DexDB

No. 0028

Alolan Sandslash

Mouse Pokémon

BaseAlolan
Alolan Sandslash
Official art
IceSteel
Height
1.2 m 3′11″
Weight
55 kg 121.3 lbs
Base stat total
450 Higher than 49% of Pokémon
Introduced
Gen VII Sun & Moon
Abilities
Pokédex entryShield
It climbs trees by hooking on with its sharp claws. Sandslash shares the berries it gathers, dropping them down to Sandshrew waiting below the tree.
See all 17 entries

Base stats

HP75150–182260–354
Atk100108–167184–328
Def120126–189220–372
SpA2540–8449–163
SpD6576–128121–251
Spe6576–128121–251
Total450Higher than 49% of Pokémon
HP75Atk100Def120Spe65SpD65SpA25

Ranges in Pokémon Champions at Lv 50: 0 Stat Points with a −10% Stat Alignment to 32 Stat Points with a +10% one (HP has no alignment).Ranges in the main games at Lv 100: 0 IV/EV with a hindering nature to 31 IV/252 EV with a helpful nature. EV yield: 2 Def.

Stat calculatorChampions Stat Points & Stat Alignment, or EVs, IVs & nature
Calculate damage →

Type matchups

IceSteelshow which type causes itweaknessresistance

Weak to

4×
Fighting (because of Ice and Steel)Fire (because of Ice and Steel)
2×
Ground (because of Steel)

Resists

½×
Bug (because of Steel)Dragon (because of Steel)Fairy (because of Steel)Flying (because of Steel)Grass (because of Steel)Normal (because of Steel)Psychic (because of Steel)
¼×
Ice (because of Ice and Steel)

Immune to

0×
Poison (because of Steel)
Takes normal damage from 6 types
RockGhostSteelWaterElectricDark

Speed tiers

The faster Pokémon moves first each turn, so knowing who you outspeed decides a lot of battles. These are its Speed values at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions (base Speed 65); Scarf and Tailwind use the Max+ value.

Max+128Max117No SP85Min76Scarf192Tailwind256

At max Speed, Sandslash outspeeds 12 of the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC on Showdown, and ties 1.

  1. 203Mega Garchomp ZModest · 32 SP · #21 on Showdown
  2. 200Mega GengarTimid · 32 SP · #26 on Showdown
  3. 190Mega Raichu YTimid · 23 SP · #13 on Showdown
  4. 189Mega SalamenceTimid · 32 SP · #4 on Showdown
  5. 184WhimsicottTimid · 32 SP · #23 on Showdown
  6. 178Mega MetagrossJolly · 32 SP · #28 on Showdown
  7. 178Mega StaraptorJolly · 32 SP · #29 on Showdown
  8. 172SneaslerAdamant · 32 SP · #2 on Showdown
  9. 169Mega FloetteTimid · 32 SP · #17 on Showdown
  10. 169GarchompJolly · 32 SP · #19 on Showdown
  11. 167Mega Charizard YTimid · 32 SP · #14 on Showdown
  12. 167Mega GardevoirTimid · 32 SP · #20 on Showdown
  13. 161IndeedeeTimid · 32 SP · #30 on Showdown
  14. 156Hisuian ArcanineJolly · 32 SP · #16 on Showdown
  15. 150ArchaludonTimid · 32 SP · #9 on Showdown
  16. 149GholdengoTimid · 32 SP · #8 on Showdown
  17. 143BasculegionJolly · 32 SP · #6 on Showdown
  18. 128Sandslash · Max+32 SP, Speed-raising alignment
  19. 128PelipperTimid · 32 SP · #12 on Showdown
  20. 120VolcaronaBold · 0 SP · #25 on Showdown
  21. 117Sandslash · Max32 SP, neutral alignment
  22. 105RillaboomAdamant · 0 SP · #1 on Showdown
  23. 101MiloticCalm · 0 SP · #15 on Showdown
  24. 95SylveonModest · 15 SP · #18 on Showdown
  25. 94Female IndeedeeRelaxed · 0 SP · #7 on Showdown
  26. 90PolitoedCalm · 0 SP · #22 on Showdown
  27. 90SinistchaBold · 0 SP · #24 on Showdown
  28. 85Sandslash · No SP0 SP, neutral alignment
  29. 85ArmarougeQuiet · 0 SP · #27 on Showdown
  30. 80IncineroarCareful · 0 SP · #3 on Showdown
  31. 80FarigirafBold · 0 SP · #11 on Showdown
  32. 70KingambitAdamant · 0 SP · #5 on Showdown
  33. 60Mega GolisopodAdamant · 0 SP · #10 on Showdown

Smogon · Showdown Others at their most common Speed investment in Champions VGC (Reg M-C · Doubles, Sep 2026); Pokémon holding a Mega Stone are shown as their Mega.

Abilities

Competitive

Smogon · Showdown On Showdown

Sep 2026
Other Showdown formats Scarlet & Violet, with Tera
SV SinglesPUSV Doubles(DUU)National DexRU

1.52% of teams · rank #75 · Singles · 1630+ rating · 20,763 battles · Sep 2026

Most common build

Item
Eject Button
Ability
Nature
Jolly
EVs
252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Tera Type
Ghost
  1. Rapid Spin
  2. Triple Axel
  3. Spikes
  4. Knock Off

Each part is the most used on its own, so not every team runs this exact set.

Usage by rating

  • All players1.07%
  • Rated 1500+1.01%
  • Rated 1630+1.52%
  • Rated 1760+1.94%

Usage by month

Oct 20251.52%

Moves

Items

Abilities

  • 100%

EV spreads

  • Jolly 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe25.4%
  • Jolly 252 Atk / 252 Spe23.9%
  • Jolly 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe20.5%
  • Adamant 252 Atk / 12 SpD / 244 Spe5.3%
  • Jolly 248 HP / 8 SpD / 252 Spe5.3%

Tera types

  • Ghost60.3%
  • Ice32.3%
  • Dragon4.9%
  • Water1.7%

Common teammates

Evolution

  1. #0027Alolan SandshrewIceSteel
    1. Use Ice Stone
      #0028Alolan SandslashIceSteel

Moves

Level up 18

1Crush Claw50% chance to lower the target's Defense by 1.NormalPhys7595%10
1Defense CurlRaises the user's Defense by 1.NormalStatus——40
1Poison Sting30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys15100%35
1Sand AttackLowers the target's accuracy by 1.GroundStatus—100%15
1ScratchNo additional effect.NormalPhys40100%35
9RolloutPower doubles with each hit. Repeats for 5 turns.RockPhys3090%20
12Fury CutterPower doubles with each hit, up to 160.BugPhys4095%20
15Rapid SpinFree user from hazards/bind/Leech Seed; +1 Spe.NormalPhys50100%40
18Bulldoze100% chance lower adjacent Pkmn Speed by 1.GroundPhys60100%20
21SwiftThis move does not check accuracy. Hits foes.NormalSpec60—20
26Fury SwipesHits 2-5 times in one turn.NormalPhys1880%15
31Sand TombTraps and damages the target for 4-5 turns.GroundPhys3585%15
36SlashHigh critical hit ratio.NormalPhys70100%20
41DigDigs underground turn 1, strikes turn 2.GroundPhys80100%10
46Gyro BallMore power the slower the user than the target.SteelPhys—100%5
51Swords DanceRaises the user's Attack by 2.NormalStatus——20
56SandstormFor 5 turns, a sandstorm rages. Rock: 1.5× SpD.RockStatus——10
61EarthquakeHits adjacent Pokémon. Double damage on Dig.GroundPhys100100%10

TM / HM / TR 55

TM01Take DownHas 1/4 recoil.NormalPhys9085%20
TM04AgilityRaises the user's Speed by 2.PsychicStatus——30
TM05Mud-Slap100% chance to lower the target's accuracy by 1.GroundSpec20100%10
TM07ProtectPrevents moves from affecting the user this turn.NormalStatus——10
TM12Low KickMore power the heavier the target.FightingPhys—100%20
TM18ThiefIf the user has no item, it steals the target's.DarkPhys60100%25
TM25FacadePower doubles if user is burn/poison/paralyzed.NormalPhys70100%20
TM27Aerial AceThis move does not check accuracy.FlyingPhys60—20
TM28Bulldoze100% chance lower adjacent Pkmn Speed by 1.GroundPhys60100%20
TM31Metal Claw10% chance to raise the user's Attack by 1.SteelPhys5095%35
TM32SwiftThis move does not check accuracy. Hits foes.NormalSpec60—20
TM35Mud Shot100% chance to lower the target's Speed by 1.GroundSpec5595%15
TM36Rock Tomb100% chance to lower the target's Speed by 1.RockPhys6095%15
TM43FlingFlings the user's item at the target. Power varies.DarkPhys—100%10
TM47EndureUser survives attacks this turn with at least 1 HP.NormalStatus——10
TM49Sunny DayFor 5 turns, intense sunlight powers Fire moves.FireStatus——5
TM51SandstormFor 5 turns, a sandstorm rages. Rock: 1.5× SpD.RockStatus——10
TM55DigDigs underground turn 1, strikes turn 2.GroundPhys80100%10
TM57False SwipeAlways leaves the target with at least 1 HP.NormalPhys40100%40
TM58Brick BreakDestroys screens, unless the target is immune.FightingPhys75100%15
TM61Shadow ClawHigh critical hit ratio.GhostPhys70100%15
TM66Body Slam30% chance to paralyze the target.NormalPhys85100%15
TM70Sleep TalkUser must be asleep. Uses another known move.NormalStatus——10
TM83Poison Jab30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys80100%20
TM84Stomping TantrumPower doubles if the user's last move failed.GroundPhys75100%10
TM85RestUser sleeps 2 turns and restores HP and status.PsychicStatus——5
TM86Rock Slide30% chance to make the foe(s) flinch.RockPhys7590%10
TM88Swords DanceRaises the user's Attack by 2.NormalStatus——20
TM90SpikesHurts grounded foes on switch-in. Max 3 layers.GroundStatus——20
TM95Leech LifeUser recovers 50% of the damage dealt.BugPhys80100%10
TM102Gunk Shot30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys12080%5
TM103SubstituteUser takes 1/4 its max HP to put in a substitute.NormalStatus——10
TM105X-ScissorNo additional effect.BugPhys80100%15
TM106Drill RunHigh critical hit ratio.GroundPhys8095%10
TM116Stealth RockHurts foes on switch-in. Factors Rock weakness.RockStatus——20
TM128AmnesiaRaises the user's Sp. Def by 2.PsychicStatus——20
TM133Earth Power10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.GroundSpec90100%10
TM149EarthquakeHits adjacent Pokémon. Double damage on Dig.GroundPhys100100%10
TM150Stone EdgeHigh critical hit ratio.RockPhys10080%5
TM152Giga ImpactUser cannot move next turn.NormalPhys15090%5
TM158Focus Blast10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.FightingSpec12070%5
TM163Hyper BeamUser cannot move next turn.NormalSpec15090%5
TM171Tera BlastIf Terastallized: Phys. if Atk > SpA, type = Tera.NormalSpec80100%10
TM176Sand TombTraps and damages the target for 4-5 turns.GroundPhys3585%15
TM179Smack DownRemoves the target's Ground immunity.RockPhys50100%15
TM180Gyro BallMore power the slower the user than the target.SteelPhys—100%5
TM181Knock Off1.5× damage if foe holds an item. Removes item.DarkPhys65100%20
TM183Super FangDoes damage equal to 1/2 target's current HP.NormalPhys—90%10
TM186High HorsepowerNo additional effect.GroundPhys9595%10
TM192Focus PunchFails if the user takes damage before it hits.FightingPhys150100%20
TM204Double-EdgeHas 33% recoil.NormalPhys120100%15
TM205EndeavorLowers the target's HP to the user's HP.NormalPhys—100%5
TM215Scorching Sands30% chance to burn the target. Thaws target.GroundSpec70100%10
TM221Throat ChopFor 2 turns, the target cannot use sound moves.DarkPhys80100%15
TM224CurseCurses if Ghost, else -1 Spe, +1 Atk, +1 Def.GhostStatus——10

Egg moves 6

EggCounterIf hit by physical attack, returns double damage.FightingPhys—100%20
EggFlailMore power the less HP the user has left.NormalPhys—100%15
EggHone ClawsRaises the user's Attack and accuracy by 1.DarkStatus——15
EggMetal Claw10% chance to raise the user's Attack by 1.SteelPhys5095%35
EggMud-Slap100% chance to lower the target's accuracy by 1.GroundSpec20100%10
EggNight SlashHigh critical hit ratio.DarkPhys70100%15

Biology

It can curl into a spiky ball to roll around, attack opponents, and protect itself from heatstroke or attacks. In addition to the spikes on its back, it can use its claws to attack and slash berries for its young.

Adapted from Wikipedia: List of generation VII Pokémon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited.

Pokédex entries

Mouse Pokémon
Kanto · Red & Green (JP)
Color
Yellow
Rough Terrain
Pal Park area
Mountain
Kanto#028Original Johto#049Original Hoenn#113Updated Johto#049Updated Unova#114Mountain Kalos#098New Hoenn#118Original Alola#252Original Ula’ula#124Updated Alola#329Updated Ula’ula#150Let’s Go Kanto#028Isle of Armor#169Kitakami#117Blueberry#156

  1. It climbs trees by hooking on with its sharp claws. Sandslash shares the berries it gathers, dropping them down to Sandshrew waiting below the tree.

    Shield

  2. The drier the area Sandslash lives in, the harder and smoother the Pokémon’s spikes will feel when touched.

    Sword

  3. Thanks 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.

    Ultra Moon

  4. Its claws and horns often break off. The broken claws and horns can be used to carve plows for tilling farm fields.

    Ultra Sun

  5. It uses its claws to climb trees and then curls its body into a spiny ball, ready to drop onto any prey that appears.

    Moon

  6. Although 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.

    Sun

  7. The spikes on its body are made up of its hardened hide. It rolls up and attacks foes with its spikes.

    Black 2 · White 2

  8. It curls up, then rolls into foes with its back. Its sharp spines inflict severe damage.

    Diamond · Pearl · Platinum · Black · White

  9. It is adept at attacking with the spines on its back and its sharp claws while quickly scurrying about.

    FireRed

  10. It 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.

    Emerald

  11. SANDSLASH 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.

    Sapphire · Alpha Sapphire

  12. SANDSLASH’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.

    Ruby · Omega Ruby

  13. Adept at climbing trees, it rolls into a spiny ball, then attacks its enemies from above.

    Crystal

  14. If it digs at an incredible pace, it may snap off its spikes and claws. They grow back in a day.

    Silver · SoulSilver · X

  15. In an attempt to hide itself, it will run around at top speed to kick up a blinding dust storm.

    Gold · HeartGold

  16. It is skilled at slashing enemies with its claws. If broken, they start to grow back in a day.

    Yellow · Let’s Go, Pikachu! · Let’s Go, Eevee!

  17. Curls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.

    Red · Blue · LeafGreen · Y

Names around the world

English
Sandslash
Japanese
サンドパン
Japanese (romaji)
Sandpan
Korean
고지
Chinese (Traditional)
穿山王
Chinese (Simplified)
穿山王
French
Sablaireau
German
Sandamer
Spanish
Sandslash
Italian
Sandslash

Sprites

Artwork and 3D models

Gen IX · Gen VIII · Gen VII

Training

2 Def
90 ≈11.8% with a Poké Ball at full HP
70
158
Medium

Breeding

Field
♂ 50%♀ 50%
20 egg cycles ≈5,355 steps (Gen IV–VII)

Where to find

Evolves from Alolan Sandshrew: Use Ice Stone.

Shield: The Crown Tundra 1 area
  • Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 65
Sword: The Crown Tundra 1 area
  • Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 65

Locations cover Red & Blue to Sword & Shield (with its DLC) and Let’s Go. We don’t have them yet for Legends: Arceus, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Scarlet & Violet and Legends: Z-A.