Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Guide: Counters, Weaknesses, Strengths, How to Defeat, Battle Tips, and More
Ho-Oh, the legendary Fire/Flying-type Pokemon, is one of the most challenging 5-star raid bosses in Pokemon GO. With a versatile moveset, and the chance to catch its Shiny variant, Ho-Oh requires smart planning and the right team to defeat.
This Pokemon GO Ho-Oh raid guide breaks down everything you need to know - from its weaknesses and resistances to the best counters and strategies for success.
Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Guide: Typing and Battle Profile
As a dual Fire and Flying type, Ho-Oh has some clear vulnerabilities and notable resistances you should be aware of before entering battle.
Ho-Oh’s Weaknesses
• Rock-type moves: Takes quadruple (4x) damage - this is your most effective option.
• Electric-type moves: Deals 1.6x damage.
• Water-type moves: Deals 1.6x damage.
Ho-Oh’s Resistances
Ho-Oh resists Bug, Grass, Fairy, Fighting, Fire, Ground, and Steel-type attacks, making these far less effective. Avoid using these types when building your raid team.
Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Guide: Weather Boosts
• Sunny and Windy weather will boost Ho-Oh’s power, making the battle more difficult. If possible, aim to raid during neutral or cloudy weather.
Ho-Oh Moves to Watch Out For
Ho-Oh has a diverse charged move pool, which can make certain counters riskier depending on the matchup:
• Sacred Fire (Fire) – High damage with a potential attack debuff.
• Brave Bird (Flying) – Heavy damage but causes self-recoil.
• Fire Blast (Fire) – A slower but strong Fire-type option.
• Earthquake (Ground) – Dangerous for Rock-types.
• Solar Beam (Grass) – Covers Water- and Rock-types.
Fast moves include Incinerate (most common), Extrasensory, and Steel Wing.
Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Guide: Best Counters for the Boss
Rock-types dominate this matchup thanks to their 4x effectiveness, but strong Electric and Water-types can help fill your team, especially if Ho-Oh’s moves threaten your main attackers.
Top Rock-Type Counters
• Mega Tyranitar - Smack Down + Stone Edge
• Shadow Rampardos - Smack Down + Rock Slide
• Shadow Tyrantrum - Smack Down + Rock Slide/Meteor Beam
• Mega Diancie - Rock Throw + Rock Slide
• Mega Aerodactyl - Rock Throw + Rock Slide
• Shadow Rhyperior - Smack Down + Rock Wrecker
Electric-Type Counters
• Shadow Raikou - Volt Switch + Wild Charge
• Zapdos - Thunder Shock + Thunderbolt
• Electivire - Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
Water-Type Counters
• Primal Kyogre - Waterfall + Origin Pulse
• Swampert - Mud Shot + Hydro Cannon
• Shadow Gyarados - Waterfall + Hydro Pump
Pro Tip: Mega Evolutions not only deal more damage but also boost allies using the same type, speeding up raids.
Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Guide: Battle Strengths
• High durability and strong defensive stats.
• Multiple resistances, especially against common attacking types like Grass and Steel.
• Moves like Sacred Fire and Brave Bird can deal massive damage while applying pressure.
Ho-Oh Weaknesses to Take Advantage Of
• Its 4x weakness to Rock is the biggest factor in beating Ho-Oh quickly.
• Electric and Water-types can help balance your team and provide safer switches against Solar Beam or Earthquake.
Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Tips and Best Strategies
• Optimal Team Composition: Start with your strongest Rock-type Pokemon, then add Electric and Water-types for coverage.
• Trainer Count: With optimal counters, 2–4 Trainers can defeat Ho-Oh comfortably.
• Weather Planning: Cloudy weather benefits Rock-type moves; avoid Sunny and Windy conditions.
• Move Awareness: Adjust your lineup if Ho-Oh has Solar Beam or Earthquake to reduce incoming super-effective damage.
• Shiny Hunting: The Shiny Ho-Oh rate in raids is about 1 in 20. Once you defeat it, the catch rate is guaranteed for Legendary raids.
• Raid Pass Management: Use your free passes wisely during events and aim for multiple raids to maximize rewards.
• Shadow Ho-Oh Considerations: Apex Shadow Ho-Oh exists, but purifying it reduces its DPS - so most players keep it as Shadow.
Also read: Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Hour Preparation Guide: Event Details, Bonuses, Best Tips and Tricks, How to Play, and More
Ho-Oh is a rewarding raid boss for both casual and competitive players. With the help of our Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Guide, you’ll not only take it down efficiently but also increase your chances of catching its radiant Shiny form. Prepare your best Rock-type attackers, coordinate with fellow Trainers, and enjoy adding this legendary guardian of the skies to your collection.
This Pokemon GO Ho-Oh raid guide breaks down everything you need to know - from its weaknesses and resistances to the best counters and strategies for success.
Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Guide: Typing and Battle Profile
As a dual Fire and Flying type, Ho-Oh has some clear vulnerabilities and notable resistances you should be aware of before entering battle.
Ho-Oh’s Weaknesses
• Rock-type moves: Takes quadruple (4x) damage - this is your most effective option.
• Electric-type moves: Deals 1.6x damage.
• Water-type moves: Deals 1.6x damage.
Ho-Oh’s Resistances
Ho-Oh resists Bug, Grass, Fairy, Fighting, Fire, Ground, and Steel-type attacks, making these far less effective. Avoid using these types when building your raid team.
Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Guide: Weather Boosts
• Sunny and Windy weather will boost Ho-Oh’s power, making the battle more difficult. If possible, aim to raid during neutral or cloudy weather.
Ho-Oh Moves to Watch Out For
Ho-Oh has a diverse charged move pool, which can make certain counters riskier depending on the matchup:
• Sacred Fire (Fire) – High damage with a potential attack debuff.
• Brave Bird (Flying) – Heavy damage but causes self-recoil.
• Fire Blast (Fire) – A slower but strong Fire-type option.
• Earthquake (Ground) – Dangerous for Rock-types.
• Solar Beam (Grass) – Covers Water- and Rock-types.
Fast moves include Incinerate (most common), Extrasensory, and Steel Wing.
Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Guide: Best Counters for the Boss
Rock-types dominate this matchup thanks to their 4x effectiveness, but strong Electric and Water-types can help fill your team, especially if Ho-Oh’s moves threaten your main attackers.
Top Rock-Type Counters
• Mega Tyranitar - Smack Down + Stone Edge
• Shadow Rampardos - Smack Down + Rock Slide
• Shadow Tyrantrum - Smack Down + Rock Slide/Meteor Beam
• Mega Diancie - Rock Throw + Rock Slide
• Mega Aerodactyl - Rock Throw + Rock Slide
• Shadow Rhyperior - Smack Down + Rock Wrecker
Electric-Type Counters
• Shadow Raikou - Volt Switch + Wild Charge
• Zapdos - Thunder Shock + Thunderbolt
• Electivire - Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
Water-Type Counters
• Primal Kyogre - Waterfall + Origin Pulse
• Swampert - Mud Shot + Hydro Cannon
• Shadow Gyarados - Waterfall + Hydro Pump
Pro Tip: Mega Evolutions not only deal more damage but also boost allies using the same type, speeding up raids.
Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Guide: Battle Strengths
• High durability and strong defensive stats.
• Multiple resistances, especially against common attacking types like Grass and Steel.
• Moves like Sacred Fire and Brave Bird can deal massive damage while applying pressure.
Ho-Oh Weaknesses to Take Advantage Of
• Its 4x weakness to Rock is the biggest factor in beating Ho-Oh quickly.
• Electric and Water-types can help balance your team and provide safer switches against Solar Beam or Earthquake.
Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Tips and Best Strategies
• Optimal Team Composition: Start with your strongest Rock-type Pokemon, then add Electric and Water-types for coverage.
• Trainer Count: With optimal counters, 2–4 Trainers can defeat Ho-Oh comfortably.
• Weather Planning: Cloudy weather benefits Rock-type moves; avoid Sunny and Windy conditions.
• Move Awareness: Adjust your lineup if Ho-Oh has Solar Beam or Earthquake to reduce incoming super-effective damage.
• Shiny Hunting: The Shiny Ho-Oh rate in raids is about 1 in 20. Once you defeat it, the catch rate is guaranteed for Legendary raids.
• Raid Pass Management: Use your free passes wisely during events and aim for multiple raids to maximize rewards.
• Shadow Ho-Oh Considerations: Apex Shadow Ho-Oh exists, but purifying it reduces its DPS - so most players keep it as Shadow.
Also read: Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Hour Preparation Guide: Event Details, Bonuses, Best Tips and Tricks, How to Play, and More
Ho-Oh is a rewarding raid boss for both casual and competitive players. With the help of our Pokemon GO Ho-Oh Raid Guide, you’ll not only take it down efficiently but also increase your chances of catching its radiant Shiny form. Prepare your best Rock-type attackers, coordinate with fellow Trainers, and enjoy adding this legendary guardian of the skies to your collection.
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