Ho-Oh Raid Guide: Locals & Party Power

Hey everyone! Are you ready to catch the legendary Ho-Oh in Pokémon GO? This guide is your ultimate resource for conquering Ho-Oh raids, especially if you're looking to team up with locals and maximize your Party Power. We'll dive into everything you need to know, from Ho-Oh's weaknesses and best counters to strategies for finding local raids and coordinating with fellow trainers. So, let's get fired up and prepare to add this majestic Fire/Flying-type Pokémon to your collection!

Understanding Ho-Oh: A Raid Boss Breakdown

Before we jump into raid strategies, let's understand what makes Ho-Oh a formidable raid boss. Ho-Oh, a dual Fire and Flying-type Pokémon, possesses a high attack stat, making its charged moves particularly devastating. Understanding its weaknesses and resistances is crucial for building an effective raid team. Ho-Oh is double weak to Rock-type attacks, making them your primary weapon of choice. It also has weaknesses to Electric and Water-type moves, providing additional options for your attackers. However, Ho-Oh resists Fire, Grass, Bug, Steel, and Fairy-type attacks, so avoid using Pokémon with these move types.

When assembling your raid party, consider the movesets Ho-Oh can utilize. It can have Fast Moves like Incinerate (Fire-type) or Extrasensory (Psychic-type), and Charged Moves like Brave Bird (Flying-type), Fire Blast (Fire-type), Solar Beam (Grass-type), and Sacred Fire (Fire-type). Knowing the potential movesets allows you to anticipate and mitigate damage by selecting Pokémon that resist those particular types. For instance, if Ho-Oh has Fire Blast, bringing in Fire-resistant Pokémon like Tyranitar or Terrakion can significantly increase your team's survivability. Remember, a well-rounded team that can deal significant damage while also withstanding Ho-Oh's attacks is key to success. Also, think about the weather. Sunny weather boosts Fire-type attacks, making Ho-Oh's Fire moves even more dangerous, while Partly Cloudy weather boosts Rock-type attacks, giving your Rock-type attackers an extra edge.

In addition to type matchups, consider individual Pokémon stats and movesets. Pokémon with high Attack stats and powerful Rock-type moves like Smack Down and Stone Edge are ideal. Some excellent choices include Rampardos, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, Terrakion, and Mega Aerodactyl. These Pokémon can deal massive damage to Ho-Oh, helping you to bring it down quickly. If you don't have access to these top-tier counters, don't worry! There are plenty of other viable options, such as Omastar, Aerodactyl, and Gigalith. The key is to prioritize Rock-type moves and build a team with a mix of damage output and survivability.

Finding Local Ho-Oh Raids: Connect and Conquer

Taking down a powerful raid boss like Ho-Oh is often easier and more fun when you team up with other trainers. Finding local raids is crucial, and there are several ways to do it. One of the most effective methods is to connect with your local Pokémon GO community. This can be done through various platforms, such as Discord servers, Facebook groups, and local Pokémon GO forums. These communities are great for coordinating raids, sharing information, and making new friends who share your passion for the game.

Discord servers are particularly useful for raid coordination. Many local communities have dedicated Discord channels for organizing raids, where trainers can post raid invites, share coordinates, and coordinate meeting times. This real-time communication makes it easy to gather a group quickly and efficiently. Facebook groups can also be a valuable resource, providing a platform for trainers to connect and share information about local raids. Additionally, local Pokémon GO forums and websites can offer valuable insights into raid locations and schedules.

Another great way to find local raids is to use the in-game Campfire feature. Campfire allows you to see nearby raids and connect with other trainers who are also interested in raiding. You can join groups, chat with other trainers, and coordinate raid strategies all within the app. This makes it incredibly convenient to find and participate in raids in your local area. Don't underestimate the power of walking or driving around your local area and checking gyms for active raids. You might stumble upon a Ho-Oh raid that you can join, and you might even meet other trainers who are looking to team up.

When coordinating with local trainers, communication is key. Be sure to share your availability, your preferred raid times, and your location. This will help you find a group that fits your schedule and play style. It's also important to be respectful of other trainers' time and preferences. If you're joining a raid group, be sure to arrive on time and be prepared to contribute to the battle. By working together, you can increase your chances of successfully defeating Ho-Oh and adding it to your collection.

Maximizing Party Power: Unleash Your Team's Potential

Party Power is a relatively new feature in Pokémon GO that can significantly boost your raid performance. It essentially provides a temporary attack bonus to your entire raid group, making it easier to take down tough bosses like Ho-Oh. Understanding how to maximize Party Power can give you a crucial edge in battle. Party Power is charged by using Charged Attacks, Fast Attacks, and even taking damage. The more active your raid group is, the faster the Party Power meter will fill up. When the meter is full, you can activate Party Power to unleash a powerful attack boost.

To effectively utilize Party Power, communication and coordination are essential. Before the raid starts, discuss with your group when and how you plan to use Party Power. A common strategy is to save Party Power for a crucial moment in the battle, such as when Ho-Oh's health is low or when it's about to unleash a powerful Charged Attack. By timing Party Power correctly, you can maximize its impact and secure the victory. Another important factor in maximizing Party Power is team composition. Encourage your raid group to use a variety of Pokémon types and movesets. This will help ensure that you're dealing consistent damage throughout the battle and that you're not relying too heavily on a single type of attack. A well-balanced team will also be more resilient to Ho-Oh's various movesets.

During the raid, focus on dealing damage and charging Party Power. Use your Fast Attacks frequently to build up energy for your Charged Attacks. When your Charged Attack is ready, unleash it to deal significant damage and contribute to the Party Power meter. Be mindful of Ho-Oh's attacks and dodge when necessary to protect your Pokémon. Don't forget that even taking damage can help charge Party Power, but try to avoid unnecessary damage by dodging effectively. If you're raiding with friends or family, consider using Party Play. Party Play allows you to team up with other players in real life and earn additional bonuses, including increased Party Power generation. This can be a fun and effective way to boost your raid performance and strengthen your bonds with your fellow trainers.

Step-by-Step Raid Strategy: From Lobby to Victory

Now that we've covered the essentials, let's walk through a step-by-step strategy for taking down Ho-Oh in a raid. This guide will help you prepare for the battle, coordinate with your team, and execute your plan effectively. The first step is to assemble your raid party. As discussed earlier, prioritize Rock-type attackers with high Attack stats and powerful movesets. If you don't have a full team of Rock-type Pokémon, fill in the gaps with Electric and Water-type attackers.

Once you've assembled your team, coordinate with your raid group to determine the best time and location for the raid. Use your local Pokémon GO community resources, such as Discord servers or Facebook groups, to find a raid that fits your schedule. Arrive at the raid location a few minutes early to ensure that everyone is ready to go. Before entering the raid lobby, discuss your strategy with your team. Decide when you'll use Party Power and which Pokémon each trainer will use. This will help you work together more effectively during the battle. Once you're in the raid lobby, select your Pokémon and get ready for the battle. Remember to prioritize type matchups and choose Pokémon that can deal significant damage while also withstanding Ho-Oh's attacks.

During the raid, focus on dealing damage and charging Party Power. Use your Fast Attacks frequently to build up energy for your Charged Attacks. When your Charged Attack is ready, unleash it to deal significant damage and contribute to the Party Power meter. Be mindful of Ho-Oh's attacks and dodge when necessary to protect your Pokémon. If you're raiding with a larger group, consider staggering your Charged Attacks to maximize damage output. This means that trainers should use their Charged Attacks at slightly different times to avoid wasting energy and to ensure that Ho-Oh is constantly taking damage.

When the Party Power meter is full, activate it at a strategic moment to unleash a powerful attack boost. A good time to use Party Power is when Ho-Oh's health is low or when it's about to unleash a powerful Charged Attack. By timing Party Power correctly, you can maximize its impact and secure the victory. After defeating Ho-Oh, you'll have the opportunity to catch it. Use Golden Razz Berries to increase your chances of catching the legendary Pokémon. Throw your Poké Balls carefully and aim for Excellent throws to further boost your catch rate. With a little patience and skill, you'll be able to add Ho-Oh to your collection.

Conclusion: Embrace the Raid and Soar to Victory!

Taking down Ho-Oh in Pokémon GO is a challenging but rewarding experience. By understanding Ho-Oh's weaknesses, building a strong raid team, finding local raids, maximizing Party Power, and following a step-by-step raid strategy, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, teamwork and communication are key to conquering this legendary raid boss. So, gather your friends, join your local Pokémon GO community, and prepare to soar to victory! With the right preparation and strategy, you'll be able to add Ho-Oh to your collection and prove your mettle as a Pokémon Trainer. Happy raiding, guys! Remember to always be aware of your surroundings and respect other trainers while you're out raiding. And most importantly, have fun!

Photo of Mr. Loba Loba

Mr. Loba Loba

A journalist with more than 5 years of experience ·

A seasoned journalist with more than five years of reporting across technology, business, and culture. Experienced in conducting expert interviews, crafting long-form features, and verifying claims through primary sources and public records. Committed to clear writing, rigorous fact-checking, and transparent citations to help readers make informed decisions.