Ho-oh Raid Guide: Best Counters & How To Catch

Hey guys! Are you ready to take on the legendary Ho-oh in Pokemon GO? This fiery bird is back in raids, and you're going to want to add it to your team. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to defeat and catch Ho-oh, including its weaknesses, the best counters, and tips for maximizing your chances of success. Let's dive in!

What is Ho-oh?

Ho-oh, the Rainbow Pokemon, is a dual-type Fire and Flying legendary Pokemon originally discovered in the Johto region (Generation II). Known for its majestic appearance and incredible power, Ho-oh is a highly sought-after Pokemon for any serious trainer. This legendary bird is not only a formidable opponent in raids but also a valuable asset for your battle team, especially in Master League and raid battles. Catching Ho-oh is a significant achievement, and with the right strategy and preparation, you can add this powerhouse to your collection. Its radiant plumage and lore of resurrection make it an iconic figure in the Pokemon universe, and having Ho-oh in your lineup is a testament to your skills as a trainer.

Ho-oh's Strengths and Weaknesses

Understanding Ho-oh's strengths and weaknesses is crucial for building an effective raid team. As a Fire and Flying-type, Ho-oh is strong against Grass, Bug, Fighting, Ground, and Steel-type Pokemon. This makes it a formidable opponent in many situations, especially against common raid bosses and gym defenders. However, its dual-typing also leaves it vulnerable to certain types of attacks. Ho-oh's weaknesses include Rock-type attacks, which deal 4x damage, and Water and Electric-type attacks, which deal 2x damage. Knowing these vulnerabilities is key to selecting the right counters and maximizing your damage output during the raid. By exploiting these weaknesses, you can significantly reduce the difficulty of the raid and increase your chances of success. Additionally, understanding Ho-oh's move pool will help you anticipate and dodge incoming attacks, further enhancing your battle strategy.

Key Stats of Ho-oh

Before jumping into raid strategies, let's look at Ho-oh's key stats. Ho-oh boasts a high Attack stat, making its Fire and Flying-type moves incredibly powerful. Its substantial HP and Defense stats also mean it can withstand a considerable amount of damage, making it a tough opponent to take down. Here's a quick overview:

• Attack: 239
• Defense: 244
• Stamina: 214

These stats highlight Ho-oh's capabilities as a strong offensive and defensive Pokemon. When facing Ho-oh in a raid, you'll need Pokemon that can not only deal significant damage but also withstand its powerful attacks. This balance is essential for a successful raid strategy. Furthermore, these stats influence which moves Ho-oh can effectively use, making it critical to understand its potential moveset for optimal counter selection and dodging techniques. By leveraging these insights, you can better prepare your team and ensure a more effective raid battle.

Best Counters for Ho-oh Raids

To triumph over Ho-oh, you'll need a team of Pokemon that can exploit its weaknesses. Rock-type Pokemon are your best bet due to the 4x weakness, but Water and Electric-types are also excellent choices. Here’s a breakdown of some top counters:

Rock-Type Pokemon

Rock-type Pokemon are undoubtedly the best counters for Ho-oh due to its double weakness to this type. These Pokemon can deal significant damage, making the raid battle much more manageable. Here are some of the top Rock-type counters you should consider adding to your team:

• Rampardos: This Rock-type powerhouse boasts the highest Attack stat among Rock-types, making it a premier choice for this raid. Its moveset of Smack Down and Rock Slide delivers massive damage. Rampardos is particularly effective due to its raw power, allowing it to quickly deplete Ho-oh's health bar. However, keep in mind that Rampardos is also relatively fragile, so strategic dodging is essential to maximize its effectiveness.
• Tyranitar: A classic choice for Rock-type raids, Tyranitar's high Attack and decent bulk make it a reliable counter. Tyranitar’s Smack Down and Stone Edge combination is powerful against Ho-oh. Tyranitar’s versatility and availability make it a popular choice among trainers. Its ability to withstand significant damage allows it to remain in the battle longer, contributing consistently to the raid effort.
• Terrakion: This Legendary Rock/Fighting-type Pokemon offers a fantastic balance of power and resilience. Terrakion's Smack Down and Rock Slide moveset makes it a formidable opponent against Ho-oh. Its dual-typing gives it some additional advantages, but also introduces a few more vulnerabilities, so be mindful of the attacks you’re facing.
• Rhyperior: With its high CP and solid Rock-type moves, Rhyperior is a sturdy option for this raid. Its Smack Down and Rock Wrecker combination can inflict substantial damage. Rhyperior’s bulk makes it a reliable choice for players who prefer a tankier Pokemon that can withstand multiple hits.

Water-Type Pokemon

Water-type Pokemon are another strong option against Ho-oh, as they deal double damage. These Pokemon are effective because they combine good damage output with decent survivability, making them a solid choice for your raid team. Here are some top Water-type counters to consider:

• Kyogre: This Legendary Water-type Pokemon is a top-tier choice for any raid where Water-types are effective. Kyogre's Waterfall and Surf/Hydro Pump moveset deals massive damage to Ho-oh. Its high Attack stat and robust defenses make it a consistent performer in raid battles. Kyogre’s legendary status ensures its power, making it a must-have for serious raiders.
• Feraligatr: A solid Water-type starter evolution, Feraligatr can hold its own in this raid with Waterfall and Hydro Cannon. Feraligatr is a more accessible option for trainers who may not have access to legendary Pokemon, and its Community Day move, Hydro Cannon, makes it a potent attacker.
• Swampert: This Water/Ground-type is a resilient option with access to powerful Water-type moves like Water Gun and Hydro Cannon. Swampert’s Ground typing provides additional resistances, making it a durable choice in the raid. Like Feraligatr, Swampert’s Community Day move ensures its effectiveness in battle.

Electric-Type Pokemon

Electric-type Pokemon can also deal significant damage to Ho-oh due to its Flying-type component. These Pokemon often have high Attack stats, allowing them to quickly wear down Ho-oh's HP. Here are some of the best Electric-type counters:

• Zekrom: This Legendary Electric/Dragon-type Pokemon is a top performer in raids. Zekrom's Charge Beam and Wild Charge moveset deals massive Electric-type damage. Its dual typing also provides some strategic advantages, though it's important to be aware of its Dragon-type vulnerabilities.
• Electivire: With its high Attack stat and access to moves like Thunder Shock and Wild Charge, Electivire is a powerful Electric-type attacker. Electivire is a strong choice for trainers looking for a non-legendary option that can still deliver significant damage.
• Raikou: Another Legendary Electric-type, Raikou’s Thunder Shock and Wild Charge moveset make it a formidable opponent against Ho-oh. Raikou’s legendary status and high stats ensure its effectiveness in a variety of raid scenarios.

Preparing for the Raid

Assembling Your Team

Now that you know the best counters, it’s time to assemble your raid team. Aim for a team of at least six Pokemon, prioritizing those with the highest CP and best movesets against Ho-oh. It’s also beneficial to diversify your team, including a mix of Rock, Water, and Electric-types to account for different movesets Ho-oh might have. This strategic approach ensures that you're well-prepared for any scenario and can adapt to the specific challenges presented by the raid. Furthermore, coordinating with your fellow trainers can maximize your team's effectiveness, allowing you to cover more weaknesses and deal more damage overall.

Powering Up Your Pokemon

Before the raid, make sure your chosen Pokemon are powered up as much as possible. Use Stardust and Candy to increase their CP and HP. This investment will significantly improve their performance in the battle, allowing them to withstand more damage and dish out more powerful attacks. Prioritize powering up your top counters first, focusing on those that have the highest potential and best movesets for the raid. Additionally, consider using TMs to teach your Pokemon the optimal moves for the Ho-oh raid, further enhancing their effectiveness in battle. Remember, a well-powered-up team can make the difference between victory and defeat.

Understanding Ho-oh's Moveset

Knowing Ho-oh’s potential moves can help you anticipate and dodge attacks, maximizing your team’s survivability. Ho-oh can have a variety of Fast and Charged moves, including:

• Fast Moves: Incinerate, Fire Spin, Extrasensory
• Charged Moves: Brave Bird, Solar Beam, Fire Blast, Sacred Fire

Understanding these moves will allow you to predict incoming attacks and make strategic decisions about when to dodge. For example, Brave Bird is a powerful move but leaves Ho-oh vulnerable due to its self-debuffing effect. Solar Beam takes a while to charge, giving you a window to deal damage before it's unleashed. Knowing these nuances can significantly improve your battle strategy. Furthermore, being aware of the move types will help you position your Pokemon effectively, minimizing the damage they take and maximizing their time on the field.

Gathering Raid Passes and Resources

To participate in Ho-oh raids, you’ll need Raid Passes. You can acquire these by spinning Photo Discs at Gyms or purchasing them from the in-game store. Additionally, ensure you have enough Potions and Revives to heal your Pokemon after the battle. Stocking up on these resources beforehand will save you time and ensure you're ready for multiple raid attempts. Consider joining online communities or local groups to coordinate raid efforts and maximize your chances of success. Raiding with a team is often more efficient and enjoyable, and it increases your likelihood of defeating the boss and catching Ho-oh.

During the Raid Battle

Dodging Attacks

Dodging is crucial for preserving your Pokemon’s HP and maximizing your damage output. Swipe left or right on the screen to dodge incoming Charged Moves. Pay attention to the visual cues and timing to successfully evade the attacks. Effective dodging not only keeps your Pokemon in the battle longer but also gives you more opportunities to deal damage. Practice your dodging skills in lower-level raids or against Team GO Rocket battles to refine your technique. Mastering this skill is essential for tackling challenging raids like Ho-oh and will significantly improve your overall performance in Pokemon GO.

Maximizing Damage Output

Use your Pokemon’s Charged Moves strategically. Try to time your attacks to coincide with the end of Ho-oh’s attacks, minimizing the chance of your Pokemon being hit while charging up. Additionally, take advantage of weather boosts to enhance your Pokemon's move power. Sunny weather boosts Fire-type moves, while Rainy weather boosts Water and Electric-type moves. Aligning your strategy with the current weather conditions can provide a significant advantage in the raid. Furthermore, coordinating with your raid group to use Charged Moves simultaneously can create a burst of damage that quickly depletes Ho-oh's health bar.

Reviving and Rejoining

If your Pokemon faint during the battle, quickly revive and rejoin the fight. Every bit of damage counts, and staying in the battle as much as possible will increase your chances of success. Having a sufficient supply of Revives and Potions is crucial for this. Make sure to keep an eye on your Pokemon's health and be prepared to use Potions to keep them in fighting shape. If a Pokemon faints, reviving it promptly and rejoining the battle ensures that you continue to contribute to the raid effort. This proactive approach can make a significant difference in the outcome of the raid.

Catching Ho-oh

Golden Razz Berries

Once you’ve defeated Ho-oh, you’ll have a chance to catch it. Use Golden Razz Berries to significantly increase your chances of a successful catch. These berries provide the highest catch rate bonus and are essential for catching legendary Pokemon. You can acquire Golden Razz Berries by completing raids and Special Research tasks. Stocking up on these berries before attempting the Ho-oh raid is highly recommended. Using them strategically during the catch encounter can dramatically improve your odds of adding Ho-oh to your collection.

Throwing Techniques

Practice your Excellent Throws to maximize your chances of catching Ho-oh. Aim for the center of the target circle when it’s at its smallest. Curveball throws can also increase your catch rate. Mastering these throwing techniques takes practice, but the effort is well worth it when attempting to catch a legendary Pokemon like Ho-oh. Watch videos and tutorials to refine your technique, and practice on lower-level Pokemon to build your skills. Consistent Excellent Throws, combined with the use of Golden Razz Berries, will significantly increase your chances of capturing Ho-oh.

Patience and Persistence

Catching a legendary Pokemon can be challenging, so be patient and persistent. Don’t get discouraged if Ho-oh breaks out of the first few balls. Keep using Golden Razz Berries and aiming for Excellent Throws. Remember that each attempt brings you closer to a successful catch. If you don’t succeed on your first try, consider participating in more raids to increase your opportunities. The more chances you have to encounter Ho-oh, the greater your likelihood of capturing it. Stay positive and focused, and eventually, you'll add this magnificent Pokemon to your roster.

Conclusion

Taking on Ho-oh in Pokemon GO raids can be an exhilarating experience, and with the right preparation and strategy, you can emerge victorious. Remember to assemble a strong team of counters, power up your Pokemon, and master your throwing techniques. Good luck, and happy raiding! Hope this guide helps you catch that amazing Ho-oh, trainers! Let's get out there and show this legendary bird who's boss!