honchkrow
Generation IV · #0430 — Big Boss Pokémon
Honchkrow is a Dark/Flying-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IV, bearing the official designation #430 in the National Pokédex. Known as the "Big Boss Pokémon," Honchkrow embodies the characteristics of a ruthless leader, commanding respect and fear from its subordinates. This imposing avian Pokémon represents the evolution of Murkrow through exposure to a Dusk Stone, a transformation that grants it significantly enhanced stats and commanding presence. With a base stat total of 505, Honchkrow excels particularly in Attack (125) and Special Attack (105), making it a formidable offensive threat in battle. Its lower defensive statistics (Defense and Special Defense both at 52) are offset by a respectable HP of 100, allowing it to absorb moderate damage while dealing substantial punishment.
Base Stats
Height
0.9m
Weight
27.3kg
Category
Big Boss Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
black
Shape
wings
Abilities
Prevents sleep.
Raises moves' critical hit rates one stage.
Raises Attack one stage upon KOing a Pokémon.
Honchkrow Biology & Physical Characteristics
Honchkrow is a striking dark-blue avian Pokémon with a distinctive appearance reminiscent of a mobster in formal attire. Its most notable feature is a large feather crest resembling a fedora hat with backward-extending spikes, crowning a head supported by a broad, short neck. Circular red eyes with white sclerae and dark blue eyelids give Honchkrow an intense, penetrating gaze befitting its commanding nature. A prominent white crest of feathers adorns its chest, resembling either a sophisticated cravat or a formidable beard that reinforces its authoritative appearance. The Pokémon's wings contain striking red feathers on their inner surfaces, while its black feet feature four distinct toes gripping whatever perch it commands. Its tail is particularly noteworthy, consisting of a white cylindrical stalk upon which vibrant red feathers bloom at the tip, creating an elegant yet intimidating silhouette against the night sky.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Honchkrow Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Honchkrow exhibits a standard gender distribution of 50% male and 50% female, providing equal breeding possibilities regardless of which parent is selected. The species belongs to the Flying egg group, meaning it can breed with other Pokémon in that classification to produce Murkrow eggs rather than Honchkrow eggs directly, as Honchkrow itself must be evolved from Murkrow to be obtained. The base friendship value of Honchkrow is notably lower than typical Pokémon at 35, reflecting its merciless and independent nature even when captured and trained by humans. This lower friendship rating creates an interesting training dynamic—trainers must invest extra effort in bonding with Honchkrow to maximize its happiness and enable friendship-based evolution mechanics in relevant games. Female Honchkrow are equally capable of breeding with compatible male Pokémon from the Flying egg group, producing Murkrow offspring that trainers can then evolve into Honchkrow using a Dusk Stone. The breeding process takes approximately 20 cycles to complete, translating to roughly 4,884 to 5,140 steps of in-game travel, making it a moderately time-consuming endeavor for trainers seeking to build teams with multiple Honchkrow or to breed for optimal individual values.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm04
emerald
tm04
firered leafgreen
tm04
ruby sapphire
tm04
diamond pearl
tm04
xd
tm04
heartgold soulsilver
tm04
black white
tm04
colosseum
tm04
platinum
tm04
sun moon
tm04
ultra sun ultra moon
tm04
x y
tm04
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm04
black 2 white 2
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
+694 more TMs/HMs
honchkrow's Evolution Chain
Honchkrow Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Honchkrow evolves from Murkrow through exposure to a Dusk Stone, a unique evolution mechanic introduced in Generation IV that mirrors the thematic transformation from follower to leader. This evolution represents a dramatic shift in power and authority—Murkrow's modest stats and nervous demeanor transform into Honchkrow's commanding presence and enhanced combat capabilities. The evolution yields substantial improvements across multiple stats, most notably an increase in Attack from 85 to 125, granting Honchkrow the aggressive offensive power necessary for its role as a dominant force. Special Attack increases from 85 to 105, providing reliable special move coverage. While defensive stats don't improve dramatically (Defense and Special Defense remain relatively modest), the HP increase from 76 to 100 provides better overall durability. This transformation is accompanied by the visible acquisition of its iconic fedora-like crest and formal feather patterns, visually cementing its ascension from common crow to respected authority figure. The evolution is permanent and irreversible, making it a significant commitment that rewards trainers with a substantially more powerful Pokémon.
Where to Find
abundant shrine
unova
poke pelago
alola
Honchkrow Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Honchkrow is fundamentally a nocturnal creature, becoming active when darkness falls and preferring to spend daylight hours meticulously grooming its feathers in solitary comfort. The Pokédex describes it as remarkably merciless in nature, commanding respect through fear and dominance rather than benevolence. With a single deep cry, Honchkrow can summon more than a hundred Murkrow followers to do its bidding, earning it the evocative title "Summoner of Night"—a name derived from the pitch-black darkness that engulfs the sky when its vast flocks descend. These subordinate Murkrow serve as both servants and soldiers, responsible for gathering food and engaging in combat while Honchkrow reserves its own efforts for delivering finishing blows. Honchkrow's ruthless leadership style includes harsh punishment for any Murkrow that fails in its duties or commits acts of betrayal, demonstrating that it hunts down and disciplines offenders without mercy. The species inhabits diverse environments including swamps, forests, human towns and cities, and open plains, adapting its predatory lifestyle to various ecosystems while maintaining its nocturnal patterns.
Pokedex Entries
Becoming active at night, it is known to swarm with numerous MURKROW in tow.
It makes its MURKROW cronies bring it food. It idles its time away, grooming itself in its nest.
If one utters a deep cry, many MURKROW gather quickly. For this, it is called “Summoner of Night.”
It is merciless by nature. It is said that it never forgives the mistakes of its MURKROW followers.
If one utters a deep cry, many Murkrow gather quickly. For this, it is called “Summoner of Night.”
If one utters a deep cry, many Murkrow gather quickly. For this, it is called “Summoner of Night.”
If one utters a deep cry, many Murkrow gather quickly. For this, it is called “Summoner of Night.”
Becoming active at night, it is known to swarm with numerous Murkrow in tow.
If one utters a deep cry, many Murkrow gather quickly. For this, it is called “Summoner of Night.”
Becoming active at night, it is known to swarm with numerous Murkrow in tow.
A single cry from this nocturnal Pokémon, and more than a hundred of its Murkrow cronies will assemble.
It will absolutely not forgive failure from or betrayal by its goons. It has no choice in this if it wants to maintain the order of the flock.
If its Murkrow cronies fail to catch food for it, or if it feels they have betrayed it, it will hunt them down wherever they are and punish them.
Its goons take care of most of the fighting for it. The only time it dirties its own hands is in delivering a final blow to finish off an opponent.
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 Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Honchkrow's design draws inspiration from the archetypal "mob boss" or organized crime figure, translating human organizational hierarchy into avian form. The name "Honchkrow" likely derives from "honcho," a Japanese word meaning "leader" or "chief," combined with "crow," explicitly referencing its avian nature and position of authority. In Japanese, it's known as Dongkarasu (ドンカラス), where "don" (ドン) carries connotations of leadership and authority in Japanese organized crime terminology, while "karasu" (カラス) is the Japanese word for crow. The visual design meticulously incorporates elements of formality and power—the fedora-like crest evokes 1920s-1950s gangster aesthetics, while the white chest feathers suggest a tailored suit or formal shirt. The red inner wing feathers and tail feathers provide splashes of color that add menace without detracting from its overall formal appearance. This cohesive design philosophy creates a Pokémon that feels simultaneously elegant and dangerous, instantly communicating its role as a commanding figure through visual language alone, making it instantly recognizable and thematically consistent with its behavior as described throughout the Pokédex.
Learnable Moves
Honchkrow can learn 90 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| air cutter | flying | Special | 60 | 95 | 25 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| assurance | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| astonish | ghost | Physical | 30 | 100 | 15 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| brave bird | flying | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| chilling water | water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| comeuppance | dark | Physical | 1 | 100 | 10 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| dual wingbeat | flying | Physical | 40 | 90 | 10 |
| embargo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| feather dance | flying | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| fly | flying | Physical | 90 | 95 | 15 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| gust | flying | Special | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hex | ghost | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hurricane | flying | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| incinerate | fire | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| lash out | dark | Physical | 75 | 100 | 5 |
| mean look | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| night shade | ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| night slash | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| peck | flying | Physical | 35 | 100 | 35 |
| pluck | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psychic noise | psychic | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| pursuit | dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| quash | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| retaliate | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| sky attack | flying | Physical | 140 | 90 | 5 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| snatch | dark | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| steel wing | steel | Physical | 70 | 90 | 25 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| superpower | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tailwind | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| wing attack | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 35 |
Honchkrow Competitive Battle Guide
Honchkrow occupies a specialized niche in competitive Pokémon battling, functioning primarily as a physical attacker with useful special attack coverage and priority options. Its base Attack stat of 125 is genuinely impressive, allowing it to deal significant damage with physical moves like Brave Bird, Peck, and Close Combat, the latter accessible through breeding or leveling. The Special Attack of 105 provides legitimate coverage with moves such as Dark Pulse and Heat Wave, ensuring that special bulk walls cannot completely wall Honchkrow. Its three ability options offer distinct strategic advantages: Insomnia prevents sleep status entirely, Super Luck increases the critical hit rate of its moves (which synergizes excellently with moves that have high inherent crit rates like Night Slash and Drill Peck), and the Hidden Ability Moxie grants an Attack boost upon knocking out an opponent, enabling potential sweep potential when Honchkrow gains momentum. Speed is a moderate concern at 71 base, meaning Honchkrow typically requires support from faster teammates or priority moves to reliably outspeed common threats. In metagames where it's available, Honchkrow has found success as a physical sweeper or as a clerical role player with utility moves, though its relatively low defenses and limited bulk require careful prediction and team support to maximize its effectiveness in serious competitive play.
Commonly Asked Questions About Honchkrow
What type is Honchkrow?
Honchkrow is a dark and flying type Pokemon.
What does Honchkrow evolve from?
Honchkrow evolved from murkrow.
What are Honchkrow's weaknesses?
Honchkrow is weak to rock, electric, ice and fairy type moves.
Where can I find Honchkrow?
Honchkrow can be found in abundant shrine (unova) and poke pelago (alola).
Honchkrow Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Honchkrow has secured a notable presence within Pokémon media and fan culture, particularly through its memorable appearance in the anime as Paul's signature Pokémon. Paul's Honchkrow became iconic among viewers due to its integration into Paul's competitive strategy and the character development surrounding its battles, giving the species a prominent role in the television series. The "Big Boss" theme resonates strongly with players and fans, inspiring team compositions that incorporate Honchkrow as an authoritative centerpiece. Its mob boss aesthetic appeals to players who appreciate Pokémon with darker, more morally ambiguous designs, contrasting with traditionally heroic or cute creatures. The species has maintained relevant representation across trading card game releases, appearing in multiple sets with artwork that emphasizes its commanding authority and fearsome demeanor. Fan communities frequently create content celebrating Honchkrow's ruthless personality as depicted in Pokédex entries, appreciating the dark humor inherent in a Pokémon that brutally punishes its own subordinates for failure. The design has influenced subsequent Pokémon with leadership or hierarchical themes, establishing a template for how the franchise depicts authoritarian figures within its monster ecosystem.
Where to Find Honchkrow in Every Pokémon Game
Honchkrow's availability varies significantly across Pokémon games depending on the generation and version played. In Generation IV (Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum), Honchkrow can be obtained by evolving Murkrow with a Dusk Stone, with Murkrow appearing in various locations throughout Sinnoh. In later generations, availability follows similar patterns with regional variations in Murkrow distribution followed by Dusk Stone evolution. In Pokémon X and Y, Honchkrow appears in the Mountain Kalos region of the Kalos Pokédex as local entry #52. Sun and Moon include Honchkrow in the Alola Pokédex as entry #278, while Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon feature it as entry #79 in their updated Alola Pokédex. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl feature Honchkrow as local entry #75, providing remade accessibility to Generation IV players. Legends: Arceus lists it as #141, while Scarlet and Violet include Honchkrow as #233 in their respective Pokédex. Dusk Stones are typically distributed through specific in-game locations, purchasable from shops once trainers reach appropriate story milestones, or through event distributions, making evolution accessible to dedicated players. Additionally, Honchkrow's inclusion across multiple generations and game versions ensures that players seeking this commanding Pokémon have multiple pathways to obtain one, though the requirement of a Dusk Stone remains a consistent gate throughout its availability.