This page explains how to encounter and catch 
Heatran in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP).
Heatran is a Legendary Pokémon only found during the postgame; it lurks inside the deepest part of Stark Mountain, located in the Battle Zone.
How to Encounter Heatran¶
(1 of 2) After speaking to Buck at the deepest part of Stark Mountain, visit this house in the Survival Area.
After speaking to Buck at the deepest part of Stark Mountain, visit this house in the Survival Area. (left), Chat to the old man and Buck, to make Buck return the Magma Stone. (right)
When you first visit the endpoint of Stark Mountain, you unfortunately won’t be able to see Heatran. After leading Buck to the endpoint, speak to him at the back. He’ll mention discovering the Magma Stone, before going back home.
If you’ve got nothing else to do here, leave Stark Mountain yourself, using the Escape Rope found earlier etc. Fly back to the Survival Area (or head west towards there). Upon arrival, enter the house to the left of the Pokémon Center. Chat to the old man inside, followed by Buck. Afterwards, Buck should leave to return the Magma Stone.
Now the next time you visit the endpoint of Stark Mountain, Heatran should be there, ready to be battled and caught.
How to Quickly Reach the Endpoint¶
With Buck no longer slowing you down, when you’re in the main cavern of Stark Mountain, follow these directions to reach the endpoint more quickly:
(1 of 2) Dash along this narrow path, east from the center.
Dash along this narrow path, east from the center. (left), Keep going north, making one left turn. Finally, Rock Climb towards the exit. (right)
Make your way north towards the wide horizontal path. Once you’re there, travel east, past the stairs leading north and south. Go north along the narrow path that’s east from the Bird Keeper and Black Belt. Rock Smash the cracked rock ahead, then carry on north all the way towards the end.
Near the end of the path, go down the stairs on the left. Next, proceed north towards a pair of Ace Trainers. Squeeze past them and Rock Climb north. From here, the cave that leads to the endpoint is just on the left.
Legendary Pokémon¶
(1 of 2) Heatran in the deepest cavern.
Heatran in the deepest cavern. (left), Heatran is a dual Fire and Steel-type. (right)
| Pokémon | Level | Type |
|---|---|---|
 Heatran |
70 |   |
Heatran has a unique Fire and Steel typing, with decent defensive stats and high Special Attack. For attacks, it can use Heat Wave (STAB), Stone Edge (high critical hit ratio, but low accuracy), Earth Power and Metal Sound (greatly lowers Sp. Defense). Avoid hitting it with Fire moves since it’s got Flash Fire.
To survive Heatran, a Water-type is preferable, to resist Heat Wave. Better still, if they’re also a Ground-type, to resist Stone Edge. 
Gastrodon, 
Whiscash and 
Quagsire all fit this bill. Of note, Quagsire can learn Yawn to induce Sleep. Meawhile, Gastrodon can have Yawn as an Egg Move (available by breeding or randomly from the Grand Underground).
As for weakening Heatran, avoid Ground moves, since Heatran takes quadruple damage. Because Heatran is a Steel-type, False Swipe will do reduced damage. You can get around this by using Soak to change Heatran to a Water-type. Notable Pokémon with Soak include 
Seaking, 
Octillery, 
Pelipper and 
Lumineon. You’ll want to use Soak near the start, then swap to a False Swiper. Once Heatran’s at 1 HP, switch to your waller.
(1 of 2) Heatran can’t heal itself, so getting it to low HP isn’t too difficult.
Heatran can’t heal itself, so getting it to low HP isn’t too difficult. (left), Afterwards, it’s just a matter of crossing your fingers. (right)
If you can weather Heatran’s assault, catching it should be fairly straightforward–or as straightforward as Legendaries go. Your aim is to bring down Heatran to 1 HP (or close) and apply a status condition. Then unleash your best Poké Balls when it’s safe. Ultra Balls are your generic option, Timer Balls are for prolonged fights (over 10 turns) and there’s also Dusk Balls since you’re in a cave.
Sign up
No Comments