Marowak
Marowak is a Ground-type Pokémon that evolves from Cubone starting at level 28. Known for its distinctive skull helmet, Marowak is recognized for its loyalty and the tragic story of Cubone’s evolution. In battle, it wields a bone as a weapon and is capable of using various Ground-type moves.

National Pokedex No: 0105 |
Type: |
Category: Bone Keeper Pokémon |
Height: 1.0 m (3′03″) |
Weight : 45.0 kg (99.2 lbs) |
Gender: 50% ♂, 50 % ♀ |
Abilities/Hidden abilities: Rock Head or Lightning Rod/Battle Armor |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Marowak is medium-sized, with a height of around 3’3″ (1 meter) and a weight of approximately 99 pounds (45 kilograms). Marowak has a robust and muscular body, reflecting its Ground-type nature. Its limbs are well-developed, with strong arms and legs designed for both offense and defense. Marowak has a short and sturdy tail, providing balance and stability. The tail complements its bipedal stance and adds to its overall physique.
The skull helmet has a unique design, featuring a crown-like structure on top. The eye sockets are large and hollow, adding an element of mystery to Marowak’s appearance. The snout-like structure has defined lines, contributing to the skull’s distinct characteristics.
The Bone Club carried by Marowak is a durable bone that it wields with skill. This bone is often used for physical attacks, showcasing Marowak’s prowess in combat. The Bone Club may have individual markings or wear patterns, reflecting Marowak’s experiences.
Alolan form
The body of Alolan Marowak is black with pale gray eyes, featuring a dark, flame-like mark on its skull between the eyes. In contrast to the regular Marowak’s sturdier build, Alolan Marowak appears thinner. Distinct white markings resembling shoulder blades, vertebrae, and hip bones are visible on its back.
The bone it wields is longer and it has a unique ritual of mourning, burying its companions and expressing grief through a dance. In the case of Alolan Marowak, flames emerge from the ends of its bone, giving it a fiery and ghostly appearance.The flames dance and flicker, creating a dynamic visual effect during battles.

These nuanced details contribute to the depth and uniqueness of Marowak’s physical characteristics, making it a visually captivating Pokémon in the Pokémon world.
Behaviour
Marowak’s behavior is influenced by various factors, including its species instincts, environment, and the bond it shares with its trainer. Here are detailed aspects of Marowak’s behavior.
Marowak, particularly female individuals, are known for their strong maternal instincts. The skull helmet it wears is believed to be the remains of its deceased mother, showcasing a deep connection and sense of protection.
When trained by a caring and supportive trainer, Marowak exhibits unwavering loyalty. It will fiercely defend its trainer from any perceived threats, reflecting a strong bond. Marowak’s behavior can be influenced by its trainer’s training methods and the nature of their relationship.A well-trained and cared-for Marowak is likely to exhibit positive behavior and respond effectively to its trainer’s commands.
Marowak has a unique mourning ritual where it customarily buries its deceased companions. The mourning is often expressed through a distinctive dance, showcasing a level of emotional depth.
Marowak may interact with other Pokémon in its environment, especially within its own species. These interactions can range from territorial disputes to cooperative actions, depending on the circumstances. The dance performed during mourning rituals also serves as a means of communication. Marowak may use body language and movements to convey emotions or intentions to other Pokémon.
Marowak’s behavior in battles is characterized by its skilled use of the Bone Club as a weapon. It displays strategic thinking and adaptability in combat situations, making it a formidable opponent. In the wild, Marowak may exhibit territorial behavior, marking its territory to establish dominance. This behavior can manifest in displays of strength and vocalizations to ward off potential threats.
Specializing in an attack, Alolan Marowak releases a relentless, weak ball of flame from its bone. Feared by Alolans for its rarity and eerie dance, it serves as a conjurer. The dance doubles as a mourning ritual for lost allies. Once its flames touch an opponent, they become unquenchable by water, causing both mental and physical distress. Notably, Alolan Marowak is the exclusive Pokémon capable of mastering the move Shadow Bone.
Understanding and respecting Marowak’s natural instincts and behaviors are crucial for trainers to foster a healthy and cooperative relationship with this Pokémon.
Evolution
Marowak evolves from Cubone starting at a certain level. Cubone, when leveled up with high friendship, can also evolve into Alolan Marowak starting at the same level in the Alola region. The process of evolution results in a change in appearance, characteristics, and often an increase in stats and abilities. Here are detailed aspects of Marowak’s evolution.
The pre-evolutionary form of Marowak, Cubone wears the skull of its deceased mother and evolves into Marowak at level 28. Marowak is recognized by its bone weapon, which it uses in battles and displays as part of its distinctive appearance.
In the Alola region, Cubone can evolve into Alolan Marowak when leveled up with high friendship. This regional variant has a unique Fire/Ghost type and distinctive features, including a different appearance and a Ghostly flame on its bone.
The standard evolution of Cubone into Marowak occurs at level 28. Upon reaching the required level, Cubone undergoes a transformation, evolving into Marowak. In Alola, Cubone evolves into Alolan Marowak through high friendship instead of leveling up. The friendship-based evolution reflects a bond between the trainer and Cubone, leading to its unique Alolan form.
Evolution typically results in an increase in base stats, making Marowak stronger and more resilient than its pre-evolutionary form. New abilities may be acquired upon evolution, enhancing Marowak’s capabilities in battles. The evolution brings about noticeable changes in appearance, such as size, coloration, and additional features that distinguish Marowak from Cubone.
Alolan Marowak introduces a unique Fire/Ghost typing, providing it with a different set of strengths, weaknesses, and move compatibility compared to the standard Marowak.
Understanding Marowak’s evolution is crucial for trainers looking to enhance the capabilities of their Pokémon and unlock the unique attributes of Alolan Marowak in the Alola region.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
Kiawe’s Marowak
Kiawe, a student at the Pokémon School on Melemele Island and one of Ash‘s former classmates, captured an Alolan Marowak in the episode “A Crowning Moment of Truth!”. This Pokémon is frequently spotted outside its Poké Ball.
Other appearences include:
- “Bad to the Bone” (Otoshi’s Marowak left him after Team Rocket stole his Gym Badges. The Pokémon returned later to help retrieve the Badges by battling Team Rocket.)
- “Pokémon Double Trouble” (Luana used Marowak in a Double Battle against Ash, where it was defeated by Alakazam‘s Hyper Beam.)
- “From Brags to Riches” (Gavin’s Marowak faced Morrison’s Gligar and Growlithe during the Ever Grande Conference, and it was eventually defeated.)
- “The Ole’ Berate and Switch!” (Oriba used Marowak in a fake tournament against Ash, but was defeated by Corphish.)
- “Gymbaliar!” (Jeffrey battled Jessie with Marowak and emerged victorious against her Dustox.)
Anime Minor Appearances
A wild Marowak was seen in ”Pikachu’s Rescue Adventure”. Another Marowak participated in a breeding competition in ”Beauty and the Breeder”.
It made brief appearances in ”Destiny Deoxys”, ”Lucario and the Mystery of Mew”, and ”Arceus and the Jewel of Life”. Additionally, Marowak featured in ”Showdown at Linoone” and ”To Thine Own Pokémon Be True!” where Halverson’s Marowak joined a Pokémon Ping Pong Tournament, and it also appeared in BWS02 and ”I Choose You!”.
Marowak owned by Coordinators were seen in the episodes ”What I Did for Love!”, and ”Dawn’s Early Night!” (used for Double Performance at Hearthome Contest).
A Trainer’s Marowak appeared in the episodes:
- ”The Mandarin Island Miss Match”
- ”Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama!” (in a flashback)
- ”Alola, Kanto!”
- ”A Little Rocket R & R! ” (The Matori Matrix captured it, but Ash and his friends later freed the Pokémon)
- ”When a House is Not a Home!”
- ”It’s… Champion Time!”
Manga Appearances
Pokémon Adventures
Marowak first appeared in “A Tale of Ninetales”, attacking two of Blue’s fangirls. In Pokémon Adventures, Super Nerd Miles utilized Marowak in “Whacked by Marowak!” to attack Yellow with its Bonemerang. Additionally, a Marowak briefly appeared in “A Vicious Cycle of Possibilities” under the ownership of a Kanto Pokémon Federation member.
A Marowak also featured in a fantasy in “Pinsir Me, I Must Be Dreaming”. In “Innocent Scientist”, a Marowak appeared in a flashback as one of the Pokémon trained by the International Police. Three Alolan Marowak made their debut in “The Decision and the Tournament of Six”, dancing on a festival stage in Iki Town. Kiawe owns an Alolan Marowak, which first appeared in “Going Ashore and Neighboring Akala Island”, engaging in battle with Sun’s Alolan Meowth, nicknamed Cent.
Pokémon Zensho
A ghost of Marowak made an appearence in the fourth chapter of the Pokémon Zensho manga, PZ05.
Game data
Stats
Location
Game version | Location |
---|---|
Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue | Victory Road and Cerulean Cave |
Pokémon Yellow | Safari Zone |
Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | Rock Tunnel |
Pokémon Crystal | Routes 9 and 10, Rock Tunnel |
Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Trade |
Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen | Victory Road and Sevault Canyon |
Pokémon Emerald | Trade |
Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
Pokémon XD | Citadark Isle |
Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Evolve Cubone |
Pokémon Platinum | Evolve Cubone |
Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Rock Tunnel, Safari Zone |
Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Route 15 |
Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Trade |
Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Friend Safari |
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Trade |
Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Trade (Kantonian Form), Evolve Cubone (Alolan Form) |
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon | Evolve Cubone |
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Trade (Kantonian Form), Evolve Cubone (Alolan Form) |
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Trade |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | Evolve Cubone |
Legends Arceus | Unobtainable |
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Unobtainable |
Marowak's origin name
English: The English name “Marowak” is a combination of the words “marrow,” referring to the soft tissue inside bones, and “whack,” suggesting a striking or hitting action. It aptly describes the Pokémon’s connection to bones and its bone-based attacks.
Japanese: In Japanese, Marowak is known as “ガラガラ” (Garagara). This name is an onomatopoeic term representing the rattling or clattering sound of bones. It reflects the distinctive feature of Cubone and Marowak wearing the skull of its deceased mother.
German: The German name for Marowak is “Knogga.” This name is derived from “Knochen,” meaning bones. It maintains the focus on the Pokémon’s bone-related characteristics.
French: In French, Marowak is named “Ossatueur,” combining “os,” meaning bone, and “tueur,” meaning killer. The name emphasizes the bone-related nature and the Pokémon’s combative abilities.
Spanish: The Spanish name for Marowak is “Marowak,” maintaining the same name as in English. It retains the reference to bones, aligning with the Pokémon’s thematic elements.
Italian: In Italian, Marowak is named “Marowak,” similar to the English and Spanish names. The Italian version also emphasizes the connection to bones.
Korean: In Korean, Marowak is known as “돌살이” (Dolsali), where “돌” (Dol) means bone or rock, and “살이” (Sali) means spirit. The name captures the essence of Marowak’s bone-related characteristics.
Chinese (Simplified): The Simplified Chinese name for Marowak is “嘎啦嘎啦” (Gālāgālā), representing the onomatopoeic sound of bones rattling. It aligns with the Japanese name’s emphasis on the clattering sound.
Chinese (Traditional): The Traditional Chinese name for Marowak is also “嘎啦嘎啦” (Gālāgālā), maintaining the onomatopoeic reference to the rattling sound of bones.
Understanding Marowak’s name across different languages provides insights into the cultural and linguistic influences that contribute to the Pokémon’s characterization.