Psychic moves don't affect Houndoom at all — that's the advantage of Dark/Fire typing. Flash Fire absorbs Fire moves and powers up its own. Known as the Dark Pokemon. Can go either physical or special depending on the set.
The stat budget goes to damage. Sp. Atk and Speed carry the offense, Defense doesn't even come close. A Dark Pokemon on a slow 1.25M XP grind, worth 2 Sp. Atk EVs per KO.
If you are burned by the flames it shoots from its mouth, the pain will never go away.
Upon hearing its eerie howls, other Pokémon get the shivers and head straight back to their nests.
Houndoom Weakness
GoodWater, Fighting, Ground, and Rock-type moves hit Houndoom for super-effective damage. The upside? Psychic-type moves can't touch it at all. With 6 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Flash Fire grants an additional Fire immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Houndoom's special bulk (base 80 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
Evolved from Houndour. Houndoom is the final form in this two-stage line. A massive partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. HP grew the most through evolution (+30 over Houndour), and Houndoom peaks at 500 total stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Houndoom to get Houndour eggs easily using 278 partners from the Ground egg group.
the remaining moves is what separates a good sweep from a wasted boost. After Nasty Plot, Houndoom threatens a wide range with max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs and Heavy-Duty Boots backing every hit.
Best Build
Best Houndoom Moveset
- Dark Pulse
- Nasty Plot
- Flamethrower
- Sludge Bomb
Recommended Teammates
Level-up moves are just the starting point for Houndoom. TMs unlock coverage across 8 types and turn a straightforward STAB kit around Overheat and Flare Blitz into something with actual range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Level-up moves are just the starting point for Houndoom. TMs unlock coverage across 7 types and turn a straightforward STAB kit around Overheat and Flare Blitz into something with actual range.
Without breeding, Houndoom misses out on Beat Up and Counter. That's 10 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Overheat and Fire Blast, with coverage across 8 types rounding things out.
Without breeding, Houndoom misses out on Beat Up and Counter. That's 14 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Overheat and Fire Blast, with coverage across 9 types rounding things out.
Houndoom appears at moderate rates across 4 spots in mid-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Where To Catch Houndoom in Scarlet & Violet
Houndour is your first catch on the way to Houndoom. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 2-60 across 12 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch HoundourEFFORTLESSSouth Province (Area Four) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.2-2036%EarlyRouteEFFORTLESSSouth Province (Area Four) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.2-2036%EarlyRouteEFFORTLESSSouth Province (Area One) - CaveVioletOverworldLv.2-2036%EarlyRouteEFFORTLESSSouth Province (Area One) - CaveScarletOverworldLv.2-2036%EarlyRouteMODERATENorth Province (Area Two) - CaveScarletOverworldLv.24-608%MidRouteMODERATENorth Province (Area Two) - CaveVioletOverworldLv.24-608%MidRouteMODERATENorth Province (Area Two) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.24-608%MidRouteMODERATENorth Province (Area Two) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.24-608%MidRoute
Step 2Houndoom ✓MODERATENorth Province (Area Two) - CaveScarletOverworldLv.24-608%MidRouteMODERATENorth Province (Area Two) - CaveVioletOverworldLv.24-608%MidRouteMODERATENorth Province (Area Two) - RockyScarletOverworldLv.24-608%MidRouteMODERATENorth Province (Area Two) - RockyVioletOverworldLv.24-608%MidRouteor evolve from Houndour (Step 1)
Houndoom isn't available in the wild in Legends: Z-A. Start by transferring Houndour from Gold, Crystal, or Scarlet. The evolution path from Houndour to Houndoom is covered in the steps below.
high spawn rates in mid-game routes across 22 locations. Houndoom's one of the easier catches on the list. Two different catch methods are in play here. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Where To Catch Houndoom in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Houndour is your first catch on the way to Houndoom. You'll find walking and special encounters from Lv. 16-63 across 22 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Obtain Houndour
Step 2Houndoom ✓EFFORTLESSVolcanic CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-63100%MidVolcanoUnique encounterEFFORTLESSVolcanic CaveShining PearlGrassLv.16-6370%MidVolcanoUnique encounterEFFORTLESSSandsear CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-6350%MidDesertUnique encounterEFFORTLESSTyphlo CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-6350%MidCaveUnique encounterEFFORTLESSSandsear CaveShining PearlGrassLv.16-6340%MidDesertUnique encounterEFFORTLESSTyphlo CavernShining PearlGrassLv.16-6340%MidCaveUnique encounterEASYDazzling CaveShining PearlGrassLv.16-6325%MidCaveUnique encounterEASYStargleam CavernShining PearlGrassLv.16-6325%MidCaveUnique encounterCHALLENGINGRoute 215Shining PearlUsing PokeRadarLv.20-2222%MidRouteCHALLENGINGRoute 214Shining PearlUsing PokeRadarLv.23-2422%MidRouteEASYDazzling CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-6320%MidCaveUnique encounterEASYStargleam CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-6320%MidCaveUnique encounterEASYSpacious CaveShining PearlGrassLv.16-6319%MidCaveUnique encounterEASYSpacious CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.16-6319%MidCaveUnique encounterDazzling CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameDazzling CaveShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSandsear CaveShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostDesertPost-gameSandsear CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostDesertPost-gameSpacious CaveShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSpacious CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameStargleam CavernShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameStargleam CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameor evolve from Houndour (Step 1)
decent spawn rates across 1 locations for Houndoom in mid-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Where To Catch Houndoom in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
The path to Houndoom starts with Houndour at Lv. 29-55 via gift and walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch HoundourMODERATEPoké Pelago - Poni Island reachedGift from NPCLv.37-433%LateMODERATEPoké Pelago - Elite Four defeatedGift from NPCLv.49-552%Post
Step 2Houndoom ✓EASYRoute 12GrassLv.29-3220%MidRouteor evolve from Houndour (Step 1)
Flash Fire changes the entire equation for Houndoom. The 500 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked B-Tier as an attacker.
Houndour evolves into Houndoom at level 24. Houndoom is the fully evolved form. At 500 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
Flash Fire is what you want on Houndoom. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Early Bird, Unnerve) work on paper but Flash Fire is what makes Houndoom worth using.
Base 95 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Houndoom is a special attacker with base 110 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as an attacker.
Houndoom appears in 17 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Since debuting in Gold & Silver, Houndoom has appeared in 17 titles over 8 generations. Along the way, it received a Mega form in Generation 7, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORASMega
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A