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Ah, Houndoom, what was originally considered one of the best fire types in the game around it's introduction has fallen from grace tremendously with each generation passed. This doesn't exactly mean it's bad though, as Houndoom still manages to remain in the UU Tier, despite it's glaring flaws. Regardless, this is still a Pokemon you don't want to pass up if your looking for a good UU Sweeper. Just make sure to give it the right support first.
Houndoomed
-Dark Pulse
-Flamethrower/Heat Wave
-Hidden Power (Fighting)/Sucker Punch
-Overheat
Item - Life Orb
Ability - Flash Fire
EV'S/Nature:
EV'S: 252 SAtk / 252 Spe / 4 Def
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
While this may not be the perfect set for UU now a days, this set can work well if placed properly in late game. Dark Pulse is your standard STAB Attack, and is there to hit Pokemon like Claydol, Dusclops, Xatu, Slowbro and so on. Flamethrower is your other main STAB attack, hurting many regular threats that would otherwise kill Houndoom and resist Dark Pulse like Bronzong and Roserade. Hidden Power can hurt Sharpedo, Rhyperior and other Dark Type Pokemon with great ease, destroying the other half of Houndoom's threats, while Sucker Punch can dent not only physically weak Pokemon who would sponge up Houndoom's regular attacks, but be a quick finisher to anything with low HP. Overheat is for the rare instance where Dark Pulse or Flamethrower wouldn't do enough damage, as 140 Base Power is sure to leave a dent in the opponent. You can likely be able to switch out to get rid of your SAtk drop, although you do run the risk of being hurt by Stealth Rock or an opposing attack if you do switch back in.
Other Options:
-Hidden Power Ice: There for instances where something could easily resist Flamethrower, yet is weak to Ice, such as Rhyperior. Pretty much there if you already have enough coverage on Fighting Types.
-Nasty Plot: One of Houndoom's big game changers comes in the form of a double SAtk raise, turning Houndoom from a Moderate Sweeper to an insane Sweeper that will annihilate anything in it's path though. Try to be careful with this one, as an opponent could easily set up Stealth Rock/Spikes or send in a Pokemon that could sponge Houndoom.
-Substitute: Use alongside a Nasty Plot set, or if you just want to set up. Pretty much all you can really do with it.
Counters and Resistances:
Bulky Water Pokemon will always be Houndoom's worst nightmare, as they can easily soak up a Flamethrower or Dark Pulse and return with a surf, likely OHKOing the Hellhound. Snorlax is also another viable choice, as it can take a hit from Flamethrower thanks to Thick Fat and still resist all other moves, while retaliating with an Earthquake or a Body Slam. Porygon2 can come in with Flash Fire, making it's fire moves useless, and hitting back with Tri Attacks or Discharges or inflicting a status condition. Due to Houndoom's speed, it is also somewhat of an easily outspeed Pokemon, so Choice Scarf users or naturally fast Pokemon can revenge kill Houndoom with ease. Flygon, Mienshao and Darmanitan are all viable picks in this, destroying Houndoom with Earthquake, Hi Jump Kick and Superpower, respectively.
