Ho-Oh (Japanese: ホウオウ Houou) is a dual-type Fire/Flying Legendary Pokémon introduced in Generation II.
It is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon.
It is often considered to be closely related to Lugia as a duo, even sometimes as its polar opposite. Silver represents Lugia as "guardian of the seas", and Gold represents Ho-Oh as "guardian of the skies". Ho-Oh is also the trio master of the Legendary beasts.
Ho-Oh is the game mascot of Pokémon Gold and its remake Pokémon HeartGold, appearing on the boxart of both. It was also the first Generation II Pokémon revealed, in August 1996.
Biology
Ho-Oh is an avian Pokémon resembling a phoenix and a peacock. Its feathers are predominantly gold and red, with yellow tail-feathers, a white underside, and green feathers at the tip of its wings. Ho-Oh has a green stripe on its neck, a yellow beak, black rings around its red eyes, and a feathered, yellow crest on its head. Ho-Oh's wings are prismatic, causing it to trail a rainbow behind it. It has darkly colored feet and legs with four toes and long talons.
Ho-Oh has a mythical power to resurrect the dead. Ho-Oh was the only known Pokémon to learn Sacred Fire, its former signature move. It is said that when it flies its huge wings create bright, colorful rainbows. The rare few who bear witness to Ho-Oh are promised an eternal happiness. Ho-Oh used to perch at the top of the Bell Tower until the Brass Tower was destroyed by fire. It now presumably flies through the world's skies in search of a Trainer with a pure heart.
In the anime
In the main series
According to the anime, Ho-Oh lived in the Tin Tower in ancient times. When a war broke out, burning both the Tin Tower and the Brass Tower down, it created Raikou, Entei, and Suicune, and all four disappeared. Later, a new Tin Tower was erected, but Ho-Oh since then has never come back for sure. A sacred flame from Ho-Oh burns in the Ho-Oh Shrine at Mt. Silver; it was obtained during the same war.
Major appearances
On occasion, Ho-Oh would only be seen by Ash, and always fleetingly. This trend began at the end of Pokémon - I Choose You!, where Ash saw it flying alongside a rainbow across the sky after the thunderstorm. In I Choose You!, which is set in a continuity different from the main series, Ho-Oh played a major role.
Minor appearances
A Ho-Oh appeared in the opening sequence of Jirachi: Wish Maker.
In Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, a Ho-Oh appeared in the intro, and then as a transformation of Mew.
In the opening sequence of The Rise of Darkrai, a Ho-Oh was flying through space.
A Ho-Oh appeared in the opening sequence of Arceus and the Jewel of Life.
A Ho-Oh appeared in the opening sequence of Zoroark: Master of Illusions.
Pokédex entries
Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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EP001
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Ho-Oh
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Ash's Pokédex
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There is no data. There are still Pokémon yet to be identified.
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In Pokémon Generations
A wild Ho-Oh appeared in Ecruteak City in The Reawakening, during a flashback about the creation of the legendary beasts.
In the manga
In the movie adaptations
- Main article: Ho-Oh (anime)
Ho-Oh appeared in a flashback in ICYR1. It reappeared in ICYR3.
In the Pocket Monsters HGSS manga
A Ho-Oh appeared in PMHGSS02.
In the Pokémon Adventures manga
- Main article: Tower duo (Adventures)
In Pokémon Adventures, Ho-Oh first appeared as a silhouette in Just a Spearow Carrier. It appeared again as a silhouette in Hitmonlee, Baby! (One More Time), when Green was explaining to Bill that she believes the Elite Four were the ones who controlled it to capture her. It was used by the Masked Man to kidnap children showing remarkable talent in his scheme to capture Celebi, including Green and Silver, six years prior to the start of the entire manga.
Prior to the events of the Gold, Silver & Crystal arc, Pryce had lost control over Ho-Oh, and thus attacked the Tin Tower using Team Rocket to prompt Ho-Oh to return to Ecruteak City. Ho-Oh was later seen at Indigo Plateau under Pryce's control, alongside Lugia, wreaking havoc and destruction. It was then lent to Karen and Will to fight Green with alongside Lugia, and nearly defeated her Legendary birds, but both of them were eventually brought back to their senses and freed.
In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga
Ho-Oh debuted in a fantasy in Farewell To Pikachu?!. It physically debuted in Let's Fight For The Future!!.
In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga
Ho-Oh appeared in GDZ65.
In the Pokémon HeartGold SoulSilver: Pokédex Completion Comic manga
A Ho-Oh appeared in Pokémon HeartGold SoulSilver: Pokédex Completion Comic.
In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga
A Ho-Oh appeared in The Legendary Ho-oh!!.
In the TCG
- Main article: Ho-Oh (TCG)
In the TFG
One Ho-Oh figure has been released.
Other appearances
When released from a Poké Ball, Ho-Oh unleashes a spiral of Sacred Fire that deals massive amounts of damage to any opponent caught in it. However, it appears very rarely.
Melee trophy information
As it soars around the skies of the world, this Rainbow Pokemon leaves a trail of rainbows and myths in its wake. Its signature move is called Sacred Fire, and it is believed to appear only before trainers who are pure of heart. If you see a trainer with Ho-oh, you can assume that catching it took a lot of work.
Brawl trophy information
"A Rainbow Pokémon. On sparkling wings of seven colors, Ho-Oh leaves a rainbow behind as it flies. Legend says that Ho-Oh suppressed a war that scorched the land in ancient times. Its attack Sacred Fire can melt ice in an instant and also damage the target with burns. Ho-Oh will show its solemn figure only for the most righteous Trainers."
Ho-Oh returns as an occasional stage hazard in the Blazing Chamber of the Kalos Pokémon League stage. Rarely appearing, it makes the flames supporting the platforms flare up with higher intensity, likely KOing any characters unfortunate enough to be on the platforms at the time.
Trophy Information
This Pokémon flies through the skies, trailing rainbows from its wings, and is said to promise eternal happiness to all who see it. Supposedly, it appears every once in a while in the Fire-type Elite Four Trainer's room in the Kalos Pokémon League stage. Its screams cause pillars of fire to rise all the way to the ceiling.
Game data
Pokédex entries
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
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Generation II
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Johto #248
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Gold
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Legends claim this Pokémon flies the world's skies continuously on its magnificent seven-colored wings.
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Silver
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A legend says that its body glows in seven colors. A rainbow is said to form behind it when it flies.
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Crystal
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It will reveal itself before a pure-hearted trainer by shining its bright rainbow-colored wings.
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Stadium 2
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Legends claim this Pokémon flies the world's skies continuously on its magnificent seven-colored wings.
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Generation III
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Hoenn #—
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Kanto #—
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Ruby
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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.
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Sapphire
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Emerald
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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.
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FireRed
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A legend says that its body glows in seven colors. A rainbow is said to form behind it when it flies.
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LeafGreen
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Legends claim this Pokémon flies the world's skies continuously on its magnificent seven-colored wings.
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Generation IV
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Sinnoh #—
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Johto #253
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Diamond
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It possesses seven-colored wings. It is said that those who see Ho-Oh are promised an eternal happiness.
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Pearl
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Platinum
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HeartGold
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Legends claim this Pokémon flies the world's skies continuously on its magnificent seven-colored wings.
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SoulSilver
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A legend says that its body glows in seven colors. A rainbow is said to form behind it when it flies.
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Generation V
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Unova #—
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Black
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It possesses seven-colored wings. It is said that those who see Ho-Oh are promised an eternal happiness.
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White
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Black 2
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Its feathers are in seven colors. It is said that anyone seeing it is promised eternal happiness.
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White 2
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Generation VI
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Kalos #—
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Hoenn #—
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X
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A legend says that its body glows in seven colors. A rainbow is said to form behind it when it flies.
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Y
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It will reveal itself before a pure-hearted Trainer by shining its bright, rainbow-colored wings.
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Omega Ruby
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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.
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Alpha Sapphire
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Game locations
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
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In side games
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
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Generation II
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This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
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In events
Games
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Event
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Language/Region
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Location
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Level
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Distribution period
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GSC
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Gotta Catch 'Em All Station! Ho-Oh
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English
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United States
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40
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November 15 to 21, 2002; December 6 to 12, 2002
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RSEFRLG
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Top Ten Distribution Ho-Oh
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English
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United Kingdom
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70
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June 10, 2006; October 14 to November 19, 2006
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RSEFRLG
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Top Ten Distribution Ho-Oh
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Italian
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Italy
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70
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June 23 to 25, 2006
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RSEFRLG
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Top Ten Distribution Ho-Oh
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Spanish
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Spain
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70
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June 27 to August 27, 2006
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RSEFRLG
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Top Ten Distribution Ho-Oh
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German
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Germany
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70
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September 24 to November 5, 2006
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RSEFRLG
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Top Ten Distribution Ho-Oh
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French
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France
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70
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September 26, 2006
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ORAS
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Pokémon Center Kyoto Ho-Oh
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All
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Japan
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50
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March 15, 2016 March 16 to May 8, 2016
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SM
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Mount Tensei Ho-Oh
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Japanese region
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Online
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100
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July 15 to September 14, 2017
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USUM
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Mount Tensei Ho-Oh
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Korean region
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Online
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100
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December 21, 2017 to January 31, 2018
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M
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Legendary Pokémon Celebration Ho-Oh
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American region
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Online
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60
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November 2, 2018 to February 28, 2019
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UM
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Legendary Pokémon Celebration Ho-Oh
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American region
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Online
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100
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November 2, 2018 to February 28, 2019
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M
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Legendary Pokémon Celebration Ho-Oh
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PAL region
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Online
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60
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November 2, 2018 to February 28, 2019
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UM
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Legendary Pokémon Celebration Ho-Oh
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PAL region
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Online
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100
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November 2, 2018 to February 28, 2019
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Held items
Stats
Base stats
Stat
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Range
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At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
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106
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166 - 213
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322 - 416
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130
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121 - 200
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238 - 394
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90
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85 - 156
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166 - 306
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110
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103 - 178
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202 - 350
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154
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143 - 226
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281 - 447
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90
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85 - 156
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166 - 306
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Total: 680
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Other Pokémon with this total
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- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
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Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Learnset
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This Pokémon is unavailable within Generation VIII. Click on the generation numbers above to see Ho-Oh's learnsets from other generations.
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Side game data
Evolution
Sprites
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
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Trivia
- Ho-Oh was first revealed in the August 1996 issue of Corocoro, along with Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions, making it the first sign that the franchise would ever expand beyond 151 Pokémon.
- Ho-Oh's name is a palindrome.
- Ho-Oh has the highest base Special Defense stat of all Fire-type Pokémon and is tied with Lugia for the highest base Special Defense stat of all Flying-type Pokémon.
- It is directly implied in a myth in Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, and SoulSilver that Ho-Oh revived Raikou, Entei, and Suicune upon their original deaths.
- As of Generation VI, Ho-Oh is the only game mascot to lose its signature move.
- From Generation VI onward, Ho-Oh is the heaviest Pokémon that can be taken to the sky by using Sky Drop.
Origin
Ho-Oh may be based on the legend of the phoenix, specifically the Fenghuang, the immortal phoenix of China from which it derives its name. It may also be based on the Huma bird, a legendary bird that is said to never rest, living its entire life flying continuously, and resurrects itself and others in its ashes and flames; it is a symbol of fortune and friendship and will bestow happiness to anyone who simply glimpses it. Many cultures view the Phoenix and Huma as symbols of resurrection; this is seen in Ho-Oh, which was reborn rising from its ashes and had a hand in resurrecting Suicune, Raikou and Entei; additionally, this is also reflected by its Hidden Ability Regenerator.
Given its category, it may also be an embodiment of the rainbow, very likely inspired by the multicolored aspect of the Fenghuang or by the rainbow-feathered bird god Achiyalabopa. Ho-Oh could also be inspired by many other firebirds; some notable examples are the three-legged bird, Simurgh, and the Ember Bird.
Name origin
Ho-Oh and Houou are derived from 鳳凰 Hōō, Japanese for the fènghuáng (Chinese phoenix). The ou may also refer to 皇 ō (emperor) or 王 ō (king).
In other languages
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More languages
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Hindi
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हो-ओह Ho-oh
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Transcription of English name
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Russian
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Хо-Ох Kho-Okh
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Transcription of English name
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Thai
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โฮโอ Houou
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Transcription of Japanese name
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Related articles
External links
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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.
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