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, which offsets the 4 weaknesses somewhat. 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.
One cry from this Pokémon, and a murder of Murkrow come flying. At such times, one would think the curtain of night had fallen, plunging the world into jet-black darkness.
Honchkrow Weakness
GoodType-wise, Honchkrow takes extra damage from Electric, Ice, Rock, and Fairy. Ground and Psychic moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity.
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 using 16 partners from the Flying egg group.
Fighting coverage keeps opponents guessing about Honchkrow's real targets. Scopelens provides extra utility while max HP and Attack EVs and Lonely nature handle the stat profile. Superluck ties it together.
Best Build
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
A solid spread overall. Honchkrow gets Brave Bird and Dark Pulse for same-type damage alongside Normal and Ice coverage and more. It won't blow anyone away, but it doesn't leave you stuck either.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
A few locations for Honchkrow with decent spawn rates across mid-game routes. The sort toggle below swaps between best odds and earliest access, so you can approach it based on where you are in the game.
Where To Catch Honchkrow in Legends: Arceus
To get Honchkrow, start by catching Murkrow through walking encounters at walking. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
- Step 1Catch MurkrowEASYCloudpool RidgeGrassUncommonSkyNightEASYCrossing SlopeGrassUncommonNightEASYHideaway BayGrassUncommonWaterNightEASYIslespy ShoreGrassUncommonNightEASYVeilstone CapeGrassUncommonNight
- Step 2Honchkrow ✓EASYBathers' LagoonGrassUncommonNightEASYCloudpool RidgeGrassUncommonSkyNightor evolve from Murkrow (Step 1)
We rate Honchkrow C-Tier — a situational pick that fills a niche. 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