Pokemon GO Shadow Heatran: Best moveset, counters, and is it any good?

Shadow Heatran is an exciting addition to Pokemon GO, especially for players who enjoy using powerful Legendary Pokemon in battles. First introduced in Generation IV, Heatran has always been a standout due to its dual Fire/Steel typing, which gives it both impressive resistances and powerful STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves.

Originally released in December 2018, Heatran's Shadow form is finally making its debut on October 8th, 2024, as part of the Galarian Expedition: Taken Over event. This release opens up new opportunities for both PvP and PvE players to explore how the Shadow form's increased attack power changes its battle potential.

But how does Shadow Heatran stack up in a competitive environment, and is it worth investing in? This guide will cover everything you need to know about Shadow Heatran, including its best moveset, counters, and overall viability in Pokemon GO.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.

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Best movesets for Shadow Heatran in Pokemon GO

Heatran as seen in the game (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Shadow Heatran's moveset can vary depending on whether you are using it for PvP battles or PvE raids. Here is a breakdown of the ideal movesets for each mode.

PvP Moveset:

• Fast move: Fire Spin
• Charged moves: Magma Storm* and Iron Head

PvE Moveset:

• Fast move: Fire Spin
• Charged move: Magma Storm*

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Is Shadow Heatran good in Pokemon GO PvP and PvE?

Shadow Heatran in PvP

Shadow Heatran carves out a niche in the Master League due to its Fire/Steel typing, which grants it 10 resistances, including double resistances to Fairy, Ice, and Bug. However, it struggles against top-tier Steel-types like Registeel and is vulnerable to Ground-, Water-, and Fighting-types.

The move Magma Storm* enhances its PvP performance by providing faster damage, but it remains a situational pick, best paired with Dragon-types to cover its weaknesses.

Shadow Heatran in PvE

In raids, Shadow Heatran shines with its high Total Damage Output (TDO) and excellent resistances, making it a durable option in battles. While it lacks the raw damage of top Fire-types like Mega Charizard Y, its dual typing allows it to excel against many opponents, offering consistent damage over time in long sustained encounters.

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Pokemon GO Shadow Heatran: All moves and stats

Heatran and its shiny variant (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Type: Fire / Steel

Fast Moves:

• Bug Bite
• Fire Spin

Charged Moves:

• Flamethrower
• Stone Edge
• Iron Head
• Fire Blast
• Magma Storm*
• Earth Power
• Frustration (Shadow form exclusive move)

Base Stats:

• Attack: 251
• Defense: 213
• Stamina: 209
• Max CP: 4,244

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Pokemon GO Shadow Heatran: Strengths and weaknesses

As a Fire/Steel-type Pokemon, Shadow Heatran has some interesting resistances and vulnerabilities. Understanding these will help you in both using and countering it effectively.

Resistances:

• Bug: 39.1%
• Fairy: 39.1%
• Grass: 39.1%
• Ice: 39.1%
• Poison: 39.1%
• Steel: 39.1%
• Dragon: 62.5%
• Flying: 62.5%
• Normal: 62.5%
• Psychic: 62.5%

Weaknesses:

• Ground: 256%
• Fighting: 160%
• Water: 160%

The types that Shadow Heatran can hit with STAB super-effective damage are:

• Grass
• Bug
• Ice
• Steel
• Rock
• Fairy

With 10 resistances, Shadow Heatran can withstand a wide range of attacks, especially from Fairy- and Ice-types. However, its glaring 4x weakness to Ground-type moves makes it highly vulnerable to Pokemon like Garchomp and Landorus.

Water and Fighting-type moves also hit it for super effective damage, so be cautious when facing opponents that can exploit these weaknesses.

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Best counters for Shadow Heatran in Pokemon GO

Heatran as seen in Pokemon Journeys: The Series (Image via The Pokemon Company)

To effectively counter Shadow Heatran, you will want to use Pokemon that can take advantage of its vulnerabilities. Ground-type Pokemon are particularly effective, as they deal 4x damage against Heatran’s Fire/Steel typing. Listed below are some of the best counters for this Shadow variant Heatran:

• Primal Groudon with Mud Shot and Precipice Blades
• Mega Garchomp with Mud Shot and Sand Tomb
• Shadow Ho-Oh with Incinerate and Sacred Fire
• Terrakion with Double Kick and Sacred Sword
• Volcanion with Incinerate and Earth Power
• Mega Swampert with Mud Shot and Hydro Cannon
• Mega Charizard Y with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
• Mega Blaziken with Counter and Blaze Kick
• Primal Kyogre with Waterfall and Hydro Pump
• Barbaracle with Mud-Slap and Razor Shell
• Shadow Rhyperior with Mud-Slap and Earthquake
• Primarina with Waterfall and Hydro Cannon
• Mega Kangaskhan with Mud-Slap and Power-Up Punch
• Annihilape with Counter and Low Sweep
• Palkia - Origin with Dragon Breath and Aqua Tail
• Mega Blastoise with Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
• Shadow Gyarados with Waterfall and Aqua Tail
• Shadow Entei with Fire Spin and Scorching Sands

These creatures will exploit Heatran's greatest weakness, allowing you to take it down quickly in all situations.

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Shadow Heatran has its strengths and weaknesses in Pokemon GO, making it a solid but situational pick.

In PvP, its resistances and Fire-type coverage give it a niche role, but its vulnerabilities to common Ground, Water, and Fighting moves can hold it back. In PvE, its durability and resistances make it a reliable option in certain raid battles, even if it does not boast the highest DPS.

Ultimately, Shadow Heatran is a great addition for collectors and battlers who want a versatile Fire/Steel-type Pokemon.

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Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters
• Team GO Rocket Grunts

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