How to beat Palossand ex

Palossand ex has 1 version in the 2026–27 Standard format, with up to 280 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. Palossand 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. Palossand ex resists them, so they do less damage.
4. Plan for its big hit. Its strongest printed attack is Sand Tomb for 160 (3 Energy). 255 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 Darkness attacks do at least 280 after Weakness. Fastest (fewest Energy) first.

One-hit Knock Outs without Weakness

Attacks with a printed 280+ damage (after Resistance).

Best Prize trades

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

Pokémon that survive its biggest attack

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

Every Standard Palossand 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 Palossand cards in Standard · how to knock out a 280 HP Pokémon · Darkness vs Psychic · beating big Pokémon ex · more counter guides

Questions people ask

What is Palossand ex weak to?

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

How much HP does Palossand ex have?

Up to 280 HP in Standard.

How many Prize cards does Palossand ex give up?

2 — it's a Pokémon ex.

What can one-hit KO Palossand ex?

41 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 Palossand ex's strongest attack?

Sand Tomb, which prints 160 damage for 3 Energy.

What does Palossand ex resist?

Fighting — those attacks do less damage to it.