img

CARD INFORMATION

  • SUBTYPES:
    • Stage 1
  • HP: 120
  • TYPES:
    • Fighting
  • EVOLVES FROM: Sandshrew
  • WEAKNESSES:
    • TYPE: Grass
    • VALUE: ×2
  • RETREATCOST:
    • Colorless
  • RETREAT COST: 1
  • RARITY: Common
  • REGULATIONMARK: I

CARD ABILITIES

This card has no abilities

CARD ATTACKS

  • NAME: Sand Attack
  • COST:
    • Colorless
    • Colorless
  • ENERGY COST: 2
  • DAMAGE: 50
  • DETAILS: During your opponent's next turn, if the Defending Pokémon tries to use an attack, your opponent flips a coin. If tails, that attack doesn't happen.
  • NAME: Mud Shot
  • COST:
    • Fighting
    • Colorless
    • Colorless
  • ENERGY COST: 3
  • DAMAGE: 100
  • DETAILS:

MARKET PRICES FOR SANDSLASH 💰

Last updated: 2025/10/11
HIGH

4.99

USD
MID

0.12

USDTREND
LOW

0.01

USD

Check the latest prices on:
Tcgplayer
(link)
Cardmarket
(link)
Pokechange
(link)

Sandslash emerges from the Mega Evolution set as a Stage 1 Fighting-type with straightforward mechanics but surprising tactical depth.

With 120 HP and attacks that balance disruption and raw power, this desert dweller offers players a solid option for fighting decks needing reliable damage output combined with defensive utility.




Offensive Score Image Offensive rating: 6/10

Sandslash delivers a balanced offensive package with two distinct attack options.

Sand Attack deals a modest 50 damage for two colorless energy while adding a coin flip disruption effect that can potentially nullify the opponent's next attack.

The main damage dealer, Mud Shot, delivers a respectable 100 damage for three energy (only one Fighting-specific).

While the damage-to-energy ratio isn't exceptional at about 33 damage per energy, the flexibility of mostly colorless requirements makes it accessible.

Sandslash lacks damage modifiers or special effects on its primary attack, positioning it as a straightforward attacker rather than a specialized threat.

The card doesn't bypass defenses or offer knockout effects beyond raw damage.




Survival Score Image Survival rating: 7/10

With 120 HP, Sandslash sits in the middle range for Stage 1 Pokémon, giving it reasonable but not exceptional survivability.

Its single retreat cost is impressively low, offering valuable mobility that prevents it from getting trapped in unfavorable matchups.

The Grass weakness is problematic given the presence of popular Grass attackers in various formats.

Defensively, Sand Attack provides a 50% chance to completely negate incoming damage, potentially extending Sandslash's lifespan by an entire turn - a significant defensive bonus that compensates for its average HP.

However, this protection relies on a coin flip, making it inconsistent and unreliable against crucial attacks.




Versatility Score Image Versatility rating: 6/10

Sandslash demonstrates moderate versatility through its balanced attack profile.

The combination of a disruptive attack and a straightforward damage dealer allows it to adapt to different match situations - applying pressure when needed or playing defensively when appropriate.

The primarily colorless energy requirements enhance its splashability across different deck builds, though it performs optimally in Fighting-focused strategies.

While not exceptional against any specific archetype, Sandslash can function reasonably well against a variety of opponents.

It can serve as both a main attacker in budget decks or as a secondary attacker in more competitive builds, though it lacks the specialized tools to counter specific meta threats or fulfill niche roles.




setup Score Image Speed/Setup rating: 5/10

As a Stage 1 Pokémon, Sandslash requires evolving from Sandshrew, creating an inherent setup delay.

The card becomes operational at minimum by turn 2 with the right draw support.

For its main attack, Mud Shot requires three energy attachments, typically spanning 2-3 turns without acceleration, significantly slowing its damage output timeline.

Its earlier attack, Sand Attack, comes online faster with just two colorless energy, providing some utility while building toward full power.

Sandslash benefits from standard Fighting-type support cards like Strong Energy and Fighting Stadium to enhance its damage output, but lacks specific search mechanisms or consistency engines tied to its evolutionary line.

The straightforward energy requirements do mitigate some setup challenges.




Sandslash performs best alongside energy acceleration options to power up its Mud Shot attack more quickly.

Fighting-type support cards that boost damage output can transform its average attacks into more threatening options.

Evolution consistency tools help ensure a smooth transition from Sandshrew, while defensive partners can compensate for Sandslash's moderate HP.

Perfect Partners examples:

This Supporter card allows you to search for both a Fighting Pokémon and an Item card, helping secure both Sandslash and tools to support it, dramatically improving consistency in evolution and setup.

This special energy adds 20 damage to attacks from Fighting Pokémon, boosting Sandslash's Mud Shot to 120 damage - a significant threshold that threatens many Basic and Stage 1 Pokémon with a one-hit knockout.

This tool card prevents a knockout when your Pokémon would be knocked out from full HP, giving Sandslash an additional turn to utilize its Sand Attack disruption or deliver a crucial Mud Shot attack.




Sandslash presents a balanced package that excels at nothing in particular but offers reliability across different aspects of play.

Its moderate damage output, reasonable HP, and disruptive capability make it a jack-of-all-trades that fits comfortably into Fighting-type strategies without dominating them.

The card shines brightest when its Sand Attack successfully denies a critical attack from the opponent, buying crucial time to set up or execute your strategy.

To maximize Sandslash's effectiveness, pair it with energy acceleration to quickly reach Mud Shot, damage modifiers to increase its knockout potential, and draw support to ensure consistent evolution from Sandshrew.

While not a format-defining powerhouse, Sandslash offers new players a straightforward yet tactically interesting option that teaches core gameplay concepts like disruption timing and energy management.

In the right hands, this desert dweller can surprise opponents who underestimate its balanced capabilities.



POWER INDEX

logo

54

RELATED CARDS

Find your winning card:

move
sad pika Our free website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.

Not sure how to do it? Click here for instructions
Contact Us