Murkrow is technically a pre-evolution of Honchkrow, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Ground and Psychic moves can't touch it, and only 3 types hit it super-effectively. Known as the Darkness Pokemon.
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.
It hides any shiny object it finds in a secret location. MURKROW and MEOWTH loot one another’s stashes.
Murkrow Weakness
ExcellentType-wise, Murkrow takes extra damage from Electric, Ice, and Rock. Ground and Psychic moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
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.
How to Evolve
Breed Murkrow easily with 19 breeding partners from the Flying egg group. Pass egg moves like Drill Peck, Mirror Move, Quick Attack and 3 more to offspring.
double STAB keeps opponents guessing about Murkrow's real targets. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn while flexible EVs EVs and a nature nature handle the stat profile. An ability ties it together.
Best Build
Best Murkrow Moveset
- Toxic
- Drill Peck
- Thief
- Pursuit
Recommended Teammates
Breeding's the move. Drill Peck and Mirror Move give Murkrow options it can't learn any other way, and Ghost and Psychic coverage and more already covers a decent range on top of Sky Attack and Fly. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Murkrow is available from mid-game routes onward at high spawn rates. 3 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Best Locations
Walking encounters at Lv. 17-29 across 3 spots for Murkrow. Sorted by progression so you can see what's reachable at your current point in the game.
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.
Murkrow evolves into Honchkrow using a Dusk Stone. Murkrow is the base form of this evolutionary line.
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.
Murkrow appears in 17 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
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.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
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