Dmax Ho‑Oh returns in Pokémon GO’s Max Battle Weekend, a limited‑time event where the legendary Pokémon appears in a powerful Dmax form with boosted HP and a new Fairy‑type bonus. The battle is restricted to teams of four, requiring precise team composition, shield timing, and specific counter Pokémon to secure victory.
What Is Dmax Ho‑Oh?
Dmax Ho‑Oh is a special “Dmax” version of the legendary Fire/Flying Pokémon. In this form it gains higher HP, stronger moves, and an added Fairy‑type bonus that increases its overall attack power. The combination of Fire, Flying, and Fairy attributes makes it a formidable opponent that standard raid strategies struggle to defeat.
Participation Rules and Max Battle Mechanics
Max Battles differ from regular raids by limiting each encounter to a maximum of four players. This small‑team format forces participants to carefully select Pokémon with optimal type match‑ups and synergy. Additionally, the number of shield uses and battle‑skill activations is capped, so timing the deployment of shields becomes a critical factor in winning the fight.
Top Counter Pokémon and Ideal Team Setup
Effective counters focus on resisting Ho‑Oh’s Fire attacks and exploiting its weaknesses to Rock and Electric moves. The following Pokémon are widely regarded as the best choices:
- Tyranitar – Dark/Rock; moves: Crunch, Stone Edge
- Garchomp – Dragon/Ground; moves: Earthquake, Dragon Claw
- Mewtwo – Psychic; moves: Psystrike, Shadow Ball
- Machamp – Fighting; moves: Dynamic Punch, Stone Edge
- Arceus (Fairy Form) – Fairy; moves: Sacred Sword, Hyper Beam
A balanced three‑Pokémon team typically includes:
- Primary Defender – A high‑defense Pokémon with Rock or Electric moves (e.g., Tyranitar).
- Speed Attacker – A fast striker that can unleash Dragon or Psychic attacks (e.g., Garchomp).
- Support/Shield Specialist – A Pokémon that can effectively use shields and disrupt Ho‑Oh’s moves (e.g., Mewtwo).
Shiny Dmax Ho‑Oh Spawn Rate
Players have observed that the shiny (alternate‑color) version of Dmax Ho‑Oh appears at an estimated rate of about 0.5%, which is higher than the typical shiny raid rate of roughly 0.2%. This increased likelihood adds extra incentive for collectors and competitive players.
Impact on Players and Future Updates
The introduction of Dmax Ho‑Oh adds a new strategic layer to Pokémon GO’s raid system and encourages tighter cooperation among small groups of friends or local communities. The four‑player limit promotes coordinated team building, likely boosting active player counts during the event window. The elevated shiny spawn chance also motivates collectors, potentially influencing future event designs and the rollout of additional Dmax legendary forms.
Quick Summary
- Event Duration: Two‑day Max Battle Weekend.
- Boss: Dmax Ho‑Oh (Fire/Flying with Fairy bonus).
- Recommended Counters: Tyranitar, Garchomp, Mewtwo, Machamp, Arceus (Fairy Form).
- Shiny Chance: Approximately 0.5%.
- Key Strategies: Prioritize durability and type advantage, manage shield usage carefully, and pre‑plan a three‑Pokémon team composition.
