How to beat Orthworm ex

Orthworm ex has 1 version in the 2026–27 Standard format, with up to 220 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. Orthworm ex is weak to Fire, so those attacks do double damage. 50 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 2 Prize cards when Knocked Out. 51 single-Prize Pokémon can take it out in one attack, so you trade 1 Prize for 2.
3. Avoid Grass attacks. Orthworm ex resists them, so they do less damage.
4. Plan for its big hit. Its strongest printed attack is Rock Tomb for 150 (4 Energy). 281 Standard cards have enough HP to survive one hit — before any Weakness, + or × effects.
5. Watch the Retreat Cost. It costs 4 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 220 after Weakness. Fastest (fewest Energy) first.

One-hit Knock Outs without Weakness

Attacks with a printed 220+ damage (after Resistance).

Best Prize trades

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

Pokémon that survive its biggest attack

These can take a printed 150 from Rock Tomb and stay in play (Weakness included). Single-Prize Pokémon first.

Every Standard Orthworm 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 Orthworm cards in Standard · how to knock out a 220 HP Pokémon · Fire vs Metal · beating big Pokémon ex · more counter guides