon-legends-z-a/|title=Pokemon Fans Are Unimpressed With Mega Starmie's Leaked Design|last=Coulson|first=Josh|date=September 1, 2025|website=[[TheGamer]]|access-date=October 19, 2025|archive-date=October 4, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251004082321/https://www.thegamer.com/mega-starmie-design-leaks-pokemon-legends-z-a/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[TheGamer]]'' executive editor Rebecca Phillips believed Mega Starmie to be the best Mega form in ''Z-A'', finding that part of its appeal came from evoking the [[uncanny valley]] and that its "bizarre, humanoid design gives it a little oomph."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-legends-z-a-best-new-mega-evolution-designs-ranked/|title=The Best New Mega Evolution Designs In Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Ranked|last=Phillips|first=Rebecca|date=October 16, 2025|website=[[TheGamer]]|access-date=October 19, 2025}}</ref> Conversely, writing for ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' Giovanni Colantonio declared Mega Starmie to be ''Z-A''{{'}}s worst Mega form, describing it as a "body horror monstrosity" designed by [[David Cronenberg]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-z-a-mega-evolutions-ranked/|title=We ranked all of Pokémon Legends: Z-A's new mega evolutions|last=Colantonio|first=Giovanni|date=October 19, 2025|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|access-date=October 27, 2025}}</ref> Also writing for ''Polygon'', Patricia Hernandez joked that Mega Starmie looked silly and "had the vibe of a meme or a [[shitpost]]", although commented it was quite strong due to its high stats.<ref name="PolyStar" /> Kenneth Shepard, writing for ''[[Kotaku]]'', felt that while the concept for Mega Starmie was interesting, the design was bland and could have had more done with it. Shepard felt it was too goofy and that it took away from Starmie's usual "elegant" vibe.<ref name="KotStar">{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-legends-za-mega-starmie-patrick-star-jokes-2000636057|title=Pokémon Legends: Z-A Finally Gets A Long-Requested Mega Evolution And Fans Hate It|last=Shepard|first=Kenneth|date=October 16, 2025|website=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=October 19, 2025}}</ref> In a later article for ''Kotaku'', Shepard admitted that although he initially hated the design, Mega Starmie became a crucial part of his team during his playthrough because of its increased movement speed.<ref name="SoBad">{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/pokemon-legends-za-mega-starmie-jokes-memes-videos-art-2000638556|title=Pokémon Legends: Z-A‘s Mega Starmie Redemption Arc Has Been Wild To Witness|last=Shepard|first=Kenneth|date=October 23, 2025|website=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=October 24, 2025}}</ref> Olivia Richman from ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' heavily criticized the design as being indicative of Game Freak being lazy and adding that people should feel bad for buying ''Z-A''.<ref name="EscStar" />

Additional commentary was made regarding Mega Starmie's walking animation. ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s Tom Phillips praised the look of the animation, mentioning how it changed from "a more graceful roll to something out of a [[Saturday-morning cartoon]]."<ref name="IGNStar" /> Commenting on Starmie's Pokédex entry mentioning its walk, Shepard found the different implications of what it could mean to be equally horrifying as either meaning Starmie was supplanting humanity or that it believes humanity walks around "like something out of a [[Hanna-Barbera]] cartoon," though noted the latter as a sort of [[Insult|burn]] to humans.<ref name="KotStar" /> Similarly, ''TheGamer''{{'}}s Josh Coulson wrote how he found Mega Starmie's ability to walk creepy, although he admitted the way it ran was amusing and as if the "[[Benny Hill theme]]" was playing whenever it ran.<ref name="GamStar">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-legends-z-a-mega-starmie-design-reactions/|title=First Look At Mega Starmie In Pokemon Legends: Z-A Confirms It's Even Weirder Than The Leaks Suggested|last=Coulson|first=Josh|date=October 16, 2025|website=[[TheGamer]]|access-date=October 19, 2025}}</ref> Richman questioned why the developers ignored its ability to float, calling the movement animations "stupid as hell" and that "Game Freak should feel bad."<ref name="EscStar" />

''[[Eurogamer]]''{{'}}s Connor Makar noted that Mega Starmie, compared to other new Mega Evolutions, had been discussed substantially more as a result of its appearance.<ref name="EuroStar" /> Shepard reported that a week after ''Z-A''{{'}}s release and the design had received a "wave of backlash", players had begun to find the design endearing, commenting that it had "reached the "[[so bad it's good]]" status".<ref name="SoBad" /> Following Mega Starmie's reveal, the Pokémon became the subject of memes and shitposts on social media,<ref name="IGNStar" /><ref name="GRStar" /> with fans creating [[fan art]] of the design to mock or to express support such as by depicting Mega Starmie with buff legs;<ref name="EuroStar" /> fan art was even created by the Spanish social media account of fast-food chain [[KFC]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-legends-z-a-mega-starmie-kfc-fried-chicken/|title=Mega Starmie Has Amassed A Cult Following So Big That KFC Has Turned It Into Fried Chicken|last=Coulson|first=Josh|date=October 21, 2025|website=[[TheGamer]]|access-date=October 21, 2025}}</ref> Other people used the opportunity to create alternate designs of Starmie's mega form, in particular leaning into the space aspect of Starmie, with journalists such as Richman and Coulson thinking they were an improvement over the original and were disappointed the fans design couldn't become a reality.<ref name="TheStar" /><ref name="EscStar" /> In Japan, fans made art of the creature running or wearing [[Stocking|stockings]],<ref name="AutoStar">{{Cite web|url=https://automaton-media.com/en/news/pokemon-legends-z-a-fans-in-japan-are-losing-it-over-mega-starmies-massive-legs/|title=Pokémon Legends: Z-A fans in Japan are losing it over Mega Starmie’s massive legs|last=Zotomayor|first=Carlos|date=October 17, 2025|website=Automaton West|access-date=October 19, 2025}}</ref> or by comparing / fusing Starmie with the demons Decarabia and Kaiwan from the ''[[Persona (series)|Persona]]'' and ''[[Shin Megami Tensei]]'' series.<ref name="GRStar" /> Both journalists and fans commonly compared its design to a scene in ''[[The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie]]'', in which [[Patrick Star]] is depicted with long legs and [[fishnets]].<ref name="DesStar">{{Cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/the-mega-starmie-leaks-are-giving-me-patrick-star-vibes/|title=The Mega Starmie ‘leaks’ are giving me Patrick Star vibes|last=Newell|first=Adam|date=September 1, 2025|website=[[Destructoid]]|access-date=October 18, 2025|archive-date=September 11, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911040009/https://www.destructoid.com/the-mega-starmie-leaks-are-giving-me-patrick-star-vibes/|url-status=live}}</ref> Fans have also compared the design to the Starmen from ''[[EarthBound]]'',<ref name="Starman" /><ref name="IGNStar" /> [[Starro]] from [[DC Comics]] and Starman from the [[Kirby (series)|''Kirby'' series]].<ref name="AutoStar" /> Shepard believed that Mega Starmie's legs made it "easy to graft onto just about anything."<ref name="SoBad" /> According to Evan Lambert, Mega Starmie had earned a [[queer icon]] status online, with queer [[cosplayers]] and [[drag queens]] dressing up as and designing outfits based on it, as well as being used in memes referencing movies such as [[The Devil Wears Prada (film)|The Devil Wears Prada]]. Lambert described Mega Starmie as a "symbol of resistance" due to it becoming a breakout star despite it initially being rejected by society.<ref name="Lambert" />

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/starmie Starmie on Pokemon.com]
* {{Bulbapedia}}

{{Pokémon Generation 1|state=expanded}}
{{Pokémon}}

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