Sandslash
Curls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
As Sandslash's trusted Ground STAB option, Earthquake benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Ground types.
Dig is the STAB anchor of this set. The Ground-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Sandslash's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Ground weaknesses.
Mud Shot adds Normal coverage to Sandslash's arsenal. This move catches opponents off guard who switch in expecting only Ground damage, providing neutral coverage.
Bulldoze is Sandslash's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Ground-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a physical move, it synergizes with Sandslash's Attack stat of 100, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
Strengths
- ▸The Ground typing provides Sandslash with offensive tools like Earthquake and Dig that deal amplified damage to vulnerable targets
- ▸Sandslash's Ground typing naturally reduces incoming Poison, Rock damage, extending its survivability on the field
- ▸Sandslash takes zero damage from Electric type moves, creating free switch-in opportunities
- ▸An impressive 110 defense stat lets Sandslash absorb heavy hits
Weaknesses
- ▸Sandslash takes 2x super-effective damage from Grass, Ice, Water type attacks, requiring careful positioning
- ▸Sandslash's spAtk stat of 45 is a weak point that limits its overall effectiveness
- ▸The 65 Speed stat leaves Sandslash outsped by most offensive threats, limiting its offensive potential
Pro Tips
Focus VP training on Attack to capitalize on Sandslash's higher physical Attack stat. Leftovers provides passive recovery, extending Sandslash's staying power as a tank. Use Sandslash's resistances to Poison, Rock to find safe entry points. Coordinate Sandslash with teammates that can set up hazards or provide speed control.
Competitive Role
Sandslash fills the physical attacker role within the competitive landscape. With a 450 base stat total led by its defense of 110, Sandslash has balanced stats that can serve multiple purposes. 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. When used correctly, Sandslash can hold its own in the right team.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Statistically, Sandslash features 450 total base stats with defense (110) as its defining attribute and spAtk (45) as its weakest point. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Earthquake, Dig) with coverage moves (Mud Shot), giving Sandslash answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Grass, Ice, Water mean Sandslash must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Poison, Rock provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Electric gives Sandslash a unique defensive advantage. The Tier B rating indicates Sandslash is a viable mid-tier pick that needs the right team to shine. For optimal performance, build Sandslash with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Grass-type opponents: Sandslash is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Sandslash 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: Sandslash has the advantage here. Its Ground typing reduces incoming Poison damage, allowing Sandslash to tank hits and retaliate with Earthquake. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Electric-type moves: Sandslash is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Electric attacks and bring Sandslash in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: Sandslash's 65 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: Sandslash has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Ground moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Sandslash when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
In the opening turns, Use Sandslash when you anticipate the opponent leading with something Sandslash can threaten with its Ground STAB moves.
With a defense stat of 110, Sandslash functions best as a supportive role player.
The key is to identify matchups where Sandslash can either deal damage safely or force the opponent to switch, giving you tempo advantage.
Avoid leading with it against Grass types, as they can punish Sandslash heavily.
During the mid-game, Sandslash's role shifts to maintaining pressure while conserving HP.
Switch Sandslash out when facing its weakness to Grass, and bring it back in when the opponent fields something Sandslash can handle.
Use Mud Shot as coverage to punish predicted switches.
The key to mid-game success with Sandslash is prediction—anticipate what the opponent will do and respond accordingly.
In the final stages of battle, Sandslash can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Sandslash 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
- ▸A Fire-type teammate covers Sandslash's Grass weakness, creating a solid defensive core
- ▸Add a Speed-boosting teammate (Tailwind, Trick Room) to give Sandslash the initiative in battle
- ▸Add a cleric (Heal Bell, Aromatherapy) to remove status conditions that would cripple Sandslash
How to Counter
- ▸Send in a Grass-type Pokemon with STAB Grass moves to exploit Sandslash's type weakness for super-effective damage
- ▸Any Pokemon with base Speed above 75 will outspeed and KO Sandslash before it can respond
- ▸Special attackers target Sandslash's weak Special Defense (55) for guaranteed damage
- ▸Sleep renders Sandslash completely inactive for several turns, effectively removing it from the battle
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Sandslash with a Fire-type Pokemon that can switch into Grass attacks. This defensive core covers Sandslash's primary weakness while Sandslash handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Offensive Core: Combine Sandslash with a setup sweeper that benefits from Sandslash's ability to weaken walls. Use Earthquake to chip down tanks, then bring in your sweeper to clean up. Add a priority user to handle faster threats.
Stall Core: Sandslash can function in a stall-oriented team by using its resistances to Poison, Rock to wall specific attackers. Add entry hazard setters and other defensive Pokemon to gradually wear down the opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Sandslash good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Sandslash is a mid-tier option in Pokemon Champions (Tier B). Its 450 base stat total and Ground typing give it a niche, but it requires careful team building to succeed. Consider Sandslash if you need its specific typing coverage or if you enjoy using unconventional picks.
Q:What's the best item for Sandslash?
A:Sandslash benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Sandslash has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Sandslash?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Sandslash, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Sandslash to outspeed specific threats. Since Sandslash's Attack (100) exceeds its Special Attack (45), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Sandslash?
A:Sandslash's biggest counters are Grass-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Sandslash before it acts, especially given its 65 Speed. To beat Sandslash, use Grass STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.