This is a guide for Mission 22: “The Plate of Firespit Island” in Pokémon Legends: Arceus (PLA).

How to Start Mission 22¶

You’ll receive Mission 22 (along with four other missions) after speaking to Cogita during the postgame mission “The Researcher of Myths”. For this mission, you’re searching for a Legendary Pokémon at Firespit Island within the Cobalt Coastlands.

1. Meet Irida and Palina at the Beachside Camp¶

First, head to the Beachside Camp at the Cobalt Coastlands; it’s the default destination when entering. Irida and Palina will give you some background information for the mission.

2. Travel to the Lava Dome Sanctum¶

Next, make your way to Firespit Island. We suggest fast-traveling to the Molten Arena. There, look for a new cave around the north side of the volcano in the center of the island. Irida and Iscan will be awaiting your arrival. This cave leads to the Lava Dome Sanctum.

Inside, there’s a large space with a Heatran who will aggro on sight. Heatran will quickly surround itself with a fiery shield. Meanwhile, on the floor are lots and lots of Balls of Mud. You guessed it: To remove Heatran’s shield, you must keep throwing Balls of Mud directly at it. All the while, keep moving to dodge Heatran’s various attacks.

Look out for when Heatran shuffles its legs and you hear an energy charging sound effect. It will rush forward to try and harm you with its fire shield.

Occasionally, Heatran can hop backwards. Next, it’ll stomp the ground, while gusts surround it. This will create a Magma Storm that launches forward and homes in on your position.

Finally, Heatran can generate air pressure near its feet while stationary. Pockets of steam, akin to Earth Power, will rise up below your feet.

Once the shield goes down, Heatran will be stunned for a while. Don’t delay and throw a Pokémon at it to begin a battle. If you’re feeling lucky, you could just throw an Ultra Ball or maybe a Gigaton Ball from the back and hope Heatran stays in.

Legendary Pokémon¶

Water-types are extremely useful here to resist Heatran’s Flash Cannon and Magma Storm. Heatran can also use Ancient Power and Earth Power, but these are much less dangerous.

When weakening Heatran though, avoid using Water or Ground moves since they deal quadruple damage. If you have weak Water/Ground moves, you could try using them in Agile Style, but it’s somewhat risky.

Once you’ve captured the fiery menace, you’ll obtain the Iron Plate. This mission will then be deemed a success.