Sandshrew
Burrows deep underground in arid locations far from water. It only emerges to hunt for food.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Earthquake serves as Sandshrew's main Ground-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Sandshrew's Attack of 75, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Ground.
Dig serves as Sandshrew's main Ground-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Sandshrew's Attack of 75, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Ground.
Mud Shot provides essential Normal-type coverage, neutral coverage. This move fills gaps in Sandshrew's otherwise Ground-focused moveset, allowing it to handle matchups that its STAB moves cannot.
Bulldoze is the STAB anchor of this set. The Ground-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Sandshrew's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Ground weaknesses.
Strengths
- ▸With Ground as its typing, Sandshrew uses Earthquake and Dig as reliable damage dealers that benefit from the 50% same-type attack bonus
- ▸The Ground typing grants resistances to Poison, Rock, meaning Sandshrew can absorb hits from these sources
- ▸Complete immunity to Electric attacks means Sandshrew can switch in for free against these moves
Weaknesses
- ▸The Grass, Ice, Water weakness is the primary reason Sandshrew requires careful team building around it
- ▸Sandshrew's spAtk stat of 20 is a weak point that limits its overall effectiveness
- ▸Below-average Speed (40) means Sandshrew will often move second, taking damage before it can act
- ▸A base stat total of 300 puts Sandshrew at a statistical disadvantage against most competitive Pokemon
Pro Tips
Invest VP in Attack and Speed to maximize Sandshrew's physical damage output. A Choice item can patch Sandshrew's stats, but locks it into one move. Predict Grass moves and double-switch to preserve Sandshrew for later. Pair Sandshrew with stronger teammates that can cover its weaknesses and clean up after it weakens opponents.
Competitive Role
As a Tier C Pokemon, Sandshrew serves as a balanced utility Pokemon in team compositions. Stat-wise, Sandshrew brings 300 total points with defense as its standout stat at 85. Its Ground typing creates vulnerabilities to Grass, Ice, Water types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Poison, Rock provide switch-in opportunities. Success with Sandshrew depends on leveraging its strengths while minimizing exposure to its weaknesses.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
At 300 BST, Sandshrew sits below the competitive average. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Earthquake, Dig) with coverage moves (Mud Shot), giving Sandshrew answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Grass, Ice, Water mean Sandshrew must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Poison, Rock provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Electric gives Sandshrew a unique defensive advantage. At Tier C, Sandshrew is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. For optimal performance, build Sandshrew with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Grass-type opponents: Sandshrew is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Sandshrew in against Grass types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Grass. If forced to fight, use Earthquake and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Poison-type opponents: Sandshrew has the advantage here. Its Ground typing reduces incoming Poison damage, allowing Sandshrew to tank hits and retaliate with Earthquake. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Electric-type moves: Sandshrew is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Electric attacks and bring Sandshrew in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: Sandshrew's 40 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Water-type opponents: Sandshrew has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Ground moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Sandshrew when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
Sandshrew excels when brought into battle at the right moment.
As a supportive role player, it needs proper setup to shine.
In the early game, use Sandshrew to apply pressure with Earthquake and Dig, forcing the opponent to react.
Be wary of Grass types on the opponent's team—they will try to exploit Sandshrew's typing weakness.
The goal is to chip away at the opponent's team while preserving Sandshrew for crucial late-game moments.
Mid-game is where Sandshrew needs to make its biggest impact.
With moves like Dig and Mud Shot, Sandshrew can adapt to different threats.
If the opponent brings out a Grass type, immediately switch to a teammate that resists it.
Remember that Sandshrew's defense of 85 is its greatest asset—play to that strength.
In the final stages of battle, Sandshrew can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Sandshrew to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Poison, Rock to tank a hit, then strike with Earthquake before switching out.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Sandshrew with a Fire-type partner to absorb Grass attacks that Sandshrew is weak to
- ▸Pair Sandshrew with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
- ▸Pair Sandshrew with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Opponents with Grass coverage moves should target Sandshrew immediately for a guaranteed KO
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Sandshrew before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Special attackers target Sandshrew's weak Special Defense (30) for guaranteed damage
- ▸Sandshrew's low HP (50) means even neutral hits can KO it—apply constant offensive pressure
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Sandshrew with a Fire-type Pokemon that can switch into Grass attacks. This defensive core covers Sandshrew's primary weakness while Sandshrew handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Sandshrew alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Sandshrew's defensive typing. Switch Sandshrew in to absorb hits with its Poison, Rock resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
VoltTurn Core: Sandshrew works well in a Volt Switch/U-turn core, allowing safe pivoting. Pair with other pivot users to maintain momentum and control the battle tempo, bringing Sandshrew in only when it has a favorable matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Sandshrew good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Sandshrew is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 300 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Sandshrew can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Sandshrew?
A:Sandshrew benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Sandshrew has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Sandshrew?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Sandshrew, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Sandshrew to outspeed specific threats. Since Sandshrew's Attack (75) exceeds its Special Attack (20), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Sandshrew?
A:Sandshrew's biggest counters are Grass-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Sandshrew before it acts, especially given its 40 Speed. To beat Sandshrew, use Grass STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.