Heatran is coming back to Legendary Raids in Pokémon Go. Fortunately, we here at iMore have everything you need to know to win this fight and add Heatran to your roster. And be sure to check out our Best Pokémon Go accessories, so you can be fully equipped for your Pokémon Journey!
Who is Heatran in Pokémon Go?
Something like a tortoise comprised of rocks and magma, Heatran is a Legendary Pokémon from the Gen IV Sinnoh Region. Heatran live within volcanic craters and have even been known to cause eruptions. The immense heat they produce literally melts parts of their own bodies! Unlike most Legendary Pokémon, Heatran can be male or female, and it is the only Pokémon with its particular mix of Fire and Steel typing, giving it some pretty incredible resistances.
In Pokémon Go, Heatran is the bulkiest Fire type in the game. It can't dish out damage like some of the other powerful Fire types, but the future release of its signature move, Magma Storm could change that. Until then, it still makes an excellent counter for a lot of raids.
What are the best counters for Heatran in Pokémon Go?
A Fire and Steel type, Heatran can deal deal Fire, Bug, Steel, and Rock type damage. It has weakness to Fire and Water type damage, and a quad weakness to Ground. While Mega Evolution gives Mega Blastoise and Mega Gyarados some hope against Heatran, Ground types are still your best bet and we don't have any of the Ground type Mega Pokémon yet.
Garchomp
The final evolution of Gen IV's Gible, Garchomp is a pseudo-Legendary Dragon and Ground type. Garchomp and its first stage, Gible have been featured in a Community Day and other events, so most players have at least one powered up at this point. Garchomp resists Rock and Fire type attacks and brings no notable weaknesses to this Raid. You'll want your Garchomp to know Mud Shot and Earth Power; however, if you don't have the Community Day exclusive move or an Elite TM to spare, Earthquake is a good substitute.
Rhyperior
The Sinnoh Stone evolution of Gen I's Rhyhorn, Rhyperior is one of the top Ground type Pokémon in the game. Having been featured in a Community Day and evolving from a Gen I Pokémon, there's no excuse not to have at least one or two by now. As a Ground and Rock type, Rhyperior resists Rock and Fire type damage, but it is weak to Steel. Mud-Slap and Earthquake is the moveset you'll want your Rhyperior to have for this Raid; however, if you happen to have a Rhyperior with Rock Wrecker, do not TM this move away!!! Rock Wrecker is a Legacy move that will cost you an Elite TM to get back.
Landorus (Therian forme)
Although the Incarnate forme has a better moveset, Therian Landorus has a considerably higher attack stat. It has the same typing and so the same resistance to Bug types. The Therian forme hasn't seen the same widespread availability as the Incarnate forme, but both share the same Candy, making it easier to power up. If you're bringing a Therian forme Landorus to this Raid, Mud Shot and Earthquake are the best moves it can have.
Landorus (Incarnate forme)
Although Therian Landorus can deal more damage, its Incarnate forme also performs really well. As a Ground and Flying type, Landorus resists Bug type damage and brings no significant weaknesses to this Raid. This forme has also been in Raids a few times, as well as a Pokémon Go Battle League reward encounter, so most active players have had the chance to add it to their roster. Mud Shot and Earth Power are the moves you'll want your Landorus to know.
Groudon
The mascot for Gen III's Pokémon Ruby, Groudon is one of the top performers in this Raid. Although it is a Legendary Pokémon, it has been available enough times that most players have at least one or two. As a pure Ground type, it isn't weak to any of Heatran's attacks and it resists Rock type damage. With the moveset Mud Shot and Earthquake, Groudon will be an indispensable part of your team for taking on Heatran and that's without Niantic having introduced its Mega-esque forme. Once its Primal forme is introduced, expect that Primal Groudon will be the top counter.
Excadrill
The Ground and Steel type evolution of Gen V's Drilbur, Excadrill is an amazing counter for Heatran in certain cases. It's resistant to Bug, Steel, and Rock type moves, but takes double damage from Fire type. Drilbur is fairly common and it only cost 50 Candies to evolve, leaving plenty left over for powering up. Mud-Slap and Drill Run will make quick work of Heatran.
Rhydon
The Gen I evolution of Rhyhorn, Rhydon has been in the game since day one. While Rhyperior is better for this Raid, if you don't happen to have an extra Sinnoh Stone lying around, Rhydon will still work well in this Raid. As a Rock and Ground type, it resists Fire and Rock type damage, but will take double damage from Heatran's Steel type move. Mud-Slap and Earthquake are the moves you'll want your Rhydon to know.
Golurk
Originally encountered in Gen V's Unova region, Golurk is a solid choice for this Raid. As a Ghost and Ground type, it resists Heatran's Bug and Rock type moves and has no weaknesses Heatran can exploit. It's first stage, Golett isn't super common normally, but has boosted rates during Halloween. Plus, it only requires 50 Candies to evolve, leaving tons of Candy for powering up. If you're bringing Golurk to this fight, you'll want it to know Mud-Slap and Earth Power.
Krookodile
Originally encountered in the Unova region of Gen V, Krookodile is fairly rare in Pokémon Go. Its first stage, Sandile can only be hatched from the 12KM Strange Eggs recovered from the Team GO Rocket Executives. This added with the 125 Candy cost to fully evolve means that many players don't have even one yet, much less the Candy to power it up. As a Ground and Dark type, it takes double damage from Bug type attacks, but half damage from Rock. If you are bringing Krookodile to this Raid, you'll want it to know Mud-Slap and Earthquake.
Golem
The final evolution of Gen I's Geodude, Golem is super common and has been featured in a number of events so most players have at least a couple really strong ones. It's not quite as sturdy as some of the other counters, but still works very well in this Raid. Another Rock and Ground type, it resists Fire and Rock type damage, but takes increased damage from Steel type attacks. Mud-Slap and Earthquake is the moveset you're looking for.
Back ups?
Although most players will be able to make a team of the best counters, if you're finding a gap in your team, there are plenty of back ups who work well in larger groups. Just make sure you're dodging and any of the following could be a decent back up:
- Donphan with Mud-Slap and Earthquake
- Swampert with Mud Shot and Earthquake
- Flygon with Mud Shot and Earth Power
- Mega Blastoise with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
- Mega Aerodactyl with Rock Throw and Earth Power
- Mamoswine with Mud-Slap and Bulldoze
- Seismitoad with Mud Shot and Earth Power
- Haxorus with Counter and Earthquake
- Ho-Oh with Hidden Power and Earthquake
- Mega Gyarados with Waterfall and Hydro Pump
- Gastrodon with Mud-Slap and Earth Power
- Hippowdon with Thunder Fang and Earth Power
- Kingler with Mud Shot and Crabhammer
- Kyogre with Waterfall and Surf
- Conkeldurr with Counter and Dynamic Punch
- Regigigas with Hidden Power and Focus Blast
- Nidoking with Fury Cutter and Earth Power
- Lucario with Counter and Aura Sphere
- Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
- Samurott with Waterfall and Hydro Cannon
- Empoleon with Waterfall and Hydro Cannon
- Feraligatr with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
Shadow Pokémon?
The rebalance of Shadow Pokémon rescued from Team GO Rocket make them excellent glass cannons. Not only are their stats boosted, but during special events or with Elite TMs, it's possible to change their moves. If you happen to have any of the following Pokémon with the right moveset, they will work very well in this Raid:
- Shadow Swampert with Mud Shot and Earthquake
- Shadow Flygon with Mud Shot and Earth Power
- Shadow Mamoswine with Mud-Slap and Bulldoze
- Shadow Ho-Oh with Hidden Power and Earthquake
- Shadow Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
- Shadow Nidoking with Fury Cutter and Earth Power
- Shadow Hariyama with Counter and Dynamic Punch
- Shadow Gyarados with Waterfall and Hydro Pump
- Shadow Sandslash with Mud Shot and Earthquake
Note: Shadow Swampert, Shadow Flygon, Shadow Mamoswine, and Shadow Ho-Oh perform at the same level as the Pokémon in the best counters list. Although Ground types are preferred here, with the use of Mega Blastoise or Mega Gyarados, Water types could still be viable.
How many players does it take to beat Heatran in Pokémon Go?
While it is possible for two high level players to take on Heatran under the best conditions, lower level players may want at least four.
Weather Conditions that could impact this Raid include:
- Sunny/Clear Weather boosts Heatran's Fire type moves, as well as your Ground type counters
- Rainy Weather will boost its Bug type attack, but will also boost your Water type counters
- Partly Cloudy boosts Heatran's Rock type move
- Snow will boost its Steel type move
- Cloudy Weather will boost your Fighting type counters
Questions about taking on Heatran in Pokémon Go?
Do you have any questions about taking on the Lava Dome Pokémon? Any tips for fellow trainers? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out our Complete Pokédex, as well as our many other Pokémon Go Guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!
