How to beat Gourgeist ex

Gourgeist ex has 1 version in the 2026–27 Standard format, with up to 270 HP as a Psychic Pokémon. Here's the maths for Knocking it Out — worked out from every Standard-legal card.

Game plan

1. Hit its Weakness. Gourgeist ex is weak to Darkness, so those attacks do double damage. 27 Standard cards can Knock it Out in one hit that way — the fastest needs just 2 Energy.
2. Win the Prize trade. It gives up 2 Prize cards when Knocked Out. 10 single-Prize Pokémon can take it out in one attack, so you trade 1 Prize for 2.
3. Avoid Fighting attacks. Gourgeist ex resists them, so they do less damage.
4. Plan for its big hit. Its strongest printed attack is Ghostly Touch for 140 (2 Energy). 345 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 Darkness attacks do at least 270 after Weakness. Fastest (fewest Energy) first.

One-hit Knock Outs without Weakness

Attacks with a printed 270+ damage (after Resistance).

Best Prize trades

Single-Prize Pokémon that Knock Out Gourgeist ex in one attack — you give up 1 Prize, they give up 2.

Pokémon that survive its biggest attack

These can take a printed 140 from Ghostly Touch and stay in play (Weakness included). Single-Prize Pokémon first.

Every Standard Gourgeist ex 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 Gourgeist cards in Standard · how to knock out a 270 HP Pokémon · Darkness vs Psychic · beating big Pokémon ex · more counter guides

Questions people ask

What is Gourgeist ex weak to?

Gourgeist ex is weak to Darkness, so those attacks do double damage (×2).

How much HP does Gourgeist ex have?

Up to 270 HP in Standard.

How many Prize cards does Gourgeist ex give up?

2 — it's a Pokémon ex.

What can one-hit KO Gourgeist ex?

42 Standard cards can, going by printed damage. The fastest: Mega Gengar ex's Void Gale (2 Energy, 460 damage); Hydreigon ex's Crashing Headbutt (2 Energy, 400 damage); Marnie's Grimmsnarl ex's Shadow Bullet (2 Energy, 360 damage).

What is Gourgeist ex's strongest attack?

Ghostly Touch, which prints 140 damage for 2 Energy.

What does Gourgeist ex resist?

Fighting — those attacks do less damage to it.