NationalDex
sandslash
#028

Sandslash

Mouse Pokémon

Ground

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

Base Stats

HP 75
Attack 100
Defense 110
Sp. Atk 45
Sp. Def 55
Speed 65
Total 450

Type Effectiveness

Abilities

Held Items

Forms

Evolution Chain

Moves

Locations

Details

Category Mouse Pokémon
Height 1.0 m
Weight 29.5 kg
Base Exp 158
Growth Rate Medium
Capture Rate 90
Base Happiness 70
Gender 50% ♂ / 50% ♀
Habitat Rough Terrain
Egg Groups Ground

Sprites

sandslash Front Front
sandslash Back Back
sandslash Front Shiny Front Shiny
sandslash Back Shiny Back Shiny
sandslash Official Art Official Art
sandslash Official Art (Shiny) Official Art (Shiny)

Competitive

pu Usage: 19.6%
Offensive Swords Dance
Moves
Rock Slide / Leech Life
Knock Off / Leech Life / Rapid Spin
Item
Life Orb / Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
Ability
Sand Rush
Nature
Adamant
EVs
Atk 252
SpD 4
Spe 252
Utility
Item
Leftovers / Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability
Sand Rush
Nature
Impish
EVs
HP 248
Def 252
SpD 8

Strategy Overview

With access to Sand Rush, decent stats and typing, and an expansive movepool, Sandslash is a versatile offensive and defensive presence and a defining member of PU sand teams. Swords Dance Sandslash is one of the most dangerous sweepers in the tier. Under the effect of sand, it outspeeds almost the entire unboosted metagame and even some Choice Scarf users such as Gallade. Its typing and decent natural physical bulk give it ample setup opportunities against the common Rock- and Steel-types such as Gigalith and Togedemaru. Once boosted by Swords Dance, it has very few reliable defensive answers, and with access to useful coverage moves in Rock Slide, Leech Life, Knock Off, and Poison Jab, it can choose to narrow down its checks and counters even further. With its utility options in Rapid Spin, Spikes, and Knock Off, Sandslash also carves itself a niche as a versatile spinner that can compress several roles in one slot. Due to it's lack of reliable recovery along with its average stats, it can get worn down rather quickly, and can't be relied upon to repeatedly take on strong attackers like Perrserker. Furthermore, its poor special bulk and low Speed outside of sand leave it vulnerable to special attackers like Magneton, and common utility Pokemon like Wishiwashi, Eldegoss, and Levitate Weezing can exploit its overall passivity to gain momentum via U-turn, and either remove or set up entry hazards of their own.

Most Used Moves

Earthquake
100.0%
Knock Off
56.2%

Most Used Items

Life Orb
45.8%
Leftovers
32.1%

Competitive data from Smogon University via data.pkmn.cc