Raichu 
→
Sandshrew
Base Stats
Pokémon Info
| Max CP | 1,443 |
| Generation | Kanto (Gen 1) |
| Buddy Distance | 3km |
| Released | ✅ Yes |
| Shiny | ✨ Yes |
| Shadow | 😈 Yes |
About Sandshrew
Sandshrew is a Ground-type Pokémon from Kanto (Generation 1) in Pokémon GO. It has a maximum Combat Power (CP) of 1,443 when powered up to Level 50 with perfect 15/15/15 IVs. Sandshrew has base stats of 126 Attack, 120 Defense, and 137 Stamina, giving it a total stat product of 383.
Sandshrew can be used in various battle formats depending on its moveset and the current meta. Its shiny form is available in Pokémon GO. Shadow Sandshrew is also available from Team GO Rocket encounters, dealing 20% more damage.
In Sunny weather, Sandshrew receives a weather boost increasing its catch CP and spawn rate. The buddy walking distance for Sandshrew is 3km per candy.
🔄 Evolution Chain
⚡ Fast Attacks
| Move | Type | Power | Energy | DPS | EPS | PvP DPT | PvP EPT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scratch STAB | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Mud Shot STAB | Ground | 5 | +7 | 8.3 | - | - | - |
| Sand Attack STAB | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
DPS = Damage/Sec (PvE) · EPS = Energy/Sec · DPT/EPT = Damage/Energy Per Turn (PvP) · STAB = +20% type bonus
💥 Charged Attacks
| Move | Type | Power | Energy | DPS | PvP Pwr | PvP Nrg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dig STAB | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Rock Slide | Rock | 80 | -50 | - | 75 | -45 |
| Sand Tomb STAB | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Rock Tomb ELITE STAB | - | - | - | - | - | - |
🛡️ Type Effectiveness
Weaknesses
Sandshrew takes increased damage from these types:
Resistances
Sandshrew takes reduced damage from these types:
🎯 Best Counters Against Sandshrew
Top Pokémon to use when battling Sandshrew in raids and gyms, sorted by Attack.
| # | Pokémon | Type | ATK | DEF | STA | Max CP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Kartana
| Grass Steel | 323 | 182 | 139 | 4,206 |
| 2 |
Palkia
| Water Dragon | 280 | 215 | 189 | 4,565 |
| 3 |
Kyogre
| Water | 270 | 228 | 205 | 4,708 |
| 4 |
Inteleon
| Water | 262 | 142 | 172 | 3,391 |
| 5 |
Baxcalibur
| Dragon Ice | 254 | 168 | 229 | 4,061 |
| 6 |
Volcanion
| Fire Water | 252 | 216 | 190 | 4,151 |
| 7 |
Tapu Bulu
| Grass Fairy | 249 | 215 | 172 | 3,912 |
| 8 |
Mamoswine
| Ice Ground | 247 | 146 | 242 | 3,808 |
| 9 |
Kyurem
| Dragon Ice | 246 | 170 | 245 | 4,090 |
| 10 |
Sharpedo
| Water Dark | 243 | 83 | 172 | 2,495 |
🏆 Sandshrew PvP IV Rankings
Best IVs for GO Battle League. Higher stat product = better PvP.
🟢 Great League (1500 CP)
| # | ATK | DEF | STA | Lv | CP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 50 | 1,430 |
🟣 Ultra League (2500 CP)
| # | ATK | DEF | STA | Lv | CP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 50 | 1,430 |
Ranked by Stat Product. #1 = best PvP. Master League: use 15/15/15.
📋 Sandshrew IV Chart
Expected CP at different IV levels per encounter type.
| IVs | Wild L30 | Research L15 | Raid L20 | WB L25 | Max L40 | L50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% (15/15/15) | 1,081 | 540 | 720 | 901 | 1,261 | 1,430 |
| 98% (15/15/14) | 1,077 | 538 | 718 | 898 | 1,257 | 1,425 |
| 96% (15/14/15) | 1,077 | 538 | 718 | 897 | 1,256 | 1,425 |
| 93% (14/14/14) | 1,066 | 533 | 710 | 888 | 1,243 | 1,410 |
| 91% (15/13/13) | 1,066 | 533 | 710 | 888 | 1,243 | 1,410 |
| 87% (13/13/13) | 1,051 | 525 | 700 | 875 | 1,226 | 1,390 |
| 82% (12/12/12) | 1,036 | 518 | 690 | 863 | 1,208 | 1,370 |
| 80% (10/15/15) | 1,043 | 521 | 695 | 869 | 1,216 | 1,379 |
| 67% (10/10/10) | 1,006 | 503 | 670 | 838 | 1,174 | 1,331 |
| 0% (0/0/0) | 864 | 432 | 576 | 720 | 1,009 | 1,144 |
📋 Sandshrew Forms
📊 Special CP Values
Important CP values for Sandshrew with perfect 15/15/15 IVs:
| 🏆 Max CP (Lv 50) | 1,430 CP |
| 🎯 Max CP (Lv 40) | 1,261 CP |
| ⚔️ Raid Catch (Lv 20) | 670 - 720 CP |
| 🌤️ Weather Boost (Lv 25) | 838 - 901 CP |
| 🥚 Egg Hatch (Lv 20) | 670 - 720 CP |
| 🔬 Research (Lv 15) | 503 - 540 CP |
📈 Max CP by Level
Maximum CP for Sandshrew with perfect 15/15/15 IVs at each level.
| Lv | Max CP | Lv | Max CP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17 | 26 | 1,261 |
| 2 | 1,261 | 27 | 1,261 |
| 3 | 1,261 | 28 | 1,261 |
| 4 | 1,261 | 29 | 1,261 |
| 5 | 170 | 30 | 1,081 |
| 6 | 1,261 | 31 | 1,261 |
| 7 | 1,261 | 32 | 1,261 |
| 8 | 1,261 | 33 | 1,261 |
| 9 | 1,261 | 34 | 1,261 |
| 10 | 360 | 35 | 1,171 |
| 11 | 1,261 | 36 | 1,261 |
| 12 | 1,261 | 37 | 1,261 |
| 13 | 1,261 | 38 | 1,261 |
| 14 | 1,261 | 39 | 1,261 |
| 15 | 540 | 40 | 1,261 |
| 16 | 1,261 | 41 | 1,261 |
| 17 | 1,261 | 42 | 1,261 |
| 18 | 1,261 | 43 | 1,261 |
| 19 | 1,261 | 44 | 1,261 |
| 20 | 720 | 45 | 1,349 |
| 21 | 1,261 | 46 | 1,261 |
| 22 | 1,261 | 47 | 1,261 |
| 23 | 1,261 | 48 | 1,261 |
| 24 | 1,261 | 49 | 1,261 |
| 25 | 901 | 50 | 1,430 |
📖 Complete Sandshrew Pokémon GO Guide 2026
Sandshrew (#027) is a Ground-type Pokémon from the Kanto region (Generation 1) in Pokémon GO. With a maximum CP of 1,443 at Level 50 with perfect 15/15/15 IVs, Sandshrew has its niche uses in certain battle scenarios. This complete guide covers the best moveset, PvP analysis, raid counters, evolution, and shiny availability for Sandshrew in 2026.
📊 Sandshrew Stats Analysis
Sandshrew's Attack stat is 126 (Average). The lower Attack stat means Sandshrew may compensate with bulk or utility.
With 120 Defense (Average) and 137 Stamina (Average), the total stat product is 383. Trainers should be mindful of Sandshrew's limited bulk. Compared to other Ground-type Pokémon, Sandshrew's stat distribution is balanced.
⚔️ Best Sandshrew Moveset in Pokémon GO
The best moveset for Sandshrew depends on whether you use it for raids, gyms, or PvP. For raids, use Scratch (Fast) with Dig (Charged) for maximum DPS. This takes advantage of STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) which provides a 20% damage boost for matching-type moves.
For PvP (GO Battle League), energy generation and coverage matter more than raw DPS. Sandshrew has 3 Fast Attacks and 4 Charged Attacks to choose from. Note that Sandshrew has Elite TM moves that may outperform standard options in certain formats.
🏆 Sandshrew PvP Guide — GO Battle League 2026
Great League (1500 CP)
In Great League, Sandshrew can be a viable pick. For Great League, lower Attack IVs (like 0/15/15) are preferred to maximize stat product under 1500 CP. The Ground typing provides useful matchups against Electric, Poison, Rock-type threats while being weak to Water, Grass, Ice types.
Master League
In Master League, Sandshrew faces tough competition from Pokémon with higher CP caps. It is better suited for capped leagues.
💪 Sandshrew Raid Guide & Counters
As a raid attacker, Sandshrew's effectiveness depends on its typing and 126 Attack stat. It may not be the top raid choice but contributes in the right conditions. Best counters against Sandshrew use Water, Grass-type moves.
🎯 How to Get Sandshrew in Pokémon GO
Sandshrew can be found in the wild, hatched from Eggs, obtained through Research tasks, and during events. In Sunny/Clear weather, it receives a spawn boost. The buddy distance is 3km per candy — use Pinap Berries for double candy when catching.
🔄 Sandshrew Evolution Guide
Sandshrew is part of a 2-stage evolution family:
Tip: For PvP, check IV spreads before evolving (low Attack, high Defense/Stamina). For raids, aim for 15/15/15 perfect IVs.
😈 Shadow Sandshrew
Shadow Sandshrew is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage but take 20% more damage, making them excellent glass cannons. Shadow Sandshrew's effective Attack becomes ~151. For raids, keeping it Shadow is usually better than purifying.
✨ Shiny Sandshrew in Pokémon GO
Shiny Sandshrew is available! Use the Normal/Shiny toggle on this page to preview. The shiny rate is approximately 1 in 500. Shiny variants are cosmetic only — same stats and performance. Check our Shiny Checklist for all available shinies.
🌤️ Weather Boost & Buddy
Sandshrew gets a weather boost in Sunny/Clear weather, increasing wild spawn CP (up to Level 35) and raid catch CP to Level 25 (838 - 901 CP). The buddy distance is 3km per candy. Use Poffins to halve the distance.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Best IVs for PvP: Great/Ultra League: 0/15/15 or similar for max stat product.
- Second Charged Move: Costs 50K Stardust — adds coverage in PvP.
- Trading: Can be freely traded. Lucky trades give 12/12/12 minimum IVs.
- Catch rate: Use Pinap Berries for double candy.
❓ FAQ About Sandshrew
Q: What is Sandshrew's max CP?
A: 1,430 CP at Level 50, or 1,261 CP at Level 40.
Q: Is Sandshrew good?
A: Limited competitive use, but viable for themed battles.
Q: Can Sandshrew be shiny?
A: Yes! Shiny Sandshrew is available.
Q: What is Sandshrew weak to?
A: Water, Grass, Ice-type moves.
Q: Best moveset?
A: Scratch + Dig for optimal DPS.
📚 Related Guides
Updated September 2026. Data from Pokémon GO Live and Pokémon GO Wiki.