How to beat Mega Heracross ex

Mega Heracross ex has 1 version in the 2026–27 Standard format, with up to 280 HP as a Grass Pokémon. Here's the maths for Knocking it Out — worked out from every Standard-legal card.

Game plan

1. Hit its Weakness. Mega Heracross ex is weak to Fire, so those attacks do double damage. 31 Standard cards can Knock it Out in one hit that way — the fastest needs just 1 Energy.
2. Win the Prize trade. It gives up 3 Prize cards when Knocked Out. 15 single-Prize Pokémon can take it out in one attack, so you trade 1 Prize for 3.
3. Plan for its big hit. Its strongest printed attack is Mountain Ramming for 170 (3 Energy). 213 Standard cards have enough HP to survive one hit — before any Weakness, + or × effects.
4. 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 280 after Weakness. Fastest (fewest Energy) first.

One-hit Knock Outs without Weakness

Attacks with a printed 280+ damage.

Best Prize trades

Single-Prize Pokémon that Knock Out Mega Heracross ex in one attack — you give up 1 Prize, they give up 3.

Pokémon that survive its biggest attack

These can take a printed 170 from Mountain Ramming and stay in play (Weakness included). Single-Prize Pokémon first.

Every Standard Mega Heracross 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 Heracross cards in Standard · how to knock out a 280 HP Pokémon · Fire vs Grass · beating big Pokémon ex · more counter guides

Questions people ask

What is Mega Heracross ex weak to?

Mega Heracross ex is weak to Fire, so those attacks do double damage (×2).

How much HP does Mega Heracross ex have?

Up to 280 HP in Standard.

How many Prize cards does Mega Heracross ex give up?

3 — it's a Mega Evolution Pokémon ex.

What can one-hit KO Mega Heracross ex?

39 Standard cards can, going by printed damage. The fastest: Ceruledge's Infernal Slash (1 Energy, 440 damage); Blaziken ex's Smolder-sault (2 Energy, 400 damage); Centiskorch's Charring Breath (2 Energy, 360 damage).

What is Mega Heracross ex's strongest attack?

Mountain Ramming, which prints 170 damage for 3 Energy.