Houndour is technically a pre-evolution of Houndoom, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Flash Fire absorbs Fire moves and powers up its own, adding extra value. Psychic moves can't touch it, which offsets the 4 weaknesses somewhat.
Houndour's spread isn't flashy. Sp. Atk leads, Defense trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Common in the wild and worth 1 Sp. Atk EV, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
It is smart enough to hunt in packs. It uses a variety of cries for communicating with others.
It uses different kinds of cries for communicating with others of its kind and for pursuing its prey.
Houndour Weakness
GoodHoundour is weak to Water, Fighting, Ground, and Rock-type moves. On the flip side, it's immune to Psychic-type moves entirely. 6 resistances give it solid defensive coverage on top of that. Flash Fire grants an additional Fire immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
Houndour evolves into Houndoom. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. A massive partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 170 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Houndour easily with 278 breeding partners from the Ground egg group.
For an attacker, Houndour wants a spread EV build EVs and Life Orb. The Naive nature tilts toward fast mixed duty, and Flashfire contributes without taking a move slot.
Best Build
Best Houndour Moveset
- Dark Pulse
- Fire Blast
- Sucker Punch
- Flame Charge
Recommended Teammates
TMs define Houndour's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Overheat and Flare Blitz, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it coverage across 8 types. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
TMs define Houndour's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Overheat and Flare Blitz, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it Normal and Ground coverage and more. That's where the options open up.
Egg moves make a real difference. Houndour gets Beat Up and Counter exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Coverage across 8 types rounds out the picture alongside Overheat and Fire Blast.
Egg moves make a real difference. Houndour gets Beat Up and Counter exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Coverage across 9 types rounds out the picture alongside Overheat and Fire Blast.
high spawn rates in early-game routes across 8 locations. Houndour's one of the easier catches on the list. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Best Locations
You can catch Houndour through 8 walking encounters from Lv. 2-60, but availability differs between Violet and Scarlet. Some spots are exclusive to one version.
No wild encounters for Houndour in Legends: Z-A. It's available in Gold, Crystal, or Scarlet and can be transferred over. The details below show where to find it.
Houndour doesn't appear in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Transfer it from Gold, Crystal, or Scarlet to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
No searching required for Houndour. You receive it at Poké Pelago from an NPC. No wild encounters exist in this game, so just head to the right spot when you're ready and it's yours.
Best Locations
Houndour isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Houndoom to unlock its full potential. At 330 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Houndour evolves into Houndoom at level 24. Houndour is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Run Flash Fire on Houndour. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Houndour also gets Early Bird and Unnerve, but they don't compare.
Houndour fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 80 Sp. Atk. At base 65 Speed, it won't be moving first often. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Houndour appears in 17 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Houndour first appeared in Gold & Silver and has been available in 17 games across 8 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
- 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 VIORAS
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