Sandslash (Pokémon): Difference between revisions

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #0027: Sandshrew	Pokémon	#0029: Nidoran♀ →

Sandslash Mouse Pokémon サンドパン Sandpan #0028 Sandslash Alolan Sandslash Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Types Ground Unknown Sandslash Ice Steel Alolan Sandslash Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Sand Veil Sandslash Snow Cloak Alolan Sandslash Cacophony Sand Rush Sandslash Hidden Ability Slush Rush Alolan Sandslash Hidden Ability Cacophony Alolan Sandslash Cacophony
Gender ratio Unknown 50% male, 50% female	Catch rate 90 (20.1%)
Breeding Egg Group Field Hatch time 20 cycles
Height 3'03" 1.0 m Sandslash 3'11" 1.2 m Alolan Sandslash 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 65.0 lbs. 29.5 kg Sandslash 121.3 lbs. 55.0 kg Alolan Sandslash 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 163 Gen. I-IV Unknown IV 158 V+	Leveling rate Medium Fast
EV yield Total: 2 Sandslash 0 HP 0 Atk 2 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed Alolan Sandslash 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint Alolan Sandslash
Pokédex color   Yellow Other forms may have other colors.	Base friendship 70
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Sandslash (Japanese: サンドパン Sandpan) is a Ground-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves from Sandshrew starting at level 22.

In Alola, Sandslash has a dual-type Ice/Steel regional form. It evolves from Alolan Sandshrew when exposed to an Ice Stone.

Biology

Sandslash is a bipedal, ground-dwelling pholidote Pokémon. Although Sandslash is usually bipedal, it can run on all fours. Most of its underside is light yellow with a white underbelly. It has a narrow muzzle, almond-shaped blue eyes, and a thick tail. Its back is mostly covered in sharp, brown quills formed from its tough, dry hide. It has two large claws on its paws and feet. These claws are its primary weapons and are used for slashing, but can also be used for burrowing. Its claws and spikes can both break off, but they grow back quickly and are shed regularly. Sandslash's broken parts can be used to carve plows for tilling farm fields. The claws can become harder and smoother if it lives in drier areas.

Sandslash can curl into a large ball, which allows it to roll to attack or escape, protect itself from heatstroke, and guard its belly. Sandslash is also adept at climbing trees and is prone to ambush its enemies from above. It also climbs trees to rest during the night, and to slash Berries to feed the Sandshrew waiting below. Sandslash can mostly be found in deserts.

Forms

Concept artwork of Alolan Sandslash for Pokémon Sun and Moon

Sandslash has a regional form: Alolan Sandslash.

In the Alola region, Sandslash has an icy blue hide and steel quills covered in ice. These quills stand taller than a regular Sandslash's quills and resemble icicles. This Pokémon uses its hide for camouflage in the snow while leaving only its spines exposed. Unlike its Kantonian variant, the thick hide and icy spines completely prevent Alolan Sandslash from curling up into a ball. Its body emits cold air, which sharpens its quills. Its forepaws are larger than its counterpart, and its claws are longer, thinner, and hooked at the tips. Formerly used for climbing trees, they now allow it to scale icebergs.

Despite the weight of its ice-covered body, Alolan Sandslash is able to move swiftly by carving a path in the snow with its claws. It can move faster than any other Pokémon while in the snowy mountains. This Pokémon tends to live in the deeper parts of snowy mountains, where climbing is forbidden. However, the sprays of snow it kicks up are popular shots for photographers.^[1] People also climb up the mountains it lives in, in order to see Sandslash's icy spikes sparkle during the light of dawn.

Evolution

Sandslash evolves from Sandshrew.

In Alola, Sandslash has a regional form that evolves from Alolan Sandshrew.

Sandslash

Unevolved Sandshrew  Ground

→

First evolution Sandslash  Ground

Alolan Sandslash

Unevolved Sandshrew Alolan Form  Ice  Steel

→

First evolution Sandslash Alolan Form  Ice  Steel

In the anime

Main series

Sandslash in the anime

Alolan Sandslash in the anime

Major appearances

In Mewtwo Strikes Back, Corey's Sandslash was captured and cloned by Mewtwo. When Team Rocket saw it being cloned, it was mistaken for its pre-evolved form, Sandshrew. The Sandslash clone was seen again in Mewtwo Returns. Corey's Sandslash reappeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution, a remake of Mewtwo Strikes Back, where it played the same role.

In Good 'Quil Hunting, Koji used a Sandslash in a battle against Ash to determine who would keep a Cyndaquil. Despite its exceptional power and agility, Sandslash ultimately lost to Cyndaquil.

In Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!, three Sandslash helped dig a new lake for the Grass-type Pokémon at Professor Oak's Laboratory.

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time & Darkness, a Sandslash was a member of Team Razor Wind, along with Scyther and Zangoose. The trio of clawed Pokémon were first seen being blasted out of Wigglytuff's Guild. Team Razor Wind overheard that Team Poképals were assigned with the task of traveling to the Labyrinth Cave to get a Gabite Scale for an ailing Shinx, and decided to attempt beating Team Poképals. Unfortunately for Team Razor Wind, Gabite beat them up. It reappeared alongside its team in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky - Beyond Time & Darkness.

In Not Caving Under Pressure!, an Alolan Sandslash evolved from an Alolan Sandshrew after touching an Ice Stone. It gave Lillie an Icium Z as thanks for helping it battle a Tyranitar that was threatening a home it shared with several other Alolan Sandshrew at Mount Lanakila.

In How Are You Gonna Keep 'Em Off of the Farm?, James pulled a Sandslash from the Rocket Prize Master to battle Ash and Goh, only for it to be defeated by Goh's newly caught Dugtrio.

Minor appearances

In The Flame Pokémon-athon!, multiple Sandslash were at the Laramie Ranch. One was later seen among the Pokémon participating in the Big P Pokémon Race.

In A Chansey Operation, an injured Sandslash was brought to the clinic.

In Pikachu's Vacation, a Sandslash was at the Pokémon Theme Park.

In To Master the Onixpected, a Sandslash was stuck between the rocky body segments of a giant Onix and causing so much pain that the Rock Snake Pokémon rampaged until Bruno freed it.

In Round One - Begin!, a Trainer's Sandslash competed in the Indigo Plateau Conference.

In The Power of One, a Sandslash sensed the disturbance caused by Lawrence III.

A wild Sandslash appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.

A Sandslash appeared in Pokémon Double Trouble.

In Tricks of the Trade, a Sandslash at the Pokémon Swap Meet in Palmpona.

In Right On, Rhydon!, Pietra uses a Sandslash for her digging project.

A Sandslash appeared in Celebi: The Voice of the Forest.

A Sandslash appeared in Hi Ho Silver...Away!, under the ownership of Jenaro.

A Sandslash appeared in The Legend of Thunder!.

In Will the Real Oak Please Stand Up?, a Sandslash appeared in Nurse Joy's poem.

A Sandslash appeared in Gone Corphishin'.

A Sandslash made a brief cameo in Destiny Deoxys.

In Numero Uno Articuno, Noland's Sandslash was among the Pokémon residing at the Battle Factory.

A Sandslash appeared in the opening sequence of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.

In Gymbaliar!, a male Trainer used a Sandslash to battle a wild Croagunk while it was under Jessie's command.

A Sandslash made a brief cameo in Giratina and the Sky Warrior.

Multiple Sandslash made a cameo in Arceus and the Jewel of Life.

In Historical Mystery Tour!, Barry encountered multiple Sandslash in Xatu's Forest.

A Trainer's Sandslash appeared in Curtain Up, Unova League!.

In Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction, a Sandslash was a resident of Allearth Forest.

A Trainer's Sandslash appeared in a flashback in Alola to New Adventure!.

A Sandslash appeared in I Choose You!.

In The Power of Us, a Sandslash participated in the effort to put out a fire.

In A Timeless Encounter!, an Ace Trainer's Sandslash battled Hala and his Makuhita in a flashback, but was defeated.

In Battle Royal 151!, a Trainer's Alolan Sandslash competed in the Battle Royal preliminary round of the Manalo Conference but was defeated by Turtonator.

A Sandslash appeared in This Could be the Start of Something Big!.

A Trainer's Sandslash appeared in A Squad's Worth of Passion!.

Pokédex entries

Pokémon Origins

Sandslash in Pokémon Origins

In File 1: Red, a Sandslash was one of the Pokémon seen in Professor Oak's introduction.

A Sandslash appeared in a flashback in File 2: Cubone.

Pokémon Evolutions

A Sandslash appeared in The Discovery, under the ownership of a Youngster. It was used to challenge Green to a battle and lost almost immediately.

In the manga

Sandslash in Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Ash & Pikachu

Similar to her anime counterpart, Pietra owns a Sandslash. It appeared in The Grand Rhydon Plan.

Pokémon Adventures

Sandslash debuted in Sea Sea Seadra, where it and a wild Weezing appeared behind Bill, still showing the ecology in Viridian Forest hasn't changed back to normal in two years.

In A Flaaffy Kerfuffle, a Sandslash appeared as one of the Pokémon in Professor Oak's fantasy when he explains that Trainers should only have six Pokémon with them.

Sandslash's most predominant appearance was in Sandslash Surprise. While trying to find out their location, Gold and Silver are attacked by a swarm of spiky balls, which are revealed to be Sandslash fleeing from the wrath of Lugia.

A Sandslash was seen as one of the Pokémon used by Team Magma, which first appeared in What Would You Do for a Whismur?.

A Sandslash appeared in Pinsir Changes.

A Sandslash appeared in a flashback in PS589.

Two Alolan Sandslash debuted in the Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc, where it was seen on Mount Lanakila.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Giovanni was revealed to own a Sandslash in Pokémon Hair Salon Opens!!, where he used it in his hair salon.

In the TCG

Main article: Sandslash (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness: Sandslash is one of the members of Team Razor Wind.

Pokédex entries

Game locations

In side games

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Berry (100%)
Yellow*
FireRed	LeafGreen	Soft Sand (5%)
Diamond	Pearl	Quick Claw (5%)
Platinum
HeartGold	SoulSilver	Quick Claw (5%)
Black	White	Quick Claw (5%)
Black 2	White 2	Quick Claw (5%)
X	Y	Quick Claw (5%)

Stats

Base stats

Sandslash

Alolan Sandslash

Pokéathlon stats

Type effectiveness

Sandslash

Alolan Sandslash

Learnset

Side game data

Sandslash

Pokémon Pinball Acquisition: Evolve		Pokémon Pinball RS Acquisition: Evolve		Pokémon Trozei! Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: Evolve Friend Area: Furnace Desert Phrases 51%-100% HP Let me take them on with the spikes on my back and my big claws! 26%-50% HP Uh-oh, not good. My health is down to half. 1%-25% HP I'm beat... I don't have the energy to shake my spikes... Level up There! I leveled! My claws are even sharper!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 0.5% IQ group: D
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon Body size: Standard (1 tile) How to Recruit: Deliver a letter from Sandshrew in Sahra Town to Sandslash in Noe Town Connected to: Sandshrew, Onix Connection Orb Set: 3 Phrases Normal My name is Sandslash! My moves can cut you in a flash! I belong to Team Razor Wind! Low HP (< 50%) Oh no! My spikes can't take it for long...
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group: Ground Poké Assist: Ground Field move: (Tunnel ×1) Browser entry R-195 It hurls lumps of sand to attack.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Ground Poké Assist: (present) Ground Field move: (present) (Cut ×3) Poké Assist: (past) Ground Field move: (past) (Cut ×1) Browser entry R-181/N-011 It triggers tremors and opens fissures that make Pokémon Paused.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 1.58 seconds Base HP: 54 Base Attack: 77 Base Defense: 56 Base Speed: 60
Pokémon Battle Trozei Ground Attack Power: ★★★★★
Pokémon Shuffle Ground Attack Power: 60 - 111 7 #681 Counterattack Deals even more damage the more disruptions there are. Swappable Skill(s): Sand Sport
Pokémon GO Base HP: 181 Base Attack: 182 Base Defense: 175 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Metal Claw, Mud Shot Charged Attacks: Earthquake, Rock Tomb, Bulldoze, Frustration, Return, Night Slash†

Alolan Sandslash

Pokémon Shuffle Ice Attack Power: 60 - 105 5 #681 Ice Dance Increases damage done by Ice types in the combo.

Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 1.58 seconds Base HP: 54 Base Attack: 77 Base Defense: 58 Base Speed: 60

Pokémon GO Base HP: 181 Base Attack: 177 Base Defense: 195 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Metal Claw, Powder Snow, Shadow Claw† Charged Attacks: Blizzard, Gyro Ball, Bulldoze, Ice Punch*, Drill Run*, Frustration, Return

New Pokémon Snap Photodex entry #164 Thanks to its huge claws, this Pokémon can move through snow as though it were swimming. The ice spikes on its back are even sharper than its claws, and they protect it from just about anything.

Evolution data

Sandslash

Unevolved Sandshrew  Ground

Level 22 →

First evolution Sandslash  Ground

Alolan Sandslash

Unevolved Sandshrew Alolan Form  Ice  Steel

Ice Stone →

First evolution Sandslash Alolan Form  Ice  Steel

Sprites

Generation I Red Green Red Blue Yellow Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation II Gold Silver Crystal Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back
Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back
Generation VII Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Front Back Front Back Let's Go, Pikachu! Let's Go, Eevee!
Generation VIII Sword Shield File:Spr 8s 028.png File:Spr 8s 028 s.png File:Spr 8s 028A.png File:Spr 8s 028A s.png
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation IX.
Cross-Generation HOME

For other sprites and images, please see Sandslash images on the Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• No other Pokémon has the same type combination as Alolan Sandslash and its Alolan pre-evolved form.
• In the Pokémon Red and Blue beta, Sandslash's original name was "Sandstorm".
• Sandslash and its pre-evolved form both share their category with Rattata, Raticate, Pikachu, Raichu, Pawmi, and Pawmo. They are all known as the Mouse Pokémon, though Rattata and Raticate were originally called the Rat Pokémon prior to Generation III.

Origin

Bulbanews has an article related to this subject:

On the Origin of Species: Sandshrew and Sandslash

Sandslash shares various physical traits with the pangolin. It also draws from hedgehogs, porcupines, and echidnas due to its coloration and having spikes instead of scales. Both Sandshrew and Sandslash are mentioned to have poisonous claws, similar to how some species of the shrew are venomous.

Alolan Sandslash's hooked claws combined with its ability to ice climb seem to be inspired by ice axes.

Name origin

Sandslash may be a combination of sand and slash.

Sandpan may be a combination of sand and pangolin.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese サンドパン Sandpan From sand and pangolin French Sablaireau From sable and blaireau Spanish Sandslash Same as English name German Sandamer From sand, armadillo, and the proverb Wie Sand am Meer Italian Sandslash Same as English name Korean 고지 Koji From 고슴도치 goseumdochi and 두더지 dudeoji Mandarin Chinese 穿山王 Chuānshānwáng From 穿山甲 chuānshānshǔjiǎ and 王 wáng Cantonese Chinese 穿山王 Chyūnsāanwòhng From 穿山甲 chyūnsāangaap and 王 wòhng

More languages Hebrew סנדסלאש Sendslash Transcription of English name Hindi सॅंडस्लाश Sandslash Transcription of English name Lithuanian Žvyrius Translation of English name Russian Сэндслэш Sendslesh Transcription of English name Thai แซนด์แพน Saenphaen Transcription of Japanese name