Hoothoot Best Moveset
Normal/Flying at 36 Sp. Atk and 56 Sp. Def with 50 Speed. AbilityTinted Lens doubles resisted damage but the Sp. Atk behind it still can't threaten anything. The moveset is pre-evolution filler. Evolve to Noctowl where 86 Sp. Atk and Tinted Lens produce real output.
Hoothoot was a niche pick at best in Gen II (Gold, Silver & Crystal), rarely seen in standard play. This marked Hoothoot's competitive debut.
Utility Moveset
- Sky Attack
- Take Down
- Curse
- Fly
Hoothoot was a niche pick at best in Gen III (Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald), rarely seen in standard play. Hoothoot maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran insomnia with Choice Band, favoring a Jolly nature.
Utility Moveset
- Sky Attack
- Double Edge
- Return
- Take Down
Hoothoot saw minimal competitive use in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum). This was Hoothoot's competitive peak. Its most popular set ran Insomnia with Life Orb, favoring a Calm nature.
Best Moves
Best Build
Hoothoot best EVs are Sp. Def and Speed
Bulky Support Moveset
- Night Shade
- Roost
- Air Slash
- Frustration
Recommended Teammates
Hoothoot was a niche pick at best in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2), rarely seen in standard play. This was a decline from E-Tier in the previous generation. Its most popular set ran insomnia with Eviolite, favoring a Naive nature.
Physical Attacker Moveset
- Sky Attack
- Hyper Voice
- Take Down
- Uproar
Hoothoot was a niche pick at best in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS), rarely seen in standard play. Hoothoot maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran insomnia with Eviolite, favoring a Naughty nature.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Sky Attack
- Hyper Voice
- Take Down
- Uproar
Hoothoot saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). Hoothoot climbed from F-Tier as the competitive landscape shifted. Its most popular set ran Tintedlens with Leftovers, favoring a Modest nature.
Support Moveset
- Air Slash
- Roost
- Hypnosis
- Dream Eater
Recommended Teammates
Hoothoot saw minimal competitive use in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP). Hoothoot maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Tintedlens with Leftovers, favoring a Modest nature.
Special Attacker Moveset
- Heat Wave
- Calm Mind
- Substitute
- Air Slash
Recommended Teammates
Hoothoot saw minimal competitive use in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-A). Hoothoot maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Keeneye with Eviolite, favoring a Bold nature.
Wall Moveset
- Night Shade
- Defog
- Psych Up
- Roost
Recommended Teammates
Hoothoot Weakness
Hoothoot's Normal/Flying typing leaves it vulnerable to Electric, Ice, and Rock. It shrugs off Ground and Ghost-type attacks completely. Hoothoot's special bulk (base 56 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Ice, Rock |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Grass, Bug |
| 0x (Immune) | Ground, Ghost |
What is Hoothoot Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Hoothoot
Regieleki's Volt Switch hits Hoothoot for 58-69%. Rhyperior's Stone Edge also KOs at 115-135%.
 Regieleki Electric | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityTransistor ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Hoothoot View Regieleki builds →Volt Switch 2x58-69% Rapid Spin10-12% Rapid Spin10-12% Volt Switch 2x58-69% | ||
 Baxcalibur DragonIce | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityThermalexchange ItemLoaded Dice NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Hoothoot View Baxcalibur builds →Icicle Spear 2x31-36% | ||
 Rhyperior GroundRock | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySolidrock ItemAssault Vest NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Hoothoot View Rhyperior builds →Stone Edge 2x115-135%KO | ||
Evolution
One evolution ahead. Hoothoot grows into Noctowl through a straightforward two-stage chain. Plenty of partners for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are quick to hatch. The evolved forms gain up to 190 total stats over Hoothoot. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed Hoothoot easily with 73 breeding partners from the Flying egg group.
How to Get Hoothoot
Hoothoot appears at moderate rates across 18 spots in early-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 Hoothoot in SV
Hoothoot is your first catch on the way to Hoothoot. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 7-60 across 32 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Hoothoot ✓Fellhorn GorgeLv.7-60OverworldNightKitakami HallLv.7-60OverworldNightKitakami WildsLv.7-60OverworldNightMossfell ConfluenceLv.7-60OverworldNightOni MountainLv.7-60OverworldNightParadise BarrensLv.7-60OverworldNightRevelers RoadLv.7-60OverworldNightTimeless WoodsLv.7-60OverworldNightWistful FieldsLv.7-60OverworldNight
Step 2Catch or Evolve into NoctowlFellhorn GorgeLv.20-60OverworldNightKitakami WildsLv.20-60OverworldNightMossfell ConfluenceLv.20-60OverworldNightOni MountainLv.20-60OverworldNightParadise BarrensLv.20-60OverworldNightTimeless WoodsLv.20-60OverworldNightWistful FieldsLv.20-60OverworldNightor evolve from Hoothoot (Step 1)
A solid number of locations for Hoothoot with decent spawn rates across early-game routes. The sort toggle below swaps between best odds and earliest access, so you can approach it based on where you are in the game.
Where To Catch Hoothoot in BDSP
To get Hoothoot, start by catching Hoothoot through walking encounters at Lv. 14-54. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Hoothoot ✓Route 211 - WestLv.14GrassRate 10%NightGreat Marsh - Area 5Lv.20-22FloorRate 20%NightGreat Marsh - Area 6Lv.20-22FloorRate 20%NightGreat Marsh - Area 3Lv.22-24FloorRate 20%NightGreat Marsh - Area 4Lv.22-24FloorRate 20%NightGreat Marsh - Area 1Lv.24FloorRate 10%NightGreat Marsh - Area 2Lv.24FloorRate 10%NightRoute 210 - NorthLv.24GrassRate 10%NightFountainspring CaveLv.25-29CaveRequires StrengthGrassland CaveLv.25-29CaveRequires StrengthRiverbank CaveLv.25-29CaveRequires StrengthSpacious CaveLv.25-29CaveRequires StrengthStill-Water CavernLv.25-29CaveRequires StrengthSunlit CavernLv.25-29CaveRequires Strength
Step 2Catch or Evolve into NoctowlRoute 210 - NorthLv.25GrassRate 10%NightGreat Marsh - Area 1Lv.26FloorRate 10%NightGreat Marsh - Area 2Lv.26FloorRate 10%NightRoute 211 - EastLv.28GrassRate 10%NightLake AcuityLv.34-36GrassRate 20%NightLake ValorLv.34-36GrassRate 20%NightRoute 216Lv.33GrassRate 10%NightAcuity LakefrontLv.35GrassRate 10%NightRoute 217Lv.35GrassRate 10%NightMt. Coronet - SummitLv.39CaveRate 10%NightSendoff SpringLv.53-54GrassRate 20%Nightor evolve from Hoothoot (Step 1)
Hoothoot is available from early-game routes onward at decent spawn rates. 32 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Where To Catch Hoothoot in SwSh
Hoothoot is your first catch on the way to Hoothoot. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 2-30 across 62 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Hoothoot ✓Dappled GroveLv.13-15OverworldRate 28%OvercastDappled GroveLv.13-15OverworldRate 25%Normal WeatherSlumbering WealdLv.2-3GrassRate 15%All WeatherDappled GroveLv.13-15OverworldRate 10%SandstormDappled GroveLv.13-15OverworldRate 10%Heavy FogDappled GroveLv.13-15OverworldRate 10%SnowingRoute 1Lv.2-5GrassRate 5%All WeatherRoute 2Lv.4-6GrassRate 5%All WeatherGiant's Cap - 2Lv.28-30OverworldRate 10%SandstormGiant's Cap - 2Lv.28-30OverworldRate 10%Normal WeatherGiant's Cap - 2Lv.28-30OverworldRate 10%RainingGiant's Cap - 2Lv.28-30OverworldRate 5%OvercastGiant's Cap - 2Lv.28-30OverworldRate 5%ThunderstormGiant's Cap - 2Lv.28-30OverworldRate 5%Intense SunGiant's Cap - 2Lv.28-30OverworldRate 5%Heavy FogGiant's Cap - 2Lv.28-30OverworldRate 5%Snowing
Step 2Catch or Evolve into NoctowlMotostoke OutskirtsLv.22-26OverworldSwordRate 40%All WeatherGiant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 40%Normal WeatherMotostoke OutskirtsLv.22-26OverworldShieldRate 35%All WeatherMotostoke RiverbankLv.26-28GrassRate 30%Normal WeatherMotostoke RiverbankLv.26-28GrassRate 20%OvercastMotostoke RiverbankLv.26-28GrassRate 20%SandstormMotostoke RiverbankLv.26-28GrassRate 10%SnowingMotostoke RiverbankLv.26-28GrassRate 10%Intense SunMotostoke RiverbankLv.26-28GrassRate 10%Heavy FogGiant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 10%RainingGiant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 10%SandstormGiant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 10%Heavy FogGiant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 5%OvercastGiant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 5%ThunderstormGiant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 5%Intense SunGiant's CapLv.28-30OverworldRate 5%Snowingor evolve from Hoothoot (Step 1)
12 encounter spots for Hoothoot at decent spawn rates starting from mid-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Hoothoot in USUM
To get Hoothoot, start by catching Hoothoot through walking and gift encounters at Lv. 19-55. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Hoothoot ✓Lush Jungle - NorthLv.19-22GrassRate 20%NightLush Jungle - SouthLv.19-22GrassRate 20%NightLush Jungle - WestLv.19-22GrassRate 20%NightPoké Pelago - Ula'ula Island reachedLv.21-27Gift from NPCPoké Pelago - Poni Island reachedLv.37-43Gift from NPCPoké Pelago - Elite Four defeatedLv.49-55Gift from NPC
Step 2Catch or Evolve into NoctowlLush Jungle - NorthLv.19-22GrassNightSOS from HoothootLush Jungle - SouthLv.19-22GrassNightSOS from HoothootLush Jungle - WestLv.19-22GrassNightSOS from Hoothootor evolve from Hoothoot (Step 1)
Base Stats
HP and Sp. Def carry most of Hoothoot's stat budget. Attack's the obvious dump stat. Easy to catch and yields 1 HP EV. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It always stands on one foot. It changes feet so fast, the movement can rarely be seen.
Hoothoot Guide
You can run Hoothoot through the first few routes without issues. 262 BST won't carry you far though. Get it to Noctowl as fast as you can.
Game Availability
Available in 17 titles since its debut in Gold & Silver, Hoothoot spans 9 generations of Pokemon games. It's accessible through catching or hatching as a base form in most mainline games.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves