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Initially, Houndoom gained attention for its stunning full-art variant in the Triumphant Light set. However, attempts to integrate this Fire-type into standardPokemon TCG Pocketdecks have largely fallen flat. Despite its rare and striking artwork, Houndoom is in a tough spot due to the lack of a viable meta shell to support it.
Currently, Houndoom holds less than 1% of theTCG Pocketmetagame, making it one of the least favored cards in competitive play. Still, we set out to find the best possible Houndoom deck—one that not only mitigates its weaknesses but also offers enough consistency to be a viable option in PvP. But before exploring the deck, let’s take a quick look at Houndoom itself.
The Best Deck for Houndoom
Houndoom fits seamlessly into astandard Infernape ex setup. To build this deck, you’ll need Houndour, Chimchar, and Monferno for the evolution lines. For Trainer Cards, key inclusions are Cyrus, Sabrina, Dawn, and Pokemon Communication. If Energy distribution becomes an issue, adding a single copy of Moltres ex can help balance things out.
Houndoom Deck Synergies
Houndoom Performance Report
Unsurprisingly, Houndoom decks have performed well against Grass-type decks from previous expansions. Specifically,the once-dominant Exeggutor ex & Celebi setuphas been defeated by Houndoom decks 80% of the time in recent tournaments—an impressive win rate.
However, it’s important to note that there’s limited data on Houndoom’s PvP performance, as it isn’t a popular PvP deck. If trends continue as they are, the future looks bleak for Houndoom unless a new,powerful Fire-type Pokemonwith perfect synergy comes to its rescue.
How to Counter Houndoom
Most Houndoom decks inTCG Pocketare relatively easy to counter. Several options are available, including the18-Trainer Articuno ex, Gyarados ex & Greninja, and the top setup from the previous expansion: Magnezone & Darkrai ex.
Houndoom decks face two key drawbacks: their burst damage often isn’t enough to take down the enemy’s primary damage dealers, and their evolution lines can be clunky. Given these weaknesses, the best counter would be any fast-paced deck with above-average HP. The 18-Trainer Articuno ex is a perfect example. It’s tanky and starts dealing 60 damage with just two Energies, which can be devastating for Houndoom decks.
Why Houndoom Struggles in the Current Meta
TheTriumphant Light expansionbrought a surprising shift to the meta with the introduction of three game-changing cards: Arceus ex, Leafeon ex, and Irida. These cards have each dealt a unique blow to Houndoom, pushing it down to the lowest tiers of the metagame.
Arceus ex currently dominates the meta, and its fast build-up and high early-game damage make it a strong counter to Houndoom. Meanwhile, Leafeon ex and Irida have formed an unexpected alliance, and the duo has proven highly effective against Houndoom. Irida’s inclusion has also bolstered someWater-based decks, like the 18-Trainer Articuno ex setup, which has performed well against Houndoom.
