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 Ice /Steel -type 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 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. Unlike its Kantonian variant, the thick hide and icy spines completely prevents Alolan Sandslash from curling up into a ball. 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
Sandslash in the anime
Alolan Sandslash in the anime
In the 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 .
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 .
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.
Sandslash in Pokémon Origins
In Pokémon Origins
In File 1: Red , a Sandslash as one of the Pokémon seen in Professor Oak 's introduction.
A Sandslash appeared in a flashback in File 2: Cubone .
In the manga
Sandslash in Pokémon Pocket Monsters
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 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
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 B2 W2 : #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 S M : #252
Alola US UM : #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 S M : #252
Alola US UM : #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
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 name with Rattata , Raticate , Pikachu , and Raichu . They are all known as the Mouse Pokémon, though Rattata and Raticate have also been called the Rat Pokémon.
Origin
Bulbanews 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
Thai
แซนด์แพน Sandpan
Transcription of trademarked Japanese name
Related articles
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.