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.
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.
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.
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.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
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 102 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Counter, Crush Claw, Flail and 5 more.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 3.
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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 7 types rounds out the picture alongside Earthquake and Dig.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
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 Ruby & Sapphire
Sandshrew is your first catch on the way to Sandslash. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 14-21 across 4 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch SandshrewEFFORTLESSRoute 113RubyGrassLv.14-16CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 113SapphireGrassLv.14-16CommonEarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 111 - DesertRubyGrassLv.19-21CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 111 - DesertSapphireGrassLv.19-21CommonMidRoute
Step 2Sandslash ✓
Sand Rush changes the entire equation for Sandslash. The 450 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked C-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