Ho-Oh Raid Guide: Beat The Weather Boosted Boss!

by Mei Lin 49 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to take on the legendary Ho-Oh in Pokémon GO? This majestic Fire and Flying-type Pokémon is a formidable opponent, but with the right strategy and team, you can add it to your collection. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to successfully defeat Ho-Oh in a raid, especially when it's boosted by local weather conditions. Let's dive in!

Understanding Ho-Oh

Before we jump into the battle strategies, 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 strong against Grass, Bug, Steel, Fighting, and Fairy-type Pokémon. However, it's weak against Rock, Electric, and Water-type attacks. This knowledge is crucial when selecting your raid team.

Ho-Oh's Stats and Moves

Ho-Oh boasts impressive stats, particularly in Attack and Special Defense. Its high Attack stat means it can dish out significant damage, so you'll need Pokémon that can withstand its attacks. Here's a quick rundown of its key stats:

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

Knowing Ho-Oh's moveset is also essential for planning your battle strategy. It can have a variety of Fast and Charged Attacks, including:

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

Weather Boost

One of the most important factors to consider when battling Ho-Oh is the weather. In Pokémon GO, certain weather conditions can boost the power of specific Pokémon types. For Ho-Oh, Sunny and Windy weather will boost its Fire and Flying-type moves, respectively. This means that Ho-Oh will hit even harder in these conditions, but it also means that your Water, Rock, and Electric-type attacks will be more effective. Pay attention to the in-game weather forecast to take advantage of these boosts!

Assembling Your Raid Team

Now that we understand Ho-Oh's strengths and weaknesses, let's build the perfect raid team. Since Ho-Oh is weak to Rock, Electric, and Water-type attacks, these should be your primary focus. Here are some top Pokémon choices for each type:

Rock-Type Pokémon

Rock-type Pokémon are an excellent choice against Ho-Oh due to their resistance to Fire-type attacks and their super-effective damage output. Here are some top contenders:

  • Rampardos: This Rock-type powerhouse has the highest Attack stat of any non-legendary Rock-type, making it a top choice for dealing damage. Its optimal moveset is Smack Down and Rock Slide.
  • Rhyperior: Another strong Rock-type, Rhyperior boasts high Attack and Defense stats. It can withstand Ho-Oh's attacks while dealing significant damage with Smack Down and Rock Wrecker (its Community Day exclusive move).
  • Tyranitar: This dual-type Rock and Dark Pokémon is a reliable choice with good stats and a solid moveset. Use Smack Down and Stone Edge for optimal performance.
  • Terrakion: As a Legendary Rock and Fighting-type, Terrakion is a powerful option with high Attack and strong moves. Smack Down and Rock Slide are its best moves for this raid.

Electric-Type Pokémon

Electric-type Pokémon are another great choice for taking down Ho-Oh, as they exploit its weakness to Electric attacks. Here are some of the best Electric-types to bring to the battle:

  • Zekrom: This Legendary Electric and Dragon-type Pokémon is a top-tier attacker with a massive Attack stat. Charge Beam and Wild Charge are its recommended moveset.
  • Xurkitree: A powerful Ultra Beast, Xurkitree has the highest Special Attack stat of any Electric-type. Thunder Shock and Discharge are its best moves for this raid.
  • Raikou: This Legendary Electric-type is a consistently strong performer with good stats and a powerful moveset. Thunder Shock and Wild Charge are the moves to use.
  • Electivire: A solid non-legendary option, Electivire has a high Attack stat and can deal significant damage with Thunder Shock and Wild Charge.

Water-Type Pokémon

Water-type Pokémon are also effective against Ho-Oh, although they may not be as dominant as Rock or Electric-types. Still, they can provide valuable support and damage output. Here are some top Water-type choices:

  • Kyogre: This Legendary Water-type is a powerhouse with an incredibly high Attack stat. Waterfall and Surf are its optimal moveset.
  • Feraligatr: With the Community Day exclusive move Hydro Cannon, Feraligatr becomes a strong Water-type attacker. Use Waterfall and Hydro Cannon for the best results.
  • Swampert: Another Water and Ground-type Pokémon, Swampert also benefits from Hydro Cannon. Mud Shot and Hydro Cannon are its recommended moves.

General Tips for Team Composition

  • Prioritize Pokémon with super-effective moves: Focus on Pokémon that can deal double damage to Ho-Oh with their attacks.
  • Consider weather boosts: If the weather is boosting Rock, Electric, or Water-type moves, prioritize Pokémon of those types.
  • Balance offense and defense: While dealing damage is important, make sure your team can also withstand Ho-Oh's attacks. Pokémon with high Defense and HP can help your team last longer in the battle.
  • Use Mega Evolutions strategically: Mega Pokémon can provide significant boosts to your team's damage output. Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Manectric, and Mega Gyarados are all viable options for the Ho-Oh raid.

Raid Strategy

Now that you've assembled your team, it's time to strategize for the battle itself. Here are some key tactics to keep in mind:

Dodging Attacks

Dodging is crucial for minimizing damage and staying in the battle longer. Pay attention to Ho-Oh's attack animations and swipe left or right to dodge incoming Charged Attacks. Dodging effectively can save your Pokémon from fainting and allow you to deal more damage overall.

Utilizing Charged Attacks

Charged Attacks are your most powerful weapons in the battle. Time your Charged Attacks carefully to maximize their impact. Try to use them when Ho-Oh is vulnerable, such as after it uses a Charged Attack of its own.

Coordinating with Your Team

If you're raiding with a group, communication is key. Coordinate your attacks and strategies with your teammates to maximize your chances of success. Consider using voice chat or text messages to share information and make decisions during the raid.

Weather Boosted Ho-Oh: A Special Challenge

When Ho-Oh is weather boosted, it presents an even greater challenge. Sunny weather will boost its Fire-type attacks, making them even more dangerous. Windy weather will boost its Flying-type attacks. In these conditions, it's even more important to have a well-prepared team and a solid strategy.

Adjusting Your Strategy

If you're facing a weather-boosted Ho-Oh, you may need to adjust your strategy accordingly. Here are some tips:

  • Prioritize weather-resistant Pokémon: If Ho-Oh's Fire-type attacks are boosted, focus on Pokémon that resist Fire, such as Rock-types.
  • Use weather-boosted attackers: If the weather is boosting Rock, Electric, or Water-type moves, take advantage of it by using Pokémon of those types.
  • Dodge more frequently: Weather-boosted attacks hit harder, so dodging becomes even more critical.

Catching Ho-Oh

Congratulations, you've defeated Ho-Oh! Now comes the final challenge: catching it. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

Using Golden Razz Berries

Golden Razz Berries are the most effective way to increase your catch rate. Use them on every throw to maximize your chances.

Throwing Curveballs

Curveball throws have a higher catch rate than straight throws. Practice throwing curveballs to improve your accuracy and increase your chances of catching Ho-Oh.

Aiming for Excellent Throws

Excellent throws have the highest catch rate bonus. Aim for the smallest circle to increase your chances of landing an Excellent throw.

Patience and Persistence

Catching a Legendary Pokémon can be challenging, so be patient and persistent. Don't get discouraged if you don't catch it on your first few throws. Keep trying, and you'll eventually succeed.

Conclusion

Defeating and catching Ho-Oh in Pokémon GO is a rewarding experience. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, assembling a strong team, and employing effective battle strategies, you can add this legendary Pokémon to your collection. And remember, weather boosts can significantly impact the battle, so always pay attention to the in-game weather forecast. Good luck, trainers, and happy raiding!