Sandslash

🎯 Best Counters Against Sandslash

Top Pokémon to use when battling Sandslash 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

📖 Complete Sandslash Pokémon GO Guide 2026

Sandslash (#028) is a Ground-type Pokémon from the Kanto region (Generation 1) in Pokémon GO. With a maximum CP of 2,716 at Level 50 with perfect 15/15/15 IVs, Sandslash can be effective with the right strategy. This complete guide covers the best moveset, PvP analysis, raid counters, evolution, and shiny availability for Sandslash in 2026.

📊 Sandslash Stats Analysis

Sandslash's Attack stat is 182 (Good). A decent Attack stat that allows Sandslash to contribute meaningful damage.

With 175 Defense (Good) and 181 Stamina (Excellent), the total stat product is 538. This gives Sandslash reasonable durability in battle. Compared to other Ground-type Pokémon, Sandslash's stat distribution is balanced.

⚔️ Best Sandslash Moveset in Pokémon GO

The best moveset for Sandslash depends on whether you use it for raids, gyms, or PvP. For raids, use Metal Claw (Fast) with Earthquake (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. Sandslash has 3 Fast Attacks and 5 Charged Attacks to choose from. Note that Sandslash has Elite TM moves that may outperform standard options in certain formats.

🏆 Sandslash PvP Guide — GO Battle League 2026

Great League (1500 CP)

In Great League, Sandslash 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.

Ultra League (2500 CP)

In Ultra League, Sandslash reaches 2,374 CP at Level 40. Its bulk allows it to survive key matchups.

Master League

In Master League, Sandslash faces tough competition from Pokémon with higher CP caps. It is better suited for capped leagues.

💪 Sandslash Raid Guide & Counters

As a raid attacker, Sandslash's effectiveness depends on its typing and 182 Attack stat. It may not be the top raid choice but contributes in the right conditions. Best counters against Sandslash use Water, Grass-type moves.

🎯 How to Get Sandslash in Pokémon GO

Sandslash 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.

🔄 Sandslash Evolution Guide

Sandslash is part of a 2-stage evolution family:

• Sandshrew (#027)
• Sandslash (#028) ← current — 50 Candy

Tip: For PvP, check IV spreads before evolving (low Attack, high Defense/Stamina). For raids, aim for 15/15/15 perfect IVs.

😈 Shadow Sandslash

Shadow Sandslash is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage but take 20% more damage, making them excellent glass cannons. Shadow Sandslash's effective Attack becomes ~218. For raids, keeping it Shadow is usually better than purifying.

✨ Shiny Sandslash in Pokémon GO

Shiny Sandslash 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

Sandslash gets a weather boost in Sunny/Clear weather, increasing wild spawn CP (up to Level 35) and raid catch CP to Level 25 (1,610 - 1,696 CP). The buddy distance is 3km per candy. Use Poffins to halve the distance.

💡 Tips & Tricks

• Best IVs for PvP: Master League: 15/15/15. Capped leagues: low Attack, high Def/Sta.
• 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 Sandslash

📚 Related Guides

Updated September 2026. Data from Pokémon GO Live and Pokémon GO Wiki.