High risk, high reward with Honchkrow. The offense is outstanding but the bulk won't survive much — 52 base Defense is the weak link. Ground and Psychic moves can't touch it, and only 3 types hit it super-effectively. Introduced in Gen 4.
Raw Attack carries Honchkrow's bulk more than the defenses do. Defense barely registers. But that HP pool covers for it. A tough to catch Big Boss Pokemon that yields 2 Attack EVs on a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
If one utters a deep cry, many Murkrow gather quickly. For this, it is called “Summoner of Night.”
Honchkrow Weakness
ExcellentType-wise, Honchkrow takes extra damage from Electric, Ice, and Rock. Ground and Psychic moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Getting Honchkrow requires an evolution item, not just grinding levels. The chain starts at Murkrow. Breed this form to get Murkrow eggs (average hatch time). HP grew the most through evolution (+40 over Murkrow), and Honchkrow peaks at 505 total stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Honchkrow to get Murkrow eggs easily from the Flying egg group. Notable egg moves include Assurance, Brave Bird, Confuse Ray and 11 more.
Fighting coverage keeps opponents guessing about Honchkrow's real targets. Sitrus Berry provides a one-time health recovery at low HP while max HP and Attack EVs and Adamant nature handle the stat profile. Moxie ties it together.
Best Build
Best Honchkrow Moveset
- Brave Bird
- Sucker Punch
- Night Slash
- Superpower
Recommended Teammates
Breeding's the move. Assurance and Brave Bird give Honchkrow options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 9 types already covers a decent range on top of Sky Attack and Brave Bird. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
Transfer Moves
Honchkrow can't be caught in Black 2 & White 2. Transfer Murkrow from Gold, Crystal, or Brilliant Diamond and evolve through the 2-stage line to get it. The step cards below map the full chain.
We rate Honchkrow B-Tier — a solid choice for the right team. At 505 BST, it fits the cannon role. Base 125 Attack stands out.
Murkrow evolves into Honchkrow using a Dusk Stone. Honchkrow is the fully evolved form. At 505 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
Insomnia is the go-to ability for Honchkrow. It prevents sleep. Its hidden ability Moxie can work in specific setups. Super Luck is the other option — pick based on what your team needs.
Base 71 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Honchkrow is a physical attacker with base 125 Attack. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as a cannon.
Honchkrow appears in 12 games, including Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Diamond & Pearl.
Obtainable through an item-based evolution, Honchkrow appears in 12 titles across 6 generations since Diamond & Pearl. The evolution method adds a barrier that wild-catchable Pokemon don't have.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDPDebut
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A