NIANTIC
Pokemon GO has received a few updates to the game this week, prompting some fans to believe some rather significant changes are on the way.
Firstly, in-game maps appear to have changed in some regions. Previously, Niantic had relied on Google Map data to build its in-game world.
That appears to be shifting, however, as more and more users report the game now using OpenStreetMapdata instead.
The Pokemon GO reddit page over at r/TheSilphRoad has noted that more and more regions are using OpenStreetMap data instead of Google Maps.
The reason behind this change is unclear, but it seems the OSM data is easier for Niantic to extrapolate data from, with PokemonGoHub reporting that 'Niantic is using the OSM data set to create Nests, pick gyms eligible for EX raids and influence the overall game behaviour'.
PokemonGoHub also indicated that OSM is free to use - which could factor into why the developer is changing over.
The good news for players is that OSM data is also pretty open, meaning tools for locating nests and finding rare Pokemon will be more widely available if the company does fully migrate to the service over Google Maps.
However, with it now being December and the Travel Event over, fans are rightfully wondering when (and not if) Niantic will drop their next big winter event.
Pokemon GO - New Gen 3 Ice, Baby and Legendary Pokemon coming in December?
Earlier this year Niantic brought back their Halloween event for a second year but with the addition of some new Hoenn region Gen 3 Ghost Pokemon.
During that event, Niantic confirmed that the rest of the Pokémon first seen in the Pokemon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire games would start arriving in December.
So understandably, Trainers are now preparing for the launch of new Gen 3 Pokemon along with the next event.
For those who don't recall, last December, Niantic had TWO special events and updates. The first consisted of new baby Pokemon who could be hatched alongside a new Santa Hat Pikachu. This was then followed by a more standard 2x XP/Stardust bonus towards the back end of December.
Realistically what can players expect from Niantic in December?
Well, if they only added baby Pokemon, there's only two from Gen 3, that's Azurill (Marill > Azumarill) and Wynaut who evolves into Wobbuffet. Which as additions go, is pretty paltry.
So could we get more? If anything you'd have to bet on Ice Pokemon. We doubt Water types will be involved, as there's simply too many. But Ice, well that's a smaller number, befitting the slow rollout Niantic seem to be going for.
In addition, they could (and this is wild speculation) add a new Gen 3 Legendary, in the form of Regice, one of the Hoenn region's three Legendary Golems.
With the games Gen 2 Legendary Beasts having left the game and new Legendary addition Ho-Oh only available until December 12, it could be the perfect time to introduce the start of some new Legendary Raid Pokemon.
For those interested, the two further Legendary Gen 3 Golems from the game were Registeel and Regirock.
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As previously mentioned, these possible Gen 3 additions could arrive on the back of Niantic's surprise Ho-Oh reveal earlier this week.
As an extra reward for the players who caught over 3 billion Pokemon during the Global Catch Challenge, Ho-Oh is now appearing in Raid Battles at Gyms.
The CP for the Ho-Oh raid boss is 48276 and as you might expect it's not possible to solo the Legendary bird and we'd advise you take it on with at least 6-7 fellow trainers in order to take it down.
Once captured it can have a maximum capture CP of 2222, at Level 20, with a perfect IV score.
To make your newest raid challenge that little bit easier we've put together a guide to battling Ho-Oh, with details about his respective weaknesses and the best counters to use in battle.
In addition, we've run through Ho-Oh's best movesets and some additional counters if you don't have one of the recommended six.
Ho-Oh Pokemon GO Counters - Six of the best Pokemon and move sets
Ho-Oh Raid Counters
Raikou is a Fire and Flying type Pokemon and as such it's best countered with a number of Ground, Water and Electric Pokmon.
As trainers might well know from the above weaknesses listed, Rock types are your best bet against Ho-Oh as they are twice as effective.
As you'll see in the above Gallery, Omastar and Golem stand out as the two best Pokemon, but short of using those two, its also worth considering Tyranitar with Stone Edge, Raikou, Zapdos and Vaporeon. Obviously always opting for those with ground moves first.
Ho-Oh Best Movesets:
As mentioned, Ho-Oh is a pure Fire and Flying type Pokemon and this is also reflected in the move sets, the best of which are marked in bold and italicised below:
• Steel Wing (Quick Attack) - STEEL
• Extrasensory (Quick Attack) - PSYCHIC
• Brave Bird (Charge Attack) - FLYING
• Fire Blast (Charge Attack) - FIRE
• Solar Beam (Charge Attack) - GRASS