Image courtesy of PokeAPI (official artwork)
Ho-Oh isn’t just a legend etched in gold; it’s a beast ready to shine with the right EVs and IVs. For Trainers chasing a durable, high-damage presence in battles—whether you’re pushing for story progression or climbing the competitive ladder—getting Ho-Oh’s stats dialed in through thoughtful training can make the difference between wreaking havoc and being a wipe-worthy threat. This guide breaks down how to approach EV and IV optimization for Ho-Oh, grounded in its official stat line and dual Fire/Flying typing, while keeping movesets and regional nuances out of the equation to stay true to what we know from the data you provided. ⚡🔥🌊🪨
Ho-Oh at a glance: the data that shapes your plan
- Types: Fire / Flying
- Base stats (when you start planning): HP 106 • Attack 130 • Defense 90 • Special Attack 110 • Special Defense 154 • Speed 90
- Flavor note: Legends claim this POKéMON flies the world’s skies continuously on its magnificent seven-colored wings.
Legends claim this POKéMON flies the world’s skies continuously on its magnificent seven-colored wings.
That combination—high raw Attack, a very stout Special Defense, and solid bulk—gives Ho-Oh two compelling paths. It can be a sturdy special blocker in many setups, or a fearsome physical hitter with the right EV spread and nature. Because we’re not enumerating specific moves here, think of Ho-Oh’s role in your team when you choose how to allocate EVs and which IV targets you chase. The key is aligning your training priorities with the stat you want to maximize for your chosen role. 🧊✨
IV basics you’ll actually use
Individual Values (IVs) determine how high each base stat can grow. In practical terms, you want the highest possible IVs in the stat you intend to emphasize, plus solid IVs across the board to avoid glaring weak points. For Ho-Oh, two obvious focal points emerge from the given base stats:
- Primary offensive stat choice: If you’re leaning toward a physical attacker role, chase 31 IVs in Attack to maximize wall-crushing power. If you’re leaning toward a special attacker, push for 31 IVs in Special Attack to squeeze out more bite from special moves.
- Key bulk stat: Ho-Oh already sports impressive Special Defense. If you’re aiming for durability, 31 IVs in HP help keep you sturdy in the early turns of a battle, with additional attention to Defense and Special Defense to smooth out hits you’ll eat later.
IV optimization is easiest when you set targets before you start: for a physical Ho-Oh, aim for 31 in HP, 31 in Attack, and 25–31 in Speed depending on whether you need to outrun common threats. For a mixed or bulky build, you’ll prioritize HP and bulk stats, with 31 in HP and at least 28–31 in Special Defense. If you’re unsure, the general rule is to tie your 31-IV targets to the stat you’ll rely on in a given role, and keep the rest as high as you can within practical limits. 🌟
EV spreads to maximize Ho-Oh’s potential
EVs (Effort Values) are your way of turning Ho-Oh’s natural strengths into battlefield outcomes. The aim is to optimize surviving and dealing damage in the role you choose. Here are three solid, data-grounded starting points based on Ho-Oh’s stats:
252 Attack / 252 Speed / 4 HP. Nature: Adamant (increase Attack, decrease Special Attack) or Brave (increase Attack, decrease Speed). Rationale: maximize raw physical power while keeping enough speed to threaten foes before they act. 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed / 4 HP. Nature: Modest (increase Special Attack, decrease Attack) or Mild. Rationale: leverage Ho-Oh’s Special Attack base to push big damage with STAB-powered options, while still pressuring foes with solid speed. 252 HP / 128 Defense / 128 Special Defense (example split; any 4-multiples that total up to or under 510 are fine). Nature: Careful (increase Special Defense, decrease Special Attack) or Impish. Rationale: lean into Ho-Oh’s natural bulk and particularly its high Special Defense to weather special hits, while keeping a modest defensive footprint across the board.
Remember that EVs aren’t just about numbers; they unlock how Ho-Oh trades blows in real battles. If you’re aiming for a mixed or bulky build, don’t neglect Speed entirely—outspeedting even a few common picks can give you priceless momentum. For the battles you care about in-story progression, prioritize survivability first, then offense. ⚡🔥
IV, Nature, and the training workflow
IVs and nature are the trio that shapes a Ho-Oh that hits hard and lasts. A quick, practical workflow looks like this:
- Define the primary role (physical attacker, special attacker, or bulky support).
- Pick the target IVs a few stats will carry: HP at 31 for bulk, Attack or Special Attack at 31 for your chosen offense, Speed around 25–31 if you need a notable speed edge.
- Choose a nature that aligns with that role (Adamant for physical, Modest for special, Careful for bulk).
- Allocate EVs with the standard 252/252/4 distribution or the bulk-focused variant you prefer, keeping within the 510 EV cap.
- Work toward desired IVs with in-game training tools, items, or breeding strategies depending on the game version you’re playing.
On the practical side, you’ll often hear about “Power” items and vitamins to help target EV gains in specific stats, as well as the potential for later-game IV optimization steps. While those elements depend on the game generation you’re playing, the core idea remains: align your EV plan with Ho-Oh’s role, chase 31s where it matters most, and keep a realistic cap on what your training budget can achieve in a single session. 🧭
Type matchups and synergy: playing to Ho-Oh’s strengths
Fire/Flying gives Ho-Oh meaningful coverage across many common threats, along with strong STAB potential for both offense options. You’ll want to consider two things when building around Ho-Oh’s role:
- Keep Rock-types in check: Ho-Oh has a notorious 4x weakness to Rock moves. A well-timed switch or a team that can eliminate Rock threats helps Ho-Oh stay healthy longer, letting your EV and IV plan reach full effect.
Electric and Water moves threaten Ho-Oh’s bulk and effectiveness. Pair Ho-Oh with teammates that can absorb or pivot through those threats, maintaining battlefield pressure while you execute your EV plan.
With STAB modifiers in mind, Ho-Oh’s natural strengths mean you should place emphasis on the stat you’re building into and keep a backup plan ready for rough matchups. The result is a resilient, high-damage presence that can swing momentum in multi-turn battles or intense boss fights in story modes. ✨🐉
Lore and mindset: staying inspired as you train
As Ho-Oh soars across the skies in legend and song, the idea of precise training mirrors its grand, almost mythic journey. Approach IV and EV training with patience and curiosity. Each stat you optimize is a small win along a much larger arc of growth—one that blends nostalgia with practical combat prowess. And when you finally see Ho-Oh punching through a tough encounter with flawless timing and the right stat spread, you’ll feel that same spark of joy that legends carry in their wings. 🎒
Whether you’re chasing a physically dominant behemoth, a scorching special attacker, or a sturdy, wall-like force, Ho-Oh’s stat line rewards thoughtful planning, not brute force alone. With the plan above, you’re turning raw potential into battlefield power—and you’ll be ready to take on whatever trials lie ahead.