The Starmie Doll isn’t sitting in a shop or handed out by an NPC. It’s buried inside a destructible rock stack at the end of a cave network, tied to Frillish’s request chain. If you’ve been wandering the Bubbly Basin looking for it, here’s the exact route — including the prerequisites you need before Frillish even shows up.
What You Need Before Starting
The Starmie Doll is part of Frillish’s request in the Bubbly Basin DLC. Completing this request also unlocks access to a new dream island via Drifloom, so it’s worth doing beyond just the doll itself.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Area Level | Level 3 minimum in Bubbly Basin |
| Key Move | Rock Smash (for breaking cave entrance rocks) |
| Optional Tool | Dowsing Machine (helps locate the doll at the minecart area) |
| NPC Contact | Popplio — directs you to Frillish and the cave location |
Frillish and several other Pokémon won’t appear in the story until you reach Level 3 in the area. That’s the hard gate — nothing else matters until you hit it.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Step 1 — Reach Level 3 in Bubbly Basin
Grind out area progression until you hit Level 3. This unlocks Frillish encounters and triggers the request chain.
Step 2 — Talk to Popplio
Once you’re at Level 3, speak to Popplio. He’ll point you toward new Pokémon in the area, including Frillish, and give you the direction you need for the cave.
Step 3 — Find the cave
The cave entrance is directly behind the area where the big construct is being built. If you’re lost, Popplio can direct you there — just ask again.
Step 4 — Break through the entrance rocks
Use Rock Smash to clear the rocks blocking the cave mouth. This is the only way in.
Step 5 — Get Frillish to follow you
Inside the cave, break through the interior area as part of Frillish’s request. You need to get Frillish to follow you into the open area before the request properly starts.
Step 6 — Follow the cave to the minecarts
Once the request is active, follow the cave all the way through. You’ll eventually reach an area with mine carts. Keep going past the pool and further down — the target is around the corner and a bit further out.
Step 7 — Find the gray rock stack
In the corner by the minecarts, look for a big stack of gray rocks. This is the key visual cue: most other rocks in this area are not destructible, but this specific gray stack is.
Step 8 — Destroy the rocks, grab the doll
Break the rock stack to reveal the treasure inside — the Starmie Doll.
Tip: If you have the Dowsing Machine, use it at the minecart area. Frillish will actively direct you to the Starmie Doll’s location, which removes any guesswork about which rock stack to break.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Frillish isn’t appearing | You haven’t reached Level 3 in Bubbly Basin yet — this is the hard requirement |
| Can’t break the cave entrance | You need Rock Smash in your move pool |
| Can’t find the right rock stack | Look for the gray rocks specifically — most other rocks in the area are indestructible decoys |
| Lost in the cave | Follow the path past the pool and continue further down; the minecart area is the target |
The gray destructible rocks near the minecarts are your visual anchor. Everything else in that cave is background dressing. Break the right stack, and the Starmie Doll is yours.
Related Posts:
- Pokemon Pokopia: How to Get Portal Pods (Two Easy Method)
- Pokémon Pokopia: Heat Rocks Location (Bubbly Basin Habitat Warmer Guide)
- Pokémon Pokopia Bubbly Basin DLC Guide: Dive, Area Gate, Sharpedo Habitat Construction, Key Quests, New Pokémon and ect
