Pokemon Guide
Sandshrew is a Ground-type Pokemon from the original generation, known for curling into a ball, digging through dry ground and evolving into Sandslash. This guide covers Sandshrew’s stats, best moves, abilities, evolution, shiny form, Alolan Sandshrew, typing, weaknesses and locations across Pokemon games.
Normal Form
Shiny Form
Regional Form
Regional Shiny Form
Last Updated: May 2026 | Page Status: This Sandshrew guide supports current Pokemon games and future updates. Location, moves and availability details will be updated as new Pokemon game data becomes available.
| Description | Quick Facts |
| Stats | Best Moves |
| All Moves | Weaknesses |
| Evolution | Locations |
| Alolan Form | FAQ |
Sandshrew is a small Ground-type Pokemon that lives in dry areas and protects itself by curling into a ball. It evolves into Sandslash and is one of the earliest Ground-type Pokemon in National Dex order.
Competitive Overview
Sandshrew is usually more useful in early-game playthroughs or lower-level formats than in standard competitive play. Its Defense is solid for a first-stage Pokemon, and it can use Ground-type attacks and support moves when the format allows it.
Sandshrew’s biggest strengths are its Electric immunity, physical bulk and access to moves like Earthquake, Rapid Spin and Swords Dance in some games. Its biggest issues are low Speed, limited special bulk and weaknesses to Water, Grass and Ice-type attacks.
Here are the key facts to know about Sandshrew, including its type, abilities, height, weight and species information.
Name
Sandshrew
National Dex
#0027
Type
Ground
Species
Mouse Pokemon
Height
2’00” / 0.6 m
60 cm
Weight
26.5 lbs / 12.0 kg
12 kg
Abilities
Sand Veil, Sand Rush
Sandshrew has its best base stat in Defense, with modest Attack and low Speed. Its stat spread fits a small Ground-type Pokemon that relies on physical durability more than speed.
Sandshrew commonly uses Ground-type attacks, Rock coverage and utility moves. These are some of Sandshrew’s most useful and recognizable moves across Pokemon games.
Sandshrew’s strongest classic Ground-type attack and one of its best options across many Pokemon games.
A recognizable Ground-type attack that fits Sandshrew’s burrowing theme and gives it useful early-game damage.
Boosts Sandshrew’s Attack and helps it turn physical moves into stronger sweeping options.
Clears entry hazards in games where Sandshrew has access to it, while also supporting faster play.
Useful coverage against Flying, Bug, Fire and Ice-type Pokemon that resist or threaten Ground moves.
A stronger Rock-type coverage option for higher damage when accuracy risk is acceptable.
Removes opposing held items while giving Sandshrew useful Dark-type utility in supported games.
A trapping-style Ground move that matches Sandshrew’s desert and burrowing identity.
Sandshrew can learn different moves across Pokemon games, including Ground, Normal, Rock, Dark and support moves. Use the section below to view Sandshrew’s move list by learn method.
Move data shown from: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Sandshrew is a Ground-type Pokemon. This gives it an immunity to Electric-type moves, along with weaknesses to Water, Grass and Ice-type attacks.
Type
Ground
Weaknesses
Water, Grass and Ice
Resistances
Poison and Rock
Immunity
Electric
Sandshrew’s abilities connect to sandstorm and desert battle conditions.
Raises Sandshrew’s evasion during a sandstorm. This ability fits Sandshrew’s desert theme and can make it harder to hit when sand is active.
Boosts Sandshrew’s Speed during a sandstorm when available as its hidden ability. This can help offset Sandshrew’s normally low Speed.
Sandshrew evolves into Sandslash at Level 22. Alolan Sandshrew evolves into Alolan Sandslash when exposed to an Ice Stone.
Stage 1
Starting form
Stage 2
Evolves from Sandshrew at Level 22
Alolan Form
Evolves into Alolan Sandslash with an Ice Stone
Sandshrew’s availability changes depending on the Pokemon game. In many games, Sandshrew is found in caves, deserts, dry routes or version-specific areas, while Alolan Sandshrew appears in Alola and later supported games.
| Game | Where to Find Sandshrew |
|---|---|
 Pokemon Red |
Trade from Pokemon Blue or Pokemon Yellow. |
 Pokemon Blue |
Found in version-specific Kanto routes such as Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 23. |
 Pokemon Yellow |
Found as a wild encounter in early Kanto routes such as Route 3 and Route 4. |
| Game | Where to Find Sandshrew |
|---|---|
 Pokemon Gold |
Found in version-specific Johto or Kanto locations, or trade from another game. |
 Pokemon Silver |
Found in version-specific Johto or Kanto locations, or trade from another game. |
 Pokemon Crystal |
Found in version-specific Johto or Kanto locations, or trade from another game. |
| Game | Where to Find Sandshrew |
|---|---|
 Pokemon Ruby |
Found in the desert area on Route 111. |
 Pokemon Sapphire |
Found in the desert area on Route 111. |
 Pokemon Emerald |
Found in the desert area on Route 111. |
 Pokemon FireRed |
Trade from Pokemon LeafGreen or another compatible game. |
 Pokemon LeafGreen |
Found as a wild encounter in Kanto. |
| Game | Where to Find Sandshrew |
|---|---|
 Pokemon Diamond |
Found in the wild in Sinnoh, including cave or route encounters depending on version and progression. |
 Pokemon Pearl |
Found in the wild in Sinnoh, including cave or route encounters depending on version and progression. |
 Pokemon Platinum |
Found in the wild in Sinnoh, including cave or route encounters depending on version and progression. |
 Pokemon HeartGold |
Found in Johto or Kanto areas, or trade from another compatible game. |
 Pokemon SoulSilver |
Found in Johto or Kanto areas, or trade from another compatible game. |
| Game | Where to Find Sandshrew |
|---|---|
 Pokemon Black |
Transfer from a previous generation or trade from another compatible game. |
 Pokemon White |
Transfer from a previous generation or trade from another compatible game. |
 Pokemon Black 2 |
Transfer from a previous generation or trade from another compatible game. |
 Pokemon White 2 |
Transfer from a previous generation or trade from another compatible game. |
| Game | Where to Find Sandshrew |
|---|---|
 Pokemon X |
Found on Route 13 in Kalos. |
 Pokemon Y |
Found on Route 13 in Kalos. |
 Pokemon Omega Ruby |
Found in the Mirage Cave or transfer from another compatible game when supported. |
 Pokemon Alpha Sapphire |
Found in the Mirage Cave or transfer from another compatible game when supported. |
| Game | Where to Find Sandshrew |
|---|---|
 Pokemon Sun |
Trade from Pokemon Moon or another compatible game. Alolan Sandshrew is not native to Pokemon Sun. |
 Pokemon Moon |
Alolan Sandshrew is found in Mount Lanakila and can evolve into Alolan Sandslash with an Ice Stone. |
 Pokemon Ultra Sun |
Trade from Pokemon Ultra Moon or another compatible game. Alolan Sandshrew is not native to Pokemon Ultra Sun. |
 Pokemon Ultra Moon |
Alolan Sandshrew is found in Mount Lanakila and can evolve into Alolan Sandslash with an Ice Stone. |
 Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu |
Found as a wild encounter in Kanto. Alolan Sandshrew can be obtained by in-game trade. |
 Pokemon Let’s Go Eevee |
Trade from Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu or Pokemon GO when supported. |
| Game | Where to Find Sandshrew |
|---|---|
 Pokemon Sword |
Transfer when supported. Alolan Sandshrew availability depends on version, DLC and Pokemon HOME support. |
 Pokemon Shield |
Transfer when supported. Alolan Sandshrew availability depends on version, DLC and Pokemon HOME support. |
 Pokemon Brilliant Diamond |
Found in the Grand Underground after progression requirements are met. |
 Pokemon Shining Pearl |
Found in the Grand Underground after progression requirements are met. |
 Pokemon Legends: Arceus |
Not available in this game. |
| Game | Where to Find Sandshrew |
|---|---|
 Pokemon Scarlet |
Found or transferred through The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC when supported. Alolan Sandshrew availability depends on DLC area and Pokemon HOME support. |
 Pokemon Violet |
Found or transferred through The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC when supported. Alolan Sandshrew availability depends on DLC area and Pokemon HOME support. |
 Pokemon Legends Z-A |
Not available in this game based on currently checked Wild Zone lists. |
| Game | Where to Find Sandshrew |
|---|---|
 Pokemon Winds and Waves |
Coming soon once official location, encounter or transfer information is confirmed. |
Alolan Sandshrew is Sandshrew’s regional form from Alola. Unlike regular Sandshrew, Alolan Sandshrew is an Ice and Steel-type Pokemon that evolves into Alolan Sandslash with an Ice Stone.
Category
Mouse Pokemon
Type
Ice / Steel
Height
2’04”
Weight
88.2 lbs
Alolan Sandshrew trades regular Sandshrew’s Ground typing for Ice and Steel. This gives it a very different matchup profile, including major weaknesses to Fire and Fighting-type moves but useful resistances to several other types.
Sandshrew is part of The Game Haus Pokemon coverage, including Pokemon guides, Pokedex pages and future Pokemon game updates.
| Pokemon Hub | Full Pokemon Pokedex |
| Sandslash Pokemon Guide | Pokemon Champions Hub |
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Here are quick answers to common questions about Sandshrew. This FAQ is visible on-page content only and does not use FAQ schema markup.
Sandshrew is a Ground-type Pokemon. Alolan Sandshrew is an Ice and Steel-type Pokemon.
Sandshrew is weak to Water, Grass and Ice-type moves.
Sandshrew evolves into Sandslash at Level 22. Alolan Sandshrew evolves into Alolan Sandslash with an Ice Stone.
Sandshrew’s abilities are Sand Veil and Sand Rush. Sand Rush is Sandshrew’s hidden ability in many games.
Sandshrew’s useful moves often include Earthquake, Dig, Swords Dance, Rapid Spin, Rock Slide, Stone Edge, Knock Off and Sand Tomb.
Sandshrew is usually more useful during playthroughs, early-game teams or lower-level formats than in standard competitive play.
Sandshrew is usually found in dry routes, caves, desert areas or version-specific locations depending on the game.
Yes, Alolan Sandshrew appears in Alola-era games and later supported games. Its availability depends on version, transfer support and DLC.
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