Pokémon GO introduces Dynamax Ho-Oh as a Tier 5 Max Battle built around team coordination rather than raw DPS. The encounter favors structured roles, efficient Max Energy generation, and correct typing over reckless damage output. Preparation determines success long before the battle timer starts.
Dynamax Ho-Oh Overview
Ho-Oh appears as a Fire- and Flying-type Dynamax boss. The battle supports up to four Trainers and does not allow solo clears. A coordinated duo can succeed with optimal builds, but a full group provides the safest clear window.
- Battle Type: Tier 5 Max Battle
- Group Size: Up to 4 Trainers
- Entry Cost: 800 Max Particles (consumed only on victory)
- Shiny Availability: Yes, from Max Battles
Dynamax Ho-Oh Weaknesses
Ho-Oh takes amplified damage from specific typings, with Rock standing out as the dominant option.
| Type | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Rock | 2.56× super effective |
| Water | 1.6× super effective |
| Electric | 1.6× super effective |
Rock-type Fast Moves perform exceptionally well due to their interaction with Max Move mechanics.
Best Attackers for Dynamax Ho-Oh
Attackers define damage output during the Dynamax phase. These Pokémon should carry fast Rock-, Water-, or Electric-type moves and have Max Attack leveled.
Top attacker options
- Shadow Rampardos
- Shadow Tyrantrum
- Mega Diancie
- Mega Tyranitar
- Mega Aerodactyl
- Shadow Rhyperior
Rock-type attackers consistently outperform alternatives due to Ho-Oh’s double weakness.
See also: Pokémon GO Redeem Codes
Best Defenders for Dynamax Ho-Oh
Defenders control survivability and threat direction. A single dedicated defender can stabilize the entire group when Max Guard is used correctly.
Recommended defenders
- Latias
- High-stamina Dragon or Psychic types with leveled Max Guard
A shielded defender draws Ho-Oh’s focused attacks, reducing pressure on attackers and healers.
Best Healers for Dynamax Ho-Oh
Healers maintain group uptime and recover mistakes during longer fights. Max Spirit effectiveness scales with stamina, not attack power.
Reliable healer picks
- Blissey
- Other high-HP Pokémon with leveled Max Spirit
One healer per group is sufficient when shields and dodging are executed properly.
Optimal Team Composition
A four-Trainer group performs best with defined roles rather than mixed builds.
| Role | Count | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Attacker | 2 | Deal Max Move damage |
| Defender | 1 | Absorb focused attacks |
| Healer | 1 | Sustain team HP |
Each Trainer brings three Pokémon, starting with a fast-charging opener before rotating into role-specific picks.
Fast Moves Matter More Than Charged Moves
Max Battles reward speed and consistency. Charged Moves slow Max Energy generation and provide no efficiency advantage.
- Fast Moves generate Max Energy faster
- Charged Moves never exceed 1 Max Energy per use against Legendary Dynamax bosses
- Short Fast Move animations allow faster Dynamax cycles
During combat, tap continuously to build Max Meter, then switch into the correct role Pokémon during the Dynamax window.
How the Dynamax Phase Works
Once the Max Meter fills, a brief countdown allows a Pokémon swap.
- The selected Pokémon Dynamaxes for three turns
- Max Moves replace standard attacks
- Multiple Dynamax phases can occur in a single battle
When the phase ends, immediate switching keeps momentum high and avoids unnecessary knockouts.
Dodging Ho-Oh’s Attacks
Ho-Oh uses two charged attacks per battle cycle:
- One unavoidable group-wide attack
- One powerful single-target attack
When three warning lines appear above a Pokémon, a quick swipe avoids the incoming strike. Dodging preserves shields and extends defender uptime.
Why Max Guard and Max Spirit Are Essential
Max Guard
- Adds up to three shields
- Redirects Ho-Oh’s strongest attacks to the shielded Pokémon
- Protects the entire group when timed correctly
Max Spirit
- Heals all active Pokémon across the group
- Scales with the user’s maximum HP
- Allows recovery after unavoidable damage
Only one defender and one healer need to manage these mechanics, but timing and communication remain critical.
Best Strategy to Beat Dynamax Ho-Oh in Pokémon GO
- Prioritize Rock-type Fast Moves for attackers
- Avoid Charged Moves entirely during the fight
- Assign roles before entering the Power Spot
- Level Max Attack, Max Guard, and Max Spirit in advance
- Save Max Mushrooms for difficult clears or low-player groups
Dynamax Ho-Oh rewards disciplined execution over brute force. With clear roles, correct typing, and efficient Max Meter usage, the battle stays controlled from start to finish.
