Sand Attack
GroundSand Attack is a Ground-type status move. It targets a single adjacent target and has 15 PP.
Technical data
- Type
- Ground
- Category
- status
- Power
- —
- Accuracy
- 100
- PP
- 15
- Priority
- 0
- Target
- adjacent
- Contact
- No
- Spread
- No
- Protect blocks
- Yes
- Wide Guard blocks
- No
Competitive value
A utility move whose value depends on the team's gameplan and the tempo it creates.
How to learn it
Pokémon that can learn or be taught this move, by method.
Level-up117 Pokémon
Blaziken Mega
Barbaracle Mega
Garchomp Mega Z
Garchomp Mega
Pidgeot Mega
Scrafty Mega
Glaceon
Leafeon
Garchomp
Sandaconda
Flareon
Jolteon
Skarmory Mega
Vaporeon
Blaziken
Lycanroc Dusk
Sandaconda Gmax
Lycanroc Midnight
Lycanroc Midday
Barbaracle
Pidgeot
Krookodile
Scrafty
Hippowdon
Sylveon
Umbreon
Wyrdeer
Espeon
Gliscor
Furfrou
Skarmory
Liepard
Watchog
Egg move (breeding)19 Pokémon
Corviknight Gmax
Corviknight
Pokémon that use this move
135 Pokémon, sorted by usage
Blaziken Mega
Barbaracle Mega
Garchomp Mega Z
Garchomp Mega
Pidgeot Mega
Scrafty Mega
Glaceon
Leafeon
Garchomp
Sandaconda
Flareon
Jolteon
Skarmory Mega
Vaporeon
Blaziken
Lycanroc Dusk
Sandaconda Gmax
Lycanroc Midnight
Lycanroc Midday
Barbaracle
Pidgeot
Krookodile
Scrafty
Hippowdon
Sylveon
Corviknight Gmax
Umbreon
Wyrdeer
Espeon
Gliscor
Corviknight
Furfrou
Skarmory
Liepard
Watchog
What this move does
Sand Attack is a Ground-type status move. It targets a single adjacent target and has 15 PP. Sand Attack is a Ground-type status move. It targets a single adjacent target and has 15 PP.
A utility move whose value depends on the team's gameplan and the tempo it creates.
When to consider it
Consider Sand Attack when your team needs the utility it provides rather than direct damage. Status moves define speed control, redirection, protection and disruption in VGC. Its value depends on whether your team can exploit the turns it creates. Check your team composition for Pokémon that benefit from the positioning or tempo it generates.
How to evaluate it in team building
In team building, Sand Attack competes with other support and disruption options for a limited number of moveslots. Ask whether your team has enough offense to justify a utility move, and whether you have the speed or bulk to use it safely. Many successful teams run one or two status moves that enable the rest of the roster, so treat it as part of your overall gameplan rather than an afterthought.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes with Sand Attack include: Using it without a clear plan for the turns it creates. Forgetting that Protect and Detect can block it, wasting a key turn. Not considering how redirectors like Follow Me and Rage Powder change targeting.
VGC interactions
Protect and Detect block this move. These interactions are situational, so test them in the team builder and matchup analyzer before committing to the moveslot.
Related tools and guides
Use the tools below to test Sand Attack in a full team context and compare it with alternative options.
VGC interactions
- Protect / Detect: blocks this move.
- Wide Guard: does not block this move.
- Follow Me / Rage Powder: spread moves are not redirected.
- Quick Guard: no effect (non-priority).
Frequently asked questions
+Is Sand Attack good in ChampionsVGC?
A utility move whose value depends on the team's gameplan and the tempo it creates. It is blocked by Protect and Detect, which can waste a key turn if predicted.
+Is Sand Attack blocked by Protect?
Yes, Sand Attack is blocked by Protect and Detect.