LC Sandshrew

[Drew]

[OVERVIEW]

With its new Alolan forme, the original Sandshrew has been greatly overshadowed, even more than it already was, in fact. However, Sandshrew can still use Knock Off and has a much better defensive typing. It is also largely outclassed by Drilbur in its role as a Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin user, though it has a higher Defense stat and access to the previously mentioned Knock Off. Furthermore, with the rise of Staryu, Sandshrew has become even more niche due to Staryu's ability to clear away Sandshrew's hazards and completely force it out with the threat of a Scald.

[SET]
name: Bulky Support
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off
item: Eviolite
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Adamant
evs: 36 HP / 156 Atk / 76 Def / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Rapid Spin gives Sandshrew the ability to clear away entry hazards on your side of the field, helping many Pokemon stay healthy. Stealth Rock can help sweepers, passively damage foes upon switching in, and even at times bait Staryu in. Earthquake is Sandshrew's Ground-type STAB move and is a very powerful option to hit most of the tier. Knock Off is Sandshrew's main niche over Drilbur and lets it hit Pumpkaboo, something that Drilbur can't do normally, as well as provide even more utility to Sandshrew's team.

Set Details
========

Sandshrew should always use Sand Rush, as Sand Veil is completely reliant on luck and doesn't help Sandshrew as much as Sand Rush does. The EV investment in Defense and Special Defense coupled with Eviolite maximizes Sandshrew's bulk, letting it endure many attacks it may not have otherwise. It also has 196 EVs in Speed so that it can reach a Speed tier of 13 in order to outspeed Croagunk and Timburr. The rest of the EVs are put into Attack and HP, the former to increase the damage of Earthquake and the latter to let it withstand more attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Always be careful of Flying-types such as Doduo and especially Vullaby, as Sandshrew can't do much against any of them with its lack of coverage. Baiting in Staryu with Stealth Rock can be a valid option if Sandshrew is paired with a good Staryu check, but this should be done very sparingly. Since Pumpkaboo and Gastly are common switch-ins to Rapid Spin, using Knock Off when predicting them to come in can cripple the former and KO the latter. Be aware of Sandshrew's low Special Defense; it can be easily KOed by many special attackers because of it.

Team Options
========

Pumpkaboo makes for a perfect partner, as it can check Water-types (Staryu in particular) and Grass-types, as well as block opposing Rapid Spin users. Pawniard can help discourage an opponent from using Defog and therefore clearing away Sandshrew's hazards. Sandshrew's ability to clear away hazards can be extremely beneficial to Fire-, Bug-, and Flying-types such as Larvesta and Rufflet. Doduo in particular benefits greatly from Sandshrew's ability to to control hazards on both sides, as they can help it beat Sturdy users such as Onix and Magnemite. Cottonee and Foognus can check Fighting- and Water-types while providing some support with Taunt and Spore, respectively. Hippopotas can be a good option to help Sandshrew take advantage of Sand Rush, although sand is a bit too passive to correctly support Sandshrew.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sandshrew has access to Poison Jab, Rock Slide, and Shadow Claw, which can be used as coverage options, but Drilbur can take advantage of them better. It also gets Swords Dance to boost its Attack, but it is simply to slow to make use of such a set. Eviolite can be replaced with Berry Juice, but Sandshrew's poor special bulk makes this hard to pull off. A fully offensive Sand Rush Sandshrew could work with Hippopotas, but the ever-present sun archetype and the rise of hail teams as well as the passiveness of Hippopotas makes this very hard to pull off.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Although they sometimes struggle with switching in, a Scald from even a less powerful Pokemon can take advantage of Sandshrew's poor Special Defense. Sandshrew can also be setup fodder for common sweepers such as Shellder and Corphish. Staryu can clear hazards as well as hit Sandshrew with a very powerful Scald, while Sandshrew can do almost nothing back.

**Entry Hazard Removers**: Defog and Rapid Spin users such as Vullaby and Staryu can make one of Sandshrew's two main purposes, setting up Stealth Rock, obsolete.

**Special Attackers**: Powerful special attackers such as Abra and Omanyte take advantage of Sandshrew's low Special Defense and usually OHKO it.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types can easily take an Earthquake, and many can fire back with a powerful Grass-type move. Cottonee and Snivy stand out in this regard.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types aren't really threatened by anything Sandshrew can do as long as they can easily switch in to Stealth Rock. Also, many popular Flying-types get Defog or can set up on Sandshrew with a Nasty Plot or Swords Dance. Vullaby in particular can set up a possibly game-winning sweep.

 

[Drew]

ready for QC

 

[Fiend]

[OVERVIEW]

[SET]
name: Bulky Support
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off
item: Eviolite
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Adamant
evs: 36 HP / 156 Atk / 76 Def / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

fine.

Set Details
========

speed tying those mons is a lot less useful than reliably 2hkoing Pumpkaboo. change to reflect the nature change. 13 Speed outspeeds Gunk still, and Timburr.

Usage Tips
========

fine but you OHKO gastly so your wording is a lil weird.

Team Options
========

mention Cottonee and Foongus, good water checks and fighter checks and okay grass checks

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
don't call hail every present lol

Checks and Counters
===================
ghosts are not a check or counter really

special attacks should have a mention, since it's pretty frail and most are strong.

QC 1/3

 

[Drew]

Done, give me dat QC 2/3

 

[Rowan]

add flying types to checks and counters - since it doesn't run rock slide, they don't worry too much about what sandshrew has and can use it as set up bait - vullaby in particular needs a big mention

under water types, talk about how sandshrew can be set up bait for shellder and corphish

2/3

 

[Drew]

Written up and ready for QC 3

 

[OP]

Set Details:
- I think you're talking about hitting eviolite numbers in the second sentence, but with the way it's currently worded it implies maximum investment into Defense, which isn't the case, so just reword that a bit.

Usage Tips:
- I wouldn't really consider Sandshrew more predictable than most Pokemon, that point feels unnecessary

Team Options:
- Hippo for sand team

Other Options:
- Sand isn't only bad because of other weathers, it's bad because of things like hippo's passiveness and not having good enough abusers

Checks and Counters:
- Mention Staryu and talk about it also being able to remove hazards
- Use Cottonee > Foongus for Grass-types because it resists EQ and KO

QC 3/3

 

[Drew]

Set Details:
- I think you're talking about hitting eviolite numbers in the second sentence, but with the way it's currently worded it implies maximum investment into Defense, which isn't the case, so just reword that a bit.

Usage Tips:
- I wouldn't really consider Sandshrew more predictable than most Pokemon, that point feels unnecessary

Team Options:
- Hippo for sand team

Other Options:
- Sand isn't only bad because of other weathers, it's bad because of things like hippo's passiveness and not having good enough abusers

Checks and Counters:
- Mention Staryu and talk about it also being able to remove hazards
- Use Cottonee > Foongus for Grass-types because it resists EQ and KO

QC 3/3

Implemented, but not ready for GP till OP clarifys if the way i put in the first change works.

 

[Drew]

OP said it's fine so putting this up to GP

 

[Haund]

add remove comments

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

With its new Alolan form, forme, the original Sandshrew has been greatly overshadowed, even more than it already was, in fact. But, However, Sandshrew can still use Knock Off and has a much better defensive typing. It is also largely outclassed by Drilbur in its role as a Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin user, in all areas but though its it has a higher Defense stat and access to the previously mentioned Knock Off. Furthermore, with the rise of Staryu, Sandshrew has become even more niche due to Staryu's ability to clear away Sandshrew's hazards and completely force it out with the threat of a Scald.

[SET]
name: Bulky Support
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off
item: Eviolite
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Adamant
evs: 36 HP / 156 Atk / 76 Def / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Rapid Spin gives Sandshrew the ability to clear away opposing entry hazards, helping many Pokemon to survive longer. Stealth Rock can help sweepers, passively damage opponents foes upon switch-in, switching in, and even at times bait Staryu in. Earthquake is Sandshrew's Ground-type STAB move and is a very powerful option to hit much of the tier. Knock Off is Sandshrew's main niche over Drilbur, Drilbur and lets it hit Pumpkaboo, something that Drilbur can't do normally, as well as providing even more utility to Sandshrew. Sandshrew's team.

Set Details
========

Sandshrew should always use Sand Rush, as Sand Veil is completely reliant on luck and doesn't help Sandshrew as much as Sand Rush does. Sandshrew is EVed to maximize Sandshrew's defenses gained from Eviolite, The EV investment in Defense and Special defense, coupled with Eviolite, maximizes Sandshrew's bulk, (Comment: this sentence was very clunky ) letting it endure many attacks it may not have otherwise. It also ha has 196 EVs in Speed so that it can reach a Speed tier of 13 so it can in order to outspeed Croagunk and Timburr. The rest of the EVs are put into Attack and HP, the former to increase the damage of Earthquakes Earthquake power and the ladder latter to let it survive more attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Always be careful of Flying-types such as Doduo and especially Vullaby, as Sandshrew can't do much against any Flying-type of them with its lack of coverage. Baiting in Staryu with Stealth Rock can be a valid option if Sandshrew is paired with a good Staryu check, but this should be done very sparingly. Since Pumpkaboo and Gastly are common switch-ins to Rapid Spin, using Knock Off when predicting them to come in can cripple the former and KO the ladder. latter. Be wary of Sandshrew's low Special Defense Defense, since it can be easily KOed by many special attackers because of it.

Team Options
========

Pumpkaboo makes for a perfect partner partner, as it can check Water-types (Staryu in particular) and Grass-types, as well as block opposing Rapid Spin users. Pawniard can help discourage an opponent from using Defog and therefore clearing away Sandshrew's hazards. Sandshrew's ability to clear away hazards can be extremely beneficial to Fire-, Bug-, and Flying-types such as Larvesta and Rufflet. Doduo in particular benefits greatly from Sandshrew's ability to to control hazards on both sides sides, as it can help it beat Sturdy users such as Onix and Magnemite. Cottonee and Foognus can check Fighting- and Water-types while providing some support with Taunt and Spore Spore, respectively. Hippopotas can be a good option to help Sandshrew abuse take advantage of Sand Rush, although sand is a bit too passive to correctly support Sandshrew.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sandshrew has access to Poison Jab, Rock Slide, and Shadow Claw Claw, which can both be used as coverage options, but Drilbur can take advantage of both them better. It also gets Swords Dance to boost its Attack, but it is simply to slow to take advantage. use such a set. Eviolite can be replaced with Berry Juice, but Sandshrew's poor special bulk makes this hard to pull off. A fully offensive Sand Rush Sandshrew could work with Hippopotas, but the ever-present sun archetype and the newly rising hail, as well as the passiveness of Hippopotas Hippopotas, makes this very hard to pull off.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Although they sometimes struggle with switching in, a Scald from even a less powerful Pokemon can take advantage of Sandshrew's poor Special Defense. Sandshrew can also be set up setup fodder for common sweepers such as Shellder and Corphish. Staryu can clear hazards as well as hit Sandshrew with a very powerful Scald, while Sandshrew can do almost nothing back.

**Hazard Removers**: Defog and Rapid Spin users such as Vullaby and the aforementioned Staryu can make one of Sandshrew's two main purposes obsolete.

**Special Attackers**: Powerful Special Attackers such as Abra and Omanyte take advantage of Sandshrew's previously mentioned low Special Defense and usually OHKO it.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types can easily survive an Earthquake and many can fire back with a powerful Grass-type move. Cottonee and Snivy stand out in this regard.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types aren't threatened by anything Sandshrew can really do. asdo as long as they can easily switch-in switch in to Stealth Rocks. Rock. Also many popular Flying-types get Defog or can set up on Sandshrew with a Nasty Plot or Swords Dance. Vullaby in particular can set up a possibly game winning game-winning sweep.

1/2

 

[Drew]

add remove comments

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

With its new Alolan form, forme, the original Sandshrew has been greatly overshadowed, even more than it already was, in fact. But, However, Sandshrew can still use Knock Off and has a much better defensive typing. It is also largely outclassed by Drilbur in its role as a Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin user, in all areas but though its it has a higher Defense stat and access to the previously mentioned Knock Off. Furthermore, with the rise of Staryu, Sandshrew has become even more niche due to Staryu's ability to clear away Sandshrew's hazards and completely force it out with the threat of a Scald.

[SET]
name: Bulky Support
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off
item: Eviolite
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Adamant
evs: 36 HP / 156 Atk / 76 Def / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Rapid Spin gives Sandshrew the ability to clear away opposing entry hazards, helping many Pokemon to survive longer. Stealth Rock can help sweepers, passively damage opponents foes upon switch-in, switching in, and even at times bait Staryu in. Earthquake is Sandshrew's Ground-type STAB move and is a very powerful option to hit much of the tier. Knock Off is Sandshrew's main niche over Drilbur, Drilbur and lets it hit Pumpkaboo, something that Drilbur can't do normally, as well as providing even more utility to Sandshrew. Sandshrew's team.

Set Details
========

Sandshrew should always use Sand Rush, as Sand Veil is completely reliant on luck and doesn't help Sandshrew as much as Sand Rush does. Sandshrew is EVed to maximize Sandshrew's defenses gained from Eviolite, The EV investment in Defense and Special defense, coupled with Eviolite, maximizes Sandshrew's bulk, (Comment: this sentence was very clunky ) letting it endure many attacks it may not have otherwise. It also ha has 196 EVs in Speed so that it can reach a Speed tier of 13 so it can in order to outspeed Croagunk and Timburr. The rest of the EVs are put into Attack and HP, the former to increase the damage of Earthquakes Earthquake power and the ladder latter to let it survive more attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Always be careful of Flying-types such as Doduo and especially Vullaby, as Sandshrew can't do much against any Flying-type of them with its lack of coverage. Baiting in Staryu with Stealth Rock can be a valid option if Sandshrew is paired with a good Staryu check, but this should be done very sparingly. Since Pumpkaboo and Gastly are common switch-ins to Rapid Spin, using Knock Off when predicting them to come in can cripple the former and KO the ladder. latter. Be wary of Sandshrew's low Special Defense Defense, since it can be easily KOed by many special attackers because of it.

Team Options
========

Pumpkaboo makes for a perfect partner partner, as it can check Water-types (Staryu in particular) and Grass-types, as well as block opposing Rapid Spin users. Pawniard can help discourage an opponent from using Defog and therefore clearing away Sandshrew's hazards. Sandshrew's ability to clear away hazards can be extremely beneficial to Fire-, Bug-, and Flying-types such as Larvesta and Rufflet. Doduo in particular benefits greatly from Sandshrew's ability to to control hazards on both sides sides, as it can help it beat Sturdy users such as Onix and Magnemite. Cottonee and Foognus can check Fighting- and Water-types while providing some support with Taunt and Spore Spore, respectively. Hippopotas can be a good option to help Sandshrew abuse take advantage of Sand Rush, although sand is a bit too passive to correctly support Sandshrew.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sandshrew has access to Poison Jab, Rock Slide, and Shadow Claw Claw, which can both be used as coverage options, but Drilbur can take advantage of both them better. It also gets Swords Dance to boost its Attack, but it is simply to slow to take advantage. use such a set. Eviolite can be replaced with Berry Juice, but Sandshrew's poor special bulk makes this hard to pull off. A fully offensive Sand Rush Sandshrew could work with Hippopotas, but the ever-present sun archetype and the newly rising hail, as well as the passiveness of Hippopotas Hippopotas, makes this very hard to pull off.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Although they sometimes struggle with switching in, a Scald from even a less powerful Pokemon can take advantage of Sandshrew's poor Special Defense. Sandshrew can also be set up setup fodder for common sweepers such as Shellder and Corphish. Staryu can clear hazards as well as hit Sandshrew with a very powerful Scald, while Sandshrew can do almost nothing back.

**Hazard Removers**: Defog and Rapid Spin users such as Vullaby and the aforementioned Staryu can make one of Sandshrew's two main purposes obsolete.

**Special Attackers**: Powerful Special Attackers such as Abra and Omanyte take advantage of Sandshrew's previously mentioned low Special Defense and usually OHKO it.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types can easily survive an Earthquake and many can fire back with a powerful Grass-type move. Cottonee and Snivy stand out in this regard.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types aren't threatened by anything Sandshrew can really do. asdo as long as they can easily switch-in switch in to Stealth Rocks. Rock. Also many popular Flying-types get Defog or can set up on Sandshrew with a Nasty Plot or Swords Dance. Vullaby in particular can set up a possibly game winning game-winning sweep.

1/2

Finished GP 1/2, ready for next one.

 

[Lemonade]

If it is absolutely necessary to start an analysis with something negative, the mon shouldn't be getting an analysis basically. You want to at least start the overview with what (little) Sandshrew can do so that if someone doesn't need a bulky spinner with Knock Off, they can save some time by not continuing with the analysis.

But yeah if you really need to emphasize how niche something is, it probably shouldn't get an analysis (though this is a policy thing).

 

[Drew]

If it is absolutely necessary to start an analysis with something negative, the mon shouldn't be getting an analysis basically. You want to at least start the overview with what (little) Sandshrew can do so that if someone doesn't need a bulky spinner with Knock Off, they can save some time by not continuing with the analysis.

But yeah if you really need to emphasize how niche something is, it probably shouldn't get an analysis (though this is a policy thing).

Oh it certainly wasn't necessary to start off with something negative, it was just a choice on my part as that is essentially Sandshrew's most notable trait besides using Knock Off. Also, claiming that Sandshrew shouldn't have an analysis based on my intro alone seems weird to me, as the LC community has written analyses on mons like Yungoos and Sandghast. Pokémon which essentially only got them because they are new. Also Sandshrew is still relatively viable right now, so teaching players how, where, and when to use it is beneficial to the community as a whole as it provides knowledge that would otherwise be harder to find.

 

[Lemonade]

Like I said, policy thing. Regardless, present the interesting information first, ie defensive spinner with Knock Off or something, not that is is overshadowed.

 

[CryoGyro]

GP 2/2
remove add comments

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

With its new Alolan forme, the original Sandshrew has been greatly overshadowed, even more than it already was, in fact. However, Sandshrew can still use Knock Off and has a much better defensive typing. It is also largely outclassed by Drilbur in its role as a Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin user, though it has a higher Defense stat and access to the previously mentioned Knock Off. Furthermore, with the rise of Staryu, Sandshrew has become even more niche due to Staryu's ability to clear away Sandshrew's hazards and completely force it out with the threat of a Scald.

[SET]
name: Bulky Support
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off
item: Eviolite
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Adamant
evs: 36 HP / 156 Atk / 76 Def / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Rapid Spin gives Sandshrew the ability to clear away opposing entry hazards on your side of the field, helping many Pokemon to survive longer stay healthy. Stealth Rock can help sweepers, passively damage foes upon switching in, and even at times bait Staryu in. Earthquake is Sandshrew's Ground-type STAB move and is a very powerful option to hit much most of the tier. Knock Off is Sandshrew's main niche over Drilbur and lets it hit Pumpkaboo, something that Drilbur can't do normally, as well as providing provide even more utility to Sandshrew's team.

Set Details
========

Sandshrew should always use Sand Rush, as Sand Veil is completely reliant on luck and doesn't help Sandshrew as much as Sand Rush does. The EV investment in Defense and Special defense, (comma) Defense coupled with Eviolite, (comma) maximizes Sandshrew's bulk, letting it endure many attacks it may not have otherwise. It also has 196 EVs in Speed so that it can reach a Speed tier of 13 in order to outspeed Croagunk and Timburr. The rest of the EVs are put into Attack and HP, the former to increase the damage of Earthquake and the latter to let it survive withstand more attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Always be careful of Flying-types such as Doduo and especially Vullaby, as Sandshrew can't do much against any of them with its lack of coverage. Baiting in Staryu with Stealth Rock can be a valid option if Sandshrew is paired with a good Staryu check, but this should be done very sparingly. Since Pumpkaboo and Gastly are common switch-ins to Rapid Spin, using Knock Off when predicting them to come in can cripple the former and KO the latter. Be wary aware of Sandshrew's low Special Defense,; (comma) (semicolon) since it can be easily KOed by many special attackers because of it.

Team Options
========

Pumpkaboo makes for a perfect partner, as it can check Water-types (Staryu in particular) and Grass-types, (comma) as well as block opposing Rapid Spin users. Pawniard can help discourage an opponent from using Defog and therefore clearing away Sandshrew's hazards. Sandshrew's ability to clear away hazards can be extremely beneficial to Fire-, Bug-, and Flying-types such as Larvesta and Rufflet. Doduo in particular benefits greatly from Sandshrew's ability to to control hazards on both sides, as it they (I'm guessing you mean entry hazards helping Doduo. If not, this needs to be clarified) can help it beat Sturdy users such as Onix and Magnemite. Cottonee and Foognus can check Fighting- and Water-types while providing some support with Taunt and Spore, respectively. Hippopotas can be a good option to help Sandshrew take advantage of Sand Rush, although sand is a bit too passive to correctly support Sandshrew.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sandshrew has access to Poison Jab, Rock Slide, and Shadow Claw, which can be used as coverage options, but Drilbur can take advantage of them better. It also gets Swords Dance to boost its Attack, but it is simply to slow to take make use of such a set. Eviolite can be replaced with Berry Juice, but Sandshrew's poor special bulk makes this hard to pull off. A fully offensive Sand Rush Sandshrew could work with Hippopotas, but the ever-present sun archetype and the newly rising rise of hail teams, (comma) as well as the passiveness of Hippopotas, (comma) makes this very hard to pull off.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Although they sometimes struggle with switching in, a Scald from even a less powerful fairly weak Pokemon can take advantage of Sandshrew's poor Special Defense. Sandshrew can also be setup fodder for common sweepers such as Shellder and Corphish. Staryu can clear hazards as well as hit Sandshrew with a very powerful Scald, while Sandshrew can do almost nothing back.

**Entry Hazard Removers**: Defog and Rapid Spin users such as Vullaby and Staryu can make one of Sandshrew's two main purposes, (comma) setting up Stealth Rock, (comma) obsolete.

**Special Attackers**: Powerful Special Attackers special attackers such as Abra and Omanyte take advantage of Sandshrew's low Special Defense and usually OHKO it.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types can easily survive take an Earthquake, (comma) and many can fire back with a powerful Grass-type move. Cottonee and Snivy stand out in this regard.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types aren't really threatened by anything Sandshrew can really asdo as long as they can easily switch in to Stealth Rock. Also, (comma) many popular Flying-types get Defog or can set up on Sandshrew with a Nasty Plot or Swords Dance. Vullaby in particular can set up a possibly game-winning sweep.

 

[Drew]

GP 2/2
remove add comments

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

With its new Alolan forme, the original Sandshrew has been greatly overshadowed, even more than it already was, in fact. However, Sandshrew can still use Knock Off and has a much better defensive typing. It is also largely outclassed by Drilbur in its role as a Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin user, though it has a higher Defense stat and access to the previously mentioned Knock Off. Furthermore, with the rise of Staryu, Sandshrew has become even more niche due to Staryu's ability to clear away Sandshrew's hazards and completely force it out with the threat of a Scald.

[SET]
name: Bulky Support
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off
item: Eviolite
ability: Sand Rush
nature: Adamant
evs: 36 HP / 156 Atk / 76 Def / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Rapid Spin gives Sandshrew the ability to clear away opposing entry hazards on your side of the field, helping many Pokemon to survive longer stay healthy. Stealth Rock can help sweepers, passively damage foes upon switching in, and even at times bait Staryu in. Earthquake is Sandshrew's Ground-type STAB move and is a very powerful option to hit much most of the tier. Knock Off is Sandshrew's main niche over Drilbur and lets it hit Pumpkaboo, something that Drilbur can't do normally, as well as providing provide even more utility to Sandshrew's team.

Set Details
========

Sandshrew should always use Sand Rush, as Sand Veil is completely reliant on luck and doesn't help Sandshrew as much as Sand Rush does. The EV investment in Defense and Special defense, (comma) Defense coupled with Eviolite, (comma) maximizes Sandshrew's bulk, letting it endure many attacks it may not have otherwise. It also has 196 EVs in Speed so that it can reach a Speed tier of 13 in order to outspeed Croagunk and Timburr. The rest of the EVs are put into Attack and HP, the former to increase the damage of Earthquake and the latter to let it survive withstand more attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Always be careful of Flying-types such as Doduo and especially Vullaby, as Sandshrew can't do much against any of them with its lack of coverage. Baiting in Staryu with Stealth Rock can be a valid option if Sandshrew is paired with a good Staryu check, but this should be done very sparingly. Since Pumpkaboo and Gastly are common switch-ins to Rapid Spin, using Knock Off when predicting them to come in can cripple the former and KO the latter. Be wary aware of Sandshrew's low Special Defense,; (comma) (semicolon) since it can be easily KOed by many special attackers because of it.

Team Options
========

Pumpkaboo makes for a perfect partner, as it can check Water-types (Staryu in particular) and Grass-types, (comma) as well as block opposing Rapid Spin users. Pawniard can help discourage an opponent from using Defog and therefore clearing away Sandshrew's hazards. Sandshrew's ability to clear away hazards can be extremely beneficial to Fire-, Bug-, and Flying-types such as Larvesta and Rufflet. Doduo in particular benefits greatly from Sandshrew's ability to to control hazards on both sides, as it they (I'm guessing you mean entry hazards helping Doduo. If not, this needs to be clarified) can help it beat Sturdy users such as Onix and Magnemite. Cottonee and Foognus can check Fighting- and Water-types while providing some support with Taunt and Spore, respectively. Hippopotas can be a good option to help Sandshrew take advantage of Sand Rush, although sand is a bit too passive to correctly support Sandshrew.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sandshrew has access to Poison Jab, Rock Slide, and Shadow Claw, which can be used as coverage options, but Drilbur can take advantage of them better. It also gets Swords Dance to boost its Attack, but it is simply to slow to take make use of such a set. Eviolite can be replaced with Berry Juice, but Sandshrew's poor special bulk makes this hard to pull off. A fully offensive Sand Rush Sandshrew could work with Hippopotas, but the ever-present sun archetype and the newly rising rise of hail teams, (comma) as well as the passiveness of Hippopotas, (comma) makes this very hard to pull off.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Although they sometimes struggle with switching in, a Scald from even a less powerful fairly weak Pokemon can take advantage of Sandshrew's poor Special Defense. Sandshrew can also be setup fodder for common sweepers such as Shellder and Corphish. Staryu can clear hazards as well as hit Sandshrew with a very powerful Scald, while Sandshrew can do almost nothing back.

**Entry Hazard Removers**: Defog and Rapid Spin users such as Vullaby and Staryu can make one of Sandshrew's two main purposes, (comma) setting up Stealth Rock, (comma) obsolete.

**Special Attackers**: Powerful Special Attackers special attackers such as Abra and Omanyte take advantage of Sandshrew's low Special Defense and usually OHKO it.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types can easily survive take an Earthquake, (comma) and many can fire back with a powerful Grass-type move. Cottonee and Snivy stand out in this regard.

**Flying-types**: Flying-types aren't really threatened by anything Sandshrew can really asdo as long as they can easily switch in to Stealth Rock. Also, (comma) many popular Flying-types get Defog or can set up on Sandshrew with a Nasty Plot or Swords Dance. Vullaby in particular can set up a possibly game-winning sweep.

done

 

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