Heatran Pokemon BDSP
Image: Nintendo Life

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl launched for Nintendo Switch in November 2021, and for fans eager to jump back into the Sinnoh region, there are a few favourites they’ll be keen to pick up straight away. There are also a ton of Legendary Pokémon that fans will be hunting, with the Sinnoh region being famous for the sheer amount of them to be found.

While plenty of Legendary Pokémon are just setting there, some require a little bit more work. One of those is Heatran, but today we’ll show you exactly how to get it.

How to catch Heatran in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Complete the Sinnoh Dex

Firstly, you’ll need to complete the Sinnoh Pokédex. Thankfully, this can be done with one copy of the game, and in one playthrough. All you need to do is to see one of every Pokémon, not catch them, and this can all be achieved during the course of the normal game.

If you’re struggling to see the box legendary of the other copy, Dialga or Palkia, speak to Cynthia’s grandmother and she’ll show you it.

After that, head back to Professor Rowan and he’ll upgrade your Pokédex for you, allowing you to catch almost 500 Pokémon in total, including plenty of new legendaries.

Pokemon BDSP
Image: Nintendo Life

The Fight Area, Route 225, Survival Area, Route 226

In the top right area of the map, you’ll now have access to the Fight Area. After you complete the Sinnoh Dex, you’ll be able to head to Route 225 on the way to Heatran. Keep heading up, defeating trainers and collecting items on the way until you reach the Survival Area. Here you can rest and buy new items.

Further up the track you’ll encounter a bike puzzle that requires you to hop over the small dirt cliffs that block your way. To do this, use the bike in a high gear and launch yourself off the small ramps. This is extremely fidgety in BDSP, so we recommend taking it as slowly as you can.

After you’ve done that, you’ll encounter Buck. He’ll talk to you then run off to Stark Mountain.

Stark Mountain

Stark Mountain requires you to solve a few strength puzzles, before running into Buck again. He’ll team up with you to battle through the rest of the area, until you reach the central door. He’ll then leave an item with you before disappearing. The area begins to shake, and you’ve awoken Heatran.

However, in order to battle Heatran, you need to head back to the house next to the Pokémon Center in the Survival Area and talk to Buck and the Old Man. This will trigger Heatran to appear back in Stark Mountain.

Heatran Battle Tips

Heatran is one of the highest-rated wild Pokémon in the history of Pokémon. At Level 70, he’s extremely tough to catch.

We recommend bringing a Luxray to paralyze him, and then something with a lot of health in order to soak up its attacks while you throw Ultra Balls. Be sure to save before this encounter, especially if you’re looking to Shiny hunt.

Pokemon BDSP
Image: Nintendo Life

This article is part of our Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl walkthrough and guide series, which includes every version-exclusive Pokémon in each version of the game, advice on the best Sinnoh starter Pokémon to choose, and all the old and new Pokétch Apps, plus how to get specific Pokémon such as Mew and Jirachi, Rilou and Lucario, Manaphy and Phione, Arceus, Eevee, Leafeon And Glaceon, Cresselia, Rotom, Ditto, Spiritomb, Heatran, Regigigas, and — of course — the mighty Feebas.

We also cover how to catch 17 Legendaries in Ramanas Park, where to find the Defog HM and chain catching (or how to increase your chances of catching Shiny Pokémon), plus how to earn money fast, how to beat the Elite Four, how the Trophy Garden works, and how to get the DS sounds and Catching Charm. We also have a full and updated list of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Mystery Gift codes, plus we tell you how to unlock the Mystery Gift function, too.

And finally, Where to Buy Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl on Nintendo Switch, if for some reason you haven't yet picked up the game!