Pokémon counters guide

Best Counters for Sandshrew

Find practical counter Pokémon, attacking types, and defensive matchup notes for Sandshrew.

Ground
Sandshrew Pokémon sprite

Sandshrew

#0027

Quick answer

Sandshrew is best pressured by Water, Grass, and Ice-type attacks at 2x damage. Because there is no 4x weakness, defensive safety, Speed, and raw stats matter more.

Best move types

Water×2Grass×2Ice×2

Top weaknesses (3)

Water×2Grass×2Ice×2

Type matchup table

Water type iconWater2x
Grass type iconGrass2x
Ice type iconIce2x
Normal type iconNormal1x
Fire type iconFire1x
Fighting type iconFighting1x
Ground type iconGround1x
Flying type iconFlying1x
Psychic type iconPsychic1x
Bug type iconBug1x
Ghost type iconGhost1x
Dragon type iconDragon1x
Dark type iconDark1x
Steel type iconSteel1x
Fairy type iconFairy1x
Poison type iconPoison0.5x
Rock type iconRock0.5x
Electric type iconElectric0x

Recommended practical counters

Baxcalibur Pokémon sprite

Baxcalibur

#0998

Strong physical attacker
DragonIce
  • Deals 2x damage with Ice-type attacks
  • Has STAB Ice-type attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
  • Solid mixed bulk improves switch-in safety
Best typeIce×2

Mostly neutral switch-in

145 offense · 87 Speed

Strong theoretical counters

Best move types to use

Water×2Grass×2Ice×2

Move availability depends on game version and learnset data, so this page recommends move types rather than guaranteed moves.

Water type pageGrass type pageIce type page

Counter notes for Sandshrew

  • Sandshrew is a Ground Pokémon with 40 base Speed and stronger physical attack (75 Attack). Water, Grass, and Ice attacks all work offensively, but safer counters are usually the ones that reduce risk from its own STAB types.
  • Sandshrew has several 2x weaknesses rather than a single 4x weakness, so the best counters are the ones that can hit it super-effectively while also reducing the risk from Ground STAB.
  • Known abilities include Sand Veil and Sand Rush. This page does not assume ability-specific battle effects, so verify the format before relying on a single counter.
  • Avoid counters that are weak to Ground unless they are fast enough to pressure immediately or bulky enough to survive the exchange.
  • Sandshrew has alternate forms that can change this matchup, including Sandshrew-Alola. Check the specific form before relying on this defensive profile.

What not to use

Electric×0Poison×0.5Rock×0.5

These attacking types are resisted or blocked by the defender's typing, so they are usually lower-priority choices unless they provide a special battle role.

Battle caveats

  • This ranking uses modern Gen 6+ type matchups, STAB value, defensive switch-in safety, and base stats.
  • Abilities, held items, Terastallization, weather, terrain, and format rules can change real battle outcomes.
  • Coverage moves can punish obvious counters, so treat this as type-based guidance rather than a full matchup simulator.
  • Move availability depends on game version and learnset data; this page recommends attacking types rather than guaranteed moves.

Related pages

Sandshrew weakness chartSandshrew PokédexGround countersWater type pageGrass type pageIce type pagePokémon type chartSpeed tiers

FAQ

What is the best counter for Sandshrew?

Sandshrew is best countered by Pokémon that can use Water, Grass, and Ice (2x) attacks while avoiding bad defensive matchups into Ground STAB attacks. Because there is no 4x weakness, Speed, bulk, and offensive stats matter more when choosing the actual Pokémon.

What type is best against Sandshrew?

Water, Grass, and Ice are the strongest attacking types against Sandshrew, dealing 2x damage under the modern Gen 6+ type chart.

How many useful attacking types hit Sandshrew super-effectively?

Sandshrew has 3 super-effective attacking options: Water, Grass, and Ice. Use the highest multiplier first, then choose a Pokémon that is not exposed to Ground STAB attacks.

Are abilities included in this counter ranking?

No. The ranking uses base typing and base stats. Abilities, items, Terastallization, weather, terrain, and special move rules can change the real matchup.

Does Terastallization change Sandshrew counters?

Yes. Terastallization can replace the defensive typing used here, so the recommended counter types may change completely in formats where Tera is active.

What should I avoid using against Sandshrew?

Avoid relying on Electric, Poison, and Rock attacks unless they have a special role or unusually high power.

© 2026 NationalDex. All rights reserved.
Pokémon and Pokémon character names are trademarks of Nintendo / GAME FREAK / Creatures Inc. This is a fan-made website for learning and community use only. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the trademark holders.
Terms·Privacy·About

Search NationalDex

Search Pokémon, moves, abilities, types, and items.