CARD INFORMATION

SUBTYPES:
- Basic
HP: 70
TYPES:
- Darkness
EVOLVES TO:
- Houndoom
WEAKNESSES:
- TYPE: Grass
- VALUE: ×2
RETREATCOST:
- Colorless
RETREAT COST: 1
RARITY: Common
REGULATIONMARK: H

CARD ABILITIES

This card has no abilities

CARD ATTACKS

NAME: Playful Kick
COST:
- Darkness
ENERGY COST: 1
DAMAGE: 20
DETAILS:

MARKET PRICES FOR HOUNDOUR 💰

Last updated: 2025/10/11

HIGH	502.00	USD
MID	0.09	USD	TREND
LOW	0.01	USD

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Houndour from Prismatic Evolutions brings a simple but potentially strategic presence to the table.

This Basic Darkness-type Pokémon might look unassuming with its 70 HP and single attack, but its true value lies in what it can evolve into and how quickly it can be deployed in the early game.

Offensive rating: 4/10

Offensively, Houndour is fairly limited.

Its single attack, Playful Kick, delivers just 20 damage for one Darkness energy.

This equates to a damage-per-energy ratio of 60 points, which is mediocre by competitive standards.

The attack has no additional effects or bonuses, making it strictly a basic damage dealer.

In the early game, this might chip away at opposing Basic Pokémon, but it lacks the punch needed to threaten evolved Pokémon or handle any significant threats.

Its primary offensive value comes from being a stepping stone to Houndoom, rather than its own attacking capabilities.

Survival rating: 3/10

With only 70 HP, Houndour sits in the lower tier of Basic Pokémon survivability.

Its Grass weakness is particularly problematic in a meta where Grass-type attackers like Meowscarada ex and Lycanroc ex see significant play.

The single retreat cost is manageable, requiring just one energy to switch out, which provides some tactical flexibility.

However, Houndour lacks any inherent defensive abilities or mechanics that would improve its staying power.

It has no resistance to offset its weakness, and without any self-healing or damage reduction capabilities, it will typically only survive for a turn or two under direct attack.

Versatility rating: 5/10

Houndour's versatility stems primarily from its evolutionary potential rather than its standalone capabilities.

As a Basic Darkness Pokémon, it can fit into various Darkness-type strategies focused around its evolution, Houndoom.

Its low energy requirement for attacking means it can function as an early-game attacker in a pinch, though not effectively.

The card can be used with various Darkness support cards like Darkrai, Dark Patch, or other type-specific boosters.

However, its limited attacking options and lack of Abilities severely restrict its versatility in different matchups and roles, making it primarily a stage-setter for its evolution rather than a versatile player in its own right.

Speed/Setup rating: 8/10

Houndour scores relatively well in the setup department due to its simplicity.

As a Basic Pokémon, it can be played directly to the bench and is immediately operational with just one Darkness energy.

This gives it a strong operational speed score, as it can attack on turn one with the right energy acceleration.

Its accessibility is also decent, being searchable with cards like Quick Ball, Pokémon Communication, or Ultra Ball.

The consistency factor is where Houndour truly shines in setup - you know exactly what you're getting, with no complex abilities to activate or conditions to meet.

This reliability makes it an easy card to incorporate into opening strategies.

To maximize Houndour's effectiveness, pair it with energy acceleration cards like Dark Patch or Turbo Patch to power up its evolution quickly.

Houndoom cards that offer powerful attacks or abilities will be your primary goal.

Include search cards like Ultra Ball or Evolution Incense to ensure you can find your evolution pieces consistently.

Support Pokémon that boost Darkness types will also complement this evolutionary line well.

Perfect Partners examples:

Houndoom

As Houndour's direct evolution, any competitive Houndoom variant should be your primary target. This evolution transforms your basic setup piece into a genuine threat, bringing significantly better attacks and potentially powerful abilities.

Dark Patch

This Trainer card allows you to attach a Darkness Energy from your discard pile to one of your Benched Darkness Pokémon, accelerating your energy attachment and helping Houndour or its evolution attack more quickly.

Evolution Incense

This Item card lets you search your deck for an Evolution Pokémon, making it easier to find Houndoom when needed. This consistency boost helps ensure your Houndour can evolve promptly, maximizing its effectiveness in your strategy.

Houndour from Prismatic Evolutions serves primarily as a setup piece rather than a standout performer.

Its greatest strengths lie in its simplicity and quick deployment, allowing it to hit the field immediately and evolve into potentially more impactful Houndoom variants.

While its offensive capabilities are limited to a modest 20 damage attack, and its survival prospects are hampered by low HP and a common weakness, Houndour fulfills its role as an evolution base efficiently.

The card performs best in decks specifically built around Darkness-type synergies and evolution strategies.

Players should focus on getting it onto the bench early, protecting it until evolution, and supporting it with appropriate energy acceleration and search cards.

In competitive play, success with Houndour depends entirely on how quickly and consistently you can evolve it into Houndoom, transforming this modest setup piece into a more formidable presence on the battlefield.