Is Heracross viable in Gen 3 OU?

Heracross is ranked #22 in Gen 3 OU with 6.57% usage according to Smogon Feb 2026 - Apr 2026 data.

What beats Heracross in Gen 3 OU?

The best counter for Heracross in Gen 3 OU is Salamence with a 64.3% win rate when they meet. Based on Smogon's Feb 2026 - Apr 2026 usage data, the top Pokémon that beat Heracross include Salamence, Zapdos.

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 64.3% of their encounters.

Heracross counters

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

#0214 Heracross

BugFighting

USAGE 6.6% #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 99.0% Swords Dance 60.2% Rock Slide 52.9% Reversal 38.0% Focus Punch 37.1% Endure 36.9% Brick Break 25.7% Substitute 23.7%

Items

Salac Berry 49.2% Leftovers 28.1% Choice Band 11.5% Chesto Berry 6.8% nothing 3.5% Quick Claw 0.4% White Herb 0.4% Black Belt 0.0%

Abilities

Guts71.2%Swarm28.8%

Common Teammates

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

30.244

64.3% dies 8.71%

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 →

Zapdos

ElectricFlying SOFT CHECK

25.086

35.3% dies 9.54%

DAMAGE CALC

252+ SpA Zapdos Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Heracross: 124-147 (34 - 40.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

View Zapdos counters → Teams with Zapdos →

Ranked #22 with 6.57% usage. Sorted by reliability score.