Shadow Ho-Oh, first introduced in Pokemon GO in June 2021, is set to make a return in Shadow Raids on January 27-28, 2024. Trainers are gearing up to face this formidable Pokemon, and many questions arise about its strengths and weaknesses in both PvP and PvE battles. How can one counter Shadow Ho-Oh, and what moveset optimization strategies should be employed after capturing it? These questions are top of mind for players, and fortunately, there are comprehensive answers available.
Examining Shadow Ho-Oh in both the PvP and PvE arenas is essential, as the dynamics of Pokemon GO’s game modes differ significantly. Despite these distinctions, countering Shadow Ho-Oh and maximizing its battle potential can be accomplished with relative ease.
Optimal PvP Moveset for Shadow Ho-Oh in Pokemon GO
For optimal PvP performance in the GO Battle League, the recommended moveset for Shadow Ho-Oh includes:
- Fast Attack: Incinerate
- Charged Attacks: Sacred Fire and Brave Bird
Incinerate, a five-turn Fire-type Fast Attack, deals 4.8 damage and generates 4 energy per turn. Practice in timing Charged Moves is crucial to avoid energy deficits due to Incinerate’s extended duration. Sacred Fire and Brave Bird, with their high damage outputs of 156, capitalize on the Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) for Shadow Ho-Oh.
Shadow Ho-Oh’s PvP Viability
Due to its potent Shadow Form damage buff and robust base Defense stat (244), Shadow Ho-Oh excels as a closer in the Ultra and Master Leagues. While it lacks extreme durability, it can dispatch unshielded foes with its powerful Charged Moves. It also finds utility in the Great League format, although the 1,500 CP cap limits its effectiveness.
Optimal PvE Moveset for Shadow Ho-Oh in Pokemon GO
To maximize damage output in Pokemon GO PvE scenarios, outfit Shadow Ho-Oh with Incinerate as its Fast Attack and Brave Bird as its Charged Attack. This combination yields an impressive 18.43 damage per second (DPS) and a total damage output (TDO) of 632.2. Taking advantage of sunny or windy weather enhances its capabilities as a Fire/Flying-type Pokemon.
Shadow Ho-Oh’s PvE Performance
Thanks to its high-quality base Attack stat (239) and a 20% damage boost from being a Shadow Pokemon, Shadow Ho-Oh stands out as a top-tier raid and gym attacker. It excels against Bug- and Grass-type foes, with Brave Bird offering versatility against Fighting-type opponents. While Sacred Fire can be used as its Charged Move in PvE, it falls short compared to other Fire-type attackers like Shadow Moltres.
Shadow Ho-Oh’s Move Pool in Pokemon GO
Shadow Ho-Oh can learn various Fast Moves, including Steel Wing, Extrasensory, Incinerate, and Hidden Power. Its Charged Moves consist of Earthquake, Fire Blast, Solar Beam, Brave Bird, Frustration (default for Shadow Pokemon, must be removed), and Sacred Fire.
Weaknesses and Resistances
Being a Fire/Flying-type, Shadow Ho-Oh is vulnerable to Rock, Electric, and Water-type attacks. It boasts resistances to Bug, Grass, Fairy, Fighting, Fire, Ground, and Steel-type moves. In battle, Shadow Ho-Oh can deal super effective damage to Bug, Steel, Grass, Ice, and Fighting-type opponents.
Counters to Shadow Ho-Oh
In Great League PvP, troublesome counters include Bastiodon, Lanturn, Empoleon, Clawitzer, Togedemaru, Shadow Magneton, and Probopass. Ultra League opponents like Probopass, Clawitzer, Shadow Feraligatr, Kyogre, Shadow Magnezone, and Galarian Stunfisk pose challenges. In the Master League, counters such as Landorus, Shadow Alolan Golem, Shadow Omastar, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, and Shadow Aggron prove formidable.
For optimal results in raids and other PvE scenarios, consider employing counters such as Shadow Rampardos, Shadow Rhyperior, Mega Diancie, Mega Tyranitar, Mega Aerodactyl, and Tyrantrum.
Beyond the upcoming Shadow Raids featuring Shadow Ho-Oh, numerous events in Pokemon GO in January 2024 are worth exploring.