Sandslash

Table of contents

Sandslash is a Ground-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO. It reaches 2,374 CP and is weak to Grass, Ice, and Water-type moves. Its recommended moveset is Sand Attack / Scorching Sands. It is boosted by Sunny weather. Its shiny form is available.

Sandslash Stats and Max CP

182 ATK
175 DEF
181 HP
Lvl 50 Max CP
2684 CP
Lvl 40
2374 CP
Lvl 25 Weather Boost
1696 CP
Lvl 20 Raids/Eggs
1356 CP
Lvl 15 Research
1017 CP

Sandslash's Tier Ranking & Meta Analysis

Read meta analysis

Sandslash PvE Analysis

Recommended moves

Sandslash has a neat attackset and pretty balanced stats but they just aren't good enough to make a mark in the PvE meta. 🙁

At best, you can use it in 1-Star Raids but that's where its viability ends. Don't put it in Gyms though as it can't survive well in that environment.

💎 Sandslash’s best attacks for PvE are Sand Attack and Scorching Sands.

Sandslash PvP Analysis

Recommended moves

🔵 Great League

Sandslash is very underrated, performing quite well in battles with its quick attackset. It tames most Electric, Bug, Fire, and Poison types like a pro. While it has attacks with high damage output like Scorching Sands and Earthquake, it struggles with those because of its average bulk. In its most optimal performance, it goes without any burst damage attacks and hence, often struggles late game. The abundance of Water types is also a concern for the Ground-type Sandslash. 😶

🟡 Ultra League

The abundance of Fire and Steel types in the Ultra League gives Sandslash viability in this format. Aside from beating Cobalion, Steelix, Typhlosion, and Talonflame, Sandslash also holds the distinction of beating Giratina Altered! 😲 So Sandslash can definitely come in clutch but then it also loses to a good number of the Ultra League meta. A mixed bag, it's worth running for some very pleasant wins. 👍

🟣 Master League

The Master League is too overbearing for poor Sandslash.

💎 Sandslash's best attacks for PvP are Sand Attack, Rock Tomb and Night Slash.

Raid AttackerRaid Attacker
Not ranked
Gym DefenderGym Defender
GroundGround-type
Great LeagueGreat League
Ultra LeagueUltra League

Sandslash Type Chart

Sandslash takes increased damage from:Sandslash takes increased damage from:

GrassGrass160.0%
IceIce160.0%
WaterWater160.0%

Sandslash takes reduced damage from:Sandslash takes reduced damage from:

ElectricElectric39.1%
PoisonPoison62.5%
RockRock62.5%

Sandslash best moveset

Moves

Sand Attack + Scorching Sands

Sandslash's best Ground-type moveset is Sand Attack / Scorching Sands, with 10.90 DPS and 212.9 TDO. These moves are boosted by Sunny weather. Sandslash ranks #72 (C Tier) as a Ground attacker with that moveset.
1.GroundSand AttackGroundScorching Sands9.6810.90212.9
2.SteelMetal ClawGroundScorching Sands9.5010.70209.0
3.GroundSand AttackGroundEarthquake9.4710.65208.2
4.GroundMud ShotGroundScorching Sands9.3310.50205.2
5.SteelMetal ClawGroundEarthquake9.2110.37202.6
6.GroundMud ShotGroundEarthquake8.9910.12197.8
7.SteelMetal ClawGroundBulldoze8.289.32182.2
8.GroundSand AttackGroundBulldoze8.249.27181.2

Fast Attacks

  • GroundMud Shot460.5s
    Toggle more information for move: Mud Shot
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • PoisonPoison
      • RockRock
      • SteelSteel
      • FireFire
      • ElectricElectric
    • 62.5%
      • BugBug
      • GrassGrass
    • 39.1%
      • FlyingFlying
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage4
    Energy6
    Weather boost
    • sunnySunny
    Duration0.5s
    Damage window0.3s - 0.5s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage3
    Energy9

    Effects
    Mud Shot has no special effects.
    See Mud Shot details page ↗
  • GroundSand Attack470.5s
    Toggle more information for move: Sand Attack
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • PoisonPoison
      • RockRock
      • SteelSteel
      • FireFire
      • ElectricElectric
    • 62.5%
      • BugBug
      • GrassGrass
    • 39.1%
      • FlyingFlying
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage4
    Energy7
    Weather boost
    • sunnySunny
    Duration0.5s
    Damage window0.3s - 0.6s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage2
    Energy4

    Effects
    Sand Attack has no special effects.
    See Sand Attack details page ↗
  • SteelMetal Claw650.5s
    Toggle more information for move: Metal Claw
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • RockRock
      • IceIce
      • FairyFairy
    • 62.5%
      • SteelSteel
      • FireFire
      • WaterWater
      • ElectricElectric
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage6
    Energy5
    Weather boost
    • snowSnow
    Duration0.5s
    Damage window0.2s - 0.4s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage5
    Energy7

    Effects
    Metal Claw has no special effects.
    See Metal Claw details page ↗

Charged Attacks

  • DarkNight Slash *45332.0s
    Toggle more information for move: Night Slash
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • GhostGhost
      • PsychicPsychic
    • 62.5%
      • FightingFighting
      • DarkDark
      • FairyFairy
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage45
    Energy33
    Weather boost
    • fogFog
    Duration2.0s
    Damage window1.1s - 1.8s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage50
    Energy35

    Effects
    Special effectsSpecial

    Night Slash has a 12.5% chance to:

    • Increase User's Attack by 25.0%
    See Night Slash details page ↗
  • GroundEarthquake1401003.5s
    Toggle more information for move: Earthquake
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • PoisonPoison
      • RockRock
      • SteelSteel
      • FireFire
      • ElectricElectric
    • 62.5%
      • BugBug
      • GrassGrass
    • 39.1%
      • FlyingFlying
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage140
    Energy100
    Weather boost
    • sunnySunny
    Duration3.5s
    Damage window2.6s - 3.4s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage120
    Energy65

    Effects
    Earthquake has no special effects.
    See Earthquake details page ↗
  • GroundScorching Sands90503.0s
    Toggle more information for move: Scorching Sands
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • PoisonPoison
      • RockRock
      • SteelSteel
      • FireFire
      • ElectricElectric
    • 62.5%
      • BugBug
      • GrassGrass
    • 39.1%
      • FlyingFlying
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage90
    Energy50
    Weather boost
    • sunnySunny
    Duration3.0s
    Damage window1.4s - 2.3s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage80
    Energy50

    Effects
    Special effectsSpecial

    Scorching Sands has a 10.0% chance to:

    • Decrease Target's Attack by 20.0%
    See Scorching Sands details page ↗
  • GroundBulldoze80503.5s
    Toggle more information for move: Bulldoze
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • PoisonPoison
      • RockRock
      • SteelSteel
      • FireFire
      • ElectricElectric
    • 62.5%
      • BugBug
      • GrassGrass
    • 39.1%
      • FlyingFlying
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage80
    Energy50
    Weather boost
    • sunnySunny
    Duration3.5s
    Damage window2.6s - 3.1s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage80
    Energy55

    Effects
    Special effectsSpecial

    Bulldoze has a 100.0% chance to:

    • Decrease Target's Defense by 20.0%
    See Bulldoze details page ↗
  • RockRock Tomb65503.0s
    Toggle more information for move: Rock Tomb
    Type effectiveness chart
    • 160.0%
      • FlyingFlying
      • BugBug
      • FireFire
      • IceIce
    • 62.5%
      • FightingFighting
      • GroundGround
      • SteelSteel
    Gym and Raid Battles
    Damage65
    Energy50
    Weather boost
    • partlyCloudyPartly Cloudy
    Duration3.0s
    Damage window2.0s - 2.8s
    Trainer Battles
    Damage75
    Energy50

    Effects
    Special effectsSpecial

    Rock Tomb has a 100.0% chance to:

    • Decrease Target's Attack by 20.0%
    See Rock Tomb details page ↗
Pokédex informationMore information

The following chart shows Sandslash's DPS and TDO for every fast and charged attack combination. This chart is useful for comparing the relative strength of Sandslash's movesets. You can change the weather and the opposing Pokémon to see how it affects the rankings.

Legacy Elite Fast and Charged Attacks can only be obtained during special events, or by using an Elite Fast TM or an Elite Charged TM. Legacy moves are marked with an asterisk (*). The table above provides information on different moves Sandslash has in Pokémon GO, along with their corresponding DPS (Damage per Second) and TDO (Total Damage Output).

Sandslash CP Chart

CP Chart

Sandslash reaches a maximum of 2,374 CP at Level 50. Raid encounters have 1,288–1,356 CP, rising to 1,610–1,696 CP when weather boosted. Field and Special Research encounters have 966–1,017 CP.

Max CPMax CP2374 CP
Level 50, 15/15/15 IVs
Field ResearchResearch966 CP - 1017 CP
Level 15, 10/10/10 minimum IVs
Pokémon EggEggs1288 CP - 1356 CP
Level 20, 10/10/10 minimum IVs
Raid catchRaids1288 CP - 1356 CP
Level 20, 10/10/10 minimum IVs
1610 CP - 1696 CP
Weather boosted, Level 25, 10/10/10 minimum IVs
InfoMore information
  • Field and Special Research encounters are always Level 15. IVs range from 10 (min) to 15 (max). Field Research encounters have a 10/10/10 IV floor.
  • Pokémon hatched from Eggs are always Level 20. IVs range from 10 (min) to 15 (max). Egg Hatches have a 10/10/10 IV floor.
  • Raid Bosses caught without weather boost are always Level 20. IVs range from 10 (min) to 15 (max). Raid Catches have a 10/10/10 IV floor.
    • 😈 Shadow Pokémon have 6/6/6 IV floor in raids.
  • Raid Bosses caught with weather boost are always Level 25. IVs range from 10 (min) to 15 (max). Weather boosted Raid Catches have a 10/10/10 IV floor.
    • 😈 Shadow Pokémon have 6/6/6 IV floor in raids.
  • Wild encounters range from Level 1 to Level 30 Pokémon. Their IVs range from 0 (min) to 15 (max) for each stat.
  • Weather Boosted wild Pokémon encounters get a 5 Level boost, bringing their Level range to Level 6 to Level 35. In addition, they have a guaranteed minimum IV value of 4 for each stat, resulting in a 4/4/4 IV floor.

Max Combat Power per Level chart

Sandslash Max CP per level chart. This table shows maximum Combat Power values from Level 1 to Level 50. CP Calculator

LVLMax CPLVLMax CPLVLMax CP
133 CP2105 CP3176 CP
4248 CP5320 CP6391 CP
7463 CP8535 CP9606 CP
10678 CP11746 CP12814 CP
13882 CP14949 CP151017 CP
161085 CP171153 CP181221 CP
191288 CP201356 CP211424 CP
221492 CP231560 CP241628 CP
251696 CP261763 CP271831 CP
281899 CP291967 CP302035 CP
312069 CP322103 CP332137 CP
342170 CP352204 CP362238 CP
372272 CP382306 CP392340 CP
402374 CP412404 CP422434 CP
432465 CP442496 CP452527 CP
462558 CP472589 CP482620 CP
492652 CP502684 CP

Pokédex information

Kanto
Pokédex Number#28
Height1 m
Weight29.5 kg
RegionGeneration 1
Can be tradedAllowed
Buddy distance3 km
ReleasedYes
Shiny releasedYes
Pokémon Home transferAllowed
Base Flee Rate0%
Catch rewards
Candy5
Stardust300
Additional Move Cost
Candy50
Stardust50000

Evolution Chart

PokémonRequiresEvolution
SandshrewSandshrew
  • 50 Candy50 Candy
SandslashSandslash
  • Sandshrew evolves into Sandslash which costs 50 Candy.

Mega Pokémon that boost Sandslash

Photobomb

A list of Mega Pokémon that boost Sandslash's Ground-type moves, Candy, and Candy XL from catching Sandslash.

Ground Ground

Pokédex informationMore information

Mega and Primal Raid Bonus –Mega Pokémon boost the attack power of all other Pokémon when battling in Raid Battles by 10%. Attacks that share their type with the Mega Pokémon's type(s) receive a 30% boost. However, these bonuses do not stack if there are multiple Mega-Evolved Pokémon battling simultaneously; only the higher boost will be applied.

Mega and Primal Catch Bonus –While a Pokémon is Mega-Evolved, additional XP and Candy is granted when catching a Pokémon that shares a type with it, or for any raid boss caught. These do not stack with each other. Additionally, High and Max Level Mega-Evolved Pokémon grant an increased chance to obtain Candy XL when catching a Pokémon that shares a type with it.

Note on Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, and Mega Rayquaza
  • Primal Kyogre boosts Water-, Electric- and Bug-type attacks and Pokémon.
  • Primal Groudon boosts Fire-, Grass- and Ground-type attacks and Pokémon.
  • Mega Rayquaza boosts Flying-, Dragon- and Psychic-type attacks and Pokémon.

Power-up costs

StardustCandyCandy XL
LVL 50520,000 Stardust304 Sandslash Candy296 Sandslash Candy XL
LVL 40280,000 Stardust304 Sandslash Candy10 Sandslash Candy XL
LVL 35190,000 Stardust196 Sandslash Candy-
LVL 30125,000 Stardust126 Sandslash Candy-
LVL 2580,000 Stardust87 Sandslash Candy-
LVL 2047,500 Stardust58 Sandslash Candy-
LVL 1525,500 Stardust38 Sandslash Candy-
LVL 1011,000 Stardust19 Sandslash Candy-
LVL 53,000 Stardust9 Sandslash Candy-

Sandslash Power Up costs in Pokémon GO. The table shows the total Stardust, Candy, and Candy XL required to power up Sandslash from Level 1 to Level 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 50. It will cost you 520,000 Stardust, 304 Candy, and 296 Candy XL to fully power up Sandslash in Pokémon GO.

Sandslash family

A list of Pokémon that are somehow related to Sandslash in Pokémon GO. Includes evolutions, regional, and form variations.

SandshrewSandshrew
SandslashSandslash
Alolan Sandshrew (Alola)Alolan Sandshrew
Alolan Sandslash (Alola)Alolan Sandslash
Shadow Alolan Sandshrew (Alola Shadow)Shadow Alolan Sandshrew
Shadow Alolan Sandslash (Alola Shadow)Shadow Alolan Sandslash
Shadow Sandshrew (Shadow)Shadow Sandshrew
Shadow Sandslash (Shadow)Shadow Sandslash

Size information

XXSXSMXLXXL
SandslashSandslashSandslashScaled Human Trainer to 170 cmSandslashSandslash
0.49 m0.5 m1 m1.5 m1.75 m

Sandslash's height ranges from 0.49 m to 1.75 m, with the average being 1 m. The illustration shows a comparison with a 1.70 m (5′07″) tall Trainer. Max height has been limited to 450px for rendering purposes.

Size bounds

This table shows the size bounds of Sandslash in Pokémon GO. The size bounds are the minimum and maximum values for each size category.

SizeLower boundUpper bound
XXS0.49 m0.5 m
1′07″1′08″
XS0.5 m1 m
1′08″3′03″
M0.75 m1.25 m
2′06″4′01″
XL1.25 m1.5 m
4′01″4′11″
XXL1.5 m1.75 m
4′11″5′09″

Encounter data

Movement typeMOVEMENT_JUMP
Movement Timer11s
Jump Time1s
Attack Probability10.0%
Attack Timer4s
Dodge Probability15.0%
Dodge Duration0.0s
Dodge Distance1
Min Action Frequency1s
Max Action Frequency2s

Sprites

Photobomb

Regular and Shiny Sandslash

Sandslash high resolution sprites

A list of high resolution Pokémon HOME sprites related to Sandslash. Sprite description is a best guess on what the sprite is related to, use your own judgment. Click to download full 512x512 resolution.

Official artwork

Sandslash Pokémon GO

Wallpaper

SandslashSandslashSandslashSandslash

Sandslash Pokédex entries

Kanto
VersionsPokédex entry
Red, BlueCurls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.
YellowIt is skilled at slashing enemies with its claws. If broken, they start to grow back in a day.
GoldIn an attempt to hide itself, it will run around at top speed to kick up a blinding dust storm.
SilverIf it digs at an incredible pace, it may snap off its spikes and claws. They grow back in a day.
CrystalAdept at climbing trees, it rolls into a spiny ball, then attacks its enemies from above.
RubySANDSLASH’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.
SapphireSANDSLASH 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.
EmeraldIt curls up in a ball to protect itself from enemy attacks. It also curls up to prevent heatstroke during the daytime when temperatures rise sharply.
FireRedIt is adept at attacking with the spines on its back and its sharp claws while quickly scurrying about.
LeafGreenCurls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Black, WhiteIt curls up, then rolls into foes with its back. Its sharp spines inflict severe damage.
HeartGoldIn an attempt to hide itself, it will run around at top speed to kick up a blinding dust storm.
SoulSilverIf it digs at an incredible pace, it may snap off its spikes and claws. They grow back in a day.
Black 2, White 2The spikes on its body are made up of its hardened hide. It rolls up and attacks foes with its spikes.
XIf it digs at an incredible pace, it may snap off its spikes and claws. They grow back in a day.
YCurls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.
Omega RubySandslash’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.
Alpha SapphireSandslash 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.
SunAlthough they are sharp, its claws and spikes often break off. They grow back the next day, so it is not bothered by the temporary loss.
MoonIt uses its claws to climb trees and then curls its body into a spiny ball, ready to drop onto any prey that appears.
Ultra SunIts claws and horns often break off. The broken claws and horns can be used to carve plows for tilling farm fields.
Ultra MoonThanks to its thick claws, it’s good at climbing trees. There are plenty of Sandslash that park themselves in trees and go right to sleep.
Let's Go, Pikachu!, Let's Go, Eevee!It is skilled at slashing enemies with its claws. If broken, they start to grow back in a day.
SwordThe drier the area Sandslash lives in, the harder and smoother the Pokémon’s spikes will feel when touched.
ShieldIt climbs trees by hooking on with its sharp claws. Sandslash shares the berries it gathers, dropping them down to Sandshrew waiting below the tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sandslash’s strengths and weaknesses?

As a Ground-type Pokémon, Sandslash is weak to Grass, Ice, and Water-type moves.

What are the best moves for Sandslash in Pokémon GO?

The best moves for Sandslash in Pokémon GO are Sand Attack and Scorching Sands. This moveset has a DPS (Damage Per Second) of 10.896 and a TDO (Total Damage Output) of 212.905.

How does Sandslash perform in Raids?

Sandslash's Raid attacker tier is currently not known, has no viable moves, or it is too low to be ranked.

How does Sandslash rank as a Ground-type attacker?

Sandslash is a C-Tier Ground-type attacker, ranking at number #72. It is recommended only when you lack higher-tier options.

What Mega Pokémon boost Sandslash?

The following Mega Pokémon boost Sandslash: Mega Steelix, Mega Swampert, Mega Camerupt, Primal Groudon, and Mega Garchomp.

What is Sandslash’s maximum CP at Level 40 and Level 50?

Sandslash’s maximum CP at Level 40 is 2374 CP and 2684 CP at Level 50.

Can Sandslash be shiny in Pokémon GO?

Sandslash can be Shiny in Pokémon GO ✨.

Can Sandslash Dynamax in Pokémon GO?

Sandslash cannot Dynamax in Pokémon GO.