[OVERVIEW]
Ho-Oh is a unique Pokemon in the Anything Goes metagame whose versatility lets it perform a variety of different roles. It can function as a wall, a wallbreaker, or a revenge killer depending on the needs of its team. Its unique typing and natural bulk let it check some major offensive threats, including Xerneas, Necrozma-DM, and most Calm Mind Arceus formes. It also shuts down many defensive Pokemon such as support Arceus formes, Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Celesteela, and defensive Primal Groudon, being able to remove entry hazards versus them. Regenerator makes Ho-Oh incredibly hard to wear down without Stealth Rock support or great offensive pressure, meaning defensive teams that rely on indirect damage to pressure foes often struggle to break past it. Ho-Oh's STAB combination paired with Toxic also makes it very difficult to safely switch into, especially if it's running an offensive set, outside of a few select walls such as Zygarde-C. However, Ho-Oh has a crippling 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, so teams that include it usually need to provide strong anti-hazard support. It's easily overpowered by common offensive threats like Mega Rayquaza, Primal Kyogre, and Ultra Necrozma. Ho-Oh also has a poor matchup against the ubiquitous Zygarde-C; defensive sets can sponge Ho-Oh's attacks indefinitely, while Dragon Dance sets can use it as setup fodder.
[SET]
name: Wall Birb (Defensive)
move 1: Sacred Fire / Flamethrower
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Defog
move 4: Whirlwind / Brave Bird / Recover
item: Leftovers
ability: Regenerator
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 204 Def / 52 SpD
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Sacred Fire lets Ho-Oh pressure Steel-types like Necrozma-DM and Ferrothorn. Its high burn rate is useful to discourage physical attackers like Mega Rayquaza and Dragon Dance Zygarde-C from freely switching into Ho-Oh. Flamethrower has significantly more PP than Sacred Fire. This allows Ho-Oh to be less mindful of wasting PP against the likes of Protect Ferrothorn in longer games. Additionally, it reduces the chance of Ho-Oh accidentally burning foes like support Arceus formes that it would prefer to inflict with Toxic. However, it has very low damage output against Necrozma-DM, so Sacred Fire is generally preferred. Toxic puts pressure on support Arceus formes, ensuring they cannot stay in against Ho-Oh and continue setting Stealth Rock against it or attempt to Toxic stall it themselves. It also punishes Pokemon like Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre that may switch in expecting a Fire-type move. Ho-Oh is a great Defogger because of its favorable matchup against many of the tier's entry hazard setters, including defensive variants of Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM, Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and most support Arceus formes. Whirlwind phazes setup sweepers like Mega Rayquaza, Xerneas, Calm Mind Arceus formes, and Vivillon, preventing them from using Ho-Oh as setup fodder. Brave Bird gives Ho-Oh an offensive option against Pokemon like Mega Rayquaza, Primal Kyogre, and Naganadel. Recover reduces Ho-Oh's dependency on Regenerator and can come in handy to offset residual damage from the likes of Stealth Rock or Toxic poison.
Set Details
========
52 Special Defense EVs alongside maximum HP investment allow Ho-Oh to survive +2 Thunder from Geomancy Xerneas. 252, as opposed to 248, HP EVs are used to maximize the amount of Leftovers recovery that Ho-Oh receives each turn, which also negates the increased Stealth Rock damage. The rest of the EVs are put into Defense alongside a Relaxed nature, allowing Ho-Oh to survive two Spectral Thiefs from Life Orb Marshadow, +2 Searing Sunraze Smash from Necrozma-DM, and any unboosted hit from Mega Rayquaza. A Relaxed nature and 0 Speed IVs ensure that Ho-Oh uses Defog last against foes like defensive Primal Groudon. In a scenario where both sides have traded Toxic, Ho-Oh will ultimately clear any entry hazards set by a faster foe before one side faints. Leftovers grants Ho-Oh passive recovery each turn, helping it to offset damage from strong attacks without being overly reliant on Regenerator.
Usage Tips
========
Defensive Ho-Oh should generally switch into Pokemon that it walls, such as support Arceus formes, passive Steel-types, and defensive Primal Groudon, and remove the entry hazards they set or use the opportunity to spread status. Ho-Oh can liberally switch into defensive Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Celesteela that rely on status moves to punish their foes. Thanks to Regenerator, it doesn't care too much about residual damage from status moves like Leech Seed and Toxic. Immediately removing hazards doesn't always need to be the first course of action. Against bulky entry hazard setters like support Arceus formes, it can be beneficial to trade Toxic first before using Defog so that Ho-Oh won't be pressured to switch out first. Even if the opponent decides to switch out as Ho-Oh uses Toxic, you're still likely to get mileage out of using it on an incoming threat. Scouting is an important part of using Ho-Oh. Primal Groudon can swiftly OHKO it if it's running Stone Edge, and Necrozma-DM may actually be Ultra Necrozma, which can deal massive damage to Ho-Oh with Rock Blast or +2 Photon Geyser. Try to look for signs that Ho-Oh does in fact wall these threats before switching it in, such as the use of Overheat from Primal Groudon indicating that it is a mixed variant or Necrozma-DM revealing Leftovers or Solganium Z indicating that it's not Ultra Necrozma. If you aren't sure yet, you can use teammates like Giratina and Mega Sableye to scout. If Ho-Oh is low on health, try and find opportunities to bring it in on weak attacks and status moves or via double switches. Thanks to Regenerator, repeatedly switching Ho-Oh in will gradually restore its health, assuming Stealth Rock is kept off the field. In longer games, be wary of wasting Sacred Fire PP against Pokemon like Giratina, defensive Zygarde-C, and defensive Primal Kyogre, as they can easily wall this Ho-Oh variant.
Team Options
========
Defensive Ho-Oh fits on balanced and stall teams that appreciate its defensive qualities and the anti-hazard support it provides. Primal Groudon is a great partner, as it checks Primal Kyogre and threatens Rock-types for Ho-Oh. In return, Ho-Oh checks Arceus-Ground for it and alleviates pressure on it to handle Fairy- and Steel-types such as Xerneas and Necrozma-DM. Steel-types make for natural partners, as Ho-Oh has great type synergy with them. Ferrothorn is notable for providing a check to Primal Kyogre, secondary check to support Arceus formes, and Spikes support; while Spikes can be awkward to pair with Ho-Oh, it does force the opponent to choose between keeping Spikes on their side of the field and using Defog and letting Ho-Oh come in for free. Similarly, defensive Necrozma-DM sets Stealth Rock and takes pressure off of Ho-Oh to check Xerneas and support Arceus formes. Magearna provides cleric support and deals more reliably with Xerneas and Yveltal. Teammates that can deal with Mega Rayquaza are helpful, since the most Ho-Oh can do against it is punish it with status or use Whirlwind to prevent it from setting up. Shuca Berry Tyranitar is a good switch-in to most Mega Rayquaza sets, while Skarmory and Celesteela wall Mega Rayquaza sets that lack V-create. Mega Sableye and Arceus-Dark check Ultra Necrozma, which Ho-Oh usually fares poorly against. The former deters the opponent's use of Stealth Rock and assists Ho-Oh in shutting down passive entry hazard setters like Ferrothorn and defensive Necrozma-DM; both appreciate Ho-Oh's ability to take advantage of Fairy-types like Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy. Giratina forms a strong hazard removal core with Ho-Oh on stall teams. It can deal with hazard setters like Stone Edge Primal Groudon and Arceus-Poison that give Ho-Oh trouble and utilize Pressure to drain the PP of these hazard setters more quickly. In return, Ho-Oh can deal with hazard setters like Arceus-Fairy that threaten Giratina. Cleric support from the likes of Xerneas, Magearna, Chansey, and Blissey is helpful, as poison compromises Ho-Oh's ability to check threats and remove entry hazards versus slower foes like Ferrothorn.
[SET]
name: Strong Birb (Choice Band)
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Sacred Fire
move 3: Defog / Earthquake
move 4: Toxic
item: Choice Band
ability: Regenerator
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird is Ho-Oh's most spammable attacking move. Flying-type resistances tend to be sparse outside of Steel-types, which will typically not switch into Ho-Oh due to the threat of Sacred Fire. Sacred Fire roasts Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Celesteela. Defog is a good option, since Ho-Oh naturally forces out some entry hazard setters like defensive Necrozma-DM. Earthquake hits Rock-types like Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock super effectively. It can also be useful as a midground play that hits all of Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Steel-types. Toxic cripples support Arceus formes so that they're unable to stall Ho-Oh with Recover the next time it comes in.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature is recommended to outspeed slow support Arceus formes and at worst Speed tie with Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon, but an Adamant nature is also viable for the extra damage output. Choice Band lets Ho-Oh deal massive damage to most Pokemon that don't resist its attacks. An EV spread of 248 HP / 208 Atk / 52 SpD with an Adamant nature allows Ho-Oh to survive +2 Thunder from Geomancy Xerneas. This gives it some bulk to go with its wallbreaking prowess and can be used if the extra Speed isn't needed.
Usage Tips
========
Ho-Oh can find ample opportunities to switch in against Pokemon like passive Steel-types and defensive Primal Groudon to fire off its powerful attacks. Using Toxic on a predicted switch to a support Arceus forme will make it easier to break through the next time Ho-Oh comes in. Since this set is Choice-locked, Defog should be used with caution; the best scenarios in which to use it are once the opposing entry hazard setter has fainted or on a forced switch from the opponent. Locking into Defog versus support Arceus formes like Arceus-Fairy isn't advised, as they can simply stay in, status Ho-Oh with Toxic, and set Stealth Rock again the following turn. Be aware that Ferrothorn and Celesteela often carry Protect, so they can scout what Ho-Oh is locked into once the opponent realizes that it's wielding a Choice item.
Team Options
========
Strong anti-hazard support from teammates is required. Mega Sableye and Defog Arceus-Dark are good partners, since they also check Ultra Necrozma and tend to lure in Fairy-types for Ho-Oh to take advantage of. Defog Giratina and Arceus-Ground can scout for a Rock-type move from Primal Groudon and remove the Stealth Rock it sets. Primal Groudon of your own is a great partner, as it checks Primal Kyogre and threatens Rock-types like Tyranitar, while Ho-Oh can take advantage of Arceus-Ground and put immense pressure on shared checks like Arceus-Water and Zygarde-C. Defensive Zygarde-C checks Primal Groudon variants with a Rock-type move and can use Glare to slow down support Arceus formes, letting Ho-Oh break through them more easily and potentially run an Adamant nature. Zygarde-C can also check some Mega Rayquaza and Ultra Necrozma variants for Ho-Oh, although it should be wary of their potential Dragon-type coverage. In return, Ho-Oh takes advantage of the Fairy-types that check Zygarde-C. A secondary check to support Arceus formes is recommended, as this Ho-Oh set can't always break through or remove hazards versus them effectively due to being Choice-locked. Ferrothorn and defensive Necrozma-DM are good checks to support Arceus formes that can set entry hazards to support Ho-Oh's wallbreaking; Ferrothorn also checks Primal Kyogre for Ho-Oh, while Necrozma-DM provides a sturdier check to Xerneas. Celesteela also checks support Arceus formes and Mega Rayquaza lacking V-create. Fast threats like Marshadow improve the matchup against offensive teams, which this Ho-Oh set struggles against. They appreciate Ho-Oh's ability to break through bulkier teams; Marshadow also tends to lure in Fairy-types for Ho-Oh to take advantage of. Mega Gengar revenge kills Pokemon like Ultra Necrozma and Mega Rayquaza that threaten Ho-Oh, takes advantage of the status that it spreads to fire off boosted Hexes, and improves the hazard matchup by removing the enemy Stealth Rock setter. It can also tailor its moveset to fit Ho-Oh's needs: Focus Blast hits Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock, Thunder hits Primal Kyogre and Arceus-Water, and Hidden Power Ice hits Zygarde-C. Primal Kyogre is a good partner that's able to pressure physical walls like Zygarde-C and Tyranitar, while Ho-Oh can pressure Ferrothorn and Primal Groudon for it in return. Cleric support from Xerneas and Magearna is helpful to cure Ho-Oh of status incurred from the likes of support Arceus formes and passive Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Celesteela.
[SET]
name: Fast Birb (Choice Scarf)
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Sacred Fire
move 3: Defog / Earthquake
move 4: Toxic
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Regenerator
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird is Ho-Oh's most spammable attacking move. Flying-type resistances tend to be sparse outside of Steel-types, which will typically not switch into Ho-Oh due to the threat of Sacred Fire. Sacred Fire roasts Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Celesteela. Defog removes entry hazards in a pinch. It is especially useful against Sticky Web teams, as Ho-Oh is immune to Sticky Web and outspeeds most Pokemon found on such teams, so it can easily remove the hazard once its setter is gone. Earthquake hits Rock-types like Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock super effectively. It can also be useful as a midground play that hits all of Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Steel-types. Toxic cripples support Arceus formes so that they're unable to stall Ho-Oh with Recover the next time it comes in.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature is preferred for the extra power it grants Ho-Oh, giving it a good chance to OHKO Mega Rayquaza after a Defense drop from Dragon Ascent and 2HKO defensive Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock damage. Choice Scarf allows Ho-Oh to outspeed everything up to and including Mega Mewtwo Y.
Usage Tips
========
Ho-Oh can find ample opportunities to switch in against Pokemon like passive Steel-types to fire off its attacks. Using Toxic on a predicted switch to a support Arceus forme will make it easier to break through the next time Ho-Oh comes in. Since this set is Choice-locked, Defog should be used with caution; the best scenarios in which to use it are once the opposing entry hazard setter has fainted or on a forced switch from the opponent. Locking into Defog versus support Arceus formes like Arceus-Fairy isn't advised, as they can simply stay in, status Ho-Oh with Toxic, and set Stealth Rock again the following turn. Be aware that Ferrothorn and Celesteela often carry Protect, so they can scout what Ho-Oh is locked into once the opponent realizes that it's wielding a Choice item. In longer games, be wary of wasting PP against Pokemon like Giratina and defensive Zygarde-C, which can easily wall this Ho-Oh variant.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Ho-Oh fits on teams looking for a way of keeping faster foes in check that won't lose them much momentum against threats like Arceus-Ground and Choice Scarf Xerneas. Strong anti-hazard support from teammates is required. Mega Sableye and Defog Arceus-Dark are good partners, since they also check Ultra Necrozma and tend to lure in Fairy-types for Ho-Oh to take advantage of. Defog Giratina and Arceus-Ground can scout for a Rock-type move from Primal Groudon and remove the Stealth Rock it sets. While this set does better against offensive teams, it lacks the raw power to break through bulky foes like support Arceus formes without statusing them beforehand. Thus, wallbreakers like mixed Mega Rayquaza, Marshadium Z Marshadow, and Ultra Necrozma are helpful partners to weaken them along with other walls like Zygarde-C and Tyranitar. The former two also appreciate Ho-Oh taking advantage of the Fairy-types that check them. As usual, Primal Groudon is a great teammate for its ability to check Primal Kyogre and Rock-types; it can also run Hidden Power Ice to lure in and weaken Zygarde-C. A check to support Arceus formes is recommended, as this Ho-Oh set can't always break through or remove hazards versus them effectively due to being Choice-locked and lacking in power. Ferrothorn and defensive Necrozma-DM are good checks to support Arceus formes that additionally provide entry hazard support; Ferrothorn checks Primal Kyogre for Ho-Oh, while Necrozma-DM provides a sturdier check to Xerneas. Celesteela also checks support Arceus formes and Mega Rayquaza lacking V-create. Cleric support from Xerneas and Magearna is helpful to cure Ho-Oh of status incurred from the likes of support Arceus formes and passive Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Celesteela.
[SET]
name: Tank Birb (Life Orb)
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Sacred Fire
move 3: Defog / Recover / Earthquake
move 4: Toxic / Substitute / Curse
item: Life Orb
ability: Regenerator
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird is Ho-Oh's most spammable attacking move. Flying-type resistances tend to be sparse outside of Steel-types, which will typically not switch into Ho-Oh due to the threat of Sacred Fire. However, it racks up recoil damage very quickly in tandem with Life Orb. Sacred Fire roasts Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Celesteela. Defog is a good option, as Ho-Oh matches up well against common entry hazard setters like Arceus-Fairy and defensive Primal Groudon. Alternatively, Recover is helpful to offset residual damage from the likes of Stealth Rock, Toxic poison, and recoil incurred by Life Orb and Brave Bird. Earthquake hits Rock-types like Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock super effectively. It can also be useful as a midground play that hits all of Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Steel-types. Toxic puts pressure on support Arceus formes, ensuring they cannot stay in against Ho-Oh and continue setting Stealth Rock against it or attempt to Toxic stall it themselves. Substitute eases prediction and enables Ho-Oh to dodge status from foes that are slower than it; it should be used alongside Recover. Curse should also be used with Recover; it lets Ho-Oh set up on and break past support Arceus formes more easily and makes it harder to revenge kill with physical attackers. Flame Charge can be run with Recover to boost Ho-Oh's Speed, giving it a chance to pull off a late-game sweep once its checks have been weakened.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature is preferred to maximize Ho-Oh's damage output, giving it a high chance to 3HKO Giratina and 2HKO defensive Primal Groudon after Stealth Rock damage. However, a Jolly nature is also viable to outspeed slow support Arceus formes and at worst Speed tie with Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon; this is the recommended nature if Substitute is run. Life Orb grants Ho-Oh a consistent increase in damage output in exchange for added recoil each time it uses an attack. An EV spread of 248 HP / 208 Atk / 52 SpD with an Adamant nature allows Ho-Oh to survive +2 Thunder from Geomancy Xerneas. This gives it some bulk to go with its wallbreaking prowess and can be used if the extra Speed isn't needed; this is the recommended EV spread if Curse is run.
Usage Tips
========
Ho-Oh can find ample opportunities to switch in against Pokemon like passive Steel-types, support Arceus formes, and defensive Primal Groudon to fire off its powerful attacks. Against support Arceus formes, it's beneficial to trade Toxic first before using Defog or an attack. This will prevent them from Recover stalling Ho-Oh and increase pressure on them to switch out the longer they have been poisoned. Defog can be used immediately afterwards unless the opponent has instead opted to switch to a Pokemon that forces Ho-Oh out, such as Mega Rayquaza or Primal Kyogre, in the meantime. Even in this scenario, however, you'll still get mileage out of using Toxic on the incoming threat, and you may find an opportunity to use Defog with Ho-Oh or one of its teammates afterwards. If Recover is opted for, use it frequently to keep Ho-Oh healthy. Brave Bird in tandem with Life Orb generates copious amounts of recoil that wears Ho-Oh down very quickly. Substitute can be set freely against Pokemon that rely on status to punish Ho-Oh, including passive Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and defensive Necrozma-DM and support Arceus formes that are known to be slower.
Team Options
========
Strong anti-hazard support from teammates is required. Mega Sableye and Defog Arceus-Dark are good partners, since they also check Ultra Necrozma and tend to lure in Fairy-types for Ho-Oh to take advantage of. Defog Giratina and Arceus-Ground can scout for a Rock-type move from Primal Groudon and remove the Stealth Rock it sets. Primal Groudon is a great partner, as it checks Primal Kyogre and threatens Rock-types like Tyranitar; it can also run Hidden Power Ice to lure in and weaken Zygarde-C. In return, Ho-Oh takes advantage of Arceus-Ground and puts immense pressure on shared checks like Arceus-Water. Defensive Zygarde-C checks Primal Groudon variants with a Rock-type move and can use Glare to slow down support Arceus formes, letting Ho-Oh break through them more easily. Zygarde-C can also check some Mega Rayquaza and Ultra Necrozma variants for Ho-Oh, although it should be wary of their potential Dragon-type coverage. In return, Ho-Oh takes advantage of the Fairy-types and support Arceus formes that check Zygarde-C. Steel-types make for natural partners, as Ho-Oh has great type synergy with them. Ferrothorn is notable for providing a check to Primal Kyogre, a secondary check to support Arceus formes, and Spikes support; while Spikes can be awkward to pair with Ho-Oh, it does force the opponent to choose between keeping Spikes on their side of the field and using Defog and letting Ho-Oh come in for free. Similarly, defensive Necrozma-DM sets Stealth Rock and takes pressure off Ho-Oh to check Xerneas and support Arceus formes. Magearna provides cleric support and deals more reliably with Xerneas and Yveltal. Fast threats like Marshadow improve the matchup against offensive teams, which this Ho-Oh set struggles against. They appreciate Ho-Oh's ability to break through bulkier teams; Marshadow also tends to lure in Fairy-types for Ho-Oh to take advantage of. Mega Gengar revenge kills Pokemon like Ultra Necrozma and Mega Rayquaza that threaten Ho-Oh, takes advantage of the status that it spreads to fire off boosted Hexes, and improves the entry hazard matchup by removing the enemy Stealth Rock setter. It can also tailor its moveset to fit Ho-Oh's needs: Focus Blast hits Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock, Thunder hits Primal Kyogre and Arceus-Water, and Hidden Power Ice hits Zygarde-C. Primal Kyogre is a good partner that's able to pressure physical walls like Zygarde-C and Tyranitar, while Ho-Oh can pressure Ferrothorn and Primal Groudon for it in return. Cleric support from Xerneas and Magearna is helpful to cure Ho-Oh of status incurred from the likes of support Arceus formes and passive Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Celesteela.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A bulky Curse + Recover set with Leftovers or Flyinium Z is a decent option to set up on passive foes, but Ho-Oh will need many boosts before it's able to break through defensive Arceus formes and will usually be forced out by Toxic damage before it can attain them. Safety Goggles can be run on the defensive set and Sleep Talk can be run on offensive sets, allowing Ho-Oh to deal with sleep inducers like Vivillon and Smeargle more reliably.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Stealth Rock**: Ho-Oh has a crippling 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, so its ability to check threats is greatly compromised if the entry hazard is set on its side of the field. Although Ho-Oh has a favorable matchup against most entry hazard setters, some, like Primal Groudon with a Rock-type move, Arceus-Rock, Deoxys-S, and Excadrill, can keep Stealth Rock up against it.
**Zygarde-C**: Defensive Zygarde-C sponges even Choice Band-boosted attacks from Ho-Oh well and can shrug off any status it inflicts with Rest. Although it does not resist Flying, it lacks a weakness to any of Ho-Oh's coverage options, making it very difficult for Ho-Oh to break past. Dragon Dance Zygarde-C does not appreciate attacks from offensive sets, Toxic poison, or Sacred Fire burns; however, once safely in, it can set up a Substitute that defensive Ho-Oh is unable to break and use Dragon Tail before Ho-Oh can phaze it with Whirlwind.
**Rock-types**: Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock resist Ho-Oh's STAB combination. Support Tyranitar also commonly holds Shuca Berry, letting it take any two hits from even Choice Band Ho-Oh and retaliate with Rock Tomb. It can additionally use Rest to remove any status Ho-Oh inflicts. Arceus-Rock can OHKO Ho-Oh with Judgment and heal off status it inflicts with Refresh, but it's hit hard by Earthquake, and variants that lack Refresh are annoyed by Toxic.
**Primal Kyogre**: Offensive Primal Kyogre sets can easily OHKO Ho-Oh with a Water-type move. Defensive variants completely wall defensive Ho-Oh, as they are immune to Fire and can cure themselves of status using Rest. However, Primal Kyogre should be wary of trying to switch in; offensive sets don't appreciate getting poisoned, and neither variant takes Brave Bird from offensive Ho-Oh well.
**Arceus-Water**: Arceus-Water resists Fire and can force out Ho-Oh with Judgment or Liquidation. However, if it lacks a Water-type move, it struggles to meaningfully punish Ho-Oh outside of Toxic and can be pressured by Toxic damage and repeated uses of Brave Bird.
**Giratina**: Giratina's massive bulk lets it take two hits from even Choice Band Ho-Oh, and it can use Rest to heal off any status Ho-Oh inflicts. However, it can't punish Ho-Oh with much besides Toxic, which Ho-Oh doesn't mind too much thanks to Regenerator, and Brave Bird from Choice Band sets outdamages Rest in the long run.
**Rock-type Coverage**: Various Pokemon sometimes carry Rock-type coverage in order to hit Ho-Oh, including Primal Groudon with Stone Edge or Rock Tomb, Ultra Necrozma with Rock Blast or Power Gem, and Marshadow with Rock Tomb.
**Strong Offensive Pressure**: Pokemon like Mega Rayquaza, Ultra Necrozma, and Swords Dance Arceus formes can overwhelm Ho-Oh with their strong neutral attacks, especially if Ho-Oh is an offensive variant. Ultra Necrozma in particular is a foe to be wary of, since it can bait in Ho-Oh while it's in its Dusk Mane forme.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[bigtalk, 466663]]
- Quality checked by: [[pichus, 374620], [Pigeons, 253393], [Catalystic, 314467]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [, ]]
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