Sandslash is a Ground-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.
Type: Ground
Abilities:
- Sand Veil: Increases evasion in a sandstorm.
- Sand Rush (Hidden Ability): Doubles the Pokémon's Speed in a sandstorm.
Physical Characteristics:
- Sandslash is a bipedal mammalian Pokémon with a sleek, streamlined body covered in large brown spines that resemble quills.
- It has a cream-colored underbelly and a spiny back.
- Its claws are long and sharp, ideal for burrowing and digging.
- Its eyes are small and black, contributing to its ability to see well in the dark.
Behavior and Habitat:
- Sandslash primarily inhabits arid regions like deserts and dry grasslands.
- It digs deep burrows to escape the harsh sun and to find underground water sources.
- Known for its solitary nature, Sandslash is more active during cooler parts of the day, such as dawn and dusk.
- When threatened, it can curl into a ball, using its spikes for protection.
In Battle:
- Sandslash is known for its high physical defense and attack, making it a formidable opponent in physical confrontations.
- Signature moves include Earthquake, Crush Claw, and Sand Attack.
- Strong against Electric, Fire, Poison, Rock, and Steel types due to its Ground typing.
- Vulnerable to Water, Ice, and Grass types.
- Often used in battle to set up entry hazards like Stealth Rock.
Evolution:
- Evolves from Sandshrew at level 22.
- Has a regional variant in the Alola region known as Alolan Sandslash, which is an Ice/Steel type and evolves from Alolan Sandshrew using an Ice Stone.
Interesting Facts:
- Sandslash's spikes are shed periodically, and they grow back stronger than before.
- The design of Sandslash may be inspired by the pangolin or armadillo.
- In the Pokémon anime, Sandslash is often depicted as a formidable opponent in battles due to its defensive and offensive capabilities.
- Its ability to curl into a ball and roll is reminiscent of hedgehogs, which it also resembles.