murkrow
Generation II · #0198 — Darkness Pokémon
Murkrow, the Darkness Pokémon, is a dual-type Dark and Flying Pokémon that was introduced in Generation II, claiming the National Pokédex number #198. This small avian creature has become synonymous with superstition and misfortune in Pokémon lore, earning a fearsome reputation that extends far beyond its modest stature. Standing at just 0.5 meters tall and weighing a mere 2.1 kilograms, Murkrow belies its intimidating legend through its compact size. With a base stat total of 405, this Pokémon emphasizes speed and special attacking power, boasting a base Speed stat of 91 and balanced Attack and Special Attack stats of 85 each, making it a fleet-footed nocturnal hunter despite its fragile defensive capabilities.
Base Stats
Height
0.5m
Weight
2.1kg
Category
Darkness Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
black
Shape
wings
Habitat
forest
Abilities
Prevents sleep.
Raises moves' critical hit rates one stage.
Raises non-damaging moves' priority by one stage.
Murkrow Biology & Physical Characteristics
Murkrow is an avian Pokémon characterized by its jet-black plumage and distinctive appearance that evokes the image of a witch's familiar. Its most recognizable features include a crooked yellow beak and three prominent feathery tufts adorning its head, which resemble a witch's nose and pointed hat respectively—a design choice that emphasizes its connection to misfortune and dark omens. The Pokémon possesses semi-circular crimson eyes with white sclerae and pupils, surrounded by a spiky collar of feathers around its neck that gives it a perpetually startled expression. Its shaggy tail feathers resemble the bristles of a broom, complete with a thin red band at its base, while its yellow feet feature four toes arranged in a typical avian configuration. Sexual dimorphism is evident in the species, with males displaying larger feathery crests on their heads compared to females. Murkrow awakens exclusively at dusk and conducts all of its activities during the night hours, having adapted completely to a nocturnal lifestyle that separates it from most other Pokémon.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Murkrow Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Murkrow exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, with no gender-based differences beyond the slight size variation in the feathery crest that distinguishes males from females. The species belongs exclusively to the Flying egg group, allowing it to breed with numerous other Pokémon that share this classification, expanding breeding possibilities for trainers seeking to create Murkrow offspring with specific movesets or individual values. The egg hatching counter indicates that Murkrow eggs require 20 cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of travel, making it a moderately time-intensive breeding project compared to faster-hatching species. Murkrow begins its life with a notably low base happiness value of 35, significantly lower than the standard 70 baseline, reflecting its mischievous and untrusting nature that requires dedicated effort from trainers to develop affection and trust. This low base friendship value has practical implications for competitive breeding and training, as moves like Return scale with happiness values, making friendship-building activities an important consideration for trainers invested in maximizing their Murkrow's potential.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm04
yellow
tm04
red blue
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
tm04
red green japan
+680 more TMs/HMs
Gender Differences
This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.
murkrow's Evolution Chain
Murkrow Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Murkrow evolves into Honchkrow, a significantly more powerful Dark and Flying-type Pokémon, through exposure to a Dusk Stone. This evolution represents a dramatic transformation from a small nocturnal trickster into a commanding raven-like Pokémon with enhanced physical presence and battle capabilities. The evolution requirement of a Dusk Stone perfectly complements Murkrow's thematic connection to darkness and nighttime, as the stone itself embodies the essence of twilight and shadow. Upon evolution, Honchkrow gains substantial increases to its Attack and Special Attack stats, transforming from a moderately powered Pokémon into a formidable special attacker with improved survivability. This evolution is exclusive to Murkrow and has no Mega Evolution form, making the Dusk Stone evolution the singular path through which trainers can maximize their Murkrow's potential.
Where to Find
kanto route 16
kanto
+5 more
kanto route 18
kanto
kanto route 7
kanto
+7 more
lost cave
kanto
+21 more
lost tower
sinnoh
+7 more
eterna forest
sinnoh
johto safari zone
johto
+7 more
abundant shrine
unova
vast poni canyon
alola
poke pelago
alola
+3 more
hauoli cemetery
alola
Murkrow Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Murkrow is driven by an irresistible compulsion to collect shiny and glittering objects, engaging in fierce territorial disputes with other hoarders like Meowth and Gabite to acquire their precious stashes. Despite its thieving nature, the Pokémon has been known to gift these treasured items to Trainers it has grown fond of, suggesting a capacity for loyalty beneath its mischievous exterior. When pursued by threats, Murkrow employs an cunning strategy of luring attackers down treacherous dark mountain trails where its superior nocturnal vision and flight capabilities grant it a decisive advantage, sometimes engaging in mean-spirited pranks on unsuspecting travelers. The species is predominantly found in mountainous and forested regions where darkness provides adequate cover for its nocturnal hunting expeditions. In the Alola region, travelers have developed a folk saying: "Get home before the Murkrow fly," warning of the dangers that accompany twilight and the emergence of these mysterious birds, reflecting the deep cultural impact of this species on human settlements throughout the Pokémon world.
Pokedex Entries
Feared and loathed by many, it is believed to bring misfortune to all those who see it at night.
It is said that when chased, it lures its attacker onto dark mountain trails where the foe will get lost.
It hides any shiny object it finds in a secret location. MURKROW and MEOWTH loot one another's stashes.
MURKROW was feared and loathed as the alleged bearer of ill fortune. This POKéMON shows strong interest in anything that sparkles or glitters. It will even try to steal rings from women.
MURKROW were feared as the alleged bearers of ill fortune. It shows strong interest in anything that sparkles. It will even try to steal rings from women.
It is said that when chased, it lures its attacker onto dark mountain trails where the foe will get lost.
Feared and loathed by many, it is believed to bring misfortune to all those who see it at night.
It is believed that seeing this Pokémon at night will bring about ominous occurrences.
It appears near travelers to lure them into deep forests. It is said to carry misfortune.
If spotted, it will lure an unwary person into chasing it, then lose the pursuer on mountain trails.
Feared and loathed by many, it is believed to bring misfortune to all those who see it at night.
It is said that when chased, it lures its attacker onto dark mountain trails where the foe will get lost.
If spotted, it will lure an unwary person into chasing it, then lose the pursuer on mountain trails.
If spotted, it will lure an unwary person into chasing it then lose the pursuer on mountain trails.
It hides any shiny object it finds in a secret location. Murkrow and Meowth loot one another’s stashes.
Feared and loathed by many, it is believed to bring misfortune to all those who see it at night.
Murkrow was feared and loathed as the alleged bearer of ill fortune. This Pokémon shows strong interest in anything that sparkles or glitters. It will even try to steal rings from women.
They awaken at dusk and take wing in the twilight, leading to the expression, “Get home before the Murkrow fly.”
It has a weakness for shiny things. It’s been known to sneak into the nests of Gabite—noted collectors of jewels—in search of treasure.
Seen as a symbol of bad luck, it’s generally disliked. Yet it gives presents—objects that sparkle or shine—to Trainers it’s close to.
It searches for shiny things for its boss. Murkrow’s presence is said to be unlucky, so many people detest it.
Widely shunned as a bearer of ill fortune. Upon crossing paths with this creature, I've been told one must chant ”Workrum, Workrum—bad luck, don't come” as a protective incantation.
Murkrow Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Murkrow is derived from the combination of "murk," referring to darkness and gloom, with "crow," indicating its classification as an avian Pokémon. The Japanese name Yamikarasu similarly combines "yami" (darkness/shadow) with "karasu" (crow), maintaining the thematic connection to nocturnal behavior and ominous omens across both naming conventions. The design itself draws inspiration from traditional witchcraft imagery and folklore, with its pointed head tufts resembling a witch's hat and its crooked beak evoking a witch's nose—elements that solidify its role as a harbinger of bad luck in Pokémon mythology. The color scheme of pure black plumage with yellow accents and red facial features creates a striking silhouette that remains instantly recognizable, while the broom-like tail references the stereotypical witch's broomstick. This carefully crafted design makes Murkrow one of the most thematically cohesive Pokémon introduced in Generation II, perfectly embodying its role as the "Darkness Pokémon" both visually and conceptually.
Learnable Moves
Murkrow can learn 95 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 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| drill peck | flying | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| dual wingbeat | flying | Physical | 40 | 90 | 10 |
| embargo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| feather dance | flying | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| feint attack | dark | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| flatter | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| fly | flying | Physical | 90 | 95 | 15 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| gust | flying | Special | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| 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 |
| lash out | dark | Physical | 75 | 100 | 5 |
| mean look | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mirror move | flying | Status | — | — | 20 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| night shade | ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| night slash | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| nightmare | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| peck | flying | Physical | 35 | 100 | 35 |
| perish song | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 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 |
| psycho shift | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| punishment | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| pursuit | dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| quash | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 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 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| whirlwind | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| wing attack | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 35 |
Murkrow Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive play, Murkrow occupies a niche role as a moderately fast special attacker with balanced offensive capabilities, though its fragile defenses and modest stats prevent it from being a dominant force in most competitive formats. With a base Speed stat of 91, Murkrow outpaces many common threats and can effectively function as a lead or mid-game special attacker in casual formats, though its base Special Attack of 85 means it requires careful movepool utilization to maximize offensive output. The availability of three distinct abilities provides strategic flexibility: Insomnia prevents sleep-inducing status conditions, Super Luck increases the critical hit rate of moves, and the hidden ability Prankster grants priority to non-damaging moves, allowing Murkrow to set up entry hazards like Spikes or provide team support through moves like Tailwind or Thunder Wave. However, Murkrow's viability is severely limited by its poor defensive typing and defenses, leaving it vulnerable to common threats and forcing trainers to make difficult decisions about coverage moves versus utility options. Most competitive players view Murkrow as a stepping stone toward its superior evolution Honchkrow rather than a standalone competitive threat, though its access to moves like Brave Bird, Sucker Punch, and Dark Pulse through various TM and breeding options provides some offensive versatility for experimental team compositions.
Commonly Asked Questions About Murkrow
What type is Murkrow?
Murkrow is a dark and flying type Pokemon.
What does Murkrow evolve into?
Murkrow evolves into honchkrow.
What are Murkrow's weaknesses?
Murkrow is weak to rock, electric, ice and fairy type moves.
Where can I find Murkrow?
Murkrow can be found in kanto route 16 (kanto), kanto route 18 (kanto) and kanto route 7 (kanto) and 8 other locations.
Murkrow Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Murkrow has achieved significant cultural prominence within the Pokémon universe and among fans, earning recognition as one of Generation II's most iconic and distinctive Pokémon despite its relatively low base stats. The species has inspired various superstitions and protective incantations within human settlements throughout the Pokémon world, with the recorded phrase "Workrum, Workrum—bad luck, don't come" serving as a traditional protective spell against misfortune caused by sighting a Murkrow at night. This deeply embedded folklore has made Murkrow a symbol of bad luck and ominous portents, though individual Murkrow have demonstrated capacity for loyalty and kindness toward chosen trainers, creating an interesting duality between the species' cultural reputation and its actual nature. The Pokémon achieved notable popularity in the anime series, particularly through Paul's Murkrow, which became a memorable character that showcased the species' intelligence and combat capabilities. The visual design has resonated strongly with fans, inspiring fan art, merchandise, and extensive coverage in competitive Pokémon communities, cementing Murkrow's status as a beloved Generation II representative that continues to influence new player perceptions of the dark and flying type combination.
Where to Find Murkrow in Every Pokémon Game
Murkrow's availability has evolved significantly across generations and game titles, with the species appearing in nearly every mainline Pokémon game since its introduction in Generation II's Gold and Silver versions. In the original Johto games, Murkrow serves as a regional Pokédex entry (#208 in Gold/Silver/Crystal), appearing primarily in nighttime encounters in areas like Route 45 and Blackthorn City. The species has maintained consistent availability throughout subsequent generations, appearing in diverse locations across Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, and Paldea regions, though encounter rates and specific location details vary by game. In more recent titles like Pokémon Sword and Shield, Scarlet and Violet, and the Legends: Arceus prequel, Murkrow remains easily accessible in multiple outdoor routes and wild areas, making it a viable choice for new players seeking a Dark and Flying-type team member. The species' 30 base capture rate places it in the moderately difficult category for capturing, requiring slightly more persistence than common route Pokémon but remaining far more accessible than legendary or pseudo-legendary species. For competitive players and collectors seeking shiny variants or specific nature combinations, breeding remains the most efficient method, as the species' presence in breeding-available regions and its Flying egg group status provide ample opportunity for establishing reliable breeding populations.