asa
PU Leader
uploaded -zard
[QC Checks: Megazard / yogi / UberSkitty]
[GP Checks: The Dutch Plumberjack / lotiasite]
[OVERVIEW]
Due to Slush Rush, Alolan Sandslash is able to outpace the entire unboosted metagame under hail, which in combination with its access to both Swords Dance and fairly high-powered STAB moves in Icicle Crash and Iron Head gives it the ability to be a potent hail sweeper. Alolan Sandslash's solid offensive typing enables it to hit almost all of the tier for neutral damage with its STAB moves alone, and its relatively high Defense allows it to stomach neutral hits from Pokemon such as physical Skuntank and Togedemaru as well as most forms of priority except Mach Punch and retaliate with a much stronger attack, which can make revenge killing it difficult. Alolan Sandslash also has access to solid support options in Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, with its typing and decent Speed tier giving it a positive matchup against common entry hazard setters, hazard removers, and spinblockers such as Golurk, Swanna, and Oricorio-G to help it perform these roles rather well. While not the best defensively, its typing does allow Alolan Sandslash to switch into Ice-, Fairy-, Normal-, and Psychic-type attacks from Pokemon such as non-Choice Scarf Jynx, Clefairy, Type: Null, and defensive Mesprit. However, its typing burdens it with two crippling 4x weaknesses to Fighting and Fire, meaning that it is very vulnerable to common Pokemon like Pyroar and Gurdurr. Alolan Sandslash's damage output can also prove to be rather disappointing if it hasn't used Swords Dance, which it can struggle doing because of its typing and poor special bulk. Finally, Alolan Sandslash's meager Speed tier leaves it outsped and easily revenge killed by common offensive Pokemon like Kingler outside of hail.
[SET]
name: Hail Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Icicle Crash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Substitute / Iron Head
item: Icium Z / Shuca Berry
ability: Slush Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance doubles Alolan Sandslash's Attack, allowing it to more easily sweep through teams. Icicle Crash is Alolan Sandslash's strongest and most reliable Ice-type STAB move, threatening to hit foes such as Torterra for super effective damage. Earthquake gives Alolan Sandslash coverage for foes that resist its dual STAB combination like Lanturn and Pyroar and also hits Pokemon like Aggron and Probopass harder than any of its other attacks. Substitute makes Alolan Sandslash harder to revenge kill outside of hail, guards it from status conditions, and allows it to take advantage of passive Pokemon like Weezing by setting up on them. Iron Head is an alternative secondary STAB move, allowing Alolan Sandslash to hit certain Ice-resistant foes such as Munchlax harder than any of its other moves while also being a more reliable attack to hit Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy.
Set Details
========
The investment in Attack and Speed, combined with Slush Rush to double its Speed under hail, maximizes Alolan Sandslash's offensive presence while also making it as fast it possibly can be, with a Jolly nature being used to outspeed Choice Scarf users such as Jynx and Primeape under hail. Icium Z turns Icicle Crash into Subzero Slammer, which can be used to break through very physically bulky Pokemon like Gastrodon at +2. Shuca Berry is an alternative that reduces the damage dealt by Ground-type attacks from Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, which prevents it from being overwhelmed by them outside of hail. Life Orb can also be used to increase Alolan Sandslash's damage output if its team already has a Z-Move user, but this does come with the drawback of recoil damage. Iron Head should be used over Substitute if opting for Life Orb, since this limits the amount of HP that Alolan Sandslash will lose.
Usage Tips
========
Alolan Sandslash should aim to use Substitute on Pokemon that it will force out under hail such as Lilligant and Oricorio-G, as this shields it from status conditions, allows it to scout, and makes setting up with Swords Dance easier. It can also use Swords Dance against these Pokemon if it is necessary to break through a bulkier foe. Swords Dance should mainly be used when up against bulkier teams, since it allows Alolan Sandslash to break through typical checks. Against more offensive teams, it may not always be necessary to do so, though it does make sweeping easier if Alolan Sandslash gets the chance to do so. It is advised to wait until very physically bulky Pokemon like Weezing have been weakened or removed to begin attempting a sweep if Alolan Sandslash isn't running Substitute, as this lessens the need for it to use its Z-Move if it is running it and allows it to preserve it if Subzero Slammer is needed to break through another foe. However, Alolan Sandslash is also capable of serving as a wallbreaker that can pave the way for a teammate to sweep. Waiting for Mach Punch users such as Gurdurr to be removed is also important, since they can quickly put an end to Alolan Sandslash's late-game sweep. Avoid switching Alolan Sandslash directly in on attacks, especially special attacks, as this will reduce its longevity and make sweeping more difficult. However, it can be switched in on weaker attacks from Pokemon such as Togedemaru. Despite excelling under hail, Alolan Sandslash is still capable of setting up and breaking with Icium Z outside of it. Life Orb variants of Alolan Sandslash should avoid simply using attacks against teams, since they can just pivot around and let the recoil work against it until it can be picked off by a priority move. Use the fact that it can be rather difficult to discern what item Alolan Sandslash is holding to your advantage by setting up on Pokemon like Kangaskhan, as they are forced out.
Team Options
========
Hail setters such as Abomasnow and Aurorus are indispensable teammates, as Slush Rush is one of the main things that make Alolan Sandslash as threatening as it is. Both can wallbreak for Alolan Sandslash, with the latter also being able to potentially provide Stealth Rock support and generate free setup turns with Encore, while Alolan Sandslash can break through specially defensive Pokemon like Clefairy. Since Fighting-types threaten Alolan Sandslash with strong, 4x super effective attacks, checks to them are a necessity; Pokemon such as Mesprit, Spiritomb with Psychic, and Swanna perform this role well, with Mesprit also offering a slow U-turn and Healing Wish support, Spiritomb luring in and taking out Gurdurr, and Swanna offensively checking Fire-types as well. Checks to Fire-types are also important for the same reason, so Pokemon such as Clefairy and Lanturn are good teammates. Clefairy is also capable of setting Stealth Rock, while Lanturn can bring Alolan Sandslash safely into play with Volt Switch, and both can further wear down some of Alolan Sandslash's switch-ins with Toxic. Fighting-types like Gurdurr appreciate Alolan Sandslash taking care of both their defensive and offensive checks like Weezing and Oricorio-G and can have an easier time sweeping late-game because of this. Gurdurr also provides useful Knock Off support to cripple defensive switch-ins like Weezing. Special wallbreakers such as the two previously mentioned hail setters, Haunter, and Pyroar are appreciated due to their ability to either heavily pressure or outright KO most physical walls that Alolan Sandslash has problems bypassing. In return, Alolan Sandslash can handle specially bulky Pokemon like Audino and Carbink.
[SET]
name: Offensive Support
move 1: Rapid Spin / Stealth Rock
move 2: Icicle Crash
move 3: Knock Off / Iron Head
move 4: Earthquake
item: Shuca Berry
ability: Slush Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rapid Spin clears entry hazards from Alolan Sandslash's side of the field, which can prove useful for maintaining the longevity of its teammates without compromising any potential entry hazards that its team may set. Alternatively, Stealth Rock can be used to pressure opposing teams by wearing foes down every time they switch in. Icicle Crash is a strong Ice-type STAB move that deals heavy damage to common spinblockers such as Golurk and Oricorio-G, on top of hitting certain Defog users like Shiftry and Togetic for super effective damage. Knock Off cripples bulkier Pokemon that are quick to switch in on Alolan Sandslash such as Ferroseed and Gurdurr by removing their item, which may prove useful for supporting a teammate. Iron Head threatens to hit certain Fairy- and Rock-types such as Clefairy and Regirock harder than Icicle Crash. Earthquake gives Alolan Sandslash the ability to threaten foes like Togedemaru, Aggron, and Kabutops, all of which would otherwise switch in with few issues aside from taking a Knock Off.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Speed and Attack makes Alolan Sandslash as powerful and as fast as possible, with a Jolly nature being used to outspeed Pokemon like Adamant Absol outside of hail. Slush Rush doubles Alolan Sandslash's Speed under hail, which allows it to then outpace the entire unboosted metagame and pose a threat to opposing hail teams. Shuca Berry is the preferred item, since it gives Alolan Sandslash an easier time setting up or removing entry hazards against foes with Ground-type attacks such as Aurorus, Kangaskhan, and opposing Alolan Sandslash as well as against Stealth Rock setters such as Regirock and Golurk. Leftovers can be used instead to prevent Alolan Sandslash from being worn down by entry hazards by granting it a form of passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
Alolan Sandslash should capitalize on its decently broad coverage, immunity to Toxic Spikes, and advantageous matchup against common Stealth Rock setters, entry hazard removers, and spinblockers by either setting or removing entry hazards on the turn that the aforementioned Pokemon switch out. Because it is holding a Shuca Berry, Alolan Sandslash is also capable of setting Stealth Rock against foes that are reliant on Ground-types attacks to KO it such as Kangaskhan. Knock Off should also be used a lot early-game, since it cripples defensive Pokemon as well as bulkier Pokemon that can otherwise switch in with no qualms like Gurdurr. Switching in on stronger, neutral attacks is ill advised, especially if Alolan Sandslash is a team's only means of entry hazard removal, as this will wear it down faster and leave it incapable of supporting its team as effectively. However, Alolan Sandslash can switch in on Pokemon like physical Skuntank fairly well and use the following turn to its advantage by either setting Stealth Rock or clearing its side of the field. If the opposing team has a hail setter, preserving Alolan Sandslash may prove to be a good idea, since it is still capable of cleaning late-game due to its decent Attack stat and Slush Rush. Be sure to scout for Fire-type coverage from Pokemon that Alolan Sandslash can otherwise switch into, such as Silvally-Fairy, as they will either heavily damage or OHKO it.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers that appreciate the removal of entry hazards or the potential setting of Stealth Rock like Oricorio-G and Pyroar are good partners, since they can break through physically bulky Pokemon that Alolan Sandslash has issues with such as Kingler. Oricorio-G can also offensively check Fighting-types for Alolan Sandslash, appreciates Pokemon like Lanturn and Probopass being worn down, and can pivot around with U-turn depending on the set. Checks to Fighting-types are very important due to them threatening Alolan Sandslash with 4x super effective STAB moves, so teammates such as Mesprit and Weezing are appreciated. The former in particular is a good teammate, since it can bluff a Stealth Rock set, potentially wallbreak for Alolan Sandslash, and offer useful Healing Wish support, while the latter can wear down Alolan Sandslash's switch-ins with Toxic Spikes. Similarly, checks to Fire-types such as Lanturn and Floatzel are important due to Alolan Sandslash's 4x weakness to their STAB attacks. Note that Floatzel is more of an offensive check to Fire-types. Since Alolan Sandslash has issues with switching directly in on attacks, it appreciates pivots like Eelektross and the previously mentioned Lanturn getting it in for free against Pokemon that they bait in such as Audino. In return, Alolan Sandslash can prevent the two from being worn down too fast by getting rid of entry hazards. Alolan Sandslash can take advantage of opposing Ice-types like Aurorus and non-Focus Blast Jynx, so teammates that are vulnerable to Ice-type attacks such as Lilligant and Oricorio-G appreciate having Alolan Sandslash to fall back on. Alolan Sandslash can also take advantage of the hail that the former sets due to Slush Rush.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
An Adamant nature can be used over Jolly for additional firepower, but this leaves Alolan Sandslash outpaced by foes like Ludicolo outside of hail and by certain Choice Scarf users like Mr. Mime and Primeape under hail. Lum Berry is a viable alternative that allows non-Substitute Alolan Sandslash to ignore a status condition once and have an easier time setting up against bulkier foes such as Weezing. Choice Scarf can be used to lure in and take out faster threats like Pyroar, but Alolan Sandslash's low Speed and only average Attack limit the effectiveness of such a set. Furthermore, none of its attacks are really desirable to be locked into. Toxic can be used to wear bulky Pokemon like defensive Mesprit, Gastrodon, and Pyukumuku down for a teammate, but Alolan Sandslash has trouble finding space for this as well. Fightinium Z in combination with Focus Punch is usable and allows Alolan Sandslash to immediately break through foes such as Ferroseed and non-Fire Punch Munchlax, but Alolan Sandslash already has no problems setting up on these Pokemon because of Substitute.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-type Attacks**: Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, and Primeape can all out force Alolan Sandslash out due to its 4x weakness to their STAB moves, with the former two also threatening Alolan Sandslash with Mach Punch; furthermore, both only need a little bit of prior damage to secure the OHKO. Other Pokemon with Fighting-type coverage such as Stoutland, Zangoose, and Jynx can all give Alolan Sandslash some trouble as well, and though Alolan Sandslash outspeeds all of them under hail, Stoutland and Gurdurr are capable of taking one hit before KOing it. However, +2 Subzero Slammer OHKOes Stoutland and KOes Gurdurr after a bit of prior damage.
**Fire-type Attacks**: Fire-types such as Combusken and Pyroar also give Alolan Sandslash issues, since they all outspeed Alolan Sandslash outside of hail and can OHKO it with Fire Blast. Choice Scarf Pyroar also outspeeds Alolan Sandslash under hail, and Combusken can stall out hail turns with Protect and get progressively faster with Speed Boost. However, none of them appreciate switching in on Earthquake, and all of them are outsped under hail besides Choice Scarf Pyroar. Fire-type coverage from foes such as Mesprit and Weezing can also prove rather annoying.
**Opposing Weather**: Opposing weather setters such as Liepard and Volbeat are annoying for Alolan Sandslash if it is being used on a hail team, since they can set either sun or rain in place of the hail and pivot into a faster Pokemon and revenge kill it. Both can also cripple it with Encore and Thunder Wave even under hail due to Prankster.
**Faster Pokemon**: Alolan Sandslash's average Speed tier leaves it outsped by common offensive Pokemon such as Haunter, Oricorio-G, and Swanna outside of hail. Choice Scarf Manectric outspeeds it even under hail and OHKOes it.
[QC Checks: Megazard / yogi / UberSkitty]
[GP Checks: The Dutch Plumberjack / lotiasite]
[OVERVIEW]
Due to Slush Rush, Alolan Sandslash is able to outpace the entire unboosted metagame under hail, which in combination with its access to both Swords Dance and fairly high-powered STAB moves in Icicle Crash and Iron Head gives it the ability to be a potent hail sweeper. Alolan Sandslash's solid offensive typing enables it to hit almost all of the tier for neutral damage with its STAB moves alone, and its relatively high Defense allows it to stomach neutral hits from Pokemon such as physical Skuntank and Togedemaru as well as most forms of priority except Mach Punch and retaliate with a much stronger attack, which can make revenge killing it difficult. Alolan Sandslash also has access to solid support options in Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, with its typing and decent Speed tier giving it a positive matchup against common entry hazard setters, hazard removers, and spinblockers such as Golurk, Swanna, and Oricorio-G to help it perform these roles rather well. While not the best defensively, its typing does allow Alolan Sandslash to switch into Ice-, Fairy-, Normal-, and Psychic-type attacks from Pokemon such as non-Choice Scarf Jynx, Clefairy, Type: Null, and defensive Mesprit. However, its typing burdens it with two crippling 4x weaknesses to Fighting and Fire, meaning that it is very vulnerable to common Pokemon like Pyroar and Gurdurr. Alolan Sandslash's damage output can also prove to be rather disappointing if it hasn't used Swords Dance, which it can struggle doing because of its typing and poor special bulk. Finally, Alolan Sandslash's meager Speed tier leaves it outsped and easily revenge killed by common offensive Pokemon like Kingler outside of hail.
[SET]
name: Hail Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Icicle Crash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Substitute / Iron Head
item: Icium Z / Shuca Berry
ability: Slush Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance doubles Alolan Sandslash's Attack, allowing it to more easily sweep through teams. Icicle Crash is Alolan Sandslash's strongest and most reliable Ice-type STAB move, threatening to hit foes such as Torterra for super effective damage. Earthquake gives Alolan Sandslash coverage for foes that resist its dual STAB combination like Lanturn and Pyroar and also hits Pokemon like Aggron and Probopass harder than any of its other attacks. Substitute makes Alolan Sandslash harder to revenge kill outside of hail, guards it from status conditions, and allows it to take advantage of passive Pokemon like Weezing by setting up on them. Iron Head is an alternative secondary STAB move, allowing Alolan Sandslash to hit certain Ice-resistant foes such as Munchlax harder than any of its other moves while also being a more reliable attack to hit Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy.
Set Details
========
The investment in Attack and Speed, combined with Slush Rush to double its Speed under hail, maximizes Alolan Sandslash's offensive presence while also making it as fast it possibly can be, with a Jolly nature being used to outspeed Choice Scarf users such as Jynx and Primeape under hail. Icium Z turns Icicle Crash into Subzero Slammer, which can be used to break through very physically bulky Pokemon like Gastrodon at +2. Shuca Berry is an alternative that reduces the damage dealt by Ground-type attacks from Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, which prevents it from being overwhelmed by them outside of hail. Life Orb can also be used to increase Alolan Sandslash's damage output if its team already has a Z-Move user, but this does come with the drawback of recoil damage. Iron Head should be used over Substitute if opting for Life Orb, since this limits the amount of HP that Alolan Sandslash will lose.
Usage Tips
========
Alolan Sandslash should aim to use Substitute on Pokemon that it will force out under hail such as Lilligant and Oricorio-G, as this shields it from status conditions, allows it to scout, and makes setting up with Swords Dance easier. It can also use Swords Dance against these Pokemon if it is necessary to break through a bulkier foe. Swords Dance should mainly be used when up against bulkier teams, since it allows Alolan Sandslash to break through typical checks. Against more offensive teams, it may not always be necessary to do so, though it does make sweeping easier if Alolan Sandslash gets the chance to do so. It is advised to wait until very physically bulky Pokemon like Weezing have been weakened or removed to begin attempting a sweep if Alolan Sandslash isn't running Substitute, as this lessens the need for it to use its Z-Move if it is running it and allows it to preserve it if Subzero Slammer is needed to break through another foe. However, Alolan Sandslash is also capable of serving as a wallbreaker that can pave the way for a teammate to sweep. Waiting for Mach Punch users such as Gurdurr to be removed is also important, since they can quickly put an end to Alolan Sandslash's late-game sweep. Avoid switching Alolan Sandslash directly in on attacks, especially special attacks, as this will reduce its longevity and make sweeping more difficult. However, it can be switched in on weaker attacks from Pokemon such as Togedemaru. Despite excelling under hail, Alolan Sandslash is still capable of setting up and breaking with Icium Z outside of it. Life Orb variants of Alolan Sandslash should avoid simply using attacks against teams, since they can just pivot around and let the recoil work against it until it can be picked off by a priority move. Use the fact that it can be rather difficult to discern what item Alolan Sandslash is holding to your advantage by setting up on Pokemon like Kangaskhan, as they are forced out.
Team Options
========
Hail setters such as Abomasnow and Aurorus are indispensable teammates, as Slush Rush is one of the main things that make Alolan Sandslash as threatening as it is. Both can wallbreak for Alolan Sandslash, with the latter also being able to potentially provide Stealth Rock support and generate free setup turns with Encore, while Alolan Sandslash can break through specially defensive Pokemon like Clefairy. Since Fighting-types threaten Alolan Sandslash with strong, 4x super effective attacks, checks to them are a necessity; Pokemon such as Mesprit, Spiritomb with Psychic, and Swanna perform this role well, with Mesprit also offering a slow U-turn and Healing Wish support, Spiritomb luring in and taking out Gurdurr, and Swanna offensively checking Fire-types as well. Checks to Fire-types are also important for the same reason, so Pokemon such as Clefairy and Lanturn are good teammates. Clefairy is also capable of setting Stealth Rock, while Lanturn can bring Alolan Sandslash safely into play with Volt Switch, and both can further wear down some of Alolan Sandslash's switch-ins with Toxic. Fighting-types like Gurdurr appreciate Alolan Sandslash taking care of both their defensive and offensive checks like Weezing and Oricorio-G and can have an easier time sweeping late-game because of this. Gurdurr also provides useful Knock Off support to cripple defensive switch-ins like Weezing. Special wallbreakers such as the two previously mentioned hail setters, Haunter, and Pyroar are appreciated due to their ability to either heavily pressure or outright KO most physical walls that Alolan Sandslash has problems bypassing. In return, Alolan Sandslash can handle specially bulky Pokemon like Audino and Carbink.
[SET]
name: Offensive Support
move 1: Rapid Spin / Stealth Rock
move 2: Icicle Crash
move 3: Knock Off / Iron Head
move 4: Earthquake
item: Shuca Berry
ability: Slush Rush
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rapid Spin clears entry hazards from Alolan Sandslash's side of the field, which can prove useful for maintaining the longevity of its teammates without compromising any potential entry hazards that its team may set. Alternatively, Stealth Rock can be used to pressure opposing teams by wearing foes down every time they switch in. Icicle Crash is a strong Ice-type STAB move that deals heavy damage to common spinblockers such as Golurk and Oricorio-G, on top of hitting certain Defog users like Shiftry and Togetic for super effective damage. Knock Off cripples bulkier Pokemon that are quick to switch in on Alolan Sandslash such as Ferroseed and Gurdurr by removing their item, which may prove useful for supporting a teammate. Iron Head threatens to hit certain Fairy- and Rock-types such as Clefairy and Regirock harder than Icicle Crash. Earthquake gives Alolan Sandslash the ability to threaten foes like Togedemaru, Aggron, and Kabutops, all of which would otherwise switch in with few issues aside from taking a Knock Off.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Speed and Attack makes Alolan Sandslash as powerful and as fast as possible, with a Jolly nature being used to outspeed Pokemon like Adamant Absol outside of hail. Slush Rush doubles Alolan Sandslash's Speed under hail, which allows it to then outpace the entire unboosted metagame and pose a threat to opposing hail teams. Shuca Berry is the preferred item, since it gives Alolan Sandslash an easier time setting up or removing entry hazards against foes with Ground-type attacks such as Aurorus, Kangaskhan, and opposing Alolan Sandslash as well as against Stealth Rock setters such as Regirock and Golurk. Leftovers can be used instead to prevent Alolan Sandslash from being worn down by entry hazards by granting it a form of passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
Alolan Sandslash should capitalize on its decently broad coverage, immunity to Toxic Spikes, and advantageous matchup against common Stealth Rock setters, entry hazard removers, and spinblockers by either setting or removing entry hazards on the turn that the aforementioned Pokemon switch out. Because it is holding a Shuca Berry, Alolan Sandslash is also capable of setting Stealth Rock against foes that are reliant on Ground-types attacks to KO it such as Kangaskhan. Knock Off should also be used a lot early-game, since it cripples defensive Pokemon as well as bulkier Pokemon that can otherwise switch in with no qualms like Gurdurr. Switching in on stronger, neutral attacks is ill advised, especially if Alolan Sandslash is a team's only means of entry hazard removal, as this will wear it down faster and leave it incapable of supporting its team as effectively. However, Alolan Sandslash can switch in on Pokemon like physical Skuntank fairly well and use the following turn to its advantage by either setting Stealth Rock or clearing its side of the field. If the opposing team has a hail setter, preserving Alolan Sandslash may prove to be a good idea, since it is still capable of cleaning late-game due to its decent Attack stat and Slush Rush. Be sure to scout for Fire-type coverage from Pokemon that Alolan Sandslash can otherwise switch into, such as Silvally-Fairy, as they will either heavily damage or OHKO it.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers that appreciate the removal of entry hazards or the potential setting of Stealth Rock like Oricorio-G and Pyroar are good partners, since they can break through physically bulky Pokemon that Alolan Sandslash has issues with such as Kingler. Oricorio-G can also offensively check Fighting-types for Alolan Sandslash, appreciates Pokemon like Lanturn and Probopass being worn down, and can pivot around with U-turn depending on the set. Checks to Fighting-types are very important due to them threatening Alolan Sandslash with 4x super effective STAB moves, so teammates such as Mesprit and Weezing are appreciated. The former in particular is a good teammate, since it can bluff a Stealth Rock set, potentially wallbreak for Alolan Sandslash, and offer useful Healing Wish support, while the latter can wear down Alolan Sandslash's switch-ins with Toxic Spikes. Similarly, checks to Fire-types such as Lanturn and Floatzel are important due to Alolan Sandslash's 4x weakness to their STAB attacks. Note that Floatzel is more of an offensive check to Fire-types. Since Alolan Sandslash has issues with switching directly in on attacks, it appreciates pivots like Eelektross and the previously mentioned Lanturn getting it in for free against Pokemon that they bait in such as Audino. In return, Alolan Sandslash can prevent the two from being worn down too fast by getting rid of entry hazards. Alolan Sandslash can take advantage of opposing Ice-types like Aurorus and non-Focus Blast Jynx, so teammates that are vulnerable to Ice-type attacks such as Lilligant and Oricorio-G appreciate having Alolan Sandslash to fall back on. Alolan Sandslash can also take advantage of the hail that the former sets due to Slush Rush.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
An Adamant nature can be used over Jolly for additional firepower, but this leaves Alolan Sandslash outpaced by foes like Ludicolo outside of hail and by certain Choice Scarf users like Mr. Mime and Primeape under hail. Lum Berry is a viable alternative that allows non-Substitute Alolan Sandslash to ignore a status condition once and have an easier time setting up against bulkier foes such as Weezing. Choice Scarf can be used to lure in and take out faster threats like Pyroar, but Alolan Sandslash's low Speed and only average Attack limit the effectiveness of such a set. Furthermore, none of its attacks are really desirable to be locked into. Toxic can be used to wear bulky Pokemon like defensive Mesprit, Gastrodon, and Pyukumuku down for a teammate, but Alolan Sandslash has trouble finding space for this as well. Fightinium Z in combination with Focus Punch is usable and allows Alolan Sandslash to immediately break through foes such as Ferroseed and non-Fire Punch Munchlax, but Alolan Sandslash already has no problems setting up on these Pokemon because of Substitute.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-type Attacks**: Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, and Primeape can all out force Alolan Sandslash out due to its 4x weakness to their STAB moves, with the former two also threatening Alolan Sandslash with Mach Punch; furthermore, both only need a little bit of prior damage to secure the OHKO. Other Pokemon with Fighting-type coverage such as Stoutland, Zangoose, and Jynx can all give Alolan Sandslash some trouble as well, and though Alolan Sandslash outspeeds all of them under hail, Stoutland and Gurdurr are capable of taking one hit before KOing it. However, +2 Subzero Slammer OHKOes Stoutland and KOes Gurdurr after a bit of prior damage.
**Fire-type Attacks**: Fire-types such as Combusken and Pyroar also give Alolan Sandslash issues, since they all outspeed Alolan Sandslash outside of hail and can OHKO it with Fire Blast. Choice Scarf Pyroar also outspeeds Alolan Sandslash under hail, and Combusken can stall out hail turns with Protect and get progressively faster with Speed Boost. However, none of them appreciate switching in on Earthquake, and all of them are outsped under hail besides Choice Scarf Pyroar. Fire-type coverage from foes such as Mesprit and Weezing can also prove rather annoying.
**Opposing Weather**: Opposing weather setters such as Liepard and Volbeat are annoying for Alolan Sandslash if it is being used on a hail team, since they can set either sun or rain in place of the hail and pivot into a faster Pokemon and revenge kill it. Both can also cripple it with Encore and Thunder Wave even under hail due to Prankster.
**Faster Pokemon**: Alolan Sandslash's average Speed tier leaves it outsped by common offensive Pokemon such as Haunter, Oricorio-G, and Swanna outside of hail. Choice Scarf Manectric outspeeds it even under hail and OHKOes it.
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