Soloing a 3-star Houndoom raid in Pokemon GO can be a rewarding challenge for trainers. As a Dark-type Pokemon, Houndoom has specific weaknesses that make it vulnerable to certain types of counters. So, with the right preparation, understanding of its weaknesses, and choice of Pokemon, you can defeat Houndoom solo even without weather boosts.
In this guide, we’ll break down Houndoom’s stats, moveset, and the best counters to use, both with and without weather advantages.
Note: Parts of this article are subjective and reflect the writer's opinion.
Check out the current Pokemon GO raid bosses that you can encounter in-game
How to defeat Houndoom in Pokemon GO Raids solo
Type: Dark/Fire
Combat Power: 18,082 (Raid Boss CP)
Stats:
- Attack: 224
- Defense: 144
- Stamina: 3,600 HP
Fast Attacks: Snarl, Fire Fang
Charged Attacks: Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Crunch, Foul Play
Weaknesses: Water, Fighting, Rock, Ground (160%)
Resistances: Dark, Ghost, Fire, Grass, Ice, Steel (63%), Psychic (39%)
Note: The recommended solo-capable counter Pokemon are based on simulated game data, and results may vary. For best results, it's advised for the recommended Pokemon below to have the highest possible IV stats and be powered up to the highest possible CP to successfully clear the raid solo.
Also read: How to solo defeat Mega Lopunny in Pokemon GO Mega Raids
Best Pokemon GO counters for Houndoom without any weather boosts in play
Here are some top-performing Pokemon to counter Houndoom effectively:
- Mega and Shadow Lucario with Force Palm and Aura Sphere: Lucario’s Fighting moves exploit Houndoom’s weakness, while its high damage output makes it a prime choice.
- Primal and Shadow Kyogre with Waterfall and Origin Pulse: Kyogre’s Water moves deal heavy damage and capitalize on Houndoom’s vulnerability to Water-types.
- Primal and Shadow Groudon with Mud Shot and Precipice Blades: Groudon’s Ground moves are perfect for dealing massive damage to Houndoom while resisting its Fire-type attacks.
- Mega and Shadow Garchomp with Mud Shot and Earth Power: Garchomp’s Ground-type moves make it an excellent counter, particularly against Houndoom’s Fire-type moves.
- Mega and Shadow Swampert with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon: Swampert’s Water-type moves are both powerful and quick, giving it an edge over Houndoom in damage output.
Also read: Is Meowscarada with Frenzy Plant and Flower Trick good in Pokemon GO PvP and PvE?
Additional solo counters for Houndoom in Pokemon GO raids based on weather boosts
- Mega Blaziken with Counter and Focus Blast
- Mega Diancie with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
- Terrakion with Double Kick and Sacred Sword
- Shadow Rhyperior with Mud-Slap and Rock Wrecker
- Shadow Rampardos with Smack Down and Rock Slide
- Shadow Conkeldurr with Counter and Dynamic Punch
- Mega and Shadow Blastoise with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
- Mega Heracross with Counter and Close Combat
- Mega Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge
- Keldeo with Low Kick and Sacred Sword
- Shadow Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
- Mega Aerodactyl with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
- Landorus Therian with Mud Shot and Sandsear Storm
- Shadow Gigalith with Smack Down and Meteor Beam
- Shadow Hariyama with Force Palm and Dynamic Punch
- Mega Gyarados with Waterfall and Hydro Pump
- Shadow Crawdaunt with Waterfall and Crabhammer
Also read: Pokemon GO Sprigatito Community Day PvP and PvE analysis
Tips to solo defeat Houndoom
- Focus on type advantage: Use Pokemon with strong Fighting, Water, Rock, or Ground-type moves. Try to avoid Psychic, Dark, or Fire-types as they deal reduced damage.
- Maximize your counters: Power up your best counters and ensure they have optimal movesets.
- Dodge smartly: If your team lacks bulk, dodge Houndoom’s Charged Attacks to survive longer.
- Consider weather effects: Match your team to the current weather conditions for boosted moves.
- Use shadows and megas: These Pokemon typically deal higher damage, making battles easier and quicker.
By assembling the right team and utilizing Houndoom’s weaknesses, you can confidently solo this Dark- and Fire-type raid boss. With patience and strategy, victory will be within your reach.
Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:
- Ditto disguises
- Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
- Best Fast Attacks in the game
- Sierra counters
- Cliff counters
- Arlo counters
- Giovanni counters
- Team GO Rocket Grunts
- Pokemon Go Evolution Calculator
- Pokemon Type Calculator
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