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Ho-Oh Pokémon GO: Best Moveset, Weaknesses, Shiny, How to Get and Is It Worth Using?

Pokémon GOHo-Oh artwork

Pokémon GO profile #0250

Ho-Oh

FireFlying
Maximum CP
4,367Level 50, perfect IVs
Attack
239
Defence
244
Stamina
214
Evolution
Final stage
Imported forms
2

Ho-Oh Pokémon GO remains one of the most iconic Legendary Pokémon available, combining incredible bulk with powerful Fire- and Flying-type attacks. Whether you’re looking to add one to your collection, take advantage of a special event, or simply want to know if it’s worth powering up, this guide covers everything you need to know.

We’ll explain how to get Ho-Oh in Pokémon GO, whether it can be Shiny, its best moveset, weaknesses, counters, maximum CP, and whether it’s still worth investing in during 2026.

How to Get Ho-Oh in Pokémon GO

Ho-Oh is a Legendary Pokémon, meaning it isn’t found in the wild.

Instead, it returns during selected Pokémon GO events, including:

  • Five-Star Raids
  • GO Tour events
  • GO Fest celebrations
  • GO Pass reward tracks
  • Special Research (occasionally)
  • Limited-time event encounters

During GO Pass: July 2026, Trainers can encounter Ho-Oh at Rank 100, making it one of the headline rewards of the monthly pass.

Because Ho-Oh rotates in and out of availability, it isn’t always obtainable. If you miss an event, you’ll usually need to wait for its next return.

Ho-Oh Pokémon GO
Ho-Oh Pokémon GO Image Pokemon GO

Can Ho-Oh Be Shiny in Pokémon GO?

Ho Oh normal artwork
Switch between the normal and shiny appearance of Ho Oh.

Yes.

Shiny Ho-Oh has been available in Pokémon GO for several years and continues to return whenever Ho-Oh is featured in eligible events.

Any time Ho-Oh appears in raids or as a featured reward, there is usually a chance of encountering its Shiny form, although it is never guaranteed.

Ho-Oh Pokémon GO Weaknesses

Damage taken when Ho Oh is hit by each type:

Very weak to

ROCK

Weak to

WATERELECTRIC

Resists

FIRE½×FIGHTING½×STEEL½×FAIRY½×

Strongly resists

GRASS¼×BUG¼×

Immune to

GROUND

Based on Fire / Flying typing. Abilities may modify these matchups.

Ho-Oh is a Fire/Flying-type Pokémon.

Because of its dual typing, Rock-type attacks deal massive damage, making Rock attackers by far the best choice.

Best Counters for Ho-Oh Pokémon GO

Some of the strongest Ho-Oh raid counters include:

PokémonRecommended Moves
Mega TyranitarSmack Down / Stone Edge
RampardosSmack Down / Rock Slide
RhyperiorSmack Down / Rock Wrecker
TerrakionSmack Down / Rock Slide
TyranitarSmack Down / Stone Edge
GigalithSmack Down / Meteor Beam

Using Mega Evolutions alongside Rock-type attackers can significantly speed up raid battles.

Best Moveset for Ho-Oh Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO moves

Available moves

Fast moves

4 moves
MoveTypePvEPvP
ExtrasensoryPsychic11 power
11 energy · 1000 ms
8 power
10 energy · 3 turns
Steel WingSteel14 power
8 energy · 1000 ms
7 power
5 energy · 2 turns
Hidden PowerNormal15 power
15 energy · 1500 ms
9 power
8 energy · 3 turns
IncinerateFire32 power
22 energy · 2500 ms
20 power
20 energy · 5 turns
Available moves

Charged moves

3 moves
MoveTypePvEPvP
Brave BirdFlying130 power
-100 energy · 2000 ms
130 power
-55 energy · 1 turns
Fire BlastFire140 power
-100 energy · 4000 ms
140 power
-80 energy · 1 turns
Solar BeamGrass180 power
-100 energy · 5000 ms
150 power
-80 energy · 1 turns
Special access

Elite / legacy charged moves

2 moves
MoveTypePvEPvP
Earthquake EliteGround140 power
-100 energy · 3500 ms
120 power
-65 energy · 1 turns
Sacred Fire EliteFire120 power
-100 energy · 2500 ms
130 power
-65 energy · 1 turns

PvE (Raids & Gyms)

Move SlotBest Move
Fast MoveIncinerate
Charged MoveSacred Fire

Sacred Fire is Ho-Oh’s signature attack and comfortably its strongest charged move.

PvP

LeagueRecommendation
Master LeagueExcellent
Ultra LeagueLimited use
Great LeagueNot recommended

Ho-Oh performs particularly well in Master League thanks to its outstanding bulk and powerful charged attacks.

Ho-Oh Max CP

Pokémon GO CP values

Research encounter1,5891,655Level 15, 10–15 IVs
Raid encounter2,1192,207Level 20, 10–15 IVs
Weather boosted2,6492,759Level 25, 10–15 IVs
Maximum CP3,8634,367Perfect IVs: Level 40 → Level 50

CP values are calculated locally from imported GO base stats and the stated level/IV assumptions.

Ho-Oh has excellent overall stats, making it one of the better Fire-type Legendary Pokémon available.

Is Ho-Oh Good in Pokémon GO?

For many Trainers, absolutely.

Pros

  • Excellent Master League Pokémon
  • Powerful signature move (Sacred Fire)
  • Very bulky
  • Strong Fire-type raid attacker
  • Beautiful Shiny form

Cons

  • Double weakness to Rock
  • Limited availability
  • Requires significant Stardust investment

If you regularly battle in Master League or enjoy collecting Legendary Pokémon, Ho-Oh is well worth adding to your roster.

Is Ho-Oh Worth Catching During GO Pass July?

Yes.

Since Ho-Oh is the Rank 100 reward during GO Pass: July 2026, it’s one of the most valuable encounters available.

Even if you already own one, the chance to obtain a better IV spread, or even a Shiny, makes it worth claiming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ho-Oh Mega Evolve?

No. Ho-Oh does not currently have a Mega Evolution in Pokémon GO.

Can Ho-Oh Be Traded?

Yes. As a Legendary Pokémon, Ho-Oh can be traded, although it counts as a Special Trade.

Is Ho-Oh Better Than Moltres?

Both are excellent Fire-type Pokémon, but Ho-Oh generally performs better in Master League thanks to its incredible bulk, while Moltres often shines more as a raid attacker.

Ho-Oh Pokémon GO remains one of the strongest and most popular Legendary Pokémon in the game. With excellent stats, a fantastic signature move, Master League viability, and a beautiful Shiny form, it’s always worth adding to your collection whenever it returns.

The July 2026 GO Pass gives Trainers another opportunity to obtain Ho-Oh, making it one of the standout rewards available this month.

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