Sandslash is a Ground-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It is the evolved form of Sandshrew, transforming at level 22. This mouse Pokémon is known for its tough, dry hide covered in sharp quills and its powerful claws, which are its primary weapons. Sandslash is adept at climbing trees and can curl into a spiny ball to attack or defend itself. It is skilled at slashing enemies with its claws, which can regrow within a day if broken.
In an attempt to hide, Sandslash can run at top speed to kick up blinding dust storms. The drier the area it lives in, the harder and smoother its spikes become. Interestingly, Sandslash's broken claws and spikes can be used to carve plows for tilling farm fields. In Alola, Sandslash has adapted to a different environment, developing an Ice/Steel-type regional form.
Pokédex Data
- Category: Mouse Pokémon
- Height: 3'3" (1.0 m)
- Weight: 65.0 lbs (29.5 kg)
- Abilities: Sand Veil, Sand Rush (Hidden)
- Alolan Form Abilities: Snow Cloak, Slush Rush (Hidden)
Breeding
- Gender Ratio: 50% male, 50% female
- Egg Groups: Field
- Hatch Time: 20 cycles (4,884–5,140 steps)
Pokédex Entries Across Versions
- Red/Blue: "Curls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to attack or escape."
- Yellow: "It is skilled at slashing enemies with its claws. If broken, they start to grow back in a day."
- Gold: "In an attempt to hide itself, it will run around at top speed to kick up a blinding dust storm."
- Crystal: "Adept at climbing trees, it rolls into a spiny ball, then attacks its enemies from above."
- Ruby/Sapphire: "Sandslash's body is covered by tough spikes, which are hardened sections of its hide. Once a year, the old spikes fall out, to be replaced with new spikes that grow out from beneath the old ones."
Evolutions
Sandshrew (Level 22) → Sandslash
Alolan Form: Alolan Sandshrew (use Ice Stone) → Alolan Sandslash
Habits and Additions Across Generations
Sandslash has maintained its ground-dwelling nature throughout the generations. In Alola, it adapted to snowy environments, developing an Ice/Steel-type form. This Alolan Sandslash has different abilities and a unique appearance, with icy spikes instead of the typical sandy ones. The addition of regional forms has expanded Sandslash's versatility and appeal across different Pokémon games and regions.