How to Build The Best Sandstorm Team

Pokemon is an ever-expanding classic series, and fans are immersed in the world with every new game. Online competitive gaming is an excellent opportunity to take this experience to the next level. Players can develop a winning strategy by experimenting with moves, statistics and weather conditions. Sandstorms, for example, have advantages and disadvantages depending on the Pokémon on the field.

A sandstorm team is generally built around Pokémon whose stats or movesets are affected by sand. It can turn the tide of competition very quickly Pokemon when opponents aren’t prepared for it, but it’s an all-or-nothing situation as friendly fire becomes an issue. However, stacking the team with sandstorm survivors brings success.

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How to set up a sandstorm

Desert areas, mines, and dry plains in Pokémon games usually mean that the battlefield is in a sandstorm that lasts the entire game. In competitive games, sandstorms are triggered by a Pokémon. The Sand Stream ability causes a sandstorm that lasts 5 turns. The Sandstorm move starts one that also lasts 5 turns. Both methods can be extended to 8 turns with the Smooth Stone. Tyranitar, Hippovdon, and Gigalith are all Sandstream Pokemon and reliable VGC picks. Sandstorm can be learned by many more Rock, Ground, or Steel-type Pokémon. Landorus and Garchomp would be good options as they remain popular in the meta if allowed to compete.

How does a sandstorm affect the field?

Weather changes more than player visibility during Pokemon battles. A sandstorm has the following effects:

• All Pokémon take a small amount of damage at the end of each turn unless they’re Immune (type immunities include Rock, Ground, and Steel-type Pokémon).
• Certain abilities are activated
• Rock-type Pokémon get a Sp. Def boost
• The performance of the Solar Beam and Solar Blade is halved
• Some recovery moves increase effectiveness

Choosing a sandstorm core

Building a team should start with a relevant core. The core is a group of Pokémon with excellent team synergy that support each other in many ways. Since sandstorms cause damage, it’s best to stick to Immune Pokémon types when choosing a team. Of course, some Pokémon have abilities that protect them from the cutting sand. Sand Rush, Sand Force, Sand Veil, Magic Guard, and Overcoat all grant immunity to sandstorms, or if all else fails, players can equip their Pokemon with the Item Safety Goggles, which also grants immunity to the wielder.

After setting up a Pokemon to set up a sandstorm, another good strategy is to have a Pokemon with the Sand Force ability. Sand Force increases the power of Rock, Ground, or Steel-type moves during the Storm. Mega Steelix can learn Same Type Attack Bonus Moves (STAB) like Heavy Slam, Iron Head, and Drill Run to deal big damage. Another good skill is Sand Rush, which increases the user’s speed. Speed ​​control can be a key benefit in VGC’s Double Battle format. With that in mind, Excadrill would be a good choice, which not only has Sand Rush but also great Attack stat.

Prepare for Sandstorm weaknesses

Some strong Steel-type Pokemon are common on offensive Sandstorm teams. Lucario especially shines as a Special Sweeper in matches, and when combined with Rhyperior’s Bulk and Attack stats, players have strong standing during matches. However, Sandstorm teams that use a lot of Steel will have to tire of Fire-types, and opposing Water-types are also a problem as they knock down Ground and Rock-types fairly easily.

Having contingency plans for both goes a long way. For example, some Electric-type Pokemon are safe bets to avoid Grass and Fire matchup problems. A good electric option, Magnezone, is immune to the storm with its Steel typing, so passive damage isn’t an issue. With that in mind, the Water/Ground-type Gastrodon is another perfect ally for Sandstorm teams facing Water and Fire-types.

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