Heatran stands out as one of the most effective Fire-types in ORAS OU. Its impressive bulk, combined with a valuable defensive typing, allows it to consistently check a wide range of prominent threats, such as Clefable, Latios, Talonflame, and Mega Charizard Y. Its expansive movepool makes it a great choice for a support role, where it can shut down bulkier foes using the combination of Taunt and Toxic to prevent setup or recovery. It is also one of the most consistent Stealth Rock users in the tier, as it can consistently set them up against the most common entry hazard removal options in the tier in Excadrill, Zapdos, Skarmory, and Latios. It is able to easily fit into a variety of roles, serving as an offensive Stealth Rock setter, a potent stallbreaker, a trapper with Magma Storm, or a bulky nuisance that is hard to get rid of. That said, Heatran does come with notable drawbacks. Its weaknesses to common Water-, Fighting-, and especially Ground-type attacks leave it susceptible to many offensive staples in OU, such as Garchomp, Keldeo, and Mega Lopunny. Furthermore, it is heavily reliant on Leftovers for its recovery, and thus, it's easily susceptible to be worn down after getting hit by Knock Off.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Stealth Rock / Toxic
move 3: Roar / Toxic
move 4: Taunt / Protect / Earth Power
item: Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Lava Plume is Heatran's best reliable STAB move, threatening Grass-types like Ferrothorn, Amoonguss, and Serperior as well as Steel-types like Scizor, Skarmory, and Mega Metagross. It can also punish otherwise safe switch-ins like Rotom-W, Gliscor, and Slowbro by burning them. Specially defensive Heatran is a good Stealth Rock setter due to its bulk and typing allowing it to set said entry hazard safely against Pokemon like Zapdos, Serperior, and Clefable. Roar prevents setup sweepers like Volcarona, Mega Gyarados, Mega Gallade, and Clefable from setting up freely. Toxic can be used instead of Roar to help against Water- or Ground-types such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, Keldeo, Hippowdon, and Gastrodon. Taunt helps Heatran with bulky Pokemon such as Chansey, Clefable, and Zapdos by preventing them from using recovery and other status moves. Protect allows Heatran to get extra Leftovers recovery turns and possibly extra turns of chip damage on burned or poisoned foes. Furthermore, it allows Heatran to scout Choice-locked threats such as Weavile, Tyranitar, Keldeo, and Latios. Lastly, Earth Power can be used to deal with opposing Heatran.
Set Details
=========
Maximum HP and Special Defense investment allows Heatran to deal with Pokemon like Serperior, Clefable, and Zapdos with ease and also allows it to survive Focus Blast from Mega Charizard Y, Mega Alakazam, and Thundurus, giving Heatran the opportunity to poison them with Toxic, set Stealth Rock, or hit them with Lava Plume. The bulk also allows Heatran to stay in against Rotom-W and Slowbro to poison them, use Taunt on them, or set up Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
=========
Specially defensive Heatran can easily set up Stealth Rock against a wide variety of foes. Pokemon like Zapdos, Clefable, and Serperior are threatened by Heatran while not being able to deal substantial damage back to it. Steel-types such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Ferrothorn also allow Heatran an easy switch in. Once it enters the field, it can use Toxic or attempt to burn Ground- or Water-types like Gastrodon, Hippowdon, Slowbro, and Rotom-W to help break down defensive cores. Heatran should always be looking to come in on Fire-type moves like Zapdos or Tornadus-T's Heat Wave to threaten foes with a Flash Fire-boosted Lava Plume. Heatran can also use its Steel typing to switch into Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Altaria, as well as switch into Poison-type moves, especially Toxic.
Team Options
=========
This Heatran set works best on balanced or bulky teams. Used correctly, it comes in on resisted moves from which it takes little damage. This, combined with its bulk and ability to sustain itself on Leftovers recovery, allows it to play longer games where Stealth Rock and possible inflicted statuses such as burn and poison can help its team break down defensive cores. Heatran resists Flying-, Fairy-, and Psychic-type moves and therefore synergizes well with strong Fighting-types like Mega Medicham, Mega Gallade, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Heracross. Heatran teams up well with strong or bulky Water-types like Keldeo, Slowbro, and Rotom-W, as it can take care of Grass-types like Serperior, Ferrothorn, and Amoonguss as well as most common Electric-types like Zapdos and Thundurus. Heatran benefits from having teammates that can deal with Ground- and Fighting-types. Pokemon like Tornadus-T, Landorus-T, and Zapdos resist both types and gain momentum with Volt Switch or U-turn. Clefable makes for a good partner too, since it resists Fighting-type moves and is also able to ease matchups against common Ground-type threats like Garchomp and Landorus-T.
[SET]
name: Fast Utility
move 1: Magma Storm / Lava Plume
move 2: Taunt / Stealth Rock
move 3: Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
move 4: Earth Power
item: Leftovers / Air Balloon
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Timid / Calm
evs: 248 HP / 8 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Magma Storm is Heatran's preferred STAB move on this set for its higher Base Power and trapping utility. However, Lava Plume is a safer alternative with better accuracy and a high burn chance, making it more consistent for spreading status and deterring physical attackers like Garchomp, Gyarados, and Tyranitar. Taunt enables Heatran to shut down passive Pokemon by preventing them from healing, setting up entry hazards, or using Defog. This is especially useful with Heatran's Speed. Alternatively, Stealth Rock is an option that makes Heatran serve as the team's hazard setter. Will-O-Wisp punishes physical attackers and provides more chip damage than Toxic on faster-paced teams. It also allows Heatran to act as a check to Adamant Bisharp, as it outspeeds it and can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. Alternatively, Toxic can be used for more long-term game plans, crippling Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, and Gastrodon. Earth Power rounds out the set as a crucial coverage move for Fire-types such as Volcanion, Heatran, and Mega Charizard X.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Heatran's Speed while maintaining decent special bulk. A Timid nature allows it to outspeed Adamant Excadrill, Mega Tyranitar, and Jolly Bisharp. However, a Calm nature can be used instead to let it take on special hits better while still outspeeding defensive Zapdos, Adamant Bisharp, and Tyranitar. Leftovers provides passive recovery, which is especially helpful when running Lava Plume or Toxic and playing a long game. Alternatively, Air Balloon gives Heatran a temporary immunity to Ground-type moves, allowing it to switch in on Earthquake users or wall certain threats like Garchomp or Excadrill until the Air Balloon is popped.
Usage Tips
========
Heatran should aggressively use Taunt on and status slower defensive Pokemon that rely on recovery or support moves, like Clefable, Zapdos, and Chansey. Against offensive teams, its Speed lets it act as a surprise check to faster threats that expect a slower, more passive Heatran, such as Bisharp and Tyranitar. Be wary of letting it take too much chip damage if running Air Balloon, as preserving the Ground immunity can be key to checking specific threats. When using Magma Storm, be mindful of the shaky accuracy. Will-O-Wisp and Toxic should be used early to cripple many of Heatran's switch-ins, which can help it later in the game. Use Heatran's surprising Speed to bait in and eliminate non-Choice Scarf Volcanion and opposing Heatran.
Team Options
========
Bulky Water-types like Rotom-W, Slowbro, and Keldeo complement Heatran well, covering its Ground and Water weaknesses while benefitting from its ability to check Grass-types and burn physical attackers. Ground-immune allies such as Landorus-T, Zapdos, and Latios can pivot into Earthquakes aimed at Heatran. Entry hazard-stack teams benefit from Heatran's fast-paced Taunt. Pairing it with Spikes setters like Ferrothorn and Skarmory can help wear down trapped targets faster. Wallbreakers like Mega Medicham, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Metagross appreciate Heatran wearing down some of their checks.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stallbreaker
move 1: Magma Storm
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Earth Power
item: Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 64 HP / 192 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Magma Storm lets Heatran trap and heavily damage or eliminate key defensive threats. Its high Base Power and residual damage, in conjunction with Taunt and Toxic, allow Heatran to pressure walls that would otherwise stall it out. Taunt prevents recovery and status attempts from slower foes, letting Heatran break through stall cores and defensive pivots. Toxic punishes bulky Water- and Ground-types that would otherwise wall Heatran, such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, and Gastrodon. It also complements Magma Storm's residual damage, making Heatran incredibly difficult to wall long-term. Earth Power is important for neutral coverage, consistent damage outside of Magma Storm, and covering opposing Heatran.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed lets Heatran outspeed most defensive Pokemon, such as Zapdos and Gliscor. 64 HP EVs with Leftovers allow Heatran to take on five Seismic Tosses instead of four from Chansey, which is crucial for Heatran's stallbreaking ability. The rest of the EVs are put into Special Attack with a Modest nature to provide Heatran with as much wallbreaking power as possible. However, a Timid nature can be used to minimize the chances of Heatran of being outsped by Pokemon such as Zapdos, Gliscor, and Rotom-W.
Usage Tips
========
Use Heatran aggressively against defensive cores; trap and cripple targets like Chansey and Slowbro. Against balance and stall teams, scout carefully for Heatran's counters such as Jolly Gliscor and Earthquake Quagsire. Use Taunt preemptively when you expect recovery or status attempts. Timing it right is key to preventing defensive answers from stalling out Heatran's offensive pressure. Be cautious of Knock Off, as Heatran has no recovery beyond Leftovers and can be worn down easily if mispositioned. Also be aware of Thunder Wave, as Heatran needs its Speed to be effective, and paralysis makes it hard to pressure foes with Magma Storm and Taunt.
Team Options
========
Fast-paced teams that tend to struggle against stall builds appreciate Heatran's ability to put tremendous pressure on them. Pivots like Rotom-W and Landorus-T can bring Heatran in safely against bulkier targets and cover its Ground and Water weaknesses. Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Tangrowth can switch into Water-types that try to exploit Heatran, while Heatran covers the Fire- and Steel-types that trouble them.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Grass-type coverage moves such as Hidden Power Grass and Solar Beam with Power Herb are valid options on Heatran for immediate chip damage or KOs on bulky Water-type Pokemon, such as Rotom-W, Gastrodon, and Slowbro. Hidden Power Ice can be used for immediate damage on Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Dragonite. Flash Cannon provides consistent neutral damage and the ability to hit Clefable and Tyranitar harder. Ancient Power can be used for immediate damage on Talonflame and Mega Charizard Y instead of Toxic.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Gastrodon, and Slowbro are effective defensive pivots that can check Heatran long-term, but they are prone to Toxic. Meanwhile, offensive Water-types such as Keldeo, Manaphy, and Volcanion might take chip damage that cannot be recovered but can immediately threaten Heatran and its teammates. Starmie and Tentacruel, although rarely used, are especially good against Heatran, as they can provide immediate Rapid Spin support. Furthermore, Starmie can cure Toxic poison with Natural Cure, and Tentacruel is immune to it.
**Bulky Dragon-types**: Bulky Dragon-types such as Garchomp, Lum Berry Dragonite, and Hydreigon are good choices that can pivot into Heatran and generally do not mind the burn. They can also immediately threaten Heatran with a super effective Ground-type move.
**Special Walls**: Pokemon such as Gliscor, Chansey, and specially defensive Clefable are all consistent answers to Heatran, as they completely wall it and are immune to status. However, Chansey and Clefable must be wary of Taunt.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types resist Heatran's STAB moves and are immune to burns, making them great pivots against Heatran. However, there are not many viable Fire-types, and many of them are weak to Earth Power or Toxic. Focus Blast Mega Charizard Y, Earthquake Mega Charizard X, and Hidden Power Ground Volcarona are good at luring Heatran and weakening it.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/mixnite.663475/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Lava Plume
move 2: Stealth Rock / Toxic
move 3: Roar / Toxic
move 4: Taunt / Protect / Earth Power
item: Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Lava Plume is Heatran's best reliable STAB move, threatening Grass-types like Ferrothorn, Amoonguss, and Serperior as well as Steel-types like Scizor, Skarmory, and Mega Metagross. It can also punish otherwise safe switch-ins like Rotom-W, Gliscor, and Slowbro by burning them. Specially defensive Heatran is a good Stealth Rock setter due to its bulk and typing allowing it to set said entry hazard safely against Pokemon like Zapdos, Serperior, and Clefable. Roar prevents setup sweepers like Volcarona, Mega Gyarados, Mega Gallade, and Clefable from setting up freely. Toxic can be used instead of Roar to help against Water- or Ground-types such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, Keldeo, Hippowdon, and Gastrodon. Taunt helps Heatran with bulky Pokemon such as Chansey, Clefable, and Zapdos by preventing them from using recovery and other status moves. Protect allows Heatran to get extra Leftovers recovery turns and possibly extra turns of chip damage on burned or poisoned foes. Furthermore, it allows Heatran to scout Choice-locked threats such as Weavile, Tyranitar, Keldeo, and Latios. Lastly, Earth Power can be used to deal with opposing Heatran.
Set Details
=========
Maximum HP and Special Defense investment allows Heatran to deal with Pokemon like Serperior, Clefable, and Zapdos with ease and also allows it to survive Focus Blast from Mega Charizard Y, Mega Alakazam, and Thundurus, giving Heatran the opportunity to poison them with Toxic, set Stealth Rock, or hit them with Lava Plume. The bulk also allows Heatran to stay in against Rotom-W and Slowbro to poison them, use Taunt on them, or set up Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
=========
Specially defensive Heatran can easily set up Stealth Rock against a wide variety of foes. Pokemon like Zapdos, Clefable, and Serperior are threatened by Heatran while not being able to deal substantial damage back to it. Steel-types such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Ferrothorn also allow Heatran an easy switch in. Once it enters the field, it can use Toxic or attempt to burn Ground- or Water-types like Gastrodon, Hippowdon, Slowbro, and Rotom-W to help break down defensive cores. Heatran should always be looking to come in on Fire-type moves like Zapdos or Tornadus-T's Heat Wave to threaten foes with a Flash Fire-boosted Lava Plume. Heatran can also use its Steel typing to switch into Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Altaria, as well as switch into Poison-type moves, especially Toxic.
Team Options
=========
This Heatran set works best on balanced or bulky teams. Used correctly, it comes in on resisted moves from which it takes little damage. This, combined with its bulk and ability to sustain itself on Leftovers recovery, allows it to play longer games where Stealth Rock and possible inflicted statuses such as burn and poison can help its team break down defensive cores. Heatran resists Flying-, Fairy-, and Psychic-type moves and therefore synergizes well with strong Fighting-types like Mega Medicham, Mega Gallade, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Heracross. Heatran teams up well with strong or bulky Water-types like Keldeo, Slowbro, and Rotom-W, as it can take care of Grass-types like Serperior, Ferrothorn, and Amoonguss as well as most common Electric-types like Zapdos and Thundurus. Heatran benefits from having teammates that can deal with Ground- and Fighting-types. Pokemon like Tornadus-T, Landorus-T, and Zapdos resist both types and gain momentum with Volt Switch or U-turn. Clefable makes for a good partner too, since it resists Fighting-type moves and is also able to ease matchups against common Ground-type threats like Garchomp and Landorus-T.
[SET]
name: Fast Utility
move 1: Magma Storm / Lava Plume
move 2: Taunt / Stealth Rock
move 3: Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
move 4: Earth Power
item: Leftovers / Air Balloon
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Timid / Calm
evs: 248 HP / 8 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Magma Storm is Heatran's preferred STAB move on this set for its higher Base Power and trapping utility. However, Lava Plume is a safer alternative with better accuracy and a high burn chance, making it more consistent for spreading status and deterring physical attackers like Garchomp, Gyarados, and Tyranitar. Taunt enables Heatran to shut down passive Pokemon by preventing them from healing, setting up entry hazards, or using Defog. This is especially useful with Heatran's Speed. Alternatively, Stealth Rock is an option that makes Heatran serve as the team's hazard setter. Will-O-Wisp punishes physical attackers and provides more chip damage than Toxic on faster-paced teams. It also allows Heatran to act as a check to Adamant Bisharp, as it outspeeds it and can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. Alternatively, Toxic can be used for more long-term game plans, crippling Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, and Gastrodon. Earth Power rounds out the set as a crucial coverage move for Fire-types such as Volcanion, Heatran, and Mega Charizard X.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Heatran's Speed while maintaining decent special bulk. A Timid nature allows it to outspeed Adamant Excadrill, Mega Tyranitar, and Jolly Bisharp. However, a Calm nature can be used instead to let it take on special hits better while still outspeeding defensive Zapdos, Adamant Bisharp, and Tyranitar. Leftovers provides passive recovery, which is especially helpful when running Lava Plume or Toxic and playing a long game. Alternatively, Air Balloon gives Heatran a temporary immunity to Ground-type moves, allowing it to switch in on Earthquake users or wall certain threats like Garchomp or Excadrill until the Air Balloon is popped.
Usage Tips
========
Heatran should aggressively use Taunt on and status slower defensive Pokemon that rely on recovery or support moves, like Clefable, Zapdos, and Chansey. Against offensive teams, its Speed lets it act as a surprise check to faster threats that expect a slower, more passive Heatran, such as Bisharp and Tyranitar. Be wary of letting it take too much chip damage if running Air Balloon, as preserving the Ground immunity can be key to checking specific threats. When using Magma Storm, be mindful of the shaky accuracy. Will-O-Wisp and Toxic should be used early to cripple many of Heatran's switch-ins, which can help it later in the game. Use Heatran's surprising Speed to bait in and eliminate non-Choice Scarf Volcanion and opposing Heatran.
Team Options
========
Bulky Water-types like Rotom-W, Slowbro, and Keldeo complement Heatran well, covering its Ground and Water weaknesses while benefitting from its ability to check Grass-types and burn physical attackers. Ground-immune allies such as Landorus-T, Zapdos, and Latios can pivot into Earthquakes aimed at Heatran. Entry hazard-stack teams benefit from Heatran's fast-paced Taunt. Pairing it with Spikes setters like Ferrothorn and Skarmory can help wear down trapped targets faster. Wallbreakers like Mega Medicham, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Metagross appreciate Heatran wearing down some of their checks.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stallbreaker
move 1: Magma Storm
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Earth Power
item: Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 64 HP / 192 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Magma Storm lets Heatran trap and heavily damage or eliminate key defensive threats. Its high Base Power and residual damage, in conjunction with Taunt and Toxic, allow Heatran to pressure walls that would otherwise stall it out. Taunt prevents recovery and status attempts from slower foes, letting Heatran break through stall cores and defensive pivots. Toxic punishes bulky Water- and Ground-types that would otherwise wall Heatran, such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, and Gastrodon. It also complements Magma Storm's residual damage, making Heatran incredibly difficult to wall long-term. Earth Power is important for neutral coverage, consistent damage outside of Magma Storm, and covering opposing Heatran.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed lets Heatran outspeed most defensive Pokemon, such as Zapdos and Gliscor. 64 HP EVs with Leftovers allow Heatran to take on five Seismic Tosses instead of four from Chansey, which is crucial for Heatran's stallbreaking ability. The rest of the EVs are put into Special Attack with a Modest nature to provide Heatran with as much wallbreaking power as possible. However, a Timid nature can be used to minimize the chances of Heatran of being outsped by Pokemon such as Zapdos, Gliscor, and Rotom-W.
Usage Tips
========
Use Heatran aggressively against defensive cores; trap and cripple targets like Chansey and Slowbro. Against balance and stall teams, scout carefully for Heatran's counters such as Jolly Gliscor and Earthquake Quagsire. Use Taunt preemptively when you expect recovery or status attempts. Timing it right is key to preventing defensive answers from stalling out Heatran's offensive pressure. Be cautious of Knock Off, as Heatran has no recovery beyond Leftovers and can be worn down easily if mispositioned. Also be aware of Thunder Wave, as Heatran needs its Speed to be effective, and paralysis makes it hard to pressure foes with Magma Storm and Taunt.
Team Options
========
Fast-paced teams that tend to struggle against stall builds appreciate Heatran's ability to put tremendous pressure on them. Pivots like Rotom-W and Landorus-T can bring Heatran in safely against bulkier targets and cover its Ground and Water weaknesses. Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Tangrowth can switch into Water-types that try to exploit Heatran, while Heatran covers the Fire- and Steel-types that trouble them.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Grass-type coverage moves such as Hidden Power Grass and Solar Beam with Power Herb are valid options on Heatran for immediate chip damage or KOs on bulky Water-type Pokemon, such as Rotom-W, Gastrodon, and Slowbro. Hidden Power Ice can be used for immediate damage on Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Dragonite. Flash Cannon provides consistent neutral damage and the ability to hit Clefable and Tyranitar harder. Ancient Power can be used for immediate damage on Talonflame and Mega Charizard Y instead of Toxic.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Gastrodon, and Slowbro are effective defensive pivots that can check Heatran long-term, but they are prone to Toxic. Meanwhile, offensive Water-types such as Keldeo, Manaphy, and Volcanion might take chip damage that cannot be recovered but can immediately threaten Heatran and its teammates. Starmie and Tentacruel, although rarely used, are especially good against Heatran, as they can provide immediate Rapid Spin support. Furthermore, Starmie can cure Toxic poison with Natural Cure, and Tentacruel is immune to it.
**Bulky Dragon-types**: Bulky Dragon-types such as Garchomp, Lum Berry Dragonite, and Hydreigon are good choices that can pivot into Heatran and generally do not mind the burn. They can also immediately threaten Heatran with a super effective Ground-type move.
**Special Walls**: Pokemon such as Gliscor, Chansey, and specially defensive Clefable are all consistent answers to Heatran, as they completely wall it and are immune to status. However, Chansey and Clefable must be wary of Taunt.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types resist Heatran's STAB moves and are immune to burns, making them great pivots against Heatran. However, there are not many viable Fire-types, and many of them are weak to Earth Power or Toxic. Focus Blast Mega Charizard Y, Earthquake Mega Charizard X, and Hidden Power Ground Volcarona are good at luring Heatran and weakening it.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/mixnite.663475/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
Last edited:
