Murkrow Best Moveset
Dark/Flying at 85 Attack and 91 Speed with AbilityPrankster giving priority to status moves. The moveset runs fast support through priority MoveTailwind and MoveThunder Wave. 60/42/42 bulk means anything that targets it directly ends the game. Pure setup support that acts before everything and folds to any contact.
Dark/Flying pre-evolution in Gen II (Gold & Silver). Mean Look plus Perish Song trapped and KO'd in three turns. The combo that Murkrow existed for.
Utility Moveset
- Toxic
- Drill Peck
- Thief
- Pursuit
Recommended Teammates
Same Perish trapping in Gen III (Ruby & Sapphire). Insomnia blocked sleep. Two gens of the same gimmick on a 405 BST pre-evolution.
Best Moves
Best Build
Murkrow best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Stallbreaker Moveset
- Thunder Wave
- Drill Peck
- Pursuit
- Taunt
Recommended Teammates
Prankster arrived as a hidden ability... in Gen V, not Gen IV. Super Luck boosted crits in Gen IV (Diamond & Pearl). Peaked before Honchkrow took the spotlight.
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Heat Wave
- Dark Pulse
- Icy Wind
- Brave Bird
Recommended Teammates
Murkrow saw minimal competitive use in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2). This was a decline from C-Tier in the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Prankster with Eviolite, favoring a Calm nature.
Wall Moveset
- Taunt
- Roost
- Haze
- Sucker Punch
Recommended Teammates
Murkrow saw minimal competitive use in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS). Murkrow maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Prankster with Eviolite, favoring a Calm nature.
Wall Moveset
- Roost
- Taunt
- Thunder Wave
- Toxic
Recommended Teammates
Murkrow saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). Murkrow maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Prankster with Eviolite, favoring a Bold nature.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Perish Song
- Roost
- Haze
- Tailwind
Recommended Teammates
Murkrow saw minimal competitive use in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-A). Murkrow maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Prankster with Eviolite, favoring a Calm nature.
Wall Moveset
- Haze
- Tailwind
- Thunder Wave
- Foul Play
Recommended Teammates
Murkrow Weakness
Type-wise, Murkrow takes extra damage from Electric, Ice, Rock, and Fairy. Ground and Psychic moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Ice, Rock, Fairy |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Grass, Ghost, Dark |
| 0x (Immune) | Ground, Psychic |
What is Murkrow Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Murkrow
Kyurem's Draco Meteor hits Murkrow for 52-61%. Rotom deals 76-89% with Thunderbolt.
A | ||
Recommended Build AbilityPowerconstruct ItemLeftovers NatureImpish Moves View Zygarde builds →
| ||
 Kyurem DragonIce | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemLoaded Dice NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Murkrow View Kyurem builds →Icicle Spear 2x25-30% Draco Meteor52-61% | ||
 Rotom ElectricGhost | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemLife Orb NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Murkrow View Rotom builds →Volt Switch 2x59-70% Shadow Ball17-20% Thunderbolt 2x76-89% | ||
Recommended Build AbilityDesolateland ItemRedorb NatureJolly Moves View Groudon-Primal builds →
| ||
Recommended Build AbilityIntrepidsword ItemRustedsword NatureJolly Moves View Zacian-Crowned builds →
| ||
Evolution
Evolving Murkrow into Honchkrow takes an evolution item. It's not a simple level-up, so check the chain details below. Evolving adds up to 100 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed Murkrow easily with 73 breeding partners from the Flying egg group.
How to Get Murkrow
Murkrow is available from early-game routes onward at high spawn rates. 126 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Where To Catch Murkrow in SV
Murkrow is your first catch on the way to Murkrow. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 15-65 across 202 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Murkrow ✓East Province (Area One) - Near TownLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%NightEast Province (Area Three) - Near TownLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%NightEast Province (Area Two) - Near TownLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%NightGlaseado MountainLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%NightSouth Province (Area One) - Near TownLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%NightSouth Province (Area Six) - Near TownLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%NightSouth Province (Area Three) - Near TownLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%NightSouth Province (Area Two) - Near TownLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%NightThe Pokémon League - Near TownLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%NightWest Province (Area Three) - Near TownLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%NightWest Province (Area Two) - Near TownLv.15-40OverworldRate 36%NightAsado Desert - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightEast Province (Area One) - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightEast Province (Area Three) - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightEast Province (Area Two) - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightNorth Province (Area Three) - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightSouth Province (Area Five) - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightSouth Province (Area Four) - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightSouth Province (Area One) - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightSouth Province (Area Three) - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightSouth Province (Area Two) - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightThe Pokémon League - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightWest Province (Area One) - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightWest Province (Area Three) - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightWest Province (Area Two) - GrassLv.15-40OverworldRate 24%NightCasseroya Lake - ForestLv.15-40OverworldRate 12%NightEast Province (Area One) - ForestLv.15-40OverworldRate 12%NightEast Province (Area Two) - ForestLv.15-40OverworldRate 12%NightNorth Province (Area One) - ForestLv.15-40OverworldRate 12%NightNorth Province (Area Two) - ForestLv.15-40OverworldRate 12%NightSouth Province (Area Four) - ForestLv.15-40OverworldRate 12%NightSouth Province (Area One) - ForestLv.15-40OverworldRate 12%NightSouth Province (Area Two) - ForestLv.15-40OverworldRate 12%NightTagtree Thicket - ForestLv.15-40OverworldRate 12%NightWest Province (Area Three) - ForestLv.15-40OverworldRate 12%NightAsado Desert - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightCasseroya Lake - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightEast Province (Area One) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightEast Province (Area One) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightEast Province (Area Three) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightEast Province (Area Two) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightGlaseado MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightNorth Province (Area One) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightNorth Province (Area One) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightNorth Province (Area Three) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightNorth Province (Area Two) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Five) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Five) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Four) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Four) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Six) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Six) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Three) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Two) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Two) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightThe Pokémon League - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightWest Province (Area One) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightWest Province (Area One) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightWest Province (Area Three) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightWest Province (Area Two) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%Night
Step 2Catch or Evolve into HonchkrowAsado Desert - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightCasseroya Lake - ForestLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightCasseroya Lake - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightEast Province (Area One) - ForestLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightEast Province (Area One) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightEast Province (Area One) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightEast Province (Area Three) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightEast Province (Area Two) - ForestLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightEast Province (Area Two) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightGlaseado MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightNorth Province (Area One) - ForestLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightNorth Province (Area One) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightNorth Province (Area One) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightNorth Province (Area Three) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightNorth Province (Area Two) - ForestLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightNorth Province (Area Two) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Five) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Five) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Four) - ForestLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Four) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Four) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area One) - ForestLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Six) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Six) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Three) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Two) - ForestLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Two) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightSouth Province (Area Two) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightTagtree Thicket - ForestLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightThe Pokémon League - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightWest Province (Area One) - MountainLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightWest Province (Area One) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightWest Province (Area Three) - ForestLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightWest Province (Area Three) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%NightWest Province (Area Two) - RockyLv.35-65OverworldRate 1%Nightor evolve from Murkrow (Step 1)
decent spawn rates for Murkrow across 5 locations in mid-game routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Where To Catch Murkrow in PLA
The path to Murkrow starts with Murkrow at Lv. 6-44 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Murkrow ✓Cloudpool RidgeLv.23-25GrassRate 15%NightCrossing SlopeLv.27-30GrassRate 15%NightVeilstone CapeLv.29-32GrassRate 15%NightHideaway BayLv.41-44GrassRate 15%NightIslespy ShoreLv.41-44GrassRate 15%Night
Step 2Catch or Evolve into HonchkrowCloudpool RidgeLv.6-28GrassRate 15%NightBathers' LagoonLv.16-36GrassRate 15%Nightor evolve from Murkrow (Step 1)
Murkrow starts showing up in early-game routes at decent spawn rates across 11 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Murkrow in BDSP
Murkrow is your first catch on the way to Murkrow. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 10-21 across 11 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Murkrow ✓Eterna ForestLv.10-11GrassBrilliant DiamondRate 20%NightLost Tower - 1FLv.17FloorBrilliant DiamondRate 20%NightLost Tower - 2FLv.18FloorBrilliant DiamondRate 20%NightLost Tower - 3FLv.19FloorBrilliant DiamondRate 20%NightLost Tower - 4FLv.20FloorBrilliant DiamondRate 20%NightLost Tower - 5FLv.21FloorBrilliant DiamondRate 20%NightGrassland CaveLv.16-20CaveBrilliant DiamondRiverbank CaveLv.16-20CaveBrilliant DiamondSpacious CaveLv.16-20CaveBrilliant DiamondStill-Water CavernLv.16-20CaveBrilliant DiamondSunlit CavernLv.16-20CaveBrilliant Diamond
Step 2Evolve into Honchkrow
Easy grab on Murkrow with high spawn rates across 2 locations in early-game routes. The sorted list below shows the full spread so you can pick the most convenient spot.
Where To Catch Murkrow in USUM
Murkrow is your first catch on the way to Murkrow. You'll find walking and gift encounters from Lv. 6-55 across 4 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Murkrow ✓Hau'oli CemeteryLv.6-9GrassRate 40%Night
Step 2Catch or Evolve into HonchkrowPoké Pelago - Elite Four defeatedLv.49-55Gift from NPCor evolve from Murkrow (Step 1)
Base Stats
Murkrow's built around mixed offense. Speed leads the charge, Defense pays for it. Tough to catch, worth 1 Speed EV. Follows a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
Feared and loathed by many, it is believed to bring misfortune to all those who see it at night.
Murkrow Guide
Murkrow isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Honchkrow to unlock its full potential. At 405 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Run Prankster on Murkrow. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Murkrow also gets Insomnia and Super Luck, but they don't compare.
Prankster is the hidden ability. It raises non-damaging moves' priority by one stage. Worth hunting for if you want Murkrow to compete at a higher level.
Murkrow fills the pivot role. It's a physical attacker with base 85 Attack. Base 91 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. And it's fragile, can't afford to take many hits.
Game Availability
Murkrow has been available in 17 games since Gold & Silver, though obtaining it requires an item-based evolution. This extra step makes it less common than Pokemon found through standard wild encounters.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves