Type | Generation 1 | Generation 2 | Generation 3 | Generation 4 | Generation 5 | Generation 6 | Generation 7 | Generation 8 | Generation 9 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | - |
Shiny | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | - |
Sandslash (Alola Form) is an Ice & Steel Pokémon which evolves from Sandshrew. It is vulnerable to Fighting, Fire and Ground moves. Sandslash's strongest moveset is Metal Claw & Blizzard and it has a Max CP of 2,432.
"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."
Powder Snow and Shadow Claw are identical in performance against neutral opponents, and thus both are viable. The latter is less likely to be resisted, however. It is recommended to have multiple Alolan Sandslash with both Fast Moves to avoid using rare Elite TMs.
The move rebalance on September 27, 2019 gave Alolan Sandslash the much needed Ice Punch, which is mandatory due to its low energy cost compared to A-Sandslash's other options. Benefiting from STAB, this is its main charge move and also acts as a shield bait.
While both Bulldoze and Gyro Ball have identical stats (80 power, 60 energy cost) and are among the worst charge moves for PvP, they cost less energy than Blizzard, which makes them easier to access. Bulldoze provides wide coverage, including against Alolan Sandslash's major weakness to Fire-types, while Gyro Ball can help against other Ice-type Pokemon as well as just benefiting from STAB.
Alolan Sandslash is somewhat of a specialist. It's the kind of the Pokemon you'd use if you really want to abuse opponents weak to Ice while resisting their attacks (except for Ground-types). Nine resistances and good bulk are definitely perks, but two double weakness can be very scary against common typings.
XL Candy is required to optimize IVs for Ultra League. While it doesn't have the best matchups compared to other options, it can still beat down major threats like Giratina and Togekiss. Two double weaknesses and a lack of coverage against popular Water-types such as Swampert are still major issues.
Alolan Sandslash doesn't have the stats compete well in Master League. Whatever it can do here, other Ice-type pokemon can do better.
Pokemon and Pokemon GO are copyright of The Pokemon Company, Nintendo, Inc., and Nintendo. All trademarked images and names are property of their respective owners, and any such material is used on this site for educational purposes only.