Hoopa Pokemon Go Guide

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Emily Medlock, Resident Pokémon Go Expert

Emily is our resident Pokemon Go expert who still wanders streets aimlessly and get's in those steps to get her hands on new and exciting Pokemon walking amongst us in AR form. Outside of Pokemon, she loves mainstream RPGS and survival games, with Ark Survival Evolved being her main squeeze.

Latest posts by Emily Medlock, Resident Pokémon Go Expert (see all)

• Acerola Pokemon Guide: The Ghost of Ula’ula Island - August 16, 2022
• Hoopa Pokemon Go Guide - August 13, 2022
• Every Green Pokemon Guide - August 6, 2022

A Hoopa Pokémon GO guide is something I should have followed autumn of 2021. Instead, I didn’t see Hoopa coming when I completed the research task needed to unlock it. I also had no idea that it could transform into an alternate version if done so during the event. Now, I’m staying up to date on events that may involve Hoopa so I can transform mine when the time comes.

I currently only have Hoopa Confined because I picked up the Special Research task and finished it later. Because I didn’t get Hoopa during the event, I cannot transform it until another event rolls around.

I’m not too upset about not having Hoopa Unbound because Psychic and Ghost – which Hoopa Confined is – is one of the most unique combos that I’ve seen. I want to add Hoopa Unbound to my collection, but I’m glad I have Hoopa Confined.

Important Facts About Hoopa in Pokémon GO

• Hoopa Confined has a max CP of 3,359 at level 40
• Hoopa Unbound has a max CP of 4,006 at level 40
• Hoopa Confined is Psychic/Ghost – use Ghost and Dark to defeat it
• Hoopa Unbound is Psychic/Dark – use Bug and Fairy to defeat it
• Hoopa Confined’s best moveset is Confusion and Shadow Ball
• Hoopa Unbound’s best moveset is Confusion and Psychic

Hoopa Outside of Pokémon GO

Hoopa was first introduced in Gen VI. It is a Mythical Pokémon with two forms – Confined and Unbound. Confined is its default, while Unbound is the more powerful and impressive form.

Hoopa in the Anime

In the anime, Hoopa has its own series of shorts called Hoopa’s Surprise Ring Adventures. The Pokémon, likely because it is a Ghost-type, loves to play pranks and cause trouble.

In the series, Ash and Pikachu are its newest targets. Later on, Hoopa appeared in a few XY episodes that featured the Pokémon’s background and allowed it to be the “good guy.” But when it is Unbound, it becomes the primary antagonist.

Hoopa in X and Y

Hoopa debuted in X and Y. It is featured as a Ghost-type Pokémon that loves to cause trouble and teleport its prized possessions into a secret place. An event is the only way to get Hoopa in X and Y.

Hoopa in Sun and Moon

An event is the only way to get Hoopa in Sun and Moon. Thus far, the event was only active in Japan in 2017 and 2018. So the only real way to get it is to trade someone who participated in the Japanese event.

Hoopa Stats, Movesets, and Acquisition in Pokémon GO

It’s always nice to learn the difference in Pokémon stats so you can make the best decision for yourself. Hoopa Confined may not be as good as Unbound, but that doesn’t mean you should never use it.

Hoopa Base Stats

Hoopa confined has a max CP of 3,359 at level 40, while Hoopa Unbound has a max CP of 4,006 at level 40. This alone lets you know all you need to know about the power difference between the two.

Hoopa Confined

• Attack – 261
• Defense – 187
• Stamina – 173

Hoopa Unbound

• Attack – 311
• Defense – 191
• Stamina – 173

Hoopa All Moves – With My Recommended

Each version of Hoopa has two Fast Attacks (FA) and three Charged Attacks (CA) that it may learn. None of the Charged Attacks are bad, but I recommend using a TM to learn Confusion if your Hoopa knows Astonish.

Hoopa Confined Moves

• Confusion (FA)- Recommend
• Astonish (FA)
• Psychic (CA)
• Shadow Ball (CA) – Recommend
• Psybeam (CA)

Hoopa Unbound Moves

• Confusion (FA)- Recommend
• Astonish (FA)
• Dark Pulse (CA)
• Shadow Ball (CA)
• Psychic (CA) – Recommend

How to Get Hoopa in Pokémon GO

The only way to get Hoopa is to complete Special Research Tasks. Hoopa Confined was released in September of 2021 via the Misunderstood Mischief Research Task. After you complete the third part, you encounter it.

Unlike Hoopa Confined, Hoopa Unbound cannot be captured in the wild. Instead, you can transform your Hoopa into the Unbound version during events for 50 Candy and 10,000 Stardust. You can change it back for a fifth of the cost.

If you missed the event in 2021 and cannot get Hoopa anymore, then consider looking online for someone to trade with. It will cost a lot of Stardust, but Facebook groups are a great way to find Pokémon that you haven’t collected yet.

If you don’t know if you missed your chance, then check your Special Research tasks for one named Misunderstood Mischief Research Task. If it’s there, you can get Hoopa; if it isn’t, then you can’t.

Best Counters for Hoopa Confined in Pokémon GO

Hoopa Confined is very vulnerable to Ghost and Dark moves. However, this also means that Ghost-type Pokémon will also be vulnerable to Hoopa. So, it’s up to you whether you risk it.

Gengar (Risky)

• Lick
• Shadow Ball

Gengar with Lick and Shadow Ball is a great option against Hoopa if you can put in the damage fast. This is one of those times when the stronger Pokémon will win because, with the right moves, they’ll both do a ton of damage to each other.

Chandelure (Risky)

• Hex
• Shadow Ball

Chandelure isn’t one of my favorite Ghost types, but I love the unique Ghost and Fire combo. Again, this Pokémon is weak to Ghost and Dark-type moves, so it’s all about trading damage.

Darkrai

• Snarl
• Shadow Ball

Darkrai is one of the best choices to use against Hoopa because he’s resistant to Ghost, Dark, and Psychic moves, which are Hoopa’s only moves. So unlike Gengar, there’s no risk here.

Hydreigon

• Bite
• Brutal Swing

Another non-risky choice is Hydreigon because he is resistant to Ghost, Dark, and Psychic. He actually takes 39% damage when faced with Psychic moves, which is likely what Hoopa will use.

Zoroark

• Snarl
• Foulplay

There’s something about Zoroark that I love. His only resistances are Ghost, Dark, and Psychic, so he’s a super great Pokémon to use against Hoopa. Just make sure you use his Dark moves.

Giratina Origin (Risky)

• Shadow Claw
• Shadow Ball

Giratina has a lot of resistance, especially in his Origin form, but he’s still weak against Ghost and Dark. Although I usually recommend using Dragon Tail as his fast attack, if you want to face off against Hoopa, choose Shadow Claw.

Banette (Risky)

• Hex
• Shadow Ball

Banette is a risky choice because it’s only weak against Ghost and Dark. Now, the reason Pokémon like this works is because Hoopa usually uses Psychic moves, which Banette is not weak against.

Best Counters for Hoopa Unbound in Pokémon GO

Hoopa Unbound is very vulnerable to Bug-type moves and fairly vulnerable to Fairy-type moves. Because of this, the Pokémon to use against it are different than what you’d use against Hoopa Confined.

Volcarona

• Bug Bite
• Bug Buzz

If you use Bug-type moves instead of Fire-type moves, then Volcarona is a good option. No one expects this Pokémon in competitive or in a raid, but it really is underrated despite being a unique Bug-Fire combo.

Genesect

• Fury Cutter
• X-Scissor

Arguably the best Bug-Type Pokémon is Genesect. Not only does Genesect have five forms, but even the normal form has only one weakness: Fire. The nine resistances include Psychic, Hoopa’s main attack type.

Escavalier

• Bug Bute
• Megahorn

If you want an easy Escavalier, trade a Karrablast to a friend and have them trade one back. The Bug and Steel combo makes a return with this Pokémon with one weakness and nine resistances. 

Scizor

• Fury Cutter
• X-Scissor

Are you seeing a pattern yet? The original Bug and Steel combo Pokémon makes a return in Pokémon GO with his difficult-to-counter set. I have always had a soft spot for Scizor.

Samurott

• Fury Cutter
• Megahorn

Samurott may be Water-type and not exactly an obvious choice, but he has good base stats, and he can learn Furry Cutter and Mega Horn. So if you have him, it’s worth a try using him against Hoopa Unbound. 

Zacian (Crowned Sword)

• Quick Attack
• Play Rough

Zacian’s Crowned Sword version is so good. It is resistant to Dark and Psychic, so using it is a great option against Hoopa. The Play Rough gives extra damage because its Fairy Type and Quick Attack does good DPS.

Tapu (Any)

• Fairy-type

This is my wild card pick, and I mention it because I feel that the Tapu Pokémon are often neglected. They made it to Pokémon GO in 2022, and they all have Fairy-type moves to use against Unbound Hoopa.

Best Pokémon to Use Hoopa Confined Against

Hoopa isn’t usually a difficult Pokémon to face compared to other Mythicals, but when you’re up against him in a raid, it’s a good idea to prepare a fit party. When it comes to countering Hoopa, there is a catch.

Because Hoopa Confined is Ghost-type, many of the Pokémon that counter it are also Pokémon that it can counter. I believe that whether or not you are up against an NPC will decide whether choosing one of these overlaps is worth it.

When you’re up against a Hoopa Confined, I recommend throwing out the damage and risking it all with a Dark/Ghost Pokémon only if you’re up against an NPC. If you’re against a player, try to play it safer.

Slowking (Galarian)

Galarian Slowking is one freaky Pokémon. It exchanges the regular Water-type Slowking with a Poison one but keeps the Psychic. It and Galarian Slowbro are the only Poison/Psychic Pokémon. 

Gengar

Gengar is good and bad against Hoopa Confined. So again, if you are the player and the other is the NPC, then it’s a good bet. But if it’s PvP, it’s a bit too risky, in my opinion, to use either.

Marowak (Alolan)

Alolan Marowak is Fire and Ghost, so it is weak against Ghost and Dark. If you do face Marowak, then use your Ghost moves rather than the Psychic ones. But only switch them out for him as a raid boss you are struggling against. 

Medicham

Medicham is a surprisingly meta Pokémon that has Fighting and Psychic-type moves but will most likely use Fighting-moves, which Hoopa is very resistant to. Medicham is vulnerable to Ghost moves. 

Machamp

Machamp isn’t an easy Pokémon to face. But if you have a Hoopa Confined, you won’t take hardly any damage from this normally strong Pokémon. Throw a few Psychic moves at him, and he’s done for.

Lucario

Lucario probably isn’t the gem that I think he is, but I love him so much. He has nine resistances. However, whenever he chooses Fighting-type moves, which he will, he won’t do much damage to Hoopa. 

Best Pokémon to Use Hoopa Unbound Against

Although Hoopa Unbound’s base stats are better than Hoopa Confined’s, it doesn’t have as many resistances. It is only resistant to Psychic. This makes it harder to choose when to use it.

Venusaur

Venusaur is always a tough Pokémon to face. But it is weak to Psychic. Hoopa Unbound does a ton of Psychic damage, so taking Venusaur down shouldn’t be much of a problem. 

Sneasler

Sneaslier is Fighting and Poison, so it is very weak to Psychic. Although this Pokémon is amazing, you’d be surprised how fast it goes down when a few Confusion Fast Attacks are thrown at it.

Toxicroak

Toxicroak is also Fighting and Poison, and a good Pokémon too. But this type of combo means it takes a lot more damage from Psychic type moves. It should also have Fighting damage, which won’t hurt Hoopa Unbound much. 

Nihilego

Something about Nihlego is really cool to me. While it has a decent amount of resistance, it also has four vulnerabilities. It is vulnerable to Psychic moves, so it will take extra damage against Unbound Hoopa. 

FAQs

Hoopa Belongs in Pokémon GO

I don’t play Pokémon GO for the battles or the adventure. I play Pokémon GO as an interactive Pokédex, collecting every Pokémon that I can. Because of this, I consider each Pokémon equal in value. If you play for the competitive part, then it really depends on the rest of your team. If you have Armored Mewtwo and Mega Gengar, then Hoopa may not have a place.

Hoopa doesn’t stand out to me in terms of strength, but the combo of either Dark and Psychic or Ghost and Psychic can be overpowered in the right hands.