Sandslash Movesets & Competitive Sets

Knock Off makes typical Sandslash switch-ins like Eldegoss and Wishiwashi more susceptible to residual damage, including Sandslash's own Spikes, by removing their Heavy-Duty Boots and Leftovers and discouraging spinblockers like Trevenant from switching in. Spikes are chosen to wear down grounded targets, forming an entry hazard-stacking core with Gigalith. If you choose to not use Gigalith, Stealth Rock is a viable option. Leftovers give Sandslash a bit of passive recovery, improving its longevity. Heavy-Duty Boots is an alternative that protects Sandslash from entry hazards, particularly Toxic Spikes. Sandslash's EV spread is quite flexible and it can easily run some Speed investment to outpace certain threats according to its team's needs. One of the possibilities is a spread of 248 HP / 124 Def / 136 Spe to outpace Adamant Perrserker outside of sand, while outspeeding Jolteon in sand. Although this set does not necessarily require sand in order to function, Gigalith is still recommended. With a Sand Rush boost, Sandslash is far less passive, and it can be situationally used to revenge kill Pokemon like Magmortar. Gigalith can also take care of most special attackers, including Charizard and Ribombee. Pokemon that can switch into bulky Grass- and Water-types are necessary, as these will often come in on Sandslash to remove its Spikes, block Rapid Spin, or gain momentum. Weezing is a solid switch-in to Grass-types and can help wear down the opposition with Toxic Spikes. Eldegoss can deal with most Water-types and provide cleric support. Running Eldegoss along with Sandslash also allows you to free up a moveslot that is typically occupied by Rapid Spin on either of the two Pokemon. Wallbreakers like Magneton and Galarian Articuno can take advantage of the likes of Eldegoss and Weezing. Doublade has good typing synergy with both Sandslash and Gigalith, can effectively spinblock and, as a late-game sweeper, benefits from Spikes wearing down its checks.

Most Rock-weak Ground-resistant Pokemon like Ribombee, Charizard, and Archeops are already OHKOed by Rock Slide; as such, it is preferred over the stronger, but less accurate Stone Edge. Stone Edge can still be used to deal more damage to neutral targets when not running Leech Life or Poison Jab. After using Swords Dance, Leech Life in conjunction with Life Orb allows Sandslash to OHKO Eldegoss. It also allows Sandslash to threaten Tangela. With Knock Off, Sandslash can OHKO Trevenant and weaken Pokémon that wall it, namely Levitate Weezing, Quagsire, and Tangela. Sandslash can perform as an effective offensive spinner. Rapid Spin is also useful for boosting its Speed outside of sand. Instead of Leech Life, Poison Jab can be used to OHKO defensive Whimsicott. Life Orb is the most powerful choice of an item for a dedicated sweeper set, notably allowing Sandslash to OHKO Eldegoss. Leftovers and Heavy-Duty Boots can be used to improve Sandslash's longevity instead, particularly if an utility move is chosen as the last moveslot. A Jolly Nature can be considered to outspeed Choice Scarf Togedemaru and a few other uncommon Choice Scarf users like Gourgeist-S in sand, and Modest Magneton when unboosted, but this is typically not worth the drop in power. Swords Dance Sandslash should be ran with Gigalith, as it is the only viable sand setter in the tier. Spikes or Toxic Spikes support from the likes of Ferroseed, Weezing, or Qwilfish is appreciated to help Sandslash break through physically defensive walls like Sandaconda, Jellicent, and Wishiwashi. Ribombee and Whimsicott are useful utility Pokemon that can use U-turn to bring Sandslash safely into their typical Steel- and Rock-type switch-ins, like Togedemaru, Aggron, and Gigalith. Galarian Articuno and Vikavolt can switch in on Grass-types that check Sandslash and fire off powerful attacks or pivot with U-turn and Volt Switch, respectively. Charizard is a great Gigalith magnet that also counters most Grass-types and wears down Wishiwashi and Jellicent with Toxic. Wallbreakers like Gallade can weaken walls like Tangela, while Sandslash itself can benefit sweepers such as Doublade, dealing heavy damage to their shared checks.

Moves Rapid Spin allows Sandslash to remove entry hazards from its side of the field. Earthquake allows Sandslash to threaten Pokemon such as Electivire, Golem, Rapidash, and Muk. Knock Off provides Sandslash with a way to chip switch-ins as well as threaten spinblockers such as Dusclops and Misdreavus. Additionally, it allows Sandslash to remove important items from Pokemon that check it such as Bronzor's Eviolite and Poliwrath's Leftovers. If the team already has a Stealth Rock user or Knock Off support, Toxic can be used to wear down common switch-ins such as Gourgeist-XL and several Silvally formes. Set Details Figy Berry provides Sandslash with a one-time recovery option that can increase its survivability and allows it to stay in on physical attackers like Electivire without crippled by Ice Punch while also improving its matchup against other physical attackers like Swords Dance Combusken. Alternatively, Leftovers provide Sandslash with passive recovery, which somewhat negates the damage it takes when switching into entry hazards in order to use Rapid Spin and serves Sandslash better against slower teams. Maximum HP investment is essential for allowing Sandslash to remove entry hazards as effectively as possible. In order to outspeed Golem, the most common Stealth Rock user in ZU, Sandslash requires 96 Speed EVs. Lastly, 160 Defense EVs grant Sandslash greater bulk so it can remain unthreatened by physical Pokemon that it's trying to check. Usage Tips Sandslash's main role is to remove entry hazards, so it should come in on Pokemon that set them like Golem, Crustle, and Carbink. Sandslash should prioritize setting Stealth Rock on physical Pokemon it is able to wall such as Crustle, Electivire, and Mawile. Leftovers is Sandslash’s main form of recovery, so Sandslash should avoid being hit with Knock Off. In the same vein, Sandslash should not repeatedly switch into physical attackers such as Rapidash and Golem because of how easy it is to wear down. Sandslash should also be wary of special coverage moves such as Ice Beam on Kecleon and Silvally-Fighting due to its lackluster Special Defense. If using Toxic, Sandslash should try to cripple common switch-ins such as Gourgeist-XL, Poliwrath, and Silvally formes that may try to use Defog. Sandslash should avoid becoming crippled with status from Pokemon such as Golem, Mawile, Rapidash, and Bronzor, as this greatly reduces its ability to remove hazards. Team Options Sandslash fits best on balance or bulky offense teams that lack entry hazard support or a dedicated remover. Thus, Pokemon that are weak to entry hazards such as Swanna, Combusken, and Pinsir all pair well with Sandslash, as do Pokemon that appreciate Stealth Rock support such as Exeggutor, Swanna, and Toucannon. These Pokemon also appreciate Sandslash's ability to check Rapidash, Electivire, and Muk. Due to Sandslash's poor Special Defense stat, it pairs well with Pokemon that wall special attackers, such as Lickilicky, Komala, Kecleon, Bronzor, and Muk. Lickilicky and Komala are worth a special mention because of their access to Wish. Pokemon that can absorb or remove status effects for Sandslash such as Komala, Heal Bell Lickilicky, and Guts Machoke make particularly effective partners. Ghost-type Pokemon such as Gourgeist-XL and Dusclops are able to block Sandslash from removing hazards; wallbreakers that can remove these Ghost-types include Exeggutor, Swanna, and Simipour. Sandslash is threatened by Grass-types such as Exeggutor, Leafeon, and Shiinotic, so Pokemon that check them such as Rapidash, Combusken, and Swanna make for great partners. Torterra is an especially notable Grass-type, as it's one of the few Stealth Rock users that Sandslash is unable to check. Pokemon like Toucannon that can handle Torterra make for ideal partners as a result. This is also true of Bronzor, especially if Knock Off is not being run. Lastly, Sandslash appreciates Pokemon that can check prominent Water-types that threaten it such as Swanna and Silvally-Water. Electivire is the most notable, as it checks both of these Pokemon, while Sandslash is able to check Golem for Electivire in return.

Set Information Stealth Rock is important for every team, and Sandslash is a reliable setter of the entry hazard thanks to its great physical bulk. Earthquake is a reliable STAB move that hits Pokemon like Nidoqueen and Alolan Muk very hard. Rock Slide gives Sandslash great neutral coverage with its STAB Earthquake, hitting Pokemon like Dragonite, Zapdos, and Mega Charizard Y for super effective damage. Toxic allows Sandslash to cripple Pokemon that would otherwise take it on, like Starmie, Mew, and Reflect Zapdos. An Impish nature is chosen over Adamant to give Sandslash an easier time switching into the likes of Rhydon and Mega Beedrill. Usage Tips Sandslash can come in on Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl and Rhydon to try to find opportunities to set up Stealth Rock. Toxic should be used liberally early-game to cripple Sandslash's main checks like Mew and Starmie. Once Sandslash has managed to set up Stealth Rock, it can start throwing off attacks to weaken switch-ins like Poliwrath, Mega Gyarados, and Zapdos. Team Options Pokemon that can deal with bulky Water-types and Mew are important teammates, as Sandslash can't get through them on its own. Zapdos is a good teammate that can easily muscle past Pokemon like Starmie, Poliwrath, and Mega Gyarados, and it appreciates the support Sandslash's Stealth Rock provides as well as its ability to check Mega Aerodactyl. Alolan Muk can check Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam, Starmie, and Mew for Sandslash, and it enjoys Sandslash's ability to handle Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl and Alolan Dugtrio. Mew is a great teammate that can check many Pokemon Sandslash struggles with Pokemon like Mega Venusaur and Starmie; Mega Venusaur can also check Water-types, but it has trouble with Starmie and Mew. Melmetal can check Pokemon like Mega Alakazam for Sandslash and spread paralysis, giving Sandslash an easier time against fast Pokemon like both Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y.

Sandslash can put his good defenses to use by serving as a solid Ground-type support Pokemon. Not only is Sandslash capable of removing entry hazards, but his above-average physical bulk allows him to check prominent physical sweepers such as Rhyperior, Swords Dance Toxicroak, and Hitmonlee. Stealth Rock provides immediate support for the team, aiding your team's sweepers with much appreciated residual damage. Rapid Spin helps Sandslash's teammates preserve their health by clearing away entry hazards. Earthquake is his main STAB attack and is at least strong enough to noticeably hurt frail Pokemon. Access to Night Slash makes it somewhat difficult for Ghost-types to block Sandslash's Rapid Spin, as Night Slash hits Rotom and Mismagius hard even with no EV investment in Attack. You can replace Night Slash with Stone Edge so that Sandslash can better deal with powerful Flying-types who would otherwise easily switch into him. Unfortunately, replacing Night Slash removes one of Sandslash's niche advantages over Donphan: the advantage of being able to reliably hit Levitating Ghost- and Psychic-types for super effective damage. An alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 204 Def / 32 SpD / 20 Spe can be used in order for Sandslash to outrun any Lanturn who does not invest in Speed, survive a Surf, and 2HKO back with Earthquake. Sandslash pairs up well with bulky Water- and Grass-types like Milotic and Venusaur, as they can take incoming Water- and Ice-type attacks and Grass-type attacks respectively. Moltres is also a good partner, as it appreciates the removal of Stealth Rock and threatens Grass-types with its STAB moves. Wish support is also helpful for this Sandslash, as without a reliable way to restore his HP, he will be worn out quickly. Leafeon, Clefable, and Chansey are great examples of Wish users who have decent synergy with Sandslash. Although he shares an Ice weakness, Leafeon has the advantage of attacking Water-types for super effective damage. Clefable and Chansey have Thunder Wave to slow down faster threats for Sandslash to outspeed.

Sandslash's unique access to both Swords Dance and Rapid Spin helps him differentiate himself from Donphan as a bulky Ground-type Rapid Spinner. Sandslash is typically used as a physical wall and spinner, acting similarly to Donphan but having the ability to go on the offensive at any given time. Swords Dance boosts Sandslash's already decent Attack stat to powerful levels, making him capable of doing some serious damage to even the bulkiest of walls. Rapid Spin allows Sandslash to remove entry hazards on his side of the field, which greatly aids his team. Earthquake is his primary STAB move and deals solid damage after a Swords Dance boost, even without an Attack-boosting item; Earthquake cleanly OHKOes standard Registeel and, with a little residual damage, OHKOes Steelix and defensively oriented Rhyperior as well. Night Slash is useful for dealing with Ghost-type Pokemon who attempt to block Sandslash's Rapid Spin. After a Swords Dance, even the bulkiest Rotom sets are OHKOed by +2 Night Slash. Stone Edge, on the other hand, is useful for taking out Flying-type Pokemon who attempt to switch into Earthquake. Leftovers is the item of choice since it gives Sandslash significantly more staying power, but Lum Berry is useful for avoiding status momentarily and allows Sandslash to consistently beat bulky Ghost-types who attempt to cripple him with Will-O-Wisp. An alternative EV Spread of 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def with an Impish nature may be used for a weaker but bulkier Sandslash. By doing so, Sandslash may gain more chances of setting up Swords Dance, which could either help negate the power lost or make Sandslash even stronger than before. Sandslash is easily countered by bulky Water-types like Milotic and Slowbro, as they can easily take a boosted Earthquake and OHKO Sandslash in return with their STAB Water-type moves. A bulky Grass-type is an effective partner for dealing with the aforementioned threats, so pairing Sandslash with Venusaur or Torterra is recommended. Strong special attackers like Moltres have an easy time switching into Sandslash on a Swords Dance, Earthquake, or Rapid Spin and obliterating him with powerful STAB attacks. Chansey can help safeguard against special attackers with her incredible special bulk while also paralyzing them with Thunder Wave. Grass-types can deal with Sandslash without much trouble as they resist Earthquake, allowing them to freely set up on him. Torterra and Leafeon can either destroy Sandslash with their STAB moves of choice or set up with Rock Polish or Swords Dance, respectively. Weezing can also switch in with ease and threaten Sandslash with Will-O-Wisp. Moltres himself is a fine partner to Sandslash, as it can switch into most Grass-types and Weezing easily, and roast them with STAB Fire Blast, while Sandslash can return the favor by removing Stealth Rock from the field with Rapid Spin.

Despite facing serious competition from other Ground-type Sword Dancers, Sandslash is able to set himself apart due to Sand Veil. The evasion boost from Sand Veil is highly important to his success, as it gives him the ability to beat his counters by potentially avoiding attacks that would otherwise be fatal. Swords Dance increases Sandslash's Attack to an impressive 656, which allows him to 2HKO all of his counters and become a significant threat to the opposing team. Earthquake is the bread and butter STAB attack of choice that deals amazing damage to any Pokemon not resistant or immune to it. Stone Edge is an excellent coverage move when paired alongside Earthquake, as it gives Sandslash a way to deal with troublesome Flying-types and Levitating Pokemon. Substitute is highly important to this set's success, as it lets Sandslash scout for his counters and gives him an opportunity to dodge an incoming attack without risking his own life if he fails. If Sandslash succeeds in dodging his counter's attack, then he can freely set up a Swords Dance. Bright Powder is the main item on this set, as it goes hand in hand with Sand Veil. The combined evasion boosts give Sandslash a 28% chance to dodge incoming attacks, and that's just against those with otherwise perfect accuracy. The evasion boost is compounded even further versus attacks with less than perfect accuracy, such as Power Whip and Will-O-Wisp. Leftovers can be used if you want a bulkier Sandslash, and it's useful for healing HP lost from Substitute. The EVs are pretty straightforward: 252 Atk EVs and an Adamant nature are used for maximum power, 212 Speed EVs are used to outspeed nearly all defensive variants of Milotic, and the rest is dumped into HP for more bulk. This set absolutely requires Hippopotas support to provide permanent sandstorm in order to function. Despite the rather large evasion boost, keep in mind that bulky Water- and Grass-types are still effective counters to Sandslash 72% of time. Weezing is also a pain for Sandslash to deal with if he is carrying Flamethrower or Fire Blast. Should a counter switch into Sandslash while he is behind a Substitute, Sandslash can opt to Substitute again to increase the odds of the opposing Pokemon eventually missing. Conventional Weezing counters like Houndoom and Moltres are not as effective with this set, as sandstorm adds unwanted residual damage and limits their effectiveness. Cradily is an excellent partner to Sandslash, as it receives a sizable Special Defense boost in sandstorm and is capable of beating both bulky Water- and Grass types. As a bonus, Cradily is capable of taking on Moltres, who otherwise threatens to OHKO Sandslash. Excessive use of Substitute will quickly wear out Sandslash, so pairing Sandslash with a Wish user is recommended in order to replenish lost HP. Clefable, Chansey, and Leafeon are all recommended due to their ability to deal with some of Sandslash's counters. Clefable stands out as the only Pokemon of the aforementioned three whom is immune to sandstorm, and she is also capable of dealing with most of the above threats with ease.

Set Description Earthquake is Sandslash's best STAB move and can hit Pokemon such as Nidoqueen, Ampharos, and Haunter for super effective damage. Rock Slide is mandatory for hitting Flying-types, such as Scyther, Dodrio, Gyarados, and Jumpluff, while also hitting Pinsir. Swords Dance lets Sandslash 2HKO almost the entire metagame after a single boost, notably including Slowbro and Granbull. Lastly, Substitute works especially well with paralysis support, letting Sandslash fish for full paralysis. It also works well against foes that might try to pivot around Sandslash's attacks, as well as Counter Gligar and Toxic Crobat. Substitute also improves Sandslash's odds of breaking through Water-types using Sleep Talk. Alternatively, Hidden Power Bug hits Bellossom, which otherwise is a great answer to Sandslash, but it is limited beyond that. Team Options Paralysis support is incredibly useful due to Sandslash's low Speed and benefit from a potential free setup turn, meaning Pokemon such as Jumpluff, Mr. Mime, and Hypno pair well with Sandslash. Jumpluff and Mr. Mime can both use Encore to let Sandslash switch in for free, and Hypno can support it with Light Screen and Reflect. Other setup sweepers such as Scyther, Pinsir, and Kabutops can be paired alongside Sandslash for an offensive assault that can be tough to wall for defensive teams, especially when supported by screens. Slowking, Chansey, and Hypno are useful teammates due to their good special bulk and ability to take Water-type attacks aimed at Sandslash. They also reinforce its strengths; Hypno and Slowking provide more consistency against Nidoqueen, and Chansey does the same against Electric-types. Scyther can support Sandslash by passing Swords Dance or Agility to it with Baton Pass. Electrode supports Sandslash well, as it can spread paralysis, set up screens, and use Explosion to provide Sandslash a free switch in. Bellossom can spread paralysis for Sandslash, sponge Water-type attacks, and notably lure in and paralyze Qwilfish. Ampharos can support Sandslash with screens or Thunder Wave and also switch into Water-types. Ampharos also lures in Nidoqueen, which can give Sandslash a setup opportunity if Nidoqueen lacks Lovely Kiss. Finally, Spikes support from Qwilfish maximizes the pressure that Sandslash exerts. Curse Qwilfish can also make progress against Blastoise if it tries to spin away Spikes.

Other Options: Slash