ho-oh
LegendaryGeneration II · #0250 — Rainbow Pokémon
Ho-Oh, known as the Rainbow Pokémon and bearing the National Pokédex number 250, stands as one of the most iconic legendary Pokémon introduced in Generation II. This magnificent Fire/Flying-type creature was the first Generation II Pokémon ever revealed to the public, appearing in the August 1996 issue of CoroCoro magazine—less than five months after Pokémon Red and Green's release and more than three years before Gold and Silver would officially debut. Ho-Oh serves as the mascot of Pokémon Gold Version and its remake, Pokémon HeartGold Version, gracing the cover of both games and cementing its status as a cornerstone legendary of the Johto region. Standing at an impressive 3.8 meters (12'06") tall and weighing 199.0 kilograms (438.7 lbs), this genderless legendary Pokémon remains one of the most sought-after and mythically significant creatures in the entire franchise, often considered the leader of the legendary beasts alongside its counterpart Lugia.
Base Stats
Height
3.8m
Weight
199.0kg
Category
Rainbow Pokémon
Gender
Genderless
Color
red
Shape
wings
Habitat
rare
Abilities
Increases the PP cost of moves targetting the Pokémon by one.
Heals for 1/3 max HP upon switching out.
Ho-oh Biology & Physical Characteristics
Ho-Oh is an avian Pokémon that bears striking resemblance to both a phoenix and a peacock, creating a harmonious blend of mythological inspiration. Its plumage displays a predominantly gold and red coloration, complemented by brilliant yellow tail feathers and a white underside, while emerald-green feathers grace the tips of its massive wings. The creature possesses a distinctive green stripe running along its neck, a yellow beak, striking black rings surrounding its red eyes, and an ornate feathered yellow crest adorning its head. The most remarkable characteristic of Ho-Oh, as detailed across numerous Pokédex entries, is that its feathers glow in seven different colors depending on the angle at which light strikes them—a property said to bring happiness and joy to those who witness it. This seven-colored luminescence is so significant that legends claim a rainbow forms behind Ho-Oh as it soars through the sky, and folklore suggests that the Pokémon dwells at the foot of a rainbow itself. Its physical structure, with those magnificent seven-colored wings spanning considerable width, enables it to fly continuously across the world's skies, making it a true legend of the heavens.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Ho-oh Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Ho-Oh is a genderless legendary Pokémon that cannot breed, classified within the "No Eggs" egg group. This designation is standard for most legendary Pokémon, reflecting their singular, irreplaceable nature within the Pokémon world's mythology. The creature's lack of gender aligns with its presentation as a universal symbol of hope and renewal rather than as a species with biological reproduction. The base friendship value of Ho-Oh is notably low at 0 (though this was adjusted to 70 in Generation II specifically), reflecting the extreme difficulty and challenge involved in earning its trust and companionship. Capturing and bonding with Ho-Oh requires substantial effort from trainers, as befits a legendary Pokémon of its caliber and mythical significance.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
sacred-ash
revival
Revives all fainted Pokémon with full HP.
Cost: 50000
TMs & HMs
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm04
yellow
tm04
red blue
tm04
emerald
tm04
firered leafgreen
tm04
ruby sapphire
tm04
diamond pearl
tm04
xd
tm04
heartgold soulsilver
tm04
black white
tm04
colosseum
tm04
platinum
tm04
sun moon
tm04
ultra sun ultra moon
tm04
x y
tm04
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm04
black 2 white 2
tm04
red green japan
+847 more TMs/HMs
Ho-oh Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Ho-Oh does not evolve into or from any other Pokémon, standing as a complete and legendary form unto itself. This is consistent with most legendary Pokémon from Generation II, which were designed as singular, ultimate expressions of their respective concepts rather than stages in an evolutionary line. Ho-Oh has never received a Mega Evolution form across any generation of games, remaining in its original state even as the franchise expanded to include such transformations. Its legendary status and iconic design were considered complete upon its initial introduction, requiring no further evolution or transformation to achieve its intended role in the Pokémon universe.
Where to Find
bell tower
johto
+2 more
navel rock
kanto
sea mauville
hoenn
ultra space wilds
alola
ultra space
alola
Ho-oh Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Ho-Oh is described in legend as a continuously flying Pokémon that soars through the world's skies on its magnificent seven-colored wings, suggesting a highly migratory and ethereal existence. According to various Pokédex entries, this legendary creature reveals itself only before trainers with pure hearts, shining its brilliant rainbow-colored wings as a form of recognition or blessing. The Rainbow Pokémon is said to live at the foot of a rainbow, a location that seems to exist between the physical and mythical realms, explaining its rarity and the difficulty in encountering it. Ancient legends claim that anyone fortunate enough to see Ho-Oh is promised eternal happiness, positioning it as a benevolent force in the Pokémon world rather than a destructive one. Its behavior aligns with its role as a symbol of hope and renewal, embodying the majesty and mystery of the natural world's most beautiful phenomena.
Pokedex Entries
Legends claim this POKéMON flies the world's skies con tinuously on its magnificent seven- colored wings.
A legend says that its body glows in seven colors. A rainbow is said to form behind it when it flies.
It will reveal itself before a pure-hearted trainer by shining its bright rain bow-colored wings.
HO-OH’s feathers glow in seven colors depending on the angle at which they are struck by light. These feathers are said to bring happiness to the bearers. This POKéMON is said to live at the foot of a rainbow.
Its feathers--which glow in seven colors depending on the angle at which they are struck by light--are thought to bring joy. It is said to live at the foot of a rainbow.
A legend says that its body glows in seven colors. A rainbow is said to form behind it when it flies.
Legends claim this POKéMON flies the world’s skies continuously on its magnificent seven-colored wings.
Its feathers are in seven colors. It is said that anyone seeing it is promised eternal happiness.
Legends claim this Pokémon flies the world’s skies continuously on its magnificent, seven-colored wings.
A legend says that its body glows in seven colors. A rainbow is said to form behind it when it flies.
Its feathers are in seven colors. It is said that anyone seeing it is promised eternal happiness.
Its feathers are in seven colors. It is said that anyone seeing it is promised eternal happiness.
A legend says that its body glows in seven colors. A rainbow is said to form behind it when it flies.
It will reveal itself before a pure-hearted Trainer by shining its bright, rainbow-colored wings.
Ho-Oh’s feathers glow in seven colors depending on the angle at which they are struck by light. These feathers are said to bring happiness to the bearers. This Pokémon is said to live at the foot of a rainbow.
Ho-oh Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Ho-Oh derives from the Japanese "Houou" (ホウオウ), which combines "hō" (鳳), meaning phoenix or legendary bird, with the reduplication creating "Houou." This naming convention perfectly encapsulates the creature's inspiration from the phoenix, the legendary bird of Chinese and Japanese mythology known for its cycle of rebirth and its association with fire and the sun. The English name Ho-Oh maintains the reduplication pattern while adapting it to English phonetics, creating a distinctive and memorable designation. Visually, Ho-Oh synthesizes elements of the Asian phoenix with peacock-like features, particularly evident in its elaborate plumage and the way its feathers display iridescent colors. The deliberate emphasis on seven colors throughout all Pokédex entries references both the rainbow—fitting for a Fire/Flying-type legendary—and traditional numerological significance in Asian cultures, where seven often represents completeness and perfection. The design draws heavily from East Asian mythology while appealing to Western audiences through its phoenix-like resurrection symbolism and majestic bird aesthetic.
Learnable Moves
Ho-oh can learn 79 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| air cutter | flying | Special | 60 | 95 | 25 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| ancient power | rock | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brave bird | flying | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon breath | dragon | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| extrasensory | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| fire spin | fire | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| flare blitz | fire | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| fly | flying | Physical | 90 | 95 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| future sight | psychic | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| gust | flying | Special | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| light screen | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| nightmare | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| overheat | fire | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| recover | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| sacred fire | fire | Physical | 100 | 95 | 5 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shock wave | electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| sky attack | flying | Physical | 140 | 90 | 5 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| steel wing | steel | Physical | 70 | 90 | 25 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlwind | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| zap cannon | electric | Special | 120 | 50 | 5 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Ho-oh Competitive Battle Guide
Ho-Oh presents a formidable competitive presence with a balanced legendary stat distribution totaling 680 points, though its individual allocations create a distinctly defensive-offensive hybrid. Its Attack stat of 130 is notably strong, complemented by a respectable Special Attack of 110, while its Special Defense of 154 stands as its highest stat, providing excellent durability against special moves. The remaining stats—HP (106), Defense (90), and Speed (90)—maintain competitiveness without excelling, giving Ho-Oh a slightly slow but bulky presence on the battlefield. Its ability Pressure increases the PP cost of moves targeting it by one, providing passive damage over time in prolonged battles, while the hidden ability Regenerator heals one-third of maximum HP upon switching out, offering excellent scouting and switching flexibility. Ho-Oh's Fire/Flying typing grants it useful offensive coverage and notable resistances to Fire, Grass, Bug, and Fighting-type moves, though it carries the common weakness to Rock and Electric-type attacks that plagues many Flying-types. The combination of solid Special Defense, Pressure's passive effect, and Regenerator makes Ho-Oh an excellent defensive pivot that can also deal significant damage with its respectable offensive stats, positioning it as a valuable member of competitive teams that can handle both special threats and provide lasting team support.
Commonly Asked Questions About Ho-oh
What type is Ho-oh?
Ho-oh is a fire and flying type Pokemon.
What does Ho-oh evolve from?
Ho-oh does not evolve.
What are Ho-oh's weaknesses?
Ho-oh is weak to ground, rock, water and electric type moves.
Where can I find Ho-oh?
Ho-oh can be found in bell tower (johto), navel rock (kanto) and sea mauville (hoenn) and 2 other locations.
Ho-oh Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Ho-Oh has secured an enduring position in Pokémon culture as one of the franchise's most recognizable and beloved legendary Pokémon, serving as the iconic mascot of Gold Version and HeartGold Version. Its appearance as the first Generation II Pokémon revealed to the public gave it a historic significance that resonates with fans who experienced the franchise's evolution from Generation I through II. The creature has appeared prominently in various animated media, including the Pokémon anime series where it serves as a recurring legendary encounter, and it featured significantly in the movie "I Choose You!" alongside Marshadow. In the trading card game, Ho-Oh has received numerous iconic cards throughout its history, often depicted in premium and legendary collections that appeal to collectors. The seven-colored design and rainbow symbolism have made Ho-Oh a favorite subject for fan artwork, cosplay, and merchandise, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone within the Pokémon community. Its association with hope, happiness, and purity has resonated across generations of players, making it more than just a powerful legendary—it represents the aspirational and wonder-filled spirit of the franchise itself.
Where to Find Ho-oh in Every Pokémon Game
Ho-Oh's availability to players varies significantly depending on the game and generation, generally maintaining its legendary status through restricted encounter methods. In Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, Ho-Oh appears as a post-game legendary encounter in the Burned Tower after obtaining all sixteen badges, making it accessible only to dedicated players who have completed the main story. In HeartGold and SoulSilver, the remakes of the original Gold and Silver, Ho-Oh similarly appears as a legendary encounter late in the game, available to players who have proven their mastery of the Johto region. The creature has been distributed through official Nintendo events in various generations, allowing players without access to specific game versions or those seeking additional specimens to obtain it. Throughout the main series games spanning generations beyond Johto—Kanto remakes, National Pokédex entries in later generations—Ho-Oh remains available though often locked behind post-game content or event distributions. In Pokémon GO, Ho-Oh appeared as a legendary raid boss during special event periods, allowing mobile players to encounter and capture this magnificent creature. The combination of story-locked availability and event exclusivity maintains Ho-Oh's legendary status while ensuring that dedicated trainers with sufficient skill and determination can eventually add it to their teams.