Catch Ho-oh In Pokémon GO: Raid Guide & Best Counters

by Hugo van Dijk 54 views

Hey everyone! Ready to catch an awesome Ho-oh? This legendary Pokémon is making its appearance in raids, and you definitely don't want to miss out. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to join the raid, battle effectively, and hopefully add a Ho-oh to your collection. Let's get started!

What is Ho-oh?

Ho-oh is a Fire- and Flying-type Legendary Pokémon, originally discovered in the Johto region. Known for its vibrant, rainbow-colored plumage and incredible power, Ho-oh is not just a visually stunning Pokémon but also a formidable opponent in battles. Ho-oh is a symbol of rebirth and is said to bring joy to those who see it, which makes catching one in Pokémon GO even more special. Its fiery nature and majestic wings make it a standout addition to any trainer's team.

Why Ho-oh is a Must-Catch

Ho-oh is an exceptionally strong Pokémon in Pokémon GO, making it a valuable asset for various aspects of the game. Its dual typing of Fire and Flying gives it a unique advantage in battles, allowing it to deal super-effective damage against Grass, Bug, Steel, and Ice-type Pokémon. This makes Ho-oh a versatile choice for Gym battles, Raids, and even Trainer Battles in the GO Battle League. Beyond its battle prowess, Ho-oh's rarity and legendary status make it a prized possession for collectors. Adding a Ho-oh to your Pokédex is a significant achievement, and its impressive stats mean it can hold its own in almost any combat situation. Plus, who wouldn't want a majestic, rainbow-winged Pokémon soaring alongside them?

Ho-oh’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Understanding Ho-oh’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial for both battling against it and using it effectively in your own team. Being a Fire- and Flying-type, Ho-oh is strong against Grass, Bug, Steel, and Ice-type Pokémon. This makes it an excellent counter for common Raid Bosses and Gym defenders. However, Ho-oh is vulnerable to Water, Electric, and Rock-type moves. When facing Ho-oh in a Raid, it’s essential to bring Pokémon that can exploit these weaknesses. Powerful Water, Electric, and Rock-type attackers will help you deal significant damage and defeat Ho-oh more quickly. Similarly, when using Ho-oh, be mindful of these weaknesses and avoid matchups where it might be at a disadvantage. Smart type matchups are key to success in Pokémon GO, and knowing Ho-oh’s strengths and weaknesses is a big part of that.

How to Join the Raid

Joining a Ho-oh raid is an exciting opportunity, but it requires a bit of preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get into the action.

Finding a Raid

The first step is to locate a Ho-oh raid. These raids appear at Gyms, and you'll need to keep an eye on your in-game map for the telltale egg symbol indicating an upcoming raid. Ho-oh raids are typically higher-level raids, so you’ll be looking for a Legendary Egg (the one with the swirling colors). Raid events are often announced in advance through Pokémon GO’s in-game news, social media, and community groups, so staying informed will help you plan ahead. Once the egg hatches, a Ho-oh will appear, signaling the start of the raid. Remember, these raids are time-limited, so you’ll need to act quickly once you spot one.

Using Remote Raid Passes

Remote Raid Passes are your ticket to joining raids from anywhere. If you can’t physically get to a Gym hosting a Ho-oh raid, a Remote Raid Pass is the perfect solution. You can purchase these passes from the in-game shop using PokéCoins. Once you have a pass, you can join any raid that appears on your in-game map, even if it's far away. This is especially useful for participating in raids with friends who might be in different locations or when you simply can’t leave your current spot. To use a Remote Raid Pass, tap on the Gym you want to raid, select the Ho-oh raid, and use your pass to join the battle. Keep in mind that there’s often a limit to how many players can join remotely, so it’s a good idea to join as soon as possible once the raid starts.

Joining with Friends

Raiding with friends is not only more fun but also increases your chances of success. Coordinating with friends allows you to form a stronger team and strategize your attacks. Before the raid, discuss which Pokémon each of you will bring to ensure a balanced and effective lineup. Pokémon GO has a built-in friend system, making it easy to invite friends to raids. When you enter a raid lobby, you’ll see an option to invite friends. Simply select the friends you want to include, and they’ll receive an invitation to join. Raiding with friends also provides the added bonus of friendship bonuses, which can increase your damage output and give you extra Premier Balls for catching Ho-oh after the battle. Teamwork makes the dream work, especially when facing a powerful Legendary Pokémon like Ho-oh.

Battle Strategy

Battling Ho-oh requires a well-thought-out strategy. Here’s how to prepare your team and tactics for success.

Best Pokémon to Use Against Ho-oh

To effectively counter Ho-oh, you need to bring Pokémon that can exploit its weaknesses. As a Fire- and Flying-type, Ho-oh is vulnerable to Water, Electric, and Rock-type moves. Some of the best Pokémon to use against Ho-oh include:

  • Rhyperior: A Rock- and Ground-type Pokémon with high attack stats and powerful Rock-type moves. Rhyperior can withstand Fire-type attacks while dealing significant damage.
  • Rampardos: A Rock-type Pokémon with an incredibly high attack stat. Rampardos can quickly dish out damage but is also fragile, so be mindful of its health.
  • Tyranitar: A Rock- and Dark-type Pokémon with a good balance of attack and defense. Tyranitar’s Rock-type moves make it a solid choice against Ho-oh.
  • Zekrom: An Electric- and Dragon-type Legendary Pokémon. Zekrom’s powerful Electric-type attacks can deal massive damage to Ho-oh.
  • Mega Blastoise: A Water-type Mega Evolution with high attack and defense. Mega Blastoise’s Water-type moves are super effective against Ho-oh, and its bulk makes it a reliable choice.

Effective Move Sets

Choosing the right moves is crucial for maximizing your damage output. When selecting Pokémon for the raid, ensure they have moves that are super effective against Ho-oh. For Water-type Pokémon, moves like Waterfall and Hydro Pump are excellent choices. Electric-type Pokémon should use moves like Thunder Shock and Wild Charge. Rock-type Pokémon benefit from moves like Smack Down and Rock Slide. It’s also important to consider the Charged Moves your Pokémon have. Charged Moves deal significant damage but require energy to use, so timing them correctly can make a big difference. Pay attention to the move types and choose moves that align with your Pokémon’s strengths and Ho-oh’s weaknesses. A well-chosen move set can turn the tide of the battle in your favor.

Dodging and Timing Your Attacks

Dodging incoming attacks and timing your own moves effectively can significantly improve your performance in the raid. Ho-oh has powerful attacks that can quickly deplete your Pokémon’s health. Swiping left or right on your screen allows you to dodge these attacks, reducing the damage your Pokémon takes. Pay attention to Ho-oh’s attack animations and learn the timing to dodge effectively. Dodging not only keeps your Pokémon in the battle longer but also allows you to conserve potions and revives. In addition to dodging, timing your own attacks is crucial. Watch for opportunities to use your Charged Moves when Ho-oh is vulnerable, and coordinate with your team to maximize damage output. A well-timed attack can make a big difference in the outcome of the raid. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right away. With a bit of patience and skill, you’ll become a master of dodging and timing your attacks.

Catching Ho-oh

After defeating Ho-oh in the raid, the real challenge begins: catching it! Here’s what you need to know to increase your chances of success.

Using Golden Razz Berries

Golden Razz Berries are your best friend when it comes to catching Legendary Pokémon. These berries significantly increase your chances of catching a Pokémon. Before each throw, select a Golden Razz Berry from your item bag and feed it to Ho-oh. This will make Ho-oh much easier to catch. Golden Razz Berries are relatively rare, so save them for encounters with Legendary Pokémon like Ho-oh. You can obtain Golden Razz Berries by completing raids, research tasks, and special events. Using a Golden Razz Berry with each throw is a small investment that can make a big difference in whether you successfully catch Ho-oh.

Throwing Techniques

Mastering your throwing technique is essential for catching Ho-oh. Aim for Great or Excellent Throws to increase your catch probability. To achieve a Great Throw, land the Poké Ball inside the colored circle when it is moderately sized. For an Excellent Throw, aim for the smallest possible circle. Practice your throws to improve your accuracy and timing. Some players find it helpful to use the “circle lock” technique, where you hold your finger on the ball until the circle is the desired size, then release and throw. Curveball throws, achieved by spinning the Poké Ball before throwing, also increase your chances of catching the Pokémon. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. A well-executed throw can be the key to adding Ho-oh to your collection.

Patience and Persistence

Catching a Legendary Pokémon like Ho-oh often requires patience and persistence. Even with Golden Razz Berries and excellent throws, Ho-oh might break out of the Poké Ball several times. Don’t get discouraged! Each throw is another opportunity to catch it. Take your time, focus on your technique, and keep trying. It’s not uncommon to go through multiple Premier Balls before successfully catching Ho-oh. Remember, the more raids you participate in, the more chances you have to catch Ho-oh. If you don’t catch it on your first try, don’t give up. Keep practicing, keep raiding, and eventually, you’ll add Ho-oh to your Pokédex. Good luck, trainers!

Conclusion

Catching Ho-oh in Pokémon GO is an exciting and rewarding experience. This Fire- and Flying-type Legendary Pokémon is not only powerful but also a beautiful addition to your team. By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to join Ho-oh raids, battle effectively, and catch this magnificent Pokémon. Remember to gather your friends, strategize your team, and practice your throwing techniques. With a bit of preparation and persistence, you’ll be soaring through the skies with Ho-oh in no time. Happy raiding, and may the odds be ever in your favor!