Houndoom: The Underrated Fire-Type in Pokémon TCG Pocket Strategized

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To begin with, Houndoom became quite popular for its spectacular full-art version in the Triumphant Light collection. However, efforts to incorporate this Fire-type into standard Pokemon TCG Pocket decks have generally failed to take off. Despite its unique and eye-catching artwork, Houndoom finds itself in a difficult position because there isn’t a solid game strategy (meta shell) to back it up.

At present, Houndoom occupies less than 1% of the TCG Pocket metagame, which means it’s one of the least popular cards in competitive play. However, we’re determined to discover the optimal Houndoom deck – one that addresses its weaknesses and provides sufficient consistency for competitive PvP. Before diving into the deck details, let’s first discuss Houndoom itself.

  • Houndoom Card Overview

    • Rarity: Two-diamond, one-star
    • Stage: One
    • HP: 100
    • ATK: 60
    • Text: During your opponent’s next turn, the Defending Pokemon can’t retreat.
    • ATK Energy: Two (one Fire, one Colorless)
    • Retreat Cost: Two
    • Weakness: Water

The Best Deck for Houndoom

In a typical Infernape strategy, Houndoom effortlessly finds its place. To construct this deck, you’ll require Houndour, Chimchar, and Monferno for their evolutionary stages. For Trainer Cards, essential additions are Cyrus, Sabrina, Dawn, and Pokemon Communication. If Energy distribution becomes problematic, adding a single Moltres ex card can help maintain balance.

Must-Have Pokemon Best Trainer Cards
  • Houndour
  • Houndoom
  • Chimchar
  • Monferno
  • Infernape ex
  • Cyrus
  • Sabrina
  • Pokemon Communication
  • Dawn

Moltres ex is a flex option for this deck.

Houndoom Deck Synergies

  • Houndoom is the control agent, locking the opponent in the Active Spot to either take it out itself or set up an easy knockout for Infernape ex.
  • Infernape ex is the deck’s primary damage dealer, capable of dealing 140 damage with just two Energies—enough to take down many top-tier cards.
  • Cyrus and Sabrina are essential for targeting Benched opponents.
  • Dawn helps counteract Infernape ex’s Energy-discarding effect, allowing it to attack consistently.
  • Pokemon Communication is vital for managing the deck’s clunky evolution lines, ensuring you can draw the right cards when needed.
  • If Moltres ex is included, it provides additional Energy acceleration, helping both Houndoom and Infernape ex ramp up efficiently.

Houndoom Performance Report

  • Tournament Appearance: Less than 200
  • Meta Share: Less than 1%
  • Win Rate: ~ 40%

It’s no surprise that Houndoom decks have been successful against decks based on Grass types from earlier expansions. In fact, they’ve defeated the once-powerful Exeggutor ex & Celebi setup an astounding 80% of the time in recent competitions—a remarkable victory rate.

To be honest, I’ve noticed that Houndoom doesn’t seem to be a go-to pick in PvP battles. Given the current data, it’s not exactly shining in the spotlight as a popular choice for trainers. If this trend persists, it might be tough sailing for Houndoom in future matches unless a game-changing Fire-type Pokemon arrives, offering the perfect team dynamic and boosting its chances.

How to Counter Houndoom

In the TCG Pocket game, it’s generally straightforward to challenge Houndoom decks. You can employ various strategies such as the 18-Trainer Articuno ex, Gyarados ex, Greninja, and also Magnezone & Darkrai ex from the previous expansion.

(Original: Most Houndoom decks in TCG Pocket are relatively easy to counter. Several options are available, including the 18-Trainer Articuno ex, Gyarados ex & Greninja, and the top setup from the previous expansion: Magnezone & Darkrai ex.)

Houndoom strategies encounter two significant disadvantages: frequently, their burst damage falls short against opponents’ main damage sources, and their evolution chain can be awkward. To counter these shortcomings effectively, a swift-moving deck with relatively high HP is ideal. The 18-Trainer Articuno ex is an excellent illustration of this. It boasts considerable durability and inflicts 60 damage using only two Energies, which can be particularly damaging for Houndoom decks.

Why Houndoom Struggles in the Current Meta

The addition of Arceus ex, Leafeon ex, and Irida in the Triumphant Light expansion significantly altered the game dynamics, causing Houndoom to plummet into the lower ranks of the metagame due to their impactful effects on it.

Currently, Arceus dominates the game’s meta, with its rapid development and potent early damage making it a tough opponent for Houndoom. On the other hand, Leafeon ex and Irida have formed an unanticipated partnership that has been very effective against Houndoom. Interestingly, having Irida in the team has also boosted some water-centric decks, such as the 18-Trainer Articuno ex setup, which has shown promising results when facing off with Houndoom.

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2025-03-09 18:04