Shadow Alolan Sandslash (2024)

Shiny Variant Not Available

Type

ATK177

DEF195

STA181

Shadow Claw* + Ice Punch and Drill Run

Powder Snowand Shadow Claw are identical in performance against neutral opponents, and thus both are viable. The latter is less likely to be resisted and provides coverage, so it is often the preferred choice.. It is recommended to have multiple Alolan Sandslash with both Fast Moves to avoid using rare Elite TMs.

The move rebalance on September 27, 2019 gave Alolan Sandslash the much needed Ice Punch, which is mandatory due to its low energy cost compared to A-Sandslash's other options. Benefiting from STAB, this is its main charge move and also acts as a shield bait.

Starting in June 1 2023, Alolan Sandslash gained access to Drill Run. It provides nearly perfect coverage when combined with Ice Punch, and is a much better move than Bulldoze.

Gyro Ball is amongst one of the worst moves in PvP, and Alolan Sandslash should not use it despite receiving STAB. Blizzard can pull off surprise KOes, but is far less consistent than Ice Punch due to its extreme cost.

Great League: 4 / 5

Alolan Sandslash is somewhat of a specialized corebreaker in the Great League thanks to its wide coverage and solid resistances. Out of all the meta Ice-type options with Ground coverage (Dewgong, Walrein, and itself), Alolan Sandslash fares the best against tanks such as Lanturn, Bastiodon, and Registeel. However, it is also the least safe option due to possessing two double weaknesses. The omnipresent Medicham gives Alolan Sandslash a run for its money.

Ultra League: 3.5 / 5

XL Candy is required to optimize IVs for Ultra League. While it doesn't have the best matchups compared to other options, it can still beat down major threats like Giratina and Cresselia. Two double weaknesses and a lack of coverage against popular Water-types such asSwampert are still major issues. The addition of Drill Run gives Alolan Sandslash a much better matchup against Steel-type Pokemon, but it now has to contend with Cobalion, who can effortlessly dispatch Alolan Sandslash with its Fighting-type Attacks.

Master League: 0/ 5

Alolan Sandslash doesn't have the stats compete well in Master League. Whatever it can do here, other Ice-type pokemon can do better.

Secondary Charge Move Unlock Cost

Vulnerable

	256% damage
	256% damage
	160% damage

Resistant

	62.5% damage
	62.5% damage
	62.5% damage
	62.5% damage
	62.5% damage
	39.1% damage
	62.5% damage
	39.1% damage
	62.5% damage

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