[OVERVIEW]
Heatran is a phenomenal balance breaker due to its great Special Attack stat, access to Magma Storm, and wide variety of coverage moves such as Earth Power and Bloom Doom. Furthermore, Heatran can fulfill a multitude of support roles for a team such as setting up Stealth Rock and spreading status. Heatran can even use Hidden Power Ice or a Choice Scarf to cover holes against more passive or offensive teams. Heatran does suffer, however, because of its mediocre Speed, the prevalence of Dugtrio, and the use of coverage moves for it on Pokemon that it should check such as Volcarona and Magearna, meaning its capabilities are sometimes underwhelming in practice.
[SET]
name: Trapper
move 1: Magma Storm
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Taunt / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Stealth Rock / Solar Beam
item: Groundium Z / Grassium Z
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Imperfect accuracy aside, Magma Storm's high power, ability to trap foes, and passive damage make it the main function of the set. Without it, Heatran cannot reliably remove threats such as Toxapex and Tapu Fini with moves such as Tectonic Rage and Bloom Doom, respectively. Tectonic Rage comes via Earth Power, while Earth Power itself is essential for hitting opposing Heatran. Taunt's synergy with Tectonic Rage allows Heatran to KO most Tapu Fini and keep Stealth Rock on the field. More importantly, Taunt prevents recovery from Pokemon such as Chansey and Toxapex, the latter of which is a more significant target of the move if one opts to use Bloom Doom. Hidden Power Ice is an option to hit Garchomp and Zygarde on the switch while KOing defensive Landorus-T with little prior damage.
Heatran is a great user of Stealth Rock because of the high number of switches it forces. If one already has a Stealth Rock user on their team, Solar Beam should be used with Grassium Z, as it provides the coverage to beat Pokemon that the standard set loses to such as Rotom-W, Calm Mind Tapu Fini, Pelipper, Gyarados, and other less relevant targets such as Gastrodon, Slowbro, and Hippowdon.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and a Timid nature are mandatory to Speed tie with opposing Heatran and outpace Tapu Bulu, Mega Heracross, Volcanion, and Smeargle. The rest of the EVs are thrown in Special Attack because offensive Heatran does not bring reliable defensive utility to a team due to the lack of Leftovers and bulk. The choice of Z-Crystal depends on the team: if Solar Beam is used, then Grassium Z should be the choice. Otherwise, Groundium Z should be used for its ability to reliably break Toxapex and net hard hits on Pokemon such as Tapu Fini. While Z-Crystals make this set very effective, other items may be used, ranging from Air Balloon to even Power Herb to immediately activate a regular Solar Beam.
Usage Tips
========
Offensive Heatran lacks very little defensive utility despite a great typing because of the amount of coverage intended for hitting Heatran. Because of this, double switching is effective, as it allows Heatran to gain the initiative against more passive teams. Heatran can still come in on a few Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Mawile, so take advantage of these opportunities when you have the chance.
Because Magma Storm has a trapping and passive damage effect, there are few instances where Heatran has to predict. If one suspects a faster check to Heatran such as Garchomp or Keldeo to switch in, it may be beneficial to use Heatran's Z-Move right away to do massive damage to if not outright KO the opposing Pokemon. If Heatran has a good matchup, it is recommended to prioritize breaking with Magma Storm than setting up Stealth Rock, as Heatran can provide more to the team that way. Against offensive teams, Heatran should be focused on getting up Stealth Rock immediately and soft checking Pokemon such as Latios before eventually being used as death fodder.
Team Options
========
Because double switches are the most effective way to bring in Heatran, a powerful attacker in the back like Choice Band Zygarde, Tapu Bulu, or Keldeo can force in a lot of Pokemon that Heatran beats such as Tangrowth, Skarmory, and Toxapex, respectively. VoltTurn teammates provide Heatran switch-in opportunities. Mega Scizor, Tapu Koko, Rotom-W, Landorus-T, Magearna, and Ash-Greninja are good examples.
Defensively, Tapu Bulu has great synergy with Heatran because it provides residual healing for Heatran in Grassy Terrain and weakens Heatran's weakness to Earthquake, allowing it to comfortably take a hit from Pokemon such as Tangrowth. Toxapex is a phenomenal teammate because it can come in on a lot of Pokemon that force out Heatran such as Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and certain variants of Greninja. Mega Scizor provides momentum in U-turn and defensive utility against Pokemon such as Landorus-T and non-SubCoil Zygarde while removing hazards, which can be detrimental to Heatran's long-term wallbreaking capabilities. Finally, it is important to understand from a teambuilding perspective that Heatran invites in one of the most dominant threats in the tier, named Zygarde. Because of that, having a solid check to it such as Tangrowth or Ice Beam Mew is mandatory.
[SET]
name: Substitute
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Magma Storm
move 4: Earth Power
item: Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 232 HP / 4 Def / 32 SpA / 240 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
A Substitute set can be used to ease prediction and wear down teams, albeit slower than the immediate wallbreaking Z-Move Heatran brings. Toxic puts switch-ins to Heatran such as Keldeo and Zygarde on a timer. Magma Storm is used over Lava Plume because of its trapping effect, allowing Heatran to swiftly and reliably beat Pokemon such as Zapdos and Mew. Finally, Earth Power is used for overall coverage, hitting Pokemon such as Alolan Marowak, Nihilego, and opposing Heatran.
Set Details
========
32 Special Attack EVs and a Modest nature allow Heatran to defeat Toxapex with the combination of Earth Power and Magma Storm's residual effect. 240 Speed EVs let Heatran outpace neutral-natured Mega Heracross and Tapu Bulu. The rest of the investment is used to increase bulk so Heatran can bring more utility to the team and have a chance to set up a Substitute on Mega Sableye. Leftovers is mandatory for Heatran to use Substitute reliably throughout the game and increases its longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Leftovers is vital for Heatran to constantly create Substitutes. As a result, avoid switching Heatran directly into Tornadus-T, Tangrowth, and other passive Knock Off users. Even risking Trick from Pokemon such as Latios is not a wise move unless the moveset is revealed.
Heatran will often be forcing in the same Pokemon twice, meaning it sacrifices a more immediate presence to bring more utility and longevity to the team. Toxic is safer to use behind a Substitute, but Heatran can predict a switch-in and land a Toxic on Zygarde or Keldeo, for example, without having to sacrifice health to use Substitute. However, in the end, the purpose of the set is a passive version of the offensive trapping set, using the combination of Toxic chip damage, Magma Storm and its trapping and passive damage, and possible entry hazards to wear down the opposition.
Team Options
========
This variant of Heatran provides more defensive qualities to the team than Z-Move Heatran does; thus, Heatran will want to keep its health up at almost all times. Leech Seed users such as Ferrothorn, Tangrowth, Celesteela, and Tapu Bulu are excellent teammates, as they can heal up Heatran on correct predictions. Tapu Bulu in particular sets up Grassy Terrain, so Heatran can use Substitute without any setbacks.
Entry hazards are vital for Heatran to wear down the opponent's team. Landorus-T, Clefable, and Garchomp are solid users of Stealth Rock, while Greninja and Ferrothorn are good users of Spikes. Toxic Spikes, while not necessary, puts less stress on Heatran's role of breaking a team in the long run. Heatran often wears down Pokemon such as Keldeo, Toxapex, and Zygarde, making Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Keldeo, and Buzzwole solid teammates.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Taunt / Protect
move 4: Stealth Rock
item: Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 220 SpD / 40 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With a defensive spread and Leftovers, Heatran provides a massive amount of utility, consistently checking most variants of Pokemon such as Celesteela, Mega Mawile, Nihilego, and Tapu Lele. Lava Plume is used over other Fire-type moves because its high burn chance discourages Pokemon such as Zygarde and Gyarados from freely switching in. Toxic is used for wearing down Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Tyranitar, and Keldeo while preventing Heatran from being walled by Mega Alakazam, Volcarona, Mega Charizard X, and Mega Charizard Y. Will-O-Wisp does have a niche in punishing Zygarde harder than Toxic. Taunt is the preferred option for the consistency it brings against bulkier team structures, allowing Heatran to passively dismantle cores consisting of Mew, Leech Seed Serperior, and Clefable, for example, while preventing Defog from Mantine and Tapu Fini. If such utility is not needed, Protect is a fine option for racking up status damage and providing Heatran extra Leftovers recovery. Because defensive Heatran is a solid user of Stealth Rock, it is better to run it on Heatran rather than on another Pokemon.
Set Details
========
40 Speed EVs outpace neutral-natured Mega Mawile, preventing it from picking off a weakened Heatran with Knock Off or Thunder Punch. The remaining EVs are invested into its Special Defense with a Calm nature to take on Pokemon such as Tapu Lele better. The defensive investment is needed to tank crucial hits such as Mega Charizard Y's Focus Blast and Keldeo's Scald. Leftovers gives Heatran passive healing so it does not get worn down as easily by Leech Seed from Ferrothorn, for example.
Usage Tips
========
Heatran is a pain to take down with adequate teammates but only when it has its item. Leftovers is crucial for defensive Heatran's success, as it can net a ton of recovery due to its great defensive traits. As a result, do not recklessly switch Heatran in on Knock Off from Pokemon such as Tornadus-T and possible Trick users such as Latios. Prioritize Stealth Rock in most matches because Heatran can capitalize on it later in the game by racking up passive damage with Lava Plume and Toxic. If Protect is run, Heatran should generally use Toxic more aggressively rather than going for a safe Lava Plume. However, Lava Plume is still very spammable due to its 30% burn rate. Revealing Lava Plume early in the game can influence your opponent's gameplay as well, discouraging Pokemon such as Zygarde and Tyranitar from constantly switching in.
If Heatran does not bring much utility to a match, setting up Stealth Rock and recklessly spamming status moves, even at the cost of taking hits, is recommended. A possible Toxic on Keldeo or defensive Landorus-T can assist teammates such as Ash-Greninja and Mega Mawile.
Team Options
========
Ferrothorn creates a solid entry hazard stacking core with Heatran while providing it with more recovery with Leech Seed. Other Pokemon that can form hazard stacking cores with Heatran are Toxapex and Greninja, which provide great defensive and offensive utility, respectively. For example, Greninja can run Extrasensory to beat Toxapex, a Pokemon Heatran struggles to break without losing a significant chunk of its health. This Heatran set is best used on bulky offense because of its consistency as a Stealth Rock and status user. Ash-Greninja and Zygarde are prime teammates, as they appreciate Heatran luring in and spreading status to Water-types and opposing Zygarde. Mega Venusaur and Tapu Bulu cover Heatran's weaknesses almost entirely. While Venusaur is bulkier, Tapu Bulu is a more consistent answer to Zygarde, and it provides extra recovery for Heatran through Grassy Terrain.
Dugtrio is a decent teammate because this Heatran set is walled by opposing Heatran. Dugtrio can even run Groundium Z to weaken Tapu Fini and break Toxapex more reliably. The former is a more relevant target if Heatran opts to run Protect over Taunt. Z-Move Garchomp and Zygarde are solid teammates for their ability to force in Landorus-T, a common Pokemon that keeps Heatran at bay. Finally, Heatran wears down a lot of Ground-types, making it easier for Choice Scarf Terrakion and Nihilego to clean up.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Flash Cannon
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Lava Plume / Stone Edge / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Timid / Hasty
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With a Choice Scarf equipped, Heatran can outpace Pokemon it is normally forced out by such as Mega Medicham, Landorus-T, and Mega Pinsir. While Overheat seems like the appealing choice on a hit-and-run attacker, the lack of solid Heatran answers means the consistency of Fire Blast is preferred. Flash Cannon destroys Tapu Lele and is very spammable due to its solid Base Power and how Heatran's primary typing wards off Flash Cannon switch-ins such as Mega Scizor and Celesteela. Earth Power is used to prevent opposing Heatran from switching in and does massive damage to physically defensive Toxapex. The last slot depends on the team's needs. Lava Plume is an overall solid option for spreading burns if the utility of Stone Edge to hit Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona or Hidden Power Ice to hit Zygarde, Garchomp, and Landorus-T is not needed.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature and maximum Speed investment are required for Choice Scarf Heatran to outpace Tapu Koko. Maximum Special Attack investment is used so Heatran can excel at its revenge killing duties. A Hasty nature should be used with Stone Edge, as Heatran otherwise loses the guaranteed OHKO on Mega Charizard Y.
Usage Tips
========
Before Heatran is confirmed to be Choice Scarf, it can be thrown in directly on attacks such as Mega Pinsir's Return. Afterwards, one should be more conservative when playing with Heatran due to its good matchup against such teams. Spam Lava Plume early-game to spread burns, and then follow it up with a stronger Fire Blast to force pressure on offensive builds. If Lava Plume is not run, only use Heatran for revenge killing and less as an independent Pokemon. Earth Power should be used on anticipated Toxapex and Heatran switch-ins.
Team Options
========
A more practical Choice Scarf user can be used if one is weak to setup sweepers such as Zygarde and Volcarona. Greninja fits this category better than others, as it can keep up momentum with U-turn. However, teams with Choice Scarf Heatran have bulkier backbones, so a faster Choice Scarf teammate may not be needed. Toxic Spikes pairs well with Heatran because it will force in a lot of Water- and Ground-types such as Zygarde and Tapu Fini to take poison, putting the opponent in awkward positions. Toxapex and Nihilego are good users of the move, and both are solid checks to non-Psychium Z Volcarona.
Offensively, Tapu Bulu is a great teammate, since Heatran can make good use of Grassy Terrain and come in on Tapu Bulu's checks such as Skarmory and Mega Scizor. Offensive Water-types are also good teammates, since they force a lot of Heatran's checks to take damage. Keldeo and Tapu Fini are good for spreading burns or doing chip damage with Nature's Madness. Keldeo and Ash-Greninja force a lot of checks to Heatran such as Latios and Tapu Fini to take damage. Rotom-W is another good Water-type, since it can keep up momentum with Volt Switch. Finally, Mega Charizard Y can be paired with Heatran to overwhelm Fire-resistant Pokemon, since Mega Charizard Y can create holes for Choice Scarf Heatran to take advantage of, especially in sun.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Dragonium Z with Dragon Pulse provides a better cushion than Hidden Power Ice against Zygarde, Garchomp, Mega Charizard X, and Latios, as Devastating Drake is much more powerful. A Choice Specs set is feasible if one cannot use Mega Charizard Y; it can break massive holes in the opposing team with its STAB moves. Firium Z and can be used to blast past Pokemon such as defensive Landorus-T, Assault Vest Tangrowth, and Tapu Lele while providing a strong Fire-type move to use early-game if it is not needed. Firium Z can also be paired with Sunny Day to grant +1 Speed and an opportunity to sweep. Despite this set beating some Choice Scarf users such as Tapu Lele, Nihilego, and Gengar, it is still prone to other ones, two of which are very common: Garchomp and Keldeo.
On the defensive end, Heatran can pull off a bulky trapper set consisting of Magma Storm, Toxic, Substitute, and Earth Power. However, this set almost always necessitates Tapu Bulu to keep its health up, thus making it hard to fit on teams. A Torment set also including Protect, Lava Plume, and Substitute can be used with Toxic Spikes support to break passive holes for teammates such as Tapu Lele and Ash-Greninja to take advantage of. Similar to the defensive trapping set, this set requires a ton of support, limiting its use as a valid and consistent set. In addition to this, both the defensive trapper and Torment sets lose to specially defensive Toxapex, reducing their worth as viable Heatran sets compared to the more offensive and even specially defensive Stealth Rock variant.
Stone Edge and Roar can be used on specially defensive Heatran. The former KOes Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y (specially defensive Heatran can take a +1 Hidden Power Ground from Volcarona and a Focus Blast from Mega Charizard Y), while the latter can be used on teams with Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and/or sand damage. Finally, maximum Speed with a Timid nature can be used on the specially defensive set instead for flexibility when playing against Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, and offensive Celesteela. This spread is very team-specific, however, as you are throwing away Heatran's ability to take on Tapu Lele, Latios, Mega Charizard Y, and Gengar, while living attacks from Pokemon such as Volcarona and Rotom-W in clutch scenarios, for an inferior spread to cover some specific less common threats such as max Speed Scizor and Magearna.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Bloom Doom sets completely destroy most of them, but Pokemon such as Keldeo, Greninja, and fast Tapu Fini tend to force Heatran out. Specially defensive Toxapex can fare well against non-Groundium Z sets. Water-types have a better matchup against defensive and Choice Scarf sets, but they should watch out for Toxic and Lava Plume burns. Surf Latios can lure Heatran in as well.
**Fighting-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Fighting-types such as Terrakion naturally force Heatran out. Focus Blast Mega Charizard Y and Magearna can put a huge dent in Heatran, if not outright KO it.
**Ground-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Zygarde, Garchomp, and Landorus-T have to worry about Hidden Power Ice and Will-O-Wisp, but they can force Heatran out if they come in safely or use it as setup bait. Earthquake from Pokemon such as Mega Pinsir and Mega Charizard X defeat it as well.
**Knock Off**: Defensive Heatran sets are useless without Leftovers. Tornadus-T, Clefable, and sometimes Weavile can force it out. Heatran can also be lured in and deprived of its item with Pokemon such as Knock Off Scizor and Ferrothorn.
**Strong Attackers**: Because a well-played Heatran is one of the hardest Pokemon to KO and also one of the hardest Pokemon to switch into, hammering it with repeated attacks is probably the best way to go. Mindlessly spamming strong moves such as Draco Meteor from Latios, Shadow Ball from Gengar, and Thunder Punch from Mega Mawile should do the trick.
Heatran is a phenomenal balance breaker due to its great Special Attack stat, access to Magma Storm, and wide variety of coverage moves such as Earth Power and Bloom Doom. Furthermore, Heatran can fulfill a multitude of support roles for a team such as setting up Stealth Rock and spreading status. Heatran can even use Hidden Power Ice or a Choice Scarf to cover holes against more passive or offensive teams. Heatran does suffer, however, because of its mediocre Speed, the prevalence of Dugtrio, and the use of coverage moves for it on Pokemon that it should check such as Volcarona and Magearna, meaning its capabilities are sometimes underwhelming in practice.
[SET]
name: Trapper
move 1: Magma Storm
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Taunt / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Stealth Rock / Solar Beam
item: Groundium Z / Grassium Z
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Imperfect accuracy aside, Magma Storm's high power, ability to trap foes, and passive damage make it the main function of the set. Without it, Heatran cannot reliably remove threats such as Toxapex and Tapu Fini with moves such as Tectonic Rage and Bloom Doom, respectively. Tectonic Rage comes via Earth Power, while Earth Power itself is essential for hitting opposing Heatran. Taunt's synergy with Tectonic Rage allows Heatran to KO most Tapu Fini and keep Stealth Rock on the field. More importantly, Taunt prevents recovery from Pokemon such as Chansey and Toxapex, the latter of which is a more significant target of the move if one opts to use Bloom Doom. Hidden Power Ice is an option to hit Garchomp and Zygarde on the switch while KOing defensive Landorus-T with little prior damage.
Heatran is a great user of Stealth Rock because of the high number of switches it forces. If one already has a Stealth Rock user on their team, Solar Beam should be used with Grassium Z, as it provides the coverage to beat Pokemon that the standard set loses to such as Rotom-W, Calm Mind Tapu Fini, Pelipper, Gyarados, and other less relevant targets such as Gastrodon, Slowbro, and Hippowdon.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and a Timid nature are mandatory to Speed tie with opposing Heatran and outpace Tapu Bulu, Mega Heracross, Volcanion, and Smeargle. The rest of the EVs are thrown in Special Attack because offensive Heatran does not bring reliable defensive utility to a team due to the lack of Leftovers and bulk. The choice of Z-Crystal depends on the team: if Solar Beam is used, then Grassium Z should be the choice. Otherwise, Groundium Z should be used for its ability to reliably break Toxapex and net hard hits on Pokemon such as Tapu Fini. While Z-Crystals make this set very effective, other items may be used, ranging from Air Balloon to even Power Herb to immediately activate a regular Solar Beam.
Usage Tips
========
Offensive Heatran lacks very little defensive utility despite a great typing because of the amount of coverage intended for hitting Heatran. Because of this, double switching is effective, as it allows Heatran to gain the initiative against more passive teams. Heatran can still come in on a few Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Mawile, so take advantage of these opportunities when you have the chance.
Because Magma Storm has a trapping and passive damage effect, there are few instances where Heatran has to predict. If one suspects a faster check to Heatran such as Garchomp or Keldeo to switch in, it may be beneficial to use Heatran's Z-Move right away to do massive damage to if not outright KO the opposing Pokemon. If Heatran has a good matchup, it is recommended to prioritize breaking with Magma Storm than setting up Stealth Rock, as Heatran can provide more to the team that way. Against offensive teams, Heatran should be focused on getting up Stealth Rock immediately and soft checking Pokemon such as Latios before eventually being used as death fodder.
Team Options
========
Because double switches are the most effective way to bring in Heatran, a powerful attacker in the back like Choice Band Zygarde, Tapu Bulu, or Keldeo can force in a lot of Pokemon that Heatran beats such as Tangrowth, Skarmory, and Toxapex, respectively. VoltTurn teammates provide Heatran switch-in opportunities. Mega Scizor, Tapu Koko, Rotom-W, Landorus-T, Magearna, and Ash-Greninja are good examples.
Defensively, Tapu Bulu has great synergy with Heatran because it provides residual healing for Heatran in Grassy Terrain and weakens Heatran's weakness to Earthquake, allowing it to comfortably take a hit from Pokemon such as Tangrowth. Toxapex is a phenomenal teammate because it can come in on a lot of Pokemon that force out Heatran such as Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and certain variants of Greninja. Mega Scizor provides momentum in U-turn and defensive utility against Pokemon such as Landorus-T and non-SubCoil Zygarde while removing hazards, which can be detrimental to Heatran's long-term wallbreaking capabilities. Finally, it is important to understand from a teambuilding perspective that Heatran invites in one of the most dominant threats in the tier, named Zygarde. Because of that, having a solid check to it such as Tangrowth or Ice Beam Mew is mandatory.
[SET]
name: Substitute
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Magma Storm
move 4: Earth Power
item: Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 232 HP / 4 Def / 32 SpA / 240 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
A Substitute set can be used to ease prediction and wear down teams, albeit slower than the immediate wallbreaking Z-Move Heatran brings. Toxic puts switch-ins to Heatran such as Keldeo and Zygarde on a timer. Magma Storm is used over Lava Plume because of its trapping effect, allowing Heatran to swiftly and reliably beat Pokemon such as Zapdos and Mew. Finally, Earth Power is used for overall coverage, hitting Pokemon such as Alolan Marowak, Nihilego, and opposing Heatran.
Set Details
========
32 Special Attack EVs and a Modest nature allow Heatran to defeat Toxapex with the combination of Earth Power and Magma Storm's residual effect. 240 Speed EVs let Heatran outpace neutral-natured Mega Heracross and Tapu Bulu. The rest of the investment is used to increase bulk so Heatran can bring more utility to the team and have a chance to set up a Substitute on Mega Sableye. Leftovers is mandatory for Heatran to use Substitute reliably throughout the game and increases its longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Leftovers is vital for Heatran to constantly create Substitutes. As a result, avoid switching Heatran directly into Tornadus-T, Tangrowth, and other passive Knock Off users. Even risking Trick from Pokemon such as Latios is not a wise move unless the moveset is revealed.
Heatran will often be forcing in the same Pokemon twice, meaning it sacrifices a more immediate presence to bring more utility and longevity to the team. Toxic is safer to use behind a Substitute, but Heatran can predict a switch-in and land a Toxic on Zygarde or Keldeo, for example, without having to sacrifice health to use Substitute. However, in the end, the purpose of the set is a passive version of the offensive trapping set, using the combination of Toxic chip damage, Magma Storm and its trapping and passive damage, and possible entry hazards to wear down the opposition.
Team Options
========
This variant of Heatran provides more defensive qualities to the team than Z-Move Heatran does; thus, Heatran will want to keep its health up at almost all times. Leech Seed users such as Ferrothorn, Tangrowth, Celesteela, and Tapu Bulu are excellent teammates, as they can heal up Heatran on correct predictions. Tapu Bulu in particular sets up Grassy Terrain, so Heatran can use Substitute without any setbacks.
Entry hazards are vital for Heatran to wear down the opponent's team. Landorus-T, Clefable, and Garchomp are solid users of Stealth Rock, while Greninja and Ferrothorn are good users of Spikes. Toxic Spikes, while not necessary, puts less stress on Heatran's role of breaking a team in the long run. Heatran often wears down Pokemon such as Keldeo, Toxapex, and Zygarde, making Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Keldeo, and Buzzwole solid teammates.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Taunt / Protect
move 4: Stealth Rock
item: Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 220 SpD / 40 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With a defensive spread and Leftovers, Heatran provides a massive amount of utility, consistently checking most variants of Pokemon such as Celesteela, Mega Mawile, Nihilego, and Tapu Lele. Lava Plume is used over other Fire-type moves because its high burn chance discourages Pokemon such as Zygarde and Gyarados from freely switching in. Toxic is used for wearing down Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Tyranitar, and Keldeo while preventing Heatran from being walled by Mega Alakazam, Volcarona, Mega Charizard X, and Mega Charizard Y. Will-O-Wisp does have a niche in punishing Zygarde harder than Toxic. Taunt is the preferred option for the consistency it brings against bulkier team structures, allowing Heatran to passively dismantle cores consisting of Mew, Leech Seed Serperior, and Clefable, for example, while preventing Defog from Mantine and Tapu Fini. If such utility is not needed, Protect is a fine option for racking up status damage and providing Heatran extra Leftovers recovery. Because defensive Heatran is a solid user of Stealth Rock, it is better to run it on Heatran rather than on another Pokemon.
Set Details
========
40 Speed EVs outpace neutral-natured Mega Mawile, preventing it from picking off a weakened Heatran with Knock Off or Thunder Punch. The remaining EVs are invested into its Special Defense with a Calm nature to take on Pokemon such as Tapu Lele better. The defensive investment is needed to tank crucial hits such as Mega Charizard Y's Focus Blast and Keldeo's Scald. Leftovers gives Heatran passive healing so it does not get worn down as easily by Leech Seed from Ferrothorn, for example.
Usage Tips
========
Heatran is a pain to take down with adequate teammates but only when it has its item. Leftovers is crucial for defensive Heatran's success, as it can net a ton of recovery due to its great defensive traits. As a result, do not recklessly switch Heatran in on Knock Off from Pokemon such as Tornadus-T and possible Trick users such as Latios. Prioritize Stealth Rock in most matches because Heatran can capitalize on it later in the game by racking up passive damage with Lava Plume and Toxic. If Protect is run, Heatran should generally use Toxic more aggressively rather than going for a safe Lava Plume. However, Lava Plume is still very spammable due to its 30% burn rate. Revealing Lava Plume early in the game can influence your opponent's gameplay as well, discouraging Pokemon such as Zygarde and Tyranitar from constantly switching in.
If Heatran does not bring much utility to a match, setting up Stealth Rock and recklessly spamming status moves, even at the cost of taking hits, is recommended. A possible Toxic on Keldeo or defensive Landorus-T can assist teammates such as Ash-Greninja and Mega Mawile.
Team Options
========
Ferrothorn creates a solid entry hazard stacking core with Heatran while providing it with more recovery with Leech Seed. Other Pokemon that can form hazard stacking cores with Heatran are Toxapex and Greninja, which provide great defensive and offensive utility, respectively. For example, Greninja can run Extrasensory to beat Toxapex, a Pokemon Heatran struggles to break without losing a significant chunk of its health. This Heatran set is best used on bulky offense because of its consistency as a Stealth Rock and status user. Ash-Greninja and Zygarde are prime teammates, as they appreciate Heatran luring in and spreading status to Water-types and opposing Zygarde. Mega Venusaur and Tapu Bulu cover Heatran's weaknesses almost entirely. While Venusaur is bulkier, Tapu Bulu is a more consistent answer to Zygarde, and it provides extra recovery for Heatran through Grassy Terrain.
Dugtrio is a decent teammate because this Heatran set is walled by opposing Heatran. Dugtrio can even run Groundium Z to weaken Tapu Fini and break Toxapex more reliably. The former is a more relevant target if Heatran opts to run Protect over Taunt. Z-Move Garchomp and Zygarde are solid teammates for their ability to force in Landorus-T, a common Pokemon that keeps Heatran at bay. Finally, Heatran wears down a lot of Ground-types, making it easier for Choice Scarf Terrakion and Nihilego to clean up.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Flash Cannon
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Lava Plume / Stone Edge / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Timid / Hasty
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With a Choice Scarf equipped, Heatran can outpace Pokemon it is normally forced out by such as Mega Medicham, Landorus-T, and Mega Pinsir. While Overheat seems like the appealing choice on a hit-and-run attacker, the lack of solid Heatran answers means the consistency of Fire Blast is preferred. Flash Cannon destroys Tapu Lele and is very spammable due to its solid Base Power and how Heatran's primary typing wards off Flash Cannon switch-ins such as Mega Scizor and Celesteela. Earth Power is used to prevent opposing Heatran from switching in and does massive damage to physically defensive Toxapex. The last slot depends on the team's needs. Lava Plume is an overall solid option for spreading burns if the utility of Stone Edge to hit Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona or Hidden Power Ice to hit Zygarde, Garchomp, and Landorus-T is not needed.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature and maximum Speed investment are required for Choice Scarf Heatran to outpace Tapu Koko. Maximum Special Attack investment is used so Heatran can excel at its revenge killing duties. A Hasty nature should be used with Stone Edge, as Heatran otherwise loses the guaranteed OHKO on Mega Charizard Y.
Usage Tips
========
Before Heatran is confirmed to be Choice Scarf, it can be thrown in directly on attacks such as Mega Pinsir's Return. Afterwards, one should be more conservative when playing with Heatran due to its good matchup against such teams. Spam Lava Plume early-game to spread burns, and then follow it up with a stronger Fire Blast to force pressure on offensive builds. If Lava Plume is not run, only use Heatran for revenge killing and less as an independent Pokemon. Earth Power should be used on anticipated Toxapex and Heatran switch-ins.
Team Options
========
A more practical Choice Scarf user can be used if one is weak to setup sweepers such as Zygarde and Volcarona. Greninja fits this category better than others, as it can keep up momentum with U-turn. However, teams with Choice Scarf Heatran have bulkier backbones, so a faster Choice Scarf teammate may not be needed. Toxic Spikes pairs well with Heatran because it will force in a lot of Water- and Ground-types such as Zygarde and Tapu Fini to take poison, putting the opponent in awkward positions. Toxapex and Nihilego are good users of the move, and both are solid checks to non-Psychium Z Volcarona.
Offensively, Tapu Bulu is a great teammate, since Heatran can make good use of Grassy Terrain and come in on Tapu Bulu's checks such as Skarmory and Mega Scizor. Offensive Water-types are also good teammates, since they force a lot of Heatran's checks to take damage. Keldeo and Tapu Fini are good for spreading burns or doing chip damage with Nature's Madness. Keldeo and Ash-Greninja force a lot of checks to Heatran such as Latios and Tapu Fini to take damage. Rotom-W is another good Water-type, since it can keep up momentum with Volt Switch. Finally, Mega Charizard Y can be paired with Heatran to overwhelm Fire-resistant Pokemon, since Mega Charizard Y can create holes for Choice Scarf Heatran to take advantage of, especially in sun.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Dragonium Z with Dragon Pulse provides a better cushion than Hidden Power Ice against Zygarde, Garchomp, Mega Charizard X, and Latios, as Devastating Drake is much more powerful. A Choice Specs set is feasible if one cannot use Mega Charizard Y; it can break massive holes in the opposing team with its STAB moves. Firium Z and can be used to blast past Pokemon such as defensive Landorus-T, Assault Vest Tangrowth, and Tapu Lele while providing a strong Fire-type move to use early-game if it is not needed. Firium Z can also be paired with Sunny Day to grant +1 Speed and an opportunity to sweep. Despite this set beating some Choice Scarf users such as Tapu Lele, Nihilego, and Gengar, it is still prone to other ones, two of which are very common: Garchomp and Keldeo.
On the defensive end, Heatran can pull off a bulky trapper set consisting of Magma Storm, Toxic, Substitute, and Earth Power. However, this set almost always necessitates Tapu Bulu to keep its health up, thus making it hard to fit on teams. A Torment set also including Protect, Lava Plume, and Substitute can be used with Toxic Spikes support to break passive holes for teammates such as Tapu Lele and Ash-Greninja to take advantage of. Similar to the defensive trapping set, this set requires a ton of support, limiting its use as a valid and consistent set. In addition to this, both the defensive trapper and Torment sets lose to specially defensive Toxapex, reducing their worth as viable Heatran sets compared to the more offensive and even specially defensive Stealth Rock variant.
Stone Edge and Roar can be used on specially defensive Heatran. The former KOes Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y (specially defensive Heatran can take a +1 Hidden Power Ground from Volcarona and a Focus Blast from Mega Charizard Y), while the latter can be used on teams with Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and/or sand damage. Finally, maximum Speed with a Timid nature can be used on the specially defensive set instead for flexibility when playing against Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, and offensive Celesteela. This spread is very team-specific, however, as you are throwing away Heatran's ability to take on Tapu Lele, Latios, Mega Charizard Y, and Gengar, while living attacks from Pokemon such as Volcarona and Rotom-W in clutch scenarios, for an inferior spread to cover some specific less common threats such as max Speed Scizor and Magearna.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Bloom Doom sets completely destroy most of them, but Pokemon such as Keldeo, Greninja, and fast Tapu Fini tend to force Heatran out. Specially defensive Toxapex can fare well against non-Groundium Z sets. Water-types have a better matchup against defensive and Choice Scarf sets, but they should watch out for Toxic and Lava Plume burns. Surf Latios can lure Heatran in as well.
**Fighting-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Fighting-types such as Terrakion naturally force Heatran out. Focus Blast Mega Charizard Y and Magearna can put a huge dent in Heatran, if not outright KO it.
**Ground-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Zygarde, Garchomp, and Landorus-T have to worry about Hidden Power Ice and Will-O-Wisp, but they can force Heatran out if they come in safely or use it as setup bait. Earthquake from Pokemon such as Mega Pinsir and Mega Charizard X defeat it as well.
**Knock Off**: Defensive Heatran sets are useless without Leftovers. Tornadus-T, Clefable, and sometimes Weavile can force it out. Heatran can also be lured in and deprived of its item with Pokemon such as Knock Off Scizor and Ferrothorn.
**Strong Attackers**: Because a well-played Heatran is one of the hardest Pokemon to KO and also one of the hardest Pokemon to switch into, hammering it with repeated attacks is probably the best way to go. Mindlessly spamming strong moves such as Draco Meteor from Latios, Shadow Ball from Gengar, and Thunder Punch from Mega Mawile should do the trick.
Last edited:
