Pokemon Go Shadow Heatran Raid Guide: Weaknesses & best counters
NIANTIC/DEXERTOThe Legendary Heatran from the Sinnoh region is Giovanni’s newest Shadow boss in Pokemon Go, so you must learn its best counters if you want to take down Shadow Heatran fast.
Heatran is a dual Fire/Steel-type Legendary from Gen 4 that became very popular among fans due to its many resistances, which make it a pretty useful Pokemon to battle with.
During the recent Galarian Expedition: Taken Over event, Shadow Heatran debuted as Team GO Rocket Boss Giovanni‘s newest catch. So, if you want to rescue this mighty Pokemon, here are the best counters you can use to target its few weaknesses.
Shadow Heatran weaknesses in Pokemon Go
As mentioned above, Shadow Heatran is a dual Fire/Steel-type Pokemon, which means it’s weak to Ground, Fighting, and Water-type attacks, so you can pick some of those to deal super effective damage and quickly deplete its HP.
However, you should know that it is resistant to Bug, Fairy, Grass, Ice, Poison, Steel, Dragon, Flying, Normal, and Psychic-type moves, so avoid using them, as they won’t deal much damage at all.
Shadow Heatran counters in Pokemon Go
Here are the best counters to use against this Shadow Boss in Niantic’s mobile game:
| POKEMON | SPRITE | BEST MOVESET |
|---|---|---|
| Primal Groudon |  | Mud Shot & Precipice Blades |
| Primal Kyogre |  | Waterfall & Origin Pulse |
| Mega Garchomp |  | Mud Shot & Earth Power |
| Shadow Excadrill |  | Mud Shot & Scorching Sands |
| Shadow Rhyperior |  | Mud-Slap & Earthquake |
| Landorus Therian Forme |  | Mud Shot & Sandsear Storm |
| Swampert |  | Mud Shot & Earthquake |
| Hippowdon |  | Sand Attack & Scorching Sands |
| Flygon |  | Mud Shot & Scorching Sands |
| Gyarados |  | Waterfall & Hydro Pump |
We’ve included a mix of Megas, Legendaries, Shadow, and more common Pokemon in the table above, so there should be something for trainers of all levels.
If you don’t have any of the creatures listed, use your strongest Pokemon that target your opponent’s weaknesses. Just remember that even though their attacks will be super effective, they still need to be properly leveled up.
How to get Shadow Heatran in Pokemon Go
Currently, the only way players can catch Shadow Heatran in Pokemon Go is by completing the Special Research from the Galarian Expedition: Taken Over event.
Niantic/Pokemon CompanyThe event ran from October 8, 2024, at midnight until October 11, 2024, at 8:00 PM local time. However, for those worried about the time window, if you claimed the Special Research at the beginning of the event, you’ll have until the end of the Max Out season – December 3, 2024 – to complete it.
Can Shadow Heatran be Shiny in Pokemon Go?
Even though regular Heatran’s Shiny version has been part of the game since 2020, Shadow Heatran cannot be Shiny in Pokemon Go.
Due to the Galarian Expedition: Taken Over event being this variation’s debut, it’s no surprise that Shiny Shadow Heatran is not available yet.
That’s all you need to know about Shadow Heatran’s weaknesses and best counters in Pokemon Go. For more content on the game, check out our event schedule and the current Raid boss line-up.