Quoted By:
Sandshrew and Sandslash have been my favorite since my first playthrough of Blue waaay back. He's been my boy ever since. However, he is left as just okay in competitive battles and can't keep up. I would hate to see a new evolution for either forms, but I would be okay with a mega/gigantimax type upgrade in the next games.
Both normal & hidden abilities on the Kanto/Alolan forms rely on Sand or Snow to function. I say keep the Rush abilities as Hidden but change the standard ability to Rough Skin and Iron Barbs respectfully. Both do the same thing, but fit each regional forms based on type. But those would simulate the spikes on the back and also make Sandslash viable on teams without Sandstorm. Gives good punishing damage to a physical hit.
His stats are
HP - 75
Att - 100
Def - 110 / 120 Alolan
SpA - 45 / 25 Alolan
SpD - 55 / 65 Alolan
Spe - 65
Total 450
I say fuck it, let's make his a 500 boss. Is there anything that says they CAN'T tweak a pokemon's stats? I say shift the change between the two versions stats. Keep the Ice version being more fast and make ground hit harder, but otherwise keep them the same.
Sandslash
Kanto / Alola
HP - 80 / 80
Att - 120 / 100
Def - 110 / 110
SpA - 25 / 25
SpD - 65 / 65
Spe - 100 / 120
Total 500
Big upgrades all around for both and just switching the attack and speed between regional forms.
Both forms have great move pools, but a signature move would be cool. Just an idea here
Sand Spin
Ground - Physical - 90% Accuracy
15 PP - 30 Damage
The user performs a sandy spin attack that can also eliminate the effects of such moves as Bind, Wrap, and Leech Seed. This also confuses opposing Pokémon.
Snow Slash
Ice - Physical - 90% Accuracy
10 PP - 20 Damage
A frozen claw strikes the opponent, leaving the them with frostbite. This attack will Burn or Paralysis the target.
I also think they should have access to Spiky Shield. I know it's a grass move, but it's typing is hardly an impact and it fits Sandslash perfectly.
