How to beat Archaludon

Archaludon has 2 versions in the 2026–27 Standard format, with up to 180 HP as a Metal Pokémon. Here's the maths for Knocking it Out — worked out from every Standard-legal card.

Game plan

1. Hit its Weakness. Archaludon is weak to Fire, so those attacks do double damage. 64 Standard cards can Knock it Out in one hit that way — the fastest needs just 1 Energy.
2. Don't over-invest. It only gives up 1 Prize card, so avoid spending a big two-Prize attacker on it if a cheaper Pokémon can do the job.
3. Avoid Grass attacks. Archaludon resists them, so they do less damage.
4. Plan for its big hit. Its strongest printed attack is Iron Blaster for 160 (3 Energy). 240 Standard cards have enough HP to survive one hit — before any Weakness, + or × effects.
5. Watch the Retreat Cost. It costs 2 Energy to retreat. If it gets stuck in the Active Spot, that's your chance.

One-hit Knock Outs using Weakness

These Fire attacks do at least 180 after Weakness. Fastest (fewest Energy) first.

One-hit Knock Outs without Weakness

Attacks with a printed 180+ damage (after Resistance).

Pokémon that survive its biggest attack

These can take a printed 160 from Iron Blaster and stay in play (Weakness included). Single-Prize Pokémon first.

Every Standard Archaludon card

Damage is the number printed on the card. Attacks marked + or × can do more, and Abilities, Tools and Stadiums can change the maths — always read the card. Energy letters: G Grass, R Fire, W Water, L Lightning, P Psychic, F Fighting, D Darkness, M Metal, N Dragon, C Colorless (any Energy).

Related: all Archaludon cards in Standard · how to knock out a 180 HP Pokémon · Fire vs Metal · beating big Pokémon ex · more counter guides