ZU Rapid Spin Sandslash (& Overview, OO, C&C) [DONE]

missangelic

missangelic

The game cannot be won
is a Site Content Manageris a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributor
[OVERVIEW]
Sandslash is one of the few good entry hazard removers in ZU, and it's distinguished as a role compressor due to its additional access to Stealth Rock and Spikes. Spinblockers like Mismagius and Froslass fear and despise Sandslash's Knock Off, and Sandslash matches up nicely against common hazard setters like Regirock, Lycanroc, and Hisuian Qwilfish thanks to its typing and physical bulk. Sandslash isn't just limited to being a role compressor either, as it can run Swords Dance alongside Rapid Spin to become a surprisingly strong setup sweeper with good offensive utility from Rapid Spin + Knock Off. However, Sandslash is burdened by lacking any recovery besides Leftovers, leading it to being easily worn down by residual damage. Grass-types like Dipplin, Virizion, Rotom-C, Brute Bonnet, and Shaymin can all exploit Sandslash as an opportunity to switch in and threaten it out. Common hazard setters like Mesprit, Orthworm, and Vikavolt are even immune to Earthquake, leaving Sandslash reliant on Knock Off to punish them. Middling special bulk leaves Sandslash vulnerable against many special attackers. Sandslash also has several viable competitors: Sandaconda has Rest + Shed Skin for superior longevity, Mesprit distinguishes itself as a role compressor with additional utility like U-turn and Healing Wish, Regirock is a much tankier hazard setter, and Hattrem can deter hazards altogether.

[SET]
Rapid Spin (Sandslash) @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
Ability: Sand Rush
Tera Type: Ghost / Poison
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Stealth Rock / Spikes / Gunk Shot

[SET COMMENTS]
Good physical bulk, solid Attack, and plenty of utility make Sandslash an excellent hazard remover and role compressor. Knock Off deters spinblockers like Mismagius, nails Mesprit, and punishes Ground-immune Pokemon like Vikavolt, Charizard, and Orthworm. Knock Off's item removal helps soften up Hattrem and renders Heavy-Duty Boots users like Charizard, Glastrier, and Arboliva vulnerable to hazards set by Sandslash or its teammates. Sandslash is a solid hazard setter itself thanks to its good bulk and opportunities to set up against Rock-types like Naclstack and Regirock, Choice item Electric-types like Jolteon and Rotom-C locked into Electric-type moves, and Poison-types like Hisuian Qwilfish and Hisuian Sneasel. Stealth Rock is more useful than Spikes for hitting all non-Heavy-Duty Boots users, and it targets Ground-immune Pokemon like Mesprit and Vikavolt that try to take advantage of Sandslash. If one of Sandslash's teammates runs Stealth Rock instead, then it can use Spikes to wear down foes like Dipplin and Orthworm. Alternatively, Gunk Shot makes Sandslash much less passive against Grass-types like Lurantis, Brute Bonnet, and Virizion. Heavy-Duty Boots keep Sandslash from being worn down by the hazards it's frequently tasked with removing. For alternative utility, Sandslash can hold Rocky Helmet to chip away at contact move users like Mesprit and Passimian that may use Knock Off to remove Sandslash's item anyway. Leftovers is Sandslash's only option for recovery, and the healing is nice against passive foes like Regirock and Naclstack. Tera Ghost enables Sandslash to spinblock for itself, and the Fighting immunity is a nice perk against Fighting-types like Passimian and Hisuian Sneasel, Lycanroc's Close Combat, and Body Press users like Regirock and Orthworm. Alterantively, the Grass and Fairy resistances provided by Tera Poison improve Sandslash's matchups against threats like Choice Specs Jolteon and Whimsicott, and Gunk Shot variants have a strong Poison-type move to capitalize on Tera Poison. Tera Poison Sandslash becomes even better as a spinner by absorbing Toxic Spikes, and its matchup against Hisuian Qwilfish becomes even better.

Sandslash's access to Rapid Spin earns it a spot on many styles of teams thanks to the utility it provides. Defensive Pokemon that rely on items other than Heavy-Duty Boots, including Regirock, Snorlax, Orthworm, Dipplin, and Hisuian Qwilfish, all appreciate Sandslash spinning to keep them from being worn down. Lanturn enjoys being able to run items other than Heavy-Duty Boots, Poliwrath depends on Leftovers for recovery, and both of them can handle Water-types like Floatzel and Clawitzer for Sandslash. Rock-weak offensive Pokemon like Belly Drum Charizard, Choice Band Sneasel, and Minior all depend on Sandslash to keep Stealth Rock out of the picture. Pivots like Magneton, Rotom-C, and Jolteon appreciate Sandslash removing hazards to reduce the residual damage they take from constantly pivoting, earning Sandslash a spot on VoltTurn teams. Floatzel particularly accrues a lot of residual damage from Wave Crash, so Sandslash's hazard removal ensures Floatzel can make the most of its power as a wallbreaker and offensive pivot. Knock Off users like Passimian and Mesprit can help remove Heavy-Duty Boots from foes to maximize the impact of Sandslash's hazards. Typhlosion relies on being in pristine condition to maximize Eruption's power, so it's another beneficiary of Sandslash as a spinner. Sandslash's ability to remove hazards without removing Aurora Veil puts it ahead of Defog users for pairing with Abomasnow, and Abomasnow itself can disrupt troublesome Grass-types like Brute Bonnet and Dipplin for Sandslash. Hattrem can deter entry hazards to relieve Sandslash of some of its duty as a remover and enable it to work more as a hazard setter, and Hattrem appreciates being able to fall back on Sandslash in the event that it cannot deter hazards. Other hazard setters like Mesprit, Hisuian Qwilfish, and Weezing can create hazard stacking cores with Sandslash, and Sandslash's Rapid Spin doesn't remove its own team's hazards. Sandslash's Spikes can wear down defensive walls like Snorlax, Regirock, and Orthworm that lack recovery, which can ease sweeping attempts by setup users like Mesprit and Oricorio-F. Spinblockers like Mismagius and Spiritomb can ensure that Sandslash's own hazards remain on the field. Sandslash depends greatly on its teammates to answer the Grass-types like Brute Bonnet and Dipplin it invites in, so Pokemon like Whimsicott, Hisuian Sneasel, and Articuno make great partners to Sandslash. Sandslash's own Grass-type partners, including ones like Virizion and Shaymin, appreciate its ability to defensively answer Poison-types like Hisuian Qwilfish, Grafaiai, and Muk. Variants of Sandslash that lack Heavy-Duty Boots become vulnerable to Toxic Spikes, making grounded Poison-types like Hisuian Sneasel, Hisuian Qwilfish, and Muk even better teammates than usual.

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

Rock-type coverage like Stone Edge can help Sandslash nail Flying-types like Charizard, Articuno, and Braviary, especially as Sandslash is setup fodder for Minior. However, Knock Off alongside entry hazards still punishes Flying-types and a wider pool of Pokemon for Sandslash's utility set. Sandslash's Swords Dance set also tends to appreciate coverage options like Leech Life and Knock Off that hit Ground-resistant and -immune (Add hyphen) obstacles like Dipplin, Virizion, and Mesprit a lot harder. Alternative Tera types like Water and Dragon can improve utility Sandslash's matchups against Water-types like Floatzel that would give it trouble. An Assault Vest is an option for utility Sandslash variants that don't run entry hazards, as it helps Sandslash function as a tank against Electric-types.

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

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Rotom-C, Shaymin, and Alolan Exeggutor can use Sandslash's Earthquake as an opportunity to switch in and fire off attacks. Lurantis even threatens to remove Sandslash's entry hazards. Booster Energy Brute Bonnet, Virizion, Whimsicott, and Dipplin can very neatly switch into Knock Off and proceed to threaten Sandslash. Grassy terrain set up by Arboliva and Thwackey even blunts Sandslash's STAB Earthquake for their teammates, and they can exploit Sandslash to get the terrain set up. However, all Grass-types should be wary of Sandslash's access to coverage moves like Gunk Shot and Leech Life on top of its potential for Tera Poison.

**Water- and Ice-types**: Floatzel, Clawitzer, and Beartic all hit Sandslash hard with their super effective STAB moves. Froslass can spinblock, while Cryogonal can spin away Sandslash's hazards. Beartic under snow and Poliwrath aren't as threatened trying switching into Sandslash's Earthquake, and they can use Sandslash as setup fodder.

**Spinblockers**: Through blocking Rapid Spin, Ghost-types like Mismagius, Sableye, and Spiritomb inhibit utility Sandslash in its role as a hazard remover, and they similarly prevent offensive sets from boosting their Speed to sweep. However, Mismagius's frailty and Spiritomb's dependence on Leftovers for recovery mean they don't enjoy Knock Off.

**Ground-immune Pokemon**: Minior and Oricorio-F can use utility Sandslash's inability to hit them hard as an opportunity to for setup. Mesprit, Vikavolt, and Orthworm can tolerate Knock Off enough to slug it out with Sandslash and come out on top. Even Flying-types like Charizard and Braviary can switch in on Earthquake and proceed to pressure Sandslash, but they must be wary of losing their Heavy-Duty Boots and being made to take damage from Stealth Rock.

**Special Wallbreakers**: Typhlosion, Farigiraf, and Magneton all hit Sandslash hard on its lower special bulk. However, most of them lack the bulk or typing to switch in against Sandslash.

**Residual Damage**: Hazard damage can overwhelm Sandslash unless it runs Heavy-Duty Boots. Burns neutralize most of Sandslash's decent power, leaving Sandslash vulnerable to burn spreaders like Scald Lanturn and Will-O-Wisp Weezing. Toxic, poison, and Toxic Spikes from users like Hisuian Qwilfish, Grafaiai, and Muk can punish Sandslash by putting it on a timer.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/missangelic.452572/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/5dots.543866/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bloodace.435539/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/powerofmemes.583607/
 
Last edited:
[OVERVIEW]
Sandslash is one of the few good entry hazard removers in ZU, and it's distinguished as a role compressor by its own additional access to Stealth Rock and Spikes. Spinblockers like Mismagius and Spiritomb It doesn't like Knock Off but can set up on it without too much trouble, and NP Spiritomb tends to be a mid-to-late game threat most of the time. Something like Froslass can be mentioned instead fear and despise Sandslash's Knock Off, and Sandslash matches up nicely against common hazard setters like Regirock, Lycanroc, and Hisuian Qwilfish thanks to its typing and physical bulk. Sandslash isn't just limited to being a role compressor either, as it can run Swords Dance alongside Rapid Spin to become a surprisingly strong setup sweeper with good offensive utility from Rapid Spin + Knock Off. However, Sandslash is burdened by lacking any recovery besides Leftovers, leading it to being easily worn down by residual damage. Grass-types like Dipplin, Virizion, Rotom-C, Brute Bonnet, and Shaymin can all exploit Sandslash as an opportunity to switch in and threaten it out, and ZU has a menagerie of Grass-type options across teams that commonly ruin Sandslash's day. Common hazard setters like Mesprit, Orthworm, and Vikavolt are even immune to Earthquake, leaving Sandslash reliant on Knock Off to punish them. While Sandslash may be a Ground-type, it struggles to deal with Electric-types like Jolteon and Magneton as well as Lanturn. With the exception of Toedscruel, most of the Ground-types also struggle to deal with coverage Electric-types have. I'd rephrase to something like its lacking special bulk faltering against lots of special attackers in the tier Sandslash also sees several viable competitors: Sandaconda has Rest + Shed Skin for superior longevity, Mesprit distinguishes itself as a role compressor with additional utility like U-turn and Healing Wish, Regirock is a much tankier hazard setter, and Hattrem can deter hazards altogether.

[SET]
Rapid Spin (Sandslash) @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
Ability: Sand Rush
Tera Type: Ghost
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Stealth Rock / Spikes

[SET COMMENTS]
Good physical bulk, solid Attack, and plenty of utility make Sandslash an excellent hazard remover and role compressor. Knock Off deters spinblockers like Mismagius, nails Mesprit, and punishes Ground-immune Pokemon like Vikavolt, Charizard, and Orthworm. Knock Off's item removal helps soften up Hattrem and renders Heavy-Duty Boots users like Charizard, Glastrier, and Arboliva vulnerable to hazards set by Sandslash or its teammates. Sandslash is a solid hazard setter itself thanks to its solid bulk and opportunities to set up against Rock-types like Naclstack and Regirock, Choice item Electric-types like Jolteon and Rotom-C locked into Electric-type moves, and Poison-types like Hisuian Qwilfish and Hisuian Sneasel. Stealth Rock is more useful than Spikes for hitting all non-Heavy-Duty Boots users, and it targets Ground-immune Pokemon like Mesprit and Vikavolt that try to take advantage of Sandslash. If one of Sandslash's teammates runs Stealth Rock instead, then it can use Spikes to wear down foes like Dipplin and Orthworm. Heavy-Duty Boots keep Sandslash from being worn down by the hazards it's frequently tasked with removing. When Sandslash is safer to run alternative items, it can hold Rocky Helmet to chip away at contact move users like Mesprit and Passimian that may use Knock Off to remove Sandslash's item anyway. Otherwise, Leftovers is Sandslash's only option for recovery, though the healing is nice against passive foes like Regirock and Naclstack. Tera Ghost enables Sandslash to spinblock for itself, and the Fighting immunity is a nice perk against Fighting-types like Passimian and Hisuian Sneasel, Lycanroc's Close Combat, and Body Press users like Regirock and Orthworm.

Sandslash's access to Rapid Spin earns it a spot on many styles of teams thanks to the utility it provides. Defensive Pokemon unable to use Heavy-Duty Boots I think it's better if rephrased to "defensive Pokemon that prefer other items over Heavy-Duty Boots" you have it for Lanturn and Poliwrath, including Regirock, Snorlax, Orthworm, Dipplin, and Hisuian Qwilfish, all appreciate Sandslash spinning to keep them from being worn down. Lanturn enjoys being able to run items other than Heavy-Duty Boots, Poliwrath depends on Leftovers for recovery, and both of them can handle Water-types like Floatzel and Clawitzer for Sandslash. Rock-weak offensive Pokemon like Belly Drum Charizard, Choice Band Sneasel, and Minior all depend on Sandslash to keep Stealth Rock out of the picture. Pivots like Magneton, Rotom-C, and Jolteon appreciate Sandslash removing hazards to reduce the residual damage they take from constantly pivoting, earning Sandslash a spot on VoltTurn teams. Floatzel particularly accrues a lot of residual damage from Wave Crash, so Sandslash's hazard removal ensures Floatzel can make the most of its power as a wallbreaker and offensive pivot. Knock Off users like Passimian and Mesprit can help remove Heavy-Duty Boots from foes to maximize the impact of Sandslash's hazards. Typhlosion relies on being in pristine condition to maximize Eruption's power, so it's another beneficiary of Sandslash as a spinner. Sandslash's ability to remove hazards without removing screens puts it ahead of Defog users for pairing with Aurora Veil Abomasnow, and Abomasnow itself can disrupt troublesome Grass-types like Brute Bonnet and Dipplin for Sandslash. Hattrem can deter entry hazards to relieve Sandslash of some of its duty as a remover and enable it to work more as a hazard setter, and Hattrem appreciates being able to fall back on Sandslash in the event that it cannot deter hazards. Other hazard setters like Mesprit, Hisuian Qwilfish, and Weezing can create hazard stacking cores with Sandslash, and Sandslash's Rapid Spin doesn't remove its own team's hazards. Sandslash's Spikes can wear down defensive walls like Snorlax, Regirock, and Orthworm that lack recovery, which can ease sweeping attempts by setup users like Mesprit and Oricorio-F. Spinblockers like Mismagius and Spiritomb can ensure that Sandslash's own hazards remain on the field. Sandslash depends greatly on its teammates to answer the Grass-types like Brute Bonnet and Dipplin it invites in, so Pokemon like Whimsicott, Hisuian Sneasel, and Articuno make great partners to Sandslash. Sandslash's own Grass-type partners, including ones like Virizion and Shaymin, appreciate its ability to defensively answer Poison-types like Hisuian Qwilfish, Grafaiai, and Muk. Variants of Sandslash that lack Heavy-Duty Boots become vulnerable to Toxic Spikes, making grounded Poison-types like Hisuian Sneasel, Hisuian Qwilfish, and Muk even better teammates than usual.

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

Rock-type coverage like Stone Edge can help Sandslash nail Flying-types like Charizard, Articuno, and Braviary. However, Knock Off + entry hazards still punishes Flying-types and a wider pool of Pokemon for Sandslash's utility set. Sandslash's Swords Dance set also tends to appreciate coverage options like Leech Life, Gunk Shot, and Knock Off that hit Ground-immune obstacles like Dipplin, Virizion, and Mesprit a lot harder. Alternative Tera types like Water, Poison, and Dragon can improve utility Sandslash's matchups against Water- and Grass-types that would give it trouble. Tera Poison even enables utility Sandslash to remove Toxic Spikes. However, Sandslash tends not to be an effective user of Terastallization outside of specific situations where Terastallizing is key to keeping hazards up or removing hazards.

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

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Rotom-C, Shaymin, and Alolan Exeggutor can use Sandslash's Earthquake as an opportunity to switch in and fire off attacks. Lurantis even threatens to remove Sandslash's entry hazards. Booster Energy Brute Bonnet, Virizion, Whimsicott, and Dipplin can very neatly switch into Knock Off and proceed to threaten Sandslash. Grassy terrain set up by Arboliva and Thwackey even blunts Sandslash's STAB Earthquake for their teammates, and they can exploit Sandslash to get the terrain set up. However, all Grass-types should be wary of Sandslash's access to coverage moves like Leech Life and Gunk Shot.

**Water- and Ice-types**: Floatzel, Clawitzer, and Beartic all hit Sandslash hard with their super effective STAB moves. Froslass can spinblock, while Cryogonal can spin away Sandslash's hazards. Poliwrath and Beartic under snow aren't as threatened trying switching into Sandslash's Earthquake, and they can use Sandslash as setup fodder.

**Spinblockers**: Ghost-types like Mismagius, Sableye, and Spiritomb inhibit utility Sandslash in its role as a hazard remover, and they similarly prevent offensive sets from boosting their Speed to sweep. However, Mismagius's frailty and Spiritomb's dependence on Leftovers for recovery mean they don't enjoy Knock Off.

**Ground-immune Pokemon**: Minior and Oricorio-F can use utility Sandslash's inability to hit them hard as an opportunity to for setup. Mesprit, Vikavolt, and Orthworm can tolerate Knock Off enough to slug it out with Sandslash and come out on top. Even Flying-types like Charizard and Braviary can switch in on Earthquake and proceed to pressure Sandslash, but they must be wary of losing their Heavy-Duty Boots and being made to take damage from Stealth Rock.

**Special Wallbreakers**: Typhlosion, Farigiraf, and Magneton all hit Sandslash hard on its lower special bulk. However, most of them lack the bulk or typing to switch in against Sandslash.

**Residual Damage**: Hazard damage can overwhelm Sandslash unless it runs Heavy-Duty Boots. Burns neutralize most of Sandslash's decent power, leaving Sandslash vulnerable to burn spreaders like Scald Lanturn and Will-O-Wisp Weezing. Toxic status, poison, and Toxic Spikes from users like Hisuian Qwilfish, Grafaiai, and Muk can punish Sandslash by putting it on a timer.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/missangelic.452572/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/5dots.543866/

Grammar checked by:
 
[OVERVIEW]
Sandslash is one of the few good entry hazard removers in ZU, and it's distinguished as a role compressor by its own additional access to Stealth Rock and Spikes. Spinblockers like Mismagius and Froslass fear and despise Sandslash's Knock Off, and Sandslash matches up nicely against common hazard setters like Regirock, Lycanroc, and Hisuian Qwilfish thanks to its typing and physical bulk. Sandslash isn't just limited to being a role compressor either, as it can run Swords Dance alongside Rapid Spin to become a surprisingly strong setup sweeper with good offensive utility from Rapid Spin + Knock Off. However, Sandslash is burdened by lacking any recovery besides Leftovers, leading it to being easily worn down by residual damage. Grass-types like Dipplin, Virizion, Rotom-C, Brute Bonnet, and Shaymin can all exploit Sandslash as an opportunity to switch in and threaten it out, and ZU has a menagerie of Grass-type options across teams that commonly ruin Sandslash's day. Common hazard setters like Mesprit, Orthworm, and Vikavolt are even immune to Earthquake, leaving Sandslash reliant on Knock Off to punish them. Middling special bulk leaves Sandslash vulnerable against many special attackers. Sandslash also has several viable competitors: Sandaconda has Rest + Shed Skin for superior longevity, Mesprit distinguishes itself as a role compressor with additional utility like U-turn and Healing Wish, Regirock is a much tankier hazard setter, and Hattrem can deter hazards altogether.

[SET]
Rapid Spin (Sandslash) @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
Ability: Sand Rush
Tera Type: Ghost / Poison
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Stealth Rock / Spikes / Gunk Shot

(Add Gunk and Tera Poison accordingly. My ramblings you can incorporate: Tera Poison Gunk Shot is a solid option for spin sets that arent running hazards (such as when Mesp and Regi are rocker, etc) to help with mu vs variety of stuff. Tera Poison Gunk does alot for slash for mus vs grasses like brute bonnet, lurantis, virizion, whims etc and resists specs jolteon alluring voice, mowtom leaf storm, vikavolt moves, etc. Becomes immune to Poison to improve mu further vs qwilh, etc)

[SET COMMENTS]
Good physical bulk, solid Attack, and plenty of utility make Sandslash an excellent hazard remover and role compressor. Knock Off deters spinblockers like Mismagius, nails Mesprit, and punishes Ground-immune Pokemon like Vikavolt, Charizard, and Orthworm. Knock Off's item removal helps soften up Hattrem and renders Heavy-Duty Boots users like Charizard, Glastrier, and Arboliva vulnerable to hazards set by Sandslash or its teammates. Sandslash is a solid hazard setter itself thanks to its solid bulk and opportunities to set up against Rock-types like Naclstack and Regirock, Choice item Electric-types like Jolteon and Rotom-C locked into Electric-type moves, and Poison-types like Hisuian Qwilfish and Hisuian Sneasel. Stealth Rock is more useful than Spikes for hitting all non-Heavy-Duty Boots users, and it targets Ground-immune Pokemon like Mesprit and Vikavolt that try to take advantage of Sandslash. If one of Sandslash's teammates runs Stealth Rock instead, then it can use Spikes to wear down foes like Dipplin and Orthworm. Heavy-Duty Boots keep Sandslash from being worn down by the hazards it's frequently tasked with removing. When Sandslash is safer to run alternative items, it can hold Rocky Helmet to chip away at contact move users like Mesprit and Passimian that may use Knock Off to remove Sandslash's item anyway. Otherwise, Leftovers is Sandslash's only option for recovery, though the healing is nice against passive foes like Regirock and Naclstack. Tera Ghost enables Sandslash to spinblock for itself, and the Fighting immunity is a nice perk against Fighting-types like Passimian and Hisuian Sneasel, Lycanroc's Close Combat, and Body Press users like Regirock and Orthworm.

Sandslash's access to Rapid Spin earns it a spot on many styles of teams thanks to the utility it provides. Defensive Pokemon that rely on items other than Heavy-Duty Boots, including Regirock, Snorlax, Orthworm, Dipplin, and Hisuian Qwilfish, all appreciate Sandslash spinning to keep them from being worn down. Lanturn enjoys being able to run items other than Heavy-Duty Boots, Poliwrath depends on Leftovers for recovery, and both of them can handle Water-types like Floatzel and Clawitzer for Sandslash. Rock-weak offensive Pokemon like Belly Drum Charizard, Choice Band Sneasel, and Minior all depend on Sandslash to keep Stealth Rock out of the picture. Pivots like Magneton, Rotom-C, and Jolteon appreciate Sandslash removing hazards to reduce the residual damage they take from constantly pivoting, earning Sandslash a spot on VoltTurn teams. Floatzel particularly accrues a lot of residual damage from Wave Crash, so Sandslash's hazard removal ensures Floatzel can make the most of its power as a wallbreaker and offensive pivot. Knock Off users like Passimian and Mesprit can help remove Heavy-Duty Boots from foes to maximize the impact of Sandslash's hazards. Typhlosion relies on being in pristine condition to maximize Eruption's power, so it's another beneficiary of Sandslash as a spinner. Sandslash's ability to remove hazards without removing screens puts it ahead of Defog users for pairing with Aurora Veil Abomasnow, and Abomasnow itself can disrupt troublesome Grass-types like Brute Bonnet and Dipplin for Sandslash. Hattrem can deter entry hazards to relieve Sandslash of some of its duty as a remover and enable it to work more as a hazard setter, and Hattrem appreciates being able to fall back on Sandslash in the event that it cannot deter hazards. Other hazard setters like Mesprit, Hisuian Qwilfish, and Weezing can create hazard stacking cores with Sandslash, and Sandslash's Rapid Spin doesn't remove its own team's hazards. Sandslash's Spikes can wear down defensive walls like Snorlax, Regirock, and Orthworm that lack recovery, which can ease sweeping attempts by setup users like Mesprit and Oricorio-F. Spinblockers like Mismagius and Spiritomb can ensure that Sandslash's own hazards remain on the field. Sandslash depends greatly on its teammates to answer the Grass-types like Brute Bonnet and Dipplin it invites in, so Pokemon like Whimsicott, Hisuian Sneasel, and Articuno make great partners to Sandslash. Sandslash's own Grass-type partners, including ones like Virizion and Shaymin, appreciate its ability to defensively answer Poison-types like Hisuian Qwilfish, Grafaiai, and Muk. Variants of Sandslash that lack Heavy-Duty Boots become vulnerable to Toxic Spikes, making grounded Poison-types like Hisuian Sneasel, Hisuian Qwilfish, and Muk even better teammates than usual.

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

Rock-type coverage like Stone Edge can help Sandslash nail Flying-types like Charizard, Articuno, and Braviary. (I think Minior is most important mon to mention for Stone Edge as Sandslash can be fodder for it otherwise. These other guys fear Knock as is, as you mention in next sentence.) However, Knock Off + entry hazards still punishes Flying-types and a wider pool of Pokemon for Sandslash's utility set. Sandslash's Swords Dance set also tends to appreciate coverage options like Leech Life, Gunk Shot, (remove gunk now) and Knock Off that hit Ground-immune obstacles like Dipplin, Virizion, and Mesprit a lot harder. Alternative Tera types like Water, Poison, and Dragon can improve utility Sandslash's matchups against Water- and Grass-types that would give it trouble. (list examples, rework without tera poison since its gonna be listed above now. Tbh it cant beat most grasses without Poison so maybe just say waters like Floatzel) Tera Poison even enables utility Sandslash to remove Toxic Spikes. (move this above) However, Sandslash tends not to be an effective user of Terastallization outside of specific situations where Terastallizing is key to keeping hazards up or removing hazards.

(Assault Vest with Tera Poison Gunk is really good when you dont need rocky helmet and/or hazards (such as when paired with helmet rocker mesp). Helps alot into grasses, tanking more moves from electrics (like avoiding 2hko from specs jolteon, etc) I also disagree with your last sentence as I think there are many instances where Sandslash wants to tera to 1v1 stuff, not even neccesarily to keep hazards up or whatever, though tera water/dragon is def more fringe than like tera poison.)

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

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Rotom-C, Shaymin, and Alolan Exeggutor can use Sandslash's Earthquake as an opportunity to switch in and fire off attacks. Lurantis even threatens to remove Sandslash's entry hazards. Booster Energy Brute Bonnet, Virizion, Whimsicott, and Dipplin can very neatly switch into Knock Off and proceed to threaten Sandslash. Grassy terrain set up by Arboliva and Thwackey even blunts Sandslash's STAB Earthquake for their teammates, and they can exploit Sandslash to get the terrain set up. However, all Grass-types should be wary of Sandslash's access to coverage moves like Leech Life and Gunk Shot. (list gunk first, also mention they should be wary of tera poison to absorb hit and strike back, etc)

**Water- and Ice-types**: Floatzel, Clawitzer, and Beartic all hit Sandslash hard with their super effective STAB moves. Froslass can spinblock, while Cryogonal can spin away Sandslash's hazards. Poliwrath and Beartic under snow aren't as threatened trying switching into Sandslash's Earthquake, and they can use Sandslash as setup fodder.

**Spinblockers**: Ghost-types like Mismagius, Sableye, and Spiritomb inhibit utility Sandslash in its role as a hazard remover, and they similarly prevent offensive sets from boosting their Speed to sweep. However, Mismagius's frailty and Spiritomb's dependence on Leftovers for recovery mean they don't enjoy Knock Off.

**Ground-immune Pokemon**: Minior and Oricorio-F can use utility Sandslash's inability to hit them hard as an opportunity to for setup. Mesprit, Vikavolt, and Orthworm can tolerate Knock Off enough to slug it out with Sandslash and come out on top. Even Flying-types like Charizard and Braviary can switch in on Earthquake and proceed to pressure Sandslash, but they must be wary of losing their Heavy-Duty Boots and being made to take damage from Stealth Rock.

**Special Wallbreakers**: Typhlosion, Farigiraf, and Magneton all hit Sandslash hard on its lower special bulk. However, most of them lack the bulk or typing to switch in against Sandslash.

**Residual Damage**: Hazard damage can overwhelm Sandslash unless it runs Heavy-Duty Boots. Burns neutralize most of Sandslash's decent power, leaving Sandslash vulnerable to burn spreaders like Scald Lanturn and Will-O-Wisp Weezing. Toxic status, poison, and Toxic Spikes from users like Hisuian Qwilfish, Grafaiai, and Muk can punish Sandslash by putting it on a timer.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/missangelic.452572/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/5dots.543866/

Grammar checked by:

QC 2/2

I kinda rambled so hmu on discord if you have questions. Great work!
 
GP Team done
gp 1/1
add remove comment highlight
[OVERVIEW]
Sandslash is one of the few good entry hazard removers in ZU, and it's distinguished as a role compressor due to by its own additional access to Stealth Rock and Spikes. Spinblockers like Mismagius and Froslass fear and despise Sandslash's Knock Off, and Sandslash matches up nicely against common hazard setters like Regirock, Lycanroc, and Hisuian Qwilfish thanks to its typing and physical bulk. Sandslash isn't just limited to being a role compressor either, as it can run Swords Dance alongside Rapid Spin to become a surprisingly strong setup sweeper with good offensive utility from Rapid Spin + Knock Off. However, Sandslash is burdened by lacking any recovery besides Leftovers, leading it to being easily worn down by residual damage. Grass-types like Dipplin, Virizion, Rotom-C, Brute Bonnet, and Shaymin can all exploit Sandslash as an opportunity to switch in and threaten it out, and ZU has a menagerie of Grass-type options across teams that commonly ruin Sandslash's day (this is just saying what the first half of the sentence said. either delete it or reword it to be more specific.). Common hazard setters like Mesprit, Orthworm, and Vikavolt are even immune to Earthquake, leaving Sandslash reliant on Knock Off to punish them. Middling special bulk leaves Sandslash vulnerable against many special attackers. Sandslash also has several viable competitors: Sandaconda has Rest + Shed Skin for superior longevity, Mesprit distinguishes itself as a role compressor with additional utility like U-turn and Healing Wish, Regirock is a much tankier hazard setter, and Hattrem can deter hazards altogether.

[SET]
Rapid Spin (Sandslash) @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
Ability: Sand Rush
Tera Type: Ghost / Poison
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Stealth Rock / Spikes / Gunk Shot

[SET COMMENTS]
Good physical bulk, solid Attack, and plenty of utility make Sandslash an excellent hazard remover and role compressor. Knock Off deters spinblockers like Mismagius, nails Mesprit, and punishes Ground-immune Pokemon like Vikavolt, Charizard, and Orthworm. Knock Off's item removal helps soften up Hattrem and renders Heavy-Duty Boots users like Charizard, Glastrier, and Arboliva vulnerable to hazards set by Sandslash or its teammates. Sandslash is a solid hazard setter itself thanks to its solid bulk (change one of those instances of "solid" because it sounds repetitive.) and opportunities to set up against Rock-types like Naclstack and Regirock, Choice item Electric-types like Jolteon and Rotom-C locked into Electric-type moves, and Poison-types like Hisuian Qwilfish and Hisuian Sneasel. Stealth Rock is more useful than Spikes for hitting all non-Heavy-Duty Boots users, and it targets Ground-immune Pokemon like Mesprit and Vikavolt that try to take advantage of Sandslash. If one of Sandslash's teammates runs Stealth Rock instead, then it can use Spikes to wear down foes like Dipplin and Orthworm. Alternatively, Gunk Shot makes Sandslash much less passive against Grass-types like Lurantis, Brute Bonnet, and Virizion. Heavy-Duty Boots keep Sandslash from being worn down by the hazards it's frequently tasked with removing. When Sandslash is safer to run alternative items (are there specific conditions for this? if not, cut that part out or reword it to simply say something about wanting more utility from other items.), it can hold Rocky Helmet to chip away at contact move users like Mesprit and Passimian that may use Knock Off to remove Sandslash's item anyway. Otherwise, Leftovers is Sandslash's only option for recovery, though and the healing is nice against passive foes like Regirock and Naclstack. Tera Ghost enables Sandslash to spinblock for itself, and the Fighting immunity is a nice perk against Fighting-types like Passimian and Hisuian Sneasel, Lycanroc's Close Combat, and Body Press users like Regirock and Orthworm. Alterantively, the Grass and Fairy resistances provided by Tera Poison improve Sandslash's matchups against threats like Choice Specs Jolteon and Whimsicott, and Gunk Shot variants have a strong Poison-type move to capitalize on Tera Poison. Tera Poison Sandslash becomes even better as a spinner by absorbing Toxic Spikes, and its matchup against Hisuian Qwilfish becomes even better.

Sandslash's access to Rapid Spin earns it a spot on many styles of teams thanks to the utility it provides. Defensive Pokemon that rely on items other than Heavy-Duty Boots, including Regirock, Snorlax, Orthworm, Dipplin, and Hisuian Qwilfish, all appreciate Sandslash spinning to keep them from being worn down. Lanturn enjoys being able to run items other than Heavy-Duty Boots, Poliwrath depends on Leftovers for recovery, and both of them can handle Water-types like Floatzel and Clawitzer for Sandslash. Rock-weak offensive Pokemon like Belly Drum Charizard, Choice Band Sneasel, and Minior all depend on Sandslash to keep Stealth Rock out of the picture. Pivots like Magneton, Rotom-C, and Jolteon appreciate Sandslash removing hazards to reduce the residual damage they take from constantly pivoting, earning Sandslash a spot on VoltTurn teams. Floatzel particularly accrues a lot of residual damage from Wave Crash, so Sandslash's hazard removal ensures Floatzel can make the most of its power as a wallbreaker and offensive pivot. Knock Off users like Passimian and Mesprit can help remove Heavy-Duty Boots from foes to maximize the impact of Sandslash's hazards. Typhlosion relies on being in pristine condition to maximize Eruption's power, so it's another beneficiary of Sandslash as a spinner. Sandslash's ability to remove hazards without removing Aurora Veil screens (i'm unsure if Reflect + Light Screen users are commonly used in ZU, so i went for "Aurora Veil" over "dual screens".) puts it ahead of Defog users for pairing with Aurora Veil Abomasnow, and Abomasnow itself can disrupt troublesome Grass-types like Brute Bonnet and Dipplin for Sandslash. Hattrem can deter entry hazards to relieve Sandslash of some of its duty as a remover and enable it to work more as a hazard setter, and Hattrem appreciates being able to fall back on Sandslash in the event that it cannot deter hazards. Other hazard setters like Mesprit, Hisuian Qwilfish, and Weezing can create hazard stacking cores with Sandslash, and Sandslash's Rapid Spin doesn't remove its own team's hazards. Sandslash's Spikes can wear down defensive walls like Snorlax, Regirock, and Orthworm that lack recovery, which can ease sweeping attempts by setup users like Mesprit and Oricorio-F. Spinblockers like Mismagius and Spiritomb can ensure that Sandslash's own hazards remain on the field. Sandslash depends greatly on its teammates to answer the Grass-types like Brute Bonnet and Dipplin it invites in, so Pokemon like Whimsicott, Hisuian Sneasel, and Articuno make great partners to Sandslash. Sandslash's own Grass-type partners, including ones like Virizion and Shaymin, appreciate its ability to defensively answer Poison-types like Hisuian Qwilfish, Grafaiai, and Muk. Variants of Sandslash that lack Heavy-Duty Boots become vulnerable to Toxic Spikes, making grounded Poison-types like Hisuian Sneasel, Hisuian Qwilfish, and Muk even better teammates than usual.

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

Rock-type coverage like Stone Edge can help Sandslash nail Flying-types like Charizard, Articuno, and Braviary, especially as Sandslash is setup fodder for Minior. However, Knock Off + alongside entry hazards still punishes Flying-types and a wider pool of Pokemon for Sandslash's utility set. Sandslash's Swords Dance set also tends to appreciate coverage options like Leech Life and Knock Off that hit Ground-resistant and -immune (Add hyphen) obstacles like Dipplin, Virizion, and Mesprit a lot harder. Alternative Tera types like Water and Dragon can improve utility Sandslash's matchups against Water-types like Floatzel that would give it trouble. An Assault Vest is an option for utility Sandslash variants that don't run entry hazards, as it helps Sandslash function as a tank against Electric-types.

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

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Rotom-C, Shaymin, and Alolan Exeggutor can use Sandslash's Earthquake as an opportunity to switch in and fire off attacks. Lurantis even threatens to remove Sandslash's entry hazards. Booster Energy Brute Bonnet, Virizion, Whimsicott, and Dipplin can very neatly switch into Knock Off and proceed to threaten Sandslash. Grassy terrain set up by Arboliva and Thwackey even blunts Sandslash's STAB Earthquake for their teammates, and they can exploit Sandslash to get the terrain set up. However, all Grass-types should be wary of Sandslash's access to coverage moves like Gunk Shot and Leech Life on top of its potential for Tera Poison.

**Water- and Ice-types**: Floatzel, Clawitzer, and Beartic all hit Sandslash hard with their super effective STAB moves. Froslass can spinblock, while Cryogonal can spin away Sandslash's hazards. Poliwrath and Beartic under snow and Poliwrath aren't as threatened trying switching into Sandslash's Earthquake, and they can use Sandslash as setup fodder.

**Spinblockers**: Through blocking Rapid Spin, Ghost-types like Mismagius, Sableye, and Spiritomb inhibit utility Sandslash in its role as a hazard remover, and they similarly prevent offensive sets from boosting their Speed to sweep. However, Mismagius's frailty and Spiritomb's dependence on Leftovers for recovery mean they don't enjoy Knock Off.

**Ground-immune Pokemon**: Minior and Oricorio-F can use utility Sandslash's inability to hit them hard as an opportunity to for setup. Mesprit, Vikavolt, and Orthworm can tolerate Knock Off enough to slug it out with Sandslash and come out on top. Even Flying-types like Charizard and Braviary can switch in on Earthquake and proceed to pressure Sandslash, but they must be wary of losing their Heavy-Duty Boots and being made to take damage from Stealth Rock.

**Special Wallbreakers**: Typhlosion, Farigiraf, and Magneton all hit Sandslash hard on its lower special bulk. However, most of them lack the bulk or typing to switch in against Sandslash.

**Residual Damage**: Hazard damage can overwhelm Sandslash unless it runs Heavy-Duty Boots. Burns neutralize most of Sandslash's decent power, leaving Sandslash vulnerable to burn spreaders like Scald Lanturn and Will-O-Wisp Weezing. Toxic status, poison, and Toxic Spikes from users like Hisuian Qwilfish, Grafaiai, and Muk can punish Sandslash by putting it on a timer.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/missangelic.452572/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/5dots.543866/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bloodace.435539/
Grammar checked by:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top