poke.study

No. 0028

Sandslash

Mouse Pokémon

Sandslash
Official art
Ground
Height
1 m 3′03″
Weight
29.5 kg 65.0 lbs
Base stat total
450 top 51%
Introduced
Gen I
Abilities
Pokédex entryShield
It climbs trees by hooking on with its sharp claws. Sandslash shares the berries it gathers, dropping them down to Sandshrew waiting below the tree.
See all 17 entries

Base stats

HP75135–182260–354
Atk10094–167184–328
Def110103–178202–350
SpA4545–10685–207
SpD5554–117103–229
Spe6563–128121–251
Total450Higher than 49% of all Pokémon
HP75Atk100Def110Spe65SpD55SpA45

Ranges: 0 IV/EV with a hindering nature to 31 IV/252 EV with a helpful nature. EV yield: 2 Def.

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

Speed tiers

Speed at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions (base 65). Scarf and Tailwind use the Max+ value.

Max+128Max117No SP85Min76Scarf192Tailwind256

At max Speed, Sandslash outspeeds 12 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. 128Sandslash · Max+32 SP, Speed-raising alignment
  19. 128PelipperTimid · 32 SP · #12 in usage
  20. 120VolcaronaBold · 0 SP · #25 in usage
  21. 117Sandslash · Max32 SP, neutral alignment
  22. 105RillaboomAdamant · 0 SP · #1 in usage
  23. 101MiloticCalm · 0 SP · #15 in usage
  24. 95SylveonModest · 15 SP · #18 in usage
  25. 94Female IndeedeeRelaxed · 0 SP · #7 in usage
  26. 90PolitoedCalm · 0 SP · #22 in usage
  27. 90SinistchaBold · 0 SP · #24 in usage
  28. 85Sandslash · No SP0 SP, neutral alignment
  29. 85ArmarougeQuiet · 0 SP · #27 in usage
  30. 80IncineroarCareful · 0 SP · #3 in usage
  31. 80FarigirafBold · 0 SP · #11 in usage
  32. 70KingambitAdamant · 0 SP · #5 in usage
  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 SinglesZUSV Doubles(DUU)National DexRU

0.24% of teams · rank #126 · Singles · 1630+ rating · 6,316 battles · Sep 2026

Most common build

Item
Leftovers
Ability
Sand Rush
Nature
Impish
EVs
252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Tera Type
Ghost
  1. Earthquake
  2. Rapid Spin
  3. Knock Off
  4. Spikes

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

Usage by rating

  • All players0.95%
  • Rated 1500+0.59%
  • Rated 1630+0.24%
  • Rated 1760+0%

Usage by month

Oct 20250.24%

Moves

  • Earthquake100%
  • Rapid Spin99.2%
  • Knock Off98%
  • Spikes95.8%
  • Stealth Rock2.1%
  • Super Fang1.4%
  • Gunk Shot1.1%
  • Stone Edge0.9%
  • Swords Dance0.7%
  • Leech Life0.7%

Items

  • Leftovers96.6%
  • Assault Vest1.4%
  • Rocky Helmet1.1%
  • Life Orb0.7%
  • Heavy-Duty Boots0.2%

Abilities

  • 100%

EV spreads

  • Impish 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def95.8%
  • Adamant 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def1.4%
  • Hardy 220 HP / 60 Atk / 68 SpD / 136 Spe1%
  • Impish 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe0.9%
  • Adamant 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe0.7%

Tera types

  • Ghost95.9%
  • Water2.1%
  • Poison1.1%
  • Ground0.9%

Common teammates

Evolution

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

Moves

Level up 18

1Crush ClawHas a 50% chance to lower the target’s Defense by one stage.NormalPhys7595%10
1Defense CurlRaises user’s Defense by one stage.NormalStatus——40
1Poison StingHas a 30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys15100%35
1Sand AttackLowers the target’s accuracy by one stage.GroundStatus—100%15
1ScratchInflicts regular damage with no additional effect.NormalPhys40100%35
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
26Fury SwipesHits 2-5 times in one turn.NormalPhys1880%15
31Sand TombPrevents the target from fleeing and inflicts damage for 2-5 turns.GroundPhys3585%15
36SlashHas an increased chance for a critical hit.NormalPhys70100%20
41DigUser digs underground, dodging all attacks, and hits next turn.GroundPhys80100%10
46Gyro BallPower raises when the user has lower Speed, up to a maximum of 150.SteelPhys—100%5
51Swords DanceRaises the user’s Attack by two stages.NormalStatus——20
56SandstormChanges the weather to a sandstorm for five turns.RockStatus——10
61EarthquakeInflicts regular damage and can hit Dig users.GroundPhys100100%10

TM / HM / TR 55

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
TM102Gunk ShotHas a 30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys12080%5
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
TM106Drill RunHas an increased chance for a critical hit.GroundPhys8095%10
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
TM152Giga ImpactUser foregoes its next turn to recharge.NormalPhys15090%5
TM158Focus BlastHas a 10% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense by one stage.FightingSpec12070%5
TM163Hyper BeamUser foregoes its next turn to recharge.NormalSpec15090%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#028Original Johto#049Original Hoenn#113Updated Johto#049Updated Unova#114Mountain Kalos#098New Hoenn#118Original Alola#252Original Ula’ula#124Updated Alola#329Updated Ula’ula#150Let’s Go Kanto#028Isle of Armor#169Kitakami#117Blueberry#156

  1. It climbs trees by hooking on with its sharp claws. Sandslash shares the berries it gathers, dropping them down to Sandshrew waiting below the tree.

    Shield

  2. The drier the area Sandslash lives in, the harder and smoother the Pokémon’s spikes will feel when touched.

    Sword

  3. Thanks to its thick claws, it’s good at climbing trees. There are plenty of Sandslash that park themselves in trees and go right to sleep.

    Ultra Moon

  4. Its claws and horns often break off. The broken claws and horns can be used to carve plows for tilling farm fields.

    Ultra Sun

  5. It uses its claws to climb trees and then curls its body into a spiny ball, ready to drop onto any prey that appears.

    Moon

  6. Although they are sharp, its claws and spikes often break off. They grow back the next day, so it is not bothered by the temporary loss.

    Sun

  7. The spikes on its body are made up of its hardened hide. It rolls up and attacks foes with its spikes.

    Black 2 · White 2

  8. It curls up, then rolls into foes with its back. Its sharp spines inflict severe damage.

    Diamond · Pearl · Platinum · Black · White

  9. It is adept at attacking with the spines on its back and its sharp claws while quickly scurrying about.

    FireRed

  10. It curls up in a ball to protect itself from enemy attacks. It also curls up to prevent heatstroke during the daytime when temperatures rise sharply.

    Emerald

  11. SANDSLASH can roll up its body as if it were a ball covered with large spikes. In battle, this Pokémon will try to make the foe flinch by jabbing it with its spines. It then leaps at the stunned foe to tear wildly with its sharp claws.

    Sapphire · Alpha Sapphire

  12. SANDSLASH’s body is covered by tough spikes, which are hardened sections of its hide. Once a year, the old spikes fall out, to be replaced with new spikes that grow out from beneath the old ones.

    Ruby · Omega Ruby

  13. Adept at climbing trees, it rolls into a spiny ball, then attacks its enemies from above.

    Crystal

  14. If it digs at an incredible pace, it may snap off its spikes and claws. They grow back in a day.

    Silver · SoulSilver · X

  15. In an attempt to hide itself, it will run around at top speed to kick up a blinding dust storm.

    Gold · HeartGold

  16. It is skilled at slashing enemies with its claws. If broken, they start to grow back in a day.

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

  17. Curls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.

    Red · Blue · LeafGreen · Y

Names around the world

Japanese
サンドパン
Japanese (romaji)
Sandpan
Korean
고지
Chinese (Traditional)
穿山王
Chinese (Simplified)
穿山王
French
Sablaireau
German
Sandamer
Spanish
Sandslash
Italian
Sandslash

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
2 Def
Catch rate
90 ≈11.8% with a Poké Ball at full HP
Base friendship
70
Base experience
158
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 Crown Tundra 1 area
  • Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 65
Shield: The Isle of Armor 6 areas
  • Challenge Beach (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Courageous Cavern (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Forest of FocusSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 26–60
  • Potbottom DesertSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 42–60
  • Potbottom Desert (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Stepping-Stone Sea (Max Den I)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
Green 3 areas
  • Cerulean Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 52
  • Cerulean Cave (B1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 57
  • Road 23Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 41
Sword: The Crown Tundra 1 area
  • Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 65
Sword: The Isle of Armor 6 areas
  • Challenge Beach (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Courageous Cavern (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Forest of FocusSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 26–60
  • Potbottom DesertSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 42–60
  • Potbottom Desert (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Stepping-Stone Sea (Max Den I)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
Y 6 areas
  • Road 18Walking in red flowers, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 44–46
  • Terminus Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 45–46
  • Terminus Cave (B1F left)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 45–46
  • Terminus Cave (B1F right)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 45–46
  • Terminus Cave (B2F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 45–46
  • Terminus Cave (Zygarde's Chamber)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 45–46
X 6 areas
  • Road 18Walking in red flowers, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 44–46
  • Terminus Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 45–46
  • Terminus Cave (B1F left)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 45–46
  • Terminus Cave (B1F right)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 45–46
  • Terminus Cave (B2F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 45–46
  • Terminus Cave (Zygarde's Chamber)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 45–46
White 2 2 areas
  • Relic Castle (C)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 28–29
  • Road 15Walking in dark grass, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 54–64
Black 2 2 areas
  • Relic Castle (C)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 28–29
  • Road 15Walking in dark grass, Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 54–64
White 1 area
  • Relic Castle (C)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 47–49
Black 1 area
  • Relic Castle (C)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 47–49
SoulSilver 1 area
  • 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 10
  • Mount Moon (2F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 10
  • Road 26Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 28
  • Road 27Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 30
  • Safari Zone DesertWalking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 15–17
Platinum 1 area
  • Road 228Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 49–50
Pearl 1 area
  • Road 228Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 23
Diamond 1 area
  • Road 228Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 23
LeafGreen 4 areas
  • Road 23Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 44
  • Victory Road 2 (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 44
  • Victory Road 2 (2F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 46
  • Victory Road 2 (3F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 44
Crystal 4 areas
  • Road 26Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 28
  • Victory Road 1 (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 35
  • Victory Road 1 (2F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 35
  • Victory Road 1 (3F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 35
Gold 3 areas
  • Mount Moon (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 10
  • Road 26Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 28
  • Road 27Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 30
Yellow 2 areas
  • Cerulean Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 52
  • Cerulean Cave (2F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 56
Blue 3 areas
  • Cerulean Cave (1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 52
  • Cerulean Cave (B1F)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 57
  • Road 23Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 41