Sandslash Pokemon GO sprite
#0028

Sandslash

Max CP
2,684
Best
Metal Claw
Earthquake
Sunny

Sandslash is a Ground-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Kanto region (#28, Generation 1). With a max CP of 2,684 and base stats of 182/175/181 (Atk/Def/Sta), Sandslash has a total stat product of 538.

Sandslash is weak to Grass, Ice, Water-type moves. It resists Electric, Poison, Rock-type attacks. Sandslash is a 3.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
2,684
Lv.40: 2,374 Lv.50: 2,684
Attack 182
Defense 175
Stamina 181
Total 538
Buddy 3.0 km Gen 1 · Kanto 2nd Move: 50,000 Dust · 50 Candy

Moves

Fast Moves

Steel
12
DPS
6.0 PWR 5 EN 0.5s DUR 10 EPS Snow
Ground
Mud Shot STAB
8
DPS
4.0 PWR 6 EN 0.5s DUR 12 EPS Sunny
Ground
8
DPS
4.0 PWR 7 EN 0.5s DUR 14 EPS Sunny

Charged Moves

Ground
Bulldoze STAB Buff
22.9
DPS
80.0 PWR 50 EN 3.5s DUR
Ground
Earthquake STAB
40
DPS
140.0 PWR 100 EN 3.5s DUR
Rock
Rock Tomb Buff
21.7
DPS
65.0 PWR 50 EN 3.0s DUR
Ground
Scorching Sands STAB Buff
30
DPS
90.0 PWR 50 EN 3.0s DUR
Dark
Night Slash Elite Buff
22.5
DPS
45.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Metal Claw (12 DPS), while Sand Attack generates energy the fastest (14 EPS). Note that Night Slash is an Elite TM move and cannot be obtained through regular TMs.

Raid Guide

Sandslash as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Sandslash is not currently available as a raid boss. When Sandslash returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Sandslash from raids would have 1356 CP at level 20, or 1696 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

Best Counters to Beat Sandslash

Sandslash is weak to Grass, Ice, Water-type moves, so counters with these move types will deal the most damage.

How to Get Sandslash

Sandslash evolves from Sandshrew using 50 Candy.

A Shadow version of Sandslash is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Sandslash knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 3,000 Stardust and 3 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Sandslash as your buddy earns 1 candy every 3.0 km.

Sandslash Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Sandslash in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
59 – 2,052 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
59 – 2,221 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
1,320 – 1,390 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
1,642 – 1,729 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
1,320 – 1,390 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
998 – 1,051 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
1,320 – 1,390 CP

A 100% IV Sandslash from raids or eggs will show 1,356 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Sandslash is a Ground-type Pokemon with a stat total of 538. With its high Attack stat (182), Sandslash is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

Watch out for Grass, Ice, Water-type moves when using Sandslash. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Sandslash's performance.

Sandslash's moves get a damage boost in Sunny weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 50,000 Stardust and 50 Candy. With 5 charged moves available, a second move gives Sandslash much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Sandslash?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Sandslash is a Ground-type Pokemon with base stats of 182/175/181 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 2,684. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Sandslash may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Shadow vs Regular: Shadow Sandslash deals 20% more damage but takes ~20% more. For raids, Shadow is generally the better investment. For PvP, evaluate matchups carefully — the bulk loss can be significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Sandslash in Pokemon GO?
Sandslash has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. Check the moves section above for full details.
What are Sandslash's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Sandslash is weak to Grass, Ice, Water-type moves. On the other hand, Sandslash resists Electric, Poison, Rock-type attacks.
What is Sandslash's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Sandslash's maximum CP is 2,684 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 2,374 at level 40. A 100% IV Sandslash caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 1,356 CP, or 1,696 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Sandslash?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Sandslash has the following CP at key levels: 1,017 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 1,356 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 1,696 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 2,684 CP at level 50 fully powered up.
Is Shadow Sandslash better than regular?
Shadow Sandslash deals 20% more damage than its regular counterpart but also takes 20% more damage. For raids, Shadow Sandslash is generally better due to the higher DPS output. For PvP, it depends on the matchup — the extra damage taken can be a significant drawback in extended battles where survivability matters. Shadow Sandslash comes with Frustration, which should be replaced with a Charged TM before powering up.
How to get Sandslash in Pokemon GO?
Sandslash is obtained by evolving its pre-evolution (Sandshrew with 50 Candy). Sandslash can also be obtained through trading with other trainers.

Max CP per Level

L1 33 CP
L5 320 CP
L10 678 CP
L15 1,017 CP
L20 1,356 CP
L25 1,696 CP
L30 2,035 CP
L35 2,204 CP
L40 2,374 CP
L50 2,684 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #28
Generation Gen 1
Region Kanto
Height 1.00 m
Weight 29.50 kg
Buddy Distance 3.0 km
Tradable Yes
2nd Charged Move 50,000 Dust / 50 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 3,000 Dust / 3 Candy