PU Sandslash(Mini)[QC 2/2] [GP 1/1]

[Lost Soul]

uploading -mz

[OVERVIEW]

Sandslash is a spinner that is outclassed by many other Pokemon within the PU tier. Alolan Sandslash has a useful Ice / Steel typing, and Slush Rush lets it fit well with Aurorus, while Hitmonchan has access to priority and greater moveset flexibility. Sandslash is also outclassed by Silvally-Fairy, Silvally-Dragon, Silvally-Water, and Silvally-Ghost, which have the added bonus of Parting Shot, and Skuntank, which can hit Ghost-types super effectively and pursuit trap. Sandslash is also hindered by many of the tier's Ghost-types such as Froslass and Jellicent, which can burn it with Will-O-Wisp or hit it super effectively with Water- or Ice-type attacks, and it has no real way to remove these threats reliably.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Stealth Rock / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set allows Sandslash to do its job as an entry hazard remover while allowing it to either spread status or set Stealth Rock. It also allows Sandslash to hit Ghost-types with Knock Off, which are a common switch-in to block Rapid Spin. However Sandslash still finds itself outclassed by Alolan Sandslash, as it has the benefit of its typing, good bulk, and having great matchups against top-tier hazard setters like Mesprit and special attackers such as Lilligant. Hitmonchan is also a superior spinner due to its typing, and it has more moveset flexibility than Sandslash.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Lost Soul, 42265]]
- Quality checked by: [[Megazard, 202117], [TJ, 331538]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073]]

 

[Lost Soul]

Ready for QC.

 

[Aaronboyer]

AM Check

[OVERVIEW]

• Sandslash is a rapid spinner within the PU tier. Thanks to its typing, it is resistance to Stealth Rocks which allows for it to switch in and remove them multiple times.This thought is incomplete. You can fix this by combining the two sentence into one complete idea.
• It also has a great defensive typing within the tier and can check common threats such Skuntank, Lycanroc, Regirock and Aggron.
• However, Sandslash has a lot of competition within the tier as a hazard remover. It’s Alolan counterpart with it’s useful Steel/Ice typing with Slush Rush which fits well with Aurorus, I personally like the comparison with its Alolan form, because it is better and does fit on teams better. Thumbs up! However, mentioning Slush Rush and pairing well with Aurorus really distracts from Sandslash-Kanto, which is the main idea. Hitmonchan with its extra utility What extra utility?, Silvally What Silvally, because Silvally-Normal is kinda awful which has a choice of many typing’sAgain which ones in particular? to go with Parting Shot and Skuntank who can hit ghost types super effectively.Some of these are Defoggers. Perhaps you can discuss Rapid Spin being better than defog in the fact that they don’t remove the hazards you’ve set up.
• Sandslash is also crippled and hindered by many of the tiers ghost types such as Froslass and Jellicent which can either Wil-o-Wisp it or hit it super effectively with water or ice type attacks.

The overview also doesn’t explain the dangers of overlapping roles of entry hazard setting and removal on the same Pokémon. This is why we don’t see Stealth Rock + Rapid Spin Claydol or Prinplup at all, for examples.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Stealth Rock/Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Spe

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

• Earthquake is Sandslash’s best offensive option available to it and allows it to make use of its decent 100 base attack allowing it to hit threats such as Aggron, Regirock, Skuntank, Alola Sandslash for solid damage. You are reusing quite a few of the same examples you’ve used in the Overview. Helpful Hint: don’t list as many examples in one particular place so that you have enough unique examples to work with. 2-3 is a solid #!
• Knock Off allows Sandslash to hit many of the tiers blockers such as Froslass and Jellicent for super effective damage on switch in and has the added utility of item removal. Knock Off also helps with Mesprit who is a common setter that Sandslash will encounter.
• Rapid Spin allows Sandslash to remove hazards from the field. The final slot is dedicated to one of two moves depending on team composition.
• Stealth Rock’s for being able to set up hazards allow Sandslash to be a setter and remover.
• Toxic if that team already has a setter which allows Sandslash to cripple some of its more common switch in’s and walls with poison.

This would be a QC thing, but I would really think about Swords Dance as the second slash tbh, or even Stone Edge.

Set Details
========

• Max EVs in HP allows Sandslash to survive longer and provide more opportunities to spin later into the game thanks to its add bulk.
• Jolly nature with maximum EVs in speed allow Sandslash to hit 251 Spe. This allows Sandslash to speed tie Sandslash-A as well as out speeding Aggron, Silvally, Mespirt, Aurous, Lanturn and Jellicent without use of its Sand Rush ability.
• With Sand Rush activated Sandslash reaches 502 Spe which out speeds everything in the tier that is not boosted or scarfed.Mention that Sand Rush is not overly useful and is incredibly niche but it’s the best thing its got.

Usage Tips
========

• Sandslash shouldcan, not should be used as a spinner on both Non-weather and sand teams. It should be used as a Rock and Poison type check. However, it should be wary of special attack Skuntank which can take advantage of its rather mediocre base 55 Sp.Def.Skunktank isn’t the only special attacking Pokémon. Use the phrases “such as” or “like” to denote more Pokemon than just the example you are describing
• It should also avoid switching into Frolass as it will be unable to get off a spin to get rid of spikes before going down. Sandslash should also avoid Jellicent which can cripple Sandslash with Wil-o-Wisp or hit it with Scald or Water Spout.You can probably combine these two sentences here.
• Also as Sandslash has no recovery its ability to come in on Aggron or another powerful physical attacker multiple times is not possible.
• Sandslash should only come in to try to spin when there is no spin blocker, or the spin blocker is unlikely to be switched in. Sandslash despite these issues can still perform its job as a spinner on a somewhat consistent basis.
• If using Stealth Rock it give’s Sandslash role compression and frees up another slot on the team.This isn’t really a usage tip.
• With Toxic Sandslash can cripple many of its common switch in’s such as Froslass, Jellicent and Llligant, However be careful if the opposing team has a toxic immunity as this allows a free switch in for the opponent.Unless your name is Bronzor, most Toxic immunities are hit super effectively by Earthquake. Mention that Toxic should be used on the switch against the threats you mentioned.

Usage Tips doesn’t quite feel complete. I would mention when to use Knock Off vs Rapid Spin mind games vs potential incoming spinblockers. I would also mention What to do against Flying-types since they are immune to EQ, and some such as Sensu are immune to Rapid Spin also.

Team Options
========

• Froslass- Froslass is a great partner to pair with Sandslash as Froslass provides further hazard support with spikes. Froslass also blocks opposing spinners from removing hazards and helps take care of opposing ghost types and grass types that give Sandslash trouble.
• Jellicent- Jellicent pairs with Sandslash well as it helps block other rapid spinners from removing rocks from the field and helps take care of opposing ghost types and water types that can cause Sandslash issues.
• Lilligant- Lilligant is a good pairing to have with Sandslash as Lilligant benefits from the chip damage that stealth rocks provide and helps deal with any water types for Sandslash while Sandslash can help remove poison types for Lilligant.
• Skuntank- Sandslash benefits greatly from having a partner on the team that can deal with the wide assortment of ghost types that reside in the PU tier. Skuntank, thanks to Sandslash being a spinner can forgo Defog and add more utility to its move set to help remove ghost types and grass types from play for Sandslash to spin and set up hazards.
• Dodrio- Dodrio is a great partner for Sandslash as Dodrio enjoys having a rapid spinner on its team to help provide it with more longevity. Dodrio also hits many of the pokemon that give Sandslash trouble thanks to its wide range of coverage allowing it to hit a wide variety of the meta clearing out threats to Sandslash while Sandslash helps provide more opportunities for Dodrio to enter back into play.

You can generalize these Pokémon into categories to include more than your specific examples. Some groups could include Spinblockers, Grass-types, and setup sweepers.

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

• Sandslash can operate as a Sand Rush sweeper on Sand Stream teams when partnered with Hipopotas. When operating offensively Sandslash can run Swords Dance over Stealth Rock and function in a similar role to A-Sandslash although to a much less effective level as Sandslash does not have the same dual coverage options it’s Alolan counterpart possesses. Also, the use of Hipopotas who is less than optimal is necessary for Sandslash to function in this role.

Stone Edge for sure. Mention Stoutland as a partner for being paired with Hippopotas to create the standard Sand Offensive core.

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

• Ghost Types in the current PU meta give Sandslash a lot of trouble, both Froslass and Jellicent are capable of blocking Sandslash from spinning then either hitting Sandslash super effectively or crippling Sandslash with Wil-o-Wisp with Sandslash not being able to do much in return without an effective partner to remove Jellicent and Froslass from play.
• Grass Types like Lilligant and Bellosom are able to come in on Sandslash with impunity and are able to put it to sleep or set up on variants of Sandslash that are not running Toxic which is Sandslash’s only means of trying to cripple them.
• Ice Types like Aurous and it’s Alolan counterpart A-Sandslash are both huge threats too Sandslash and with hail up Sandslash is unable to outspend A-Sandslash which is able to hit it super effectively and has a chance to OHKO it while Sandslash is unable to OHKO A-Sandslash in return so Sandslash struggles against hail teams.

Checks and Counters are formatted differently from the rest of the analysis at the beginning. You can look at other analyses to see what I’m talking about.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Lost Soul,42265]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

This is an AM QC check. Comments in BOLD. Not a bad job at all tbh.

 

[Lost Soul]

Thank's, this is my very first one so the extra little bit of help is appreciated, I'll go over it all again tomorrow and make some changes to it, always good to get feedback on these kind of things, definitely need to change the format at the bottom, that was a oppsie. But thanks for going over it for me, now I can tweak it and make it even better.

 

[tondas]

Hey bud, apologies that we got back to this so late with the minis and all that, but since sandslash was unranked in the last vr update we're suggesting that you make this a mini-analysis to save time for both you and qc. If you're unfamiliar with the process of doing minis you can check out this post. Again, up to you.

 

[Lost Soul]

Converted from regular analysis to mini, ready for QC.

 

[MZ]

mini-analyses start written up, but im just gonna check this anyway

[OVERVIEW]

• Sandslash is a rapid spinner that has plenty of competition that is more reliable then it within the PU tier. It’s Alolan counterpart with it’s useful Steel/Ice typing and Slush Rush fits well with Aurous. It is also outclassed by Hitmonchan as a spinner which has access to priority and move-set flexiblity Also by Silvally which has a choice of many typing’s to go with Parting Shot and Skuntank who can hit ghost types super effectively.
• Sandslash is also crippled and hindered by many of the tiers ghost types such as Froslass and Jellicent which can either Wil-o-Wisp it or hit it super effectively with water or ice type attacks with no real way to remove these threats reliably.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Stealth Rock/Toxic spacing here
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

• This set allows Sandslash to do it's job as a hazard remover while giving it access to a either status or hazard setting.
• This set also allows it to hit ghost types that are a common switch in to block it. However Sandslash still finds itself outclassed by it's Alolan counterpart as Alolan Sandslash has the benefit of it's typing and access to reliable weather setters and is far more reliable as a spinner and doing Sandslash's job better at almost every level.
• Hitmonchan is also a superior rapid spinner and has more move set flexibility then Sandslash. Hitmonchan with it's fighting type and access to the elemental punches, Stone Edge, and priority stab move gives it the ability to do it's job far more reliably then Sandslash.
• Sandslash find's itself in a tier where it's best ability Sand Rush means most times it is not activated, there are many reliable and competent hazard removers and many of the best blockers do not have any reason to fear it. i wouldnt even bother mentioning sand rush at all. instead, drop something about how reg slash doesnt really have much defensive utility, while chan and alolaslash and whatever other removers typically check important threats like aurorus or w/e

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Lost Soul,42265]]
- Quality checked by: [[<username1>, <userid1>], [<username2>, <userid2>]]
- Grammar checked by: [[<username1>, <userid1>]]

1/2

 

[Lost Soul]

Changes are made, ready for 2nd QC.

 

[TJ]

[OVERVIEW]

• Sandslash is a rapid spinner that has plenty of competition that is more reliable then it within the PU tier. It’s Alolan counterpart with it’s useful Steel/Ice typing and Slush Rush fits well with Aurous. It is also outclassed by Hitmonchan as a spinner which has access to priority and move-set flexiblity Also by Silvally (which silvally?) which has a choice of many typing’s to go with Parting Shot and Skuntank who can hit ghost types super effectively.
• Sandslash is also crippled and hindered by many of the tiers ghost types such as Froslass and Jellicent which can either Wil-o-Wisp it or hit it super effectively with water or ice type attacks with no real way to remove these threats reliably.

(mini analyses should start written up)

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Stealth Rock / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

• This set allows Sandslash to do it's job as a hazard remover while giving it access to a either status or hazard setting.
• This set also allows it to hit ghost types that are a common switch in to block it. (with knock off) However Sandslash still finds itself outclassed by it's Alolan counterpart as Alolan Sandslash has the benefit of it's typing and access to reliable weather setters and is far more reliable as a spinner and doing Sandslash's job better at almost every level. (access to reliable weather setters? id remove that. mention how it has great match ups against top tier things like mesprit or special attackers in general coupled with great bulk)
• Hitmonchan is also a superior rapid spinner and has more move set flexibility then Sandslash. Hitmonchan with it's fighting type and access to the elemental punches, Stone Edge, and priority stab move gives it the ability to do it's job far more reliably then Sandslash.
• Sandslash struggles within the tier against common threats lacking the defensive utility of it's competitors such as Hitmonchan and Alolan Sandslash who both can check common threat's such as Aurorus, Alolan Exeggutor and Lilligant. Thanks to Hitmonchan's moveset utility and Alolan Sandslash's type coverage which Sandslash can not match. (you mentioned how both hitmonchan/alolan sandslash outclass it in previous bullets, id remove this one)

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Lost Soul, 42265]]
- Quality checked by: [[Megazard, 202117], [<username2>, <userid2>]]
- Grammar checked by: [[<username1>, <userid1>]]

2/2

 

[Lost Soul]

Changes made, ready for GP.

 

[Rabia]

add
remove
comments

gpcheck

[OVERVIEW]

Sandslash is a rapid spinner that has plenty of competition that is more reliable then it is outclassed by many other Pokemon within the PU tier. It’s Alolan counterpart with it’s Alolan Sandslash has a useful Steel/Ice Ice / Steel typing,(AC) and Slush Rush fits lets it fit well with Aurous. It is also outclassed by Hitmonchan as a spinner which Aurorus, while Hitmonchan has access to priority and move-set flexiblity Also by greater moveset flexibility. Sandslash is also outclassed by Silvally-Fairy, Dragon, Water and Ghost with Silvally-Dragon, Silvally-Water, and Silvally-Ghost,(AC) which have the added bonus of Parting Shot,(AC) and Skuntank who ,(AC) which can hit ghost types Ghost-types super effectively (Sandslash can hit them super effectively too though?). Sandslash is also crippled and hindered by many of the tiers ghost types tier's Ghost-types such as Froslass and Jellicent,(AC) which can either Wil-o-Wisp burn it with Will-O-Wisp or hit it super effectively with water Water- or ice type Ice-type attacks with ,(AC) and it has no real way to remove these threats reliably.

[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Stealth Rock / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set allows Sandslash to do it's its job as a an entry hazard remover while giving allowing it access to a either spread status or hazard setting set Stealth Rock. This It (just to avoid starting two sentences in a row with "this set") also allows it Sandslash to hit ghost types Ghost-types with Knock Off, which are a common switch-in(AH) to block it Rapid Spin. However Sandslash still finds itself outclassed by it's Alolan counterpart Alolan Sandslash,(AC) as Alolan Sandslash it has the benefit of it's its typing,(AC) good bulk,(AC) and having great match ups matchups against top-tier(AH) hazard setters like Mesprit and Special Attackers special attackers (such as?). Thanks to its bulk it is a more reliable spinner which does Sandslash's job better at almost every level. Hitmonchan is also a superior rapid spinner due to its typing,(AC) and it has more move set moveset flexibility then than Sandslash. Hitmonchan with it's fighting type and access to the elemental punches, Stone Edge, and priority stab move gives it the ability to do it's job far more reliably then Sandslash.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Lost Soul, 42265]]
- Quality checked by: [[Megazard, 202117], [TJ, 331538]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073]]

gp 1/1