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 regional variant that is Ice/Steel. 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 and are shed regularly, but grow back quickly. It 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. Sandslash can mostly be found in deserts.
In the Alola region, Sandslash has an icy blue hide and 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. Its body emmits 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 scale an iceberg. 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. 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]
In the anime
Alolan Sandslash in the anime
In the main series
Major appearances
A Sandslash owned by Corey was one of the Pokémon captured and cloned by Mewtwo in Mewtwo Strikes Back. When Team Rocket saw it being cloned, it was mistaken for its pre-evolution, Sandshrew. The Sandslash clone was seen again in Mewtwo Returns.
In Good 'Quil Hunting, Koji informed Ash about a place that was good for catching Cyndaquil. After Ash captured a Cyndaquil, the Trainer challenged Ash to a 1-on-1 Pokémon battle to determine who would keep the Cyndaquil. Koji used a Sandslash against Ash's Cyndaquil and lost.
Three Sandslash appeared in Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!, where they helped dig a new lake for the Grass-type Pokémon at Professor Oak's Laboratory.
In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time & Darkness, 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.
Alolan Sandslash debuted in Not Caving Under Pressure!, where it 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.
Minor appearances
Multiple Sandslash debuted in The Flame Pokémon-athon!, where they were seen at the Laramie Ranch. One was later seen among the Pokémon participating in the Big P Pokémon Race.
A Sandslash appeared in A Chansey Operation as one of the injured Pokémon brought to the clinic.
A Sandslash appeared in Pikachu's Vacation as one of the Pokémon seen at the Pokémon Theme Park.
A Sandslash appeared in To Master the Onixpected. It 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.
A Sandslash appeared in Round One - Begin!, under the ownership of a Trainer competing in the Indigo Plateau Conference.
A Sandslash appeared in The Power of One.
A wild Sandslash appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.
A Sandslash appeared in Pokémon Double Trouble.
A Sandslash appeared in Tricks of the Trade as one of the Pokémon seen at the Pokémon Swap Meet in Palmpona.
A Sandslash appeared in Right On, Rhydon!, under the ownership of Pietra. She uses it 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!.
A Sandslash appeared in Nurse Joy's poem in Will the Real Oak Please Stand Up?.
A Sandslash appeared in Gone Corphishin'.
A Sandslash made a brief cameo in Destiny Deoxys.
A Sandslash made a cameo in Numero Uno Articuno, under the ownership of Noland. It was among the Pokémon residing at the Battle Factory.
A Sandslash appeared in the opening sequence of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.
A Sandslash appeared in Gymbaliar!, under the ownership of a male Trainer. It was used to battle a wild Croagunk 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.
A group of Sandslash appeared in Historical Mystery Tour!. They were among the Pokémon Barry encountered in Xatu's Forest.
A Trainer's Sandslash appeared in Curtain Up, Unova League!.
A Sandslash appeared in Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction as a resident of Allearth Forest.
A Trainer's Sandslash appeared in Alola to New Adventure!, during a flashback.
A Sandslash appeared in I Choose You!.
A Sandslash appeared in The Power of Us, where it participated in the effort to put out a fire.
An Alolan Sandslash appeared in A Timeless Encounter!, under the ownership of an Ace Trainer. It battled Hala and his Makuhita in a flashback, but was defeated.
A Trainer's Alolan Sandslash appeared in Battle Royal 151, where it competed in the Battle Royal preliminary round of the Manalo Conference but was defeated by Turtonator.
Pokédex entries
| Episode
|
Pokémon
|
Source
|
Entry
|
| EP071
|
Sandslash
|
Ash's Pokédex
|
Sandslash, the Mouse Pokémon. The evolved form of Sandshrew. It attacks opponents with the quills on its back.
|
|
| Episode
|
Pokémon
|
Source
|
Entry
|
| DP008
|
Sandslash
|
Dawn's Pokédex
|
Sandslash, the Mouse Pokémon. When it runs at full speed, it sends up a thick cloud of sand in order to hide itself.
|
|
In Pokémon Origins
A Sandslash appeared in a flashback in File 2: Cubone.
In the manga
In the Ash & Pikachu manga
Similar to her anime counterpart, Pietra owns a Sandslash. It appeared in The Grand Rhydon Plan.
In the Pokémon Adventures manga
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.
In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga
Giovanni used Sandslash in his hair salon.
In the TCG
- Main article: Sandslash (TCG)
Game data
NPC appearances
Pokédex entries
Sandslash
| Generation I
|
|
|
Kanto
#028
|
| Red(ENG)
|
Curls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.
|
| Blue
|
| Yellow
|
It is skilled at slashing enemies with its claws. If broken, they start to grow back in a day.
|
| Stadium
|
Curls into a ball of sharp spikes and rolls into enemies. It is also adept at slashing with its sharp claws.
|
|
|
| Generation II
|
|
|
Johto
#049
|
| Gold
|
In an attempt to hide itself, it will run around at top speed to kick up a blinding dust storm.
|
| Silver
|
If it digs at an incredible pace, it may snap off its spikes and claws. They grow back in a day.
|
| Crystal
|
Adept at climbing trees, it rolls into a spiny ball, then attacks its enemies from above.
|
| Stadium 2
|
In an attempt to hide itself, it will run around at top speed to kick up a blinding dust storm.
|
|
|
| Generation III
|
|
Hoenn
#113
|
|
Kanto
#028
|
| Ruby
|
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.
|
| Sapphire
|
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.
|
| Emerald
|
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.
|
| FireRed
|
It is adept at attacking with the spines on its back and its sharp claws while quickly scurrying about.
|
| LeafGreen
|
Curls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.
|
|
|
| Generation IV
|
|
Sinnoh
#—
|
|
Johto
#049
|
| Diamond
|
It curls up, then rolls into foes with its back. Its sharp spines inflict severe damage.
|
| Pearl
|
| Platinum
|
| HeartGold
|
In an attempt to hide itself, it will run around at top speed to kick up a blinding dust storm.
|
| SoulSilver
|
If it digs at an incredible pace, it may snap off its spike and claws. They grow back in a day.
|
|
|
| Generation V
|
|
|
Unova
B2W2: #114
|
| Black
|
It curls up, then rolls into foes with its back. Its sharp spines inflict severe damage.
|
| White
|
| Black 2
|
The spikes on its body are made up of its hardened hide. It rolls up and attacks foes with its spikes.
|
| White 2
|
|
|
| Generation VI
|
|
Kalos
Mountain #098
|
|
Hoenn
#118
|
| X
|
If it digs at an incredible pace, it may snap off its spikes and claws. They grow back in a day.
|
| Y
|
Curls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape.
|
| Omega Ruby
|
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.
|
| Alpha Sapphire
|
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.
|
|
|
| Generation VII
|
|
Alola
SM: #252
|
|
Alola
USUM: #329
|
|
Kanto
#028
|
| Sun
|
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.
|
| Moon
|
It uses its claws to climb trees and then curls its body into a spiny ball, ready to drop onto any prey that appears.
|
| Ultra Sun
|
Its claws and horns often break off. The broken claws and horns can be used to carve plows for tilling farm fields.
|
| Ultra Moon
|
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.
|
| Let's Go Pikachu
|
It is skilled at slashing enemies with its claws. If broken, they start to grow back in a day.
|
| Let's Go Eevee
|
|
|
Alolan Sandslash
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VII.
|
| Generation VII
|
|
Alola
SM: #252
|
|
Alola
USUM: #329
|
|
Kanto
#028
|
| Sun
|
Fleeing a volcanic eruption, it settled on a snowy mountain. As it races through the snowfields, it sends up a spray of snow.
|
| Moon
|
This Pokémon's steel spikes are sheathed in ice. Stabs from these spikes cause deep wounds and severe frostbite as well.
|
| Ultra Sun
|
It runs across snow-covered plains at high speeds. It developed thick, sharp claws to plow through the snow.
|
| Ultra Moon
|
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.
|
| Let's Go Pikachu
|
This is Sandslash's form after adaptation to a frigid environment. The cold air emitted by its body sharpens its icy spikes.
|
| Let's Go Eevee
|
|
|
Game locations
In side games
|
|
| Generation II
|
|
| This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Held items
Stats
Base stats
Sandslash
| Stat
|
Range
|
| At Lv. 50
|
At Lv. 100
|
75
|
|
135 - 182
|
260 - 354
|
100
|
|
94 - 167
|
184 - 328
|
110
|
|
103 - 178
|
202 - 350
|
45
|
|
45 - 106
|
85 - 207
|
55
|
|
54 - 117
|
103 - 229
|
65
|
|
63 - 128
|
121 - 251
|
Total: 450
|
Other Pokémon with this total
|
- 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.
|
Alolan Sandslash
| Stat
|
Range
|
| At Lv. 50
|
At Lv. 100
|
75
|
|
135 - 182
|
260 - 354
|
100
|
|
94 - 167
|
184 - 328
|
120
|
|
112 - 189
|
220 - 372
|
25
|
|
27 - 84
|
49 - 163
|
65
|
|
63 - 128
|
121 - 251
|
65
|
|
63 - 128
|
121 - 251
|
Total: 450
|
Other Pokémon with this total
|
- 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.
|
Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
Sandslash
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alolan Sandslash
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Learnset
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 level-up moves from other generations
|
Alolan 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
|
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 TM moves from other generations
|
Alolan 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
|
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 moves from other generations
|
Alolan 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
|
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 level-up moves from other generations
|
Alolan 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
|
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 TM moves from other generations
|
Alolan 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
|
Sandslash
|
|
|
|
- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Sandslash in Generation VII
- Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation.
- Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Sandslash in that game.
- 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
|
Alolan Sandslash
|
|
|
|
- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Sandslash in Generation VII
- Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation.
- Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Sandslash in that game.
- 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
|
Sandslash
|
|
|
|
- A black or white abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Sandslash can be tutored the move in that game
- A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Sandslash cannot be tutored the move in that game
- 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 Move Tutor moves from other generations
|
Alolan Sandslash
|
|
|
|
- A black or white abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Sandslash can be tutored the move in that game
- A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Sandslash cannot be tutored the move in that game
- 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
|
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 moves from other generations
|
Alolan 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
|
Side game data
Sandslash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs
| Group:
|
|
Poké Assist:
(present)
|
|
Field move:
(present)
|
(Cut ×3)
|
Poké Assist:
(past)
|
|
Field move:
(past)
|
(Cut ×1)
|
| Browser entry R-181/N-011
|
| It triggers tremors and opens fissures that make Pokémon Paused.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alolan Sandslash
Evolution
Sandslash
Alolan Sandslash
Sprites
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 poisonous.
Name origin
Sandslash is a combination of sand and slash, referring to its long claws.
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
|
 Italian
|
Sandslash
|
Same as English name
|
 Korean
|
고지 Koji
|
From 고슴도치 goseumdochi and 두더지 dudeoji
|
 Mandarin Chinese
|
穿山王 Chuānshānwáng
|
A portmanteau of 穿山甲 and 王. Literally "King of going through mountains"
|
 Cantonese Chinese
|
穿山王 Chyūnsāanwòhng
|
A portmanteau of 穿山甲 and 王. Literally "King of going through mountains"
|
|
|
|
| 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
|
|
|
|
Notes
External links
|
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.
|
Soft Sand (5%)
Quick Claw (5%)
For other sprites and images, please see Sandslash images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
