No. 0027 · Generation I · Mouse Pokémon
サンドSando · Simply the English word 'sand' – the perfect name for a Pokémon that lives in it.
The Mouse Pokémon · Ground type · first seen in Pokémon Red & Green (1996)
01Overview
Meet Sandshrew
Everything you need to know about the Mouse Pokémon — the creature behind the number.
Somewhere beneath the dunes, a pair of blue eyes is watching. Sandshrew, the Mouse Pokémon, is #027 in the National Pokédex and one of the original Ground-types of Red and Green: a stocky, sand-coloured digger that spends most of its life in burrows far from water and only pops up when there is food to be had.
Despite the name, there is very little shrew about it. Its back is covered in a tough, bone-dry yellow hide marked out like brickwork, which melts into desert sand, while its belly and muzzle are soft and white. It has a pointed snout, triangular ears, a thick cone of a tail and a serious set of claws – three on each forepaw and two on each foot – that carve through hard ground and shatter any stones that get in the way.
“It burrows and lives underground. If threatened, it curls itself up into a ball for protection.”
Pokédex · Pokémon Red (Japan), Green (Japan), FireRed & X · 1996
Sandshrew is a patient hunter. It waits at the lip of its burrow and, when a Bug-type Pokémon wanders too close, lunges out and drags it underground. Threatened itself, it curls into a tight ball that makes attacks bounce off – the same trick lets it survive a fall from a great height by bouncing – and it is not above flinging sand in an attacker's face. It keeps itself clean with sand baths and truly hates getting wet: soggy skin goes wrinkly, so a damp Sandshrew heads for a volcano and lies flat on the warm ground until it has dried out.
It has always been a little hard to find. Sandshrew skipped Red entirely – a trade from Blue was the only way to get one – and it has stayed a version exclusive in LeafGreen, Let's Go, Pikachu! and Shining Pearl. When you do meet it, it is usually on the rocky routes around Mt. Moon or out in the desert, and at level 22 it grows its spikes and evolves into Sandslash.
Sun and Moon then gave it a whole new life. In Alola, Sandshrew fled the volcanoes for snowy mountain peaks and came back as an icy-blue Ice/Steel Pokémon built like a curling stone. Between the brick-patterned original and its frosty cousin, its round, roll-up-and-wait-it-out personality has made Sandshrew one of Kanto's most huggable diggers.
How big is Sandshrew?
At 0.6 m (2′00″) Sandshrew stands about as tall as a fire hydrant, and at 12 kg (26.5 lb) it weighs roughly as much as a two-year-old toddler – while frosty Alolan Sandshrew, at 0.7 m and 40 kg (88.2 lb), is heavier than three of its Kantonian cousins put together.
Evolution
Alolan Sandshrew
Alola form · since Sun & Moon (2016) · Mouse Pokémon
Alola's deserts lie a little too close to its volcanoes, and long ago the local Sandshrew decided they had had enough. Fleeing the eruptions, they headed up into the snowy mountains – and the cold changed them completely. They grew taller and more than three times heavier, and their hide hardened into a shell of ice as tough as steel, turning them into Ice/Steel Pokémon, a type pairing no other line shares. Today they are at home on the frozen slopes of Mount Lanakila, the highest point in Alola.
The new look is pure winter: pale icy-blue plates, a cream belly and muzzle, a thick dome of armour over its head and ears shaped like the doorways of little igloos. There is a catch – the shell is so rigid it can no longer roll into a ball. It keeps Sneasel at bay, but craftier Weavile go for its soft belly, so it clings to the ground for dear life, burrows into the snow when a blizzard blows in and, when it needs to move fast, slides along on its tummy like a curling stone. Alolans have even turned that into a sport: an age-old festival contest, still held today, to see who can slide a Sandshrew furthest across the ice.
Base stats
Abilities
- Snow Cloak
Raises its evasiveness in hail or snow, making it harder to hit. - Slush RushHidden ability
Doubles its Speed in hail or snow.
Type matchups
How hard each attacking type hits Alolan Sandshrew (Ice/Steel).
Where to find itMoon and Ultra Moon: wild on Mount Lanakila and in Tapu Village (Sun and Ultra Sun players must trade). Let's Go, Pikachu!: Camper Nicholice in the Celadon City Pokémon Center swaps a level 27 Alolan Sandshrew for a Sandshrew, as often as you like. Sword & Shield: a reward on the Isle of Armor for finding at least 30 Alolan Diglett. Scarlet & Violet (The Indigo Disk): wild in Violet's Polar Biome and Chargestone Cavern and in 3★ Tera Raid Battles at Blueberry Academy; Scarlet players can get it through Union Circle or Tera Raid Battle Search. Pokémon GO: since 21 June 2018.
Alolan Sandshrew’s Pokédex entries
It lives on snowy mountains. Its steel shell is very hard—so much so, it can't roll its body up into a ball.
An ancient tradition of Alolan festivals, still carried on to this day, is a competition to slide Sandshrew across ice as far as one can.
After fleeing a volcanic eruption, it ended up moving to an area of snowy mountains. Its ice shell is as hard as steel.
The skin on its back is as hard as steel. Predators go after its soft belly, so it clings to the ground desperately.
Its ice-covered body lets it slide across the ground with bullet-like speed, sending its enemies flying when it hits them.
Life on mountains covered with deep snow has granted this Pokémon a body of ice that's as hard as steel.
It lives in snowy mountains on southern islands. When a blizzard rolls in, this Pokémon hunkers down in the snow to avoid getting blown away.
02In the Pokédex's words
Sandshrew's Pokédex entries
20 different entries across 43 games, from 1996 to 2023. Here is how the Pokédex has described Sandshrew over the years, in the order the games came out.
Generation I
It burrows and lives underground. If threatened, it curls itself up into a ball for protection.
Kanto Pokédex
Burrows deep underground in arid locations far from water. It only emerges to hunt for food.
Kanto Pokédex
Its body is dry. When it gets cold at night, its hide is said to become coated with a fine dew.
Kanto Pokédex
When hunting, it hides at the lip of its burrow. If prey comes close, it lunges out and drags in the prey instantly.
Kanto Pokédex
Generation II
If it fell from a great height, this Pokémon could save itself by rolling into a ball and bouncing.
Johto Pokédex
Disliking water, it lives in deep burrows in arid areas. It can roll itself instantly into a ball.
Johto Pokédex
It prefers dry, sandy places because it uses the sand to protect itself when threatened.
Johto Pokédex
Generation III
Sandshrew's body is configured to absorb water without waste, enabling it to survive in an arid desert. This Pokémon curls up to protect itself from its enemies.
Hoenn Pokédex
Sandshrew has a very dry hide that is extremely tough. The Pokémon can roll into a ball that repels any attack. At night, it burrows into the desert sand to sleep.
Hoenn Pokédex
Burrows deep underground in arid locations far from water. It only emerges to hunt for prey.
FireRed & LeafGreen Pokédex
When it curls up in a ball, it can make any attack bounce off harmlessly. Its hide has turned tough and solid as a result of living in the desert.
Hoenn Pokédex
Generation IV
To protect itself from attackers, it curls up into a ball. It lives in arid regions with minimal rainfall.
Sinnoh Pokédex
Generation V
It digs deep burrows to live in. When in danger, it rolls up its body to withstand attacks.
Unova Pokédex
Generation VII
It can roll its body into a ball. It moves through the desert by rolling at high speeds.
Rotom Pokédex
It usually makes its home in deserts and arid zones, where rain does not fall. It digs holes to catch Bug-type Pokémon.
Rotom Pokédex
It lives in areas of limited rainfall. When danger approaches, it curls up into a ball to protect its soft stomach.
Rotom Pokédex
When its skin gets wrinkled from moisture, it heads for a volcano. It lies flat on a spot with a lot of geothermal heat and dries itself out.
Rotom Pokédex
Generation VIII
It loves to bathe in the grit of dry, sandy areas. By sand bathing, this Pokémon rids itself of dirt and moisture clinging to its body.
Rotom Phone (Sword & Shield)
It burrows into the ground to create its nest. If hard stones impede its tunneling, it uses its sharp claws to shatter them and then carries on digging.
Rotom Phone (Sword & Shield)
Generation IX
No matter how high a place it falls from, this Pokémon can save itself by rolling in a ball and bouncing.
Rotom Phone (Scarlet & Violet)
03Stats, moves & where to find it
Sandshrew in the video games
Base stat total 300 · 24 core-series games · 28 spin-offs · every move it learns, generation by generation.
Base stats
Sandshrew's base stats have never changed: 50 HP, 75 Attack, 85 Defense, 20 Sp. Atk, 30 Sp. Def and 40 Speed, a total of 300. In Red, Green, Blue and Yellow it had a single Special stat of 30; when Gold and Silver split Special in two, Sp. Def kept the 30 and Sp. Atk dropped to 20 – the lowest of any Ground-type. Defense is its standout stat. Alolan Sandshrew has the same 300 total but shuffles it around: 90 Defense and 35 Sp. Def, with Sp. Atk sinking to just 10. Its base experience yield was 93 in Generations I–IV and has been 60 since Generation V, and its base friendship was 70 until Generation VII and has been 50 since Generation VIII. It reaches level 100 in the Medium Fast group (1,000,000 experience points).
Abilities
- Sand Veilsince Gen III
Raises Sandshrew's evasiveness during a sandstorm, making it harder to hit. - Sand RushHidden abilitysince Gen V
Doubles Sandshrew's Speed while a sandstorm is blowing.
Type matchups
How hard each attacking type hits a Ground Pokémon.
These matchups have never changed since Red and Green. As a pure Ground-type, Sandshrew shrugs off Electric-type moves completely and takes no damage from sandstorms.
Training & breeding
- Catch rate
- 255
- Base friendship
- 50
- Base experience
- 60
- Growth rate
- Medium Fast
- EV yield
- 1 Defense
- Egg groups
- Field
- Egg cycles
- 20
- Colour
- Yellow
- Gender ratio
- 50% male
- Body shape
- bipedal, tailed
Where to find Sandshrew
| Game | Year | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Red & Green | 1996 | Green only: wild on Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 23Not found in Red – trade from Green. |
| Blue (Japan) | 1996 | Wild on Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 23 |
| Red & Blue | 1998 | Blue only: wild on Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 23Red players have to trade for one; Ekans is Red's exclusive in its place. |
| Yellow | 1998 | Wild on Routes 3 and 4 and in Mt. Moon |
| Gold & Silver | 1999 | Gold: wild in Union Cave and Mt. Moon. Silver: a prize at the Goldenrod Game Corner |
| Crystal | 2000 | Wild in Union Cave and, in Kanto, on Routes 3 and 4 and in Mt. Moon |
| Ruby & Sapphire | 2002 | Wild on Routes 111 and 113 |
| FireRed & LeafGreen | 2004 | LeafGreen only: wild on Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 23FireRed players have to trade – or, in the United States, pick up the level 12 Sandshrew handed out at Pokémon Trade and Battle Day on 25 September 2004. |
| Emerald | 2004 | Wild on Route 111 and in Mirage Tower |
| Diamond & Pearl | 2006 | Wild in Wayward Cave with LeafGreen in the DS's Game Boy Advance slotOr migrate one from a Game Boy Advance game via Pal Park, where it lives in the Mountain area. |
| Platinum | 2008 | Wild in Wayward Cave with LeafGreen in the DS's Game Boy Advance slot |
| HeartGold & SoulSilver | 2009 | Both: the Safari Zone's Desert area. HeartGold: also wild in Union Cave and Mt. Moon. SoulSilver: also a Goldenrod Game Corner prize |
| Black & White | 2010 | Not found in the wild – hatch one by breeding a SandslashPokémon Dream World also offered it in the Icy Cave. |
| Black 2 & White 2 | 2012 | Wild in the Desert Resort and Relic Castle |
| X & Y | 2013 | Ground-type Friend Safari only |
| Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire | 2014 | Wild on Routes 111 and 113 |
| Sun & Moon | 2016 | Kantonian Sandshrew: Pokémon Bank only. Alolan Sandshrew: Moon only, wild on Mount Lanakila and in Tapu VillageSun players have to trade for Alolan Sandshrew – Sun gets Alolan Vulpix instead. A level 10 Alolan Sandshrew was also given out by serial code in South Korea from 9 May to 30 June 2017. |
| Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon | 2017 | Kantonian Sandshrew: Pokémon Bank only. Alolan Sandshrew: Ultra Moon only, wild on Mount Lanakila and in Tapu Village |
| Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee! | 2018 | Let's Go, Pikachu! only: wild on Routes 3 and 4In Let's Go, Pikachu!, Camper Nicholice in the Celadon City Pokémon Center swaps a level 27 Alolan Sandshrew for a Sandshrew – as often as you like. |
| Sword & Shield | 2019 | Trade only in the base game (from version 1.2.0); The Isle of Armor adds it wild in the Warm-Up Tunnel and in Max Raid Battles at Challenge Beach and Courageous CavernFind at least 30 Alolan Diglett around the Isle of Armor and you're rewarded with an Alolan Sandshrew. |
| Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl | 2021 | Shining Pearl only: the Grand Underground's Spacious Cave, Rocky Cave, Sandsear Cave and Big Bluff Cavern, after obtaining the National PokédexBrilliant Diamond players have to trade, and Alolan Sandshrew can't be obtained in either version. |
| Legends: Arceus | 2022 | Unobtainable |
| Scarlet & Violet | 2022 | Trade only in the base game (from version 2.0.1); The Teal Mask adds it wild on Reveler's Road, Oni Mountain, Wistful Fields, Paradise Barrens and the Kitakami Wilds, and in 1★ and 3★ Tera Raid BattlesIn The Indigo Disk, Alolan Sandshrew lives in the Terarium's Polar Biome and Chargestone Cavern in Violet and turns up in 3★ Blueberry Academy Tera Raid Battles; Scarlet players can get it through Union Circle or Tera Raid Battle Search. |
| Legends: Z-A | 2025 | Unobtainable |
Sprites through the ages
Spin-offs & cameos
Super Smash Bros.
Sandshrew has never rolled into a Smash Bros. battle as a fighter, a Poké Ball Pokémon or a trophy, but it does dig its way into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as spirit #428. It is a one-star Novice support spirit with two slots that equips your fighter with a Screw Attack – a fitting perk for a Pokémon that spins itself into a ball. To win it, you face a Bowser on the Battlefield form of Mushroomy Kingdom, where the only items that drop are Pitfalls, and Bowser goes out of his way to grab every one. Its core has a second job, too: combine it with Wheelie's core and an Attack core to summon the spirit of Dillon, the armadillo hero of Dillon's Rolling Western – a neat pairing, given that Sandshrew owes so much to the armadillo itself.
Pokémon GO
Sandshrew has been digging around Pokémon GO since launch day, 6 July 2016, and evolves into Sandslash for 50 Candy. Alolan Sandshrew arrived on 21 June 2018, sharing the same Sandshrew Candy and hatching from 7 km Eggs. Shiny Sandshrew debuted on 6 December 2018, tied to a Sandshrew festival in Tottori, Japan, and its icy cousin went Shiny on 28 June 2019 during the game's third-anniversary celebrations. Team GO Rocket's Shadow Sandshrew turned up on 7 November 2019 and Shadow Alolan Sandshrew on 3 April 2022, and since 3 March 2026 both can be Shiny as well. The big moment came on 13 March 2022, when both forms headlined a Community Day: evolving them taught Sandslash Night Slash and Alolan Sandslash Shadow Claw, and they returned for the December 2022 Community Day. Both forms have also taken turns as one-star raid bosses.
Its Base Set card, Sand-attack and all, is one of the cards you can collect and battle with in the Game Boy adaptation.
A Blue Field regular: catch it at Mt. Moon, Vermilion City Streets, Rock Mountain, Saffron City or Indigo Plateau.
Keep your camera ready on the Valley course, where Sandshrew is one of the Pokémon waiting to be snapped.
Fully playable in 3D, and its Pokédex gives Sandshrew an entry of its own about ambushing prey from the lip of its burrow.
Back in the arena for the Gold and Silver era, with its Pokédex showing the Gold or Silver entry depending on the cartridge inserted.
Sandshrew's card returns in the Japan-only sequel to the Game Boy Trading Card Game.
Not caught on the table this time – Sandshrew hatches from an Egg.
One of the wild Pokémon that wanders up to the Rock Poké Spot to nibble on your Poké Snacks.
A common piece in Secret Storage 2, Huge Storage 3, Endless Level 9 and Mr. Who's Den.
Recruitable in Magma Cavern, the Buried Relic, the Desert Region and Joyous Tower, and once on your team it settles in the Furnace Desert friend area.
Right at home in the dunes: look for it in the Northern Desert and Shimmer Desert.
Browser #194, found in the Chroma Ruins; its Field Move is Tunnel.
Still waiting in the Northern Desert and Shimmer Desert for explorers to recruit it.
Browser #180, found in the Daybreak Ruins, on Mitonga Road and in the Forest Temple; its Field Move is Crush.
Found in Stage 1 of the Safari Jungle – but only on Tuesdays.
Kantonian Sandshrew is the Marron Trail's Stage 661 and has the Damage Streak skill; Alolan Sandshrew, with Rock Break+, appeared in The Daily Pokémon.
Lives in the Dusty Desert on Ruby Volcano and the Heat-Wave Desert in Fairy Land.
Joins your cause after you deliver a letter from Sandshrew to Sandslash in Noe Town.
In the wild since launch day, joined by Alolan Sandshrew in June 2018 – and both forms starred in a Community Day in March 2022.
Spirit #428, a Novice support spirit that hands you a Screw Attack; its spirit battle pits you against Bowser in Mushroomy Kingdom.
Hatches from Eggs during the Rock- and Ground-type, Fire- and Ground-type and Ground- and Fighting-type Egg events.
Kantonian Sandshrew roams the Charizard, Zapdos, Entei, Lugia and Bulbasaur Seas, while Alolan Sandshrew waits at the end of the Jirachi Sea.
Back in Magma Cavern, the Buried Relic, the Desert Region and Joyous Tower – and a fainted Sandshrew may be waiting for rescue in Tiny Woods.
Photodex #125: come back at night to find it on the Sweltering Sands and in the Barren Badlands.
A skills-specialist helper that gathers Figy Berries. It drifts off in styles such as Tummy-Up and Dirt-Covered sleep on Greengrass Isle, in Taupe Hollow and in Amber Canyon.
Moves
Sandshrew began with a modest burrow of moves: in Red and Green it scratched, threw sand, slashed, poisoned, fired off Swift and finished with Fury Swipes at level 38, leaving its real earth-shaking power (Earthquake, Fissure and Dig) to the TM case. Gold and Silver tucked Defense Curl and Sandstorm into the list and brought its first egg moves, Ruby and Sapphire added Sand Tomb, and Diamond and Pearl finally taught the little armadillo-mouse to curl up and roll, with Rapid Spin, Rollout and Gyro Ball.
Black 2 and White 2 then gave it a proper digger's toolkit, with Magnitude, Dig, Swords Dance and a level-46 Earthquake, a shape the main games have largely kept ever since, give or take Bulldoze and Agility in Sword and Shield. Sun and Moon brought the biggest twist of all: Alolan Sandshrew, an Ice- and Steel-type cousin from snowy Mount Lanakila that swaps the sand for Powder Snow, Ice Ball, Iron Head and Blizzard, and later picks up Steel Beam, Triple Axel and Ice Spinner. From Let's Go's quick-fire lists to the 50-strong TM case of Scarlet and Violet, both forms have plenty to scratch, dig and freeze with.
Signature moves
The original pocket-sand trick, learned at level 10 in Red and Blue (as Sand-Attack, then still a Normal-type move). Kantonian Sandshrew has kicked dust in its foes' eyes in every main-series game since, while Alolan Sandshrew swaps it for Bide or Mist.
Those sharp little claws at work: a level-17 move in Red and Blue with a high critical-hit ratio, and a fixture of both forms' level-up lists in every game, usually arriving somewhere between levels 23 and 32.
A flurry of two to five scratches that closed Sandshrew's level-up list at level 38 in Red and Blue. It now turns up much earlier, at level 16 in Let's Go and 24 in Sword, Shield, Scarlet and Violet.
Moves made for a Pokémon that curls into a ball. Rapid Spin started as a Donphan egg move in Gold and Silver and Rollout as a TM; Diamond and Pearl made both level-up staples, and Rapid Spin has hit for 50 power since Sword and Shield.
What else would a burrowing mouse learn? Dig was TM28 in Red and Blue (with a mighty 100 power) and became a level-up move in Black 2 and White 2, at level 30, later 33, or as early as 20 in Let's Go.
TM26 from the very first games, and since Black 2 and White 2 the grand finale of Kantonian Sandshrew's level-up list: level 46, then 36 in Let's Go and 45 in Sword, Shield, Scarlet and Violet.
The snowy form's own signature set in Sun and Moon: Ice Ball at level 7 as a frosty Rollout, Iron Head at 30 for its steel shell and Blizzard as the level-46 finale. Sword and Shield traded Ice Ball for plain Rollout, but Iron Head and Blizzard stayed.
Complete learnsets
Generation I · Red, Green, Blue & Yellow6 level-up · 21 TM/HM
Sandshrew is one of the classic version exclusives: in Blue it digs through Routes 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 23, while Red players have to trade for one, and Yellow moves it to Routes 3 and 4 and Mt. Moon. All four games share a short six-move level-up list: Scratch, then Sand-Attack at 10, Slash at 17, Poison Sting at 24, Swift at 31 and Fury Swipes as the level-38 finale. In the first three generations a move's category follows its type, so every attack Sandshrew can learn here is physical, and Sand-Attack is still a Normal-type move. Its 21 TMs and HMs lean heavily on the ground beneath its feet, with Earthquake, Fissure and Dig (a hefty 100 power in these games) alongside Rock Slide, Submission and Swords Dance. Three moves from Gold, Silver and Crystal can be carried back through the Time Capsule: Counter (learned by breeding), Defense Curl and Headbutt.
By level-up
| RGBY | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 10 | Sand-Attack | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| 17 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 24 | Poison Sting | Poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| 31 | Swift | Normal | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| 38 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM03 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM08 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| TM09 | Take Down | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| TM10 | Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| TM17 | Submission | Fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 25 |
| TM19 | Seismic Toss | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM20 | Rage | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Fissure | Ground | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Mimic | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM34 | Bide | Normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| TM39 | Swift | Normal | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| TM40 | Skull Bash | Normal | Physical | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM48 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM50 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| HM01 | Cut | Normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Counter | Gen II (breeding) |
| Defense Curl | Gen II (level-up, TM) |
| Headbutt | Gen II (TM) |
Generation II · Gold, Silver & Crystal8 level-up · 30 TM/HM · 5 egg
Gold has wild Sandshrew in Union Cave and Mt. Moon, Silver only offers it as a prize at the Goldenrod Game Corner, and Crystal adds Kanto's Routes 3 and 4 to the two caves. Defense Curl arrives at level 6, Sand-Attack turns Ground-type, and Sandstorm becomes the new level-45 finale. Breeding brings five egg moves: Flail from Phanpy or Donphan, Rapid Spin from Donphan, Safeguard from Vulpix or Seel and their evolutions, Counter (which has to be chain-bred) and, in Crystal only, Metal Claw from Sneasel. The TM list grows to 30 with Rollout, Mud-Slap, Iron Tail, Fury Cutter and DynamicPunch, though Dig drops to 60 power. Categories still follow type, so Thief is special and Curse is the mysterious ???-type. Thirteen old TM moves from Red, Blue and Yellow, such as Fissure, Submission and Swords Dance, can come forward through the Time Capsule.
By level-up
| GSC | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 6 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 11 | Sand-Attack | Ground | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| 17 | Poison Sting | Poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| 23 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 30 | Swift | Normal | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| 37 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| 45 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | DynamicPunch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| TM02 | Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM03 | Curse | ??? | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM04 | Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM08 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 20 | 100 | 15 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Varies | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM13 | Snore | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM20 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM23 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Mud-Slap | Ground | Physical | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM34 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 |
| TM35 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM37 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM39 | Swift | Normal | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| TM40 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| TM43 | Detect | Fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Special | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| TM49 | Fury Cutter | Bug | Physical | 10 | 95 | 20 |
| HM01 | Cut | Normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | Nidoran♂, Nidorino, Nidoking, Rhyhorn, Rhydon (chain breeding: the father must itself have learned it as an egg move) |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Phanpy, Donphan |
| Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 | Sneasel |
| Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 | Donphan |
| Safeguard | Normal | Status | — | — | 25 | Vulpix, Ninetales, Seel, Dewgong |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Bide | Gen I (TM) |
| Body Slam | Gen I (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen I (TM) |
| Fissure | Gen I (TM) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Rock Slide | Gen I (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen I (TM) |
| Skull Bash | Gen I (TM) |
| Submission | Gen I (TM) |
| Substitute | Gen I (TM) |
| Swords Dance | Gen I (TM) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
Generation III · Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed & LeafGreen (plus Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness)9 level-up · 23 TM/HM · 8 egg · 18 tutor
Ruby and Sapphire put Sandshrew in the desert of Route 111 and on ashy Route 113, Emerald on Route 111 and in the Mirage Tower, and LeafGreen (but not FireRed) brings back the old Blue Version routes. It can also be found at the Rock Poké Spot in Pokémon XD. One level-up list covers every handheld game, now nine moves long, with Sand Tomb arriving at level 45 and Sandstorm pushed back to 53. The egg moves grow to eight, adding Crush Claw from Zangoose, Rock Slide from Camerupt and Swords Dance. Emerald's tutors are wonderfully generous, teaching all 18 tutor moves from Body Slam and Counter to Rollout, Mud-Slap and Swift, while FireRed and LeafGreen teach eight and Pokémon XD six. Categories still follow type, so Thief is special and all of Sandshrew's Normal-, Ground- and Rock-type attacks are physical.
By level-up
| RSE/FRLG | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 6 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 11 | Sand-Attack | Ground | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| 17 | Poison Sting | Poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| 23 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 30 | Swift | Normal | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| 37 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| 45 | Sand Tomb | Ground | Physical | 15 | 70 | 15 |
| 53 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Varies | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM23 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM37 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 50 | 80 | 10 |
| TM40 | Aerial Ace | Physical | 60 | — | 20 | |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM43 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Special | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| HM01 | Cut | Normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM06 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 20 | 100 | 15 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking |
| Crush Claw | Normal | Physical | 75 | 95 | 10 | Zangoose |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Phanpy, Donphan, Zigzagoon, Slakoth, Slaking, Torkoal, Spinda |
| Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 | Sneasel |
| Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 | Donphan |
| Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 | Camerupt |
| Safeguard | Normal | Status | — | — | 25 | Vulpix, Ninetales, Seel, Dewgong |
| Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 | Farfetch'd, Zangoose, Absol |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | FRLG, Emerald |
| Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 | Emerald |
| Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| DynamicPunch | Fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 | Emerald |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Emerald |
| Fury Cutter | Bug | Physical | 10 | 95 | 20 | Emerald |
| Mimic | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Mud-Slap | Ground | Physical | 20 | 100 | 10 | Emerald |
| Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 | FRLG, Emerald |
| Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 | Emerald |
| Seismic Toss | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Emerald |
| Snore | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | Emerald |
| Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | FRLG, Emerald, XD |
| Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 | Emerald, XD |
| Swift | Normal | Physical | 60 | — | 20 | Emerald |
| Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 | FRLG, Emerald |
Generation IV · Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver13 level-up · 38 TM/HM · 10 egg · 9 tutor
Diamond, Pearl and Platinum hide Sandshrew in Wayward Cave when LeafGreen is in the DS's Game Boy Advance slot. HeartGold has it in Union Cave and Mt. Moon and SoulSilver at the Goldenrod Game Corner, both put it in the Desert area of the Johto Safari Zone, and older Sandshrew can come over through Pal Park's Mountain area. This is where Sandshrew learns to roll: the level-up list grows to 13 moves, adding Rapid Spin at 13, Rollout at 21, Fury Cutter at 25 and the brand-new Gyro Ball at 33, with Sandstorm as the level-37 finale. From now on each move has its own physical or special category, so Swift becomes special. Night Slash joins the egg moves, with Mud Shot only in HeartGold and SoulSilver; Shadow Claw, Stealth Rock, X-Scissor, Poison Jab and HM08 Rock Climb arrive as TMs and HMs; and the tutors of Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver teach Earth Power, Knock Off and more, with Headbutt and Super Fang only in HeartGold and SoulSilver. Body Slam, Double-Edge, DynamicPunch, Mimic and Seismic Toss can only come from Generation III tutors.
By level-up
| DPPt/HGSS | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 3 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 7 | Sand-Attack | Ground | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| 9 | Poison Sting | Poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| 13 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 |
| 15 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| 19 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| 21 | Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| 25 | Fury Cutter | Bug | Physical | 10 | 95 | 20 |
| 27 | Sand Tomb | Ground | Physical | 15 | 70 | 15 |
| 31 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 33 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| 37 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 85 | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM23 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM37 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 50 | 80 | 10 |
| TM40 | Aerial Ace | Physical | 60 | — | 20 | |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM43 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM58 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM65 | Shadow Claw | Ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM74 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM75 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM76 | Stealth Rock | Rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM78 | Captivate | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM80 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM81 | X-Scissor | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM82 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM83 | Natural Gift | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM84 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| HM01 | Cut | Normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| HM06 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| HM08 | Rock Climb | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Lucario |
| Crush Claw | Normal | Physical | 75 | 95 | 10 | Sandslash, Zangoose |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Phanpy, Donphan, Zigzagoon, Linoone, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Torkoal, Spinda |
| Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 | Sneasel, Weavile, Prinplup, Empoleon, Lucario |
| Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | Wooper, Quagsire |
| Night Slash | Dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | Dugtrio, Meowth, Persian, Farfetch'd, Seviper, Absol, Stunky, Skuntank, Weavile |
| Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 | Sandshrew, Sandslash, Donphan, Torkoal |
| Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 | Camerupt |
| Safeguard | Normal | Status | — | — | 25 | Vulpix, Ninetales, Seel, Dewgong |
| Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 | Raticate, Farfetch'd, Zangoose, Absol, Empoleon, Lucario, Leafeon |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earth Power | Ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | Pt, HGSS |
| Fury Cutter | Bug | Physical | 10 | 95 | 20 | Pt, HGSS |
| Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | HGSS |
| Knock Off | Dark | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 | Pt, HGSS |
| Mud-Slap | Ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 | Pt, HGSS |
| Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 | Pt, HGSS |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 | Pt, HGSS |
| Super Fang | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 10 | HGSS |
| Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 | Pt, HGSS |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Body Slam | Gen III (tutor) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| DynamicPunch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen III (tutor) |
Generation V · Black, White, Black 2 & White 217 level-up · 33 TM/HM · 10 egg · 8 tutor · 2 event
There are no wild Sandshrew in Black and White, where it has to be hatched from an Egg with a Sandslash as parent; Black 2 and White 2 put it in the Desert Resort and Relic Castle, and the Dream World's Icy Cave offers a Sandshrew that can know Counter or Super Fang. Black and White keep the Diamond and Pearl level-up list (moves it cannot learn there are marked N/A), but Black 2 and White 2 rebuild it into a 17-move list that packs the early moves into the first few levels and adds Magnitude at 17, Dig at 30, Swords Dance at 38 and Earthquake as the level-46 finale. Sand Tomb now hits for 35 power and Fury Cutter for 20, and Hone Claws, Bulldoze and Round arrive as TMs. Chip Away, Endure and Rock Climb join the egg moves. Black and White have no tutor moves for Sandshrew; the tutors of Black 2 and White 2 teach eight, among them Earth Power, Iron Tail, Stealth Rock and Super Fang.
By level-up
| BW | B2W2 | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 3 | 1 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 7 | 3 | Sand-Attack | Ground | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| 9 | 5 | Poison Sting | Poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| 21 | 7 | Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| 13 | 9 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 |
| 15 | 11 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| 25 | 14 | Fury Cutter | Bug | Physical | 20 | 95 | 20 |
| N/A | 17 | Magnitude | Ground | Physical | — | 100 | 30 |
| 19 | 20 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| 27 | 23 | Sand Tomb | Ground | Physical | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| 31 | 26 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| N/A | 30 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| 33 | 34 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| N/A | 38 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 37 | 42 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| N/A | 46 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Hone Claws | Dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM20 | Safeguard | Normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM37 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 50 | 80 | 10 |
| TM40 | Aerial Ace | Physical | 60 | — | 20 | |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM65 | Shadow Claw | Ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM74 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM75 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM78 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM80 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM81 | X-Scissor | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM84 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM94 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| HM01 | Cut | Normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chip Away | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | Nidoking, Rhyhorn, Rhydon, Rhyperior, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Scraggy, Scrafty |
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Lucario |
| Crush Claw | Normal | Physical | 75 | 95 | 10 | Sandslash, Zangoose |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Phanpy, Vigoroth, Pachirisu, Buneary, Lopunny, Cubchoo, Beartic |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Phanpy, Donphan, Zigzagoon, Slakoth, Slaking, Torkoal, Spinda, Cubchoo, Beartic |
| Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 | Sneasel, Weavile, Prinplup, Empoleon, Lucario, Drilbur, Excadrill |
| Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | Wooper, Quagsire |
| Night Slash | Dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | Dugtrio, Meowth, Persian, Farfetch'd, Seviper, Absol, Stunky, Skuntank, Weavile, Purrloin, Liepard, Zoroark |
| Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 | Sandshrew, Sandslash, Donphan, Torkoal, Drilbur, Excadrill |
| Rock Climb | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 | Scraggy, Scrafty |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covet | Normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 40 | B2W2 |
| Earth Power | Ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | B2W2 |
| Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | B2W2 |
| Knock Off | Dark | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 | B2W2 |
| Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | B2W2 |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 | B2W2 |
| Stealth Rock | Rock | Status | — | — | 20 | B2W2 |
| Super Fang | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 10 | B2W2 |
Event moves
| Move | Event |
|---|---|
| Counter | Dream World: Icy Cave |
| Super Fang | Dream World: Icy Cave |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Body Slam | Gen III (tutor) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| DynamicPunch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Focus Punch | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM) |
| Headbutt | Gen IV (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Secret Power | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen III (tutor) |
Generation VI · X, Y, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire17 level-up · 37 TM/HM · 11 egg · 8 tutor
X and Y only offer Sandshrew in the Ground-type Friend Safari, while Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire bring it back to Routes 111 and 113. Both pairs use the Black 2 and White 2 level-up list (with Sand-Attack now spelled Sand Attack), plus one small reshuffle: X and Y teach Swift at 11, Fury Cutter at 14 and Magnitude at 17, while Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire move Fury Cutter to 11, Magnitude to 14 and Swift to 17. Fury Cutter now hits for 40 power and Rock Tomb for 60. Rototiller joins the egg moves and Confide arrives as TM100; TM94 is Rock Smash in X and Y but Secret Power in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, where Rock Smash becomes HM06. Only Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire have tutor moves for Sandshrew: eight of them, including Earth Power, Focus Punch and Stealth Rock.
By level-up
| XY | ORAS | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | 1 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 3 | 3 | Sand Attack | Ground | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| 5 | 5 | Poison Sting | Poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| 7 | 7 | Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| 9 | 9 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 |
| 14 | 11 | Fury Cutter | Bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| 17 | 14 | Magnitude | Ground | Physical | — | 100 | 30 |
| 11 | 17 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| 20 | 20 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| 23 | 23 | Sand Tomb | Ground | Physical | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| 26 | 26 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 30 | 30 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| 34 | 34 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| 38 | 38 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 42 | 42 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 46 | 46 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Hone Claws | Dark | Status | — | — | 15 | |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 | |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 | |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM20 | Safeguard | Normal | Status | — | — | 25 | |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | |
| TM37 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 | |
| TM40 | Aerial Ace | Physical | 60 | — | 20 | ||
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | |
| TM65 | Shadow Claw | Ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM74 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | |
| TM75 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | |
| TM78 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM80 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 | |
| TM81 | X-Scissor | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | |
| TM84 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 | |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 90 | 15 | |
| TM88 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | |
| TM94 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | XY |
| TM94 | Secret Power | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | ORAS |
| TM100 | Confide | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | |
| HM01 | Cut | Normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 | |
| HM04 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | |
| HM06 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chip Away | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | Nidoking, Rhyhorn, Rhydon, Rhyperior, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Scraggy, Scrafty |
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Lucario |
| Crush Claw | Normal | Physical | 75 | 95 | 10 | Sandslash, Zangoose |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Phanpy, Vigoroth, Pachirisu, Buneary, Lopunny, Cubchoo, Beartic |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Phanpy, Zigzagoon, Slakoth, Slaking, Torkoal, Spinda, Cubchoo, Beartic, Bunnelby, Diggersby |
| Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 | Sneasel, Weavile, Prinplup, Empoleon, Lucario, Drilbur, Excadrill |
| Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | Wooper, Quagsire, Chespin, Quilladin, Chesnaught, Bunnelby, Diggersby |
| Night Slash | Dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | Dugtrio, Meowth, Persian, Farfetch'd, Seviper, Absol, Stunky, Skuntank, Weavile, Purrloin, Liepard, Zoroark |
| Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 | Sandshrew, Sandslash, Donphan, Torkoal, Drilbur, Excadrill |
| Rock Climb | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 | Scraggy, Scrafty |
| Rototiller | Ground | Status | — | — | 10 | Dugtrio, Linoone, Bibarel, Lopunny, Watchog, Excadrill, Diggersby |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covet | Normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | ORAS |
| Earth Power | Ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | ORAS |
| Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | ORAS |
| Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | ORAS |
| Knock Off | Dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 | ORAS |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | ORAS |
| Stealth Rock | Rock | Status | — | — | 20 | ORAS |
| Super Fang | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 10 | ORAS |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Body Slam | Gen III (tutor) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen III (tutor) |
| Dynamic Punch | Gen III (tutor) |
| Headbutt | Gen IV (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen III (tutor) |
Generation VII · Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon17 level-up · 30 TM/HM · 12 egg · 9 tutor · + Alolan Sandshrew
Alola has a Sandshrew of its own. The familiar Kantonian Sandshrew can only reach Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon through Pokémon Bank, while the Ice/Steel Alolan Sandshrew lives on snowy Mount Lanakila and in Tapu Village in Moon and Ultra Moon, so Sun and Ultra Sun players need to trade for one. Kantonian Sandshrew keeps the Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire level-up list exactly. Alolan Sandshrew follows the same shape but swaps the earthy moves for frosty and metallic ones: Bide instead of Sand Attack, Powder Snow instead of Poison Sting, Ice Ball instead of Rollout, then Metal Claw, Iron Defense, Iron Head, Hail and a level-46 Blizzard where Magnitude, Sand Tomb, Dig, Sandstorm and Earthquake used to be. Its TMs trade Sandstorm and Rock Tomb for Blizzard, Hail, Frost Breath, Aurora Veil, Leech Life and Work Up, its egg moves include Icicle Crash, Icicle Spear, Amnesia and Curse, and the tutors of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon teach it Ice Punch, Icy Wind, Iron Head, Aqua Tail and Throat Chop, while Kantonian Sandshrew gets Earth Power and Stomping Tantrum. Hone Claws is an egg move for both forms in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon only. Sun and Moon have no tutor moves for either form, and 21 older moves, from Fissure to Dynamic Punch, can only be brought in by Kantonian Sandshrew from earlier generations.
By level-up
| SM/USUM | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 3 | Sand Attack | Ground | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| 5 | Poison Sting | Poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| 7 | Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| 9 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 |
| 11 | Fury Cutter | Bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| 14 | Magnitude | Ground | Physical | — | 100 | 30 |
| 17 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| 20 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| 23 | Sand Tomb | Ground | Physical | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| 26 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 30 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| 34 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| 38 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 42 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 46 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM20 | Safeguard | Normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM37 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| TM40 | Aerial Ace | Physical | 60 | — | 20 | |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM65 | Shadow Claw | Ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM74 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM75 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM78 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM80 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM81 | X-Scissor | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM84 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| TM88 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM100 | Confide | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chip Away | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | Nidoking, Rhyhorn, Rhydon, Rhyperior, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Scraggy, Scrafty |
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Lucario, Lycanroc (Midnight Form), Lycanroc (Dusk Form), Mudbray, Mudsdale |
| Crush Claw | Normal | Physical | 75 | 95 | 10 | Sandslash, Zangoose |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Phanpy, Vigoroth, Pachirisu, Buneary, Lopunny, Cubchoo, Beartic |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Phanpy, Zigzagoon, Slakoth, Slaking, Torkoal, Spinda, Cubchoo, Beartic, Bunnelby, Diggersby, Stufful, Bewear, Komala |
| Hone Claws | Dark | Status | — | — | 15 | Sneasel, Weavile, Zangoose, Glameow, Purugly, Purrloin, Liepard, Drilbur, Excadrill, Zoroark, Heatmor |
| Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 | Alolan Sandshrew, Alolan Sandslash, Alolan Diglett, Alolan Dugtrio, Sneasel, Weavile, Prinplup, Empoleon, Lucario, Drilbur, Excadrill |
| Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | Wooper, Quagsire, Chespin, Quilladin, Chesnaught, Bunnelby, Diggersby |
| Night Slash | Dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | Dugtrio, Alolan Dugtrio, Meowth, Alolan Meowth, Persian, Alolan Persian, Farfetch'd, Seviper, Absol, Stunky, Skuntank, Weavile, Purrloin, Liepard, Zoroark |
| Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 | Sandshrew, Alolan Sandshrew, Sandslash, Donphan, Torkoal, Drilbur, Excadrill, Komala |
| Rock Climb | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 | Scraggy, Scrafty, Rockruff, Lycanroc, Lycanroc (Midnight Form), Lycanroc (Dusk Form) |
| Rototiller | Ground | Status | — | — | 10 | Dugtrio, Alolan Dugtrio, Linoone, Bibarel, Lopunny, Watchog, Excadrill, Diggersby, Mudbray, Mudsdale |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covet | Normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | USUM |
| Earth Power | Ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | USUM |
| Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | USUM |
| Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | USUM |
| Knock Off | Dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 | USUM |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Stealth Rock | Rock | Status | — | — | 20 | USUM |
| Stomping Tantrum | Ground | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 | USUM |
| Super Fang | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 10 | USUM |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Bide | Gen I (TM) |
| Body Slam | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Curse | Gen II (TM) |
| Cut | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Detect | Gen II (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Dynamic Punch | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Fissure | Gen I (TM) |
| Headbutt | Gen II (TM), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Mud-Slap | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Rock Smash | Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Secret Power | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Skull Bash | Gen I (TM) |
| Strength | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Submission | Gen I (TM) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
Alolan SandshrewIceSteel
By level-up
| SM/USUM | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 3 | Bide | Normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| 5 | Powder Snow | Ice | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 7 | Ice Ball | Ice | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| 9 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 40 |
| 11 | Fury Cutter | Bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| 14 | Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 |
| 17 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| 20 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| 23 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 26 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 30 | Iron Head | Steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| 34 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| 38 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 42 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 46 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Work Up | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM06 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM07 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM14 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM20 | Safeguard | Normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| TM21 | Frustration | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM27 | Return | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM28 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM40 | Aerial Ace | Physical | 60 | — | 20 | |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| TM48 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM65 | Shadow Claw | Ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM70 | Aurora Veil | Ice | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM74 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM75 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM78 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM79 | Frost Breath | Ice | Special | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| TM80 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM81 | X-Scissor | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM84 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| TM88 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM100 | Confide | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amnesia | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 | Psyduck, Golduck, Sentret, Furret, Wooper, Quagsire, Swinub, Piloswine, Slakoth, Slaking, Wailmer, Wailord, Numel, Camerupt, Torkoal, Bidoof, Bibarel, Pansear, Woobat, Swoobat, Heatmor |
| Chip Away | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | Nidoking, Rhyhorn, Rhydon, Rhyperior, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Scraggy, Scrafty |
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Lucario, Lycanroc (Midnight Form), Lycanroc (Dusk Form), Mudbray, Mudsdale |
| Crush Claw | Normal | Physical | 75 | 95 | 10 | Sandslash, Zangoose |
| Curse | Ghost | Status | — | — | 10 | Numel, Camerupt, Torkoal, Bidoof, Bibarel |
| Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Phanpy, Vigoroth, Pachirisu, Buneary, Lopunny, Cubchoo, Beartic |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Phanpy, Zigzagoon, Slakoth, Slaking, Torkoal, Spinda, Cubchoo, Beartic, Bunnelby, Diggersby, Stufful, Bewear, Komala |
| Hone Claws | Dark | Status | — | — | 15 | Sneasel, Weavile, Zangoose, Glameow, Purugly, Purrloin, Liepard, Drilbur, Excadrill, Zoroark, Heatmor |
| Icicle Crash | Ice | Physical | 85 | 90 | 10 | Alolan Sandslash, Beartic |
| Icicle Spear | Ice | Physical | 25 | 100 | 30 | Alolan Sandslash |
| Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 | Alolan Sandshrew, Alolan Sandslash, Alolan Diglett, Alolan Dugtrio, Sneasel, Weavile, Prinplup, Empoleon, Lucario, Drilbur, Excadrill |
| Night Slash | Dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | Dugtrio, Alolan Dugtrio, Meowth, Alolan Meowth, Persian, Alolan Persian, Farfetch'd, Seviper, Absol, Stunky, Skuntank, Weavile, Purrloin, Liepard, Zoroark |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Tail | Water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 | USUM |
| Covet | Normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | USUM |
| Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | USUM |
| Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | USUM |
| Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 | USUM |
| Iron Head | Steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | USUM |
| Knock Off | Dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 | USUM |
| Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
| Stealth Rock | Rock | Status | — | — | 20 | USUM |
| Super Fang | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 10 | USUM |
| Throat Chop | Dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | USUM |
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!11 level-up · 15 TM/HM · + Alolan Sandshrew
Sandshrew is a Let's Go, Pikachu! exclusive, found on Routes 3 and 4; Let's Go, Eevee! has none. Alolan Sandshrew comes from an in-game trade in Celadon City in Let's Go, Pikachu!, in exchange for a Kantonian Sandshrew. Both forms share a brisk 11-move list that ends at level 36. Kantonian Sandshrew digs in with Dig at 20, Protect at 24 and Earthquake as the finale, while Alolan Sandshrew learns Ice Shard at 8, Mirror Coat at 16, Ice Punch at 24 and Blizzard at 36. Kantonian Sandshrew can use 15 TMs; Alolan Sandshrew has the same 15 plus Ice Punch, Blizzard and Ice Beam. There is no breeding in these games, and Sandshrew has no tutor moves.
By level-up
| LGPE | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 4 | Poison Sting | Poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| 8 | Sand Attack | Ground | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| 12 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| 16 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| 20 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| 24 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 28 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 32 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 36 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM05 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM07 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM08 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM10 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM12 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM13 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM15 | Seismic Toss | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM19 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| TM22 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM24 | X-Scissor | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM26 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| TM27 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM41 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM56 | Stealth Rock | Rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
Alolan SandshrewIceSteel
By level-up
| LGPE | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 4 | Bide | Normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| 8 | Ice Shard | Ice | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 12 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| 16 | Mirror Coat | Psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| 20 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| 24 | Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| 28 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 32 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 36 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM01 | Headbutt | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM05 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM07 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM08 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM10 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM12 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM13 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM15 | Seismic Toss | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM19 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| TM22 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM24 | X-Scissor | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM26 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| TM27 | Toxic | Poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM35 | Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM41 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM51 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| TM55 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM56 | Stealth Rock | Rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
Generation VIII · Sword & Shield (Version 1.2.0+ and Expansion Pass), Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl17 level-up · 72 TM/HM · 15 egg · 2 tutor · + Alolan Sandshrew
Sandshrew sat out the original Galar Pokédex: Sword and Shield accept it by trade from Version 1.2.0, and the Expansion Pass gives Kantonian Sandshrew a wild home in the Isle of Armor's Warm-Up Tunnel and in Max Raid Battles at Challenge Beach and Courageous Cavern, while Alolan Sandshrew is a reward for finding at least 30 Alolan Diglett. In Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Kantonian Sandshrew is a Shining Pearl exclusive that turns up in the Grand Underground's Spacious Cave, Rocky Cave, Sandsear Cave and Big Bluff Cavern once you have the National Pokédex; Alolan Sandshrew cannot be obtained there, and neither form appears in Legends: Arceus. One level-up list covers all four games: Poison Sting now comes before Sand Attack, Rapid Spin hits for 50 power, and Bulldoze and Agility take the slots of Magnitude and Sand Tomb, with Earthquake as the level-45 finale. Sword and Shield teach their machines as TMs and TRs, and the Expansion Pass tutors add Scorching Sands and Steel Roller. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl go back to a Sinnoh-style TM list with Cut, Strength, Rock Smash and Rock Climb as TMs, and their nine egg moves include Crush Claw, Mud Shot and Rapid Spin. In Sword and Shield, Alolan Sandshrew gets Mist at 3 and Rollout at 9 in place of Bide and Ice Ball, picks up Ice Punch, Icy Wind, Avalanche and Icicle Spear as TMs and Iron Head as a TR, and can be tutored in Steel Beam, Steel Roller and Triple Axel. A few older moves on the transfer lists, such as Return, Frustration and Hidden Power, cannot be used in Sword and Shield.
By level-up
| SwSh/BDSP | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 3 | Poison Sting | Poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| 6 | Sand Attack | Ground | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| 9 | Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| 12 | Fury Cutter | Bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| 15 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 40 |
| 18 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| 21 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| 24 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| 27 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 30 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 33 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| 36 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| 39 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 42 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 45 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM15 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM19 | Safeguard | Normal | Status | — | — | 25 | SwSh |
| TM21 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TM22 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM23 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | SwSh |
| TM24 | Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM25 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TM31 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM32 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TM34 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 | SwSh |
| TM39 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | SwSh |
| TM40 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 | SwSh |
| TM43 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM48 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM49 | Sand Tomb | Ground | Physical | 35 | 85 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM53 | Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM59 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TM65 | Shadow Claw | Ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM76 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM81 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | SwSh |
| TM98 | Stomping Tantrum | Ground | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR00 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | SwSh |
| TR01 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR10 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR12 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 | SwSh |
| TR17 | Amnesia | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 | SwSh |
| TR18 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR20 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR26 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR27 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | SwSh |
| TR31 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR52 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | SwSh |
| TR57 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 | SwSh |
| TR60 | X-Scissor | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TR67 | Earth Power | Ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 | SwSh |
| TR76 | Stealth Rock | Rock | Status | — | — | 20 | SwSh |
| TR85 | Work Up | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 | SwSh |
| TR95 | Throat Chop | Dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | SwSh |
| TM01 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM10 | Work Up | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 | BDSP |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 | BDSP |
| TM17 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM20 | Safeguard | Normal | Status | — | — | 25 | BDSP |
| TM23 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM28 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM32 | Double Team | Normal | Status | — | — | 15 | BDSP |
| TM37 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM39 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM40 | Aerial Ace | Physical | 60 | — | 20 | BDSP | |
| TM42 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM44 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM45 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM46 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 | BDSP |
| TM56 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM58 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM65 | Shadow Claw | Ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM74 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 | BDSP |
| TM75 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 | BDSP |
| TM76 | Stealth Rock | Rock | Status | — | — | 20 | BDSP |
| TM80 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 | BDSP |
| TM81 | X-Scissor | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM82 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM83 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM84 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 | BDSP |
| TM87 | Swagger | Normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM90 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 | BDSP |
| TM93 | Cut | Normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 | BDSP |
| TM96 | Strength | Normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM98 | Rock Smash | Fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 | BDSP |
| TM100 | Rock Climb | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 | BDSP |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | SwSh | Galarian Zigzagoon, Galarian Linoone, Obstagoon, Lucario, Lycanroc (Midnight Form), Lycanroc (Dusk Form), Mudbray, Mudsdale, Scorbunny, Raboot, Cinderace, Skwovet, Greedent |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | SwSh | Dunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Zigzagoon, Linoone, Cubchoo, Beartic, Bunnelby, Diggersby, Stufful, Bewear |
| Hone Claws | Dark | Status | — | — | 15 | SwSh | Galarian Meowth, Perrserker, Sneasel, Weavile, Linoone, Galarian Linoone, Obstagoon, Purrloin, Liepard, Drilbur, Excadrill, Sandile, Krokorok, Krookodile, Zorua, Zoroark, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Heatmor, Nickit, Thievul |
| Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 | SwSh | Alolan Sandshrew, Alolan Sandslash, Alolan Diglett, Alolan Dugtrio, Galarian Meowth, Perrserker, Sneasel, Weavile, Lucario, Drilbur, Excadrill |
| Mud-Slap | Ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 | SwSh | Diglett, Alolan Diglett, Dugtrio, Alolan Dugtrio, Dunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Drilbur, Excadrill, Bunnelby, Diggersby, Mudbray, Mudsdale |
| Night Slash | Dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | SwSh | Dugtrio, Alolan Dugtrio, Alolan Meowth, Alolan Persian, Galarian Linoone, Obstagoon, Absol, Stunky, Skuntank, Weavile, Purrloin, Liepard, Zoroark, Pangoro, Nickit, Thievul |
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | BDSP | Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Lucario |
| Crush Claw | Normal | Physical | 75 | 95 | 10 | BDSP | Sandslash, Zangoose |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | BDSP | Dunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Phanpy, Donphan, Zigzagoon, Linoone, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Spinda |
| Hone Claws | Dark | Status | — | — | 15 | BDSP | Sneasel, Weavile, Linoone, Zangoose, Glameow, Purugly |
| Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 | BDSP | Sneasel, Weavile, Prinplup, Empoleon, Lucario |
| Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 | BDSP | Wooper, Quagsire |
| Mud-Slap | Ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 | BDSP | Diglett, Dugtrio, Mankey, Primeape, Dunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Poochyena, Mightyena |
| Night Slash | Dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | BDSP | Dugtrio, Seviper, Absol, Stunky, Skuntank, Weavile |
| Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 40 | BDSP | Sandshrew, Sandslash, Donphan, Torkoal |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scorching Sands | Ground | Special | 70 | 100 | 10 | Expansion Pass |
| Steel Roller | Steel | Physical | 130 | 100 | 5 | Expansion Pass |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Aerial Ace | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Bide | Gen I (TM) |
| Captivate | Gen IV (TM) |
| Chip Away | Gen V (breeding), Gen VI (breeding), Gen VII (breeding) |
| Confide | Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Covet | Gen V (tutor), Gen VI (tutor), Gen VII (tutor) |
| Crush Claw | Gen III (breeding), Gen IV (breeding), Gen V (breeding), Gen VI (breeding), Gen VII (breeding) |
| Curse | Gen II (TM) |
| Cut | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Detect | Gen II (TM) |
| Double Team | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Double-Edge | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Dynamic Punch | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Fissure | Gen I (TM) |
| Focus Punch | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen VI (tutor), Gen VII (tutor) |
| Frustration | Gen II (TM), Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Headbutt | Gen II (TM), Gen IV (tutor), Gen VII (TM) |
| Hidden Power | Gen II (TM), Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Knock Off | Gen IV (tutor), Gen V (tutor), Gen VI (tutor), Gen VII (tutor) |
| Magnitude | Gen V (level-up), Gen VI (level-up), Gen VII (level-up) |
| Mimic | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor) |
| Natural Gift | Gen IV (TM) |
| Rage | Gen I (TM) |
| Return | Gen II (TM), Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Rock Climb | Gen V (breeding), Gen VI (breeding), Gen VII (breeding) |
| Rock Smash | Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Rototiller | Gen VI (breeding), Gen VII (breeding) |
| Secret Power | Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen I (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen VII (TM) |
| Skull Bash | Gen I (TM) |
| Strength | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM) |
| Submission | Gen I (TM) |
| Super Fang | Gen IV (tutor), Gen V (tutor, Dream World), Gen VI (tutor), Gen VII (tutor) |
| Swagger | Gen II (TM), Gen III (tutor), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
| Take Down | Gen I (TM) |
| Toxic | Gen I (TM), Gen II (TM), Gen III (TM), Gen IV (TM), Gen V (TM), Gen VI (TM), Gen VII (TM) |
Alolan SandshrewIceSteel
Sword and Shield only: Alolan Sandshrew cannot be obtained in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
By level-up
| SwSh | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 3 | Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 6 | Powder Snow | Ice | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 9 | Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| 12 | Fury Cutter | Bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| 15 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 40 |
| 18 | Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 |
| 21 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| 24 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| 27 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 30 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 33 | Iron Head | Steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| 36 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| 39 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 42 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 45 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM04 | Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM15 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM19 | Safeguard | Normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| TM21 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM22 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM23 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| TM24 | Snore | Normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| TM25 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM27 | Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| TM31 | Attract | Normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| TM34 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM35 | Hail | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM39 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM40 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| TM43 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM48 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| TM51 | Icicle Spear | Ice | Physical | 25 | 100 | 30 |
| TM59 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM64 | Avalanche | Ice | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| TM65 | Shadow Claw | Ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM76 | Round | Normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| TM81 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TR00 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TR01 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| TR06 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| TR10 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TR17 | Amnesia | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TR18 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TR20 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TR26 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TR27 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TR31 | Iron Tail | Steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| TR46 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TR52 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TR57 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| TR60 | X-Scissor | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TR74 | Iron Head | Steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TR76 | Stealth Rock | Rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TR85 | Work Up | Normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TR95 | Throat Chop | Dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | Galarian Zigzagoon, Galarian Linoone, Obstagoon, Lucario, Lycanroc (Midnight Form), Lycanroc (Dusk Form), Mudbray, Mudsdale, Scorbunny, Raboot, Cinderace, Skwovet, Greedent |
| Crush Claw | Normal | Physical | 75 | 95 | 10 | Sandslash, Drilbur, Excadrill, Lycanroc (Dusk Form) |
| Curse | Ghost | Status | — | — | 10 | Torkoal |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Zigzagoon, Linoone, Cubchoo, Beartic, Bunnelby, Diggersby, Stufful, Bewear |
| Hone Claws | Dark | Status | — | — | 15 | Galarian Meowth, Perrserker, Sneasel, Weavile, Linoone, Galarian Linoone, Obstagoon, Purrloin, Liepard, Drilbur, Excadrill, Sandile, Krokorok, Krookodile, Zorua, Zoroark, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Heatmor, Nickit, Thievul |
| Night Slash | Dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | Dugtrio, Alolan Dugtrio, Alolan Meowth, Alolan Persian, Galarian Linoone, Obstagoon, Absol, Stunky, Skuntank, Weavile, Purrloin, Liepard, Zoroark, Pangoro, Nickit, Thievul |
By move tutor
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Beam | Steel | Special | 140 | 95 | 5 | SwSh |
| Steel Roller | Steel | Physical | 130 | 100 | 5 | Expansion Pass |
| Triple Axel | Ice | Physical | 20 | 90 | 10 | Expansion Pass |
By transfer
| Move | From |
|---|---|
| Aerial Ace | Gen VII (TM) |
| Aqua Tail | Gen VII (tutor) |
| Aurora Veil | Gen VII (TM) |
| Bide | Gen VII (level-up) |
| Chip Away | Gen VII (breeding) |
| Confide | Gen VII (TM) |
| Covet | Gen VII (tutor) |
| Double Team | Gen VII (TM) |
| Focus Punch | Gen VII (tutor) |
| Frost Breath | Gen VII (TM) |
| Frustration | Gen VII (TM) |
| Headbutt | Gen VII (TM) |
| Hidden Power | Gen VII (TM) |
| Ice Ball | Gen VII (level-up) |
| Ice Beam | Gen VII (TM) |
| Ice Shard | Gen VII (level-up) |
| Icicle Crash | Gen VII (breeding) |
| Knock Off | Gen VII (tutor) |
| Mirror Coat | Gen VII (level-up) |
| Return | Gen VII (TM) |
| Seismic Toss | Gen VII (TM) |
| Super Fang | Gen VII (tutor) |
| Swagger | Gen VII (TM) |
| Toxic | Gen VII (TM) |
Generation IX · Scarlet & Violet (Version 2.0.1+ and The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero)17 level-up · 50 TM/HM · 6 egg · + Alolan Sandshrew
Scarlet and Violet accept Sandshrew by trade from Version 2.0.1, and The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero gives both forms a home: Kantonian Sandshrew digs around Kitakami in The Teal Mask, from Reveler's Road and Oni Mountain to Wistful Fields, Paradise Barrens and the Kitakami Wilds, while in The Indigo Disk Alolan Sandshrew roams the Polar Biome and Chargestone Cavern of Blueberry Academy's Terarium in Violet, and Scarlet players can meet it through the Union Circle. Neither form appears in Legends: Z-A. Both level-up lists are the same as in Sword and Shield, except that Alolan Sandshrew's Hail becomes Snowscape. The TM list swells to 50 moves for Kantonian Sandshrew, with High Horsepower, Stone Edge, Spikes, Smack Down and Scorching Sands among the new arrivals, and to 49 for Alolan Sandshrew, which gains Ice Spinner, Flash Cannon, Steel Beam and Triple Axel; both can use Tera Blast. Kantonian Sandshrew keeps six egg moves, while Alolan Sandshrew has eight, including Ice Shard and, from Glaceon, Mirror Coat. There are no tutor moves.
By level-up
| SV | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 3 | Poison Sting | Poison | Physical | 15 | 100 | 35 |
| 6 | Sand Attack | Ground | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| 9 | Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| 12 | Fury Cutter | Bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| 15 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 40 |
| 18 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| 21 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| 24 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| 27 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 30 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 33 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| 36 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| 39 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 42 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 45 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM001 | Take Down | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| TM004 | Agility | Psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| TM005 | Mud-Slap | Ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| TM007 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM012 | Low Kick | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM018 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| TM025 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM027 | Aerial Ace | Physical | 60 | — | 20 | |
| TM028 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM031 | Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 |
| TM032 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| TM035 | Mud Shot | Ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| TM036 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| TM043 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM047 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM049 | Sunny Day | Fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM051 | Sandstorm | Rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM055 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM057 | False Swipe | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| TM058 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM061 | Shadow Claw | Ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM066 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| TM070 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM083 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| TM084 | Stomping Tantrum | Ground | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| TM085 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM086 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM088 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM090 | Spikes | Ground | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM095 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM103 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM105 | X-Scissor | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM116 | Stealth Rock | Rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM128 | Amnesia | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM133 | Earth Power | Ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM149 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM150 | Stone Edge | Rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| TM171 | Tera Blast | Normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM176 | Sand Tomb | Ground | Physical | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| TM179 | Smack Down | Rock | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| TM180 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM181 | Knock Off | Dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| TM183 | Super Fang | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM186 | High Horsepower | Ground | Physical | 95 | 95 | 10 |
| TM192 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| TM204 | Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| TM205 | Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM215 | Scorching Sands | Ground | Special | 70 | 100 | 10 |
| TM221 | Throat Chop | Dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM224 | Curse | Ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Zangoose, Lucario, Lycanroc (Midnight Form), Lycanroc (Dusk Form), Mudbray, Mudsdale, Scorbunny, Raboot, Cinderace, Skwovet, Greedent, Annihilape |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Dudunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Phanpy, Slakoth, Slaking, Zangoose, Cubchoo, Beartic, Komala, Cetoddle, Cetitan |
| Hone Claws | Dark | Status | — | — | 15 | Galarian Meowth, Perrserker, Sneasel, Weavile, Hisuian Sneasel, Sneasler, Zangoose, Drilbur, Excadrill, Sandile, Krokorok, Krookodile, Zorua, Hisuian Zorua, Zoroark, Hisuian Zoroark, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Sprigatito, Floragato, Meowscarada, Maschiff, Mabosstiff |
| Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 | Alolan Sandshrew, Alolan Sandslash, Alolan Diglett, Alolan Dugtrio, Galarian Meowth, Perrserker, Sneasel, Weavile, Zangoose, Prinplup, Empoleon, Lucario, Drilbur, Excadrill |
| Mud-Slap | Ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 | Diglett, Alolan Diglett, Dugtrio, Alolan Dugtrio, Dunsparce, Dudunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Yungoos, Gumshoos, Mudbray, Mudsdale, Orthworm |
| Night Slash | Dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | Dugtrio, Alolan Dugtrio, Alolan Meowth, Alolan Persian, Zangoose, Stunky, Skuntank, Weavile, Zoroark, Meowscarada |
Alolan SandshrewIceSteel
By level-up
| SV | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratch | Normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| 1 | Defense Curl | Normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| 3 | Mist | Ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| 6 | Powder Snow | Ice | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| 9 | Rollout | Rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| 12 | Fury Cutter | Bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| 15 | Rapid Spin | Normal | Physical | 50 | 100 | 40 |
| 18 | Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 |
| 21 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| 24 | Fury Swipes | Normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| 27 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 30 | Slash | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| 33 | Iron Head | Steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| 36 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| 39 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 42 | Snowscape | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 45 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
By TM / HM / TR
| No. | Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM001 | Take Down | Normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| TM007 | Protect | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM012 | Low Kick | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| TM018 | Thief | Dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| TM025 | Facade | Normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| TM027 | Aerial Ace | Physical | 60 | — | 20 | |
| TM028 | Bulldoze | Ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| TM031 | Metal Claw | Steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 |
| TM032 | Swift | Normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| TM034 | Icy Wind | Ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| TM036 | Rock Tomb | Rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| TM043 | Fling | Dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| TM046 | Avalanche | Ice | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| TM047 | Endure | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM052 | Snowscape | Ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM055 | Dig | Ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM058 | Brick Break | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM061 | Shadow Claw | Ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| TM066 | Body Slam | Normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| TM069 | Ice Punch | Ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| TM070 | Sleep Talk | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM083 | Poison Jab | Poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| TM085 | Rest | Psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| TM086 | Rock Slide | Rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| TM088 | Swords Dance | Normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM093 | Flash Cannon | Steel | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM095 | Leech Life | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM099 | Iron Head | Steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM103 | Substitute | Normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| TM104 | Iron Defense | Steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| TM105 | X-Scissor | Bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM116 | Stealth Rock | Rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM124 | Ice Spinner | Ice | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM128 | Amnesia | Psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| TM135 | Ice Beam | Ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| TM143 | Blizzard | Ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| TM149 | Earthquake | Ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| TM170 | Steel Beam | Steel | Special | 140 | 95 | 5 |
| TM171 | Tera Blast | Normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| TM180 | Gyro Ball | Steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM181 | Knock Off | Dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| TM183 | Super Fang | Normal | Physical | — | 90 | 10 |
| TM187 | Icicle Spear | Ice | Physical | 25 | 100 | 30 |
| TM192 | Focus Punch | Fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| TM204 | Double-Edge | Normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| TM205 | Endeavor | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| TM212 | Triple Axel | Ice | Physical | 20 | 90 | 10 |
| TM221 | Throat Chop | Dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| TM224 | Curse | Ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
By breeding (egg moves)
| Move | Type | Cat. | Pwr. | Acc. | PP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counter | Fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 | Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Zangoose, Lucario, Lycanroc (Midnight Form), Lycanroc (Dusk Form), Mudbray, Mudsdale, Scorbunny, Raboot, Cinderace, Skwovet, Greedent, Annihilape |
| Crush Claw | Normal | Physical | 75 | 95 | 10 | Sandslash, Zangoose, Drilbur, Excadrill, Lycanroc (Dusk Form) |
| Curse | Ghost | Status | — | — | 10 | Numel, Camerupt, Torkoal, Zangoose, Hisuian Zorua, Hisuian Zoroark |
| Flail | Normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 | Dunsparce, Dudunsparce, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Phanpy, Slakoth, Slaking, Zangoose, Cubchoo, Beartic, Komala, Cetoddle, Cetitan |
| Hone Claws | Dark | Status | — | — | 15 | Galarian Meowth, Perrserker, Sneasel, Weavile, Hisuian Sneasel, Sneasler, Zangoose, Drilbur, Excadrill, Sandile, Krokorok, Krookodile, Zorua, Hisuian Zorua, Zoroark, Hisuian Zoroark, Mienfoo, Mienshao, Sprigatito, Floragato, Meowscarada, Maschiff, Mabosstiff |
| Ice Shard | Ice | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 | Alolan Vulpix, Alolan Ninetales, Seel, Dewgong, Swinub, Piloswine, Mamoswine, Weavile, Glaceon, Cetoddle, Cetitan |
| Mirror Coat | Psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 | Glaceon |
| Night Slash | Dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 | Dugtrio, Alolan Dugtrio, Alolan Meowth, Alolan Persian, Zangoose, Stunky, Skuntank, Weavile, Zoroark, Meowscarada |
04On screen
Sandshrew in the anime
Debut EP001Pokémon – I Choose You! · First major role EP008The Path to the Pokémon League · Its appearances on screen, and 3 other trainers who raised one.
Sandshrew has been rolling through the anime since the very first episode, when Ash and Pikachu raced past three of them while fleeing a flock of Spearow. Its breakout role came just seven weeks later. A.J.'s Sandshrew, the star of a home-made Gym, swam laps in a pool to beat its own weakness, rolled over Ash's Pidgeotto and Butterfree, and sent Team Rocket packing with Fissure to give its Trainer a 100th straight win. A decade on, Sinnoh gave the species an episode of its own, as Ash and his friends brought Mira's Sandshrew home from a school lost beneath a dam lake.
The Alolan form brought a blast of frost. Two Alolan Sandshrew were spotted on the snowy slopes of Mount Lanakila, and a giant one later fought beside Lillie and Snowy to drive a Tyranitar out of its ice cavern before evolving with an Ice Stone. In between, Sandshrew has played hide-and-seek with Pikachu, lived at Professor Oak's Laboratory, entered Contests and popped up in films from Pokémon 2000 to I Choose You! Most recently, Liko's friend Ann caught one in Pokémon Horizons, and it had become a Sandslash by the time the story leapt forward a year. Ash himself has never caught one.
Other trainers’ Sandshrew
First seen: EP008The Path to the Pokémon League
Now: With A.J. at his Gym
A.J. runs his own unofficial Gym and was unbeaten in 98 battles when Ash turned up, all thanks to a punishing training regime. His Sandshrew, his very first Pokémon, lifts dumbbells, gets tossed between his three Rattata and even swims laps in a pool, protected from its watery weakness by a home-made strength-intensifier brace. It paid off against Ash: Sandshrew curled up and rocketed into Pidgeotto, dug underground to dodge Butterfree's Stun Spore and burst out to win, and Pikachu refused to battle at all (EP008). When Team Rocket carried it off by mistake, Sandshrew simply dug its way back, dodged Ekans and Koffing, shrugged off Meowth's bite and ended the fight with Fissure, giving A.J. his 100th straight win.
Personality
Tough, tireless and fiercely loyal. A.J. drives it with shouted orders and the crack of a whip, yet Sandshrew never wavers, and the hard line has a soft centre: it was A.J.'s first Pokémon, which is exactly why he pushes it hardest of all.
Moves usedDefense CurlDigFissure
Key battles
- EP008The Path to the Pokémon League · vs Pidgeotto Won
- EP008The Path to the Pokémon League · vs Butterfree Won
- EP008The Path to the Pokémon League · vs Jessie's Ekans, James's Koffing and Meowth Won
First seen: HZ021The Lonely Hatenna
Evolved: HZ090Eyes to the Skies Once Again (Part One)
Ann is Liko's friend and roommate from Indigo Academy, and Sandshrew was her second Pokémon. It made a cheeky entrance during a video call: Ann was promising to win lots of battles with her Oshawott when the newly caught Sandshrew, already Oshawott's good friend, popped up right in front of the camera and made Liko and Sprigatito jump (HZ021). By the time the story moved on a year, it had evolved into Sandslash, just as Ann's Dewott had become a Samurott (HZ090). As a Sandslash it teamed up with Samurott in a Double Battle against Lacey's Plusle and Minun at Blueberry Academy (HZ115), joined Liko on a Blueberry Quest (HZ118) and stood up for Laqua's Pokémon until Spinel's attacks overpowered it (HZ134).
First seen: DP047Sandshrew's Locker!
Mira's Abra offers Ash, Dawn and Brock a teleport shortcut to Hearthome City, but first it lands them at a dam, where Mira spins a story about a locket lost in the lake. The real treasure is a Sandshrew: Mira and two school friends once found it in a Poké Ball and took turns looking after it, until the dam flooded their town, the friends went their separate ways and the Poké Ball was left behind in their old school. With Piplup, Buizel and Pikachu keeping a furious Gyarados busy, the group found the Poké Ball and brought it back to the surface, and the reunited Sandshrew was raring to go. It got its chance at once, slashing Jessie's Dustox and whipping up a Sandstorm alongside Turtwig before Pikachu's Thunderbolt blasted Team Rocket away, and Mira kept her promise and teleported everyone to Hearthome (DP047).
- DP047Sandshrew's Locker! · vs Dustox and Cacnea Won
Ash & Sandshrew
Ash has never caught a Sandshrew, but one taught him an early lesson. At A.J.'s unofficial Gym, a pool-trained Sandshrew rolled Pidgeotto out of the air and tunnelled under Butterfree's Stun Spore, and when Pikachu flatly refused to fight, Ash lost the match and A.J. turned down his plea for a rematch (EP008). Years later in Sinnoh, Ash and his friends helped Mira recover her long-lost Sandshrew from a school sunk beneath a dam lake (DP047).
Featured episodes
- PK04Pikachu's Rescue AdventureWhen a storm hits, one of two wild Sandshrew pitches in with Elekid and the heroes' Pokémon to save the Exeggcute nests and Misty's Togepi.
- PK10Pikachu's PikaBooIn a game of hide-and-seek at a seaside mansion, Sandshrew tries the boldest camouflage of all: it presses itself flat against a brick wall and pretends to be part of it. Pikachu still finds it, right after Sunflora.
- SM080Not Caving Under Pressure!A cave shortcut goes awry and leads the class onto snowy Mount Lanakila, where a band of Alolan Sandshrew led by an unusually large one have made their nest in an ice cavern. When a Tyranitar's Sandstorm and Stone Edge threaten to bring the cave down, Lillie and Snowy team up with the giant Sandshrew, whose Rapid Spin and Metal Claw send Tyranitar packing; afterwards it nudges an Ice Stone dug up by Sophocles's Charjabug, evolves into Alolan Sandslash and thanks Lillie with an Icium Z.
More appearances
- EP006Clefairy and the Moon Stone A weakened Sandshrew lies in a tunnel of Mt. Moon, one of the wild Pokémon suffering under the glaring lights Team Rocket strung through the cave.
- EP028Pokémon Fashion Flash A Sandshrew is out and about on Scissor Street, the street of Pokémon grooming salons.
- EP065Showdown at the Po-ké Corral A Sandshrew lives at Professor Oak's Laboratory.
- EP133Tanks a Lot! Several Sandshrew flee from Team Rocket's rampaging Arbotank.
- EP157The Fortune Hunters A Sandshrew is stolen by Butch and Cassidy.
- EP169Beauty and the Breeder A Pokémon Breeder's Sandshrew takes part in the Pokémon Beauty Contest.
- EP207Got Miltank? A Sandshrew lives at an oasis reserved for Pokémon.
- EP223Throwing in the Noctowl Two Sandshrew live in Wings Alexander's barn.
- EP233A Tyrogue Full of Trouble A Tyrogue hands a Sandshrew an apple.
- AG015Gonna Rule the School! The Pokémon Trainer's School lends a Sandshrew to students who are too young to have Pokémon of their own.
- AG121Hi Ho Silver Wind! A Coordinator's Sandshrew competes in the Hoenn Grand Festival, and is seen again in Deceit and Assist (AG122).
- AG191Once More With Reeling! A Coordinator's Sandshrew takes part in the Terracotta Contest.
- DP010Not on MY Watch Ya Don't! Team Rocket hypnotise a Sandshrew.
- DP028Drifloon on the Wind! Marnie, one of the local Nurse Joy's daughters, feeds a Sandshrew.
- DP125Battling a Cute Drama! A Sandshrew is at the Pokémon Center in Shelter Town.
- PK27Pikachu and the Pokémon Music Squad A Sandshrew is one of the Pokémon living in the forest.
- SM060Getting a Jump on the Competition! Alolan Sandshrew's first appearance: two of them are spotted on the snowy slopes of Mount Lanakila, alongside a group of Snorunt.
Beyond the main series
Anime gallery
Anime trivia
- Sandshrew was on screen in the very first episode (EP001), but it had to wait 512 episodes, until Sandshrew's Locker! (DP047), for its first anime Pokédex entry, read out by Dawn's Pokédex.
- A.J.'s Sandshrew trained against its own weakness by swimming in a pool, protected by a home-made 'strength intensifier' brace that looks remarkably like the Macho Brace, an item that only arrived in the games with Generation III (EP008).
- A.J.'s Sandshrew was using Defense Curl before Sandshrew could learn it in the games: the move only joined its repertoire in Generation II (EP008).
- A.J. and his whip-cracking training may be a nod to Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. In the English dub Misty compares him to a lion tamer, while in Japanese she simply calls it amazing (EP008).
- The English title Sandshrew's Locker! is a play on Davy Jones' Locker, fitting for a Sandshrew whose Poké Ball had been lost at the bottom of a lake (DP047).
- The Japanese title of Not Caving Under Pressure!, サンドの嵐 ('Sand's Storm'), is a pun on the move Sandstorm built around Sandshrew's Japanese name, Sand (SM080).
- Not Caving Under Pressure! was also Alolan Sandslash's anime debut, and Sandshrew was the answer to that episode's Poké Problem, hosted by Lillie (SM080).
- In Pokémon Horizons, the colour scheme of Ann's travelling outfit after the time skip resembles Alolan Sandshrew, a frosty nod to the Sandshrew she caught.
“Sandshrew, the Mouse Pokémon. Sandshrew hates moisture and lives in holes it digs in dry places. It protects itself by curling into a ball.”
Dawn's Pokédex · DP047
05On the big screen
Sandshrew in the movies
3 films, 3 Pikachu shorts and 1 special featuring Sandshrew.
Sandshrew has been a familiar face in the crowd at the cinema, but the films rarely give it a moment of its own. In The Power of One a Sandshrew senses the chaos Lawrence III unleashes on the weather, in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew one lives in the Tree of Beginning, and in I Choose You! one shelters from the rain in a cave alongside Entei. The Pikachu shorts give it more to do: in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure a wild Sandshrew helps save the Exeggcute nests from a storm, and in Pikachu's PikaBoo it tries to win hide-and-seek by pretending to be part of a brick wall (it doesn't work).
Pokémon the Movie 2000: The Power of One
M02 · 1999
A Sandshrew
When the collector Lawrence III sets out to capture the legendary birds and throws the world's weather into chaos, a Sandshrew is one of the Pokémon that senses the disturbance. It's a fleeting moment rather than a role.
Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
M08 · 2005
A Sandshrew in the opening sequence; another living in the Tree of Beginning
Lucario's film finds room for two Sandshrew. One appears in the opening sequence, while another is among the Pokémon that live in the Tree of Beginning, the ancient home of Mew.
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!
M20 · 2017
Two Sandshrew, one sheltering from the rain with Entei
Two Sandshrew appear in this retelling of Ash's first steps. One of them is among the Pokémon waiting out a downpour in a cave, sharing its shelter with none other than the Legendary Entei.
Pikachu shorts
- PK01Pikachu's Vacation (1998) · A Sandshrew at the Pokémon Theme Park
In the very first Pikachu short, a Sandshrew is one of the many Pokémon spending the day at the Pokémon Theme Park, a playground built just for Pokémon. The short premiered with Mewtwo Strikes Back. - PK04Pikachu's Rescue Adventure (1999) · Two wild Sandshrew
Two wild Sandshrew appear in this short, and one of them turns hero when a storm hits. It teams up with Ash's, Misty's and Brock's Pokémon and an Elekid to save the Exeggcute nests and Togepi, at one point grabbing on to the nest that Venonat is holding. Sharp-eyed viewers spot an animation slip at that moment: Venonat's brown hand turns pink, like the Exeggcute in the nest. Shown with The Power of One. - PK10Pikachu's PikaBoo (2001) · A Sandshrew in Granbull's group of friends
Sandshrew's best short-film role is all about hide-and-seek. It's one of the Pokémon Granbull calls over with a loud bark to meet Pikachu and friends, and when the game starts it tries to hide in plain sight, backing up against a brick wall and pretending to be part of it. Pikachu isn't fooled for long: Sandshrew is the second Pokémon caught, straight after Sunflora. Shown in Japan with Celebi: The Voice of the Forest.
TV specials
- Showdown at the Oak Corral (2003)
Two Sandshrew are among the many Pokémon living at Professor Oak's Laboratory in this side story, shown in English as part of Pokémon Chronicles.
06Trading Card Game · every card
Sandshrew in the Pokémon TCG
37 cards since 1999, oldest first. Tap any card to see it full size.
Sandshrew has been digging through booster packs since the beginning. Ken Sugimori's 40 HP original was in Japan's first Expansion Pack in October 1996 and in Base Set in January 1999, flinging sand to make attacks miss, and from there it burrowed into almost every era: two Brock's Sandshrew for the Pewter City Gym, e-Reader cards in Skyridge and EX Sandstorm, a steady run of Commons through the DS and Black & White years, and an Evolutions remake for the game's 20th birthday. Alolan Sandshrew rolled in with Guardians Rising in 2017 as a Water type with Ice Ball, picked up a Cosmos Holo promo and a McDonald's reprint, and in Cosmic Eclipse became a Metal type, fitting for a shell as hard as steel. Sandshrew has never had an ex, V or any other rule-box card, but its attacks are a lovely catalogue of its habits: curling up with Defense Curl, rolling with Rollout, tunnelling with Dig Under and Dig It Up, and, on the Scarlet & Violet—151 card, burying your opponent's discarded Trainers with its Sand Screen Ability.
The art has moved from simple portraits to little landscapes. Sugimori drew it four times, Japan added Miki Tanaka's glossy vending-machine Sandshrew and an e-Reader card from a McDonald's promotion, and later artists gave it real places to explore, from Lentimas Town on Boundaries Crossed to Snowpoint City behind Shin Nagasawa's Alolan Sandshrew in Ultra Prism. Modern Commons by Sekio, Yuka Morii, kodama, Tetsu Kayama and Shinji Kanda keep the little Mouse Pokémon busy, and Japan's Storm Emeralda added another in 2026. TCG Pocket has brought back older pictures, including Tanaka's 1998 vending art in Genetic Apex, while adding MAHOU's Shiny Sandshrew and an Illustration Rare by Uninori.
Cards to know
- Base Set 62/102 — Ken Sugimori's original 40 HP Mouse Pokémon flings sand in your opponent's eyes; it was in the very first English packs and the prototype Trainer Deck A, and came back in Evolutions in 2016.
- Gym Heroes 72/132 (Brock's Sandshrew) — One of two Brock's Sandshrew from the Pewter City Gym, and its Sand Pit traps the Defending Pokémon in place; in Japanese the attack shares its name with Sand Tomb, years before that move reached the games.
- Skyridge 92/144 — An e-Reader Sandshrew whose Dig Under tunnels across the field to hit any of your opponent's Pokémon, ignoring Weakness and Resistance.
- Guardians Rising 19/145 (Alolan Sandshrew) — The first Alolan Sandshrew: a snowy Water type whose Ice Ball rolls in for 30, a world away from the desert digger.
- Cosmic Eclipse 137/236 (Alolan Sandshrew) — The only Metal-type Alolan Sandshrew, nodding to the Steel half of its Ice/Steel typing in the games.
- Scarlet & Violet—151 027/165 — The first Sandshrew with an Ability: Sand Screen keeps your opponent's discarded Trainers buried, so their Items and Supporters can't put them back into the deck.
Every English-language card
Promo cards
Japan-exclusive cards
Other regional releases
Pokémon TCG Pocket
Digital card games
- Pokémon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color): Sandshrew from Base Set (Ken Sugimori), card B25, found in the Evolution booster pack.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): the same Base Set Sandshrew, card B32, in the Legendary Power pack.
- Pokémon Card GB2 (Japan only): Miki Tanaka's vending-machine Sandshrew with Poison Sting and Swift, card F28, in the Sky Flying Pokémon pack.
- Pokémon TCG Online / Pokémon TCG Live: no digital-exclusive Sandshrew or Alolan Sandshrew cards.
The artists behind the cards
- Ken Sugimori: 4 artworks (Base Set 62, reprinted in Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection and remade for Evolutions; Brock's Sandshrew Gym Heroes 71 and 72; Mysterious Treasures 96); his Base Set Sandshrew is also in both Game Boy TCG games
- Miki Tanaka: 1 artwork (Japan's vending-machine Sandshrew, playable in Pokémon Card GB2 and reused for TCG Pocket's Genetic Apex)
- Sekio: 1 artwork (Unbroken Bonds 83, reprinted in Pokémon Trading Card Game Classic and reused for TCG Pocket's Mega Rising)
- Shigenori Negishi: 1 artwork (BREAKthrough 75, reused for TCG Pocket's Fantastical Parade)
- ryoma uratsuka: 1 artwork (Alolan Sandshrew, Cosmic Eclipse 137, reused for TCG Pocket's Celestial Guardians)
- One artwork each: Motofumi Fujiwara (McDonald's Pokémon-e Minimum Pack), Naoyo Kimura, Kouki Saitou, Atsuko Nishida, Tomokazu Komiya, Suwama Chiaki, Yukiko Baba, Naoki Saito, Yuka Morii, kodama, Tetsu Kayama, Shinji Kanda and Izucch for Sandshrew; Mizue, Hideki Ishikawa and Shin Nagasawa for Alolan Sandshrew; MAHOU and Uninori drew new Sandshrew art for TCG Pocket
07On the page & beyond
Sandshrew in manga, books & other media
From the earliest manga to story books and songs.
Sandshrew's manga career began in 1997, in the fifth chapter of Pokémon Adventures, where a Pewter Gym Trainer's Sandshrew battles Red's Bulbasaur. Red soon caught one of his own, a low-level Sandshrew that turns a raging fire at the Pewter Museum of Science into a sandstorm victory while Giovanni watches. In The Electric Tale of Pikachu Professor Oak's Sandshrew uses Fissure to stop a plate-stealing Clefairy, and Alolan Sandshrew made its manga debut on Mount Lanakila in the Sun & Moon chapter. On the bookshelf, Sandshrew stars in Heart-pounding Sand, a Japanese picture book about a nervous night-time trip to the bathroom. Elsewhere it's in the English Pokérap, has a Pokémon Kids TV song all to itself and, since 2018, has been an official ambassador for Tottori, home of Japan's great sand dunes.
Manga
Books
Other media
More from the page
08Did you know?
Sandshrew trivia
Name origins, design secrets and the facts that make Sandshrew such a fan favourite.
What’s in a name?
Sandshrew's English name says it plainly: sand plus shrew – although the 'shrew' part is a bit of a red herring, since it looks far more like an armadillo or a pangolin than any shrew. Its Japanese name, Sando (サンド), is simpler still: it is just the English word 'sand'. Other languages dug in different directions. French Sabelette blends sable (sand) with belette (weasel), German Sandan builds on Sand, Lithuanian Smėlius comes from the word for sand, Korean Moreduji joins morae (sand) with dudeoji (mole), and the Chinese 穿山鼠 Chuānshānshǔ means something like 'pangolin mouse'.
Design origins
Whatever its name says, Sandshrew is built from an armadillo or a pangolin rather than a shrew. Both real animals are scaly, sharp-clawed mammals that curl up into a ball to protect themselves and make their homes in dry country – exactly Sandshrew's survival kit, right down to the tough plated back and the soft, vulnerable belly. Its official Red and Green artwork, like the rest of the original 151, was drawn by Ken Sugimori, and over the years many pictures of it – on cards, in the anime, in sprites and even in key artwork – have left off the line across the top of its head. Alolan Sandshrew adds two wintry ideas to the mix: an igloo, echoed in its entrance-shaped ears and domed shell, and a curling stone, which explains why Alolans love sliding it across the ice.
Names around the world
| Language | Name | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | サンド Sando | From the English word 'sand' |
| French | Sabelette | From sable (sand) and belette (weasel) |
| Spanish | Sandshrew | Same as the English name |
| German | Sandan | From Sand (sand) |
| Italian | Sandshrew | Same as the English name |
| Korean | 모래두지 Moreduji | From morae (sand) and dudeoji (mole) |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 穿山鼠 Chuānshānshǔ | From the words for pangolin and mouse |
| Chinese (Cantonese) | 穿山鼠 Chyūnsāansyú | From the words for pangolin and mouse |
| Brazilian Portuguese | Sandshrew | Same as the English name |
| Hebrew | Sendshroo | A transcription of the English name |
| Hindi | सैंडश्रू Sandshrew | A transcription of the English name |
| Lithuanian | Smėlius | From smėlis (sand) |
| Russian | Сэндшрю Sendshryu | A transcription of the English name |
| Thai | แซนด์ Saen | A transcription of the Japanese name |
Did you know?
- Sandshrew is a Mouse Pokémon, a category it shares with Sandslash, Rattata, Raticate, Pikachu, Raichu, Pawmi and Pawmo – even though it looks nothing like a mouse.
- Alolan Sandshrew and Alolan Sandslash are the only Pokémon with the Ice/Steel type combination.
- Alolan Sandshrew's base Sp. Atk of 10 is the lowest of any Pokémon, tied with Shuckle, Feebas and Bonsly.
- No Ground-type Pokémon has a lower base Sp. Atk than the original Sandshrew's 20.
- Both forms have matching weather Abilities: Sand Veil and Snow Cloak raise evasion in a sandstorm or hail, while the hidden Abilities Sand Rush and Slush Rush double Speed in the same weather.
- Alolan Sandshrew is the twin of Alolan Vulpix: both are part-Ice Alolan forms of Generation I Pokémon with Snow Cloak, both sit in the Field Egg Group and both evolve with an Ice Stone.
- The pair are always on opposite sides of the fence – Alolan Sandshrew lives in Moon, Ultra Moon and Violet's Indigo Disk, Alolan Vulpix in Sun, Ultra Sun and Scarlet's.
- Sandshrew has been a version exclusive again and again: missing from Red, FireRed, Let's Go, Eevee! and Brilliant Diamond in the wild.
- In Silver you can't catch a Sandshrew at all – the only way to get one is to win it as a prize at the Goldenrod Game Corner.
- In Diamond, Pearl and Platinum it only appears in Wayward Cave while LeafGreen is plugged into the DS's Game Boy Advance slot.
- Its Base Set card was illustrated by Ken Sugimori, and its attack, Sand-attack, is named after a move Sandshrew can learn in the games.
- In the Pikachu short Pikachu's PikaBoo, a Sandshrew plays hide-and-seek by camouflaging itself against a brick wall – that brick-patterned hide in action.
- A.J.'s Sandshrew in The Path to the Pokémon League was put through gruelling training, yet stayed completely loyal to its Trainer.
- In Pokémon Origins, a Sandshrew is one of the Pokémon experimented on at Silph Co. while the Master Ball was being developed.
- In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Sandshrew's spirit core is one of the ingredients for summoning Dillon, the armadillo star of Dillon's Rolling Western.
- Pokémon GO's Shiny Sandshrew made its debut tied to a Sandshrew festival in Tottori, the Japanese prefecture famous for its sand dunes.
09Quizzes, archive & further reading
More Sandshrew
Test yourself
Professor Oak's Kanto Quiz: BeginnerProfessor Oak has a few questions before you set foot in the tall grass. How well do you know the region where it all began?Take the quiz →
Who's That Pokémon? Kanto: BeginnerIt's the classic challenge! Can you name these original 151 Pokémon from their silhouettes alone?Take the quiz →
Indigo League Anime: IntermediateGrab your cap and set off on Ash's very first adventure. How much do you remember from the Indigo League days?Take the quiz →
Pokémon Horizons Anime: BeginnerAll aboard for a brand-new adventure! See how well you know Liko, Roy and the crew of Pokémon Horizons: The Series.Take the quiz →
Pokémon Movies: IntermediateFrom a mysterious island showdown to a city where people and Pokémon live side by side, how well do you know Pokémon on the big screen?Take the quiz →Professor Oak's Kanto Quiz: IntermediateYou've got your badges, but does Professor Oak think you're ready for the Indigo Plateau? Dig deeper into Red, Blue, FireRed, LeafGreen and Let's Go.Take the quiz →From the archive: Gengar’s Online Pokédex
Before this page, Pokémon Dungeon was home to Gengar’s Online Pokédex, the classic fan Pokédex for Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver & Crystal by Curtis Alumbaugh (Gengar) with Ian Alumbaugh (Haunter). Its Sandshrew entry is preserved in full, with its original art, moves and locations.
Further reading
Pokémon and all related names, artwork, sprites, screenshots and card images are © Nintendo, Creatures Inc., GAME FREAK inc. and The Pokémon Company, used here for fan commentary. Images via the Bulbagarden Archives. Page updated 24 October 2026.