Pokemon: How to Catch Ho-Oh in HeartGold and SoulSilver
Ho-Oh, the legendary Phoenix Pokemon, is one of the most sought-after creatures in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver (HGSS). Known for its immense power and stunning appearance, catching Ho-Oh is a rewarding yet challenging feat. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to catch Ho-Oh, from preparations to strategies and troubleshooting tips. Whether you’re aiming to complete your Pokédex or are just a fan of legendary Pokemon, this guide has you covered.
Introduction to Ho-Oh in Pokemon HGSS
Ho-Oh, often called the “Rainbow Pokemon,” is unique to the Pokemon series. It holds a revered place in Johto’s mythology and has impressive stats that make it a powerful addition to any team. Players of Pokemon HeartGold will encounter Ho-Oh naturally as part of the main storyline, while Pokemon SoulSilver players need to take a few extra steps. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this encounter special and how to prepare for the journey ahead.
Location of Ho-Oh in HeartGold and SoulSilver
To catch Ho-Oh in Pokemon HGSS, you’ll need to make your way to the top of Bellsprout Tower in Ecruteak City and later to Bell Tower after obtaining certain items. Here’s a breakdown of where to start and what you’ll need:
- HeartGold: You will receive the Rainbow Wing automatically after defeating Team Rocket at the Goldenrod Radio Tower.
- SoulSilver: After defeating the Elite Four and obtaining the Rainbow Wing from a man in Pewter City, you’ll be able to encounter Ho-Oh.
With these items, players can ascend Bell Tower in Ecruteak City, where Ho-Oh awaits at the very top.
Preparation for Catching Ho-Oh in Pokemon HGSS
Before heading up the Bell Tower, make sure you are fully prepared. Ho-Oh is a level 45 Pokemon with powerful attacks, so proper preparation can make the difference between a quick capture and a drawn-out battle.
Recommended Pokemon for Battle
Bringing the right team is crucial when facing Ho-Oh. Due to its dual Fire/Flying type, Ho-Oh is vulnerable to Water, Electric, and Rock-type moves. Here are some recommended Pokemon to help you catch Ho-Oh:
- Golem: With strong Rock-type moves, Golem can exploit Ho-Oh’s weakness effectively.
- Jolteon: A fast Electric-type with Thunderbolt can deal solid damage while resisting many of Ho-Oh’s moves.
- Lapras: Combining Water and Ice-type moves, Lapras is versatile and can take some of Ho-Oh’s hits.
These Pokemon can withstand Ho-Oh’s powerful Fire-type attacks and weaken it effectively. Make sure your team is around level 45-50 for a fair chance in battle.
Essential Items to Bring
Alongside the right Pokemon, you’ll need the following items to make the capture smoother:
- Ultra Balls: Have at least 30-50 Ultra Balls on hand. While Ultra Balls have a higher catch rate, if you’re attempting a particularly tough capture, consider using Timer Balls after several turns.
- Healing Potions: Ho-Oh’s Sacred Fire is a powerful move that can quickly damage your team. Bringing Max Potions, Hyper Potions, or even Full Restores can help you stay in the game.
- Status Effect Items: Paralyzing or putting Ho-Oh to sleep increases your chance of capturing it. Consider bringing a Pokemon with moves like Thunder Wave or Hypnosis.
Step-by-Step Guide to Catching Ho-Oh in Pokemon HGSS
Now that you’re prepared, follow these steps to catch Ho-Oh successfully:
Step 1: Obtain the Rainbow Wing
As mentioned, Pokemon HeartGold players will receive the Rainbow Wing as part of the storyline, while Pokemon SoulSilver players will need to complete the main storyline and then retrieve it from Pewter City. Once you have the Rainbow Wing, head to Ecruteak City’s Bell Tower.
The Bell Tower is a maze-like structure, and ascending it requires patience and attention to detail. You’ll need to navigate multiple floors with puzzles, so be sure to save often. Also, wild Pokemon will appear frequently, so it may be beneficial to bring some Repels to avoid unnecessary battles.
Step 3: Prepare for the Battle with Ho-Oh
At the top of Bell Tower, you’ll encounter Ho-Oh. Save your game right before engaging. This way, if anything goes wrong, you can reload and try again without having to ascend the tower a second time.
Step 4: Engage in Battle
When the battle begins, start with status-inducing moves like Thunder Wave or Hypnosis to increase your chances. Avoid dealing too much damage too quickly. Ho-Oh’s moves include Sacred Fire, Extrasensory, Sunny Day, and Fire Blast, so plan your team’s moves accordingly.
Step 5: Catching Ho-Oh
Once Ho-Oh’s HP is low and it’s affected by a status condition, start throwing Ultra Balls or Timer Balls. Be patient; legendary Pokemon are challenging to capture. If you’ve followed the steps and stocked up on items, you should eventually succeed.
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Tips
Capturing a legendary Pokemon like Ho-Oh can come with its share of challenges. Here are some common issues and ways to resolve them:
Problem 1: Running Out of Poké Balls
If you run out of Poké Balls, consider resetting the game if you saved before the battle. Alternatively, head back to a Poké Mart, stock up, and reattempt the encounter.
Problem 2: Fainting Ho-Oh by Accident
This is a common frustration when Ho-Oh’s HP drops too quickly. To prevent this, use False Swipe (if available) or low-damage moves to chip away at Ho-Oh’s health. Always save your game before initiating the battle.
Problem 3: Struggling with Ho-Oh’s Sacred Fire
Sacred Fire is powerful and can cause burns, which may complicate the battle. To counter this, bring Burn Heals or Full Restores. Alternatively, use a Water-type Pokemon with high Special Defense to absorb the attack better.
Tips for Making the Most Out of Ho-Oh
Once captured, Ho-Oh can be a valuable asset to your team. Here are some ways to make the most of this legendary Pokemon:
- Move Set: Ho-Oh learns a range of powerful moves, including Sacred Fire, Solar Beam, and Fire Blast. Tailor its move set to your team’s needs.
- Item Use: Equip Ho-Oh with items like Leftovers or Shell Bell to increase its durability in battles.
- Role in Your Team: With its high Special Defense and Attack, Ho-Oh can serve as a tank and offensive powerhouse.
Conclusion
Catching Ho-Oh in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver is an iconic experience that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. With the right preparation and approach, adding this legendary Pokemon to your team is achievable. Remember, the journey to Bell Tower and the battle itself are designed to challenge trainers and reward those who strategize effectively.
For more Pokemon guides and tips, consider checking out our Pokemon series. You can also visit the official Pokemon website for additional resources and official updates. Good luck, and happy training!
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by GameMasterHub Team