#0028 Shadow

Shadow Sandslash

Best moveset, PvP rankings, counters & stats for Pokemon GO.

Ground
Max CP 2,684 Metal Claw + Earthquake Sunny
Sandshrew | Nidorina
Shadow Sandslash Pokemon GO sprite Shadow

Shadow 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), Shadow Sandslash has a total stat product of 538.

Shadow Sandslash is weak to Grass, Ice, Water-type moves. It resists Electric, Poison, Rock-type attacks. Shadow 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
Ground type

Type Chart

Weak to
Grass
Grass
+60%
Ice
Ice
+60%
Water
Water
+60%

Moves

Fast Moves

Steel
Metal Claw
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
Sand Attack STAB
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.

Evolution

Sandshrew Pokemon GO
Sandshrew
50 Candy
Sandslash Pokemon GO
Sandslash
Sandshrew (Alola) Pokemon GO
Sandshrew (Alola) Alola
50 Candy
Sandslash (Alola) Pokemon GO
Sandslash (Alola) Alola

Forms & Variants

Sandshrew (Alola) Pokemon GO
Sandshrew (Alola) Alola
Sandshrew Pokemon GO
Sandshrew
Shadow Sandshrew Pokemon GO
Shadow Sandshrew Shadow
Sandslash (Alola) Pokemon GO
Sandslash (Alola) Alola
Sandslash Pokemon GO
Sandslash
Shadow Sandslash Pokemon GO
Shadow Sandslash Shadow

Raid Guide

Shadow Sandslash as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

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

How to Get Shadow Sandslash

Shadow Sandslash can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

A Shadow version of Shadow Sandslash is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow 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 Shadow Sandslash as your buddy earns 1 candy every 3.0 km.

Shadow Sandslash Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Shadow 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 Shadow 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

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

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

Shadow 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 Shadow Sandslash much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Shadow 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
Shadow 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. Shadow 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Shadow Sandslash in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Sandslash has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. The ideal moveset varies based on whether you are using Shadow Sandslash for raids, gym battles, or PvP — check the moves section above for a full breakdown of each move's DPS, energy cost, and coverage.
What are Shadow Sandslash's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Sandslash is weak to Grass, Ice, Water-type moves. On the other hand, Shadow Sandslash resists Electric, Poison, Rock-type attacks, so avoid using those types against it. To counter Shadow Sandslash effectively in raids and gyms, build a team using its weakest type matchups and pick attackers that have STAB moves of those types.
What is Shadow Sandslash's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Sandslash's maximum CP is 2,684 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 2,374 at level 40. Reaching level 50 requires XL Candy, which is only available to trainers level 31 and above — earning XL Candy involves catching, hatching, transferring, and walking Pokemon. Shadow Sandslash's CP is calculated from its base stats: 182 Attack, 175 Defense, and 181 Stamina. Powering up from level 40 to 50 requires a significant investment of XL Candy and Stardust, so plan your resources carefully. A 100% IV Shadow 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 Shadow Sandslash?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Shadow 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. If you catch a perfect IV Shadow Sandslash, it is worth investing Stardust and Candy to power it up, especially if Shadow Sandslash ranks well in raids or PvP. A 100% IV (also called a "hundo") is the rarest IV combination, so tag and favorite it to make sure you don't accidentally transfer it.
How to get Shadow Sandslash in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Sandslash can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events.
Can Shadow Sandslash be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Shiny Shadow Sandslash's availability depends on whether Niantic has released its shiny form. Not all Pokemon have their shiny forms available yet. Check the current events page and Community Day announcements for any updates on shiny Shadow Sandslash availability and boosted shiny rates during special events.

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 No
2nd Charged Move 50,000 Dust / 50 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 3,000 Dust / 3 Candy