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. These Sandslash can also be found in Blueberry Academy's Terarium.
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 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 they live 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 is mostly found in deserts.
Forms
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. Unlike its Kantonian variant, Alolan Sandslash is rarely seen curling up into a ball, perhaps made difficult by its thick hide and icy spine. Instead, this Pokémon uses its hide for camouflage in the snow while exposing only its spines. 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 without slipping.
Despite the weight of its ice-covered body, Alolan Sandslash can 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, to see Sandslash's icy spikes sparkle during the light of dawn. Stabs from Alolan Sandslash's spikes can cause both deep wounds and severe frostbite. They can also be found in the Polar Biome of Blueberry Academy's Terarium, where Alola's island life is simulated.
Alolan Sandslash's ice-covered steel quills and distinctive claws
Evolution
Sandslash evolves from Sandshrew.
Alolan Sandslash evolves from Alolan Sandshrew.
(For specifics on this Pokémon's Evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)
Game data
NPC appearances
Pokédex entries
| Generation I
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Kanto
#028
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| Red(JPN)
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(This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
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| Green
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| Red(ENG)
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Curls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.
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| Blue
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| Yellow
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It is skilled at slashing enemies with its claws. If broken, they start to grow back in a day.
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| Stadium
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Curls into a ball of sharp spikes and rolls into enemies. It is also adept at slashing with its sharp claws.
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| Generation II
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Johto
#049
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| Gold
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In an attempt to hide itself, it will run around at top speed to kick up a blinding dust storm.
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| Silver
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If it digs at an incredible pace, it may snap off its spikes and claws. They grow back in a day.
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| Crystal
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Adept at climbing trees, it rolls into a spiny ball, then attacks its enemies from above.
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| Stadium 2
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In an attempt to hide itself, it will run around at top speed to kick up a blinding dust storm. (Pokémon Red, Silver, or Crystal inserted)
If it digs at an incredible pace, it may snap off its spikes and claws. They grow back in a day. (Pokémon Blue, Gold, or Yellow inserted)
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| Generation III
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Hoenn
#113
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Kanto
#028
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| Ruby
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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.
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| Sapphire
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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.
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| Emerald
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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.
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| FireRed
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It is adept at attacking with the spines on its back and its sharp claws while quickly scurrying about.
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| LeafGreen
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Curls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.
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| Generation IV
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Sinnoh
#—
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Johto
#049
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| Diamond
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It curls up, then rolls into foes with its back. Its sharp spines inflict severe damage.
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| Pearl
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| Platinum
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| HeartGold
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In an attempt to hide itself, it will run around at top speed to kick up a blinding dust storm.
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| SoulSilver
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If it digs at an incredible pace, it may snap off its spikes and claws. They grow back in a day.
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| Generation V
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Unova
B2 W2 : #114
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| Black
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It curls up, then rolls into foes with its back. Its sharp spines inflict severe damage.
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| White
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| Black 2
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The spikes on its body are made up of its hardened hide. It rolls up and attacks foes with its spikes.
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| White 2
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| Generation VI
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Kalos
Mountain #098
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Hoenn
#118
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| X
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If it digs at an incredible pace, it may snap off its spikes and claws. They grow back in a day.
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| Y
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Curls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.
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| Omega Ruby
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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.
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| Alpha Sapphire
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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.
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| Generation VII
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Alola
S M : #252
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Alola
US UM : #329
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Kanto
#028
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| Sun
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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.
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| Moon
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It uses its claws to climb trees and then curls its body into a spiny ball, ready to drop onto any prey that appears.
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| Ultra Sun
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Its claws and horns often break off. The broken claws and horns can be used to carve plows for tilling farm fields.
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| Ultra Moon
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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.
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| Let's Go Pikachu
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It is skilled at slashing enemies with its claws. If broken, they start to grow back in a day.
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| Let's Go Eevee
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| Alolan Sandslash
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| Sun
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Fleeing a volcanic eruption, it settled on a snowy mountain. As it races through the snowfields, it sends up a spray of snow.
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| Moon
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This Pokémon's steel spikes are sheathed in ice. Stabs from these spikes cause deep wounds and severe frostbite as well.
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| Ultra Sun
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It runs across snow-covered plains at high speeds. It developed thick, sharp claws to plow through the snow.
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| Ultra Moon
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A long, long time ago, it lived in the desert. With its sharp claws fully extended, it can climb right up an iceberg without slipping.
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| Let's Go Pikachu
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This is Sandslash's form after adaptation to a frigid environment. The cold air emitted by its body sharpens its icy spikes.
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| Let's Go Eevee
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| Generation VIII
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Galar
Isle of Armor #169
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Sinnoh
#—
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Hisui
#—
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| This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Arceus.
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| Sword
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The drier the area Sandslash lives in, the harder and smoother the Pokémon's spikes feel when touched.
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| Shield
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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.
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| Brilliant Diamond
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It curls up, then rolls into foes with its back. Its sharp spines inflict severe damage.
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| Shining Pearl
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| Alolan Sandslash
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| Sword
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It uses large, hooked claws to cut a path through deep snow as it runs. On snowy mountains, this Sandslash is faster than any other Pokémon.
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| Shield
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Many people climb snowy mountains, hoping to see the icy spikes of these Pokémon glistening in the light of dawn.
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| Generation IX
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Paldea
#—
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Kitakami
#117
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Blueberry
#156
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| Scarlet
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It is adept at attacking with the spines on its back and its sharp claws while quickly scurrying about.
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| Violet
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The spikes on its body are made up of its hardened hide. It rolls up and attacks foes with its spikes.
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| Alolan Sandslash
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| Scarlet
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This Pokémon’s steel spikes are sheathed in ice. Stabs from these spikes cause deep wounds and severe frostbite as well.
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| Violet
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A long, long time ago, it lived in the desert. With its sharp claws fully extended, it can run right up an iceberg without slipping.
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Game locations
In side games
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| Generation II
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| This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
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Held items
Sandslash
Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear.
Stats
Base stats
Sandslash
| Stat
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Range
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| At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
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75
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135 - 182
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260 - 354
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100
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94 - 167
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184 - 328
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110
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103 - 178
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202 - 350
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45
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45 - 106
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85 - 207
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55
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54 - 117
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103 - 229
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65
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63 - 128
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121 - 251
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Total: 450
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Other Pokémon with this total
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- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
- This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 55.
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Alolan Sandslash
| Stat
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Range
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| At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
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75
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135 - 182
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260 - 354
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100
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94 - 167
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184 - 328
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120
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112 - 189
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220 - 372
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25
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27 - 84
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49 - 163
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65
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63 - 128
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121 - 251
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65
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63 - 128
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121 - 251
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Total: 450
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Other Pokémon with this total
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- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
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Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
Sandslash
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Alolan Sandslash
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Learnset
Sandslash
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandslash
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandslash
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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Alolan Sandslash
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandslash
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandslash
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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Sandslash
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandslash
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Sandslash
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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Alolan Sandslash
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandslash
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Sandslash
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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Sandslash
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Sandslash
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandslash
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandslash
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
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Alolan Sandslash
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Sandslash
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandslash
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandslash
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Sandslash
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandslash
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandslash
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations
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Alolan Sandslash
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandslash
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandslash
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Special moves
Sandslash
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- A superscript level indicates that Sandslash can learn this move normally in Generation IX
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sandslash
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sandslash
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations
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Side game data
Sandslash
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Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs
| Group:
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Poké Assist:
(present)
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Field move:
(present)
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(Cut ×3)
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Poké Assist:
(past)
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Field move:
(past)
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(Cut ×1)
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| Browser entry R-181/N-011
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| It triggers tremors and opens fissures that make Pokémon Paused.
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Pokémon Rumble Rush
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Walking Speed: 1.58 seconds
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Base HP: 54
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| Base Attack: 77
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Base Defense: 56
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Base Speed: 60
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Alolan Sandslash
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Pokémon Rumble Rush
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Walking Speed: 1.58 seconds
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Base HP: 54
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| Base Attack: 77
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Base Defense: 58
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Base Speed: 60
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New Pokémon Snap
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| Photodex entry #164
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| 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.
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Evolution data
Sandslash
Alolan Sandslash
Sprites
In the anime
Main series
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
Sandslash debuted in The Flame Pokémon-athon!, where many of them 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.
In Pokémon Double Trouble, a Sandslash was working out at the Kumquat Gym.
In Tricks of the Trade, a Sandslash was 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
| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| EP071
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Sandslash
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Ash's Pokédex
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Sandslash, the Mouse Pokémon. The evolved form of Sandshrew. It attacks opponents with the quills on its back.
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| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| DP008
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Sandslash
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Dawn's Pokédex
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Sandslash, the Mouse Pokémon. When it runs at full speed, it sends up a thick cloud of sand in order to hide itself.
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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
Pokémon Adventures
Minor appearances
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 Charizard Transforms.
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.
Ash & Pikachu
Similar to her TV counterpart, Pietra owns a Sandslash. It appeared in The Grand Rhydon Plan.
In the TCG
- Main article: Sandslash (TCG)
Trivia
Origin
Bulbanews has an article related to this subject:
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
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| More languages
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 Hebrew
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סנדסלאש Sendslash
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Transcription of English name
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 Hindi
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सैंडस्लैश Sandslash
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Transcription of English name
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 Lithuanian
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Žvyrius
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Translation of English name
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 Russian
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Сэндслэш Sendslesh
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Transcription of English name
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 Thai
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แซนด์แพน Saenphaen
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Transcription of Japanese name
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Related articles
References
External links
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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.
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Berry (100%)
Soft Sand (5%)
Quick Claw (5%)
Grip Claw (5%)
For other sprites and images, please see Sandslash images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
