[Overview]
<p>
Unfortunately for Heatran, the introduction of new threats such as Keldeo that have made rain more dominant than ever has only added to its woes. In fact, there is always a Water- or Fighting-type
Pokémon Pokemon or attack waiting to defeat it. This is not to speak about its 4x weakness to Ground, which makes Heatran easy prey for Dugtrio. With so many things that make Heatran's life difficult, one may question why Heatran is still one of the most used
Pokémon Pokemon.</p>
<p>The answer lies in the fact that Heatran is perhaps the best Fire-type in OU, and
the easiest not very difficult (Only to not imply that heatran can be carelessly thrown in on any team) to fit on teams. Thanks to its unique Fire/Steel typing, it combines the offensive characteristics of a Fire-type with the defensive prowess of a Steel-type, which in combination with its Flash Fire ability,
isthe is the reason why Heatran is so prevalent despite the ubiquitous rain teams. The aforementioned crippling weakness to Water-type attacks, Earthquake, and Fighting-type blows notwithstanding, the typing and ability give Heatran important 4x resistances to Ice, Grass, Bug, and Steel, as well as an immunity to Fire-type attacks and many other resistances (including to the omnipresent Outrages and Draco Meteors)!
Withpowerful With a powerful Fire-type STAB, Heatran can take out most
Steel- Steel-Types and Grass-types easily. It is also very versatile, having the ability to run specially defensive sets to wall special attackers lacking a super effective move, offensive support sets, and even trapping sets. Most Steel-types in OU are free switch-ins
forHeatran for Heatran, as they generally don't use moves that can threaten it. Heatran is also the best counter to sun teams; once their Dugtrio or Terrakion is out of the equation, sun teams are hard-pressed to do much to defeat it. All these make it one of the best
Pokémon Pokemon GP standards indicate that 'Pokemon' shouldn't be spelled with an accent. Have changed all instances in OU, despite
being in a metagame that is seemingly conspiring against it.</p>
[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Stealth Rock / Taunt / Toxic
item: Air Balloon / Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
MANY instances of Double Spacing. If not intentional please correct. I have removed most occurrences from here on, so please crosscheck with your OP
<p>It is hard to imagine something that can support teams and pose an offensive threat at the same time, but Heatran can do this. It has a potent STAB Fire Blast that can roast most Steel-types and Grass-types, even in rain. This set can also deal with many Dragon-types, set up Stealth Rock reliably, and wall sun teams despite the lack of defensive investiment. All of these make Heatran one of the most versatile special attackers in OU, and you should always consider using this set on your non-rain teams.</p>
<p>Fire Blast is the best STAB to run on this set. As said above, it defeats most Steel- and Grass-types, as well as Bug-types, all of which are surprisingly common on OU and demand Fire-type attacks to deal with them. However, there is one Steel-type that laughs at Fire-type attacks and actually loves being hit by
them:Heatran them, Heatran itself! That's This is where Earth Power comes in, as it is able to maim
the opposing Heatran.
However Bbe wary of Air Balloon variants,
however. Earth Power also hits Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Terrakionthat resist Fire Blast. Not that Heatran would dare staying in on Terrakion, of course, but it can discourage Terrakion from switching in a second time, as it is 2HKOed by Earth Power. In sandstorm, they can both avoid the 2HKO, however, so take care. As for Hidden Power, we have two choices. Hidden Power Ice is the recommended one: with a combination of Air Balloon, a Fire/Steel typing, and a Flash Fire ability, Heatran is able to defeat any Dragon-type that lacks a Fighting-or Water-type attack, as long as it maintains
itsAir its Air Balloon. Examples are Dragonite and Salamence, both which are hard-pressed to do much to
Heatranwith Heatran with its Air Balloon intact. If you feel that your team already has plenty of ways to deal with Dragon-types, or if your team has problems with bulky Water-types, Hidden Power Grass can be used. Hidden Power Ice is usually the superior choice, however, as with it, Heatran can take advantage of its resistance to Dragon-type attacks and the ability to come in safely on the Dragon-types that lack a Water- or Fighting-type attack.</p>
<p>The last slot is dedicated to a support option. Stealth Rock is the main one, as Heatran is one of the best and most reliable users of it; it forces many switches and can take out Magic Bounce users such as Espeon and Xatu with STAB Fire Blast. If something else carries Stealth Rock on your team, it can be replaced
by with Toxic. Taunt shuts down common switch-ins such as Chansey and Blissey, as well as things expecting to use Heatran as setup fodder, like Gyarados or even Calm Mind Keldeo. Toxic is another option that can cripple bulky Water-types that would otherwise love to switch
in on Heatran lacking Hidden Power Grass. Toxic also lets Heatran beat Volcarona 1vs1; despite being able to wall Volcarona (unless it runs Hidden Power Ground), Heatran is not able to do much back without Toxic.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>There are many other options that can be used in the last
slot.Heatran slot. Heatran can spread is burns through Will-O-Wisp; though many bulky Water-types have reliable recovery to heal off burn damage with, Will-O-Wisp can cripple common switch-ins such as Tyranitar, Gyarados, Dragonite, and Terrakion. Flame Charge boosts Heatran's Speed, enabling it to sweep late-game once the opposing team has been weakened and its checks and counters have been removed, and is especially useful on sets with Life Orb. It also lets Heatran beat Dugtrio, as Heatran
canoutspeed can outspeed and OHKO Dugtrio with Hidden Power or Fire Blast. Roar is yet another option that can
save life be a lifesaver against some Dragon-type setup sweepers, break Baton Pass chains, and rack up hazard damage. If you use Hidden Power Grass, Dragon Pulse can be used so that Heatran can still cover Dragon-types. The last slot is
mainly essentially filler, and you should use the option that best fits your team's needs.</p>
<p>Air Balloon is the primary item to avoid Ground-type attacks, Spikes, and being trapped by Dugtrio. Please be careful with what you switch in Heatran on, as otherwise, Air Balloon will pop for nothing and Heatran will not be able to wall Dragon-types. Generally, Heatran should be switching in on an expected Ground-or Fire-type move, or a status move. Life Orb provides a much-needed boost to Heatran's attacks and is very useful if it is using options like Dragon Pulse of Flame Charge in the last slot. However, the utility of Air Balloon is generally too good to pass up. Leftovers provides longevity, but it is very hard to find a reason to use it over Life Orb or Air Balloon; you are better off using the Substitute set if you want to use Leftovers.</p>
<p>252 Special Attack EVs lets Heatran hit as hard as possible. 4 SpD seems trivial at first, but prevent the rare yet very annoying Porygon2
and Porygon-Z from gaining a Special Attack boost. A Timid nature and 252 Speed EVs let Heatran outspeed Adamant Dragonite, as well as all variants of Breloom; it can then OHKO the former with Hidden Power Ice (after Multiscale has been broken) and the latter with Fire Blast (Mach Punch will not OHKO a full-health Heatran). However, a bulky EV spread of 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe and a Modest nature is very viable, as apart from the aforementioned threats, there aren't many situations where Heatran will be in need of Speed, and the extra bulk is really appreciated. Still, the aforementioned threats are so omnipresent that you may still find the Speed to be very useful. It is worth noting that Chople Berry is a useful item with the bulky EV spread, as it lets Heatran live the Fighting-type blows from the likes of Terrakion and Breloom.</p>
<p>As for partners,
Pokémon Pokemon that attract Fire-type attacks tend to be the best. Forretress complements Heatran's Stealth Rock with Spikes and can check Terrakion and Haxorus, two
Pokémon Pokemon that are dangerous for Heatran. Scizor can dispose of Blissey and Chansey and check the Lati twins, Tyranitar, and Terrakion, all of which can threaten Heatran in some way or another. Finally, Ferrothorn also has access to Spikes and can dispose of bulky Water-types. Ninetales is another good partner because its Drought will power up Fire Blast, but Tyranitar can dispose of the Lati twins and the pink blobs and is thus an excellent partner too. Celebi and Jellicent have amazing synergy with Heatran; the former easily defeats bulky Water-types that counter Heatran, and the latter is immune to the only two weakness that Heatran has (with Air Balloon). Both also counter Keldeo, which is capable of countering this Heatran very well, as well as Sheer Force Landorus, which can still defeat Heatran with Focus Blast. Landorus-T can counter Terrakion, and thus is a notable partner. Gengar can spinblock, preventing Heatran's Stealth Rock from being spun away, and checks most Fighting-types and the aforementioned Sheer Force Landorus.</p>
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Protect
move 4: Stealth Rock / Roar / Earth Power
item: Leftovers
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although Heatran is an excellent offensive
Pokémon Pokemon, don't forget
itsimpressive its impressive 91/106/106 defenses, which in conjunction with its unique Fire/Steel typing and ability make Heatran a great special wall, even though it has no reliable recovery. Heatran is not setup bait either, as it has Roar and a huge base 130 Special Attack. Lava Plume is the best STAB option for this set, with its burn chance making up for the lack of investment
inDefense in Defense. Protect scouts Choice users while also racking up passive damage and Leftovers recovery. Toxic is the status move of choice because it cannot be stalled out by reliable recovery and affects Volcarona (which is especially useful if you don't run Roar, as Heatran is hard-pressed to do much back otherwise). Plus, Lava Plume already carries a 30% chance to burn the opponent.</p>
<p>The last moveslot contains a myriad of options, and can be customized depending on your team's needs. Stealth Rock is an excellent support move, and this Heatran is one of its best users. Thanks to investment in Special Defense, Heatran is capable of surviving even uninvested rain-boosted Scalds from bulky Water-types, letting it set up Stealth Rock if needed. If something else carries Stealth Rock on your team, you can use Roar, a great support option to rack up hazard damage, spread burns (alongside Lava Plume), and phaze those special setup sweepers
that dare using who dare use Heatran as setup fodder. It is also useful to scout opposing Dugtrio. Earth Power can be used instead of both options, as it allows specially defensive Heatran to take out opposing Heatran, as well as other Fire-types, Tentacruel, and Terrakion, all which would wall this set otherwise. Earth Power from offensive Heatran sets do not OHKO specially defensive Heatran, while it has a 78% chance to OHKO back with its own Earth Power.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>A specially defensive spread is preferred over a physical one, because most of Heatran's resistances are specially-based. Also, most common physical attacks (such as Earthquake and Close Combat) aimed at Heatran hit it super effectively and would OHKO or 2HKO even with maximum investment in Heatran's physical bulk. Another reason is that Heatran can already use Lava Plume to burn opponents and shrug off physical hits.</p>
<p>An EV spread with 248 HP / 16 SpA / 244 SpD with a Modest Nature is viable, and in this case, Flamethrower should be chosen as the attacking option. This lets Heatran hit a little harder, which can be useful in some situations; for example, it can OHKO standard Ferrothorn in rain 60% of time, something that the standard defensive Heatran cannot do. Another viable EV spread is a fast one, with 248 HP / 12 SpD / 248 Spe and a Calm nature. This EV spread can outrun Adamant Breloom and Jolly Scizor and KO with Lava Plume. It can also outspeed
Substitute = Dragon Tail Substitute+Dragon Tail Kyurem-B and Roar it before it can phaze Heatran with Dragon Tail. If you are using Hidden Power Ice, this spread also lets Heatran outspeed defensive Gliscor and bulky Landorus-T. Hidden Power Ice is a useful move to take out Dragon-types, especially Dragonite, which would like to use a defensive Heatran as setup fodder if they run Lum Berry. An alternative status move is Will-O-Wisp. Due to Lava Plume's high burn chance and Toxic's higher accuracy, Toxic is generally preferred, but Will-O-Wisp has merit in that it is a much more reliable way to spread burns. Taunt may seem like an strange option, but it stops Ferrothorn from setting up on Heatran in rain; as absurd as it sounds, Ferrothorn can survive one Lava Plume if it's raining and set up an entry hazard. Forretress can also survive one Lava Plume thanks to Sturdy, and thus, Taunt may prove to be very useful. Also, the combination of Taunt, Protect, and Toxic lets Heatran take out Blissey and Chansey, two of its greatest nemeses.</p>
<p>Toxic Spikes support is appreciated, especially if Heatran plans to run Earth Power instead of a status move, but remember that Toxic Spikes is somewhat ineffective on this metagame. Even with Toxic Spikes, Toxic may still prove to be a great move, as it isn't always that you have the opportunity to set up two Toxic Spikes layers; plus, some
Pokémon Pokemon are immune to Toxic Spikes. Forretress is a great partner, because its high physical bulk complements the special bulk of Heatran;
itcan it can use Spikes to complement Stealth Rock, attract Fire-type attacks that Heatran can easily absorb, and check some
Pokémon Pokemon like Terrakion that can defeat Heatran. Wish support is appreciated because Heatran lacks reliable recovery. Vaporeon is one of the best choices, because it can also absorb Water-type attacks aimed at Heatran. Lastly, Jellicent also absorbs Water-type attacks and is immune to two of Heatran's weakness. Roserade can switch into bulky Water-types and is able to set up Spikes and Toxic Spikes, both which can complement Heatran's Stealth Rock. RestTalk Gyarados has amazing synergy with Heatran, resisting all of its weaknesses while handling most Water-types, physical Dragons, as well as Choice Terrakion with the help of Protect on Heatran.</p>
[SET]
name: Weather Trapper
move 1: Sunny Day
move 2: Magma Storm
move 3: Solarbeam
move 4: Earth Power / Hidden Power Ice
item: Air Balloon / Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Sun teams have a natural disadvantage against other non-hail weather teams, and this set is there to help them win the weather war. Although this Heatran is better used on sun teams, it can also be used on weatherless teams or even teams of other weathers to combat opposing weather inducers. Still, sun is the home of this set and is where it should be used most of the time, and for good reason. The combination of Sunny Day and Magma Storm allows Heatran to smack weather inducers, taking out their STAB on Water-type attacks in Politoed's case, or their increased Special Defense in Tyranitar's case. Magma Storm has the same power as Fire Blast, but traps the opponent so that it cannot flee.</p>
<p>Solarbeam is used alongside the other two moves because
this Heatran can use Sunny Day to prevent weather inducers from taking advantage of a Heatran locked into Solarbeam. Speaking of weather inducers, they are all weak to this move and will be 2HKOed or OHKOed in sun, while they can do little back. The combination of Sunny Day and Solarbeam also means that this set can deal with bulky Water-types better than any other Heatran. As Magma Storm will trap them, they have no choice but to be 2HKOed.</p>
<p>The first three moves are all staples and should not be touched. The last moveslot contains 2 options: Earth Power and Hidden Power Ice. Earth Power is the recommended option because otherwise, opposing Heatran would be able to switch in freely. This set has to lure
Pokémon Pokemon that resist its Fire-type STAB. As such, this set becomes a liability if there is a
Pokémon Pokemon that can switch in with absolute impunity. Hidden Power Ice is, however, is Heatran's best way to damage Dragon-types, so it can be considered if you have other ways of removing enemy Heatran, such as Dugtrio. With Hidden Power Ice, Heatran can also trap Dragon-types such as Adamant Dragonite, which will always be defeated if it switches into Magma Storm, as it will have its Multiscale
brokenand broken and will be outsped and easily OHKOed by Hidden Power Ice.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Air Balloon is the recommended item because it will help against Dragon-types, especially if you run Hidden Power Ice. Air Balloon will also help against Dugtrio; it will not be able to trap Heatran and will be KOed through Focus Sash if it switches on Magma Storm, effectively making this Heatran a difficult target for Dugtrio. Hippowdon is also hard-pressed to do much against Heatran if it sports an Air Balloon; it will actually be unable to touch Heatran if it uses Whirlwind instead of Ice Fang. Life Orb makes Heatran even more powerful and, in conjunction with entry hazards, can let Heatran OHKO the weather inducers instead of 2HKOing them.</p>
<p>Taunt can be used instead of both Earth Power and Hidden Power Ice. If you have effective ways to deal with both Dragon-types and opposing Heatran, Taunt will be highly useful, especially if used in conjunction with a Modest nature and a Life Orb. With Taunt, Heatran can potentially 2HKO both Blissey and Chansey with Magma Storm after a little
of residual damage, and preventing their recovery will actually make this feat possible. This can also be done against Hippowdon, but you will need an Air
Ballon Balloon, as otherwise Hippowdon will OHKO with Earthquake. Speaking of which, if Heatran has Taunt and Hippowdon does not have Ice Fang, it will be unable to touch Heatran at all, as long as the latter has Air Balloon. Even with Ice Fang, Hippowdon will be outsped and 2HKOed by Magma Storm. Shuca Berry seems like it is outclassed by Air Balloon, but Shuca Berry is not consumed by any non-Ground-, Poison-, and Fire-type attack, and still lets Heatran comfortably take a Dugtrio's Earthquake and retaliate with Magma Storm.</p>
<p>This Heatran is versatile and can still function as a strong special attacker outside its trapping role. It should be noted that Heatran will not always win against opposing weather inducers. For example, Choice Band variants of Tyranitar can OHKO Heatran with Superpower before the latter can set up sun and attack with Solarbeam. Choice Scarf variants also do the same; they do not OHKO, but they outspeed and 2HKO before Heatran can hit Tyranitar with Solarbeam. For this reason, Dugtrio is an excellent partner. Although it seems to be redundant as it can also trap, it is able to dispose of Tyranitar no matter which set the latter runs. Not only that, but Dugtrio can also dispose of opposing Heatran, freeing up the last moveslot for Hidden Power Ice on this set. Choice Scarf Politoed, as rare as it may be, is also an annoyance, as it can outspeed and OHKO with Hydro Pump before Heatran can even set up the sun. Timid Venusaur is for this reason a great partner. It can also deal with other dangerous Pokémon like Terrakion and Keldeo; Venusaur will outspeed even Choice Scarf variants of the latter if the sun is shining. Wobbuffet cannot deal with Tyranitar or Heatran as effectively as Dugtrio, but it can deal better with Choice Scarf Politoed, as well as faster Fighting-types.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Dragon Pulse
move 4: Overheat / Flamethrower
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Heatran can also function as a good revenge killer. Although base 77 Speed is seemingly not sufficient, it still lets Heatran
outrun outpace up to base 130s, as well as +1 Adamant Dragonite and +1 Adamant Gyarados. An advantage over other revenge killers is Heatran's typing and bulk, which means that it get much more opportunities to switch in, instead of having to rely on switching in after a teammate has been killed.</p>
<p>Fire Blast is the recommended STAB move because it has great sweeping potential, and Heatran is much less prone to becoming setup bait with it than Overheat. Earth Power is there to
not be prevent being walled by opposing Heatran, but it is also very useful to revenge kill Rock-types such as Terrakion, as well as Lucario and Magnezone without relying on Fire Blast's shaky accuracy. Hidden Power Ice revenge kills Dragon-types, and is a more reliable way to deal with Gliscor and Landorus/Landorus-T than Fire Blast. Dragon Pulse deals more damage to Dragons 2x weak to Ice, such as the Lati twins, and Hydreigon. Those 4x weak to Ice take more damage from Hidden Power Ice, which is why it is usually the preferred option. However, Dragon Pulse has other advantages, like hitting Kyurem-B and Kingdra, two Dragon-types neutral to Hidden Power Ice; it is also this Heatran's best attack against Rotom-W. The last moveslot is a toss-up between Overheat and Flamethrower. Overheat dishes out the most damage possible and can be used if Heatran can afford to suffer from the Special Attack drop. Flamethrower is much weaker, but it is perfectly accurate and does not suffer from stat drops.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Unfortunately, this set is not as powerful as other offensive sets, and due to being locked on one attack, it is even more prone to becoming setup bait should you predict wrongly. However, this set can also deal with Dugtrio. The only other of Heatran's sets that can do this are those that carry Air Balloon or Flame Charge.</p>
<p>Hidden Power Electric can be used to revenge kill +1 Gyarados, but note that Heatran will only outpace those that run an Adamant nature. The loss of Hidden Power Ice is not that bad, as Heatran can still use sun-boosted Fire attacks to OHKO Gliscor and Landorus, but you must use Dragon Pulse on the last slot to not be walled by Dragon-types. It may seem like an April Fools joke to mention Stone Edge, but it is useful for the sole purpose of revenge killing Volcarona. Unless Volcarona has Hidden Power Ground (be very wary if that's the case), it will do
pitful pitiful damage to Heatran even after multiple Quiver Dance boosts, despite being able to outspeed it, while in return, Heatran hits with Stone Edge, which scores an OHKO even with a nature that hinders the Attack stat. A Modest nature can be used to provide even more power, which is especially useful if Heatran is being used as a late-game sweeper. Although it loses the ability to outpace +1 Gyarados and +1 Dragonite (if they have an Adamant nature), Choice Scarf Heatran is usually used on sun teams, where it is likely to be paired with a Chlorophyll user, which can outspeed the aforementioned
Pokémon Pokemon and revenge kill them.</p>
<p>Ninetales is the best partner for this set, as the sun it brings makes Fire Blast even more powerful, letting it revenge kill anything that doesn't resist it. Chlorophyll sweepers such as Venusaur can easily take out bulky Water-types that tend to wall this set. Venusaur can also defeat Blissey and Chansey in a strange, yet effective way. A partner that can deal with
Pokémon Pokemon that may try to take advantage of a Choice-locked Heatran is appreciated. Scizor, Celebi, Mamoswine, Hippowdon, and Landorus-T are some examples, taking care of threats like Terrakion, Landorus, and Keldeo.</p>
[SET]
name: Substitute
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Earth Power / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Toxic / Will-O-Wisp
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>
A tendency that Heatran has is to force switches. Heatran has a tendency to force switches. Maintain participles This set takes advantage of those switches to set up free Substitutes. Behind a Substitute, Heatran can either attack or cripple the opponent with a status move. This is especially useful against threats that would defeat Heatran otherwise, such as Landorus, and Terrakion.</p>
<p>Fire Blast is an excellent STAB, and Substitute means that Heatran can usually afford to miss. Earth Power is the recommended coverage move, as otherwise, opposing Heatran stop this set cold. However, Hidden Power Ice is this set's only means of quickly disposing of Dragon-types, so it can be considered over Earth Power. The last slot goes to a status move. Toxic is the recommended option because it cannot be stalled out by reliable recovery due to its damage increasing over time, and it is much more reliable. It is especially useful against the bulky Water-types that love
switching-in to switch in on Heatran. Will-O-Wisp, however, has an enormous advantage: crippling physical attackers not named Conkeldurr. It is
so good extremely useful when the opposing Terrakion try to break Heatran's Substitute, only to be burned and rendered useless for the rest of match. Another option is to use both Earth Power and Hidden Power Ice, forgoing the use of a status move. This is not recommended, however, as Heatran likes to have a way to cripple bulky Water-types while it is behind a Substitute.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>You can use more HP EVs to make Heatran bulkier, but you have to take out EVs from Special Attack, as Heatran needs all the Speed that it can get to preserve its Substitute whenever possible. Unlike the main offensive set, this set can afford to have less power, as Heatran can also damage the opponent with status. However, this is not to say that Heatran will necessarily like to lose power due to the lack of investiment in Special Attack. Thus, think twice before adding any EVs to HP. Taunt can be used instead of the coverage move to transform this Heatran into a bulky stallbreaker. It can stall out walls like Blissey and Chansey with status and can prevent them from recovering with Taunt. Be very wary that Heatran will hate being walled by both Dragon-types and opposing Heatran, however.</p>
<p>Hydration Vaporeon does not mind status while it's raining and can just defeat Heatran with repeated Scalds.
Pokémon Pokemon with Natural Cure will not mind being statused that much, as they can simply switch out to cure status. Such
Pokémon Pokemon include Starmie, as well as Blissey and Chansey. However, they will still loathe status until they switch out (Blissey and Chansey can cure themselves if they have Aromatherapy, however)—thus, the only
Pokémon Pokemon truly unperturbed by this set is Hydration Vaporeon. Scizor can deal with the pink blobs, while Ferrothorn can deal with the bulky Water-types. Both also attract Fire-type attacks that Heatran can use to switch in safely. If Heatran is not using Earth Power, it is recommended that you pack a partner that can take out opposing Heatran. Dugtrio stands out as the best option, as it can trap them with its ability. This Heatran can usually Toxic stall Politoed and Tyranitar, so Ninetales or your own Tyranitar can take advantage of this. A Tyranitar of your own is an excellent partner, as sandstorm damage will add up with status, killing the opponent faster; with hazards, this will punish Natural Cure
Pokémon Pokemon when they switch back in after healing their status. Anything that can take advantage of poisoned or burned opponents is a good partner. For example, setup sweepers like Latias are able to use poisoned Water-types as setup fodder, while Toxic pushes them into KO range. Celebi is peharps the best partner for this Heatran, as it has awesome synergy in general and can take out the Water-types that do not mind status, such as bulky Starmie and Vaporeon.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Fire Blast / Overheat
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Dragon Pulse / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Flamethrower
item: Choice Specs
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Heatran can equip a Choice Specs and murder opposing
Pokémon Pokemon with its powerful (and possibly sun-boosted) Fire Blasts. This set is so powerful that under sun it can 2HKO even many
Pokémon Pokemonthat resist Fire Blast. Even Chansey and Blissey can hardly
whitstand withstand two sun-boosted Fire Blasts; half the time, they are 2HKOed after Stealth Rock damage. However, Overheat can replace Fire Blast as it is so powerful that it can OHKO even some
Pokémon Pokemon that resist it, such as frailer Dragons like Haxorus and Salamence. However, Overheat has two drawbacks; it forces Heatran to switch out after it is used (though a -2 sun-boosted Overheat is still very powerful), and does not let it 2HKO the pink blobs.</p>
<p>Although it is hard to find something that can tank two consecutive Fire Blasts and live to tell the tale, these sort of
Pokémon Pokemon exist. For example, opposing Heatran will not mind switching on Fire Blast or Overheat and will appreciate the boost to their own Fire Blasts thanks to Flash Fire. For this reason, Earth Power is the primary coverage move. Earth Power, when boosted by Choice Specs, also lets Heatran 2HKO non-specially defensive Tyranitar, which is useful because Tyranitar can normally tank Earth Power from other Heatran variants. Dragon Pulse is a more reliable way to deal with Dragon-types, though keep in mind that many Dragons will still take heavy damage from sun-boosted Fire Blasts. Hidden Power Ice can replace it, as it does more damage to Dragonite and Salamence, covers Garchomp more effectively, and is more accurate against Landorus and Gliscor. However, the latter two are easily OHKOed by Fire-type attacks anyway. Remember that using Hidden Power Ice will not let Heatran use Hidden Power Grass, which gives important coverage against bulky Water-types, especially Politoed, which has Drizzle to nerf Fire Blast. Flamethrower can replace Hidden Power Grass if you are using Overheat, as Flamethrower doesn't lower Heatran's stats and is more accurate. Remember that without Hidden Power Grass, bulky Water-types will usually wall this set, though many of them should be wary of taking repeated sun-boosted Fire Blasts.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>A Modest Nature is the main option to deal as much damage as possible. Timid can be used, especially if you run Hidden Power Ice, to outspeed Adamant Dragonite and OHKO it. It is also useful because Jolly Breloom would be able to outspeed and OHKO with Low Sweep otherwise. However, without the Modest nature, Heatran cannot guarantee the 2HKO on the pink blobs, even with Stealth Rock on the field.</p>
<p>A spread with 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD and a Quiet nature is viable and makes use of Eruption. Eruption, when boosted by Choice Specs and sun, is so powerful that it can even 2HKO Chansey without Stealth Rock support. However, Eruption is a move that is only legal with a Quiet nature. This means that Heatran should obviously be used with Trick Room support. In this case, physically defensive Cresselia is possibly the best partner, as it can set up Trick Room and wall some dangerous attackers for Heatran, like Sheer Force Landorus.</p>
<p>Although this Heatran can function without sun support, it is the sun that brings to the table many of the 2HKOs and OHKOs mentioned above (such as the 2HKO on the pink blobs), so Ninetales is the best parner. Also, Chlorophyll sweepers take advantage of the holes blown open by Heatran, so that they can take advantage later on the battle. Although Terrakion hates coming in on Earth Power or repeated sun-boosted Fire Blasts, it will force Heatran out and potentially wreck the entire sun team with a SubSalac set. Timid Venusaur can revenge kill Terrakion even after the Salac Berry boost, but Gliscor or Forretress can also deal with this Terrakion too.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>A TormentTran set can be used, but this set is heavily reliant on Toxic Spikes support, and they are unfortunately innefective in this metagame. Also, there are many faster threats that pack super effective attacks against Heatran, so this set is hard to pull off. Keldeo is also a common threat that easily deal with TormentTran, as both of Keldeo's STABs hit it super effectively.</p>
<p>Shed Shell is another way that Heatran can use to deal with Dugtrio, not by defeating him, but by being capable of switching out even with Arena Trap. However, Heatran has more effective ways to deal with Dugtrio, via Choice Scarf sets, Air Balloon, or the moves Flame Charge and Magma Storm. It are also forced to forfeit a valuable item, like Leftovers or Life Orb. Shed Shell is much more viable on the defensive set, which has absolutely no way to deal with Dugtrio otherwise. However, without Leftovers, defensive Heatran will
desesperately desperately need Wish support, as it lacks reliable recovery.</p>
<p>Flash Cannon can be used as a secondary STAB that can hit Rock-types harder, but Heatran already has Earth Power for this. It does not receive STAB, but has much better coverage and can still hit Rock-types super-effectively. Other options like Dark Pulse and AncientPower are poor in terms of coverage, and even when super effective, are often
outdamaged outclassed by Fire Blast, except against specific targets. Metal Sound can force switches or force the opponent to take heavy damage, but it is unreliable and gimmicky at best. As strange as it sounds, Stone Edge is an option if you
desesperately desperately need a way to take out Volcarona. Even with a negative nature, 4/0 variants of Volcarona are OHKOed. However, Stone Edge has absolutely no use apart from that specific threat. Heatran can use a RestTalk set since this is i only means of recovery, but awful sleep mechanics hinder this set's viability.</p>
<p>Don't use Flame Body. Flash Fire is what lets Heatran counter sun teams effectively, and Heatran usually loses to many physical attackers, because they carry Fighting- or Ground-type coverage anyway. Lastly, Heatran is also able to use a Magma Storm set without Sunny Day, or vice-versa. However, both moves are more effective when used
thogether together.</p>
[Checks & Counters]
<p>Chansey and Blissey are Heatran's best counters. They take nothing from most attacks, even when they are boosted, and are immune to status. However, they must watch out for sun-boosted Fire Blast from the Choice Specs set, which will 2HKO. Also, with a combination of Protect, Toxic, and Taunt, the specially defensive set can handle both blobs very well. Bulky Water-types are also excellent counters and checks as they take almost nothing from most Heatran's attacks. Those weak to Earth Power, such as Tentacruel, must watch out though, as Heatran can effectively deal with them. However, they hate status and loathe either Hidden Power Grass or Electric. Keldeo also hates those Hidden Powers, but can usually switch in safely and defeat Heatran with any of its STAB moves.</p>
<p>Terrakion is generally a good switch in to Heatran, as it can sponge a Fire Blast thanks to its resistance and force Heatran out to set up. However, it hates coming in on Earth Power early in the match, which will 2HKO if sandstorm is not up, but Heatran does not usually use Earth Power straight away because it would rather set up Stealth Rock. Terrakion must also watch out for burns from Will-O-Wisp and Lava Plume. Other Fighting-types can also work, but they all have a drawback that makes them shaky checks. For example, Conkeldurr is 2HKOed by Fire Blast, Lucario is hard-pressed to find an opportunity to switch into Heatran, and Breloom cannot OHKO a full-health Heatran with Mach Punch, while it is OHKOed back by Fire Blast. All of them except Conkeldurr also loathe status.</p>
<p>Anything with Earthquake is able to easily dispose of Heatran, but it can carry Air Balloon. Also, with so many foes immune to Earthquake, one must think twice before using this move. Dugtrio often carry Focus Sash to survive any hit with exception of Magma Storm. It can then trap Heatran and OHKO with Earthquake. Watch out though, as Heatran has multiple ways to deal with Dugtrio, such as via Air Balloon, Choice Scarf, Flame Charge, and the aforementioned Magma Storm. Landorus (both Therian and Incarnate), as well as Garchomp, can outspeed and KO Heatran with Earthquake, but they cannot switch into Hidden Power Ice (the former also fears boosted Fire Blast). If your own Heatran does not carry Air Balloon, opposing Heatran with Air Balloon are also good counters.</p>
<p>Calm Mind Latias takes little damage from most attacks, even Hidden Power Ice, and can proceed to set up on Heatran with impunity. Latios also works, but it is 2HKOed by Hidden Power Ice. Tyranitar is generally a good counter; it takes little damage from even Earth Power under sandstorm. Weather trapper sets will 2HKO with Solarbeam under sun, but the most common variant of Tyranitar, Choice Band, will OHKO with Superpower, not giving Heatran time to set up sun or attack back. Mamoswine does not fear even Air Balloon variants, as it often carries Superpower to deal with them. Porygon2 is rare, but it is absurdly annoying, as it traces Flash Fire, thus absorbing Fire Blasts, and takes little damage from any other move that Heatran may use; do note, however, that Porygon2 absolutely hates status and Taunt.</p>
<p>If Heatran lacks Earth Power, opposing Heatran have free reign, and if Heatran lacks Hidden Power Ice, Dragon-types are generally capable of coming in safely. Without Hidden Power Grass, Gastrodon can wall Heatran forever, but it must also watch out for Toxic. Lastly,
Pokémon Pokemon that Heatran usually defeat can instead defeat it with the appropriate move. For example, Heatran cannot switch on Scizor's Superpower, Venusaur's Earthquake, or Celebi's Earth Power.</p>