Sandslash
Oct 11, 2012 13:50:19 GMT -8
Post by cheese on Oct 11, 2012 13:50:19 GMT -8
Stats
HP: 353
Atk: 298
Def: 318
Spd: 228 (CH 12.7%)
Spc: 208
Overview
Sandslash gets STAB Earthquake coming from an attack stat equal to Tauros. If you give him the opportunity to Swords Dance he can really wreck havoc. Unfortunately Sandslash is rather slow, and the low special and weakness to Ice doesn't help either.
Moveset
Earthquake
Swords Dance
Hyper Beam
Body Slam/Rock Slide/Substitute
Earthquake is a no brainer due to STAB. Swords Dance boosts Sandslash's already good attack stat, and should also always be included. Hyper Beam is a nice finisher for the likes of Eggy and Zapdos. For the final move, Body Slam is mainly for paraslam on the switch, Rock Slide is for Flying types (but note no STAB) and Substitute can be a god-send if facing a paralysed foe.
Other Options
Slash is for a back-up plan in case there's no chance for a Swords Dance, but can also be nice versus an opponent with Reflect. I guess Sand-Attack is worth a mention too. Mimic and Seismic Toss are there, but not really recommended.
Counters
Eggy resists Earthquake and can hit back hard. Articuno can usually switch-in for free and OHKO with Blizzard, but must be somewhat cautious of Rock Slide. Starmie also forces a switch assuming she isn't paralysed. Cloyster has high defences and STAB Blizzard, although without Clamp it's not used much.
Conclusion
Sandslash can't take Explosions or Hyper Beams like the more popular Golem/Rhydon, nor does he have quite the same raw attack power. However, he does get Swords Dance, and all the benefits or being a ground type (STAB EQ and Electric immunity). He also beats both of them 1v1. It's a shame that Ice attacks are so popular, and that Sandslash isn't a bit faster (although he does outspeed Eggy and Chansey). Sandslash isn't a standard OU pokemon with good reason, but can spring a surprise, especially with paralysis support.
HP: 353
Atk: 298
Def: 318
Spd: 228 (CH 12.7%)
Spc: 208
Overview
Sandslash gets STAB Earthquake coming from an attack stat equal to Tauros. If you give him the opportunity to Swords Dance he can really wreck havoc. Unfortunately Sandslash is rather slow, and the low special and weakness to Ice doesn't help either.
Moveset
Earthquake
Swords Dance
Hyper Beam
Body Slam/Rock Slide/Substitute
Earthquake is a no brainer due to STAB. Swords Dance boosts Sandslash's already good attack stat, and should also always be included. Hyper Beam is a nice finisher for the likes of Eggy and Zapdos. For the final move, Body Slam is mainly for paraslam on the switch, Rock Slide is for Flying types (but note no STAB) and Substitute can be a god-send if facing a paralysed foe.
Other Options
Slash is for a back-up plan in case there's no chance for a Swords Dance, but can also be nice versus an opponent with Reflect. I guess Sand-Attack is worth a mention too. Mimic and Seismic Toss are there, but not really recommended.
Counters
Eggy resists Earthquake and can hit back hard. Articuno can usually switch-in for free and OHKO with Blizzard, but must be somewhat cautious of Rock Slide. Starmie also forces a switch assuming she isn't paralysed. Cloyster has high defences and STAB Blizzard, although without Clamp it's not used much.
Conclusion
Sandslash can't take Explosions or Hyper Beams like the more popular Golem/Rhydon, nor does he have quite the same raw attack power. However, he does get Swords Dance, and all the benefits or being a ground type (STAB EQ and Electric immunity). He also beats both of them 1v1. It's a shame that Ice attacks are so popular, and that Sandslash isn't a bit faster (although he does outspeed Eggy and Chansey). Sandslash isn't a standard OU pokemon with good reason, but can spring a surprise, especially with paralysis support.