Ho-Oh Raid Guide: Counters, Strategies, And Tips

by Kenji Nakamura 49 views

Hey guys! So you're looking to take down the legendary Ho-Oh in a raid and need some help, huh? You've come to the right place! Ho-Oh is a seriously powerful Pokémon, but with the right strategy and a solid team, you can definitely add it to your collection. This guide is going to break down everything you need to know, from Ho-Oh's weaknesses and counters to raid strategies and tips for catching it. Let's dive in!

Understanding Ho-Oh: Stats, Types, and Moves

Before we jump into the battle, let's get to know our fiery friend a little better. Ho-Oh is a dual-type Fire and Flying Pokémon, which means it's got some serious strengths but also some key weaknesses you can exploit. Understanding these is crucial for building your raid team and maximizing your damage output. Let's start by looking at Ho-Oh's stats.

Ho-Oh boasts impressive stats, particularly in Attack and Special Defense. This makes it a formidable opponent in raids, capable of dishing out significant damage while also being quite resistant to special attacks. Its high HP also means it can withstand a good amount of punishment, so you'll need a team that can consistently deal damage over time.

As a Fire/Flying-type, Ho-Oh has a few key weaknesses that you can take advantage of:

  • Rock: This is Ho-Oh's biggest weakness. Rock-type moves deal 4x damage, making Rock-type Pokémon your MVP in this raid.
  • Water: Water-type moves deal 2x damage.
  • Electric: Electric-type moves deal 2x damage.

On the flip side, Ho-Oh is resistant to several types:

  • Fire: Resistant to Fire-type moves.
  • Grass: Resistant to Grass-type moves.
  • Bug: Highly resistant to Bug-type moves.
  • Fighting: Resistant to Fighting-type moves.
  • Fairy: Resistant to Fairy-type moves.
  • Ground: Immune to Ground-type moves.

Knowing these resistances is just as important as knowing the weaknesses. You don't want to waste your time using moves that will barely scratch Ho-Oh.

Now, let's talk about Ho-Oh's moveset. Ho-Oh can have a variety of fast and charged moves, which can significantly impact your raid strategy. Some of the most common moves include:

  • Fast Moves:

    • Incinerate (Fire)
    • Hidden Power (Normal)
    • Extrasensory (Psychic)

  • Charged Moves:

    • Brave Bird (Flying)
    • Fire Blast (Fire)
    • Solar Beam (Grass)
    • Sacred Fire (Fire)

Ho-Oh's moveset can make it a tricky opponent. For example, Solar Beam can catch Water-types off guard, while Brave Bird can deal massive damage. Being aware of these potential moves will help you anticipate and adapt during the raid.

Top Counters for Ho-Oh Raids: Building Your Dream Team

Alright, now that we know what we're up against, let's build the ultimate Ho-Oh counter team! As we mentioned earlier, Rock-type Pokémon are your best bet here, dealing a whopping 4x damage. But don't worry, we'll cover a range of options to suit different team compositions and Pokémon availability. Remember, having a diverse team is always a good idea, just in case your primary counters faint early.

Here are some of the top Pokémon to bring to a Ho-Oh raid:

  1. Rampardos: This rock-type Pokémon is a powerhouse, boasting the highest attack stat of all non-legendary Rock-types. Its Rock-type moves will make quick work of Ho-Oh. Rampardos is your top-tier choice if you have one!
  2. Rhyperior: Another fantastic Rock/Ground-type option. Rhyperior has great attack and bulk, allowing it to deal consistent damage while also withstanding Ho-Oh's attacks. Make sure it knows Rock Wrecker for maximum damage output!
  3. Tyranitar: A classic Dark/Rock-type that's always a solid choice for raids. Tyranitar's high attack and decent bulk make it a reliable counter, and it's relatively accessible to most players.
  4. Mega Aerodactyl: If you have access to Mega Evolution, Mega Aerodactyl is an excellent option. Its Mega Evolution boosts its attack and speed, making it a formidable Rock-type attacker.
  5. Terrakion: This Legendary Rock/Fighting-type Pokémon is a powerhouse against Ho-Oh. Terrakion has an impressive attack stat and can dish out significant damage with its Rock-type moves.
  6. Omastar: Don't underestimate this Rock/Water-type! Omastar can deal super effective damage with its Rock and Water-type moves, and its bulk allows it to survive for a decent amount of time in the raid.
  7. Gigalith: This pure Rock-type Pokémon is a solid choice if you're looking for a more accessible option. Gigalith has a high attack stat and can deal significant damage with its Rock-type moves.

While Rock-types are the stars of the show, Water and Electric-type Pokémon can also be valuable additions to your team. Here are a few worth considering:

  • Water-types:
    • Mega Blastoise (if available)
    • Kyogre
    • Feraligatr
  • Electric-types:
    • Mega Manectric (if available)
    • Zekrom
    • Raikou

When choosing your team, focus on Pokémon with Rock-type fast and charged moves. For example:

  • Rampardos: Smack Down (Fast) and Rock Slide (Charged)
  • Rhyperior: Smack Down (Fast) and Rock Wrecker (Charged)
  • Tyranitar: Smack Down (Fast) and Stone Edge (Charged)

Remember, having a team of at least six high-level Pokémon is crucial for taking down Ho-Oh. Power up your counters as much as possible, and don't be afraid to use TMs to give them the best movesets.

Raid Strategies and Tactics: How to Beat Ho-Oh

Okay, you've got your team ready to go – that’s awesome! Now, let's talk strategy. Raiding isn't just about having powerful Pokémon; it's about using them effectively. Here are some key tactics to help you and your local crew take down Ho-Oh:

  • Coordinate with Your Team: Communication is key in any raid, especially with a tough opponent like Ho-Oh. Chat with your fellow trainers before the raid to discuss strategies, coordinate attacks, and ensure everyone knows their role. If you're raiding with locals, a quick voice chat can make a huge difference. This helps prevent multiple players from using the same Pokémon and allows for better type coverage overall.
  • Pay Attention to the Weather: Weather conditions in Pokémon GO can significantly impact raid battles. If the weather is Sunny/Clear, Rock-type moves will get a boost, making your Rock-type counters even more powerful. Similarly, Rainy weather will boost Water-type moves, and Windy weather will boost Flying-type moves (which Ho-Oh might have). Plan your team accordingly to maximize your damage output.
  • Dodge Charged Attacks: Ho-Oh's charged attacks can pack a serious punch, potentially knocking out your Pokémon in one hit. Pay attention to the visual cues and animations that indicate an incoming charged attack, and swipe left or right to dodge. Dodging effectively can keep your Pokémon in the battle longer, allowing them to deal more damage over time. Don't panic-dodge though; only dodge when you see the yellow flash on the screen.
  • Use Mega Evolutions Wisely: If you have access to Mega Evolutions, use them strategically. Mega Evolving a Pokémon can significantly boost its stats and the stats of other Pokémon of the same type in the raid. If you have a Mega Aerodactyl or Mega Blastoise, for example, mega evolve them early in the battle to maximize their impact. Coordinate with your team to stagger Mega Evolutions so that the boosts are available for as long as possible.
  • Re-enter the Battle Quickly: If your Pokémon faint during the raid, don't wait too long to re-enter the battle. The faster you get back in, the more damage you can contribute. Have a backup team ready in case your first team gets wiped out. This is where having a variety of strong counters comes in handy.
  • Utilize Party Play: If you have Party Play available in your area, be sure to use it! The Party Power charged attack can deal an impressive amount of damage and helps you and your team take down Ho-Oh even faster.
  • Consider Shadow Pokémon: Shadow Pokémon can be incredibly powerful in raids due to their increased attack stats. If you have Shadow Tyranitar or other Shadow Rock-types, they can be excellent choices for your team. However, keep in mind that Shadow Pokémon have lower defense, so they may faint more quickly. Weigh the pros and cons before including them in your lineup.

Catching Ho-Oh: Tips for the Encounter

Congratulations! You’ve defeated Ho-Oh – that's a huge accomplishment! Now comes the next challenge: catching it. The encounter after the raid is your chance to add Ho-Oh to your collection, and it’s just as important as the battle itself. Here are some tips to help you maximize your chances of catching this legendary bird:

  • Use Golden Razz Berries: Golden Razz Berries are the most effective berries for catching Pokémon in raids. They significantly increase your catch rate, so use them on every throw. Don't waste them on easy throws; wait for Ho-Oh to attack, then throw your ball during the brief window after its attack animation.
  • Throw Curveballs: Curveballs increase your catch rate by about 1.7 times compared to straight throws. Practice throwing curveballs to improve your accuracy and consistency. It might take some practice, but the increased catch rate is well worth the effort. Spin the Poké Ball before you throw it to add the curve.
  • Aim for Excellent Throws: Excellent throws give you the highest catch bonus. Aim for the center of the target circle when it’s at its smallest. This requires good timing and accuracy, but the reward is a significantly higher catch rate. The smaller the circle, the higher the catch rate bonus.
  • Be Patient and Time Your Throws: Don't rush your throws. Observe Ho-Oh's attack patterns and throw your ball during the brief window after it attacks. This gives you a better chance of hitting your target. Patience is key – wait for the right moment to throw your ball.
  • Set the Circle Size: Before Ho-Oh attacks for the first time, try setting the catch circle to the Excellent or Great throw size. This is a technique that involves holding down your Poké Ball until the catch circle shrinks to the desired size, then letting go. The circle will remain that size (unless Ho-Oh attacks and resets it), so you can focus on timing your throws within that circle.
  • Use the AR+ Mode (If You’re Comfortable): AR+ mode can make the encounter more challenging, but it also offers a catch bonus. If you’re comfortable with AR+ mode, try using it to increase your catch rate. However, keep in mind that Ho-Oh can move around more in AR+ mode, making it harder to hit.
  • Understand the Catch Rate Mechanics: The base catch rate for Legendary Pokémon is typically quite low, so you'll need to stack bonuses to increase your chances. Golden Razz Berries, curveballs, Excellent throws, and type medals all contribute to your catch rate. The more bonuses you stack, the better your chances of catching Ho-Oh.
  • Don't Get Discouraged: Even with all the best tips and tricks, catching a Legendary Pokémon can still be challenging. Don't get discouraged if Ho-Oh breaks out of a few balls. Keep using Golden Razz Berries, throwing curveballs, and aiming for Excellent throws, and eventually, you'll get it!

Final Thoughts: Your Journey to Ho-Oh Victory

Taking down and catching Ho-Oh in Pokémon GO is a rewarding challenge that requires preparation, strategy, and teamwork. By understanding Ho-Oh's weaknesses, building a strong team of counters, coordinating with your fellow trainers, and mastering the catch encounter, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember, raiding is about more than just catching a powerful Pokémon; it's about the experience, the community, and the thrill of victory. So gather your local trainers, follow these tips, and go out there and catch that legendary bird! Good luck, and happy raiding!