Shiny Houndour is one of the most sought-after Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, thanks to its unique appearance and impressive potential as both a Dark- and Fire-type Pokémon. If you’re looking to train a Shiny Houndour for your team, selecting the right Nature can make all the difference in maximizing its potential. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best Nature for Shiny Houndour and how it can enhance your gameplay experience.
Understanding Natures and Their Impact on Stats
Before we jump into the specifics of which Nature is best for Houndour, it’s important to understand what Natures do in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Natures affect a Pokémon’s stat growth, boosting one stat while lowering another. There are 25 different Natures to choose from, and each one gives a 10% increase to one stat and a 10% decrease to another.
For example, if a Nature boosts Houndour's Special Attack while reducing its Attack, this would make Houndour a better special attacker, which could be useful depending on your playstyle. But if you plan on using physical moves, you’ll need a different Nature.
The Best Nature for Shiny Houndour
When it comes to Shiny Houndour, the best Natures will complement its strengths. Houndour has a relatively high Special Attack and Speed, so you'll want a Nature that enhances one of these stats while minimizing a less important stat.
Timid Nature (Boosts Speed, Lowers Attack)
For a more competitive build, a Timid Nature is one of the best choices for Shiny Houndour. By boosting its Speed, Houndour can outspeed many opponents and potentially strike first in battles. Since Houndour relies on Special Attacks, the reduction in Attack won't have much of an impact, making this a solid choice for a fast, special-attacking Houndoom.
Timid Houndoom can learn moves like Flamethrower and Dark Pulse, making it an offensive powerhouse. With its speed maximized, Houndoom can often hit hard and fast, catching opponents off guard.
Modest Nature (Boosts Special Attack, Lowers Attack)
If you want to maximize Houndour’s offensive capabilities, a Modest Nature is also a great choice. This Nature increases Houndour’s Special Attack, making its fire and dark-type moves even more powerful. While it lowers Attack, this is less of an issue since you’ll likely be using special moves rather than physical ones.
With a Modest Houndoom, moves like Flamethrower or Shadow Ball can deal substantial damage. This setup makes Houndoom a great choice for players who enjoy focusing on raw power and taking down enemies with strong Special Attacks.
Jolly Nature (Boosts Speed, Lowers Special Attack)
For those who prefer a physical Houndoom build, the Jolly Nature might be more appealing. Although it lowers Special Attack, it increases Speed, allowing Houndoom to outspeed more foes. You could pair this Nature with physical Dark-type moves like Crunch, making Houndoom a fast and offensive threat. However, this Nature is less optimal for Shiny Houndour, as it doesn't take full advantage of its special attacking potential.
When to Consider Buying a Shiny Houndour
If you don’t have the patience to breed a perfect Shiny Houndour, or you’re struggling to find one in the wild, you can always consider buying shiny Pokémon from trusted sources. Websites like U4GM offer a variety of shiny Pokémon for those who want to skip the grinding and add them directly to their collection. This is a great option if you’re after a specific Nature or shiny form without the hassle of hunting one down.
Alpha Pokémon and Houndoom
Another consideration when building your team is the possibility of buying Alpha Pokémon. Alpha Houndoom can have enhanced stats compared to regular Pokémon, making it an even more powerful addition to your team. If you’re looking to invest in a strong Houndoom, buying an Alpha Pokémon could give you that extra edge in battles.
However, keep in mind that Alpha Pokémon often come with a higher price tag, so make sure to weigh the benefits before making a purchase.
Choosing the right Nature for your Shiny Houndour can have a significant impact on its performance in battle. If you’re aiming for speed and offense, Timid or Modest Natures are your best bets. On the other hand, if you’re looking to go the physical route, a Jolly Nature might be the way to go, though it’s less ideal for a special attacker like Houndour.
For players who want to skip the grind and invest in powerful shiny or alpha Pokémon, sites like U4GM offer a chance to buy shiny Pokémon or even Alpha Houndoom for those who want to get straight into the action.
No matter which Nature you choose, a Shiny Houndoom is a versatile and valuable addition to your team, with the potential to take on any challenge in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.