Sandshrew Guide: Best Moveset, Counters & Pokemon GO Tips

Sandshrew is a popular Ground-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 1,261, Sandshrew is a viable option for Great League PvP battles where its unique typing and moveset can shine.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Sandshrew in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.

📊 Sandshrew Base Stats & Overview

Sandshrew (#027) is a Ground-type Pokemon from Generation 1.

Base Stats
Attack	126
Defense	120
Stamina	137
Total Stats	383
Max CP	1,261
Buddy Distance	3 km

With 126 Attack, 120 Defense, and 137 Stamina, Sandshrew has a total stat product of 383. While not the highest in any single stat, Sandshrew’s balanced stats make it versatile in various battle situations.

⚔️ Best Moveset for Sandshrew

Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Sandshrew’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Sandshrew for raids, gym battles, or PvP.

Best Raid & Gym Moveset

For PvE content like raids and gym battles, you want moves that maximize DPS (Damage Per Second). The best Ground-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.

Best PvP Moveset

In PvP battles, energy generation and coverage moves become more important. You’ll want a fast move that charges energy quickly and charged moves that provide good type coverage.

🎯 Sandshrew Type Effectiveness

Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Sandshrew effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Ground-type Pokemon, Sandshrew has specific strengths and weaknesses.

⚠️ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)

Sandshrew is weak to: Water, Grass, Ice-type moves. When battling against Sandshrew, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.

• Water – Deals increased damage
• Grass – Deals increased damage
• Ice – Deals increased damage

🛡️ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)

Sandshrew resists: Poison, Rock, Electric-type moves. This means Sandshrew takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.

• Poison – Reduced damage
• Rock – Reduced damage
• Electric – Reduced damage

🏆 Sandshrew PvP Analysis

Sandshrew can be used in Pokemon GO’s GO Battle League PvP battles. Here’s how it performs in each league:

Great League (1500 CP Limit)

Sandshrew can reach its full potential in Great League since its max CP (1,261) is at or below the 1500 CP limit. This makes it a viable option if its typing and moveset align with the current meta.

Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)

With a max CP of 1,261, Sandshrew may struggle in Ultra League against bulkier opponents with higher stat products.

Master League (No CP Limit)

Sandshrew is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (1,261). Focus on other leagues instead.

⚔️ Sandshrew Raid Guide

Sandshrew is primarily used as a raid attacker rather than a raid boss. Here’s how to use it effectively in raids:

Using Sandshrew in Raids

When using Sandshrew as a raid attacker:

• Best against raid bosses weak to Ground-type moves
• Power up to at least level 30-35 for decent performance
• Ensure you have the optimal moveset for maximum DPS

🎯 Best Counters for Sandshrew

Whether you’re battling Sandshrew in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Sandshrew:

Top Counter Pokemon

The best counters exploit Sandshrew’s weaknesses to Water, Grass, Ice-type moves:

Pokemon	Type	Why It Works
Kyogre	Water	Best Water attacker with Waterfall + Hydro Pump
Swampert	Water/Ground	Mud Shot + Hydro Cannon is devastating
Gyarados	Water/Flying	Accessible and powerful Water attacker
Kartana	Grass/Steel	Highest Grass DPS available
Roserade	Grass/Poison	Razor Leaf + Grass Knot hits hard
Venusaur	Grass/Poison	Vine Whip + Frenzy Plant (Community Day)

Counter Strategy Tips

1. Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Sandshrew
2. Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
3. Watch for Coverage Moves: Sandshrew may have moves that counter its own counters
4. Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks

📍 How to Get Sandshrew in Pokemon GO

There are several ways to obtain Sandshrew in Pokemon GO:

• Wild Encounters: Sandshrew can spawn in the wild, especially in areas matching its type
• Eggs: May hatch from 3km eggs
• Evolution: Evolve from its pre-evolution using Candy
• Raids: Occasionally appears in raid battles
• Research Tasks: Complete field research for a chance to encounter
• Trading: Trade with friends

Shiny Sandshrew

Yes, Shiny Sandshrew is available in Pokemon GO! The shiny variant has a different coloration and is highly sought after by collectors. The shiny rate for wild encounters is approximately 1 in 500, though this can be boosted during special events like Community Days or Spotlight Hours.

Sandshrew Evolution

Check the Pokédex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Pro Tips for Using Sandshrew

Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Sandshrew’s potential in Pokemon GO:

1. IV Optimization

For raids and gym battles, prioritize Sandshrew with high Attack IVs (15 Attack is ideal). The Attack stat contributes most to damage output in PvE content.

For PvP battles, the ideal IVs depend on the league:

• Great League: Look for low Attack, high Defense and HP (0/15/15 is often ideal)
• Ultra League: Similar to Great League, optimize for stat product under 2500 CP
• Master League: Perfect 15/15/15 IVs are best since there’s no CP cap

2. Power Up Priority

Before investing Stardust and Candy into Sandshrew, consider:

• Do you have enough resources? (Powering to level 50 costs 296,000 Stardust and 296 Candy)
• Will this Pokemon fill a gap in your battle team?
• Are there better alternatives for the same role?
• Do you have the optimal moveset or need Elite TMs?

3. Team Composition

Sandshrew works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Ground type weak to Water, Grass, consider adding team members that resist these types.

4. Weather Considerations

Take advantage of weather boosts:

• When catching: Weather-boosted Sandshrew spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
• When battling: Weather that boosts Ground moves increases your damage output
• When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather

📚 Sandshrew in the Pokemon Franchise

Sandshrew first appeared in Generation 1 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Sandshrew’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.

In Pokemon GO, Sandshrew was introduced as part of the Generation 1 Pokemon rollout. Being a Generation 1 Pokemon, Sandshrew has been available since the game’s launch in July 2016.

📊 How Sandshrew Compares

Let’s see how Sandshrew stacks up against other Ground-type Pokemon:

Stat	Sandshrew	Type Average	Rating
Attack	126	~180	⭐
Defense	120	~160	⭐
Stamina	137	~170	⭐
Max CP	1,261	~2,500	⭐

🎯 Conclusion

Sandshrew is a versatile Ground-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 1,261 and solid base stats (126/120/137), it can shine in Great League PvP where its unique typing and moveset options provide interesting strategic possibilities.

Remember to:

• Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
• Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
• Build a team that covers Sandshrew’s weaknesses
• Take advantage of weather boosts when possible

For more Pokemon guides and the complete Pokedex, visit our Pokemon GO Database. Check out our PvP Rankings for the current meta and Raid Guides for battle strategies.

Last updated: January 2026. Information based on the latest Pokemon GO game data.

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