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. No compatible partners 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 from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Counter, Crush Claw, Flail and 6 more.
Sandslash runs Swords Dance to boost before sweeping. Sandrush and Adamant nature shape the build, with max Attack and Speed EVs to capitalize after one turn of setup, plus the remaining moves to back it up.
Best Build
Best Sandslash Moveset
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Swords Dance
- Leech Life
Recommended Teammates
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.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
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)
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