Best Builds for The Houndmaster Upgrade Path
Goal: Houndmaster builds that leash chases and cut escapes.
Last verified 2026-02-27
At-a-Glance
- Role: Killer
- Path shape: Starter -> Intermediate -> Optimized
- Patch source: 9.4.2
Starter
Lowest ownership barrier while preserving the same job.
Base pool (available to everyone)
Base pool (available to everyone)
Base pool (available to everyone)
Base pool (available to everyone)
Intermediate
Keep core consistency, then add upside perks.
Base pool (available to everyone)
Base pool (available to everyone)
Unlock from Houndmaster
Unlock from Twins
Optimized
Full target version pulled from the guide's core loadout.
Unlock from Houndmaster
Unlock from Twins
Unlock from Clown
Unlock from Trapper
Upgrade Step 1: Starter -> Intermediate
- Distressing -> All-Shaking Thunder. Preserves the build's core job with a lower ownership barrier.
- Hex: Fortune's Fool -> Coup de Grâce. Preserves the build's core job with a lower ownership barrier.
Upgrade Step 2: Intermediate -> Optimized
- Spies from the Shadows -> All-Shaking Thunder. Keeps similar value through cool-down while lowering ownership requirements.
- Bitter Murmur -> Coup de Grâce. Keeps similar value through generator while lowering ownership requirements.
- All-Shaking Thunder -> Bamboozle. Preserves the build's core job with a lower ownership barrier.
- Coup de Grâce -> Brutal Strength. Keeps similar value through generator + chase while lowering ownership requirements.