How to Catch Heatran (and its Shiny Form!) in Pokemon GO (2024)

Heatran, the Lava Pokemon, is a Fire/Steel type known for its incredible power and fiery presence. It’s a coveted addition to any Pokemon GO trainer’s collection, and with its recent return to Raid Battles, the hunt is on!

But how do you go about capturing this formidable foe? And is there a chance you might encounter its elusive shiny form? This guide will provide all the information you need to conquer Heatran and potentially add a dazzling version to your team.

Where to Find Heatran: 5-Star Raids and Raid Hours

Currently, the only way to encounter Heatran in Pokemon GO is through 5-star raid battles. These challenging encounters require teamwork and strategic planning to emerge victorious. Keep an eye out for raid eggs appearing at Gyms near you, which will hatch into Heatran after a short period. Additionally, specific “Raid Hours” offer a higher concentration of these raids, usually occurring once a week for a limited time.

Pro Tip: Utilize online resources and communities dedicated to Pokemon GO to stay updated on raid locations and Raid Hour schedules in your area.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Raid Availability: Heatran is currently in Raid Battles from February 22nd, 2024, to March 1st, 2024 (local time).
• Raid Hour: There was a special Raid Hour on February 22nd, 2024, from 6 PM to 7 PM local time, featuring increased Heatran raid appearances.

Suggested Ground-type Pokemon

Groudon / Shadow Groudon / Primal Groudon (Ground)

• Fast Attack: Mud Shot (Ground)
• Charged Attack: Earthquake (Ground), Precipice Blades (Ground)*

Garchomp / Shadow Garchomp / Mega Garchomp (Dragon/Ground)

• Fast Attack: Mud Shot (Ground)
• Charged Attack: Earth Power (Ground), Earthquake (Ground), Sand Tomb (Ground)

Excadrill / Shadow Excadrill (Ground/Steel)

• Fast Attack: Mud Shot (Ground), Mud-Slap (Ground)
• Charged Attack: Drill Run (Ground), Earthquake (Ground)

Therian Forme Landorus (Ground/Flying)

• Fast Attack: Mud Shot (Ground)
• Charged Attack: Bulldoze (Ground), Earthquake (Ground), Superpower (Fighting)

Rhyperior / Shadow Rhyperior (Ground/Rock)

• Fast Attack: Mud-Slap (Ground)
• Charged Attack: Earthquake (Ground), Superpower (Fighting), Surf (Water)

Mamoswine / Shadow Mamoswine (Ice/Ground)

• Fast Attack: Mud-Slap (Ground)
• Charged Attack: Bulldoze (Ground), High Horsepower (Ground)

Donphan / Shadow Donphan (Ground)

• Fast Attack: Counter (Fighting), Mud-Slap (Ground)
• Charged Attack: Earthquake (Ground)

Golurk / Shadow Golurk (Ground/Ghost)

• Fast Attack: Mud-Slap (Ground)
• Charged Attack: Dynamic Punch (Fighting), Earth Power (Ground)

Suggested Water-type Pokemon

Swampert / Shadow Swampert / Mega Swampert (Water/Ground)

• Fast Attack: Mud Shot (Ground), Water Gun (Water)
• Charged Attack: Earthquake (Ground), Hydro Cannon (Water), Muddy Water (Water), Surf (Water)

Kyogre / Primal Kyogre (Water)

• Fast Attack: Waterfall (Water)
• Charged Attack: Hydro Pump (Water), Origin Pulse (Water), Surf (Water)

Suggested Fighting-type Pokemon

Blaziken / Mega Blaziken (Fire/Fighting)

• Fast Attack: Counter (Fighting)
• Charged Attack: Focus Blast (Fighting)

Terrakion (Rock/Fighting)

• Fast Attack: Double Kick (Fighting)
• Charged Attack: Close Combat (Fighting), Earthquake (Ground), Sacred Sword (Fighting)

Maximizing Premier Balls and Berries for Catching Heatran

Following a successful Raid Battle, catching Heatran becomes the next challenge. Limited Premier Balls necessitate precise throws, emphasizing the importance of timing and accuracy. Aim for Excellent Throws within the target ring to optimize your catch rate, supplemented by Curveballs for additional efficacy. Utilizing Berries such as Razz and Golden Razz enhances catch probability, while Nanab Berries mitigate Heatran’s movements, facilitating more controlled throws. Additionally, leveraging the Catch Assist Perk from Buddy Pokémon with a Great Buddy level or higher provides additional opportunities for successful captures.

Utilizing Heatran’s Strengths in Pokemon GO

Once captured, Heatran proves its worth as a resilient Fire- and Steel-type attacker. With an impressive resistance to ten different attack types, including six types where it’s doubly resistant, Heatran emerges as a formidable asset in Raid Battles. Its longevity in battles, coupled with its high CP potential, positions Heatran as a reliable option for sustained damage output. While its performance in the GO Battle League varies across leagues, Heatran shines particularly in the Master League, where its resistance and offensive capabilities come into play.

Strategies for Master League Success

In the Master League, Heatran’s strategic value becomes more apparent, especially against popular Steel-type adversaries. A well-equipped Heatran, maximized with CP, dual-charged Attacks, and a tailored strategy, can rival and outperform other contenders. Accumulating Heatran Candy and Heatran Candy XL through raids becomes essential for powering up this Pokémon for competitive play.

Battling Tips for Success

Here are some essential tips to help you defeat Heatran in a Raid Battle:

• Teamwork is key: Coordinate with other trainers to ensure you have a diverse team and enough firepower to take down Heatran.
• Dodge the attacks: Heatran has powerful Fire and Steel-type charged attacks, so be sure to dodge them whenever possible to minimize damage.
• Focus on your role: If you’re using a Ground-type Pokemon, focus on dealing as much damage as possible. If you’re using a tanker Pokemon, prioritize surviving and drawing attacks away from teammates.
• Use Revives and Potions: Be prepared to revive fainted Pokemon and use Potions to keep your team healthy throughout the battle.

Can You Catch a Shiny Heatran?

The answer is Yes! Shiny Heatran is available in Pokemon GO, but the encounter rate is extremely low. It’s estimated to be around a 1 in 20 chance of encountering a shiny Heatran after successfully defeating it in a Raid Battle. However, there’s no need to worry about wasting your Premier Balls – once you encounter the post-raid capture screen, the Heatran will be shiny if it’s going to be.

Pro Tip: Participating in as many Heatran Raids as possible increases your chances of encountering a shiny one.

Conclusion

Catching Heatran, especially its shiny form, is a rewarding experience in Pokemon GO. By understanding the raid mechanics, assembling a powerful team with effective counters, and persisting in your attempts, you increase your chances of adding this fiery powerhouse to your collection. Remember, teamwork and strategic planning are key to success, so don’t hesitate to join forces with other trainers and conquer the challenge of catching Heatran!

Read more: Catching Origin Forme Palkia in Pokemon GO & Shiny Hunting Secrets (2024)

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