Sandslash

#252 in the Sun & Moon Pokédex • Mouse Pokémon

Normal

Shiny

Pokédex entries

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.

Details

Type

Weak to

2×

2×

2×

Resists

0.5×

0.5×

Immune to

0×

Growth

EV yield, catch rate, and experience details for this Pokémon.

Pokédexes	Alola #252Ula'ula #124
EV yield	2 Def
Catch rate	90
Base Exp.	158

Eggs

Egg groups, gender ratio, and hatching details for this Pokémon.

Egg groups	Field
Gender	50% male 50% female
Egg cycles	20

Evolution

Evolution requirements shown in a compact table or chain view.

Pokémon	Requires	Evolution
Sandshrew #251	Level 22	Sandslash #252

Held-item rates for this form. Some Pokémon have no wild encounter in Sun/Moon; check their acquisition requirements.

Grip Claw

Moon

Sun

Moves

Moves this Pokémon learns naturally by reaching specific levels.

		Class				Description
Evo.	Crush Claw	Physical	75	95	10	The user slashes the target with hard and sharp claws. This may also lower the target’s Defense stat.
Start	Scratch	Physical	40	100	35	Hard, pointed, sharp claws rake the target to inflict damage.
Start	Sand Attack	Status	-	100	15	Sand is hurled in the target’s face, reducing the target’s accuracy.
Start	Poison Sting	Physical	15	100	35	The user stabs the target with a poisonous stinger. This may also poison the target.
Start	Defense Curl	Status	-	-	40	The user curls up to conceal weak spots and raise its Defense stat.
Start	Crush Claw	Physical	75	95	10	The user slashes the target with hard and sharp claws. This may also lower the target’s Defense stat.
3	Sand Attack	Status	-	100	15	Sand is hurled in the target’s face, reducing the target’s accuracy.
5	Poison Sting	Physical	15	100	35	The user stabs the target with a poisonous stinger. This may also poison the target.
7	Rollout	Physical	30	90	20	The user continually rolls into the target over five turns. It becomes more powerful each time it hits.
9	Rapid Spin	Physical	20	100	40	A spin attack that can also eliminate such moves as Bind, Wrap, Leech Seed, and Spikes.
11	Fury Cutter	Physical	40	95	20	The target is slashed with scythes or claws. This attack becomes more powerful if it hits in succession.
14	Magnitude	Physical	-	100	30	The user attacks everything around it with a ground-shaking quake. Its power varies.
17	Swift	Special	60	-	20	Star-shaped rays are shot at the opposing Pokémon. This attack never misses.
20	Fury Swipes	Physical	18	80	15	The target is raked with sharp claws or scythes quickly two to five times in a row.
24	Sand Tomb	Physical	35	85	15	The user traps the target inside a harshly raging sandstorm for four to five turns.
28	Slash	Physical	70	100	20	The target is attacked with a slash of claws or blades. Critical hits land more easily.
33	Dig	Physical	80	100	10	The user burrows, then attacks on the next turn.
38	Gyro Ball	Physical	-	100	5	The user tackles the target with a high-speed spin. The slower the user compared to the target, the greater the move’s power.
43	Swords Dance	Status	-	-	20	A frenetic dance to uplift the fighting spirit. This sharply raises the user’s Attack stat.
48	Sandstorm	Status	-	-	10	A five-turn sandstorm is summoned to hurt all combatants except the Rock, Ground, and Steel types. It raises the Sp. Def stat of Rock types.
53	Earthquake	Physical	100	100	10	The user sets off an earthquake that strikes every Pokémon around it.

Machines

Moves this Pokémon can learn from Technical Machines in Pokémon Sun and Moon.

		Class				Description
TM06	Toxic	Status	-	90	10	A move that leaves the target badly poisoned. Its poison damage worsens every turn.
TM10	Hidden Power	Special	60	100	15	A unique attack that varies in type depending on the Pokémon using it.
TM11	Sunny Day	Status	-	-	5	The user intensifies the sun for five turns, powering up Fire-type moves. It lowers the power of Water-type moves.
TM15	Hyper Beam	Special	150	90	5	The target is attacked with a powerful beam. The user can’t move on the next turn.
TM17	Protect	Status	-	-	10	Enables the user to evade all attacks. Its chance of failing rises if it is used in succession.
TM20	Safeguard	Status	-	-	25	The user creates a protective field that prevents status conditions for five turns.
TM21	Frustration	Physical	-	100	20	This full-power attack grows more powerful the less the user likes its Trainer.
TM26	Earthquake	Physical	100	100	10	The user sets off an earthquake that strikes every Pokémon around it.
TM27	Return	Physical	-	100	20	This full-power attack grows more powerful the more the user likes its Trainer.
TM31	Brick Break	Physical	75	100	15	The user attacks with a swift chop. It can also break barriers, such as Light Screen and Reflect.
TM32	Double Team	Status	-	-	15	By moving rapidly, the user makes illusory copies of itself to raise its evasiveness.
TM37	Sandstorm	Status	-	-	10	A five-turn sandstorm is summoned to hurt all combatants except the Rock, Ground, and Steel types. It raises the Sp. Def stat of Rock types.
TM39	Rock Tomb	Physical	60	95	15	Boulders are hurled at the target. This also lowers the target’s Speed stat by preventing its movement.
TM40	Aerial Ace	Physical	60	-	20	The user confounds the target with speed, then slashes. This attack never misses.
TM42	Facade	Physical	70	100	20	This attack move doubles its power if the user is poisoned, burned, or paralyzed.
TM44	Rest	Status	-	-	10	The user goes to sleep for two turns. This fully restores the user’s HP and heals any status conditions.
TM45	Attract	Status	-	100	15	If it is the opposite gender of the user, the target becomes infatuated and less likely to attack.
TM46	Thief	Physical	60	100	25	The user attacks and steals the target’s held item simultaneously. The user can’t steal anything if it already holds an item.
TM48	Round	Special	60	100	15	The user attacks the target with a song. Others can join in the Round to increase the power of the attack.
TM52	Focus Blast	Special	120	70	5	The user heightens its mental focus and unleashes its power. This may also lower the target’s Sp. Def stat.
TM56	Fling	Physical	-	100	10	The user flings its held item at the target to attack. This move’s power and effects depend on the item.
TM65	Shadow Claw	Physical	70	100	15	The user slashes with a sharp claw made from shadows. Critical hits land more easily.
TM68	Giga Impact	Physical	150	90	5	The user charges at the target using every bit of its power. The user can’t move on the next turn.
TM71	Stone Edge	Physical	100	80	5	The user stabs the target from below with sharpened stones. Critical hits land more easily.
TM74	Gyro Ball	Physical	-	100	5	The user tackles the target with a high-speed spin. The slower the user compared to the target, the greater the move’s power.
TM75	Swords Dance	Status	-	-	20	A frenetic dance to uplift the fighting spirit. This sharply raises the user’s Attack stat.
TM78	Bulldoze	Physical	60	100	20	The user strikes everything around it by stomping down on the ground. This lowers the Speed stat of those hit.
TM80	Rock Slide	Physical	75	90	10	Large boulders are hurled at the opposing Pokémon to inflict damage. This may also make the opposing Pokémon flinch.
TM81	X-Scissor	Physical	80	100	15	The user slashes at the target by crossing its scythes or claws as if they were a pair of scissors.
TM84	Poison Jab	Physical	80	100	20	The target is stabbed with a tentacle or arm steeped in poison. This may also poison the target.
TM87	Swagger	Status	-	85	15	The user enrages and confuses the target. However, this also sharply raises the target’s Attack stat.
TM88	Sleep Talk	Status	-	-	10	While it is asleep, the user randomly uses one of the moves it knows.
TM90	Substitute	Status	-	-	10	The user makes a copy of itself using some of its HP. The copy serves as the user’s decoy.
TM100	Confide	Status	-	-	20	The user tells the target a secret, and the target loses its ability to concentrate. This lowers the target’s Sp. Atk stat.

Learn before evolving and retain the move. Breeding and prior stages have separate requirements.

	Class				Acquisition source	Description
Chip Away	Physical	70	100	20	Sandshrew — breeding; retain through evolution	Looking for an opening, the user strikes consistently. The target’s stat changes don’t affect this attack’s damage.
Counter	Physical	-	100	20	Sandshrew — breeding; retain through evolution	A retaliation move that counters any physical attack, inflicting double the damage taken.
Endure	Status	-	-	10	Sandshrew — breeding; retain through evolution	The user endures any attack with at least 1 HP. Its chance of failing rises if it is used in succession.
Flail	Physical	-	100	15	Sandshrew — breeding; retain through evolution	The user flails about aimlessly to attack. The less HP the user has, the greater the move’s power.
Metal Claw	Physical	50	95	35	Sandshrew — breeding; retain through evolution	The target is raked with steel claws. This may also raise the user’s Attack stat.
Mud Shot	Special	55	95	15	Sandshrew — breeding; retain through evolution	The user attacks by hurling a blob of mud at the target. This also lowers the target’s Speed stat.
Night Slash	Physical	70	100	15	Sandshrew — breeding; retain through evolution	The user slashes the target the instant an opportunity arises. Critical hits land more easily.
Rock Climb	Physical	90	85	20	Sandshrew — breeding; retain through evolution	The user attacks the target by smashing into it with incredible force. This may also confuse the target.
Rototiller	Status	-	-	10	Sandshrew — breeding; retain through evolution	Tilling the soil, the user makes it easier for plants to grow. This raises the Attack and Sp. Atk stats of Grass-type Pokémon.

Imports and compatible Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon trades have separate requirements. Individual options do not guarantee every four-move combination.

	Class				Acquisition source	Description
Bide	Physical	-	-	10	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The user endures attacks for two turns, then strikes back to cause double the damage taken.
Body Slam	Physical	85	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user drops onto the target with its full body weight. This may also leave the target with paralysis.
Body Slam	Physical	85	100	15	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The user drops onto the target with its full body weight. This may also leave the target with paralysis.
Captivate	Status	-	100	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	If any opposing Pokémon is the opposite gender of the user, it is charmed, which harshly lowers its Sp. Atk stat.
Chip Away	Physical	70	100	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	Looking for an opening, the user strikes consistently. The target’s stat changes don’t affect this attack’s damage.
Counter	Physical	-	100	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	A retaliation move that counters any physical attack, inflicting double the damage taken.
Counter	Physical	-	100	20	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	A retaliation move that counters any physical attack, inflicting double the damage taken.
Covet	Physical	60	100	25	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user endearingly approaches the target, then steals the target’s held item.
Covet	Physical	60	100	25	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The user endearingly approaches the target, then steals the target’s held item.
Curse	Status	-	-	10	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	A move that works differently for the Ghost type than for all other types.
Cut	Physical	50	95	30	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The target is cut with a scythe or claw.
Cut	Physical	50	95	30	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The target is cut with a scythe or claw.
Detect	Status	-	-	5	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	Enables the user to evade all attacks. Its chance of failing rises if it is used in succession.
Double-Edge	Physical	120	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	A reckless, life-risking tackle. This also damages the user quite a lot.
Double-Edge	Physical	120	100	15	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	A reckless, life-risking tackle. This also damages the user quite a lot.
Dynamic Punch	Physical	100	50	5	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user punches the target with full, concentrated power. This confuses the target if it hits.
Dynamic Punch	Physical	100	50	5	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The user punches the target with full, concentrated power. This confuses the target if it hits.
Earth Power	Special	90	100	10	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user makes the ground under the target erupt with power. This may also lower the target’s Sp. Def stat.
Earth Power	Special	90	100	10	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The user makes the ground under the target erupt with power. This may also lower the target’s Sp. Def stat.
Endure	Status	-	-	10	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user endures any attack with at least 1 HP. Its chance of failing rises if it is used in succession.
Endure	Status	-	-	10	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The user endures any attack with at least 1 HP. Its chance of failing rises if it is used in succession.
Fissure	Physical	-	30	5	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The user opens up a fissure in the ground and drops the target in. The target faints instantly if this attack hits.
Flail	Physical	-	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user flails about aimlessly to attack. The less HP the user has, the greater the move’s power.
Flail	Physical	-	100	15	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The user flails about aimlessly to attack. The less HP the user has, the greater the move’s power.
Focus Punch	Physical	150	100	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user focuses its mind before launching a punch. This move fails if the user is hit before it is used.
Focus Punch	Physical	150	100	20	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The user focuses its mind before launching a punch. This move fails if the user is hit before it is used.
Headbutt	Physical	70	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user sticks out its head and attacks by charging straight into the target. This may also make the target flinch.
Headbutt	Physical	70	100	15	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The user sticks out its head and attacks by charging straight into the target. This may also make the target flinch.
Hone Claws	Status	-	-	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user sharpens its claws to boost its Attack stat and accuracy.
Iron Tail	Physical	100	75	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The target is slammed with a steel-hard tail. This may also lower the target’s Defense stat.
Iron Tail	Physical	100	75	15	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The target is slammed with a steel-hard tail. This may also lower the target’s Defense stat.
Iron Tail	Physical	100	75	15	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The target is slammed with a steel-hard tail. This may also lower the target’s Defense stat.
Knock Off	Physical	65	100	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user slaps down the target’s held item, and that item can’t be used in that battle. The move does more damage if the target has a held item.
Knock Off	Physical	65	100	20	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The user slaps down the target’s held item, and that item can’t be used in that battle. The move does more damage if the target has a held item.
Metal Claw	Physical	50	95	35	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The target is raked with steel claws. This may also raise the user’s Attack stat.
Metal Claw	Physical	50	95	35	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The target is raked with steel claws. This may also raise the user’s Attack stat.
Mimic	Status	-	-	10	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user copies the target’s last move. The move can be used during battle until the Pokémon is switched out.
Mimic	Status	-	-	10	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The user copies the target’s last move. The move can be used during battle until the Pokémon is switched out.
Mud Shot	Special	55	95	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user attacks by hurling a blob of mud at the target. This also lowers the target’s Speed stat.
Mud-Slap	Special	20	100	10	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user hurls mud in the target’s face to inflict damage and lower its accuracy.
Mud-Slap	Special	20	100	10	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The user hurls mud in the target’s face to inflict damage and lower its accuracy.
Natural Gift	Physical	-	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user draws power to attack by using its held Berry. The Berry determines the move’s type and power.
Night Slash	Physical	70	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user slashes the target the instant an opportunity arises. Critical hits land more easily.
Rage	Physical	20	100	20	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	As long as this move is in use, the power of rage raises the Attack stat each time the user is hit in battle.
Rock Climb	Physical	90	85	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user attacks the target by smashing into it with incredible force. This may also confuse the target.
Rock Smash	Physical	40	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user attacks with a punch. This may also lower the target’s Defense stat.
Rock Smash	Physical	40	100	15	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The user attacks with a punch. This may also lower the target’s Defense stat.
Rototiller	Status	-	-	10	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	Tilling the soil, the user makes it easier for plants to grow. This raises the Attack and Sp. Atk stats of Grass-type Pokémon.
Secret Power	Physical	70	100	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The additional effects of this attack depend upon where it was used.
Seismic Toss	Physical	-	100	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The target is thrown using the power of gravity. It inflicts damage equal to the user’s level.
Seismic Toss	Physical	-	100	20	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The target is thrown using the power of gravity. It inflicts damage equal to the user’s level.
Skull Bash	Physical	130	100	10	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The user tucks in its head to raise its Defense stat on the first turn, then rams the target on the next turn.
Snore	Special	50	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	This attack can be used only if the user is asleep. The harsh noise may also make the target flinch.
Snore	Special	50	100	15	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	This attack can be used only if the user is asleep. The harsh noise may also make the target flinch.
Snore	Special	50	100	15	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	This attack can be used only if the user is asleep. The harsh noise may also make the target flinch.
Stealth Rock	Status	-	-	20	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user lays a trap of levitating stones around the opposing team. The trap hurts opposing Pokémon that switch into battle.
Stealth Rock	Status	-	-	20	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The user lays a trap of levitating stones around the opposing team. The trap hurts opposing Pokémon that switch into battle.
Stomping Tantrum	Physical	75	100	10	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	Driven by frustration, the user attacks the target. If the user’s previous move has failed, the power of this move doubles.
Strength	Physical	80	100	15	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The target is slugged with a punch thrown at maximum power.
Strength	Physical	80	100	15	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The target is slugged with a punch thrown at maximum power.
Submission	Physical	80	80	20	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	The user grabs the target and recklessly dives for the ground. This also damages the user a little.
Super Fang	Physical	-	90	10	Import from compatible Generation III–VI games via Pokémon Bank; retain through evolution where applicable	The user chomps hard on the target with its sharp front fangs. This cuts the target’s HP in half.
Super Fang	Physical	-	90	10	Trade from Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon; only original Sun/Moon-compatible forms and moves	The user chomps hard on the target with its sharp front fangs. This cuts the target’s HP in half.
Take Down	Physical	90	85	20	3DS Virtual Console import via Poké Transporter and Pokémon Bank; Hidden Ability where available	A reckless, full-body charge attack for slamming into the target. This also damages the user a little.

Traits

Ability options available to this Pokémon in this game.

Sand Veil

Ability Slot 1

Boosts the Pokémon’s evasion in a sandstorm.

Increases evasion to 1.25× during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.

Sand Rush(Hidden Ability)

Boosts the Pokémon’s Speed stat in a sandstorm.

Doubles Speed during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.

#251

Sandshrew Alola

#252

Sandslash Alola

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