Sandslash (Revamp) [QC 3/3] [GP: 2/2]

Punchshroom

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[OVERVIEW]
Sandslash is a Rapid Spin user with a resistance to the Stealth Rock it gets rid of, as well as the ability to best most entry hazard setters such as Garbodor and Steelix. Unfortunately, it faces a lot of competition from other Rapid Spin users that also resist Stealth Rock; Claydol also has an immunity to Spikes and Toxic Spikes thanks to Levitate as well as a superior offensive movepool to defend itself with, especially when combating spinblockers, whereas Hitmonchan boasts far greater utility throughout a match with Drain Punch and Mach Punch. Steelix, Rhydon, and Piloswine overshadow Sandslash as a bulky Ground-type due to their greater bulk and number of resistances, whereas Rhydon, Torterra, and Golurk are superior Ground-type attackers due to their access to secondary STAB moves and better coverage. Because Sandslash is outclassed in several roles, it is thus relegated to being one of the main driving forces behind sand teams, due to its Sand Rush ability giving it access to speedy Ground-type attacks, while its spinning capabilities are put to better use. Be warned that sand teams are extremely exploitable defensively and face competition from the more rewarding and less restrictive weather playstyles in rain and sun, plus the fact that Sandslash isn't worth using anywhere else, so you'd have to be pretty committed if you're considering using this Pokemon.


[SET]
name: Sand Rush
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Swords Dance / Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb / Earth Plate
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Earthquake is Sandslash's STAB attack and cleaning tool, giving Sandslash very reliable damage output. Stone Edge lets Sandslash beat down Flying-types such as Charizard, Archeops, and Scyther while also allowing it to 2HKO Colbur Berry Xatu. Knock Off hits Ghost-types looking to block Rapid Spin and is a good coverage move in general due to its decent neutral coverage with Ground as well as its disruptive item removal effect. Swords Dance bolsters Sandslash's power and greatly improves its sweeping potential as well as its ability to punch holes into bulkier Pokemon, particularly by beating down the frailer Colbur Berry spinblockers with +2 Knock Off. Rapid Spin is a good option if Sandslash's team has many alternative sweepers, as it clears the field of entry hazards, particularly Toxic Spikes, which can be dangerous for its teammates.


Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment maximizes Sandslash's damage output, enhancing its sweeping ability with Sand Rush. Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature allow Sandslash to outrun base 95 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Haunter, and Primeape, as well as +2 Speed Adamant Barbaracle, after the Sand Rush boost. When outside of sand, Sandslash can outrun Hasty Abomasnow and neutral-natured Samurott and Ludicolo, as well as Speed tie with offensive Adamant Hitmonchan. An Adamant nature can be used for more power in exchange for failing to outspeed the likes of Choice Scarf Rotom, Jynx, Haunter and +2 Barbaracle. Sandslash can adopt an alternative bulkier spread, incorporating maximum Attack investment alongside an Adamant nature, 136 Speed EVs, and the remaining EVs into HP. This gives Sandslash more opportunities to set up Swords Dance and sweep while still allowing it to naturally outrun Adamant Aggron and outspeed up to Swellow with the aid of Sand Rush. Life Orb maximizes Sandslash's power and KO potential, but Earth Plate can be considered so Sandslash doesn't incur recoil damage, especially when using Rapid Spin.


Usage Tips
========

Sandslash should aim to sweep with Earthquakes, preferably Swords Dance-boosted ones, after the opposing team has been sufficiently weakened mid- to late-game. Sandslash can also throw out Earthquakes to weaken or take out bulky Rock- and Steel-types early-game if a Swords Dance boost isn't necessary, and it helps to maintain offensive presence as well as support Stoutland. It can gain Swords Dance opportunities by scaring out Pokemon it can OHKO, such as Pyroar, Magmortar, Garbodor, Skuntank, and Aggron, or against Pokemon that aren't strong enough to threaten it, such as Steelix, Regirock, and Clefairy. Sandslash can also be brought in directly on the likes of Regirock and non-Grass move Garbodor to start attacking or setting up. Sandslash can also use Rapid Spin if entry hazards need to be cleared to ease switching. Because spinning isn't a particularly high priority for Sandslash, the Sandslash user can afford to bluff the spin and lure in the opponent's spinblocker to get free turns or attacks off.


Team Options
========

Smooth Rock Hippopotas is absolutely mandatory as a teammate, as Sandslash badly needs Sand Rush active in order to function adequately. Stoutland is an important partner for Sandslash as well, as they complement each other well offensively and form a powerful, speedy core, with Stoutland functioning as the immediate holepuncher among the duo. Mesprit can be a very appealing teammate, as it has the bulk and Speed to be able to perform supportive roles such as Stealth Rock and Healing Wish, as well as being a switch-in for Fighting- and Ground-type attacks. Though novel, Mesprit can even act as a backup Sandstorm setter with Smooth Rock. Teammates that can deal with Pokemon that Sandslash, and by extension Stoutland, have difficulty breaking through are recommended. Powerful wallbreakers such as Magmortar, Charizard, Aurorus, Jynx, Shiftry, Will-O-Wisp + Hex Rotom, and Haunter can pummel the likes of Weezing, Gourgeist-XL, and Pelipper, while Sandslash can provide Rapid Spin support for most of these wallbreakers, which are weak to Stealth Rock. Aurorus even receives a Special Defense boost from sand, though it must obviously forgo Snow Warning. Attackers that resist Sandslash's weaknesses to Grass, Ice, and Water, or simply can help take special attacks for it, are especially notable partners.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sandslash doesn't really have much business attempting any other set aside from being a Sand Rush sweeper, so it doesn't have many options to choose from its already narrow movepool. X-Scissor nets coverage against Grass-types such as Shiftry, Lilligant, Ludicolo, and Torterra, as well as nailing Malamar, though its coverage risks being redundant with Earthquake and Knock Off otherwise. Sandslash can attempt to support the team on its own using moves such as Stealth Rock and even Sandstorm, but that isn't recommended, as it costs Sandslash a valuable moveslot, and spending an idle turn not boosting or attacking puts Sandslash in a riskier position, which can dash its chances for a sweep. Passho, Yache, and Rindo Berry can be considered to keep Sandslash from being revenge killed by Water-, Ice-, and Grass-types, respectively, allowing it the opportunity to overwhelm them or even simply get the Rapid Spin off. However, Sandslash's Special Defense is still too low to comfortably survive hits from the primarily specially offensive Water- and Grass-type moves of the tier, so the Berries primarily apply to physical blows. Lum Berry is a decent option to improve Sandslash's matchup against Ghost-types if spinning is of greater importance to your team, and it helps to thwart status ailments in general to enable easier Swords Dance opportunities. Super Fang is an option to shave off half the HP of Sandslash's switch-ins, though Sandslash would most likely remain unable to finish them off.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Negating Sand**: Abomasnow stands out one of Sandslash's most threatening foes, as it automatically wipes out the sand that gives Sandslash the speed advantage, resists Earthquake, and can destroy Sandslash with either of its STAB attacks, although it doesn't take kindly to switching into Rock-type moves and fails to outrun Jolly Sandslash. While Ludicolo doesn't summon rain automatically, it does have the luxury of being able to set up Rain Dance in front of Sandslash without much trouble and threaten a countersweep. Weather setters such as Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock, and Volbeat can set up weather and rob Sandslash's offensive momentum and proceed to have their Swift Swim or Chlorophyll teammates pick Sandslash off.

**Grass-types**: Torterra has an easy time keeping Sandslash in check due to its high Defense and Ground resistance and can easily dispose of Sandslash with its Grass-type STAB attack or even take advantage of it by setting up. Vileplume can stomach an Earthquake and OHKO Sandslash with Giga Drain, while Gourgeist-XL survives even +2 Life Orb-boosted Adamant Knock Off and can retaliate with Will-O-Wisp or Foul Play; however, both of these Pokemon need to be wary of Sandstorm reducing Synthesis's effectiveness, meaning they risk being whittled into KO range. Offensive Grass-types such as Shiftry and Lilligant aren't OHKOed by Sandslash's unboosted attacks bar X-Scissor, and they easily revenge kill it outside of the sandstorm. Shiftry can also pick off a weakened Sandslash with Sucker Punch, and Sandslash risks running out of sand turns if it attempts to stall out Sucker Punch's PP.

**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Sandslash can struggle with various physically defensive Pokemon in the tier, especially if they threaten Sandslash enough to deter Swords Dance. Weezing can threaten with Will-O-Wisp, Gastrodon and Pelipper can threaten with Scald, and Quagsire simply does not care about anything Sandslash does. Tanky Pokemon give Sandslash trouble as well, with Piloswine picking off Sandslash with Icicle Crash followed up with Ice Shard, while Gurdurr's bulk plus access to Drain Punch and Mach Punch allows it to take on Sandslash one-on-one fairly consistently. Bulk-invested Levitate Psychic- and Ghost-types, such as Mesprit, Rotom, and Mismagius, that wield a Colbur Berry can also stop Sandslash in its tracks using Energy Ball and Will-O-Wisp, respectively; the Ghost-types can also spinblock against Sandslash if need be.

**Faster Attackers**: Sandslash outside of sand is really quite vulnerable, as nearly every faster Pokemon in the tier either does major damage to it, cripples it with status, or simply OHKOes it, with only a handful losing in a one-on-one matchup. A special mention goes to those that either resist or are immune to Earthquake, such as Charizard, Haunter, Lilligant, Ludicolo, SubToxic Mantine, Choice Specs Mesprit, Swellow, Rotom, and Vivillon.
 
Last edited:

etern

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NU Leader
Overview:
Steelix, Rhydon, and Piloswine overshadow it as a bulky Ground-type, whereas Rhydon, Torterra, and Golurk are superior Ground-type attackers
  • expand on this some more since its a very important point, e.g steelix, rhydon and piloswine overshadow it because of their superior bulk, secondary typing, etc.
  • Likewise, expand on why those offensive ground-types are superior choices, (dual stab again, higher attack stat, etc)
Moves:
  • I assume you meant Stone Edge, but you've slashed Rock Slide on the set instead
  • mention that Stone Edge also hits Pelipper which would otherwise completely wall it
Set Details:
  • I'd mention max speed with a jolly nature for people that want to jump Scarf Rotom / Scarf Jynx / Scarf Primeape and +2/+2 Barbaracle under sand
Usage Tips:
  • mention that Sandslash should throw out powerful Earthquakes to weaken bulky Rock and Steel-types early game, as well as just keeping up offensive presence in general when a swords dance boost isnt necessary
  • give some examples of how Sandslash should be brought into battle, e.g switching into Rock-types like Regirock, etc
Other Options:
  • add Ludicolo to the list of X-Scissor targets
  • Lum Berry would be a decent mention here to ease the matchup vs Ghost-types like stallbreaker mismagius and status in general
nice work, qc 1/3
 
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erisia

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How does HP investment actually help Sandslash? The whole point of Sand Rush is making it so Scarfers can't revenge kill Sandslash effectively. Unless these EVs avoid a specific important KO (which I don't think is the case as Sandslash already tanks most priority attacks and dies to most special attacks), I'd just go with max Speed and a Jolly nature and put the bulky set in OO.
 

Punchshroom

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How does HP investment actually help Sandslash? The whole point of Sand Rush is making it so Scarfers can't revenge kill Sandslash effectively. Unless these EVs avoid a specific important KO (which I don't think is the case as Sandslash already tanks most priority attacks and dies to most special attacks), I'd just go with max Speed and a Jolly nature and put the bulky set in OO.
I mean I made this set with the intent of letting Stoutland picking off the fast Scarf mons while Sandslash incorporates a bit more bulk to set up Swords Dance easier, but I guess this is valid.
 

erisia

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We've talked about Sandslash and we've decided that this is the set we want to see here.

[SET]
name: Sand Rush
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Swords Dance / Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

Not too different but the main difference is Rapid Spin is slashed with Swords Dance. Sandslash is generally going to be your team's main sweeper thanks to its huge Speed stat in Sand, but if your sand team has a different sweeper then Rapid Spin is a good option instead. Having three attacks gives Sandslash more super-effective coverage and helps it do more in a match than trying to compress both Swords Dance and Rapid Spin roles onto one Pokemon.

Jolly and max Speed ensures that Sandslash can force stuff out if Stoutland is out of action; the bulk is less useful overall but it could be worth talking about in set details or OO. Adamant can be slashed for more power but missing out on Scarf Rotom, Jynx, Lilligant etc isn't great.

Implement the above and I'll look over it again to give 2/3.
 
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Maybe give yache a mention alongside rindo and passho. Shiftry doesn't like switching in on EQ either so remove its mention in the "fast attackers".

Great work. 3/3
 

Lumari

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remove
add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]
Sandslash is a Rapid Spin user whose Ground typing allows it to resist with a resistance to the Stealth Rock it gets rid of (RC; can also mention its Ground typing here but honestly it's implied and would unnecessarily disrupt the flow of the sentence) as well as being capable of besting the ability to best most entry hazard setters such as Garbodor and Steelix. Unfortunately, it faces a lot of competition with other Rapid Spin users that also resist Stealth Rock; Claydol's Levitate gives it also has an immunity to Spikes and Toxic Spikes thanks to Levitate (RC) and has as well as a superior offensive movepool to defend itself with, especially when combating spinblockers, whereas Hitmonchan boasts far greater utility throughout a match with Drain Punch and Mach Punch. Steelix, Rhydon, and Piloswine overshadow Sandslash as a bulky Ground-type due to their greater bulk and number of resistances, whereas Rhydon, Torterra, and Golurk are superior Ground-type attackers due to their access to secondary STAB moves and better coverage. Because Sandslash is outclassed in several roles, it is thus relegated to being one of the main driving forces behind sand teams, due to its Sand Rush ability giving Sandslash it access to speedy Ground-type attacks, while its spinning capabilities are put to better use. Be warned that sand teams are extremely exploitable defensively and face competition from the more rewarding and less restrictive weather playstyles in rain and sun, plus Sandslash isn't worth using anywhere else, so you'd have to be pretty committed if you're considering using this Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Sand Rush
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Swords Dance / Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb / Earth Plate
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Earthquake is Sandslash's main STAB attack and cleaning tool, giving Sandslash very reliable damage output. Stone Edge lets Sandslash beat down Flying-types such as Charizard, Archeops, and Scyther (RC) while also allowing Sandslash to 2HKO Colbur Berry Xatu. Knock Off hits Ghost-types looking to block Rapid Spin (RC) and is a good coverage move in general due to its decent neutral coverage with Ground as well as its disruptive item removal effect. Swords Dance bolsters Sandslash's power and greatly improves its sweeping potential (RC) as well as its ability to punch holes into bulkier Pokemon, particularly by beating down the frailer Colbur Berry spinblockers with +2 Knock Off. Rapid Spin is a good option if Sandslash's team has many alternative sweepers, as it clears the field of entry hazards, particularly Toxic Spikes, (AC) which can be dangerous for its teammates.


Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment maximizes Sandslash's damage output, enhancing its sweeping ability with Sand Rush. Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature allow Sandslash to outrun base 95 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Haunter, and Primeape, as well as +2 Speed Adamant Barbaracle, (AC) after the Sand Rush boost. When outside of sand, Sandslash can outrun Hasty Abomasnow and neutral-natured Samurott and Ludicolo, as well as Speed tie with offensive Adamant Hitmonchan. The remaining EVs are placed into Defense instead of HP as its current HP number allows it to take 10 rounds of Life Orb recoil without the need of additional investment. (this spread has 291 HP, it takes the same amount of LO recoil both with and without those EVs. Unless you're also running 29 HP IVs to (actually) minimise recoil and forgot to mention this?) An Adamant nature can be used for more power in exchange for failing to outspeed the likes of Choice Scarf Rotom, Jynx, Haunter, and +2 Barbaracle. Sandslash can adopt an alternative bulkier spread, incorporating maximum Attack investment alongside an Adamant nature, 136 Speed EVs, and the remaining EVs into HP. This gives Sandslash more opportunities to set up Swords Dance and sweep (RC) while still allowing Sandslash to naturally outrun Adamant Aggron and outspeed up to Swellow with the aid of Sand Rush. Life Orb maximizes Sandslash's power and KO potential, but Earth Plate can be considered so Sandslash doesn't incur recoil damage, especially when using Rapid Spin.

Usage Tips
========

Sandslash should aim to sweep the opponent opposing team with Earthquakes, preferably Swords Dance-boosted (AH) ones, after their team it has been sufficiently weakened mid- to late-game. Sandslash can also throw out Earthquakes to weaken or take out bulky Rock- and Steel-types early-game (AH) if a Swords Dance boost isn't necessary, and it helps to maintain offensive presence as well as support Stoutland. Sandslash can gain Swords Dance opportunities by scaring out Pokemon it can OHKO, such as Pyroar, Magmortar, Garbodor, Skuntank, and Aggron, or against Pokemon that aren't strong enough to threaten it, such as Steelix, Regirock, or and Clefairy. Sandslash can also be brought in directly on the likes of Regirock and non-Grass move Garbodor to start attacking or setting up. Sandslash can also use Rapid Spin if entry hazards need to be cleared to ease switching. Because spinning isn't a particularly high priority for Sandslash, the Sandslash user can afford to bluff the spin and lure in the opponent's spinblocker to get free turns or attacks off.

Team Options
========

Smooth Rock Hippopotas is absolutely mandatory as a teammate, as Sandslash badly needs Sand Rush active in order to function adequately. Stoutland is an important partner for Sandslash as well, as they complement each other well offensively and form a powerful, speedy core, with Stoutland functioning as the immediate holepuncher among the duo. Mesprit can be a very appealing teammate, as it has the bulk and Speed to be able to perform supportive roles such as Stealth Rock and Healing Wish, as well as being a switch-in for Fighting- and Ground-type attacks. Though novel, Mesprit can even act as a backup Sandstorm setter with Smooth Rock. Teammates that can deal with Pokemon that Sandslash, and by extension Stoutland, have difficulty breaking through Mesprit?. Powerful wallbreakers such as Magmortar, Charizard, Aurorus, Jynx, Shiftry, WispHex Will-O-Wisp + Hex Rotom, and Haunter can pummel the likes of Weezing, Gourgeist-XL, and Pelipper, while Sandslash can provide Rapid Spin support for most of these wallbreakers, which are weak to Stealth Rock. Aurorus even receives a Special Defense boost from sand, though it must obviously forgo Snow Warning. Attackers that resist Sandslash's weaknesses to Grass, Ice, and Water, or simply can help take special attacks for it, (AC) are especially notable partners.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sandslash doesn't really have much business attempting any other set aside from being a Sand Rush sweeper, so it doesn't have much options to choose from its already narrow movepool. X-Scissor nets coverage against Grass-types such as Shiftry, Lilligant, Ludicolo, and Torterra, as well as nailing Malamar, though its coverage risks being redundant with Earthquake and Knock Off otherwise. Sandslash can attempt to support the team on its own using moves such as Stealth Rock or and even Sandstorm, but that isn't recommended, (AC) as it costs Sandslash a valuable moveslot, and spending an idle turn not boosting or attacking puts Sandslash at a riskier position, (AC) which can dash its chances for a sweep. Passho Berry, Yache, (AC) Berry and Rindo Berry can be considered to keep Sandslash from being revenge killed by Water-, Ice-, (AC) and Grass-types, respectively, allowing Sandslash the opportunity to overwhelm them or even simply getting the Rapid Spin off. However, Sandslash's Special Defense is still too low to comfortably survive hits from the primarily specially offensive Water- and Grass-type moves of the tier, so the Berries primarily apply to physical blows. Lum Berry is a decent option to improve Sandslash's matchup against Ghost-types if Rapid Spinning is of greater importance to your team, and it helps to thwart status ailments in general to allow for enable easier Swords Dance opportunities. Super Fang is an option to shave off half the HP of Sandslash's switch-ins, though Sandslash would most likely remain unable to finish them off.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Negating Sand**: Abomasnow stands out one of Sandslash's most threatening foes, as it automatically wipes out the sand which that gives Sandslash the speed advantage, resists Earthquake, and can destroy Sandslash with either of its STAB attacks, although it doesn't take kindly to switching into Rock-type moves and fails to outrun Jolly Sandslash. While Ludicolo doesn't summon rain automatically, it does have the luxury of setting being able to set up Rain Dance in front of Sandslash without much trouble and threaten a countersweep. Weather setters such as Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock, and Volbeat can set up weather and rob Sandslash's offensive momentum (RC) then and proceed to have their Swift Swim or Chlorophyll teammates pick Sandslash off.

**Grass-types**: Torterra has an easy time keeping Sandslash in check due to its high Defense and Ground resistance (RC) and can easily dispose of Sandslash with its Grass-type STAB or even take advantage of it by setting up. Vileplume can stomach an Earthquake and OHKO Sandslash with Giga Drain, while Gourgeist-XL survives even +2 Life Orb-boosted Adamant Knock Off and can retaliate with Will-O-Wisp or Foul Play; however, both of these Pokemon need to be wary of Sandstorm reducing Synthesis's effectiveness, meaning they risk being whittled into KO range. Offensive Grass-types such as Shiftry and Lilligant aren't OHKOed by Sandslash's unboosted attacks bar X-Scissor (RC) and easily revenge kill it outside of the sandstorm. Shiftry can also pick off a weakened Sandslash with Sucker Punch, and Sandslash risks running out of sand turns if it attempts to stall out Sucker Punch's PP.

**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Sandslash can struggle with various physically defensive Pokemon in the tier, especially if they threaten Sandslash enough to deter Swords Dance. Weezing can threaten with Will-O-Wisp, Gastrodon and Pelipper can threaten with Scald, while and Quagsire simply does not care about anything Sandslash does. Tanky Pokemon give Sandslash trouble as well, with Piloswine picking off Sandslash with Icicle Crash followed up with Ice Shard, while Gurdurr's bulk plus access to Drain Punch and Mach Punch allows it to 1v1 take on Sandslash one-on-one fairly consistently. Bulk-invested Levitate Psychic- and Ghost-types, such as Mesprit, Rotom, and Mismagius, that wield a Colbur Berry can also stop Sandslash in its tracks using Energy Ball and Will-O-Wisp, (AC) respectively; the Ghost-types can also spinblock against Sandslash if need be.

**Faster Attackers**: Sandslash outside of sand is really quite vulnerable, as nearly every faster Pokemon in the tier either does major damage to it, cripples it with status, or simply OHKOes it, with only a handful losing in a 1v1 one-on-one matchup. A special mention goes to those that either resist or are immune to Earthquake, such as Charizard, Haunter, Lilligant, Ludicolo, SubToxic Mantine, Choice Specs Mesprit, Swellow, Rotom, and Vivillon.
 
Last edited:

P Squared

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GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]
Sandslash is a Rapid Spin user with a resistance to the Stealth Rock it gets rid of, as well as the ability to best most entry hazard setters such as Garbodor and Steelix. Unfortunately, it faces a lot of competition with from other Rapid Spin users that also resist Stealth Rock; Claydol also has an immunity to Spikes and Toxic Spikes thanks to Levitate as well as a superior offensive movepool to defend itself with, especially when combating spinblockers, whereas Hitmonchan boasts far greater utility throughout a match with Drain Punch and Mach Punch. Steelix, Rhydon, and Piloswine overshadow Sandslash as a bulky Ground-type due to their greater bulk and number of resistances, whereas Rhydon, Torterra, and Golurk are superior Ground-type attackers due to their access to secondary STAB moves and better coverage. Because Sandslash is outclassed in several roles, it is thus relegated to being one of the main driving forces behind sand teams, due to its Sand Rush ability giving it access to speedy Ground-type attacks, while its spinning capabilities are put to better use. Be warned that sand teams are extremely exploitable defensively and face competition from the more rewarding and less restrictive weather playstyles in rain and sun, plus the fact that Sandslash isn't worth using anywhere else, so you'd have to be pretty committed if you're considering using this Pokemon.


[SET]
name: Sand Rush
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Swords Dance / Rapid Spin
item: Life Orb / Earth Plate
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Earthquake is Sandslash's main STAB attack and cleaning tool, giving Sandslash very reliable damage output. Stone Edge lets Sandslash beat down Flying-types such as Charizard, Archeops, and Scyther while also allowing it Sandslash to 2HKO Colbur Berry Xatu. Knock Off hits Ghost-types looking to block Rapid Spin and is a good coverage move in general due to its decent neutral coverage with Ground as well as its disruptive item removal effect. Swords Dance bolsters Sandslash's power and greatly improves its sweeping potential as well as its ability to punch holes into bulkier Pokemon, particularly by beating down the frailer Colbur Berry spinblockers with +2 Knock Off. Rapid Spin is a good option if Sandslash's team has many alternative sweepers, as it clears the field of entry hazards, particularly Toxic Spikes, which can be dangerous for its teammates.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment maximizes Sandslash's damage output, enhancing its sweeping ability with Sand Rush. Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature allow Sandslash to outrun base 95 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Jynx, Haunter, and Primeape, as well as +2 Speed Adamant Barbaracle, after the Sand Rush boost. When outside of sand, Sandslash can outrun Hasty Abomasnow and neutral-natured Samurott and Ludicolo, as well as Speed tie with offensive Adamant Hitmonchan. An Adamant nature can be used for more power in exchange for failing to outspeed the likes of Choice Scarf Rotom, Jynx, Haunter, (are Jynx and Haunter also Scarfed? then this should be "Choice Scarf Rotom, Jynx, and Haunter and +2 Barbaracle") and +2 Barbaracle. Sandslash can adopt an alternative bulkier spread, incorporating maximum Attack investment alongside an Adamant nature, 136 Speed EVs, and the remaining EVs into HP. This gives Sandslash more opportunities to set up Swords Dance and sweep while still allowing it Sandslash to naturally outrun Adamant Aggron and outspeed up to Swellow with the aid of Sand Rush. Life Orb maximizes Sandslash's power and KO potential, but Earth Plate can be considered so Sandslash doesn't incur recoil damage, especially when using Rapid Spin.

Usage Tips
========

Sandslash should aim to sweep the opposing team with Earthquakes, preferably Swords Dance-boosted ones, after it the opposing team has been sufficiently weakened mid- to late-game. Sandslash can also throw out Earthquakes to weaken or take out bulky Rock- and Steel-types early-game if a Swords Dance boost isn't necessary, and it helps to maintain offensive presence as well as support Stoutland. Sandslash It can gain Swords Dance opportunities by scaring out Pokemon it can OHKO, such as Pyroar, Magmortar, Garbodor, Skuntank, and Aggron, or against Pokemon that aren't strong enough to threaten it, such as Steelix, Regirock, and Clefairy. Sandslash can also be brought in directly on the likes of Regirock and non-Grass move Garbodor to start attacking or setting up. Sandslash can also use Rapid Spin if entry hazards need to be cleared to ease switching. Because spinning isn't a particularly high priority for Sandslash, the Sandslash user can afford to bluff the spin and lure in the opponent's spinblocker to get free turns or attacks off.

Team Options
========

Smooth Rock Hippopotas is absolutely mandatory as a teammate, as Sandslash badly needs Sand Rush active in order to function adequately. Stoutland is an important partner for Sandslash as well, as they complement each other well offensively and form a powerful, speedy core, with Stoutland functioning as the immediate holepuncher among the duo. Mesprit can be a very appealing teammate, as it has the bulk and Speed to be able to perform supportive roles such as Stealth Rock and Healing Wish, as well as being a switch-in for Fighting- and Ground-type attacks. Though novel, Mesprit can even act as a backup Sandstorm setter with Smooth Rock. Teammates that can deal with Pokemon that Sandslash, and by extension Stoutland, have difficulty breaking through are recommended. Powerful wallbreakers such as Magmortar, Charizard, Aurorus, Jynx, Shiftry, Will-O-Wisp + Hex Rotom, and Haunter can pummel the likes of Weezing, Gourgeist-XL, and Pelipper, while Sandslash can provide Rapid Spin support for most of these wallbreakers, which are weak to Stealth Rock. Aurorus even receives a Special Defense boost from sand, though it must obviously forgo Snow Warning. Attackers that resist Sandslash's weaknesses to Grass, Ice, and Water, or simply can help take special attacks for it, are especially notable partners.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sandslash doesn't really have much business attempting any other set aside from being a Sand Rush sweeper, so it doesn't have much many options to choose from its already narrow movepool. X-Scissor nets coverage against Grass-types such as Shiftry, Lilligant, Ludicolo, and Torterra, as well as nailing Malamar, though its coverage risks being redundant with Earthquake and Knock Off otherwise. Sandslash can attempt to support the team on its own using moves such as Stealth Rock and even Sandstorm, but that isn't recommended, as it costs Sandslash a valuable moveslot, and spending an idle turn not boosting or attacking puts Sandslash at in a riskier position, which can dash its chances for a sweep. Passho, Yache, (AC) Berry and Rindo Berry can be considered to keep Sandslash from being revenge killed by Water-, Ice-, and Grass-types, respectively, allowing it Sandslash the opportunity to overwhelm them or even simply getting the Rapid Spin off. However, Sandslash's Special Defense is still too low to comfortably survive hits from the primarily specially offensive Water- and Grass-type moves of the tier, so the Berries primarily apply to physical blows. Lum Berry is a decent option to improve Sandslash's matchup against Ghost-types if Rapid Sspinning is of greater importance to your team, and it helps to thwart status ailments in general to enable easier Swords Dance opportunities. Super Fang is an option to shave off half the HP of Sandslash's switch-ins, though Sandslash would most likely remain unable to finish them off.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Negating Sand**: Abomasnow stands out one of Sandslash's most threatening foes, as it automatically wipes out the sand that gives Sandslash the speed advantage, resists Earthquake, and can destroy Sandslash with either of its STAB attacks, although it doesn't take kindly to switching into Rock-type moves and fails to outrun Jolly Sandslash. While Ludicolo doesn't summon rain automatically, it does have the luxury of being able to set up Rain Dance in front of Sandslash without much trouble and threaten a countersweep. Weather setters such as Liepard, Mesprit, Regirock, and Volbeat can set up weather and rob Sandslash's offensive momentum and proceed to have their Swift Swim or Chlorophyll teammates pick Sandslash off.

**Grass-types**: Torterra has an easy time keeping Sandslash in check due to its high Defense and Ground resistance and can easily dispose of Sandslash with its Grass-type STAB attack or even take advantage of it by setting up. Vileplume can stomach an Earthquake and OHKO Sandslash with Giga Drain, while Gourgeist-XL survives even +2 Life Orb-boosted Adamant Knock Off and can retaliate with Will-O-Wisp or Foul Play; however, both of these Pokemon need to be wary of Sandstorm reducing Synthesis's effectiveness, meaning they risk being whittled into KO range. Offensive Grass-types such as Shiftry and Lilligant aren't OHKOed by Sandslash's unboosted attacks bar X-Scissor, and they easily revenge kill it outside of the sandstorm. Shiftry can also pick off a weakened Sandslash with Sucker Punch, and Sandslash risks running out of sand turns if it attempts to stall out Sucker Punch's PP.

**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Sandslash can struggle with various physically defensive Pokemon in the tier, especially if they threaten Sandslash enough to deter Swords Dance. Weezing can threaten with Will-O-Wisp, Gastrodon and Pelipper can threaten with Scald, and Quagsire simply does not care about anything Sandslash does. Tanky Pokemon give Sandslash trouble as well, with Piloswine picking off Sandslash with Icicle Crash followed up with Ice Shard, while Gurdurr's bulk plus access to Drain Punch and Mach Punch allows it to take on Sandslash one-on-one fairly consistently. Bulk-invested Levitate Psychic- and Ghost-types, such as Mesprit, Rotom, and Mismagius, that wield a Colbur Berry can also stop Sandslash in its tracks using Energy Ball and Will-O-Wisp, respectively; the Ghost-types can also spinblock against Sandslash if need be.

**Faster Attackers**: Sandslash outside of sand is really quite vulnerable, as nearly every faster Pokemon in the tier either does major damage to it, cripples it with status, or simply OHKOes it, with only a handful losing in a one-on-one matchup. A special mention goes to those that either resist or are immune to Earthquake, such as Charizard, Haunter, Lilligant, Ludicolo, SubToxic Mantine, Choice Specs Mesprit, Swellow, Rotom, and Vivillon.
 

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