Houndour
It uses different kinds of cries for communicating with others of its kind and for pursuing its prey.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Dark Pulse is the STAB anchor of this set. The Dark-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Houndour's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Dark weaknesses.
Flamethrower is the STAB anchor of this set. The Fire-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Houndour's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Fire weaknesses.
Crunch is Houndour's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Dark-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a special move, it synergizes with Houndour's Special Attack stat of 80, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
Bite is the STAB anchor of this set. The Dark-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Houndour's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Dark weaknesses.
Strengths
- ▸Houndour capitalizes on its Dark/Fire STAB moves—particularly Dark Pulse and Flamethrower—to threaten opponents who share type weaknesses
- ▸The Dark/Fire typing grants resistances to Dark, Fire, Ghost, meaning Houndour can absorb hits from these sources
- ▸Houndour takes zero damage from Psychic type moves, creating free switch-in opportunities
Weaknesses
- ▸Houndour struggles against Fighting, Ground, Rock type attackers, who can exploit these weaknesses for significant damage
- ▸An below-average defense (30) means Houndour is vulnerable when facing attacks targeting this stat
- ▸Below-average Speed (65) means Houndour will often move second, taking damage before it can act
- ▸A base stat total of 330 puts Houndour at a statistical disadvantage against most competitive Pokemon
Pro Tips
Channel VP into Special Attack and Speed to make Houndour a potent special sweeper. Equip Houndour with Life Orb for a damage boost, or Focus Sash for survivability. Predict Fighting moves and double-switch to preserve Houndour for later. Houndour works best as a support or niche pick rather than a primary win condition.
Competitive Role
In competitive play, Houndour functions primarily as a balanced utility Pokemon. The 330 BST distribution, highlighted by 80 spAtk, defines how Houndour should be built and deployed. Its Dark/Fire typing creates vulnerabilities to Fighting, Ground, Rock types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Dark, Fire, Ghost provide switch-in opportunities. When used correctly, Houndour can surprise opponents in specific matchups.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Houndour brings a 330 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a spAtk-focused build. The moveset focuses on STAB damage with Dark Pulse, Flamethrower, trading coverage for raw same-type power. Type weaknesses to Fighting, Ground, Rock mean Houndour must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Dark, Fire, Ghost provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Psychic gives Houndour a unique defensive advantage. At Tier C, Houndour is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Houndour, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Fighting-type opponents: Houndour is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Houndour in against Fighting types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Fighting. If forced to fight, use Dark Pulse and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Dark-type opponents: Houndour has the advantage here. Its Dark typing reduces incoming Dark damage, allowing Houndour to tank hits and retaliate with Dark Pulse. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Psychic-type moves: Houndour is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Psychic attacks and bring Houndour in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: Houndour's 65 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Fighting-type opponents: Houndour has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Dark moves deal super-effective damage to Fighting types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Houndour when you expect Fighting types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
Houndour excels when brought into battle at the right moment.
As a supportive role player, it needs proper setup to shine.
In the early game, use Houndour to apply pressure with Dark Pulse and Flamethrower, forcing the opponent to react.
Be wary of Fighting types on the opponent's team—they will try to exploit Houndour's typing weakness.
The goal is to chip away at the opponent's team while preserving Houndour for crucial late-game moments.
Mid-game is where Houndour needs to make its biggest impact.
With moves like Flamethrower and Crunch, Houndour can adapt to different threats.
If the opponent brings out a Fighting type, immediately switch to a teammate that resists it.
Remember that Houndour's spAtk of 80 is its greatest asset—play to that strength.
By the endgame, Houndour should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 330 total stats, it's best deployed to weaken the last opponent Pokemon for a teammate to finish.
Use Dark Pulse to chip damage, then switch to your win condition.
The tier C rating indicates Houndour needs team support to succeed.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Houndour with a Poison-type partner to absorb Fighting attacks that Houndour is weak to
- ▸Add a Fairy type to your team—Houndour's Dark/Fire typing complements Fairy's defensive profile nicely
- ▸Pair Houndour with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Any Fighting-type attacker can threaten an OHKO on Houndour due to the typing disadvantage
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Houndour before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Houndour's low Defense (30) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Special attackers target Houndour's weak Special Defense (50) for guaranteed damage
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Houndour with a Poison-type Pokemon that can switch into Fighting attacks. This defensive core covers Houndour's primary weakness while Houndour handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Houndour alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Houndour's defensive typing. Switch Houndour in to absorb hits with its Dark, Fire resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
VoltTurn Core: Houndour works well in a Volt Switch/U-turn core, allowing safe pivoting. Pair with other pivot users to maintain momentum and control the battle tempo, bringing Houndour in only when it has a favorable matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Houndour good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Houndour is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 330 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Houndour can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Houndour?
A:Houndour benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Houndour has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Houndour?
A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Houndour, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 80 vs Attack at 60, special builds are clearly superior for Houndour.
Q:How do I counter Houndour?
A:Houndour's biggest counters are Fighting-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Houndour before it acts, especially given its 65 Speed. To beat Houndour, use Fighting STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.