Murray

Lore & Background

Murray grew up alongside Sly and Bentley in the same orphanage, as shown in flashbacks in Sly 2 and Sly 3. While Sly honed his thieving skills and Bentley buried himself in books, Murray channeled his energy into physical training, becoming a powerhouse capable of smashing through brick walls, tossing guards like ragdolls, and lifting impossibly heavy objects. He is fiercely protective of his friends, often throwing himself into danger as a living shield or brute-force solution to any obstacle. Despite his intimidating appearance, Murray has a gentle soul and a bottomless appetite for junk food—especially hot dogs and ice cream. He also harbors a surprisingly spiritual side, seeking inner peace through meditation and yoga, which he practices devoutly starting in Sly 2: Band of Thieves. His battle cry, "Murray smash!" perfectly sums up his straightforward approach to problems, but he also shows surprising vulnerability, especially when separated from the gang or doubting his own worth. Throughout the series, Murray's loyalty is tested time and again, but he remains a steadfast pillar of the Cooper Gang. In Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves, he temporarily leaves the team on a soul-searching journey, returning later in the game with newfound confidence and a deeper understanding of his role. His bond with Bentley is particularly strong—they bicker like brothers, but when the chips are down, Murray would bulldoze a fortress for him.

In Their Own Story

When Bentley is injured in Sly 2, Murray blames himself and leaves the gang to the Australian Outback, looking for a more peaceful state of mind, but eventually returns when Bentley is attacked by Italian crime mob leader Don Octavio, one of the Cooper Gang's enemies. It is stated that he has developed a more serious personality, though he remains a happy-go-lucky hippo.

Reader's Guide

Murray is the heavy-hitter of the Cooper Gang, specializing in brute force and close-quarters combat. His primary abilities include devastating punches, ground pounds that rattle nearby enemies, and the power to hurl foes or heavy objects across a room. He can also perform a charging tackle to shatter certain barriers and is often used to access areas blocked by massive obstacles. In stealth scenarios, Murray is less agile than Sly—you won't see him shimmying across tightropes—but he compensates by overpowering guards head-on rather than sneaking past them. He also excels as the gang's driver, handling vehicles in chase sequences and heist getaways with surprising skill. His health pool is the largest among the three characters, letting him absorb far more damage before going down. Murray's role in the game is to provide physical solutions to puzzles and combat. Players control him in sections that demand destruction, heavy lifting, or direct confrontation. His character-specific upgrades, such as new combat moves like the 'Flurry Punch' and 'Mega Jump,' unlock as the story progresses, turning him into an even more formidable force.

Did You Know?

• Murray is voiced by Chris Murphy.
• Murray is a large pink hippopotamus who serves as the muscle of the Cooper Gang.
• When Bentley is injured in Sly 2, Murray blames himself and leaves the gang to the Australian Outback looking for a more peaceful state of mind.
• Murray returns to the gang when Bentley is attacked by Don Octavio.
• It is stated that Murray has developed a more serious personality, though he remains a happy-go-lucky hippo.