Is Houndour Good in Emerald Playthrough?
Safari Zone catch. Houndour evolves into Houndoom at 24 with AbilityEarly Bird for fast sleep recovery. Dark/Fire handles Phoebe's Ghost E4 and Sidney's Dark types. Wallace's Water Champion team is bad for Fire. Strong through the E4, stuck at the finish.
Houndour trades roughly evenly with Roxanne's team.
Houndour trades roughly evenly with Brawly's team.
Houndour has the type edge here and should clean up Wattson's team.
Houndour trades roughly evenly with Flannery's team.
Houndour trades roughly evenly with Norman's team.
Houndour has the type edge here and should clean up Winona's team.
Houndoom has the type edge here and should clean up Tate & Liza's team.
Houndoom has the type edge here and should clean up Juan's team.
Houndoom has the type edge here and should clean up Sidney's team.
Houndoom has the type edge here and should clean up Phoebe's team.
Houndoom has the type edge here and should clean up Glacia's team.
Drake's team hits Houndoom's weaknesses hard.
Houndoom trades roughly evenly with Wallace's team.
Catch Houndour on Safari Zone (walking, Lv 36-39, rare). Safari Zone: 500 entry fee, 30 Safari Balls, 500-step limit.
- STARTING (Lv 36)
- LV 36DarkBite90100%25
- After Flannery
- TM50FireOverheat19590%5
- After Winona
- TM38FireFire Blast16585%5
- TM22GrassSolar Beam120100%10
- LV 37DarkFeint Attack90100%20
- LV 43FireFlamethrower135100%15
- After Juan
- TUTORNormalDouble-Edge120100%15
- LV 49DarkCrunch120100%15
Your Houndour should hit Level 24 before you reach Tate & Liza, at typical leveling pace.
- LV 27DarkBite90100%25
- After Flannery
- TM50FireOverheat19590%5
- After Winona
- TM38FireFire Blast16585%5
- TM15NormalHyper Beam15090%5
- TM22GrassSolar Beam120100%10
- After Juan
- TUTORNormalDouble-Edge120100%15
- LV 51FireFlamethrower135100%15
- LV 59DarkCrunch120100%15
How to Get Houndour in Emerald
Houndour is available from early-game routes onward at high spawn rates. 3 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
2 locations to catch Houndour
Encountered via tall grass encounters
Badge 6
Badge 7
Badge 8Where To Catch Houndour in E
Houndour is your first catch on the way to Houndour. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 12-39 across 3 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Houndour ✓Altering CaveLv.12-20CaveRate 100%Altering CaveLv.14-20CaveWonder Spot event (ROM slot gAlteringCave4) —Safari Zone - North ExtensionLv.36-39FloorRate 5%Safari Zone: 500 entry fee, 30 Safari Balls
Step 2Evolve into HoundoomBREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Houndoom egg.
Houndour Weakness
Houndour is weak to Water, Fighting, Ground, and Rock. On the flip side, it's immune to Psychic-type moves entirely. 6 resistances give it solid defensive coverage on top of that. Flash Fire grants an additional Fire immunity, reshaping the matchup chart.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Water, Fighting, Ground, Rock |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Grass, Ice, Ghost, Dark, Steel |
| 0x (Immune) | Psychic |
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
What is Houndour Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Houndour
 Mudkip Water | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 101 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Mudkip builds →Surf 2x100-119%KO Rock Tomb 2x58-70% Mud-Slap 2x26-33% | ||
 Totodile Water | D | |
Obtain MethodLittleroot Town Gift | ||
 Lotad WaterGrass | D | |
 Marill Water | D | |
Obtain MethodPetalburg City Surfing Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Marill builds →Surf 2x65-77% Rollout 2x23-28% | ||
 Wingull Water | C | |
Obtain MethodEvergrande City Surfing | ||
 Makuhita Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Makuhita builds →Vital Throw 2x100-118%KO Rock Tomb 2x49-59% Surf 2x39-47% | ||
Mudkip Water | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 101 Gift Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Mudkip builds →Surf 2x94-112%KO Rock Tomb 2x55-67% Mud-Slap 2x25-31% | ||
Totodile Water | D | |
Obtain MethodLittleroot Town Gift | ||
Lotad WaterGrass | D | |
 Aron SteelRock | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Aron builds →Rock Tomb 2x84-100%KO Mud-Slap 2x25-31% | ||
 Azumarill Water | C | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Azurill (Petalburg City Surfing) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Azumarill builds →Surf 2x100-119%KO Rollout 2x29-35% | ||
 Marshtomp WaterGround | C | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Mudkip (Route 101 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Marshtomp builds →Surf 2x100-119%KO Mud Shot 2x105-124%KO Rock Tomb 2x63-76% | ||
 Lombre WaterGrass | C | |
 Croconaw Water | C | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Totodile (Littleroot Town Gift) | ||
Makuhita Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Makuhita builds →Vital Throw 2x105-124%KO Rock Tomb 2x51-60% Surf 2x37-44% | ||
 Hariyama Fighting | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Hariyama builds →Focus Punch 2x365-430%KO Dig 2x99-116%KO Rock Tomb 2x82-97% Surf 2x53-62% | ||
 Breloom GrassFighting | B | |
 Machoke Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Machoke builds →Focus Punch 2x314-369%KO Dig 2x84-100%KO Rock Tomb 2x70-84% | ||
 Combusken FireFighting | C | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Torchic (Route 101 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Combusken builds →Focus Punch 2x278-328%KO Dig 2x76-89% Rock Tomb 2x64-76% | ||
 Sandslash Ground | A | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Sandslash builds →Focus Punch 2x208-246%KO Dig 2x127-150%KO Rock Tomb 2x70-84% | ||
Hariyama Fighting | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Hariyama builds →Focus Punch 2x376-442%KO Dig 2x101-121%KO Rock Tomb 2x85-100%KO Surf 2x54-64% | ||
Breloom GrassFighting | B | |
Machoke Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Machoke builds →Focus Punch 2x319-377%KO Dig 2x87-103%KO Rock Tomb 2x73-87% | ||
Combusken FireFighting | C | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Torchic (Route 101 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Combusken builds →Focus Punch 2x283-335%KO Dig 2x78-92% Rock Tomb 2x65-77% | ||
 Feraligatr Water | C | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Totodile (Littleroot Town Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Feraligatr builds →Focus Punch 2x222-262%KO Surf 2x127-150%KO Dig 2x91-108%KO | ||
Hariyama Fighting | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Hariyama builds →Focus Punch 2x379-446%KO Dig 2x104-122%KO Rock Tomb 2x87-102%KO Surf 2x54-63% | ||
Breloom GrassFighting | B | |
Machoke Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Machoke builds →Focus Punch 2x329-388%KO Dig 2x89-105%KO Rock Tomb 2x74-88% | ||
Combusken FireFighting | C | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Torchic (Route 101 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Combusken builds →Focus Punch 2x289-340%KO Dig 2x78-93% Rock Tomb 2x66-78% | ||
Feraligatr Water | C | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Totodile (Littleroot Town Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Feraligatr builds →Focus Punch 2x228-268%KO Surf 2x127-150%KO Dig 2x93-110%KO | ||
Hariyama Fighting | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Hariyama builds →Focus Punch 2x390-459%KO Dig 2x105-124%KO Rock Tomb 2x88-104%KO Surf 2x53-63% | ||
 Blaziken FireFighting | B | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Torchic (Route 101 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Blaziken builds →Focus Punch 2x390-459%KO Dig 2x105-124%KO Rock Tomb 2x88-104%KO | ||
Breloom GrassFighting | B | |
 Heracross BugFighting | A | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Heracross builds →Focus Punch 2x405-478%KO Dig 2x109-129%KO Rock Tomb 2x92-108%KO | ||
Machoke Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Machoke builds →Focus Punch 2x335-395%KO Dig 2x92-108%KO Rock Tomb 2x76-90% | ||
Hariyama Fighting | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Hariyama builds →Focus Punch 2x390-459%KO Earthquake 2x174-206%KO Rock Tomb 2x88-104%KO Surf 2x53-63% | ||
Blaziken FireFighting | B | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Torchic (Route 101 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Blaziken builds →Focus Punch 2x390-459%KO Earthquake 2x174-206%KO Rock Tomb 2x88-104%KO | ||
Breloom GrassFighting | B | |
Heracross BugFighting | A | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Heracross builds →Focus Punch 2x405-478%KO Earthquake 2x180-212%KO Rock Tomb 2x92-108%KO | ||
Machoke Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Machoke builds →Focus Punch 2x335-395%KO Earthquake 2x150-178%KO Rock Tomb 2x76-90% | ||
Hariyama Fighting | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Hariyama builds →Focus Punch 2x401-472%KO Earthquake 2x179-211%KO Rock Tomb 2x90-106%KO Surf 2x52-61% | ||
Blaziken FireFighting | B | |
Obtain MethodEvolve Torchic (Route 101 Gift) Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Blaziken builds →Focus Punch 2x401-472%KO Earthquake 2x179-211%KO Rock Tomb 2x90-106%KO | ||
 Kyogre Water | S | |
Obtain MethodMarine Cave Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Kyogre builds →Hydro Pump 2x278-327%KO Earthquake 2x153-180%KO Brick Break 2x115-135%KO Ancient Power 2x92-109%KO | ||
Breloom GrassFighting | B | |
Heracross BugFighting | A | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Heracross builds →Focus Punch 2x416-490%KO Earthquake 2x185-218%KO Rock Tomb 2x93-110%KO | ||
In Emerald, Pineco threatens a KO with Explosion (105-124%).
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemQuickclaw NatureImpish Moves View Duskull builds →
| ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilitySturdy ItemLeftovers NatureCareful Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Pineco builds →Explosion105-124%KO Rapid Spin21-25% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityChlorophyll ItemLeftovers NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Tangela builds →Giga Drain17-20% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityMinus ItemLeftovers NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Minun builds →Thunderbolt23-28% | ||
C | ||
Recommended Build AbilityLiquidooze ItemLeftovers NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Houndour View Swalot builds →Sludge Bomb62-72% Explosion170-201%KO Body Slam58-69% | ||
Houndour Evolutions
Houndour evolves into Houndoom. It's a two-stage chain with the method shown below. A massive partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 170 stat points total. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
E Houndour Best Moveset
Dark/Fire is a strong offensive typing, but Houndour's stats are too low to use it before evolving. The moveset should focus on special Fire and Dark moves while leveling.
Best Build
Houndour best EVs are HP and Sp. Def
Wall Moveset
- Pursuit
- Fire Blast
- Will O Wisp
- Crunch
Recommended Teammates
Moves List
Egg moves make a real difference. Houndour gets Beat Up and Counter exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Coverage across 8 types rounds out the picture alongside Overheat and Fire Blast.
How to Read the Moves Table
Tabs
- Level-Up
- Learned by leveling up.
- TM
- Taught by a Technical Machine.
- Egg
- Inherited via breeding.
- Tutor
- NPC tutor (cost: items, BP, money).
- Reminder
- An NPC reteaches any move this Pokemon could have learned by leveling up.
- Transfer
- Carried over from an older game using Pokemon HOME.
- Event
- Given out through Mystery Gift events.
Visual Signals
CAT (Category)
How the move deals damage and which stats it uses.
A small dot on the icon's corner marks the move as contact. That triggers abilities like Static, Flame Body, Rough Skin, or Iron Barbs, plus items like Rocky Helmet and Sticky Barb.
Tier (S to D)
Each move's competitive rank in RankedBoost's system. TM, Egg, and Tutor sort by tier by default (best first). On Level-Up, click the Tier header to do the same.
PWR (Power)
Base damage. Numbers shown in a type color include STAB (base × 1.5). Hover any colored number to see the math.
— means no power (status moves) or variable power.
Sorting & Filter
Click any column header to sort. Level-Up opens with Lv 1 at the top. TM, Egg, and Tutor open with the highest-tier moves at the top.
Search filters by move name or type. The Filter button limits the list to STAB, Physical, Special, or Status moves.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Base Stats
HOUNDOUR communicate with each other using a variety of cries to corner their prey. This POKéMON’s remarkable teamwork is simply unparalleled.
Houndour Emerald Guide
- How do I catch Houndour in the Emerald Safari Zone?
See the Locations section above for where to find Houndour in Emerald.
Safari rules: You can only use Safari Balls. No battling. Two tactical items shift the catch/flee trade-off:
- Throw bait to keep Houndour from fleeing (flee rate cut to 1/4) but it becomes harder to catch (catch factor halved).
- Throw a rock to make Houndour easier to catch (catch factor doubled) but it flees twice as often.
- Each effect lasts 2-6 random turns; throwing one cancels the other.
In Emerald, Houndour does the job early-game if you need a Dark/Fire type on your team. Evolve it into Houndoom before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.
Yes. Houndour is not available during the main story. It can only be obtained after entering the Hall of Fame. Houndour becomes available after the main story is complete in Emerald.
Game Availability
Houndour first appeared in Gold & Silver and has been available in 17 games across 9 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
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