On paper, Sandslash looks underwhelming. In practice, Sand Rush doubles its Speed in sandstorm — and that's the whole story. Ground typing means Electric moves can't touch it, and only 3 types hit it super-effectively. Known as the Mouse Pokemon.
Defense and Attack carry most of Sandslash's stat budget. Sp. Atk's the obvious dump stat. Moderately hard to find and yields 2 Defense EVs. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It curls up, then rolls into foes with its back. Its sharp spines inflict severe damage.
Sandslash Weakness
AvgSandslash is weak to Water, Grass, and Ice-type moves. On the flip side, it's immune to Electric-type moves entirely. Sandslash's physical bulk (base 110 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
Evolved from Sandshrew. Sandslash is the final form in this two-stage line. A massive partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. HP grew the most through evolution (+25 over Sandshrew), and Sandslash peaks at 450 total stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Sandslash to get Sandshrew eggs easily using 278 partners from the Ground egg group.
Sandslash's job is getting Stealth Rock up and staying on the field. Rocky Helmet provides chip damage on every physical hit received, Sandrush helps it stick around, and max HP and Defense EVs prioritize longevity.
Best Build
Best Sandslash Moveset
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Stealth Rock
Recommended Teammates
TMs carry this one. Sandslash learns Earthquake and High Horsepower naturally for STAB, but the offensive range comes almost entirely from technical machines. Normal and Poison and beyond give it real matchup play.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Egg moves make a real difference. Sandslash gets Counter and Crush Claw exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Coverage across 9 types rounds out the picture alongside Earthquake and Dig.
Egg moves make a real difference. Sandslash gets Counter and Flail exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Coverage across 8 types rounds out the picture alongside Earthquake and Earth Power.
Leveling does the heavy lifting. Sandslash picks up Earthquake and Hyper Beam along the way, building toward a complete offensive set. TMs add Fighting and Poison coverage and more, but the foundation's already strong by then.
Sandslash can't be caught in Scarlet & Violet. Transfer Sandshrew from Blue, Yellow, or Black 2 and evolve through the 2-stage line to get it. The step cards below map the full chain.
Sandslash starts showing up in endgame routes at moderate rates across 4 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Sandslash in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Sandshrew is your first catch on the way to Sandslash. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 58-63 across 8 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch SandshrewBig Bluff CavernGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameRocky CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSandsear CaveGrassLv.58-63PostDesertPost-gameSpacious CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-game
Step 2Sandslash ✓Big Bluff CavernGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameRocky CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSandsear CaveGrassLv.58-63PostDesertPost-gameSpacious CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameor evolve from Sandshrew (Step 1)
Can't catch Sandslash directly. Start with Sandshrew at solid rates from the locations below, then evolve at level 22. The 2-stage line from Sandshrew to Sandslash is where the leveling time goes.
How to Obtain Sandslash in Sword & Shield
The path to Sandslash starts with Sandshrew at Lv. 16-21 via walking encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch SandshrewEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveOvercastEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveSnowstormEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveNormal WeatherEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveSnowstormEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveThunderstormEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveIntense SunEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveThunderstormEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveSnowingEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveIntense SunEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveSandstormEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveSnowingEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveRainingEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveSandstormEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveHeavy FogEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveRainingEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelShieldOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveOvercastEFFORTLESSWarm-Up TunnelSwordOverworldLv.16-2156%MidCaveHeavy Fog
Step 2Sandslash ✓
Sandslash doesn't appear wild. Catch Sandshrew instead, it shows up at decent rates. Evolve it at level 22 to get Sandslash. The 2-stage line is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Sandslash in Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee
To get Sandslash, start by catching Sandshrew through walking and trade encounters at Lv. 3-27. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch SandshrewEASYRoute 3GrassLv.3-820%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 4GrassLv.7-1220%EarlyRouteCeladon CityIn-game tradeLv.27MidCityTrade for (give Sandshrew)
Step 2Sandslash ✓
Sand Rush changes the entire equation for Sandslash. The 450 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked A-Tier as an attacker.
Sandshrew evolves into Sandslash at level 22. Sandslash is the fully evolved form. It sits at 450 BST in its evolved form.
Sand Rush is what you want on Sandslash. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Sand Veil) work on paper but Sand Rush is what makes Sandslash worth using.
At base 65 Speed, it won't be moving first often. On offense, Sandslash is a physical attacker with base 100 Attack. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as an attacker.
Sandslash appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Since debuting in Red & Blue, Sandslash has appeared in 20 titles over 9 generations. Along the way, it received an Alolan form in Generation 7, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISMAlolan
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A