Heatran
Attack
Defense
Stamina
Best Movesets
Analysis
Where it was once a niche-counter, Heatran's June 2023 update gave it access to Magma Storm, which is everything that it could have realistically hoped for. While not enough to make Heatran a DPS King in such a competitive type, it was more than enough to make it the undisputed TDO option for most raids thanks in part to its phenomenal resistance set that includes a double-resistance to every single type in the game that's weak to Fire. In this regard, Heatran may very well be an optimal counter in some situations despite lagging behind the big-names of the type!
Offense
- Fire Spin and Magma Storm* is Heatran’s optimal set.
- Fire Blast is a bit behind in DPS, but also less efficient as a 1-bar move.
- Bug Bite is the worse move in the situations where Heatran is useful.
- Iron Head is better for attacking Ice and Fairy-types.
- Stone Edge has no role on gym or raid offense.
- Flamethrower is objectively worse than Magma Storm*
Fire Spin sports slightly above average energy generation, and takes also takes advantage of STAB.
Magma Storm is recommended due to its cheap cost and STAB. Stone Edge grants the most overall coverage, nailing several Flying-type Pokemon that may not mind Heatran's Fire-type attacks. Earth Power can be used to dispatch opposing Dialga and Heatran more reliably, but its coverage is somewhat redundant otherwise. Iron Head benefits from STAB and costs the second least amount of energy, but its DPE is poor and its coverage isn't amazing. Flamethrower is outclassed by Magma Storm.
A Great League Heatran can be obtained by trading one from research and rolling very low IVs. Keep in mind that a research Heatran may be rare.
Heatran boasts a unique typing, but lacks the bulk to really make use of it, and its moveset is somewhat middling. Other Fire-type Pokemon such as Talonflame and Skeledirge possess greater bulk and much stronger movesets, making them preferable options even though they lack Heatran's Steel typing.
