poke.study

No. 0027

Sandshrew

Mouse Pokémon

Sandshrew
Official art
Ground
Height
0.6 m 2′00″
Weight
12 kg 26.5 lbs
Base stat total
300 top 86%
Introduced
Gen I
Abilities
Pokédex entryShield
It burrows into the ground to create its nest. If hard stones impede its tunneling, it uses its sharp claws to shatter them and then carries on digging.
See all 18 entries

Base stats

HP50110–157210–304
Atk7572–139139–273
Def8581–150157–295
SpA2022–7940–152
SpD3031–9058–174
Spe4040–10176–196
Total300Higher than 14% of all Pokémon
HP50Atk75Def85Spe40SpD30SpA20

Ranges: 0 IV/EV with a hindering nature to 31 IV/252 EV with a helpful nature. EV yield: 1 Def.

Stat calculatorChampions Stat Points & Stat Alignment, or EVs, IVs & nature

Speed tiers

Speed at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions (base 40). Scarf and Tailwind use the Max+ value.

Max+101Max92No SP60Min54Scarf151Tailwind202

At max Speed, Sandshrew outspeeds 9 of the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC, and ties 1.

  1. 203Mega Garchomp ZModest · 32 SP · #21 in usage
  2. 200Mega GengarTimid · 32 SP · #26 in usage
  3. 190Mega Raichu YTimid · 23 SP · #13 in usage
  4. 189Mega SalamenceTimid · 32 SP · #4 in usage
  5. 184WhimsicottTimid · 32 SP · #23 in usage
  6. 178Mega MetagrossJolly · 32 SP · #28 in usage
  7. 178Mega StaraptorJolly · 32 SP · #29 in usage
  8. 172SneaslerAdamant · 32 SP · #2 in usage
  9. 169Mega FloetteTimid · 32 SP · #17 in usage
  10. 169GarchompJolly · 32 SP · #19 in usage
  11. 167Mega Charizard YTimid · 32 SP · #14 in usage
  12. 167Mega GardevoirTimid · 32 SP · #20 in usage
  13. 161IndeedeeTimid · 32 SP · #30 in usage
  14. 156Hisuian ArcanineJolly · 32 SP · #16 in usage
  15. 150ArchaludonTimid · 32 SP · #9 in usage
  16. 149GholdengoTimid · 32 SP · #8 in usage
  17. 143BasculegionJolly · 32 SP · #6 in usage
  18. 128PelipperTimid · 32 SP · #12 in usage
  19. 120VolcaronaBold · 0 SP · #25 in usage
  20. 105RillaboomAdamant · 0 SP · #1 in usage
  21. 101Sandshrew · Max+32 SP, Speed-raising alignment
  22. 101MiloticCalm · 0 SP · #15 in usage
  23. 95SylveonModest · 15 SP · #18 in usage
  24. 94Female IndeedeeRelaxed · 0 SP · #7 in usage
  25. 92Sandshrew · Max32 SP, neutral alignment
  26. 90PolitoedCalm · 0 SP · #22 in usage
  27. 90SinistchaBold · 0 SP · #24 in usage
  28. 85ArmarougeQuiet · 0 SP · #27 in usage
  29. 80IncineroarCareful · 0 SP · #3 in usage
  30. 80FarigirafBold · 0 SP · #11 in usage
  31. 70KingambitAdamant · 0 SP · #5 in usage
  32. 60Sandshrew · No SP0 SP, neutral alignment
  33. 60Mega GolisopodAdamant · 0 SP · #10 in usage

Others at their most common Speed investment in Champions VGC (Reg M-C · Doubles, Sep 2026); Pokémon holding a Mega Stone are shown as their Mega.

Type matchups

Weak to

Grass2×Ice2×Water2×

Resists

Poison½×Rock½×

Immune to

Electric0×
Takes normal damage from 12 types
NormalFightingFlyingGroundBugGhostSteelFirePsychicDragonDarkFairy

Abilities

  • Sand Veil

    Increases evasion to 1.25× during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.

  • Sand RushHidden ability

    Doubles Speed during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.

Competitive

SV SinglesLC

0.31% of teams · rank #77 · Singles, first stages at Lv 5 · 1630+ rating · 7,479 battles · Sep 2026

Most common build

Item
Eviolite
Ability
Sand Rush
Nature
Impish
EVs
196 HP / 156 Def / 36 SpD / 116 Spe
Tera Type
Ghost
  1. Earthquake
  2. Rapid Spin
  3. Knock Off
  4. Stealth Rock

Each part is the most used on its own, so not every team runs this exact set.

Usage by rating

  • All players0.76%
  • Rated 1500+0.69%
  • Rated 1630+0.31%
  • Rated 1760+0.11%

Usage by month

Oct 20250.31%

Moves

  • Earthquake90.3%
  • Rapid Spin77.1%
  • Knock Off54.2%
  • Stealth Rock47.7%
  • Leech Life45.7%
  • Swords Dance44.6%
  • Rock Slide18%
  • Tera Blast10.4%
  • High Horsepower9.1%
  • Hone Claws0.6%

Items

  • Eviolite97.4%
  • Life Orb1.9%
  • Rocky Helmet0.6%
  • Heavy-Duty Boots0.1%
  • Quick Claw0%
  • Smooth Rock0%

Abilities

  • 97.6%
  • 2.4%

EV spreads

  • Impish 196 HP / 156 Def / 36 SpD / 116 Spe43.3%
  • Adamant 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 SpD / 196 Spe21.4%
  • Adamant 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe12.5%
  • Jolly 236 Atk / 76 Def / 196 Spe11.7%
  • Jolly 36 HP / 236 Atk / 36 SpD / 196 Spe4.2%

Tera types

  • Ghost42.9%
  • Bug39.5%
  • Ground6.8%
  • Fairy6.7%

Common teammates

Evolution

  1. #0027SandshrewGround
    1. Level 22 · or · Use Ice Stone#0028SandslashGround

Moves

Level up 17

1Defense CurlRaises user’s Defense by one stage.NormalStatus——40
1ScratchInflicts regular damage with no additional effect.NormalPhys40100%35
3Poison StingHas a 30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys15100%35
6Sand AttackLowers the target’s accuracy by one stage.GroundStatus—100%15
9RolloutPower doubles every turn this move is used in succession after the first, resetting after five turns.RockPhys3090%20
12Fury CutterPower doubles every turn this move is used in succession after the first, maxing out after five turns.BugPhys4095%20
15Rapid SpinFrees the user from binding moves, removes Leech Seed, and blows away Spikes.NormalPhys50100%40
18BulldozeHas a 100% chance to lower the target’s Speed by one stage.GroundPhys60100%20
21SwiftNever misses.NormalSpec60—20
24Fury SwipesHits 2-5 times in one turn.NormalPhys1880%15
27AgilityRaises the user’s Speed by two stages.PsychicStatus——30
30SlashHas an increased chance for a critical hit.NormalPhys70100%20
33DigUser digs underground, dodging all attacks, and hits next turn.GroundPhys80100%10
36Gyro BallPower raises when the user has lower Speed, up to a maximum of 150.SteelPhys—100%5
39Swords DanceRaises the user’s Attack by two stages.NormalStatus——20
42SandstormChanges the weather to a sandstorm for five turns.RockStatus——10
45EarthquakeInflicts regular damage and can hit Dig users.GroundPhys100100%10

TM / HM / TR 50

TM01Take DownUser receives 1/4 the damage it inflicts in recoil.NormalPhys9085%20
TM04AgilityRaises the user’s Speed by two stages.PsychicStatus——30
TM05Mud-SlapHas a 100% chance to lower the target’s accuracy by one stage.GroundSpec20100%10
TM07ProtectPrevents any moves from hitting the user this turn.NormalStatus——10
TM12Low KickInflicts more damage to heavier targets, with a maximum of 120 power.FightingPhys—100%20
TM18ThiefTakes the target’s item.DarkPhys60100%25
TM25FacadePower doubles if user is burned, paralyzed, or poisoned.NormalPhys70100%20
TM27Aerial AceNever misses.FlyingPhys60—20
TM28BulldozeHas a 100% chance to lower the target’s Speed by one stage.GroundPhys60100%20
TM31Metal ClawHas a 10% chance to raise the user’s Attack by one stage.SteelPhys5095%35
TM32SwiftNever misses.NormalSpec60—20
TM35Mud ShotHas a 100% chance to lower the target’s Speed by one stage.GroundSpec5595%15
TM36Rock TombHas a 100% chance to lower the target’s Speed by one stage.RockPhys6095%15
TM43FlingThrows held item at the target; power depends on the item.DarkPhys—100%10
TM47EndurePrevents the user’s HP from lowering below 1 this turn.NormalStatus——10
TM49Sunny DayChanges the weather to sunny for five turns.FireStatus——5
TM51SandstormChanges the weather to a sandstorm for five turns.RockStatus——10
TM55DigUser digs underground, dodging all attacks, and hits next turn.GroundPhys80100%10
TM57False SwipeCannot lower the target’s HP below 1.NormalPhys40100%40
TM58Brick BreakDestroys Reflect and Light Screen.FightingPhys75100%15
TM61Shadow ClawHas an increased chance for a critical hit.GhostPhys70100%15
TM66Body SlamHas a 30% chance to paralyze the target.NormalPhys85100%15
TM70Sleep TalkRandomly uses one of the user’s other three moves. Only works if the user is sleeping.NormalStatus——10
TM83Poison JabHas a 30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys80100%20
TM84Stomping TantrumHas double power if the user’s last move failed.GroundPhys75100%10
TM85RestUser sleeps for two turns, completely healing itself.PsychicStatus——5
TM86Rock SlideHas a 30% chance to make the target flinch.RockPhys7590%10
TM88Swords DanceRaises the user’s Attack by two stages.NormalStatus——20
TM90SpikesScatters Spikes, hurting opposing Pokémon that switch in.GroundStatus——20
TM95Leech LifeDrains half the damage inflicted to heal the user.BugPhys80100%10
TM103SubstituteTransfers 1/4 of the user’s max HP into a doll, protecting the user from further damage or status changes until it breaks.NormalStatus——10
TM105X-ScissorInflicts regular damage with no additional effect.BugPhys80100%15
TM116Stealth RockCauses damage when opposing Pokémon switch in.RockStatus——20
TM128AmnesiaRaises the user’s Special Defense by two stages.PsychicStatus——20
TM133Earth PowerHas a 10% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense by one stage.GroundSpec90100%10
TM149EarthquakeInflicts regular damage and can hit Dig users.GroundPhys100100%10
TM150Stone EdgeHas an increased chance for a critical hit.RockPhys10080%5
TM171Tera BlastIf the user has Terastallized, it unleashes energy of its Tera Type. This move inflicts damage using the Attack or Sp. Atk stat—whichever is higher for the user.NormalSpec80100%10
TM176Sand TombPrevents the target from fleeing and inflicts damage for 2-5 turns.GroundPhys3585%15
TM179Smack DownRemoves any immunity to Ground damage.RockPhys50100%15
TM180Gyro BallPower raises when the user has lower Speed, up to a maximum of 150.SteelPhys—100%5
TM181Knock OffTarget drops its held item.DarkPhys65100%20
TM183Super FangInflicts damage equal to half the target’s HP.NormalPhys—90%10
TM186High HorsepowerInflicts regular damage with no additional effect.GroundPhys9595%10
TM192Focus PunchIf the user takes damage before attacking, the attack is canceled.FightingPhys150100%20
TM204Double-EdgeUser receives 1/3 the damage inflicted in recoil.NormalPhys120100%15
TM205EndeavorLowers the target’s HP to equal the user’s.NormalPhys—100%5
TM215Scorching SandsHas a 30% chance to burn the target.GroundSpec70100%10
TM221Throat ChopPrevents the target from using sound-based moves for two turns.DarkPhys80100%15
TM224CurseGhosts pay half their max HP to hurt the target every turn. Others decrease Speed but raise Attack and Defense.GhostStatus——10

Egg moves 6

EggCounterInflicts twice the damage the user received from the last physical hit it took.FightingPhys—100%20
EggFlailInflicts more damage when the user has less HP remaining, with a maximum of 200 power.NormalPhys—100%15
EggHone ClawsRaises the user’s Attack and accuracy by one stage.DarkStatus——15
EggMetal ClawHas a 10% chance to raise the user’s Attack by one stage.SteelPhys5095%35
EggMud-SlapHas a 100% chance to lower the target’s accuracy by one stage.GroundSpec20100%10
EggNight SlashHas an increased chance for a critical hit.DarkPhys70100%15

Pokédex entries

Category
Mouse Pokémon
Debut
Kanto · Red & Green (JP)
Color
Yellow
Shape
Habitat
Rough Terrain
Pal Park area
Mountain
Kanto#027Original Johto#048Original Hoenn#112Updated Johto#048Updated Unova#113Mountain Kalos#097New Hoenn#117Original Alola#251Original Ula’ula#123Updated Alola#328Updated Ula’ula#149Let’s Go Kanto#027Isle of Armor#168Kitakami#116Blueberry#155

  1. It burrows into the ground to create its nest. If hard stones impede its tunneling, it uses its sharp claws to shatter them and then carries on digging.

    Shield

  2. It loves to bathe in the grit of dry, sandy areas. By sand bathing, the Pokémon rids itself of dirt and moisture clinging to its body.

    Sword

  3. When its skin gets wrinkled from moisture, it heads for a volcano. It lies flat on a spot with a lot of geothermal heat and dries itself out.

    Ultra Moon

  4. It lives in areas of limited rainfall. When danger approaches, it curls up into a ball to protect its soft stomach.

    Ultra Sun

  5. It usually makes its home in deserts and arid zones, where rain does not fall. It digs holes to catch Bug-type Pokémon.

    Moon

  6. It can roll its body into a ball. It moves through the desert by rolling at high speeds.

    Sun

  7. It digs deep burrows to live in. When in danger, it rolls up its body to withstand attacks.

    Black 2 · White 2

  8. To protect itself from attackers, it curls up into a ball. It lives in arid regions with minimal rainfall.

    Diamond · Pearl · Platinum · Black · White

  9. Burrows deep underground in arid locations far from water. It only emerges to hunt for prey.

    LeafGreen

  10. It burrows and lives underground. If threatened, it curls itself up into a ball for protection.

    FireRed · X

  11. When it curls up in a ball, it can make any attack bounce off harmlessly. Its hide has turned tough and solid as a result of living in the desert.

    Emerald

  12. SANDSHREW has a very dry hide that is extremely tough. The Pokémon can roll into a ball that repels any attack. At night, it burrows into the desert sand to sleep.

    Sapphire · Alpha Sapphire

  13. SANDSHREW’s body is configured to absorb water without waste, enabling it to survive in an arid desert. This Pokémon curls up to protect itself from its enemies.

    Ruby · Omega Ruby

  14. It prefers dry, sandy places because it uses the sand to protect itself when threatened.

    Crystal

  15. Disliking water, it lives in deep burrows in arid areas. It can roll itself instantly into a ball.

    Silver · SoulSilver · Y

  16. If it fell from a great height, this Pokémon could save itself by rolling into a ball and bouncing.

    Gold · HeartGold

  17. Its body is dry. When it gets cold at night, its hide is said to become coated with a fine dew.

    Yellow · Let’s Go, Pikachu! · Let’s Go, Eevee!

  18. Burrows deep underground in arid locations far from water. It only emerges to hunt for food.

    Red · Blue

Names around the world

Japanese
サンド
Japanese (romaji)
Sand
Korean
모래두지
Chinese (Traditional)
穿山鼠
Chinese (Simplified)
穿山鼠
French
Sabelette
German
Sandan
Spanish
Sandshrew
Italian
Sandshrew

Sprites

Tap any sprite to show it on the Pokédex above. ▶ marks official animations; Gen VIII–IX models are large, so they load only when you tap them.

Official artwork

3D models

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Generation VIII · animated models

Generation IX · animated models

Training

EV yield
1 Def
Catch rate
255 ≈33.3% with a Poké Ball at full HP
Base friendship
70
Base experience
60
Growth rate
Medium

Breeding

Egg groups
Field
Gender
♂ 50%♀ 50%
Hatch time
20 egg cycles ≈5,355 steps (Gen IV–VII)

Where to find

Shield: The Isle of Armor 5 areas
  • Challenge Beach (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Courageous Cavern (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Potbottom Desert (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Stepping-Stone Sea (Max Den I)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Warm-Up TunnelWalking in the overworld · Lv 16–60
Green 6 areas
  • Road 10Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17
  • Road 11Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 12–15
  • Road 23Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 26
  • Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–12
  • Road 8Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 17–19
  • Road 9Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17
Sword: The Isle of Armor 5 areas
  • Challenge Beach (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Courageous Cavern (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Potbottom Desert (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Stepping-Stone Sea (Max Den I)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 15–40
  • Warm-Up TunnelWalking in the overworld · Lv 16–60
Let’s Go, Pikachu! 2 areas
  • Road 3Walking in the overworld · Lv 3–8
  • Road 4Walking in the overworld · Lv 7–12
Alpha Sapphire 1 area
  • Road 111Encountering 5 Pokemon within grass, flowers, or within a cave · Lv 11
Omega Ruby 1 area
  • Road 111Encountering 5 Pokemon within grass, flowers, or within a cave · Lv 11
Y 1 area
  • Friend Safari (Ground)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 30
X 1 area
  • Friend Safari (Ground)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 30
White 2 3 areas
  • Desert ResortWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–20
  • Desert Resort (entrance)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–20
  • Relic Castle (A)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–20
Black 2 3 areas
  • Desert ResortWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–20
  • Desert Resort (entrance)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–20
  • Relic Castle (A)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–20
XD 1 area
  • Rock PokespotFinding a Wild Pokemon at any of the three Pokespots in Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness. · Lv 10–23
SoulSilver 2 areas
  • Goldenrod City Game CornerReceive as a gift · Lv 15
  • Safari Zone DesertWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 15–17
HeartGold 5 areas
  • Mount Moon (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
  • Mount Moon (2F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
  • Safari Zone DesertWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 15–17
  • Union Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6
  • Union Cave (B1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
Platinum 2 areas
  • Wayward Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 17–18
  • Wayward Cave (B1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 18–20
Pearl 2 areas
  • Wayward Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 16
  • Wayward Cave (B1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 16–17
Diamond 2 areas
  • Wayward Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 16
  • Wayward Cave (B1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 16–17
LeafGreen 6 areas
  • Road 10Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17
  • Road 11Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 12–15
  • Road 23Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 32–34
  • Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–12
  • Road 8Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 17–19
  • Road 9Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17
Emerald 2 areas
  • Mirage TowerWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 20–24
  • Road 111Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–21
Sapphire 2 areas
  • Road 111Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–21
  • Road 113Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 14–16
Ruby 2 areas
  • Road 111Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 19–21
  • Road 113Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 14–16
Crystal 2 areas
  • Mount Moon (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
  • Union Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6
Silver 1 area
  • Goldenrod City Game CornerReceive as a gift · Lv 10
Gold 3 areas
  • Mount Moon (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
  • Union Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6
  • Union Cave (B1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8
Yellow 3 areas
  • Mount Moon (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 12
  • Road 3Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8–10
  • Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 8–10
Blue 6 areas
  • Road 10Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17
  • Road 11Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 12–15
  • Road 23Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 26
  • Road 4Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 6–12
  • Road 8Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 17–19
  • Road 9Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 11–17