How To Get Ho Oh In Crystal Requirements And Encounter Guide
In Pokémon Crystal, catching the legendary Fire and Flying-type Pokémon Ho-Oh is a significantly different challenge than in Pokémon Gold and Silver. While players in Gold receive the necessary Rainbow Wing during the main story, Crystal requires players to complete a late-game sidequest before encountering this majestic creature. Understanding the specific requirements will help you prepare your team effectively and successfully unlock the battle at the summit of the Tin Tower.
Prerequisites for Obtaining the Rainbow Wing
Before you can attempt to encounter Ho-Oh, you must complete the main story requirements, which include defeating the Kanto and Johto Gyms as well as the Elite Four. Additionally, you must catch all three Legendary Beasts: Raikou, Entei, and Suicune. These three Pokémon must be present in your game save file rather than transferred from another original trainer ID.
Once all three beasts are registered in your collection, head to Ecruteak City and visit the Tin Tower. Speak with the Wise Trio on the first floor to receive the key item known as the Rainbow Wing. This item serves as your official pass to ascend the tower and reach Ho-Oh's sanctuary.
Ascending the Tin Tower and Reaching the Summit
The journey to the top of the Tin Tower involves navigating through complex floor mazes, warp tiles, and jumping ledges. Make sure to bring plenty of Repels to avoid wild Pokémon encounters along the way so you can save your team's health for the main event. Exploring every corner of the tower can also yield valuable items like Full Restores and Ultra Balls before reaching the rooftop.
When you finally step out onto the rooftop of the Tin Tower, you will find Ho-Oh waiting for you at Level 60. It is strongly recommended to save your game right in front of the legendary bird before initiating the battle. If you accidentally knock it out, Ho-Oh will not respawn, meaning this is your only opportunity to catch it.
Battle Strategy and Preparation for Ho-Oh
Ho-Oh enters the battle with powerful moves like Fire Blast, Sacred Ash, and Recover, making it a formidable opponent to weaken. Utilizing status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis is essential to drastically increase your catch rate while mitigating incoming damage. Bringing a Pokémon with False Swipe helps reduce its health safely to 1 HP without risking a knockout.
Water, Electric, and Rock-type Pokémon are ideal tank choices to resist Ho-Oh's strong attacks during the capture process. Stock up on at least 30 to 40 Ultra Balls or save your Master Ball if you want a guaranteed capture. With patience and careful health management, you will successfully add the legendary rainbow bird to your party.