In Pokémon GO there’s a new legendary Pokémon in the arenas. Heatran challenges you, and we show you the best counters.
When is Heatran available? The legendary Pokémon of Fire and Steel type returned to Pokémon GO raids on August 22 at 10:00 PM and can also be encountered as Shiny. It will stay for about 3 weeks and will disappear on September 10 at 10:00 PM.
We show you the best counters against the legendary monster and tell you how many people you need to defeat it.
The best counters against Heatran
What is Heatran weak against? The Steel and Fire type Pokémon is weak against Ground, Water, and Fighting types. It has a double weakness to Ground. So be sure to use Pokémon of those types.
Now we show you the best Pokémon. With this selection, you should have no problems against Heatran in a small group:
Salamence
- Fast Attack: Mud Shot
- Charge Attack: Earthquake
- Note: Salamence has an incredibly high attack value and is also quite sturdy in battle. Its moves are solid. This combination makes it the best attacker.
Groudon
- Fast Attack: Mud Shot
- Charge Attack: Earthquake
- Note: Groudon has the highest attack value of all Ground-type Pokémon. That’s why it’s also one of the top counters.
Excadrill
- Fast Attack: Mud Slap
- Charge Attack: Drill Run
- Note: A high attack value and the strong move Drill Run earn Excadrill a spot in this ranking.
Rhyperior
- Fast Attack: Mud Slap
- Charge Attack: Earthquake
- Note: Rhyperior also has two good Ground moves and hits with double strength. If you missed the Groudon raids, definitely rely on Rhyperior, given you have enough Sinnoh Stones.
Landorus
- Fast Attack: Mud Shot
- Charge Attack: Earth Power
- Note: Landorus has the best Ground move with Earth Power in Pokémon GO and is therefore very strong.
Other good attackers
After the top 5, these Pokémon follow:
- Rhydon with Mud Slap and Earthquake
- Gigalith with Mud Slap and Earth Power
- Golem with Mud Slap and Earthquake
- Donphan with Counter and Earthquake
- Swampert with Mud Shot and Earthquake
- Lanturn with Mud Shot and Earth Power
The alternative Pokémon
Ground Pokémon are the best: If you don’t own any of these Pokémon, you should primarily rely on other Ground Pokémon. The double weakness of Heatran against Ground can be exploited well. Water and Fighting types also offer solid counters.
- Mamoswine with Mud Slap and Steam Roller
- Gastrodon with Mud Slap and Earth Power
- Hippowdon with Thunder Fang and Earth Power
- Kyogre with Waterfall and Surf
- Kingler with Mud Shot and Crabhammer
- Lucario with Counter and Aura Sphere
- Machamp with Counter and Dynamic Punch
Important information about Shiny Heatran
What are the best moves of Heatran? Heatran can learn moves of five different types. Unfortunately, all these moves are not very good, which considerably affects Heatran’s effectiveness negatively.
- Fast Moves: Bug Bite (Bug), Fire Spin (Fire)
- Charge Moves: Firestorm (Fire), Stone Edge (Rock), Iron Head (Steel)
The best moveset is likely to be Fire Spin and Firestorm. This makes Heatran at least somewhat good as a Fire attacker. An alternative might also be Bug Bite.
Maximum values: If you want to catch a 100% IV Heatran, it must have 2145 CP. In snow or sun, it can even have 2681 CP. At its maximum level, Heatran can reach 3754 CP.
Can you beat Heatran in duo? You can already defeat Heatran in pairs. However, you need strong counters. With a team of three to four people, you should have no trouble with Heatran if you have the right counters.
How useful is Heatran in the meta? As an attacker, Heatran is not very useful. It simply has too weak moves. However, if you enjoy hunting for Shinies, you should invest in one or more raid passes.
What does Shiny Heatran look like? You will clearly recognize the difference. Shiny Heatran is significantly lighter.
The chance of encountering Shiny Heatran is approximately 1 in 19. This has been the case for every legendary raid boss.
