Heatran Movesets & Competitive Sets

Set Details With this set, Heatran sacrifices its bulk to heavily damage some of its typical switch-ins, scoring a 2HKO on specially defensive Landorus-T with Eruption when at full health, and nearly on uninvested Slowbro too. Air Balloon dissuades Landorus-T from switching into Heatran even more, as well as shutting down Astrolotl and opposing Heatran while intact. While Leftovers could also be run, Air Balloon is almost always superior here for its exclusive ability to practically invalidate checks and enable more offensive progress than usual. Magma Storm lets Heatran trap and chip its switch-ins, in addition to providing a strong attack even when Heatran is at low HP, which drastically reduces Eruption's power. Earth Power helps wear down switch-ins like Tapu Fini, Toxapex, and Garchomp more quickly and provides coverage against opposing Fire-types. A Timid nature can be considered for outspeeding Adamant Swords Dance Rillaboom, but it is generally useless outside of this benchmark. Heatran loses out on added bulk when running this set; as a result, it becomes more vulnerable to special attackers like Dragapult and Tapu Koko. Therefore, Equilibra and Landorus-T make for great partners, walling the latter and matching up well into the former, especially if they choose to run more Special Defense investment. A Bulky Water-type, especially physically defensive Toxapex or standard Slowbro, makes for an invaluable, mandatory Heatran teammate, effectively checking massive threats to it in Galarian Zapdos and Urshifu-R. Offensive Electric- and Grass-types like Tapu Koko, Zeraora, Kartana, and Rillaboom switch into and force out Pokemon Heatran struggles against, such as Toxapex, Tapu Fini, and Slowking. It is also a good idea to pair Heatran with Dragapult or Blacephalon, as they form a potent special wallbreaking core together, greatly pressuring their shared checks in Toxapex and Tapu Fini. Choice Specs Blacephalon in particular can swiftly dispose of certain bulky Water-types that Heatran cannot, especially Arghonaut and Slowbro. Lastly, a defensive Grass-type in Ferrothorn provides extra security against Water-types in general.

Set Details With its combination of great natural bulk, uncontested utility options, and a useful ability in Flash Fire, Heatran cements itself as an exemplary stallbreaker and blanket check of the CAP metagame. Courtesy of its high Special Defense, Heatran is able to check prominent special attackers such as Dragapult, Zapdos, and Tapu Lele; furthermore, due to its typing and ability, it completely walls Pokemon like Clefable and Volcarona. Magma Storm allows Heatran to trap and chip bulky Water-types such as Slowbro and Toxapex, as well as specially defensive titans like Blissey and Galarian Slowking. Taunt prevents these walls from recovering their health or, in Slowbro and Blissey's cases, from using Teleport, ensuring that Heatran effectively wears them down over time and eventually KOs them. Earth Power super-effectively damages opposing Heatran, as well as Astrolotl and Krilowatt, relatively common switch-ins to it. Toxic and Stealth Rock are interchangeable in the last moveslot, though the former is usually preferred to wear down particularly sturdy answers to Heatran in Gastrodon and Swampert. However, Heatran is still an effective Stealth Rock setter, forcing out a common Defogger in Corviknight. Heatran relies on Leftovers for recovery; therefore, Knock Off absorbers like Clefable and Corviknight make for excellent teammates. The latter is especially notable for switching in on common Ground-types like Landorus-T and Hippowdon with impunity. Landorus-T itself is also an effective Heatran partner, switching into Garchomp and freeing it up to run Toxic. It is essential to pair Heatran with defensive Water-types such as Toxapex and Slowbro, as they wall Galarian Zapdos, Venomicon-E, and Urshifu-R, which easily OHKO Heatran. Toxapex in particular also matches up very well against Buzzwole. Additionally, offensive Grass-types like Jumbao and Rillaboom make for amazing partners; Jumbao and Heatran each resist every type the other is weak to, while Rillaboom's Grassy Terrain not only significantly weakens Earthquake, but also provides Heatran with an additional source of much-needed recovery. Weavile comes in on and immediately threatens the aforementioned Ground-type checks, as well as Dragon-types that Heatran struggles against such as Dragonite and Pajantom. Lastly, Dragapult and Blacephalon greatly appreciate Heatran chipping Landorus-T and Colossoil.

This specially defensive spread provides Heatran much-needed bulk against common special threats like Eternatus and Xerneas; Special Attack investment is not needed, since Heatran mostly relies on passive damage from Magma Storm, Toxic, and Stealth Rock to defeat foes. 244 HP EVs allow Heatran to take an extra round of Leech Seed or entry hazard damage, and 20 Speed EVs let it outspeed uninvested Necrozma-DM and Buzzwole, as well as certain Groudon variants. The combination of Magma Storm, Taunt, and Earth Power is needed to trap Eternatus, one of Heatran's most important targets. Toxic allows for additional passive damage while Stealth Rock frees up Heatran's teammates in Necrozma-DM and Groudon to run coverage moves. Lunala, Giratina-O, and defensive Zygarde-C are capable of dealing with common Ground-types in Groudon, Zygarde-C, and Excadrill, which is vital when using Heatran. Another great defensive partner is Blissey, which acts as a secondary special wall for offensive Eternatus and Xerneas and answers Kyogre, allowing Heatran to forgo Roar. Eternatus has good defensive synergy with Heatran due to resisting both Water and Fighting. Offensive Pokemon like Kyogre and Xerneas appreciate Heatran's ability to pressure and remove common special walls like Blissey, Eternatus, Ferrothorn, and Ho-Oh. Groudon provides sun support and benefits greatly from Heatran carrying Stealth Rock. When lacking Roar, Heatran becomes a liability versus hyper offense, since it is heavily pressured by common Pokemon such as Groudon, Marshadow and Calyrex-S; as such, anti-offense Pokemon like Choice Scarf Calyrex-S, Marshadow, and Heavy-Duty-Boots Eternatus make good teammates.

Set Description Defensive Heatran is a staple of many teams' defensive cores and can fit on bulky offense, balance, and even stall teams with ease. Fire / Steel is an excellent defensive typing that enables Heatran to answer a myriad of foes such as Scizor, Clefable, Weavile, Togekiss, and many more. It also allows Heatran to pivot in on resisted attacks such as Garchomp's Dragon-type moves, Azumarill's Play Rough, and Alakazam's Psychic, all of which come from foes Heatran otherwise has poor matchups against. Heatran's typing also makes it an excellent counter to Roserade, letting it act as one of the best switch-ins to Roserade's Sleep Powder. Magma Storm gives Heatran a respectable offensive presence even without any investment thanks to its high Base Power and residual damage, while its trapping effect lets Heatran punish defensive switch-ins as well as switch out without fear of the foe doing the same. Taunt pairs beautifully with Magma Storm, as it denies trapped foes the ability to use their recovery moves, making Heatran an excellent stallbreaker. Earth Power threatens Fire-types like opposing Heatran and Infernape and hits Water-types for neutral damage, whereas Flash Cannon targets Fairy-types such as Clefable and Togekiss without risking a Magma Storm miss, and it hits foes like Latias for neutral damage. Because of Heatran's impressive defensive capabilities, it is often able to find many free turns to set Stealth Rock, making it one of the tier's best, most reliable entry hazard setters; this is despite its poor matchups against common hazard removal options such as Defog Gliscor and Rapid Spin Starmie. If another teammate is setting Stealth Rock, Heatran can instead run Protect in order to accumulate more Leftovers recovery as well as scout moves from common Choice item users such as Infernape, Garchomp, and Rotom-Wash. Flame Body lets Heatran punish contact moves such as Scizor's U-turn, Weavile's Throat Chop, and Garchomp's Outrage with a potential burn. The listed EV spread allows Heatran to avoid the 2HKO from Choice Band Weavile's Throat Chop after Stealth Rock while also outspeeding offensive Scizor, which would otherwise OHKO it with a +2 Life Orb Brick Break. Team Options Ground-immune Pokemon such as Rotom-Wash, Latias, and Gliscor as well as most other Flying-types make for excellent Heatran partners, since it is often the target of such moves. Grass-types such as Tangrowth, Celebi, and Roserade can also answer Ground-type foes for Heatran while also being able to check Water-types like Rotom-Wash, Crawdaunt, and Azumarill, which can threaten Heatran greatly. Roserade is a particularly good partner for Heatran, as it is also able to set Spikes. This makes Heatran + Roserade an excellent entry hazard stacking core, with Heatran setting Stealth Rock extremely consistently, while Roserade can lay down multiple layers of Spikes as well as answer Rapid Spin Starmie, which otherwise removes Heatran's hazards easily. Defensive Starmie also pairs well with the aforementioned core, as its Rapid Spin can remove opposing hazards while still keeping Heatran's and Roserade's own hazards up. Starmie can also check and revenge kill Ground-types that threaten to OHKO Heatran such as Garchomp and Gliscor. Other bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Milotic, Rotom-Wash, and Suicune make for valuable teammates for similar reasons, as they can stomach strong Water-type moves as well as check Ground-types that would threaten Heatran out. Clefable is an excellent partner for Heatran because it can make up for Heatran's lack of recovery with Wish support while also being able to check Dragon-types such as Garchomp, Latias, and Dragonite that would give Heatran issues. Clefable can also switch in on Weavile's Throat Chop, giving Heatran more room to breathe. In return, Heatran threatens Steel-types such as Scizor, Skarmory, and Magnezone that can either wall or threaten out Clefable, as well as Roserade, which threatens Clefable with a STAB Sludge Bomb. The previously mentioned Dragon-types appreciate Heatran answering Fairy-types and Weavile, while they can threaten problematic walls such as Gliscor. Special wallbreakers such as Latias, Starmie, and Alakazam appreciate Heatran's stallbreaking capabilities, which primarily include luring in and removing Blissey with Magma Storm + Taunt. They also appreciate its ability to answer Scizor and Weavile and punish them with a Flame Body burn. Scizor appreciates Heatran's defensive capabilities, since they take the pressure off Scizor to answer foes such as Weavile and Roserade. In return, Scizor can check the likes of Latias and Alakazam that can threaten Heatran out or use it as setup fodder. Lastly, special walls such as Blissey, specially defensive Mew, and Celebi can check many of the aforementioned special attackers that would take advantage of their positive matchups against Heatran.

Set Description Offensive Heatran utilizes its solid defensive profile to hit the field and fire off powerful attacks that can be difficult for opposing teams to withstand over the course of a game. The combination of Magma Storm + Taunt allows Heatran to break past bulkier Pokemon that switch into its attacks, such as Blissey, specially defensive Mew, and Calm Mind Latias. Magma Storm's sheer strength and residual damage also allow it to muscle past would-be Heatran answers like slower variants of Gliscor and non-specially defensive Rotom-Wash. Earth Power targets opposing Heatran and deals decent damage to Water-type Pokemon like Crawdaunt and offensive Starmie, whereas Flash Cannon hits Fairy-types like Clefable and Togekiss for super effective damage on top of being a reliable neutral hit against targets like Garchomp, Latias, and Azumarill. Heatran can find many opportunities to set up Stealth Rock thanks to the many switches it forces due to its strength; no entry hazard remover wishes to switch into offensive Heatran bar defensive Starmie, as even the likes of Gliscor can be 2HKOed by Magma Storm on the switch if they aren't faster than Heatran. Overheat can offer Heatran a large burst of damage if it wants to be able to pick up KOs from higher ranges; for example, it can guarantee a KO on specially defensive Gliscor after it has switched into Stealth Rock and Magma Storm. The move's higher accuracy can make it more appealing to use than Magma Storm on occasion as well. Heatran can choose to forego Leftovers and use Power Herb + Solar Beam in order to lure in and greatly threaten Water-types that would otherwise answer it with ease; however, this comes at the cost of Heatran's longevity and defensive utility. Coverage moves like Dark Pulse and Dragon Pulse can be considered in order to threaten Starmie and Dragon-types, respectively; however, it is often very difficult to justify running these moves over other, more consistent options. A Timid nature is preferred because it lets Heatran outspeed base 70s that are using a Speed-boosting nature, namely Breloom and lead Skarmory, as well as slower variants of opposing Heatran. If the extra Speed is not needed, a Modest nature can be chosen to increase Heatran's damage output. Flame Body is the preferred ability, since it lets Heatran punish Scizor's U-turn, Weavile's Throat Chop, and Azumarill's Play Rough while even being able to punish Garchomp's Outrage in a pinch. Flash Fire can be run in order to provide Heatran with extra switch-in opportunities on moves such as Choice-locked Infernape's Flare Blitz, opposing Heatran's Magma Storm, and Flamethrower from the likes of Mew and Togekiss. In addition, the extra damage on Fire-type moves further augments Heatran's offensive capabilities, allowing Modest variants to OHKO non-specially defensive Gliscor with Magma Storm after Stealth Rock damage. Team Options Grass-types like Celebi, Roserade, and Breloom make for good teammates, since they can threaten Water-types such as Milotic and Suicune that would otherwise hard wall Heatran; the former two can also set up entry hazards for Heatran, freeing up its move slots. Fellow Fire-type Infernape can pair up with Heatran to overwhelm shared checks such as Gliscor, Rotom-Wash, Garchomp, and Latias. Infernape also provides a soft check to Weavile, which Heatran cannot check as effectively without bulk investment. Teammates that can check Ground-types are appreciated immensely, since Heatran is deathly afraid of their STAB moves; defensive checks can include Gliscor, Tangrowth, Rotom-Wash, and more, while offensive checks include the likes of Weavile, Mamoswine, offensive Starmie, Latias, and many more. Garchomp is a solid partner for Heatran, as it can set up Stealth Rock while threatening Gliscor for Heatran; in return, it appreciates Heatran being able to check Fairy- and Steel-types like Clefable, Togekiss, and Skarmory as well as Weavile. Wallbreakers such as Latias, Alakazam, and Weavile that are checked by Scizor and Clefable appreciate Heatran threatening them out, while, in return, they offer Heatran some much-needed speed control. Scizor makes for a solid partner because it can check Weavile, which Heatran cannot do as well when not running any bulk investment, as well as threats such as Alakazam and Latias. Clefable is a good partner for similar reasons, but it can also offer Wish support to keep Heatran healthy as well as answer the likes of Garchomp and Dragonite.

Heatran supports Fire teams with its role compression via its distinctive typing and versatile utility. Some of its notable roles are breaking past troublesome walls such as Toxapex, denying entry hazard setters such as Tyranitar and Clefable with Taunt, and setting Stealth Rock. Heatran's typing grants it neutrality to Rock-type attacks from foes such as Choice Scarf Nihilego; it also checks Choice Band Excadrill locked into Earthquake. Air Balloon grants a one-time immunity to Ground-type attacks, which allows it to check Stakataka and Mamoswine. Magma Storm, in conjunction with Taunt, allows Heatran to trap and break through walls such as Toxapex and Chansey, which are otherwise difficult for Fire teams to break through. Earth Power is used to hit opposing Heatran and threats such as Toxapex and Volcanion. Flash Cannon helps Heatran deal with Pokemon such as Tapu Lele, Hydreigon, and Latias. Heatran's teammates value its ability to switch into Ground-type attacks from Excadrill, Mamoswine, and Landorus-T. Volcarona greatly appreciates Heatran beating walls like Toxapex and opposing Heatran for it to successfully sweep. Cinderace's vast coverage options like High Jump Kick and Zen Headbutt are appreciated, as they aid in defeating Pokemon such as Tyranitar, Kyurem, and Nidoking as well as specially defensive walls like Blissey and Chansey. Choice Scarf Blacephalon is capable of defeating Slowking, which Heatran struggles against, and it appreciates Heatran weakening specially defensive walls with Magma Storm chip damage. Choice Band Victini forms a wallbreaking core with Heatran, as it can do immense damage to threats such as Landorus-T and Excadrill with V-Create as well as pressure troublesome Water-types like Mantine with Bolt Strike. Volcanion is mandatory on Fire teams due to its ability to absorb Water-type attacks from Tapu Fini, Barraskewda, and Azumarill. Additionally, Volcanion is capable of using Defog to get rid of Stealth Rock, which Fire teams are prone to. Moltres is capable of switching into Fighting-type attacks from Galarian Zapdos and Buzzwole while also providing Defog to remove entry hazards. Torkoal allows Heatran to use Flash Cannon over Stealth Rock and boosts Magma Storm with Drought. Incineroar is able to pivot Heatran in with Parting Shot and supports Heatran's wallbreaking ability by removing held items with Knock Off. Its ability to check Tapu Lele and Dragapult is also appreciated

Choice Scarf Heatran functions on Steel as a good lure for normally faster threats like Tapu Koko, Nidoking, and Landorus-T, easing the Electric, Ground, and Flying matchups. Eruption takes advantage of Heatran attacking first, threatening Tapu Koko, non-Choice Scarf Zarude, and Nidoking. Flash Fire-boosted Eruption is hard to check, threatening even walls such as Gastrodon, Galarian Slowking, and Toxapex. Flamethrower is a consistent STAB move in case Heatran gets damaged; it also cleans Grass and Steel teams late-game. Earth Power picks off weakened Fire-types like Cinderace and Victini. Dragon Pulse threatens Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Hydreigon. Flash Cannon is Heatran's best option against Cradily and Fire-neutral Ice-types such as Kyurem and Thick Fat Mamoswine. Heatran provides a Fire-type immunity for its team and can revenge kill threats like Nidoking and Mamoswine. Substitute + Toxic Aegislash is a good teammate, as it deters Galarian Zapdos, Thundurus-T, and Choice Band Zeraora from using Fighting-type moves. Additionally, it wears down walls such as Mantine and Slowbro for Heatran. Celesteela, Corviknight and Skarmory are immune to Ground-type attacks, which lets them check threats to Heatran such as Excadrill and Garchomp. Ferrothorn deals with Water-types such as Barraskewda and Tapu Fini, chips Garchomp and Landorus-T with Leech Seed, and sets up entry hazards. Excadrill uses Rapid Spin so that Heatran can stay healthy enough to utilize Eruption. Additionally, Excadrill can use Swords Dance + Earthquake to remove Toxapex, one of Heatran's strongest checks. Melmetal checks Zeraora, which is still faster than Heatran, and breaks specially defensive walls such as Chansey and Slowking. Bisharp deals with bulky Pokemon such as Tyranitar, Porygon2, Clefable, and Galarian Slowking while also checking threats such as Dragapult and Swift Swim Barraskewda with Sucker Punch.

Lava Plume is Heatran's most spammable STAB attack that comes with a 30% chance to burn the foe, which can be used to cripple Toxapex. Earth Power is used mainly for opposing Heatran and hits Toxapex as well as Electric-types such as Alolan Raichu and Tapu Koko. Toxic cripples foes that Heatran cannot reliably beat, like Mantine, Slowbro, and Porygon2. Heatran's excellent typing and natural bulk make it one of the best Stealth Rock setters, as it forces a lot of switches. However, Taunt allows it to be an effective stallbreaker if another teammate is carrying Stealth Rock. A specially defensive spread with a Calm nature gives Heatran a better matchup against foes such as Tornadus-T and Latios. Leftovers mitigates Heatran's lack of natural recovery. Flash Fire is the preferred ability, as it allows Heatran to absorb Fire-type attacks. Heatran's presence is appreciated by every Steel-type, as it is the only reliable answer to Fire-types such as Victini. Ferrothorn is one of Heatran's best teammates; Heatran can take Fire-type attacks for Ferrothorn, while Ferrothorn can take Water-type attacks for it and threaten Water-types with Power Whip. In addition, Ferrothorn's Spikes synergizes with Lava Plume and Toxic to accrue chip damage on foes, while Taunt from Heatran prevents Defog from foes like Mantine and maintains Spikes. Celesteela, Skarmory, and Corviknight all make good partners for Heatran, as their typing allows them to switch into Ground-type coverage directed at Heatran. Moreover, Celesteela heals Heatran with Leech Seed and helps against checks such as Swampert, Skarmory provides Spikes and Whirlwind for passive damage while Heatran deters Defog with Taunt, and Corviknight's Pressure allows the duo to make better progress against bulky teams. Excadrill removes entry hazards that harm Heatran, as it already has limited recovery. Moreover, Excadrill can absorb Electric-type attacks for Heatran from foes like Choice Specs Tapu Koko, check opposing Heatran, and, with a Choice Scarf set, clean weakened teams. Aegislash takes care of Fighting-type coverage such as Focus Blast from Tapu Lele and Alakazam. Moreover, Toxic + Substitute Aegislash contributes to Heatran's stallbreaking. Bisharp helps Heatran stallbreak with Knock Off, removing crucial items such as Heavy-Duty Boots from Mantine and Pelipper and Eviolite from Porygon2 and Galarian Corsola. Bisharp also contributes to Psychic- and Ghost-type matchups effectively by threatening faster Pokemon such as Victini, Latios, Gengar, and Dragapult with Sucker Punch and getting free Knock Offs against slower Pokemon such as Slowbro, Galarian Slowking, and Galarian Corsola. Assault Vest Melmetal can take a few hits from specially offensive Pokemon that threaten Heatran, such as Tapu Lele. Calm Mind Jirachi can take advantage of Pokemon that Heatran cannot reliably beat, such as Toxapex and Mantine, while also taking on Dragon-types like Kyurem and Hydreigon.

Heatran is an incredibly dangerous wallbreaker, capable of switching in on Pokemon like Latios, Clefable, and Scizor and firing off strong attacks in retaliation. It also puts immense pressure on common walls like Melmetal, Tyranitar, and Rotom-W. Earth Power is needed to significantly dent opposing Heatran, as well as wearing down Pokemon like Toxapex and Galarian Slowking. Magma Storm allows Heatran to spread residual damage, wearing down switch-ins like Hydreigon and Seismitoad. Doom Desire is excellent at facilitating other wallbreakers like Aerodactyl and Keldeo, making it harder for their checks like Mudsdale and Assault Vest Toxapex to switch in. It also forces out pivots like Tyranitar, Hydreigon, and Tornadus-T that could otherwise stay in on Heatran. Stealth Rock supports the team and chips Heatran's switch-ins. King's Shield allows Heatran to slowly accrue more Leftovers recovery, increasing its overall longevity, as well as dissuading Cinderace's High Jump Kick and scouting potential Choice item users like Aerodactyl, Terrakion, and Buzzwole. Afterwards, Heatran can safely pivot into their appropriate checks. Toxic is a solid alternative that greatly wears down checks like Rotom-W and Seismitoad, making it more difficult for them to switch in reliably. It also works great alongside Magma Storm. If forgoing Leftovers, Air Balloon lets Heatran switch into Ground-types like Mudsdale and avoid Ground-type coverage moves from Pokemon like Melmetal and opposing Heatran. A Timid nature can be used over Modest to outspeed Pokemon like Nidoking and Volcanion. Kyurem is a solid partner that can pressure Heatran checks like Rotom-W, Seismitoad, and Assault Vest Toxapex very well. Heatran pressures the likes of Celesteela, Corviknight, and Ferrothorn in return and can wear down Rotom-H with Toxic. Pivots like Rotom-W and Assault Vest Slowking bait in Ferrothorn for Heatran to take advantage of, and they can lure in and remove Seismitoad with Apple Acid and Grass Knot, respectively. Flame Body as its ability deters physical attackers like Dracozolt, Weavile, and Tyranitar from recklessly damaging it, though Flash Fire can be used to prevent Pokemon like Rotom-H from freely using their Fire-type STAB moves.

Heatran's potent defensive typing, good offensive movepool, and great bulk make it a premier defensive Pokemon in STABmons. It can come in on a bevy of Pokemon like Clefable and Ferrothorn and force them out effectively. Magma Storm threatens the aforementioned Pokemon as well as Corviknight and Melmetal, letting Heatran set up Stealth Rock when they switch out. Earth Power lets Heatran hit Galarian Slowking, Tyranitar, opposing Heatran, and Toxapex for more reliable damage. Toxic debilitates switch-ins like Rotom-W, Seismitoad, and Latios, making it even harder to check Heatran over a long game. The combination of Magma Storm and Toxic also allows Heatran to spread huge amounts of residual damage. Doom Desire is an option over Toxic that enables dangerous wallbreakers like Keldeo and Buzzwole, forming dangerous offensive cores and making huge progress. Taunt blocks entry hazards and completely shuts down Pokemon like Blissey and Rotom-H, denying their recovery and making them easier to wear down. Heatran threatening a multitude of entry hazard removers, including Corviknight and Clefable, makes it an incredibly good user of Stealth Rock as well. King's Shield scouts Choice-locked attackers like Cinderace and Terrakion, lets Heatran recover more from Leftovers, and pairs nicely with both Toxic and Doom Desire to stall turns. The Attack drop also lets Heatran stay in on physical attackers like Tyranitar and force them out or take the subsequent attack with ease. However, Taunt and Stealth Rock provide more consistent utility against a variety of threats and are therefore preferred. Leftovers keeps Heatran healthy over the course of a game, letting it check Pokemon like Latios and Calm Mind Clefable long-term. 128 Speed EVs allow Heatran to outspeed Adamant Tyranitar. Flame Body is preferred to punish physical attackers like Weavile and Tornadus-T, but if the team requires a better switch-in to the likes of Rotom-H and coverage moves like Celesteela's Flamethrower, Flash Fire can be used. Heatran pairs well with a wide variety of Pokemon, but teammates like Rotom-W and Latios that can shore up its bad matchups against Water-types like Seismitoad and Assault Vest Toxapex are good partners. Heatran is unable to immediately threaten Latios and Assault Vest Slowking; teammates like Weavile, Zeraora, and Tyranitar can, though. Wallbreakers like Aerodactyl and Terrakion heavily appreciate Doom Desire support, as the extra hit makes it more difficult for walls to switch in.

Eruption is Heatran's best move, hitting both foes and easily 2HKOing most of the unresisted metagame at full health thanks to its insane 150 Base Power. It's important to preserve Heatran's HP for maximum effectiveness. Heat Wave is a STAB spread attack that isn't reliant on HP, making it a powerful option even if Heatran is chipped. Earth Power hits common Fire-resistant foes like Diancie, Incineroar, Volcanion, and opposing Heatran. Protect allows Heatran to avoid damage that would weaken Eruption and stall out opposing speed control or protect itself until its partner provides speed control. Flash Fire makes Heatran immune to Fire-type attacks, absorbing the damage and powering its STAB moves. Charcoal prioritizes power on Heatran's main attacks. A Timid nature allows Heatran to force a Speed tie against opposing Heatran, whereas a Modest nature maximizes Heatran's power.

Offensive Heatran specializes in trapping and getting rid of passive defensive Pokemon that can otherwise cause problems, such as Ho-Oh and Clefable. Magma Storm is its main Fire-type STAB attack that deals residual damage in addition to its high Base Power, allowing it to beat even Pokemon that resist it such as Giratina and Ho-Oh without Earthquake. Earth Power destroys opposing Heatran, which otherwise walls it completely. Toxic further increases its passive damage, helping against said foes and reducing the need to constantly waste Magma Storm's low PP. Taunt prevents the defensive Pokemon from using their recovery moves, pivoting out with Teleport, or phazing Heatran out with Roar and Whirlwind. Leftovers's passive recovery allows Heatran to more comfortably take on the defensive Pokemon. If opposing Heatran is a concern, Air Balloon lets Heatran wall it, as well as Ho-Oh opting for Earthquake over Brave Bird. Offensive Heatran finds its home on balance and bulky offense teams as a way to make progress against bulkier builds. Heatran usually doesn't like switching in directly, so pivots like Slowbro and Landorus-T enable it to safely get a favorable matchup. Late game cleaners like Choice Scarf Kartana and Tapu Lele appreciate having opposing walls removed or weakened. Water- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Kyogre and Excadrill threaten an OHKO on Heatran, which Grass-types like Tangrowth and Ferrothorn can handle. Rillaboom threatens fast offensive Pokemon, as well as provides Grassy Terrain to give Heatran additional recovery and weaken Earthquake damage. Fighting-type coverage from the likes of Zeraora and Kartana can be dealt with by partners like Clefable.

Thanks to its great typing and stats, Heatran is a good special tank that can check many Pokemon such as Volcarona and Kyurem-W without Earth Power. Magma Storm is a powerful Fire-type STAB move that also traps and deals chip damage, allowing Heatran to eliminate passive Pokemon like Clefable and Pyukumuku in conjunction with Taunt. Lava Plume is an option with better accuracy and PP that threatens a burn on potential switch-ins such as Rayquaza and Garchomp. Stealth Rock lets it support its teammates, and Heatran's ability to threaten common entry hazard removers allows it to keep it on the field frequently. Toxic cripples common switch-ins such as Gastrodon and Slowking and deals a lot of passive damage when stacked with Magma Storm. Earth Power is used to hit opposing Heatran, which otherwise wall it, as well as lessens the need to use Magma Storm's low PP against foes like Tapu Koko and Victini. Protect helps Heatran rack up passive damage as well as gain extra Leftovers recovery. It also scouts common Choice item Pokemon, like Zygarde-10% and Kyogre. Taunt is an option to prevent recovery moves and Teleport from defensive Pokemon, notably Clefable. Leftovers is the preferred item to give Heatran recovery, but Air Balloon is an aggressive option that lets it counter opposing Heatran, and also Dhelmise after it pops. If it is not in the Speed slot, 120 Speed EVs lets Heatran outspeed uninvested base 90 Pokemon, which are common thanks to powerful gods like Kyogre and Ho-Oh, in addition to Bold and Modest Magnezone. If Heatran does receive Speed, it can invest more fully in Special Defense. Specially Defensive Heatran thrives on bulky offense teams where it gets many opportunities to switch in. Many physically offensive Pokemon enjoy Stealth Rock to wear down their checks and counters, especially those with Knock Off to remove Heavy-Duty Boots like Weavile and Kartana. Moreover, Heatran threatens physical walls that they can't break though such as Skarmory and Ho-Oh. Special attackers like Kyurem-W and Tapu Koko can struggle against specially defensive cores, and Heatran can help soften these walls for them. Offensive and defensive pivots complement Stealth Rock well by racking up damage and give Heatran more opportunities to switch in. Examples of pivots include offensive Pokemon like Zeraora and Rillaboom and defensive Pokemon like Slowking and Corviknight. Rillaboom notably synergizes well with Heatran thanks to Grassy Terrain providing extra recovery and halving Earthquake damage. Heatran is unable to deal with some special wallbreakers, namely Kyogre and Volcanion, so Gastrodon can cover for Heatran well. Physical Ground- and Fighting-types dent Heatran, which Buzzwole, Tangrowth, and Landorus-T handle well.

Z-Move Heatran is an insanely devastating wallbreaker that can beat almost all its checks with the right Z-Move. It's also one of the most reliable Stealth Rock setters, as it can threaten many forms of entry hazard control such as Kartana and Landorus-T. Its great natural bulk along with its stellar typing means it can act as a great offensive check to the likes of Mega Scizor and Mega Mawile, though its lack of recovery means it can only check these for so long and is very easy to wear down. It is also hindered by its low Speed tier, which leaves it outsped by key threats like Gliscor, Tapu Fini, and Garchomp. Magma Storm traps threats like Toxapex and Blissey and inflicts chip damage on threats like Garchomp and Tapu Fini. Earth Power provides crucial coverage, hitting Toxapex and opposing Heatran. Taunt stops passive Pokemon such as Blissey, Toxapex, and Slowbro from pivoting out or using a recovery move, letting Heatran overwhelm them. Toxic cripples threats like Mega Latias, Rotom-W, and Mega Charizard Y, severely ruining their longevity. However, missing out on Taunt ruining walls can be detrimental in some matchups. Stealth Rock can be used as Heatran is a very reliable entry hazard setter, forcing out common forms of entry hazard removal. Grassium Z with Solar Beam is the primary combination, as it allows Heatran to adequately bait and OHKO Tapu Fini, Rotom-W, and Gastrodon while also heavily chipping Garchomp and Mega Tyranitar. However, it makes Heatran much worse into Calm Mind Clefable and unable to punish Gliscor as well. Heatran can also use Flash Cannon or Steel Beam along with Steelium Z, as Corkscrew Crash can significantly dent if not outright OHKO common Heatran checks such as Tapu Fini, Garchomp, and Tyranitar, and it also lets it soft check Calm Mind Clefable. Steel Beam is used for its extra power, especially notable against Mega Garchomp, Tapu Fini, and Gliscor, and it still retains necessary power with a Timid nature, but it means that Heatran essentially has a dead moveslot after using its Z-Move. Flash Cannon gives Heatran a usable move even after using its Z-Move to pressure Calm Mind Clefable, but it is significantly weaker. However, both of these options prevent Heatran from running an additional utility move. Heatran can also use Firium Z to fire off an insanely powerful Inferno Overdrive, which OHKOes most Gliscor and Landorus-T sets and, frees up a moveslot for an extra utility move; however, outside of a strong STAB nuke, it doesn't let Heatran break past checks like Gastrodon and Tapu Fini. Flash Fire is used, as it lets Heatran check Volcarona, Serperior, and Victini. The given EV spread lets Heatran survive a +2 Mega Mawile Sucker Punch from full HP and a Kartana Sacred Sword after Stealth Rock. A Timid nature lets Heatran outspeed Pokemon like opposing Heatran and most Gliscor sets, while a Modest nature gives it better damage rolls against Garchomp, Tapu Fini, and Gliscor. Heatran fits best on bulky offense and balance teams. Due to its weakness to Ground-types like Gliscor and Garchomp, it appreciates teammates that can handle these, such as Tapu Fini, Slowbro, and Weavile. Heatran is generally weak to Water-types like Tapu Fini, Gastrodon, and Rotom-W, so Pokemon that can take advantage of or check these Water-types such as Kartana, Tapu Koko, and Ferrothorn are good partners for it. Pokemon like Tapu Lele, Kartana, and Weavile appreciate Heatran pressuring Steel- and Grass-types like Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Mega Scizor, and the latter two can potentially clean up after Heatran has broken holes in teams. Ash-Greninja is a great teammate for Heatran, as it can wear down Heatran's checks with Spikes and help overwhelm or lure shared checks in Tapu Fini and Gastrodon if Heatran is lacking Grassium Z. Due to its vulnerability to entry hazards and complete lack of recovery, Heatran appreciates having teammates that can remove hazards, like Gliscor and Tapu Fini. While it can soft check threats like Calm Mind Clefable, Volcarona, and Serperior, it cannot handle these in the long-term due to its lack of recovery, so other checks to these like defensive Volcarona, Toxapex, and Swords Dance Gliscor are good partners for it. Heatran also likes partners that can switch into Fighting-types, like Mega Lopunny and Mega Medicham, that can revenge kill Heatran, like Landorus-T and Zapdos. Grassy Terrain support from the likes of Tapu Bulu and Rillaboom can give it highly appreciated passive recovery and power up its Bloom Doom if using Grassium Z.

Specially defensive Heatran is a tank that uses its great typing and natural bulk to check threats like Calm Mind Clefable, Mega Mawile, Tapu Lele, and Volcarona, with Leftovers giving it consistent recovery while not being passive due to its great Special Attack stat and ability to spread large amounts of chip damage with Magma Storm and Toxic. However, it is still fairly easy to wear down due to its lack of reliable recovery, and it becomes a lot easier to check without a Z-Move or Special Attack investment. Magma Storm applies crucial chip damage on threats like Garchomp and Tapu Fini while also trapping Pokemon such as Toxapex. Alternatively, Lava Plume can be used for its perfect accuracy and ability to burn Pokemon like Tyranitar and Garchomp, but its lower Base Power and inability to trap threats like Toxapex mean it is generally not preferred. Earth Power provides important coverage for threats like Toxapex, Mega Diancie, and opposing Heatran. Heatran is a good Stealth Rock setter, as it can threaten most Defoggers like Corviknight and Kartana, though it is annoyed by ones like Tapu Fini. Heavy Slam can be used to deal with Calm Mind Clefable much better while doing good chip damage to Tapu Fini. Taunt lets Heatran beat passive Pokemon like Toxapex and Slowbro. Toxic lets it harshly punish Pokemon that may want to take advantage of it such as Mega Latias, Gastrodon, and Rotom-W. Flash Fire is used, as it lets Heatran beat Volcarona and Victini. The given EV spread lets it outspeed Adamant Tyranitar and Modest Magnezone. If using Heavy Slam, an EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Atk / 180 SpD / 72 Spe with a Sassy Nature should be used to 2HKO Bold Clefable while still outspeeding uninvested Mega Scizor. Specially Defensive Heatran can fit on a wide variety of teams, ranging from offense to balance. Pokemon like Toxapex, Mega Lopunny, and Weavile appreciate Heatran's ability to check dangerous Psychic- and Fairy-types like Tapu Lele and Clefable. Heatran is weak to Ground-types like Gliscor, Garchomp, and Gastrodon, so checks to these like Corviknight, Weavile, and Slowbro are good partners for it. Weavile, in particular, provides crucial Knock Off support that makes Tapu Fini easier to wear down. Pokemon like Tapu Lele and Ash-Greninja appreciate Heatran pressuring opposing Grass- and Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn. Good Defoggers like Gliscor and Tapu Fini are good teammates for it, as it is annoyed by entry hazards. Because of Heatran's weakness to Water-types like Ash-Greninja and Tapu Fini, it appreciates having teammates that can handle these, like Tapu Fini, Toxapex, and Ferrothorn. Good switch-ins to the Fighting-types that revenge kill Heatran, like Mega Lopunny and Mega Medicham, are good partners for it, like Landorus-T, Zapdos, and Clefable.

Desolate Land Heatran serves as a powerful weather attacker capable of dealing heavy damage, even to Pokemon that resist its moves. Desolate Land allows Heatran to switch in and override the opposing weather, allowing it to check opposing Primordial Sea users like Zapdos, as well as turning Heatran's Water weakness into an immunity. In addition to Desolate Land Heatran's offensive presence, its natural bulk and typing allow it to switch into and act as a soft check to various attackers such as Tapu Koko and Togekiss. Magma Storm is a powerful STAB move that enables Heatran to trap and eliminate Pokemon that would otherwise be able to switch into its Fire-type attacks comfortably, such as Tapu Fini and Assault Vest Swampert. Heatran is one of the most reliable Stealth Rock setters in the AAA metagame, as it pressures common Defoggers such as Corviknight and Tapu Fini. Toxic is useful for chipping down key Pokemon on the other team that may resist or be immune to Heatran's attacking moves, such as Primordial Sea Zapdos, while Taunt is useful to trap and eliminate Blissey, a common roadblock for Heatran. Maximum Special Attack and Speed EVs with a Modest nature allow Heatran to hit as hard as possible, while a Timid nature allows Heatran to outspeed Pokemon that may try to outspeed Modest Heatran, such as Primordial Sea Zapdos. However, Heatran can opt for more defensive EVs and less Speed EVs if desired. Desolate Land Heatran is typically found on balance and bulky offense teams that appreciate its ability to reliably keep Stealth Rock up and pressure common defensive Pokemon. Grass-type attackers such as Zarude and Tapu Bulu enjoy Heatran handling Steel-types that they would otherwise have a difficult time breaking through, such as Corviknight and Ferrothorn. In addition, Fairy-type attackers such as Tapu Koko often have trouble with the Steel-types that Heatran deals with handily. Desolate Land Heatran can also deal with Pokemon such as Tapu Fini and Swampert, which many of the tier's attackers greatly appreciate. Heatran benefits from having teammates that can utilize Grassy Surge to weaken Earthquake from foes such as Garchomp, as well as increasing the passive recovery Heatran accumulates through Leftovers. Heatran enjoys having a teammate with a Ground immunity on its team, such as Corviknight, to switch into powerful Earthquakes. Corviknight and other Defoggers make good partners for Heatran to help it avoid chip damage from entry hazards. Heatran also has trouble with opposing users of Primordial Sea, such as Zapdos, Barraskewda, and Primarina, and appreciates Pokemon such as Blissey and Tapu Fini to switch into those threats.

Heatran is an excellent defensive pivot that uses its good bulk and typing to switch into dangerous special attackers like Tapu Koko. It can do this over and over again via Regenerator, and its excellent typing gives it key resistances to Fairy, Psychic, and Dragon. Stealth Rock provides Heatran's teammates with chip damage on targets that lack Heavy-Duty Boots or Magic Guard. Lava Plume is a STAB attack that can burn switch-ins such as Garchomp, generally deterring physical attackers from switching in. Earth Power hits other Fire-types, like Cinderace which are immune to burn, as well as Tapu Koko and Toxapex. Toxic can debilitate switch-ins that don't mind burn's Attack drop, such as Zapdos and Tapu Lele. Heavy Slam, when combined with Chople Berry, can let Heatran lure in special attackers with Fighting-type coverage, notably Tapu Lele. Protect is another option with Leftovers to scout Choice-locked Pokemon and gain more Recovery, notably working well with Toxic. Regenerator provides Heatran with significant longevity so it can stick around for longer games. Defensive Heatran is a great choice for a balance or bulky offense team to fall back on against powerful threats, such as Fairy- and Psychic-types. Grassy Surge Dhelmise weakens Earthquake, provides Heatran with additional passive recovery, and can force Water-, Fighting-, and Ground-types out. Lava Plume can also give Dhelmise a chance to set up a Swords Dance against burnt physical attackers. Volt Absorb Corviknight helps against Primordial Sea Zapdos, which can destroy Heatran with Weather Ball. Since Heatran is an excellent check to Tapu Koko, it pairs well with Pokemon that are forced out by it, such as Terrakion and Garchomp. Heatran running Stealth Rock can free up moveslots offensive threats, which provides excellent role compression.

Heatran's impressive typing, coverage, and offensive stats make it an excellent candidate for Dynamax. Lava Plume is a reliable Fire-type STAB that has a good chance to burn your foes. Magma Storm isn't entirely reliable, but trapping opposing Pokemon can be quite useful. Solar Beam offers valuable coverage against Water-types such as Tapu Fini and Rotom-W while Dynamaxed, and it even skips the charge turn if Heatran set up the Sun with Max Flare earlier. Items Assault Vest makes Heatran very difficult to OHKO on the special side, especially when Dynamaxed. Air Balloon limits Ground-type Pokemon's initial options against Heatran. EV Spreads 20 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 12 SpD / 220 Spe with Modest: This EV spread allows Heatran to outspeed Timid Celesteela, and avoid a Special Attack boost from Porygon2's Download. 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe with Modest: This EV spread maximizes Heatran's bulk and power. 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with Timid: This EV spread maximizes Heatran's power and Speed, potentially letting it outspeed Pokemon that don't always maximize their Speed, such as Rillaboom and Tapu Fini.

Heatran's good bulk and typing make it a natural candidate for setting up Stealth Rock. Lava Plume is a reliable option with a good chance to burn, while Magma Storm's ability to trap foes is great for restricting options, at the cost of reliable accuracy. Flash Cannon lets Heatran hit Fairy-types hard and is an incredible option for Dynamax attacking due to Max Steelspike. If bulky Water-types are an issue, Solar Beam is a reasonable option provided you are willing to Dynamax Heatran. Taunt allows Heatran to gain an advantage over more defensive foes such as Porygon2 and Celesteela. Will-O-Wisp is quite useful for crippling physical attackers that may switch-in such as Assault Vest Landorus-T. Items Air Balloon gives Heatran a good match-up against Ground-types early in the game, letting it set up Stealth Rock or Taunt easily. Leftovers is a reasonable alternative for keeping Heatran healthy if using a bulkier set. EV Spreads 20 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 12 SpD / 220 Spe with Modest: This spread allows Heatran to outspeed Timid Celesteela and avoid a Special Attack boost from Porygon2's Download. 252 HP / 36 SpD / 220 Spe with Calm: In addition to outspeeding Timid Celesteela, this Heatran focuses on being as bulky as possible. 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe with Modest: This EV spread maximizes Heatran's bulk and power.

Moves Grassium Z-boosted Solar Beam is a powerful move that allows Heatran to get the jump on slower Water-types such as Mega Swampert, Primarina, and bulky Tapu Fini, as well as OHKOing Mega Slowbro 75% of the time. Ancient Power lets Heatran beat both Mega Charizard X and Y without the need for Earth Power. Taunt handles foes like Type: Null and non-Seismic Toss Blissey and Chansey by shutting down their ability to recover or passively harm Heatran, and Metal Sound can be used to lower the opposing Pokemon's Special Defense, allowing Heatran to beat otherwise insurmountable threats like Z-Conversion Porygon-Z, Calm Mind Meloetta, and Seismic Toss Chansey. Set Details 252 Speed EVs let Heatran outspeed Water-types such as Adamant Mega Swampert, bulky Tapu Fini, bulky Krookodile, and Primarina. Maximum Special Attack investment with a Modest nature maximizes Heatran's damage output and gives it the best chance to KO specially defensive Slowbro. The remaining 4 EVs are thrown into Special Defense so that Genesect's Download boosts its Attack. Usage Tips The goal of this set is simple: lure in the opponent's slower Water- or Ground-type and destroy it with a powerful Bloom Doom to win. It is effective at catching the opponent by surprise. Avoid Ground-types such as Donphan and Golem, who can survive Bloom Doom with Sturdy. Team Options Checks to Sturdy Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Lopunny help out, as running Grassium Z means sacrificing Air Balloon, which causes Heatran to lose to Donphan and Earthquake Aggron, as well as to Magnezone, as this set doesn't run enough Special Defense investment to survive Electrium Z-boosted Zap Cannon.

Moves Overheat is Heatran's main way of dealing STAB damage to Pokemon such as Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Magearna. Since the battle ends after one Pokemon faints, the Special Attack drop isn't a worry unless it doesn't KO the foe. Rock Tomb is used to outpace Donphan and Magnezone, which otherwise outspeed Heatran after a Rock Tomb or Electroweb, and also beats Mega Charizard X and Y, hitting Mega Charizard X that hasn't Mega Evolved and Mega Charizard Y regardless. Earth Power lets Heatran hit Ground-weak Pokemon resistant to Overheat such as Mega Charizard X and Naganadel, as well as helping in the mirror matchup. Flash Cannon is Heatran's secondary Steel-type STAB attack for Pokemon such as Mega Gardevoir and Tapu Lele, while Taunt lets Heatran beat setup-reliant foes such as Type: Null, Stored Power Necrozma, and Chansey and Blissey that are carrying Toxic over Seismic Toss. Hidden Power Ice gives Heatran a fighting chance against Landorus-T and Garchomp. Set Details Air Balloon temporarily negates Heatran's 4x Ground weakness, meaning that Pokemon like Donphan and Garchomp have to break the item with another attack before striking with a Ground-type move, buying Heatran time to KO them back. 120 Speed EVs allow Heatran to outspeed base 100 Pokemon like Victini after Rock Tomb, and naturally outspeed Modest Magnezone and maximum Speed Donphan from the start. The given Special Defense investment allows Heatran to take Modest Magnezone's Electrium Z-boosted Zap Cannon, turning the match into a coinflip where Magnezone only wins if it successfully paralyzes Heatran with a Zap Cannon. The given physical bulk investment allows Heatran to survive a Hammer Arm from Jolly Mega Metagross, while 188 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature maximize Heatran's damage output with the remaining EVs it has to work with. If you're running Hidden Power Ice, you'll want to have maximum Special Attack investment. Usage Tips Overheat is a powerful nuke move but has the drawback of lowering Heatran's Special Attack two stages if it doesn't KO the target, so only use it when you are sure it will KO. You almost always want to use Rock Tomb on a foe with Sturdy such as the aforementioned Magnezone and Donphan, as that will usually guarantee a KO the next turn and keeps Heatran's Speed higher than theirs if they use a Speed-lowering move as well. Don't bother trying to predict when Mega Charizard X will mega evolve, as you can still beat it regardless by just reacting to when it does mega evolve. Team Options Magearna, Mega Gardevoir, Tapu Lele, and Mega Altaria are good teammates for Heatran, since they remove physical threats such as Mega Gyarados, Zygarde-C, and Mega Lopunny and benefit from Heatran's ability to beat Steel-, Fire-, and Poison-types such as Magnezone, Charizard, and Naganadel. Furthermore, Pokemon that can remove Water-types such as Zeraora, Magnezone, Mega Venusaur, and Kartana are also great partners for Heatran. Mega Venusaur particularly likes how Heatran removes the Steel-, Flying-, and Psychic-types such as Ferrothorn, Mega Charizard Y, and Tapu Lele that otherwise give it a hard time.

Substitute is easy for Heatran to set up thanks to its many resistances, and helps it avoid super effective attacks such as Earth Power in the Heatran mirror. Leftovers compensates for the HP lost to Substitute, although Shuca Berry gives Heatran the flexibility to survive attacks such as Landorus-T’s Earthquake without its use. The EVs ensure Landorus-T’s Rock Slide cannot break Heatran’s Substitute. Fake Out users such as Mega Kangaskhan pair well with this set, as they improve its ability to set up Substitute safely. Tapu Bulu’s Grassy Terrain can mitigate damage from Earthquake and recovers the health Heatran loses to Substitute.

This set aims to maximize Heatran’s offensive potential. In the third moveslot, Flash Cannon acts as a single-target STAB move that checks Fairy-types such as Tapu Lele and Gardevoir. Hidden Power Ice checks Landorus-T and Mega Salamence; it is quite useful for Heatran to hold a Shuca Berry for the former. Solar Beam should be used with Grassium Z to check Water-types such as Tapu Fini and Suicune. Firium Z provides a strong single-target Fire-type attack. The EVs let Heatran survive Landorus-T’s Earthquake with Shuca Berry; use 252 SpA / 252 Spe with another item. Additionally, bulky spreads can be used with speed control such as Tailwind and Trick Room.

Moves Magma Storm allows Heatran to trap and remove walls such as Toxapex and Mega Venusaur that often pose threats to Steel teams. Earth Power is used to hit opposing Heatran and Fire-resistant Pokemon like Toxapex and Slowbro, enabling Heatran to defeat them after trapping them with Magma Storm. To make it even easier, Taunt prevents walls from healing or using other utility options like Thunder Wave and Roar, allowing Heatran to ensure the KOs. Because of Heatran's ability to force switches, it can reliably set Stealth Rock for the team. Stone Edge can be used to OHKO Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona if a teammate covers the need for Stealth Rock. Just as importantly, Stone Edge is also the only way Heatran can pop an opposing Heatran's Air Balloon. Toxic allows Heatran to cripple switch-ins and even beat Chansey and Porygon2, which are unlikely to otherwise be threatened by Heatran. Toxic can also cripple Volcarona but is much less reliable than Stone Edge for checking it after it sets up. Set Details Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment and a Timid nature let Heatran function as a stallbreaker most effectively while still at least Speed tying with opposing Heatran. 4 Special Defense EVs are used to give Download Porygon-Z and Porygon2 a boost in Attack instead of a more useful Special Attack boost. If Heatran chooses to use Stone Edge, it should use a 28 Atk / 224 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe spread to guarantee the OHKO on Mega Charizard Y. Air Balloon makes Heatran a reliable check to Volcarona and opposing Heatran without Air Balloon. The temporary Ground immunity is also useful against Ground teams, allowing Heatran one turn to cripple Mega Garchomp safely. Leftovers recovery allows Heatran to beat walls more easily, but the utility of Air Balloon is often more important. If Heatran uses Leftovers, it should move 8 EVs into HP to avoid the OHKO from Mega Venusaur's Earthquake. Usage Tips Heatran should almost always fire off a Magma Storm whenever it comes in to trap whatever it hits and reduce the need for prediction. Its great Base Power means it can do significant chip damage to even Pokemon that resist Fire, so it's a relatively safe, though inaccurate, move. Against faster Pokemon that Heatran cannot stay in on, the trapping effect means you can freely bring in a check without fear of a double switch. If Heatran manages to trap a wall successfully, it should often use Taunt next to prevent recovery before returning to damaging attacks. While Taunt is predictable, recovery is too potent to risk not using Taunt in most cases. Against walls such as Clefable that aren't a threat to it at all, Heatran can set Stealth Rock after trapping them, but it can also use Stealth Rock whenever the enemy is forced to switch out. Take advantage of Heatran's great natural bulk, wide range of resistances, and multiple immunities to switch it in safely. The lack of recovery means Heatran should be careful not to take too much damage. If the opponent has certain threats such as their own Heatran or Volcarona, preserve Heatran's Air Balloon at all costs. It is crucial to making sure you can check these otherwise devastating attackers, as without Air Balloon, Volcarona cannot be stopped, and opposing Heatran can fire off super effective attacks without needing to predict. While Magma Storm 2HKOes Mega Sableye, it can spam Recover to PP stall Heatran, and Protect sets are even more difficult to take out. Be very aware of how much PP Magma Storm has left and how much you need to take Mega Sableye out. Team Options As the only Fire-immune Pokemon available to Steel teams, Heatran is needed on every viable team as a switch-in and check to Fire-types. Having either Skarmory or Celesteela is an absolute must for Heatran, as they check the many Ground- and Fighting-types that threaten it. Assault Vest Celesteela can take out many of Heatran's checks including Landorus, Mega Swampert, and opposing Heatran. Skarmory forms a powerful hazard stacking core with Heatran and appreciates having Taunt Heatran's help in keeping entry hazards on the field. On hyper offense teams, Skarmory will carry Stealth Rock, allowing Heatran to choose a more useful utility move. Mega Scizor and Magnezone are fantastic pivots that can bring Heatran into Fire-types that often switch into them. Choice Scarf Magnezone and Pursuit Bisharp are great tech options that can trap opposing Air Balloon Heatran and guarantee that they lose their item, allowing your Heatran to wreak havoc on the opponent's team.

Moves Lava Plume has a 30% chance to burn the foe, which makes it a spammable attack and the best STAB move for Heatran when combined with its respectable damage output. Earth Power prevents Heatran from being walled by opposing Heatran and almost always OHKOes offensive Heatran. Stone Edge lets Heatran check Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona while also popping the Air Balloon of an opposing Heatran. Toxic can be used to cripple walls that switch into Heatran frequently like Slowbro and Porygon2, but it prevents Heatran from checking Mega Charizard Y. Heatran's great bulk and many immunities make it one of the best Stealth Rock setters, as it forces switches easily. However, Taunt may be used with Toxic to stallbreak if a teammate carries Stealth Rock instead. Set Details The EV spread and Calm nature allow Heatran to always OHKO Mega Charizard Y with Stone Edge, outspeed Mega Venusaur, and be as specially bulky as possible. Leftovers gives Heatran recovery and improves its longevity to allow it to freely switch into attacks throughout the battle. Usage Tips While this set has great bulk and can pivot into most Fire-type attackers with ease, be careful of coverage, as Heatran is still too vulnerable to Ground-type attacks to take them lightly. In general, while Heatran should be pivoting into attacks often, be very careful not to let it get too damaged, as it lacks recovery and is often its team's only switch-in to Fire-type attacks. Stealth Rock can be relatively freely set when Heatran forces a switch or on other walls. If you choose to run Taunt, make sure to use it to prevent walls from paralyzing Heatran or setting their own hazards. As it has no Air Balloon of its own, Heatran should try to catch opposing Heatran switching in with Stone Edge, if applicable, to KO them with Earth Power after. Be aware of Lava Plume's burn chance, as you do not want to burn most walls such as Slowbro if Heatran carries Toxic. Heatran's low Speed means stallbreakers such as Zapdos and Mew are capable of stopping it with either Substitute or Taunt if they get in safely, so it is even more important than with faster sets to be on top of prediction and hit them with Toxic on the switch. Team Options Because of Flash Fire, Heatran is needed for every Steel team. Skarmory is the preferred Ground-immune teammate for this Heatran set, as its amazing physical bulk and recovery in Roost make it an optimal defensive partner for checking Fighting- and Ground-types. With Spikes on Skarmory and Stealth Rock on Heatran, they can put huge entry hazard pressure on almost any team. Defensive Celesteela is a valuable teammate that can use Leech Seed to restore Heatran's health. It is also a great check to non-Gravity Landorus. However, its poor longevity compared to Skarmory makes it a lesser option. To complete the defensive core, Ferrothorn is one of the best checks to Water-types for Steel teams and should almost always be used along with Heatran for their amazing type synergy. Ferrothorn also appreciates having Heatran carry Stealth Rock so that it can use other utility moves such as Knock Off. Defensive Mega Scizor is an amazing pivot that many Fire-types switch into, which Mega Scizor can then U-turn out to bring in Heatran. It can also run options such as Defog and Pursuit, which support Heatran by either removing annoying Spikes or trapping Pokemon like Latios. Excadrill is another good hazard remover that can also check opposing Heatran if you choose not to use Stone Edge. Since this set cannot take on Mega Sableye, Excadrill's Mold Breaker Toxic is also very useful and can also cripple Pokemon such as Mew and Porygon2 if Heatran doesn't pack it.

Moves Magma Storm serves as Heatran's strongest STAB move and prevents the target from switching while under its effect, preventing double switching and lets Heatran trap passive walls that can't apply significant offensive pressure to it. Earth Power provides valuable coverage for many key targets like Toxapex, Tyranitar, Nihilego, and opposing Heatran. Taunt lets Heatran shut down passive walls like Toxapex that it has trapped, preventing them from from using healing moves or setting entry hazards while Heatran whittles them down. Flash Cannon serves as a more reliable secondary STAB move and lets Heatran reliably OHKO Mega Diancie, as well as KOing other Rock-types such as Shuckle more easily. Toxic is an option over Flash Cannon to cripple walls like Porygon2 and Mantine by putting them on a timer, letting Heatran stallbreak more effectively. Heatran can serve as a Stealth Rock user if the team needs one, but other Pokemon typically fulfill this role on Fire teams. Set Details 252 Special Attack EVs increase Heatran's offensive presence, while 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature let it outspeed threats like Adamant Diggersby and Timid Volcanion as well as Speed tie with other Timid Heatran. Air Balloon protects Heatran from Ground-type attacks until it is hit once, giving it more survivability early-game. Usage Tips Heatran should be switched into passive walls that can't deal major damage to it like Staraptor and Mandibuzz in order to trap them. Magma Storm's residual damage and trapping makes it easily spammable and hard to switch into, dealing solid chunks of damage even to Pokemon that resist it like Garchomp and Azumarill, and it should be used liberally when Heatran has a free turn. Magma Storm's residual damage combined with Taunt can also let Heatran trap and slowly wear down bulky walls like Chansey and Toxapex. Taunt prevents Heatran's team from being worn down by stopping Pokemon like Armaldo from setting Stealth Rock. It also prevents Pokemon such as Zapdos from Defogging if you have set Stealth Rock. It is important to preserve Heatran's Air Balloon so it can deal with certain threats like Hippowdon on Ground teams and Mega Diancie on Fairy teams, which can OHKO Heatran after it is popped. Heatran should avoid getting paralyzed, as it is unable to effectively stallbreak walls when it cannot use Taunt before they heal. It is important to keep Heatran healthy enough to check a threat like Choice Scarf Nihilego in the Poison matchup; Heatran is very instrumental against these teams because it can trap Toxapex and check Nihilego and should be played carefully against them and kept healthy early-game. If Heatran is carrying Toxic, it should be used on a bulky target trapped by Magma Storm like Chansey, Porygon2, or Mantine so the rest of the team can deal with the foe more easily, as well as to cripple threats such as Swampert and Tyranitar that can force Heatran out as they switch in. Team Options Heatran serves as a good offensive check to Rock-types as well as an effective stallbreaker, making it a good choice on any Fire team. Torkoal compresses several roles by removing entry hazards, functioning as a physical wall, and setting sun and Stealth Rock. Heatran greatly appreciates the sun weakening Water-type attacks so that it can trap Pokemon like Toxapex more easily. Infernape and Victini with either Choice Scarf or Choice Band can serve as revenge killers or physical wallbreakers, helping against Dark and Normal teams, and both can lure in checks like Toxapex and bring in Heatran with U-turn to trap them. Blacephalon serves as a powerful special attacker that appreciates Heatran's ability to soften up special walls like Chansey and Mantine, as well as Heatran's ability to switch into Choice Scarf Latios to aid the Psychic matchup. Mega Charizard X and Volcarona are potent setup sweepers that can clean teams late-game and appreciate Heatran's ability to trap and weaken checks like Porygon2. Mega Charizard Y and Volcanion are powerful special wallbreakers that can help deal with Water-types like Keldeo for Heatran, with Solar Beam and Water Absorb, respectively. In return, Heatran can trap and weaken their defensive checks like Mantine. Rotom-Heat serves as a good switch-in to Ground- and Electric-types, which Heatran struggles with, while also being able to bring Heatran in safely with Volt Switch.

Moves STAB-boosted Heat Wave provides consistent spread damage. Earth Power is a great coverage move used for hitting opposing Fire-types like Incineroar and Volcanion, as well as Rock-types such as Diancie. Hidden Power Ice targets Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Mega Salamence. Finally, Protect is a staple of the Doubles OU metagame, as it provides free turns for Heatran's partner, scouts moves, and stalls out field conditions. Set Details A Shuca Berry allows Heatran to survive a Ground-type STAB move from Landorus-T or Zygarde, with this set specifically designed to take Zygarde's Tectonic Rage and retaliate with Hidden Power Ice. A Timid nature is used for outspeeding most Zygarde and Excadrill in neutral conditions. Usage Tips Heatran can take advantage of its various resistances in order to safely switch into resisted attacks. However, it also needs to stay healthy in order to take advantage of Shuca Berry, as otherwise it will still be KOed by Ground-type moves. Thus, it is often necessary to choose between the ability to switch into resisted hits and the ability to take a Ground-type move. Offensive Shuca Berry Heatran is very effective at spreading damage, as it becomes much harder to OHKO using Ground-type attacks. This ability to wear down the opposing team can easily pave the way for another sweeper such as Dragon Dance Mega Salamence or Zygarde. However, be advised that Tectonic Rage Zygarde and Landorus-T can hit hard enough to take out a healthy Heatran in one hit, even with Shuca Berry. Team Options Heatran is a fairly flexible Pokemon because it does not require specific support. Speed control is important, as Heatran sits at a middling Speed tier. Mega Salamence and Mew can use Tailwind, and Mew in particular threatens Landorus-T with Ice Beam. Water-types such as Tapu Fini and Gastrodon threaten common checks to Heatran such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Tyranitar. Also, Grass-types such as Tapu Bulu and Lurantis threaten Ground-types like Landorus-T and Water-types like Tapu Fini that beat Heatran. Tapu Bulu also provides Grassy Terrain, which halves damage taken from Earthquake.

Heat Wave is Heatran's main STAB attack chunking most pokemon even with spread reduction. Flamethrower could also used as a 100% accurate, single target alternative. Earth Power provides great coverage with Fire-type attacks. It hits opposing Heatran super effectively and Water-types neutrally. The last move is highly flexible and varies by team. Flash Cannon eliminates Fairy-types such as Tapu Lele and Sylveon more quickly than Heat Wave. Substitute can easily be set up with Heatran's numerous resistances and high bulk. A Heatran behind a Substitute is very difficult for many teams to take out. Hidden Power Ice can be used to eliminate Landorus-T and Mega Salamence. Shuca Berry allows Heatran to survive one unboosted Earthquake from Landorus-T. It also lets Heatran have a better match up against opposing Heatran. Leftovers should be used with Substitute to provide passive recovery. Firium Z gives a powerful Fire-type move that can get around Wide Guard. Modest is the preferred nature to give Heatran more power, but Timid can be used to have the best chance in Heatran mirrors and outspeed Jolly Breloom and Tapu Bulu. Bulkier spreads can also be used especially on Trick Room teams. Partners that can deal with Water-types and Landorus-T are especially crucial when using Heatran. Electric-Types such as Tapu Koko and Zapdos can hit Water-types super effectively. Amoonguss can redirect Water-types attacks and put Landorus-T to sleep even when Electric or Misty Terrain are active.

Moves Lava Plume is Heatran's best Fire-type STAB move thanks to its high chance to inflict a burn on physical attackers that can threaten this set. Magma Storm is a strong option when it lands. Especially with Taunt, it can be used to pick apart defensive cores. With Firium Z, it is possible to guarantee strong Fire-type STAB damage without risking a Magma Storm miss. Earth Power is a standard coverage move that hits opposing Heatran, as well as Tapu Fini and Greninja for neutral damage. Flash Cannon also hits Rock-types such as Tyranitar, offers a second STAB move for neutral coverage, and OHKOes Mimikyu. Solar Beam with Grassium Z allows Heatran to use Bloom Doom for Tapu Fini, a Pokemon with high usage that otherwise counter Heatran. Taunt is especially good with Firium Z Magma Storm sets due to its secondary effect of trapping the foe. Overheat, especially with Choice Specs, can do massive damage. Set Details Grassium Z with Solar Beam is used for a powerful Bloom Doom that lets Heatran bait in and remove common counters. Firium Z with Magma Storm or Overheat can be used for a strong general STAB move. Steelium Z, a rarer Z-Crystal, can be used to power up Flash Cannon to KO Salamence and unboosted Latias and Kommo-o. Choice Specs powers up Heatran's every move but can force it to switch out frequently to reset the Choice lock. The spread with a Modest nature maximizes its damage and Speed. Usage Tips This Heatran forgoes its defensive niche to blow open holes in the opposing team. Use pivot moves such as U-turn and Volt Switch to get an advantageous matchup, as it needs to preserve its HP to take attacks. Make sure to time the Z-Move correctly, as it can be only be used once. Team Options Use offensive Pokemon that can take advantage of holes punched by this Heatran. This set tends to outright OHKO bulky Water-types with Bloom Doom or at least do hefty damage to them. Pokemon such as Landorus-T, Tapu Fini, and Greninja are effective Pokemon to take advantage of the lack of opposing Water-types. Focus Sash Mimikyu is also a good Pokemon to cover the fact that this Heatran set can struggle against offensive teams.

Moves Lava Plume is Heatran's best Fire-type STAB move thanks to its high chance to inflict a burn on physical attackers that can threaten this set. Earth Power hits opposing Heatran, as well as OHKOing Naganadel and threatening opposing Fire-types like Mega Blaziken. Flash Cannon also hits Rock-types such as Tyranitar, offers a second STAB attack for neutral coverage, and OHKOes Mimikyu. Rock Tomb is the best option to check Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y. It also provides a form of speed control. Most importantly, it breaks Mimikyu's Disguise and lets Heatran OHKO it with Flash Cannon. Set Details Wiki Berry in combination with the defensive investment allows Heatran to check physical attackers like Mimikyu. The defensive EVs are geared towards taking a +2 Never Ending Nightmare from Adamant Mimikyu, and thus the subsequent Shadow Claw. The Speed investment is to outspeed opposing Mimikyu after Rock Tomb. A Modest nature with the Special Attack investment allows Heatran to OHKO Mimikyu with Flash Cannon. Usage Tips This is a specialized Heatran set for teams that desperately need additional ways to check Mimikyu. Switch into Mimikyu as it uses Swords Dance and use Rock Tomb then Flash Cannon to finish it off. Otherwise, it can do what all other Heatran does, such as checking Ferrothorn and such. Use Heatran's pinch Berry to its advantage, as it is impacted less by residual damage such as Stealth Rock and Leech Seed. Team Options Use this with teammates that bait in Mimikyu, as its main job is to beat Mimikyu. This is not the type of set to look for teammates to support it. Rather, this set provides the support other Pokemon need. Pokemon such as Mega Kangaskhan and Kommo-o have good type synergy and appreciate Heatran taking care of opposing Mimikyu.

Moves Lava Plume is Heatran's best Fire-type STAB move thanks to its high chance to inflict a burn on physical attackers that can threaten this set. Alternatives for a Fire-type STAB move exist. Overheat is a strong STAB move that gives Heatran a high chance to OHKO standard offensive Mega Gengar but can force Heatran to switch out. Fire Blast and Magma Storm are powerful options but held back by poor accuracy. Flamethrower is a safe, no-drawback option and notably can OHKO Mega Metagross, while Lava Plume cannot. Earth Power hits opposing Heatran, as well as OHKOing Naganadel and threatening opposing Fire-types like Mega Blaziken. Flash Cannon also hits Rock-types such as Tyranitar, offers a second STAB attack for neutral coverage, and OHKOes Mimikyu. Rock Tomb is the best option to check Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y. It also provides a form of speed control. Most importantly, it breaks Disguise and lets Heatran OHKO Mimikyu with Flash Cannon. Hidden Power Ice is also a strong coverage option for Salamence and Landorus-T, but unlike Rock Tomb, it is not essential to check its priority targets such as Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y. Set Details Assault Vest is great on offensive Heatran, as it lets Heatran combine its offensive strengths with its defensive ones by allowing it to invest heavily into Special Attack while still capitalizing on its amazing specially defensive typing. The spread maximizes Heatran's Special Attack, which is necessary to keep the high chance to OHKO Naganadel with Earth Power, OHKO Mega Mawile, and in general do as much damage as possible The spread adjusts for Download boosts from Porygon2 and allows Heatran to take a Shadow Ball followed by a Focus Blast from Mega Gengar. The Speed investment allows Heatran to outspeed base 100s after a Rock Tomb, which is very relevant because Heatran enjoys facing Volcarona and Charizard. It is possible to adjust the defensive EVs by putting some of its HP EVs in Special Defense instead to maximize Heatran's more often utilized special bulk, at the cost of a big sacrifice in its physical bulk. Usage Tips Use the Assault Vest to safely switch into strong neutral hits from likes of Aegislash, Mega Gengar, and more. Use appropriate coverage moves on the switches forced by the sheer bulk of Heatran. Stay away from physical attackers, as this set does not have any way to scout them or an item that safeguards it against them. Team Options Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Landorus-T with pivot moves can help Heatran get on the field and preserve its HP. Strong physical attackers such as Mega Metagross and Mega Salamence tends to lure in physical walls and have good type synergy with Heatran. Water-types such as Greninja and Tapu Fini can be useful to threaten opposing Earthquake users such as Landorus-T and Mega Metagross.

Moves Overheat is the best STAB move on Choice Scarf Heatran, as it provides as much power as possible to OHKO foes. As it will often be forced to switch due to the Choice lock, the side effect is not as relevant. Earth Power lets Heatran hit opposing Heatran and Naganadel, as well as providing an option that does good damage to opposing Fire-types, Rock-types, and Water-types. Flash Cannon is a secondary STAB attack that is safer to lock into for Heatran and hits opposing Fairy-types such as Tapu Lele, as well as Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Terrakion. Heatran has other options for Fire-type STAB moves, such as Lava Plume, Flamethrower and Fire Blast. Having a second Fire-type move allows Heatran to safely lock into it without being set up on. Hidden Power Ice can do a lot of damage to opposing Mega Salamence, but that's about it. Set Details Choice Scarf allows Heatran to better leverage its offensive prowess, as its multiple weaknesses are a detriment to actively using Heatran as an offensive piece to check opposing threats. The spread outspeeds opposing Mega Lopunny. It also prepares against opposing Download users and maximizes Heatran's damage. Usage Tips Use the surprise factor of Choice Scarf Heatran to pick up KOs against Pokemon that would otherwise outspeed and OHKO it, such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Metagross. Try to keep its item a secret. Despite Choice Scarf being a known set, Heatran has so many options and Choice Scarf can take advantage of the surprise value. Use Overheat to hit-and-run or pick up a quick OHKO. Choice Scarf Heatran can also be used to clean up late-game with its above average Speed. Team Options Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Landorus-T with pivot moves can help Heatran get on the field and preserve its HP. Defensive teams that consist of Pokemon such as Venusaur, Porygon2, and Celesteela appreciate Heatran's ability to dispose of their threats before they can even make a move. It is mandatory to have a solid switch-in to Water-types, like Ferrothorn or Snorlax, as this Heatran will have to switch out very frequently against them.

Moves Magma Storm is a strong option when it lands. Air Balloon forces awkward maneuvers and forces Pokemon that lose to Heatran to stay in and pop the Air Balloon for the Heatran check. Magma Storm can allow Heatran to trade KOs for the Air Balloon. Other Fire-type moves with perfect accuracy may be preferred, as Heatran will be clicking its STAB attack frequently. For instance, Lava Plume is one of Heatran's best Fire-type STAB moves thanks to its high chance to inflict a burn. Earth Power hits opposing Heatran, which cannot touch Heatran back because of the Air Balloon, as well as Naganadel, opposing Fire-types, and Rock-types. The combination of Taunt and Magma Storm is strong; it stops switches and racks up residual damage. The combination allows Heatran to bypass defensive Pokemon such as Toxapex and Chansey, which Heatran has no business beating with its other sets. Taunt also stops opposing leads such as Hippowdon dead in their tracks. Hidden Power Ice takes advantage of Air Balloon to threaten large amounts of damage on Salamence and Landorus-T. Stealth Rock is a good option for this type of Heatran, as it makes for a solid lead. Set Details Air Balloon defines the set, as it removes Heatran of its most exploitable weakness to Ground. The bulk investment allows Heatran to survive a Mega Metagross Hammer Arm 15/16 of the time and by extension most other non-STAB Fighting-type coverage. The Speed allows it to outspeed all Celesteela. A Modest nature allows Heatran to do more damage, as the set needs to threaten an OHKO against Pokemon such as Mega Metagross and Landorus-T that could use Earthquake to take down Heatran in the following turn. Usage Tips This set makes for a terrific lead, as it has a great matchup against potential leads such as Hippowdon and is extremely difficult to take out in one hit with its Air Balloon intact. Use the free turn Air Balloon grants to take KOs or do a hefty amount of damage to Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Mega Salamence. Alternatively, it can be used as a stop to sweepers such as Mega Salamence, as Heatran is very difficult to KO without using Earthquake. Team Options Heatran is such a versatile Pokemon that it goes well with most Pokemon. Water-type checks such as Kartana, Tapu Koko, and Snorlax are helpful, as Pokemon like Greninja and Tapu Fini tend to lead well into Heatran. This Heatran enjoys having teammates like Greninja and Mamoswine to beat other leads such as Focus Sash Landorus-T that it loses to. Water-type Pokemon such as Greninja and Tapu Fini are great partners to take advantage of Pokemon such as Toxapex and Chansey being baited in and KOed due to Magma Storm.

Moves Lava Plume is Heatran's best Fire-type STAB move thanks to its high chance to inflict a burn on physical attackers that can threaten this set. Protect allows Heatran to scout the foe, heal up from Leftovers, and deny the majority of damage from Z-Moves. Heatran has plenty of options as its moves. Toxic has great synergy with Protect, and Heatran is able to threaten most of the Pokemon immune to Toxic because of the threat of a Fire-type move. However, it cannot hit Tapu Fini and Gliscor, which Heatran invites in fairly consistently. Earth Power is a good coverage move that hits opposing Heatran and Poison-types like Naganadel, which are immune to Toxic and can switch into Lava Plume. It also threatens opposing Fire-types like Mega Blaziken. Substitute allows Heatran to most effectively take advantage of its strong Toxic + Protect combination, especially as Heatran beats opposing Steel-types. Taunt stops opposing Pokemon from using recovery or setup moves. Stealth Rock is a good support move, breaking any potential Focus Sash as well as chipping down the opposing team into KO range. Roar is also an option for denying faster setup attackers, forcing out Substitute users, and scouting for potential switches. Set Details Leftovers is mandatory because it is Heatran's only way of recovery, and Heatran can take great advantage of it with Protect. A Calm nature boosts Heatran's Special Defense, as Heatran's typing better lends itself to being a special wall. The spread maximizes Heatran's special bulk. It is possible to Speed creep, as it will be a very important factor in a possible Heatran mirror. Usually, many opposing Heatran will have 44 Speed EVs due to their incorrect understanding of Leftovers numbers; Heatran with 252 HP EVs or 212 HP EVs will restore the same amount of HP from Leftovers, so there is little gain in intentionally dropping your overall bulk unless you really need the EVs elsewhere. So, if one were to invest in Speed, it is advised that they invest at least that much. For example, 68 Speed EVs will outspeed uninvested Tapu Fini, Suicune, and Mega Venusaur. Usage Tips Heatran's great special bulk and amazing defensive typing allow it to switch into threats such as Tapu Lele and Mega Charizard Y. Use the free turns to spread chip damage through status such as Toxic or poison and burn or simply from direct attacks from its strong base Special Attack. Be careful of potential lure sets moves, such as Focus Blast—potentially with Fightinium Z—or Hidden Power Ground. If using Substitute, always be on the lookout for defensive Pokemon such as Porygon2 that grant Heatran a free Substitute. Team Options Heatran is such a versatile Pokemon that it goes well with most Pokemon. This set is best suited for defensive teams that can take advantage of the residual damage from Toxic. Pair it with physically defensive Pokemon such as Porygon2, Celesteela, Mega Venusaur, and Slowbro that can check the Ground- and Fighting-types that can threaten Heatran. Pokemon such as Substitute Mega Salamence and Substitute Mega Gengar have good type synergy with Heatran and take advantage of Heatran putting defensive Pokemon on a timer with Toxic. Pokemon such as Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Lopunny have access to Fake Out and thus has great synergy with Heatran's Toxic.