Sandslash
Sandslash is a Ground-type Pokémon known for its sharp, needle-like spines and swift digging abilities.
| National Pokedex No: 0028 |
| Type: |
| Category: Mouse Pokémon |
| Height: 1.0 m (3′03″) |
| Weight : 29.5 kg (65.0 lbs) |
| Gender: 50% ♂, 50 % ♀ |
| Abilities/Hidden abilities:Sand Veil/Sand Rush |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Sandslash’s physical traits collectively contribute to it’s adaptation for burrowing and its ability to defend itself against potential threats.
Sandslash has a stout, yellowish body covered in tough, tan-colored, and segmented armor. The armor is composed of large, sharp, and pointed scales. Its face features a pair of almond-shaped eyes, a small mouth, and triangular, elongated ears.
One of Sandslash’s defining features is the row of long, pointed spines that run along its back and tail. These spines are capable of being launched as a defensive mechanism. Sandslash has sharp, retractable claws on each of its limbs, which it uses for digging and as weapons in battles.
The tail of Sandslash is also covered in spines, and it is thicker at the base, tapering towards the end. Sandslash’s paws have three claws each, which aid in digging through the ground with great efficiency.
Alolan form
Alolan Sandslash, native to the Alola region, exhibits several distinct physical characteristics compared to its Kantonian counterpart.
Alolan Sandslash is both an Ice and Steel type. This alters its appearance and enhances its abilities with icy features. Alolan Sandslash is covered in icy blue fur instead of the tan scales seen in the Kanto Sandslash. This fur provides insulation against the cold.
The spines on Alolan Sandslash’s back and tail are made of ice, replacing the sharp, pointed scales of the Kanto Sandslash. These ice spines can be used defensively.
Its claws are tipped with steel, making them more formidable for both digging and combat. The steel adds an extra layer of offensive capability.
The tail of Alolan Sandslash is notably thicker and icier compared to the more slender tail of the Kantonian Sandslash. Alolan Sandslash may have an icy aura around its body, reflecting its Ice typing.
These adaptations showcase Alolan Sandslash’s evolution to thrive in the unique icy environment of the Alola region, providing it with enhanced offensive and defensive capabilities against different types of adversaries.
Behaviour
The behavior of Sandslash is influenced by its natural habitat, evolutionary adaptations, and its Ground typing. Here are some aspects of Sandslash’s behavior.
Sandslash tends to be territorial, marking its territory by digging burrows and leaving claw marks on trees. This behavior is often seen in the wild, where they establish and defend their home ranges.
Sandslash is primarily nocturnal, being more active during the night. This behavior helps it avoid the intense heat of the day in arid environments. Sandslash is an adept digger, creating complex burrows in the ground. These burrows serve as both shelter and protection against predators. Sandslash may also use its burrows for hibernation during extremely hot or cold periods.
While Sandslash can be solitary, especially in the wild, they may also exhibit social behaviors. In some cases, Sandslash may form small groups or communities, possibly for increased protection and cooperation.
Sandslash is known for its defensive capabilities. In the face of danger, it can quickly roll into a spiky ball, using its hardened back and spines for protection. This defensive mechanism is also an effective means of escaping predators.
Alolan Sandslash, with its Ice and Steel typing, adapts to colder environments. This influences its behavior, making it well-suited for icy terrains. It may utilize its icy spines and steel-tipped claws for both offensive and defensive purposes.
Sandslash is naturally alert and can quickly detect vibrations in the ground, allowing it to sense approaching threats. This heightened awareness is crucial for its survival in the wild.
Understanding Sandslash’s behavior provides insights into how it navigates its surroundings, defends itself, and adapts to various environmental conditions.
Evolution
Sandslash is the evolved form of Sandshrew, a Ground-type Pokémon. Sandshrew is known for its burrowing habits and tough, protective skin.
Sandslash evolves from Sandshrew when it reaches a certain level of experience and gains enough strength. The exact level at which Sandshrew evolves into Sandslash can vary between different Pokémon games, but it’s usually level 22.
Upon evolving, Sandslash undergoes noticeable physical changes. Sandslash is larger than Sandshrew, both in height and overall body size. Sandslash develops long, sharp spines on its back and tail, which contribute to its defensive capabilities. Its claws become longer and more pronounced, aiding in digging and providing additional weapons for defense.
Sandslash maintains the Ground typing from its pre-evolution, retaining its affinity with ground-based moves. The Alolan variant of Sandslash, however, gains the Ice typing in addition to Ground due to environmental adaptation.
In the Alola region, Sandslash undergoes a regional adaptation, resulting in Alolan Sandslash. This variant gains an Ice typing in addition to its Ground typing, showcasing an adaptation to the colder, icy environments of Alola.
Sandslash’s evolution enhances its defensive capabilities, making it a formidable opponent in battle. The spines on its back act as a protective armor, and its claws are powerful weapons. Alolan Sandslash, with its dual typing, gains versatility in battling both Ground and Ice adversaries.
Understanding the evolution of Sandslash provides trainers with insights into its growth, improved capabilities, and the potential for strategic advantages in battles.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
These are samo of Sandshrew’s major appearences:
”Mewtwo Strikes Back” and ”Mewtwo Returns” – Corey’s Sandslash is cloned by Mewtwo, mistakenly identified as Sandshrew. The Sandslash clone reappears in ”Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution”.
”Good ‘Quil Hunting” – Koji battles Ash with Sandslash to decide who keeps a Cyndaquil. Despite Sandslash’s power, it loses to Cyndaquil.
”Bulbasaur… the Ambassador!” – Three Sandslash assist in digging a new lake for Grass-type Pokémon at Professor Oak‘s Laboratory.
”Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time & Darkness” – A Sandslash is part of Team Razor Wind, alongside Scyther and Zangoose. They attempt to beat Team Poképals but are defeated by Gabite. They reappear in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky – Beyond Time & Darkness.
”Not Caving Under Pressure!” – An Alolan Sandslash evolves from Alolan Sandshrew using an Ice Stone. It battles a Tyranitar, and after Lillie’s help, gives her an Icium Z.
”How Are You Gonna Keep ‘Em Off of the Farm?” – James summons Sandslash to battle Ash and Goh but is defeated by Goh’s Dugtrio.
Anime Minor Appearances
Sandslash first appeared in ”The Flame Pokémon-athon!”, where several were at the Laramie Ranch. One later participated in the Big P Pokémon Race.
In ”A Chansey Operation”, an injured Sandslash received treatment at the clinic. ”Pikachu’s Vacation” featured a Sandslash at the Pokémon Theme Park. ”To Master the Onixpected” showed a Sandslash trapped between the rocky segments of a giant Onix, causing it to rampage until Bruno freed it. A Trainer’s Sandslash competed in the Indigo Plateau Conference in ”Round One – Begin!”. Sandslash also sensed the disturbance caused by Lawrence III in ”The Power of One”. Additionally, a wild Sandslash appeared in ”Pikachu’s Rescue Adventure”.
In ”Pokémon Double Trouble”, a Sandslash was seen training at the Kumquat Gym. ”Tricks of the Trade” featured a Sandslash at the Pokémon Swap Meet in Palmpona. Pietra used a Sandslash for her digging project in ”Right On, Rhydon!”. A Sandslash appeared in ”Celebi: The Voice of the Forest” and in ”Hi Ho Silver…Away!” under Jenaro’s ownership. It also appeared in ”The Legend of Thunder!”. In ”Will the Real Oak Please Stand Up?”, Nurse Joy mentioned a Sandslash in her poem.
Gone Corphishin’ featured a Sandslash, and it made a brief cameo in ”Destiny Deoxys”. Noland’s Sandslash was seen at the Battle Factory in ”Numero Uno Articuno”. Sandslash also appeared in the opening sequence of ”Lucario and the Mystery of Mew”. In ”Gymbaliar!”, a male Trainer used Sandslash in a battle against a wild Croagunk under Jessie’s command. A Sandslash briefly appeared in ”Giratina and the Sky Warrior”. Multiple Sandslash made cameos in ”Arceus and the Jewel of Life”. Barry encountered several Sandslash in Xatu’s Forest during ”Historical Mystery Tour”.
In ”Curtain Up, Unova League!”, a Trainer’s Sandslash was featured. In ”Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction”, a Sandslash resided in Allearth Forest. There was also a Trainer’s Sandslash in a flashback in ”Alola to New Adventure!”. A Sandslash appeared in ”I Choose You!” and participated in fire extinguishing efforts in ”The Power of Us”.
During a flashback in ”A Timeless Encounter!”, an Ace Trainer’s Sandslash battled Hala and his Makuhita but was defeated. A Trainer’s Alolan Sandslash competed in the Battle Royal preliminary round of the Manalo Conference in ”Battle Royal 151!”, where it was defeated by Turtonator. Sandslash also appeared in ”This Could be the Start of Something Big!” and ”A Squad’s Worth of Passion!”.
Manga Appearances
Ash & Pikachu
Pietra, much like her animated counterpart, possesses a Sandslash which made an appearance in the episode ”The Grand Rhydon Plan”.
Pokémon Adventures
Sandslash first appeared in ”Sea Sea Seadra”, where it, along with a wild Weezing, was spotted behind Bill, indicating that Viridian Forest’s ecology hadn’t returned to normal in two years.
In ”A Flaaffy Kerfuffle”, a Sandslash featured in Professor Oak’s fantasy, emphasizing the concept of Trainers having only six Pokémon.
The most notable appearance of Sandslash occurred in ”Sandslash Surprise”. Gold and Silver were ambushed by a swarm of spiky balls, which turned out to be Sandslash escaping Lugia’s wrath.
A Sandslash was used by Team Magma in ”What Would You Do for a Whismur?”.
Sandslash made an appearance in ”Pinsir Changes”. It was also part of a flashback in ”Charizard Transforms”.
In the Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc, two Alolan Sandslash debuted on Mount Lanakila.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
Owned by a Giovanni, a Sandscrew was seen in the ”Pokémon Hair Salon Opens!!”. Giovanni used him in his hair salon.
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red | Trade |
| Pokémon Blue | Route 23, Cerulean Cave |
| Pokémon Yellow | Cerulean Cave |
| Pokémon Gold | Routes 26 and 27, Mt. Moon |
| Pokémon Silver | Evolve Sandshrew |
| Pokémon Crystal | Route 26, Victory Road |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | Evolve Sandshrew |
| Pokémon FireRed | Trade |
| Pokémon LeafGreen | Route 23 and Victory Road |
| Pokémon Emerald | Evolve Sandshrew |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD | Evolve Sandshrew |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Route 228 |
| Pokémon Platinum | Route 228 |
| Pokémon HeartGold | Route 26, 27, Mt. Moon, Safari Zone |
| Pokémon SoulSilver | Safari Zone |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Relic Castle |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Route 15, Relic Castle |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Route 18, Terminus Cave |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Evolve Sandshrew |
| Pokémon Sun | Trade |
| Pokémon Moon | Evolve Sandshrew (Alolan Form), Pokémon Bank (Kantonian Form) |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun | Trade |
| Pokémon Ultra Moon | Evolve Sandshrew (Alolan Form), Pokémon Bank (Kantonian Form) |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! | Evolve Sandshrew |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Trade |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Trade |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond | Trade |
| Pokémon Shining Pearl | Spacious Cave, Rocky Cave, Sandsear Cave, Big Bluff Cavern |
| Legends Arceus | Unobtainable |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Trade |
Sandslash's origin name
Sandslash’s name in various languages reflects its characteristics and nature.
English: Sandslash – The English name “Sandslash” is a combination of “sand,” referring to its Ground-type affinity and its burrowing habits, and “slash,” emphasizing its sharp claws and offensive capabilities.
Japanese: サンドパン (Sando Pan) – The Japanese name “Sando Pan” is a combination of “sando” (sand) and “pan” (a shortening of pangolin), emphasizing its sand-dwelling nature and its appearance, which is reminiscent of a pangolin.
German: Sandamer – The German name “Sandamer” also combines “sand” with a modified version of “armor,” emphasizing its tough, defensive spines.
French: Sablaireau – The French name “Sablaireau” combines “sable” (sand) with “blaireau” (badger), drawing parallels between Sandslash’s burrowing habits and a badger’s behavior.
Spanish: Sandslash – The Spanish name “Sandslash” remains similar to its English counterpart, maintaining the focus on sand and slashing movements.
Italian: Sandslash – The Italian name “Sandslash” is consistent with the English version, retaining the emphasis on sand and slashing attacks.
Korean: 생덕기 (Saengdeokgi) – The Korean name “Saengdeokgi” emphasizes “saengdeok” (生德), which can be interpreted as “living virtue.” This name suggests a harmonious blend of life and strength.
Chinese (Mandarin): 穿山王 (Chuānshānwáng) – The Mandarin Chinese name “穿山王” translates to “Mountain King,” reflecting Sandslash’s regal appearance and association with burrowing into mountains.
These names in different languages capture aspects of Sandslash’s physical characteristics, behavior, and habitat, providing trainers with a sense of the Pokémon’s identity across various cultures.