Sandslash
TL;DR. Sandslash is a pure ground-type Pokémon from Generation I. Base Stat Total: 450. Curls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.
Curls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.
Stat spread.
Total of 450. Higher peaks mean specialized roles, flat spreads favor versatility.
Rankings computed across all 1025 base-species Pokémon (Mega and Gigantamax forms excluded). Source: National Pokédex base stats.
Sandslash in Pokémon GO.
Pokémon GO uses its own hand-tuned base stats, distinct from the main-series spread above. At a perfect 15/15/15, Sandslash reaches 2,374 CP at level 40 and 2,716 CP as a best buddy.
Run the numbers: CP & HP calculator · PvP IV optimizer · Catch CP calculator
Sandslash in competitive play.
Sandslash is a Generation 9 NU-tier pick in Smogon singles. In Pokémon GO it ranks #372 in the Great League.
Build around it: GO PvP IV optimizer · Team builder · Ask Dia
Movesets via Smogon, GO ranks via PvPoke. Updated 2026-06-01.
Common questions about Sandslash.
Direct, sourced answers to the most-asked questions about Sandslash, each computed straight from its Pokédex data.
What type is Sandslash?
Sandslash is a pure Ground-type Pokémon. It has a single typing, which means a simpler matchup chart but also fewer resistances.
What is Sandslash weak to?
Sandslash takes 2× damage from Water, Grass, Ice. It has no 4× weaknesses.
What is Sandslash resistant to?
Sandslash is immune to Electric. It also resists Poison, Rock.
How does Sandslash evolve?
Sandslash evolves from Sandshrew (Level 22) or Sandshrew (Use Ice Stone). Sandslash is the final form of its evolution line.
What generation is Sandslash from?
Sandslash was introduced in Generation I (the Kanto region). Its Pokédex number is #0028.
What are Sandslash's base stats?
Sandslash has HP 75, Attack 100, Defense 110, Special Attack 45, Special Defense 55, and Speed 65. Total base stat total: 450.
What are Sandslash's abilities?
Sandslash can have the ability Sand Veil, plus the Hidden Ability Sand Rush.
Is Sandslash legendary or mythical?
No. Sandslash is a regular Pokémon, not classified as Legendary or Mythical.
What is Sandslash's best stat?
Sandslash's highest base stat is Defense at 110, which ranks 17th of 75 Ground-type Pokémon.
Is Sandslash good?
Sandslash has a base stat total of 450, the 512th-highest of all 1025 Pokémon species and 37th among Ground-types. That is a modest total, typical of an unevolved or utility Pokémon.
This Pokémon has forms.
Through the generations.
Sandslash as drawn across two decades of Pokémon games, plus the modern Pokémon HOME render. Hit the cry button to hear it.
In battle.
Damage multipliers when Sandslash is hit by each attacking type. 4× is two stacked weaknesses, ¼× is two stacked resistances.
Sandslash vs. the average Ground-type.
Each base stat measured against the mean across all 75 Ground-type Pokémon.
| Stat | Sandslash | Ground avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | 75 | 77 | -2 |
| Attack | 100 | 88 | +12 |
| Defense | 110 | 85 | +25 |
| Special Attack | 45 | 58 | -13 |
| Special Defense | 55 | 65 | -10 |
| Speed | 65 | 58 | +7 |
| Total | 450 | 431 | +19 |
Sandslash appears in 36 games.
Every mainline release where Sandslash is obtainable, has a dex entry, or is transferable. Grouped by generation.
- 1998 Blue
- 1998 Red
- 1999 Yellow
- 2000 Gold
- 2000 Silver
- 2001 Crystal
- 2003 Ruby
- 2003 Sapphire
- 2004 FireRed
- 2004 LeafGreen
- 2005 Emerald
- 2007 Diamond
- 2007 Pearl
- 2009 Platinum
- 2010 HeartGold
- 2010 SoulSilver
- 2011 Black
- 2011 White
- 2012 Black 2
- 2012 White 2
- 2013 X
- 2013 Y
- 2014 Alpha Sapphire
- 2014 Omega Ruby
- 2016 Moon
- 2016 Sun
- 2017 Ultra Moon
- 2017 Ultra Sun
- 2018 Let's Go, Eevee!
- 2018 Let's Go, Pikachu!
- 2019 Shield
- 2019 Sword
- 2020 Isle of Armor DLC
- 2023 Indigo Disk DLC
- 2023 Teal Mask DLC
- 2016 Pokémon GO
Catch Sandslash in the wild.
Main-series wild-encounter locations, grouped by game. 17 games have a known habitat.
Sandslash appears in 22 episodes.
From EP033 (1997-11-11) through JN141 (2023-02-10).
- EP033 The Flame Pokémon-athon! Original 1998-10-21
- EP047 A Chansey Operation Original 1999-03-06
- EP071 Lights, Camera, Quack-tion! Original 1999-10-08
- EP075 Bad to the Bone! Original 1999-10-16
- HZ091 Eyes to the Skies Once Again, Part 2 Horizons 2025-10-27
- EP108 The Pokémon Water War Original 2000-08-26
- HZ115 Welcome to Blueberry Academy! Horizons 2026-05-25
- HZ116 Terarium Training! Horizons 2026-05-25
- HZ118 Liko and Hattrem, Bonded by Happiness! Horizons 2026-05-25
- EP141 Mild 'n Wooly Original 2001-02-17
- EP146 Gettin' the Bugs Out Original 2001-03-17
- EP204 The Big Balloon Blow-Up Original 2002-05-25
+ 10 more episodes
- EP219 The Perfect Match! Original 2002-11-02
- EP245 Same Old Song and Dance Original 2003-04-19
- AG023 Gone Corphishin' Advanced Generation 2004-02-21
- AG135 Numero Uno Articuno Advanced Generation 2006-04-22
- DP008 Gymbaliar! Diamond & Pearl 2007-06-14
- DP140 Historical Mystery Tour! Diamond & Pearl 2010-01-16
- SM080 Not Caving Under Pressure! Sun & Moon 2018-11-24
- SM125 A Timeless Encounter! Sun & Moon 2019-10-12
- JN052 How Are You Gonna Keep 'Em Off of the Farm? Journeys 2021-09-10
- JN141 A Squad's Worth of Passion! Journeys 2023-09-08
Pokémon Masters EX · Sync Pairs
Sandslash partners with 2 trainers in Masters EX.
Each card is a canon Trainer + Sandslash partnership. Tap any pair to open the Sync Pair catalog and explore the full roster.
Pokémon Sleep · Slumbering type
Sandslash has 4 sleep styles.
Catch each pose by sleeping near Snorlax with enough Drowsy Power. Sandslash sleeps as a Slumbering type.
TCG Pocket appearances
5 Sandslash cards across TCG Pocket.
Every printed variant on iOS / Android. Tap any card for full art.
Pokémon like Sandslash
Closest matches by typing, role, stats, and lore, from the same semantic search that powers the Reverse Dex.