Is Heracross viable in Gen 3 OU?

Heracross is ranked #22 in Gen 3 OU with 7.77% usage according to Smogon Apr 2026 - Jun 2026 data.

What beats Heracross in Gen 3 OU?

The best counter for Heracross in Gen 3 OU is Salamence with a 63.5% win rate when they meet. Based on Smogon's Apr 2026 - Jun 2026 usage data, the top Pokémon that beat Heracross include Salamence.

What is the best counter for Heracross in Gen 3 OU?

Salamence is the best counter for Heracross in Gen 3 OU, KOing or forcing it out in 63.5% of their encounters.

Heracross counters

Gen 3 OU · Sorted by reliability score · Smogon · Apr 2026 - Jun 2026

#0214 Heracross

BugFighting

USAGE 7.8% #22

ABILITYGuts

BASE STATS

HP 80

ATK 125

DEF 75

SPA 40

SPD 95

SPE 85

BST500

TYPE MATCHUPS

4×

Flying

2×

FirePsychicFairy

½×

GrassFightingGroundBugDark

Moves

Megahorn 98.9% Swords Dance 59.9% Rock Slide 50.3% Reversal 44.8% Endure 42.3% Substitute 39.3% Focus Punch 38.2% Brick Break 12.5%

Items

Salac Berry 53.4% Leftovers 36.0% Choice Band 5.6% Chesto Berry 2.7% nothing 2.3% Lum Berry 0.0% Quick Claw 0.0% Black Belt 0.0%

Abilities

Guts73.3%Swarm26.7%

Common Teammates

Browse Gen 3 OU teams using Heracross →

Teams using Salamence 63%

Checks & Counters

Ranked by reliability — blends KO rate with how often each Pokémon is matched up.

# Checker Encounters Reliability KO Rate

Salamence

DragonFlying OFFENSIVE CHECK

51.218

63.5% dies 9.48%

DAMAGE CALC

252+ Atk Salamence Hidden Power Flying vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heracross: 663-780 (182.1 - 214.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

View Salamence counters → Teams with Salamence →

Ranked #22 with 7.77% usage. Sorted by reliability score.