Pokemon GO trainers better prepare their Sacred Ash, because Ho-Oh comes back for another round of Raid Battles. Starting August 11, 2025 at 10 AM, and until August 18, 2025, at 10 AM (Local Time), challengers can take on this Fire/Flying Legendary Pokemon in 5-Star Raid Battles. With an incredible array of attacks of various types, Ho-Oh can be a challenging Boss to beat.
That’s why Trainers should take a look at this guide with optimized counters, movesets, and strategies to make the most out of each Raid Battle against Ho-Oh. Those looking to catch a Shiny Ho-Oh should also take a look at the information about its availability right here.
How to Beat Ho-Oh 5-Star Raid Battles in Pokemon GO
Ho-Oh is a Fire/Flying-type, and takes x4 damage from Rock-type moves. It is also vulnerable to Electric and Water-type moves, and resists damage from Fire, Flying, Fairy, Fighting, and Steel. On the other hand, it takes a lot less damage from Bug and Grass-types, so avoid picking Pokemon of these types for the Raid team.
This Raid Boss can have moves like Earthquake and Solar Beam, so if players encounter this particular moveset during their Raids, they should pick up a Counter that resists Ground and Grass-type to avoid receiving more damage. The rest of its moveset includes Sacred Fire (Fire), Fire Blast (Fire), and Brave Bird (Flying) as Charged Moves, and Extrasensory (Psychic), Hidden Power (Normal), Incinerate (Fire), and Steel Wing (Steel) as Fast Moves.
Best Counters for Ho-Oh Raid Battle in Pokemon GO
The best counter for Ho-Oh in Pokemon GO is Mega Tyranitar, with its incredible damage output and durability, it can resist Ho-Oh’s powerful Fire and Wind-type attacks and destroy this Raid Boss in a few turns with its Smack Down/Stone Edge combo. That is, of course, in case Ho-Oh doesn’t have Earthquake or Solar Beam.
Another good alternative is Mega Diancie (with Rock Throw and Rock Slide), though it is a bit of a high-budget Pokemon, and trainers tend to avoid it. Mega Aerodactyl (Rock Throw/Rock Slide) and Primal Kyogre (Waterfall/Origin Pulse) are also good alternatives if players don’t have a decent Mega Tyranitar for this Raid.
Players can complete their Raid Teams with Shadow Tyrantrum, Shadow Rampardos, Shadow Tyranitar, and, Shadow Kyogre, and Shadow Rhyperior. Terrakion is also a good option, though it’s a higher budget Pokemon, and requires lots of Stardust and Candy (which are difficult to get) to prime it for combat.
Can Ho-Oh Be Shiny in Pokemon GO?
Yes, Shiny Ho-Oh is available in Pokemon GO, and trainers who encounter this Rare Shiny Legendary after a successfu Raid are guaranteed to take the prize home, since Raid Pokemon have a 100% catch Rate. So, if players are Raiding Ho-Oh and spot a shiny specimen after beating it, they can consider themselves extremely lucky.
The chances for a shiny Ho-Oh appearing after a successful Raid are 1 in every 20, and from those, only a few will have decent enough stats to be considered viable for PvE or PvP battles. Though, if players are extremely lucky, they can also encounter a Shundo (100% IV Shiny Pokemon).
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