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.
In a HOUNDOOM pack, the one with its horns raked sharply towards the back serves a leadership role. These POKéMON choose their leader by fighting amongst themselves.
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.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
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 102 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Beat Up, Counter, Fire Spin and 5 more.
Flashfire helps Houndoom stick around while dealing real damage. Leftovers for passive recovery each turn, flexible EVs EVs for the right balance, and Pursuit as the main threat. Not the fastest, but it doesn't need to be.
Best Build
Best Houndoom Moveset
- Pursuit
- Fire Blast
- Crunch
- Will O Wisp
Recommended Teammates
Without breeding, Houndoom misses out on Beat Up and Counter. That's 8 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Overheat and Fire Blast, with Poison and Normal coverage and more rounding things out.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Houndoom can't be caught in Ruby & Sapphire. Transfer Houndour from Gold, Crystal, or Scarlet and evolve through the 2-stage line to get it. The step cards below map the full chain.
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