Murkrow
Battle Styles (BST 093)

Summary of Murkrow (Battle Styles 93/163)

Murkrow is a Basic Darkness-type Pokémon card from the Battle Styles set, featuring 70 HP and a straightforward toolkit. With two attacks—Scout and Peck—Murkrow offers utility and simplicity, making it an interesting choice for both new players and those looking to add some disruption or filler to Darkness-themed decks. Its common rarity means it's accessible, but how does it fare in both playability and collectibility? Let's dive into a comprehensive review.

Detailed Analysis of Murkrow's Strengths and Weaknesses

Card Attributes and Attacks

HP & Type: Murkrow comes with 70 HP, which is standard for many Basic Pokémon at this stage. As a Darkness-type, it fits naturally into decks that utilize Darkness Energy and benefit from type-specific synergy.

Attacks:

• Scout (1 Colorless Energy): Forces your opponent to reveal their hand. While it deals no damage, this attack can provide valuable information about your opponent’s strategy, upcoming threats, or potential disruptions. It’s a low-cost utility move that can be surprisingly impactful when used at the right moment.
• Peck (1 Darkness, 1 Colorless Energy): Deals 20 damage. This is a modest attack, suitable for chipping away at weaker opponents or finishing off low-HP targets. However, its damage output is limited compared to other options.

Weakness & Resistance: Murkrow has a Weakness to Lightning (×2), meaning it’s vulnerable to popular Lightning-types, but it also boasts a -30 Resistance to Fighting, giving it a slight edge against Fighting-based attackers. The single Colorless Retreat Cost makes it easy to swap out if needed.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Low energy requirements for both attacks make it quick to deploy.
  • Scout can disrupt your opponent’s plans by revealing their hand, aiding in strategic decisions.
  • Fits seamlessly into Darkness decks as a basic attacker or utility piece.
  • Single retreat cost keeps it flexible and mobile.
  • Resistance to Fighting can be situationally useful against certain meta decks.
  • Easy to obtain due to common rarity.
• Cons:
  • Low HP makes it fragile and susceptible to being knocked out quickly.
  • Limited offensive power; Peck’s 20 damage is underwhelming in most matchups.
  • Scout provides no direct board advantage beyond information.
  • Weakness to Lightning is a significant drawback in some metas.

When Is Playing Murkrow Advantageous?

Murkrow shines in the early game or in decks that value disruption and information. If you’re facing an opponent whose deck relies heavily on combos or hidden strategies, using Scout can give you a crucial peek at what’s coming next. This allows you to plan your moves more effectively, whether it’s timing a key counter or preparing for a big threat.

Additionally, Murkrow can be a solid starter if you need to fill out your Basic Pokémon lineup, especially in Darkness-themed builds. Its ability to retreat easily ensures that it won’t clog your bench, and its resistance to Fighting can help it survive longer against decks relying on that type.

Situations Where Murkrow May Be Disadvantageous

On the flip side, Murkrow’s low HP means it’s often an easy target for quick knockouts, potentially giving up easy Prize cards. In matchups dominated by fast, high-damage attackers—especially Lightning types—Murkrow will struggle to stay relevant. Its offensive presence is minimal, so it’s not a strong choice if you’re aiming for aggressive plays or need a heavy hitter in your lineup.

Why Add Murkrow to Your Deck?

The primary reason to include Murkrow in your deck is for early-game utility and disruption. If you often find yourself struggling to anticipate your opponent’s moves, Scout gives you the visibility needed to adapt your game plan. For players who enjoy strategic play and mind games, this can be a valuable asset.

Murkrow also serves as a reliable, low-cost Basic Pokémon to fill out your roster, ensuring you have enough starting options. Its synergy with Darkness energies and potential evolution paths (not detailed here) can further enhance its value in Darkness-centric decks.

Quality/Price Ratio and Collector Value

As a common card, Murkrow from Battle Styles is widely accessible and affordable. For players, this means you can easily test it in your decks without a significant investment. Its effectiveness is primarily tied to its disruptive potential rather than raw power, so while it won’t carry games alone, it can play a subtle role in your overall strategy.

From a collector’s perspective, Murkrow holds modest value due to its common status. It’s not in high demand for rarity or edition purposes, nor is it a chase card for collectors seeking unique artwork or special prints. However, completionists aiming to finish the Battle Styles set or fans of the Murkrow evolutionary line may still appreciate having it in their collection.

Strategic Advice: When and How to Play Murkrow

Early Game Deployment: Murkrow works best when played early, especially if you go first and want to gather intel on your opponent’s opening hand. Using Scout immediately can inform your next few turns and help you avoid surprises.

Utility Over Offense: Focus on Murkrow’s ability to disrupt and inform rather than trying to deal significant damage. It’s better suited to setting up your board or stalling while you build towards bigger plays.

Bench Management: Because of its low retreat cost, Murkrow can be rotated out easily if you need to bring in a stronger attacker or protect it from being knocked out.

Matchup Adaptation: Against Fighting-heavy decks, Murkrow’s resistance can buy you extra time. Conversely, against Lightning decks, be cautious and consider benching Murkrow unless absolutely necessary.

Deck Synergies and Optimal Strategies

Murkrow’s greatest synergy lies within Darkness-themed decks that value disruption, hand knowledge, and flexibility. It pairs well with strategies that capitalize on knowing your opponent’s hand—whether that’s through targeted discards, playing around potential threats, or timing your own key plays.

In decks that focus on evolving Basic Pokémon into more powerful forms, Murkrow can serve as a stepping stone, providing early-game value before transitioning into a more impactful evolved form later in the match. Additionally, decks with robust switching mechanics can take advantage of Murkrow’s low retreat cost, allowing you to cycle through attackers efficiently.

Conclusion: Is Murkrow Worth Including?

Murkrow from Battle Styles isn’t a powerhouse, but it offers unique utility that can tip the scales in the right context. Its ability to reveal your opponent’s hand is rare among Basic Pokémon, giving you a tactical edge if used wisely. While its fragility and low damage output limit its impact in pure offense, its strategic value should not be underestimated by thoughtful players.

If you’re building a Darkness deck or want to experiment with hand disruption and information gathering, Murkrow is a worthwhile addition. Its low cost and accessibility make it easy to try out, and while it won’t win games on its own, it can certainly help you outmaneuver less prepared opponents.

For collectors, Murkrow is a staple for set completion but doesn’t stand out as a high-value collectible. Its true value lies in its playability for specific strategies and its role as a classic, recognizable Pokémon in the TCG landscape.

Final Verdict: Murkrow is a smart, subtle pick for players who value strategy over brute force. Consider adding it to your deck if you want to outthink your rivals and keep your gameplay dynamic and unpredictable.