Battle Spot Heatran (QC 2/2) (GP 1/1)

[marilli]

[OVERVIEW]

• Heatran is a unique Pokemon with its strong defensive typing that also fills the niche of a Fire-type attacker.
• Its defensive typing lets it be a solid switch-in to Pokemon such as Tapu Lele and Mega Charizard Y.
• It is usually a complete stop to common threats of bulky offensive teams, such as Naganadel and Volcarona, which can hit most other Steel-types with boosted Fire Blast.
• It has the bulk to take strong neutral attacks from the likes of Aegislash, Mega Gengar, Mimikyu, and others, given heavy investment in the appropriate defenses.
• Fire typing allows Heatran to check opposing Steel-types, such as Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor.
• It has access to strong utility moves such as Taunt, Stealth Rock, and Toxic.
• Heatran is unable to threaten much damage to dangerous threats such as Greninja, Tapu Fini, and Gyarados as they switch in.
• It is also unable to immediately threaten strong special walls such as Snorlax and Gliscor.
• Its weakness to Fighting-type moves and Earthquake concedes a free turn to many of the prominent physical attackers such as Mega Salamence, Mega Metagross, and Landorus-T.
• It can be vulnerable to rogue Hidden Power Ground from the likes of Naganadel and Volcarona or All-Out Pummeling from Tapu Lele and Thundurus-T, which can cost the game.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Protect
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Earth Power / Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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 grants 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.

[SET]
name: Air Balloon Lead
move 1: Magma Storm / Lava Plume
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Stealth Rock
item: Air Balloon
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 244 HP / 36 SpA / 4 SpD / 220 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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.

[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Rock Tomb / Hidden Power Ice
item: Assault Vest
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 212 HP / 4 Def / 244 SpA / 12 SpD / 36 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Overheat
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Flamethrower / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 12 SpD / 236 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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.

[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Lava Plume / Flamethrower / Magma Storm
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Solar Beam / Taunt / Overheat
item: Grassium Z / Firium Z / Choice Specs
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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.

[SET]
name: Bulky Berry
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Rock Tomb
item: Wiki Berry
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 220 HP / 172 Def / 92 SpA / 4 SpD / 20 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Heatran has so many options it is impossible to list them all.
• Every move listed in the above sets can be mixed and matched for the team's needs.
• Flame Charge can be used on offensive sets to act as a sweeping threat.
• Will-O-Wisp is a defensive tool that can cripple opposing physical attackers such as Landorus-T that switch in trying to use Earthquake on Heatran. However, it has shaky accuracy, and its targets can be hit hard with accurate, direct attacks.
• Ancient Power and Stone Edge are alternative Rock-type moves, but they lack the utility of Rock Tomb.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Water-types such as Greninja and Tapu Fini resist Fire and force out Heatran. Greninja is particularly difficult to switch into, while Tapu Fini is notable for denying Heatran's ability to safely throw out a Toxic in most instances.

**Rock-types**: Rock-type physical attackers such as Tyranitar resist Fire and commonly carry Earthquake, which is capable of OHKOing Heatran. However, they can be threatened by Flash Cannon and Earth Power.

**Ground-type attacks**: Ground-types such as Landorus-T are not the only Pokemon that frequently use Earthquake. Pokemon such as Mega Salamence, Mega Metagross, and Mega Kangaskhan can OHKO Heatran with ease thanks to their access to Earthquake. Moves such as Hidden Power Ground and Earth Power may fail to OHKO Heatran but are still capable of crippling it.

**Fighting-types**: Offensive Fighting-types such as Mega Blaziken and Mega Lucario are capable of OHKOing Heatran with their STAB moves. However, they struggle to switch into Heatran's strong attacks.

**Special Walls**: Pokemon such as Chansey and Gliscor are capable of walling Heatran and do not mind status or, in Gliscor's case, cannot be statused once Toxic Orb activates. Toxapex is immune to Toxic due to its Poison typing. However, Magma Storm variants can trap and remove these Pokemon rather handily.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[marilli, 70760]]
- Quality checked by: [[<charlotte>, <159382>], [<psynergy>, <248085>]]
- Grammar checked by: [[<rabia>, <336073>]]

 

[Charlotte]

Quick one
SpDef, y'know I'm one to advocate for max hp before speed (with 44speed mentioned in set details). It's not the biggest deal though, and I'm interested in what other qc think on the matter.
AV probably wants at least 36 speed evs (to hit 102speed), letting it outspeed the neutral base100s after a tomb. Basically just Volcarona and Charizard but those are Heatran's favourite targets.

Otherwise, after a cursory reading, it looks great.

 

[Psynergy]

Our QC team really falls apart when I'm busy huh, beginning to understand how the GP squad is probably feeling lately. Unsure if we can really get to everything before Sword/Shield but I'm going to assume Charlotte's check counted as a proper QC check so consider this QC 2/2 once that's done. I know there's some short sentences here and there but I don't think that's a major priority at the moment given how big this analysis is.

Sorry in advance to whoever GP checks this Heatran really does have a million sets.

[OVERVIEW]

• Heatran is a unique Pokemon with its strong defensive typing that also fill the niche as a Fire-type attacker
• Defensive typing acts as a solid switch-in to Pokemon such as Tapu Lele and Mega Charizard Y.
• Acts as a complete stop to common threats of bulky offensive teams, such as Naganadel or Volcarona, which can hit most other Steel-types with boosted Fire Blast
• Has the bulk to take strong neutral attacks from the likes of Aegislash, Mega Gengar, Mimikyu, and such - given heavy investment in appropriate defenses.
• Fire-type allows Heatran to check opposing Steel-types, such as Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor.
• Has access to strong utility moves such as Taunt, Stealth Rock, and Toxic.
• Unable to threaten much damage as it gives a free switch to dangerous threats such as Greninja, Tapu Fini, and Gyarados.
• Also unable to immediately threaten strong special walls such as Snorlax and Gliscor.
• Weakness to Fighting-type moves and Earthquake, which concedes a free turn to many of the prominent physical attackers such as Mega Salamence, Mega Metagross, and Landorus-T.
• Can be vulnerable to rogue Hidden Power Ground from the likes of Naganadel and Volcarona, which can cost the game.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Protect
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Earth Power / Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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 opponent, heal up from Leftovers, and deny majority of damage from Z-moves.
• Heatran has plenty of options as its moves. I assume this is referring to all the points below, might be good to add this as part of the next point to make that more evident.
• 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, which Heatran invites in fairly consistently.
• Earth Power is a good coverage move that hits opposing Heatran and Poison-types like Naganadel that 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 down any potential Focus Sash as well as chipping down the opposing team in 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 as it is Heatran's only way of recovery, and Heatran can take great advantage of it with Protect.
• Calm nature boosts Heatran's Special Defense, as Heatran's typing better lends itself to being a special wall.
• The spread maximizes the 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, so if one were to invest in speed, it is advised that they invest at least that much. I like this sentence but it might be best to clarify why this is the case and/or recommend another Speed tier worth considering.

Usage Tips
========

• Heatran's great special bulk and amazing defensive typing allows 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 burn, or simply from direct attacks from its strong base Special Attck. typo
• Be careful of potential lure sets, 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 grants 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 with physically Defensive Pokemon such as Porygon2, Celesteela, Mega Venusaur, or Slowbro that can check the Ground-type and Fighting-types that can threaten Heatran.
• Pokemon such as Substitute Mega Salamence or Substitute Mega Gengar has good type synergy with Heatran, and also takes advantage of Heatran putting defensive Pokemon on a timer.
• Pokemon such as Mega Kangaskhan or Mega Lopunny also have access to Fake Out, and thus has great synergy with Toxic.

[SET]
name: Air Balloon lead
move 1: Magma Storm / Lava Plume
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Stealth Rock
item: Air Balloon
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 244 HP / 36 SpA / 4 SpD / 220 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Magma Storm is a strong option when it lands. Because 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 take KOs for the Air Balloon.
• Other Fire-type moves with perfect accuracy may be preferred, as Heatran will be clicking its STAB frequently.
• For instance, Lava Plume is one of Heatran's best Fire-type STAB move 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.
• Taunt is a strong combination with Magma Storm, which 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 its 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.
• The bulk investment allows Heatran to survive a Mega Metagross Hammer Arm 15/16 of the time, and the speed allows it to outspeed all Celesteela.
• Modest allows Heatran to do damage, as the set needs to threaten OHKO against Pokemon such as Mega Metagross or 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 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 hefty amount of damage to Pokemon such as Landorus-T, or Mega Salamence.
• Alternatively, it can be used as a stopper 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 the Heatran.
• This Heatran enjoys having teammates like Sash Greninja or Mamoswine to beat other leads such as Sash Landorus-T.
• Water-type Pokemon such as Greninja and Tapu Fini are great partners to take advantage as Pokemon such as Toxapex and Chansey are baited and KO'ed due to Magma Storm.

[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Rock Tomb / Hidden Power Ice
item: Assault Vest
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 212 HP / 4 Def / 244 SpA / 12 SpD / 36 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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 Fire-type STAB exist.
  • Overheat is a strong STAB move that allows Heatran to OHKO standard offensive Mega Gengar with a high chance, but can force Heatran to switch out.
  • Fire Blast and Magma Storm are powerful options held back by poor accuracy.
  • Flamethrower is a safe no-drawback option, and notably can OHKO Mega Metagross.
• Earth Power hits opposing Heatran, as well as OHKOing Naganadel with the invested spread, and threatens opposing Fire-types like Mega Blaziken.
• Flash Cannon also hits Rock-types such as Tyranitar, offers a second STAB for neutral coverage, and OHKOs Mimikyu.
• Rock Tomb is the best option in order to check Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y. It also provides a form of speed control. Most importantly, it breaks Disguise and lets Heatran OHKO it with Flash Cannon. "it" should be Mimikyu here.
• 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 of offensive Heatran, as it lets it combine its offensive strengths by allowing it to invest heavily into Special Attack, yet still capitalizing on its amazing specially defensive typing.
• The spread maximizes Heatran's Special Attack as much as possible, 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, and allows Heatran to take a Shadow Ball and a Focus Blast from Mega Gengar. Probably implicitly understood but specify Download boosts are typically coming from Porygon2 imo
• Speed allows Heatran to outspeed base 100 after a Rock Tomb - which is very relevant as 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 in order 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 in order 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 has 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.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Overheat
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Flamethrower / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 12 SpD / 236 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Overheat is the best STAB move on Scarf Heatran as it provides as much power as possible to OHKO opponents.
  • 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 to opposing Fire-types, Rock-types, and Water-types.
• Flash Cannon is a secondary STAB that is safer to lock onto 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.
• Spread also prepares against opposing Download and maximizes its 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. Clarify this is because Scarf Heatran works a bit off of its surprise value bc it has a million sets just like this analysis :NotLikeDuck:
• Use Overheat to hit-and-run.
• Can be also used to clean up in the 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 and Snorlax, as this Heatran will have to switch out very frequently against them frequently.

[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Lava Plume / Flamethrower / Magma Storm
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Solar Beam / Taunt / Overheat
item: Grassium Z / Firium Z / Choice Specs
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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 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 for neutral coverage, and OHKOs Mimikyu.
• Solar Beam with Grassium Z allows Heatran to use Bloom Doom.
• Taunt is especially good with Firium Z Magma Storm sets due to its secondary effect of trapping the opponent.
• Overheat, especially with Choice Specs, can do massive damage.

Set Details
========

• Grassium Z, with Solar Beam, is used for a powerful Bloom Doom that baits in common Heatran counters.
• Firium Z, with Magma Storm or Overheat, can be used for a strong general STAB move.
• Steelium Z, a rarer Z move, 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 Heatran to switch out frequently to reset the Choice lock.
• The spread with Modest nature maximizes its damage and Speed.

Usage Tips
========

• This Heatran forgoes its defensive niche to blow open holes on 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 they 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 or Greninja are effective Pokemon to take advantage of the lack of opposing Water-type resists.
• Focus Sash Mimikyu is also a good Pokemon to cover the fact that this Heatran set can struggle against offensive teams.

[SET]
name: Bulky Berry
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Rock Tomb
item: Wiki Berry
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 220 HP / 172 Def / 92 SpA / 4 SpD / 20 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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 with the invested spread, and threatens opposing Fire-types like Mega Blaziken.
• Flash Cannon also hits Rock-types such as Tyranitar, offers a second STAB for neutral coverage, and OHKOs Mimikyu.
• Rock Tomb is the best option in order to check Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y. It also provides a form of speed control. Most importantly, it breaks Disguise and lets Heatran OHKO it with Flash Cannon.

Set Details
========

• Wiki Berry in combination with its defensive investment is an option for 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 the opposing Mimikyu after the Rock Tomb.
• Modest nature, with the 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 Swords Dances, 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 its 50% 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 them.
  • 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.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Heatran has so many options it is impossible to list them all.
• Every move listed in the above sets can be mixed-and-matched for the team's needs.
• Flame Charge can be used on offensive sets in order to act as a sweeping threat.
• Will-O-Wisp is a defensive tool that can cripple opposing physical attackers such as Landorus-T that switch in trying to Earthquake Heatran. However, it has shaky accuracy and its targets can be hit hard with accurate, direct attacks.
• Ancient Power and Stone Edge are alternative Rock-type moves, but lacks the utility of Rock Tomb.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Water-types such as Greninja and Tapu Fini resist Fire, and forces out Heatran. Greninja is particularly difficult to switch into, while Tapu Fini is notable for denying Heatran's ability to safely throw out a Toxic in most instances.

**Rock-types**: Rock-type physical attackers such as Tyranitar resist Fire, and commonly carry Earthquake capable of OHKOing Heatran. However, they can be threatened by Flash Cannon and Earth Power.

**Ground-type attacks**: Ground-types such as Landorus-T are not the only Pokemon that frequently uses Earthquake. Pokemon such as Mega Salamence, Mega Metagross, and Mega Kangaskhan can OHKO Heatran with ease thanks to their access to Earthquake. Moves such as Hidden Power Ground and Earth Power may fail to OHKO, but still is capable of crippling Heatran.

**Fighting-types**: Offensive Fighting-types such as Mega Blaziken and Mega Lucario are capable of OHKOing Heatran with their STAB moves. However, they struggle to switch into Heatran's strong attacks.

**Special Walls**: Pokemon such as Chansey and Gliscor are capable of walling Heatran and also does not mind status, or in Gliscor's case, cannot be statused once Toxic Orb activates. Toxapex also is immune to Toxic due to its Poison-type. However, Magma Storm variants can trap and remove these Pokemon rather handily.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[marilli, 70760]]
- Quality checked by: [[<username1>, <userid1>], [<username2>, <userid2>]]
- Grammar checked by: [[<username1>, <userid1>], [<username2>, <userid2>]]

 

[Empress]

Psynergy marilli, should this be in paragraph form, or can it remain in bullet point form?

EDIT: Apparently bullet point form is fine. Still, marilli, make sure to use complete sentences for each bullet point, and also be sure that the bullet points flow well in sequence.

 

[Rabia]

add remove comments

gp

[OVERVIEW]

• Heatran is a unique Pokemon with its strong defensive typing that also fill fills the niche as of a Fire-type attacker.
• Its defensive typing lets Heatran it be a solid switch-in to Pokemon such as Tapu Lele and Mega Charizard Y.
• It is usually a complete stop to common threats of bulky offensive teams, such as Naganadel or and Volcarona, which can hit most other Steel-types with boosted Fire Blast.
• It has the bulk to take strong neutral attacks from the likes of Aegislash, Mega Gengar, Mimikyu, and such - others,(AC) given heavy investment in the appropriate defenses.
• Fire typing(RH) allows Heatran to check opposing Steel-types, such as Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor.
• It has access to strong utility moves such as Taunt, Stealth Rock, and Toxic.
• Heatran is unable to threaten much damage,(AC) as it can give a free switch to dangerous threats such as Greninja, Tapu Fini, and Gyarados.
• It is also unable to immediately threaten strong special walls such as Snorlax and Gliscor.
• Its weakness to Fighting-type moves and Earthquake concedes a free turn to many of the prominent physical attackers such as Mega Salamence, Mega Metagross, and Landorus-T.
• It can be vulnerable to rogue Hidden Power Ground from the likes of Naganadel and Volcarona, which can cost the game.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Protect
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Earth Power / Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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 opponent foe, heal up from Leftovers, and deny the majority of damage from Z-moves 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 that,(AC) 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 down 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 as 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 the Heatran's special bulk.
• It is possible to speed Speed creep,(AC) 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;(hyphen -> semicolon) 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 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 allows allow it to switch into threats such as Tapu Lele and Mega Charizard Y.
• Use the free turns to spread chip damage (RC) through status such as Toxic or poison and burn (RC) or simply from direct attacks from its strong base Special Attack.
• Be careful of potential lure sets moves, such as Focus Blast&mdash;potentially with Fightinium Z&mdash;or Hidden Power Ground.
• If using Substitute, always be on the lookout for defensive Pokemon such as Porygon2 that grants 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 defensive Pokemon such as Porygon2, Celesteela, Mega Venusaur, or and Slowbro that can check the Ground-type and Fighting-types that can threaten Heatran.
• Pokemon such as Substitute Mega Salamence or and Substitute Mega Gengar has have good type synergy with Heatran (RC) and also takes take advantage of Heatran putting defensive Pokemon on a timer with Toxic.
• Pokemon such as Mega Kangaskhan or and Mega Lopunny also have access to Fake Out (RC) and thus has great synergy with Heatran's Toxic.

[SET]
name: Air Balloon lead Lead
move 1: Magma Storm / Lava Plume
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Stealth Rock
item: Air Balloon
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 244 HP / 36 SpA / 4 SpD / 220 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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.(comma -> period) Magma Storm can allow Heatran to take 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 move 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.
• Taunt is a strong combination with Magma Storm, which 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 its 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,(AC) 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 (RC) and by extension most other non-STAB Fighting-type coverage.
• The speed 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 or 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 (RC) 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 (RC) or and Mega Salamence.
• Alternatively, it can be used as a stopper 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 the Heatran.
• This Heatran enjoys having teammates like Greninja or 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 as of Pokemon such as Toxapex and Chansey are being baited in and KO'ed KOed due to Magma Storm.(I think this is what you were saying here)

[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Rock Tomb / Hidden Power Ice
item: Assault Vest
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 212 HP / 4 Def / 244 SpA / 12 SpD / 36 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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 allows gives Heatran a high chance to OHKO standard offensive Mega Gengar with a high chance (RC) but can force Heatran to switch out.
  • Fire Blast and Magma Storm are powerful options (RC) but held back by poor accuracy.
  • Flamethrower is a safe,(AC) no-drawback option (RC) and notably can OHKO Mega Metagross,(AC) while Lava Plume cannot.
• Earth Power hits opposing Heatran, as well as OHKOing Naganadel with the invested spread (implied) (RC) and threatens 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 OHKOs OHKOes Mimikyu.
• Rock Tomb is the best option in order 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 of on offensive Heatran, as it lets it Heatran combine its offensive strengths with its defensive ones by allowing it to invest heavily into Special Attack (RC) yet while still capitalizing on its amazing specially defensive typing.
• The spread maximizes Heatran's Special Attack as much as possible (implied via maximizes), 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 (RC) and allows Heatran to take a Shadow Ball and followed by a Focus Blast from Mega Gengar.
• The Speed investment allows Heatran to outspeed base 100s after a Rock Tomb,(AC) which is very relevant as 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 in order 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 in order 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 has 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.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Overheat
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Flamethrower / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 12 SpD / 236 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Overheat is the best STAB move on Choice Scarf Heatran,(AC) as it provides as much power as possible to OHKO opponents 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 onto into for Heatran (RC) 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.
• Spread It also prepares against opposing Download users and maximizes its 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 also used to clean up in the late-game with its above average speed 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 (RC) 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 and or Snorlax, as this Heatran will have to switch out very frequently against them frequently.

[SET]
name: Offensive
move 1: Lava Plume / Flamethrower / Magma Storm
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Solar Beam / Taunt / Overheat
item: Grassium Z / Firium Z / Choice Specs
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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(RH), 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 OHKOs OHKOes Mimikyu.
• Solar Beam with Grassium Z allows Heatran to use Bloom Doom.(cool, so? could mention the whole baiting in and smacking counters here thing)
• Taunt is especially good with Firium Z Magma Storm sets due to its secondary effect of trapping the opponent foe.
• Overheat, especially with Choice Specs, can do massive damage.

Set Details
========

• Grassium Z (RC) with Solar Beam (RC) is used for a powerful Bloom Doom that baits lets Heatran bait in and remove common Heatran counters.
• Firium Z (RC) with Magma Storm or Overheat (RC) can be used for a strong general STAB move.
• Steelium Z, a rarer Z move Z-Crystal, can be used to power up Flash Cannon to KO Salamence (RC) and unboosted Latias and Kommo-o.
• Choice Specs powers up Heatran's every move (RC) but can force Heatran 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 on 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 Z-Move correctly, as they in 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 or,(AC) and Greninja are effective Pokemon to take advantage of the lack of opposing Water-type resists Water-types.
• Focus Sash Mimikyu is also a good Pokemon to cover the fact that this Heatran set can struggle against offensive teams.

[SET]
name: Bulky Berry
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Rock Tomb
item: Wiki Berry
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 220 HP / 172 Def / 92 SpA / 4 SpD / 20 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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 with the invested spread (RC) and threatens 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 OHKOs OHKOes Mimikyu.
• Rock Tomb is the best option in order 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 its the defensive investment is an option for 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 the opposing Mimikyu after the Rock Tomb.
• A Modest nature (RC) with the Special Attack investment (RC) 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 Swords Dances (RC) uses Swords Dance and use Rock Tomb (RC) then Flash Cannon to finish it off.
• Otherwise, it can do what all other Heatran does, such as checking Ferrothorn and such.
• Use its 50% berry 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 them Mimikyu.(wasn't clear what "them" referred to here)
  • 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 (RC) and appreciate Heatran taking care of opposing Mimikyu.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Heatran has so many options it is impossible to list them all.
• Every move listed in the above sets can be mixed and matched(RH) for the team's needs.
• Flame Charge can be used on offensive sets in order to act as a sweeping threat.
• Will-O-Wisp is a defensive tool that can cripple opposing physical attackers such as Landorus-T that switch in trying to use Earthquake on Heatran. However, it has shaky accuracy,(AC) and its targets can be hit hard with accurate, direct attacks.
• Ancient Power and Stone Edge are alternative Rock-type moves, but lacks they lack the utility of Rock Tomb.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Water-types such as Greninja and Tapu Fini resist Fire (RC) and forces force out Heatran. Greninja is particularly difficult to switch into, while Tapu Fini is notable for denying Heatran's ability to safely throw out a Toxic in most instances.

**Rock-types**: Rock-type physical attackers such as Tyranitar resist Fire (RC) and commonly carry Earthquake,(AC) which is capable of OHKOing Heatran. However, they can be threatened by Flash Cannon and Earth Power.

**Ground-type attacks**: Ground-types such as Landorus-T are not the only Pokemon that frequently uses use Earthquake. Pokemon such as Mega Salamence, Mega Metagross, and Mega Kangaskhan can OHKO Heatran with ease thanks to their access to Earthquake. Moves such as Hidden Power Ground and Earth Power may fail to OHKO (RC) Heatran but are still is capable of crippling Heatran it.

**Fighting-types**: Offensive Fighting-types such as Mega Blaziken and Mega Lucario are capable of OHKOing Heatran with their STAB moves. However, they struggle to switch into Heatran's strong attacks.

**Special Walls**: Pokemon such as Chansey and Gliscor are capable of walling Heatran and also does do not mind status (RC) or,(AC) in Gliscor's case, cannot be statused once Toxic Orb activates. Toxapex also is immune to Toxic due to its Poison-type typing. However, Magma Storm variants can trap and remove these Pokemon rather handily.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[marilli, 70760]]
- Quality checked by: [[<charlotte>, <159382>], [<psynergy>, <248085>]]
- Grammar checked by: [[<username1>, <userid1>], [<username2>, <userid2>]]

gp 1/2 once done, hopefully this analysis isn't out of date good lord