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
Pokemon GO Ho-Oh (Image via Niantic)
• 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
Ho-Oh in the Pokemon Anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)
• Primal Kyogre – Waterfall + Origin Pulse • Swampert – Mud Shot + Hydro Cannon • Shadow Gyarados – Waterfall + Hydro PumpPro 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 MoreHo-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.