In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Flash Fire changes the entire equation for Houndoom. The 500 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked C-Tier as an attacker. Dark Pulse with Expert Belt is the standard set.

Does Houndoom mega evolve?

Mega Evolution isn't available in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, but Houndoom does have a Mega form in Gen 6-7 games (X/Y, ORAS, Sun/Moon). Mega Houndoom hits 600 BST.

What is Houndoom weak to?

In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, watch for Starmie (Water), Machamp (Fighting), and Rhydon (Ground) when using Houndoom. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Rock-type attackers are also a problem.

What is the best ability for Houndoom?

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.

What role does Houndoom play in battle?

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 - Weakness, Evolution, Moveset, EVs & Stats

Special

Attacker

CTier

95Speed · Above Avg

Stats & Training

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.

Base Stats

High

HP75

Attack90

Defense50

Sp. Atk110

Sp. Def80

Speed95

Total500

Details

Catch Rate

Challenging45 / 255

Growth Rate

Slow1.25M XP

Height1.4 m

Weight35.0 kg

Base XP175

Abilities

Early BirdRare

Makes sleep pass twice as quickly.

Flash FireTop Pick

Protects against fire moves. Once one has been blocked, the Pokémon's own Fire moves inflict 1.5× damage until it leaves battle.

UnnerveHA

Prevents opposing Pokémon from eating held Berries.

Flash Fire grants Fire immunity

EV Yield

HPAtkDefSpA+2SpDSpe

Special Attack training target

Pokedex Entries

Long ago, people imagined its eerie howls to be the call of the grim reaper.

Houndoom Weakness

Water, Fighting, Ground, and Rock 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.

Houndoom Weakness and Resistance Chart
Damage	Types
2x (Weak)	Water, Fighting, Ground, Rock
0.5x (Resist)	Fire, Grass, Ice, Ghost, Dark, Steel
0x (Immune)	Psychic

Type ChartGood

4Weak

6Resist

2Immune

Score+1

4xCritical

None

2xWeak

Water Fighting Ground Rock

½xResist

Fire Grass Ice Ghost Dark Steel

¼xResist

None

0xImmune

Psychic Fire

STAB (6)

Psychic Ghost Grass Ice Bug Steel

How to Beat Houndoom in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (Best Counters)

Gastrodon WaterGround	B
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 Stone EdgeTM71 Muddy WaterLv. 33 Earth PowerLv. 39 Damage vs Houndoom Earthquake 2x 107-127%KO Stone Edge 2x 71-84% Muddy Water 2x 75-89% Earth Power 2x 75-89% View Gastrodon builds →
Onix RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeTM71 EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 Rock SlideTM80 Damage vs Houndoom Stone Edge 2x 70-82% Earthquake 2x 70-82% Dig 2x 55-66% Rock Slide 2x 52-61% View Onix builds →
Nosepass Rock	C
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeTM71 EarthquakeTM26 Earth PowerLv. 37 Power GemLv. 25 Damage vs Houndoom Stone Edge 2x 70-82% Earthquake 2x 46-55% Earth Power 2x 29-34% Power Gem 2x 40-47% View Nosepass builds →
Medicham FightingPsychic	D
Available Moves Moves Focus PunchTM01 High Jump KickLv. 28 Focus BlastTM52 Brick BreakTM31 Damage vs Houndoom Focus Punch 2x 125-148%KO High Jump Kick 2x 109-129%KO Focus Blast 2x 71-84% Brick Break 2x 63-75% View Medicham builds →
Machoke Fighting	D
Available Moves Moves Focus PunchTM01 Focus BlastTM52 EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 Damage vs Houndoom Focus Punch 2x 185-218%KO Focus Blast 2x 63-75% Earthquake 2x 84-98% Dig 2x 66-78% View Machoke builds →

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Evolution

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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

2 Forms

#228Houndour

Level 24

#229Houndoom

Stat Comparison 2 Stages

Houndour

DarkFire

Houndoom

DarkFire

75+30

ATK

90+30

DEF

50+20

SP.ATK

110+30

SP.DEF

80+30

SPE

95+30

BST

330C-Tier

500B-Tier+170

ROLE

Balanced

Attacker

TYPE

Special

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Houndoom to get Houndour eggs easily using 131 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Beat Up, Counter, Destiny Bond and 7 more.

Egg Groups

Ground

Gender

♂50.0%♀50.0%

Hatch Time

20 cycles·5,140 steps

Quick~5 min with Flame Body

Egg Moves

10moves

Breed With (best first)

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Houndoom Best Moveset

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 Expert Belt backing every hit.

Best Build

Experimental

Special Setup Sweeper

Ability

Flash Fire

Item

Expert Belt

Best Nature for Houndoom

Timid+SPE

Houndoom best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed

EVs

SpA

SpD

Spe

Special Setup Sweeper Moveset

Dark PulseSTAB
Nasty PlotSTAB
FlamethrowerSTAB
Sludge Bomb

Recommended Teammates

FeraligatrDecent

Moves

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.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1

Ember

C4010025Fire

Lv 1

Inferno

—100505Fire

Lv 1

Leer

D—10030Normal

Lv 1

Nasty Plot

S——20Dark

Lv 1

Thunder Fang

D659515Electric

Lv 4

Howl

D——40Normal

Lv 8

Smog

—307020Poison

Lv 13

Roar-6

C——20Normal

Lv 16

Bite

C6010025Dark

Lv 20

Taunt

C—10020Dark

Lv 26

Beat Up

D—10010Dark

Lv 30

Fire Fang

C659515Fire

Lv 35

Payback

C5010010Dark

Lv 41

Flame Charge

C5010020Fire

Lv 45

Foul Play

B9510015Dark

Lv 50

Flamethrower

S9010015Fire

Lv 56

Crunch

C8010015Dark

Lv 60

Nasty Plot

S——20Dark

Lv 65

Inferno

—100505Fire

TM Moves

TM45

Attract

C—10015Normal

TM79

Dark Pulse

S8010015Dark

TM32

Double Team

———15Normal

TM85

Dream Eater

C10010015Psychic

TM58

Endure+4

C——10Normal

TM42

Facade

C7010020Normal

TM38

Fire Blast

B110855Fire

TM35

Flamethrower

S9010015Fire

TM68

Giga Impact

B150905Normal

TM15

Hyper Beam

B150905Normal

TM23

Iron Tail

C1007515Steel

TM63

Nasty Plot

S——20Dark

TM50

Overheat

B130905Fire

TM66

Payback

C5010010Dark

TM17

Protect+4

C——10Normal

TM44

Rest

C——10Psychic

TM05

Roar-6

C——20Normal

TM98

Rock Smash

D4010015Fighting

TM30

Shadow Ball

B8010015Ghost

TM82

Sleep Talk

C——10Normal

TM36

Sludge Bomb

S9010010Poison

TM78

Snarl

C559515Dark

TM22

Solar Beam

B12010010Grass

TM96

Strength

—8010015Normal

TM90

Substitute

C——10Normal

TM11

Sunny Day

C——5Fire

TM87

Swagger

D—8515Normal

TM12

Taunt

C—10020Dark

TM46

Thief

C6010025Dark

TM41

Torment

D—10015Dark

TM61

Will-O-Wisp

C—8515Fire

Egg Moves

Egg

Beat Up

D—10010Dark

Egg

Counter-5

D—10020Fighting

Egg

Destiny Bond

C——5Ghost

Egg

Feint+2

—3010010Normal

Egg

Fire Fang

C659515Fire

Egg

Fire Spin

D358515Fire

Egg

Reversal

D—10015Fighting

Egg

Spite

D—10010Ghost

Egg

Sucker Punch+1

C701005Dark

Egg

Thunder Fang

D659515Electric

Tutor Moves

Houndoom can't learn any Tutor moves

How to Get Houndoom in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

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
Train until Level 24
Step 2Houndoom ✓
Volcanic Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.16-63 Volcano
100%Mid
Unique encounter
Volcanic Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.16-63 Volcano
70%Mid
Unique encounter
Sandsear Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.16-63 Desert
50%Mid
Unique encounter
Typhlo Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.16-63 Cave
50%Mid
Unique encounter
Sandsear Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.16-63 Desert
40%Mid
Unique encounter
Typhlo Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.16-63 Cave
40%Mid
Unique encounter
Dazzling Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.16-63 Cave
25%Mid
Unique encounter
Stargleam Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.16-63 Cave
25%Mid
Unique encounter
Route 215
Shining PearlUsing PokeRadar Lv.20-22 Route
22%Mid
Route 214
Shining PearlUsing PokeRadar Lv.23-24 Route
22%Mid
Dazzling Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.16-63 Cave
20%Mid
Unique encounter
Stargleam Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.16-63 Cave
20%Mid
Unique encounter
Spacious Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.16-63 Cave
19%Mid
Unique encounter
Spacious Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.16-63 Cave
19%Mid
Unique encounter
Dazzling Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Dazzling Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Sandsear Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Desert
Post
Post-game
Sandsear Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Desert
Post
Post-game
Spacious Cave
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Spacious Cave
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Stargleam Cavern
Shining PearlGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
Stargleam Cavern
Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.58-63 Cave
Post
Post-game
or evolve from Houndour (Step 1)

Houndoom Guide

In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Flash Fire changes the entire equation for Houndoom. The 500 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked C-Tier as an attacker. Dark Pulse with Expert Belt is the standard set.
Mega Evolution isn't available in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, but Houndoom does have a Mega form in Gen 6-7 games (X/Y, ORAS, Sun/Moon). Mega Houndoom hits 600 BST.
In Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, watch for Starmie (Water), Machamp (Fighting), and Rhydon (Ground) when using Houndoom. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Rock-type attackers are also a problem.
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.

Game Availability

Since debuting in Gold & Silver, Houndoom has appeared in 17 titles over 9 generations. Along the way, it received a Mega form in Generation 7, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.

Click a game to view version-specific details

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Want to tell us more?

What was most useful?

About:

What could be improved?

About:

Thanks for your feedback

Onix RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeTM71 EarthquakeTM26 Rock SlideTM80 Rock TombTM39 Damage vs Houndoom Stone Edge 2x 87-103%KO Earthquake 2x 87-103%KO Rock Slide 2x 66-79% Rock Tomb 2x 53-63% View Onix builds →
Machop Fighting	D
Available Moves Moves Focus PunchTM01 EarthquakeTM26 Brick BreakTM31 Rock SlideTM80 Damage vs Houndoom Focus Punch 2x 174-205%KO Earthquake 2x 79-95% Brick Break 2x 92-111%KO Rock Slide 2x 61-74% View Machop builds →
Surskit BugWater	D
Available Moves Moves ScaldTM49 Water PulseTM03 Water GunLv. 1 Damage vs Houndoom Scald 2x 58-71% Water Pulse 2x 45-55% Water Gun 2x 32-39% View Surskit builds →
Phanpy Ground	D
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 Rock SlideTM80 Rock TombTM39 Rock SmashTM98 Damage vs Houndoom Earthquake 2x 100-118%KO Rock Slide 2x 53-63% Rock Tomb 2x 45-53% Rock Smash 2x 29-37% View Phanpy builds →
Psyduck Water	D
Obtain MethodCelestic Town Surfing Available Moves Moves Focus PunchTM01 SurfTM95 WaterfallTM99 ScaldTM49 Damage vs Houndoom Focus Punch 2x 89-105%KO Surf 2x 74-87% Waterfall 2x 74-87% Scald 2x 66-79% View Psyduck builds →

Onix RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeTM71 EarthquakeTM26 Rock SlideTM80 Rock TombTM39 Damage vs Houndoom Stone Edge 2x 77-91% Earthquake 2x 77-91% Rock Slide 2x 58-70% Rock Tomb 2x 47-56% View Onix builds →
Shellos Water	D
Available Moves Moves SurfTM95 ScaldTM49 BrineTM55 Water PulseTM03 Damage vs Houndoom Surf 2x 58-70% Scald 2x 51-63% Brine 2x 47-56% Water Pulse 2x 40-49% View Shellos builds →
Machop Fighting	D
Available Moves Moves Focus PunchTM01 EarthquakeTM26 Brick BreakTM31 Rock SlideTM80 Damage vs Houndoom Focus Punch 2x 153-181%KO Earthquake 2x 70-84% Brick Break 2x 81-98% Rock Slide 2x 53-65% View Machop builds →
Surskit BugWater	D
Available Moves Moves ScaldTM49 Water PulseTM03 Water GunLv. 1 Damage vs Houndoom Scald 2x 51-63% Water Pulse 2x 40-49% Water Gun 2x 28-35% View Surskit builds →
Phanpy Ground	D
Available Moves Moves EarthquakeTM26 Rock SlideTM80 Rock TombTM39 Rock SmashTM98 Damage vs Houndoom Earthquake 2x 88-105%KO Rock Slide 2x 47-56% Rock Tomb 2x 40-47% Rock Smash 2x 26-33% View Phanpy builds →

Onix RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeTM71 EarthquakeTM26 Rock SlideTM80 Rock TombTM39 Damage vs Houndoom Stone Edge 2x 76-89% Earthquake 2x 76-89% Rock Slide 2x 56-67% Rock Tomb 2x 46-54% View Onix builds →
Nosepass Rock	C
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeTM71 EarthquakeTM26 Power GemLv. 25 Rock SlideTM80 Damage vs Houndoom Stone Edge 2x 76-89% Earthquake 2x 50-60% Power Gem 2x 43-51% Rock Slide 2x 56-67% View Nosepass builds →
Medicham FightingPsychic	D
Available Moves Moves Focus PunchTM01 High Jump KickLv. 28 Focus BlastTM52 Brick BreakTM31 Damage vs Houndoom Focus Punch 2x 132-156%KO High Jump Kick 2x 116-137%KO Focus Blast 2x 78-93% Brick Break 2x 67-80% View Medicham builds →
Machoke Fighting	D
Available Moves Moves Focus PunchTM01 Focus BlastTM52 EarthquakeTM26 Brick BreakTM31 Damage vs Houndoom Focus Punch 2x 195-230%KO Focus Blast 2x 67-80% Earthquake 2x 88-104%KO Brick Break 2x 100-118%KO View Machoke builds →
Shellos Water	D
Available Moves Moves SurfTM95 ScaldTM49 BrineTM55 Water PulseTM03 Damage vs Houndoom Surf 2x 56-67% Scald 2x 51-61% Brine 2x 43-51% Water Pulse 2x 40-48% View Shellos builds →

Onix RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeTM71 EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 Rock SlideTM80 Damage vs Houndoom Stone Edge 2x 76-89% Earthquake 2x 76-89% Dig 2x 60-70% Rock Slide 2x 56-67% View Onix builds →
Nosepass Rock	C
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeTM71 EarthquakeTM26 Power GemLv. 25 Rock SlideTM80 Damage vs Houndoom Stone Edge 2x 76-89% Earthquake 2x 50-60% Power Gem 2x 43-51% Rock Slide 2x 56-67% View Nosepass builds →
Medicham FightingPsychic	D
Available Moves Moves Focus PunchTM01 High Jump KickLv. 28 Focus BlastTM52 Brick BreakTM31 Damage vs Houndoom Focus Punch 2x 132-156%KO High Jump Kick 2x 116-137%KO Focus Blast 2x 78-93% Brick Break 2x 67-80% View Medicham builds →
Machoke Fighting	D
Available Moves Moves Focus PunchTM01 Focus BlastTM52 EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 Damage vs Houndoom Focus Punch 2x 195-230%KO Focus Blast 2x 67-80% Earthquake 2x 88-104%KO Dig 2x 70-83% View Machoke builds →
Shellos Water	D
Available Moves Moves SurfTM95 ScaldTM49 BrineTM55 Water PulseTM03 Damage vs Houndoom Surf 2x 56-67% Scald 2x 51-61% Brine 2x 43-51% Water Pulse 2x 40-48% View Shellos builds →

Onix RockGround	C
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeTM71 EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 Rock SlideTM80 Damage vs Houndoom Stone Edge 2x 71-84% Earthquake 2x 71-84% Dig 2x 57-68% Rock Slide 2x 55-65% View Onix builds →
Nosepass Rock	C
Available Moves Moves Stone EdgeTM71 EarthquakeTM26 Power GemLv. 25 Rock SlideTM80 Damage vs Houndoom Stone Edge 2x 71-84% Earthquake 2x 47-56% Power Gem 2x 41-49% Rock Slide 2x 55-65% View Nosepass builds →
Medicham FightingPsychic	D
Available Moves Moves Focus PunchTM01 High Jump KickLv. 28 Focus BlastTM52 Brick BreakTM31 Damage vs Houndoom Focus Punch 2x 128-151%KO High Jump Kick 2x 112-132%KO Focus Blast 2x 76-89% Brick Break 2x 66-78% View Medicham builds →
Machoke Fighting	D
Available Moves Moves Focus PunchTM01 Focus BlastTM52 EarthquakeTM26 DigTM28 Damage vs Houndoom Focus Punch 2x 190-224%KO Focus Blast 2x 66-78% Earthquake 2x 86-101%KO Dig 2x 68-81% View Machoke builds →
Shellos Water	D
Available Moves Moves Muddy WaterLv. 31 Earth PowerLv. 35 SurfTM95 ScaldTM49 Damage vs Houndoom Muddy Water 2x 55-65% Earth Power 2x 36-43% Surf 2x 55-65% Scald 2x 48-57% View Shellos builds →

Excadrill GroundSteel	A
Recommended Build AbilityMold Breaker ItemLeftovers NatureJolly Moves EarthquakeSTAB Rapid Spin Iron Head Swords Dance Damage vs Houndoom Earthquake 2x 200-236%KO Rapid Spin 33-40% View Excadrill builds →
Cobalion SteelFighting	A
Recommended Build AbilityJustified ItemRocky Helmet NatureJolly Moves Close Combat Swords Dance Iron Head Stealth Rock Damage vs Houndoom Close Combat 2x 182-214%KO View Cobalion builds →
Slowking WaterPsychic	A
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemColbur Berry NatureRelaxed Moves ScaldSTAB TeleportUtility Slack Off Future Sight Damage vs Houndoom Scald 2x 72-85% View Slowking builds →
Nihilego RockPoison	A
Recommended Build AbilityBeastboost ItemBlack Sludge NatureTimid Moves Power Gem Grass Knot Stealth Rock Sludge Wave Damage vs Houndoom Power Gem 2x 101-119%KO View Nihilego builds →
Urshifu FightingDark	C
Water is super effective against HoundoomView Urshifu →