Quality Control - Slashing through the sand (Sandslash) [QC 0/2] (2024)

[overview]
**Draft Order**: Late round 6 onwards

**Price Range**: 3-5 points

**Overview**: Sandslash is a solid budget option for teams wanting to fill the gaps for a cheap price. Sandslash offers the much-needed role compression for teams lacking entry hazards, hazard removal, an Electric-type immunity, and the option to take things in their own claws and sand sweep. Unfortunately, what massively hold Sandslash back are its stats, which, except for solid defense stat, leave a lot to be desired.

[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Utility**: Sandslash shines as a utility Pokémon, thanks to its access to a variety of support moves such as Stealth Rock, Spikes, Rapid Spin, and Knock Off. This combination allows it to set up hazards, clear them from its side of the field, and disrupt opponents by removing their items. Its Ground typing also grants it an Electric-type immunity, making it a reliable switch-in to Electric-type attacks and a valuable asset to teams needing hazard control and disruption.

**Sand Sweeper**: With its ability Sand Rush, Sandslash can double its Speed under Sandstorm, turning it into an effective late-game sweeper. When paired with Swords Dance, it can boost its mediocre Attack to threatening levels, allowing it to clean up weakened teams with ease. However, it requires careful team support, particularly in setting up Sandstorm and eliminating its counters, to fully capitalize on its sweeping potential.

Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Earthquake, High Horsepower

**Setup Moves**: Swords Dance, Curse, Hone Claws

**Utility Moves**: Stealth Rock, Spikes, Rapid Spin, Knock Off, Brick Break, Super Fang

**Coverage**: Knock Off, Rock Slide, Stone Edge, Iron Head, Leech Life, Gunk Shot, Poison Jab, Shadow Claw, Gyro Ball, Aerial Ace

Niche Moves
========
**Scorching Sands**: Despite Sandslash's special attack stat, it could be used in certain utility sets in hopes of crippling threats with a burn.

**Throat Chop**: This could be used instead of Knock Off if the opponent relies on things like Sylveon's Hyper Voice or Incineroar's Parting Shot.

**Smack Down**: Gives a niche option to threaten Pokemon that are immune to Earthquake.

**Bulldoze**: Useful to check some threats that will expect some easy setup opportunities.

**Sandstorm**: Sandslash can set sandstorm by itself, although it would much prefer for someone else to do it.

**Agility**: Could be used as a surprise factor, when Sandstorm is not desirable or possible for some reason.

Common Items
========
**Leftovers**: Provides passive recovery, enhancing Sandslash's longevity, especially when used in a defensive role.

**Pinch Berry**: Could offer more value than Leftovers if it's expected for Sandslash to not survive for long.

**Rocky Helmet**: Thanks to its high defense, it can punish physical attackers, especially those who use U-turn for momentum.

**Life Orb**: Increases Sandslash's damage output, making it a more formidable offensive threat when using Swords Dance.

**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Always useful to protect Sandslash against other hazards, especially Toxic Spikes.

Niche Items
========
**Focus Sash**: Useful if you need to set Stealth Rock or Spikes at all cost.

**Resistance Berries**: Rindo Berry, Passho Berry, and Yache Berry may allow Sandslash to take a super-effective hit.

**Assault Vest**: Could be used as an attempt to help with Sandslash's Special Defense, but sacrifices Hazard or Sword Dance Setting.

Tera
========
If Sandslash is able to activate Sand Rush reliably, it's a decent budget choice for Tera Captain, with a variety of options to choose from. Without that, it's probably better to consider other options, as Ground type is usually sufficient for utility sets. Tera Grass is particularly valuable, as it flips the Water and Grass matchups in Sandslash's favor while also giving it an edge against fellow Ground types. Tera Dark helps against Ghost types attempting to block Rapid Spin, boosts Knock Off damage, and makes it (slightly) harder for Prankster users to stop Sand Rush sweep. Tera Ghost is useful for preventing the opponent's hazard removal via Rapid Spin. Tera Ground boosts Earthquake damage to dangerous levels. Tera Steel and Bug are fine options to make respective coverage better. Lastly, Tera Rock is an underrated choice that synergizes well with Sandslash—providing a strong STAB Rock/Ground combo while boosting its Special Defense in Sandstorm.

Draft Strategy
========
Sandslash is a complementary piece, offering valuable hazard control, support, and potential sweeping power with sand. While it shouldn't be the centerpiece of any draft, it plays an important role in enabling the rest of the draft team.

**Entry Hazard-weak Offensive Pokémon**: Since Sandslash provides entry hazard removal for the team, Pokémon that are weak to hazards pair well with it. Pokémon like Kyurem, Dragonite, Enamorus-Incarnate, or Chi-Yu appreciate this support.

**Specially Defensive Pokémon**: While Sandslash has decent physical bulk, its low Special Defense makes it vulnerable to special attackers. It greatly benefits from a specially defensive partner that can cover its weaknesses, especially if it can throw Wish as well. Pokémon such as Hisuian Goodra, Scream Tail, or Sylveon make excellent partners for Sandslash.

**Sand Setter**: Although Sandslash can set Sandstorm itself, it's much more efficient to have another Pokémon handle this role. A great option is a Pokémon with the Sand Stream ability. Tyranitar is the best choice, thanks to its Dark typing, access to Knock Off, and ability to take special attacks well. Another reliable method is using a Prankster Pokémon like Klefki to set Sandstorm.

Checks and Counters
========
**Special Attackers**: Any decently powerful special move poses a significant threat, even if it's resisted by Sandslash's typing. Pokémon like Milotic, Hydrapple, or Iron Bundle can easily withstand Sandslash's attacks and pressure it in return.

**Ground immune Pokémon**: Sandslash struggles significantly against Pokémon that are immune to its primary STAB move. This includes Flying-types, such as Corviknight, Gliscor, and Zapdos. Levitate users like Rotom-Wash and Hydreigon can completely avoid Earthquake and retaliate with powerful moves like Hydro Pump or Draco Meteor, respectively. Additionally, some Pokémon may use Air Balloon, which can catch Sandslash off guard.

**Negating Sand**: Even if Sandslash activates Sand Rush, it's not that hard to counter it. For example, Prankster users like Tornadus can easily change the weather and threaten Sandslash with a Rain-boosted Weather Ball. Pokémon with strong priority moves like Greninja's Water Shuriken, Palafin's Jet Punch, or even Urshifu-Rapid Strike's Aqua Jet can quickly take it down. Protect could be used to waste Sandstorm turns. Additionally, any Choice Scarf or Booster Energy user with a base Speed with or above 104 can outspeed a max speed +2 Jolly Sandslash.

[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/maxburnheart.476935/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user2.200000
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.300000
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user4.400000