Psychic moves don't affect Houndoom at all — that's the advantage of Dark/Fire typing. It sits at a decent but contested Speed tier. 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.
The pungent-smelling flame that shoots from its mouth results from toxins burning in its body.
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. Houndoom's special bulk (base 80 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
Evolved from Houndour. Houndoom is the final form in this two-stage line. Plenty of partners 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 66 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Beat Up, Counter, Fire Spin and 4 more.
Start with flexible EVs EVs. A nature nature gives Houndoom the right balanced lean, Leftovers adds passive recovery each turn, and an ability works in the background. Crunch is the main damage option.
Best Build
Best Houndoom Moveset
- Fire Blast
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Sunny Day
Recommended Teammates
Without breeding, Houndoom misses out on Beat Up and Counter. That's 7 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Fire Blast and Flamethrower, with coverage across 8 types rounding things out.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
You're catching Houndour first, not Houndoom. Houndour appears at decent rates in the encounters below. The step cards map the full 2-stage line with evolution methods between each stage.
How to Obtain Houndoom in Crystal
Step 1Catch HoundourEASYRoute 7GrassLv.18UncommonMidRouteNight
Step 2Houndoom ✓
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.
Base 95 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Houndoom is a physical attacker with base 90 Attack. 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