Murkrow
Feared and loathed by many, it is believed to bring misfortune to all those who see it at night.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Dark Pulse is the STAB anchor of this set. The Dark-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Murkrow's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Dark weaknesses.
Fly adds Normal coverage to Murkrow's arsenal. This move catches opponents off guard who switch in expecting only Dark damage, providing neutral coverage.
Crunch serves as Murkrow's main Dark-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Murkrow's Attack of 85, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Dark.
Bite serves as Murkrow's main Dark-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Murkrow's Attack of 85, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Dark.
Strengths
- ▸Murkrow capitalizes on its Dark/Flying STAB moves—particularly Dark Pulse and Crunch—to threaten opponents who share type weaknesses
- ▸Murkrow's Dark/Flying typing naturally reduces incoming Dark, Ghost, Grass damage, extending its survivability on the field
- ▸Complete immunity to Ground, Psychic attacks means Murkrow can switch in for free against these moves
Weaknesses
- ▸Murkrow struggles against Electric, Fairy, Ice type attackers, who can exploit these weaknesses for significant damage
- ▸With only 42 defense, Murkrow struggles to survive hits
- ▸The 405 BST means Murkrow needs significant team support to overcome its raw stat deficiency
Pro Tips
Murkrow's balanced offenses allow for mixed builds—invest VP based on your team's coverage needs. Consider Life Orb or Choice Scarf to boost Murkrow's damage or speed further. Use Murkrow's resistances to Dark, Ghost to find safe entry points. Murkrow works best as a support or niche pick rather than a primary win condition.
Competitive Role
In competitive play, Murkrow functions primarily as a balanced utility Pokemon. The 405 BST distribution, highlighted by 91 speed, defines how Murkrow should be built and deployed. Its Dark/Flying typing creates vulnerabilities to Electric, Fairy, Ice types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Dark, Ghost, Grass provide switch-in opportunities. When used correctly, Murkrow can surprise opponents in specific matchups.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
At 405 BST, Murkrow sits below the competitive average. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Dark Pulse, Crunch) with coverage moves (Fly), giving Murkrow answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Electric, Fairy, Ice mean Murkrow must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Dark, Ghost, Grass provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Ground, Psychic gives Murkrow a unique defensive advantage. At Tier C, Murkrow is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Murkrow's balanced offenses allow for flexible VP investment—choose based on your team's needs.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Electric-type opponents: Murkrow is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Murkrow in against Electric types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Electric. If forced to fight, use Dark Pulse and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Dark-type opponents: Murkrow has the advantage here. Its Dark typing reduces incoming Dark damage, allowing Murkrow to tank hits and retaliate with Dark Pulse. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Ground-type moves: Murkrow is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Ground attacks and bring Murkrow in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Against Fighting-type opponents: Murkrow has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Dark moves deal super-effective damage to Fighting types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Murkrow when you expect Fighting types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
In the opening turns, Use Murkrow when you anticipate the opponent leading with something Murkrow can threaten with its Dark/Flying STAB moves.
With a speed stat of 91, Murkrow functions best as a supportive role player.
The key is to identify matchups where Murkrow can either deal damage safely or force the opponent to switch, giving you tempo advantage.
Avoid leading with it against Electric types, as they can punish Murkrow heavily.
As the battle progresses, Murkrow should be used strategically rather than recklessly.
The Dark/Flying typing means Murkrow has specific matchups it wins and loses—identify these early and play accordingly.
Against Electric types, switch out immediately.
Against opponents weak to Dark, stay in and attack.
Dark Pulse should be your primary attack, with Fly for coverage when needed.
In the final stages of battle, Murkrow can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Murkrow to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Dark, Ghost to tank a hit, then strike with Dark Pulse before switching out.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Murkrow with a Electric-type partner to absorb Electric attacks that Murkrow is weak to
- ▸Consider adding a Steel type for defensive synergy, as Steel covers many of Murkrow's potential weaknesses
- ▸Pair Murkrow with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Any Electric-type attacker can threaten an OHKO on Murkrow due to the typing disadvantage
- ▸Paralyze Murkrow to cut its Speed and remove its initiative advantage
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Murkrow's low Defense (42) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Special attackers target Murkrow's weak Special Defense (42) for guaranteed damage
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Murkrow with a Electric-type Pokemon that can switch into Electric attacks. This defensive core covers Murkrow's primary weakness while Murkrow handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Murkrow alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Murkrow's defensive typing. Switch Murkrow in to absorb hits with its Dark, Ghost resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Stall Core: Murkrow can function in a stall-oriented team by using its resistances to Dark, Ghost to wall specific attackers. Add entry hazard setters and other defensive Pokemon to gradually wear down the opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Murkrow good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Murkrow is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 405 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Murkrow can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Murkrow?
A:The best items for Murkrow are Life Orb (for extra damage with the cost of some HP), Choice Scarf (to outspeed even more threats), or Focus Sash (to guarantee survival against a super-effective hit). Given Murkrow's high Speed of 91, Life Orb is often the optimal choice for maximizing damage output.
Q:What nature should I use for Murkrow?
A:Since Murkrow has nearly equal Attack (85) and Special Attack (85), the nature choice depends on your build. For physical sets, use Adamant; for special sets, use Modest. A Hasty or Naive nature works for mixed sets that use both offensive stats.
Q:How do I counter Murkrow?
A:Murkrow's biggest counters are Electric-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Murkrow before it acts, especially given its 91 Speed. To beat Murkrow, use Electric STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.