How to Evolve Murkrow: A Comprehensive Guide
The mischievous Dark/Flying-type Pokemon Murkrow is a favorite of many trainers, but it requires a specific method to unlock its powerful evolution, Honchkrow. You evolve Murkrow by using a Dusk Stone. There are no level or move prerequisites; simply use the Dusk Stone on Murkrow to trigger the evolution. This straightforward process is consistent across most Pokemon games where Murkrow and Honchkrow appear, including Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, and Legends: Arceus.
Understanding Murkrow’s Evolution
The Role of the Dusk Stone
The Dusk Stone is a key item required to evolve several Pokemon that typically have a connection to darkness or the night. Unlike Pokemon that evolve through leveling up or trading, Murkrow’s evolution is tied directly to this special stone.
Evolution Mechanics Across Games
While the core mechanic remains consistent (using a Dusk Stone), the methods for obtaining a Dusk Stone vary between different Pokemon games.
- Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Dusk Stones can be found as static item spawns (such as behind the Montenevera Gym) and as Pokedex rewards for registering a specific number of Pokemon. They can also appear in the Porto Marinada auction.
- Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Dusk Stones are primarily found through exploration within the game world, often in caves or areas associated with darkness.
- Pokemon Legends: Arceus: Dusk Stones can be purchased from the Trading Post in Jubilife Village using Merit Points earned by finding Lost Satchels throughout the Hisui region.
Timing Considerations
While some sources suggest evolving Murkrow at night, this information appears to be erroneous, as the time of day does not affect Murkrow’s evolution with a Dusk Stone. The evolution will occur as long as you have a Dusk Stone and a Murkrow in your party.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Murkrow Evolution
1. At what level does Murkrow evolve naturally?
Murkrow does not evolve through leveling up. It requires the use of a Dusk Stone regardless of its current level. You can evolve a level 1 Murkrow or a level 100 Murkrow as long as you have the necessary stone.
2. Why won’t my Murkrow evolve even though I have a Dusk Stone?
Double-check that you are actually using the Dusk Stone on Murkrow. You need to select the Dusk Stone from your bag and choose “Use” on Murkrow. Also, confirm that the Murkrow is not holding an Everstone, which prevents evolution.
3. Is there a “best” level to evolve Murkrow?
This depends on the moves you want it to learn. Murkrow learns some moves that Honchkrow doesn’t, so review Murkrow’s level-up move set and decide if there are any specific moves you want it to learn before evolving. Specifically, Sucker Punch learned at level 45 can be a crucial consideration. Generally, there’s no right or wrong answer; it depends on your playstyle and team composition.
4. Can Murkrow evolve without a Dusk Stone in any game?
No, Murkrow cannot evolve without a Dusk Stone in any main series Pokemon game where Honchkrow is available. The Dusk Stone is the only method to trigger its evolution.
5. What are the advantages of evolving Murkrow early versus later?
Evolving early gives you access to Honchkrow’s higher stats sooner, but evolving later allows Murkrow to learn its unique moves before evolving. Consider the movesets of both Pokemon and decide based on your strategy. Honchkrow has better Attack and Special Attack stats than Murkrow. For in-game play, Honchkrow can quickly become a powerhouse.
6. What is the best ability for Murkrow, and how does it affect Honchkrow?
Murkrow’s Hidden Ability, Prankster, is highly valued. Prankster gives priority to non-damaging moves, making moves like Tailwind and Feather Dance incredibly effective for support. While Honchkrow does not have Prankster, it gains other abilities like Moxie or Insomnia, which may be more suited to its offensive role.
7. How do I get a Dusk Stone in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet?
You can find Dusk Stones in a few ways:
- Behind the Montenevera Gym.
- As a Pokedex reward for registering 130 Pokemon.
- As a random item on the ground in specific areas.
- At the Porto Marinada auction house.
8. Is Honchkrow a strong Pokemon?
Yes, Honchkrow can be a powerful Pokemon, especially with the right strategy. Its high Attack stat and access to moves like Sucker Punch make it a strong offensive threat. However, its low Speed and Defense can be liabilities.
9. Why is Murkrow sometimes preferred over Honchkrow in competitive play?
Murkrow, especially with the ability Prankster, sees a niche in competitive play as a Tailwind setter. Tailwind doubles the speed of your team and can set up other Pokemon to sweep. Evolite Murkrow can be surprisingly bulky and provide strong utility.
10. What are some good movesets for Murkrow and Honchkrow?
- Murkrow (Support): Tailwind, Foul Play, Feather Dance, Taunt
- Honchkrow (Offensive): Sucker Punch, Brave Bird, Heat Wave, Roost
11. What are Murkrow’s weaknesses, and how can I cover them?
Murkrow’s weaknesses include Electric, Ice, Rock, and Fairy-type moves. Pairing it with a Pokemon that resists these types can provide valuable coverage. Ground-type Pokemon are particularly useful for covering Electric and Rock-type weaknesses.
12. How does Murkrow evolve in Pokemon Legends: Arceus?
The evolution process is the same: use a Dusk Stone on Murkrow. Dusk Stones can be purchased from the Trading Post in Jubilife Village with Merit Points. You earn Merit Points by finding and returning Lost Satchels.
13. What are the differences between Murkrow and Honchkrow?
Murkrow is primarily a support Pokemon due to Prankster, while Honchkrow is an offensive powerhouse. Murkrow has better Speed, while Honchkrow has significantly higher Attack and bulk. The choice between the two depends on your team’s needs.
14. What are some good strategies for using Honchkrow in battle?
Honchkrow can be an effective late-game cleaner with the Moxie ability, which boosts its Attack after each knockout. Sucker Punch is a priority move that allows it to strike quickly, while Brave Bird provides powerful STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) damage. Use it to take down weakened opponents and snowball its Attack stat.
15. Is there a specific time of day I need to use the Dusk Stone?
No, the time of day does not matter when using the Dusk Stone to evolve Murkrow. As long as you have the Dusk Stone and Murkrow in your party, you can evolve it anytime.
Evolving Murkrow into Honchkrow is a relatively simple process, but understanding the nuances of movesets, abilities, and game-specific mechanics can help you maximize the potential of both Pokemon. Whether you prefer the support capabilities of Murkrow or the offensive power of Honchkrow, these tips will help you make the most of this Dark/Flying-type duo.
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