Is Sandslash Good in Sword & Shield Playthrough?
Sandslash does the Ground-type job respectably. Handles Kabu, contributes against Raihan, and AbilitySand Veil gets occasional value in sandstorm. The problem is Excadrill exists in the same game with better stats and typing. Sandslash works fine for a casual run but never stands out.
Milo's team hits Sandshrew's weaknesses hard.
Sandshrew trades roughly evenly with Nessa's team.
Sandshrew has the type edge here and should clean up Kabu's team.
Sandshrew trades roughly evenly with Bea's team.
Opal's typing presses Sandshrew's defenses.
Sandshrew has the type edge here and should clean up Gordie's team.
Sandshrew trades roughly evenly with Piers's team.
Sandshrew trades roughly evenly with Raihan's team.
Sandshrew trades roughly evenly with Bede's team.
Sandslash trades roughly evenly with Leon's team.
Catch Sandshrew on Warm-Up Tunnel (overworld, Lv 16-21). Snowstorm.
Your Sandshrew should hit Level 22 before you reach Leon, at typical leveling pace.
How to Get Alolan Sandslash in Sword & Shield
Can't catch Alolan Sandslash directly. Start with Sandshrew at solid rates from the locations below, then evolve at level 22. The 2-stage line from Sandshrew to Alolan Sandslash is where the leveling time goes.
How to Obtain Sandslash in SwSh
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 SandshrewWarm-Up TunnelLv.16-21OverworldRate 56%RainingWarm-Up TunnelLv.16-21OverworldRate 56%SnowstormWarm-Up TunnelLv.16-21OverworldRate 56%Intense SunWarm-Up TunnelLv.16-21OverworldRate 56%Heavy FogWarm-Up TunnelLv.16-21OverworldRate 56%SnowingWarm-Up TunnelLv.16-21OverworldRate 56%OvercastWarm-Up TunnelLv.16-21OverworldRate 56%SandstormWarm-Up TunnelLv.16-21OverworldRate 56%ThunderstormWarm-Up TunnelLv.16-21OverworldRate 56%Normal Weather
Step 2Sandslash ✓BREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Sandslash egg.
Sandslash Weakness
Sandslash is weak to Fire, Fighting, and Ground. Watch out for Fire and Fighting attacks, those deal 4x damage. On the flip side, it's immune to Poison-type moves entirely. With 8 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Sandslash's physical bulk (base 120 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 4x (Critical) | Fire, Fighting |
| 2x (Weak) | Ground |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Normal, Grass, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Dragon, Fairy |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Ice |
| 0x (Immune) | Poison |
What is Sandslash Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Sandslash
 Pancham Fighting | D | |
 Growlithe Fire | C | |
 Machop Fighting | C | |
 Sizzlipede FireBug | C | |
 Vulpix Fire | D | |
 Hitmonlee Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Hitmonlee builds →Brick Break 4x118-140%KO Blaze Kick 4x88-104%KO | ||
Pancham Fighting | D | |
Growlithe Fire | C | |
 Carkol RockFire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Carkol builds →Flame Charge 4x52-62% Sand Tomb 2x13-16% | ||
Machop Fighting | C | |
 Arcanine Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Arcanine builds →Flare Blitz 4x169-200%KO Dig 2x38-45% | ||
 Ninetales Fire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Ninetales builds →Fire Blast 4x202-238%KO Dig 2x29-34% | ||
Hitmonlee Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Hitmonlee builds →Close Combat 4x184-216%KO Blaze Kick 4x88-105%KO | ||
 Sawk Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Sawk builds →Brick Break 4x119-141%KO Dig 2x42-50% | ||
 Centiskorch FireBug | C | |
Available Move Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Centiskorch builds →Flame Wheel 4x92-108%KO | ||
Arcanine Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Arcanine builds →Flare Blitz 4x176-207%KO Dig 2x39-47% | ||
Ninetales Fire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Ninetales builds →Fire Blast 4x202-238%KO Dig 2x29-34% | ||
Hitmonlee Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Hitmonlee builds →Close Combat 4x184-217%KO Blaze Kick 4x88-103%KO | ||
Sawk Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Sawk builds →Brick Break 4x122-145%KO Dig 2x44-52% | ||
Centiskorch FireBug | C | |
Available Move Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Centiskorch builds →Flame Wheel 4x92-109%KO | ||
 Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Darmanitan builds →Fire Punch 4x127-150%KO Hammer Arm 4x114-134%KO Dig 2x45-53% | ||
Arcanine Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Arcanine builds →Flare Blitz 4x167-197%KO Dig 2x37-44% | ||
Ninetales Fire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Ninetales builds →Fire Blast 4x195-230%KO Dig 2x27-33% | ||
 Passimian Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Passimian builds →Brick Break 4x115-136%KO Bulldoze 2x30-36% | ||
Hitmonlee Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Hitmonlee builds →Close Combat 4x179-211%KO Blaze Kick 4x84-100%KO Bulldoze 2x30-36% | ||
Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 4x203-239%KO Hammer Arm 4x115-135%KO Dig 2x46-54% | ||
Arcanine Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Arcanine builds →Flare Blitz 4x168-198%KO Dig 2x38-45% | ||
 Hitmonchan Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Hitmonchan builds →Focus Punch 4x203-239%KO Fire Punch 4x68-81% Bulldoze 2x28-33% | ||
Ninetales Fire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Ninetales builds →Fire Blast 4x195-230%KO Dig 2x28-33% | ||
 Torkoal Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Torkoal builds →Flamethrower 4x168-198%KO Bulldoze 2x24-29% | ||
Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 4x208-246%KO Hammer Arm 4x115-136%KO Dig 2x47-56% | ||
 Chandelure GhostFire | B | |
Arcanine Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Arcanine builds →Flare Blitz 4x169-200%KO Dig 2x39-46% | ||
Hitmonchan Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Hitmonchan builds →Focus Punch 4x205-242%KO Fire Punch 4x71-83% Bulldoze 2x28-33% | ||
Ninetales Fire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Ninetales builds →Fire Blast 4x198-233%KO Dig 2x28-33% | ||
Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 4x208-245%KO Superpower 4x138-163%KO Dig 2x46-54% | ||
Chandelure GhostFire | B | |
Torkoal Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Torkoal builds →Eruption 4x280-329%KO Stomping Tantrum 2x29-34% | ||
Passimian Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Passimian builds →Close Combat 4x183-216%KO Bulldoze 2x31-37% | ||
 Gurdurr Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Gurdurr builds →Focus Punch 4x203-239%KO Fire Punch 4x69-82% Dig 2x36-43% | ||
Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 4x208-245%KO Superpower 4x138-163%KO Earthquake 2x58-68% | ||
Chandelure GhostFire | B | |
Torkoal Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Torkoal builds →Eruption 4x280-329%KO Earthquake 2x38-45% | ||
 Poliwrath WaterFighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Poliwrath builds →Close Combat 4x151-178%KO Earthquake 2x42-50% | ||
Passimian Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Passimian builds →Close Combat 4x183-216%KO Earthquake 2x51-60% | ||
Darmanitan Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Darmanitan builds →Flare Blitz 4x208-245%KO Superpower 4x138-163%KO Earthquake 2x58-68% | ||
Chandelure GhostFire | B | |
Torkoal Fire | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Torkoal builds →Eruption 4x280-329%KO Earthquake 2x38-45% | ||
Poliwrath WaterFighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Poliwrath builds →Close Combat 4x151-178%KO Earthquake 2x42-50% | ||
Passimian Fighting | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Passimian builds →Close Combat 4x183-216%KO Earthquake 2x51-60% | ||
In Sword & Shield, Machamp threatens a KO with Close Combat (254-299%). Excadrill's Earthquake also KOs at 100-118%.
 Volcarona BugFire | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Volcarona builds →Psychic27-32% | ||
 Machamp Fighting | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityGuts ItemFlame Orb NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Machamp builds →Bullet Punch14-17% Knock Off23-27% Close Combat 4x254-299%KO | ||
 Excadrill GroundSteel | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySandrush ItemLeftovers NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Sandslash View Excadrill builds →Earthquake 2x100-118%KO Rapid Spin8-10% | ||
Sandslash Evolutions
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. Defense grew the most through evolution (+35 over Sandshrew), and Sandslash peaks at 450 total stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Sandslash to get Sandshrew eggs easily using 152 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Counter, Crush Claw, Curse and 3 more.
SwSh Sandslash Best Moveset
100 Attack and 110 Defense behind Ground TermStab give this moveset a solid physical foundation. AbilitySand Rush doubles the 65 Speed in sand, which almost reaches viable territory. The typing and coverage are fine but the power ceiling and base Speed fall short of everything competing for a sand team slot.
Best Build
Sandslash best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Knock Off
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Drill Run
Recommended Teammates
Moves List
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 8 types rounds out the picture alongside Steel Roller and Blizzard.
How to Read the Moves Table
Tabs
- Level-Up
- Learned by leveling up.
- TM
- Taught by a Technical Machine.
- Egg
- Inherited via breeding.
- Tutor
- NPC tutor (cost: items, BP, money).
- Reminder
- An NPC reteaches any move this Pokemon could have learned by leveling up.
- Transfer
- Carried over from an older game using Pokemon HOME.
- Event
- Given out through Mystery Gift events.
Visual Signals
CAT (Category)
How the move deals damage and which stats it uses.
A small dot on the icon's corner marks the move as contact. That triggers abilities like Static, Flame Body, Rough Skin, or Iron Barbs, plus items like Rocky Helmet and Sticky Barb.
Tier (S to D)
Each move's competitive rank in RankedBoost's system. TM, Egg, and Tutor sort by tier by default (best first). On Level-Up, click the Tier header to do the same.
PWR (Power)
Base damage. Numbers shown in a type color include STAB (base × 1.5). Hover any colored number to see the math.
— means no power (status moves) or variable power.
Sorting & Filter
Click any column header to sort. Level-Up opens with Lv 1 at the top. TM, Egg, and Tutor open with the highest-tier moves at the top.
Search filters by move name or type. The Filter button limits the list to STAB, Physical, Special, or Status moves.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Base Stats
The drier the area Sandslash lives in, the harder and smoother the Pokémon's spikes feel when touched.
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.
Sandslash Sword & Shield Guide
In Sword & Shield, Slush Rush changes the entire equation for Sandslash. The 450 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked C-Tier as a tank. Knock Off with Life Orb is the standard set.
Slush Rush is what you want on Sandslash. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Snow Cloak) work on paper but Slush 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 a tank.
For Sword & Shield, the core moveset is Knock Off, Rapid Spin, Earthquake, and Drillrun. Knock Off leads at 0% usage. Earthquake provides reliable STAB damage.
Game Availability
Since debuting in Red & Blue, Sandslash has appeared in 20 titles over 10 generations. Along the way, it received an Alolan form in Generation 7, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SMAlolan
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves