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 uses large, hooked claws to cut a path through deep snow as it runs. On snowy mountains, this Sandslash is faster than any other Pokémon.
Many people climb snowy mountains, hoping to see the icy spikes of these Pokémon glistening in the light of dawn.
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 138 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Counter, Flail, Hone Claws and 3 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 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.
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 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 ✓
Sand Rush changes the entire equation for Sandslash. The 450 BST doesn't tell the full story. Ranked C-Tier as a hazard setter.
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 a hazard setter.
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