Sandslash in Pokemon GO – Stats, Moves, PvP Tips & More

Sandslash is a popular Ground-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 2,374, Sandslash 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 Sandslash in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.

📊 Sandslash Base Stats & Overview

Sandslash (#028) is a Ground-type Pokemon from Generation 1.

Base Stats
Attack	182
Defense	175
Stamina	181
Total Stats	538
Max CP	2,374
Buddy Distance	3 km

With 182 Attack, 175 Defense, and 181 Stamina, Sandslash has a total stat product of 538. While not the highest in any single stat, Sandslash’s balanced stats make it versatile in various battle situations.

⚔️ Best Moveset for Sandslash

Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Sandslash’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Sandslash 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.

🎯 Sandslash Type Effectiveness

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

⚠️ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)

Sandslash is weak to: Water, Grass, Ice-type moves. When battling against Sandslash, 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)

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

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

🏆 Sandslash PvP Analysis

Sandslash 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)

With a max CP of 2,374, Sandslash would need to be under-leveled for Great League. Check if the stats at 1500 CP are competitive before investing resources.

Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)

Sandslash fits well in Ultra League with a max CP of 2,374. It can compete effectively against the meta threats in this league.

Master League (No CP Limit)

Sandslash is generally not recommended for Master League due to its lower max CP (2,374). Focus on other leagues instead.

⚔️ Sandslash Raid Guide

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

Using Sandslash in Raids

When using Sandslash 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 Sandslash

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

Top Counter Pokemon

The best counters exploit Sandslash’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 Sandslash
2. Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
3. Watch for Coverage Moves: Sandslash 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 Sandslash in Pokemon GO

There are several ways to obtain Sandslash in Pokemon GO:

• Wild Encounters: Sandslash 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 Sandslash

Yes, Shiny Sandslash 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.

Sandslash Evolution

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

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💡 Pro Tips for Using Sandslash

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

1. IV Optimization

For raids and gym battles, prioritize Sandslash 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 Sandslash, 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

Sandslash 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 Sandslash 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

📚 Sandslash in the Pokemon Franchise

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

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

📊 How Sandslash Compares

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

Stat	Sandslash	Type Average	Rating
Attack	182	~180	⭐⭐
Defense	175	~160	⭐⭐
Stamina	181	~170	⭐⭐
Max CP	2,374	~2,500	⭐

🎯 Conclusion

Sandslash is a versatile Ground-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 2,374 and solid base stats (182/175/181), 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 Sandslash’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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