Pokémon Review: Fearow and Sandslash

In between "Pokémon" journeys, Jeremy enjoys working as a pharmaceutical chemist and campus manager.

History

A vulture-like flying Pokémon that seems to have faded into obscurity, Fearow nonetheless has its uses. Many of us caught a Spearow to trade for Farfetch'd, if nothing else, though Spearow's evolution proves much more capable than the evolution-less Farfetch'd.

But is it good enough to use competitively? Today we'll examine the moves, abilities, and stats for Fearow, then do the same for Ground-type Sandslash!

Type and Stats

Type: Normal/Flying
Base Stat Total: 442

Like all Normal/Flying Pokémon, Fearow has three weaknesses by two resistances and two immunities, a useful typing that reduces or negates many kinds of damage.

Statwise, 442 isn't great, but it's not far behind the 469 that third-stage Pokémon Pidgeot has. Plus, I prefer how Fearow's point are allocated; it favors Attack and Speed. Fearow usually hits first and can deal decent damage as long as you're using physical moves, but be aware that it's fragile, and won't take more than a few hits to defeat.

Abilities

1. Keen Eye: Prevents loss of accuracy. Also ignores boosts to opponent's evasion.

A decent ability that helps you land your attacks.

2. Sniper: Critical Hits deal increased damage.

The ability I'd choose allows Fearow to deal massive damage whenever it lands a critical. Consider having it hold an item that increases its critical hit chance for a potent combo.

Moveset

Fearow's greatest failing is its lackluster movepool. It does learn a nice Ground move, Drill Run, that has a high critical hit chance (great with Sniper) and helps against Electric opponents, but other than that, there's little else.

Mirror Move is interesting, and Drill Peck decent, but Fearow's array of Flying attacks is surprisingly low. It can also learn Roost to restore health, but with its low max HP and defenses, I doubt it'll regain more health than it loses in a turn.

Overall

Overall Score: 4/10

Fearow's outclassed by stronger Flyers with better attacks. Sniper's a good ability, and I like Fearow's stat allocation, but a third evolution or more options when picking techniques would really benefit this classic bird. As is, you're not gonna see it in top-tier battles.

Champion's Quiz: Fearow and Sandslash

For each question, choose the best answer. The answer key is below.

1. According to several Pokedex entries, Fearow can fly for how long without rest?
   • A day
   • A week
   • A month
   • Forever
2. Spearow evolves into Fearow at level..
   • 18
   • 20
   • 22
   • 26
3. The original Fearow Trading Card had how many Hit Points?
   • 50
   • 60
   • 70
   • 80
4. True or False: Ash caught a Sandslash while in Johto.
   • True
   • False
5. Sandslash learns which attack at level 38?
   • Gyro Ball
   • Fury Cutter
   • Magnitude
   • Sandstorm
6. In the Trading Card Game, Dark Sandslash from the Team Rocket Returns expansion had a Poke-Body called..
   • Sand Strike
   • Earth Eviscerate
   • Sun Shade
   • Poison Payback

Answer Key

1. Forever
2. 20
3. 70
4. False
5. Gyro Ball
6. Poison Payback

Interpreting Your Score

If you got between 0 and 1 correct answer: Rank 1: Team Rocket Grunt. Keep trying!

If you got between 2 and 3 correct answers: Rank 2: Rookie Trainer. Not bad.

If you got 4 correct answers: Rank 3: Gym Leader. Well done.

If you got 5 correct answers: Rank 4: Elite 4 Member. Great job!

If you got 6 correct answers: Rank 5: Champion. You really know your Pokemon!

History

Back when the first American Pokémon video games debuted, only those with Pokémon Blue had access to the Ground-types Sandshrew and Sandslash (Red players could catch Ekans and Arbok instead). Thus, I never got a chance to test a Sandslash's abilities in-game, but we'll now examine its powers to see what exactly I missed out on.

Type and Stats

Type: Ground
Base Stat Total: 450

As a Ground type, Sandslash has three weaknesses, two resistances, and an immunity, a decent typing for the critter. 450 as a stat total is neither great nor terrible. However, I do at least appreciate how the stats are divided—Sandslash heavily emphasizes Attack and Defense. If you can keep it away from Special Attacks, and utilize its mighty physical power, it's capable of defeating stronger Pokémon.

Abilities

1. Sand Veil: Increases evasion in a sandstorm.

A decent ability if you plan on utilizing sandstorms in your battle, which deal damage to non-Ground, Rock, and Steel types each turn. As its Ground-type, Sandslash is immune to the damage, and Sand Veil will further increase your advantage.

2. Sand Rush: Doubles speed in a sandstorm.

Another ability triggered by sandstorms. Sandslash's speed will increase from mediocre to terrific with this ability. Sand Rush likely helps offense-oriented players more, while Sand Veil better suits those focusing on defense.

Moveset

Sandslash learns almost exclusively Ground attacks while leveling up. Thankfully, TMs increase its repertoire. You'll want at least one powerful Ground attack, Earthquake makes a good choice. Stone Edge helps against Flying Pokémon, who are immune to Ground techniques.

Fury Cutter gives you access to a Bug move that increases in power the more you use it, and Swords Dance further boosts Sandslash's already high Attack. Poison Jab is a nice, physical Poison attack to further expand your elemental options.

Overall, I like Sandslah's moves. Most utilize its high Attack, and you have enough good attacks to pick from to keep your opponent guessing what you'll do next.

Alolan Sandslash

Type: Ice/Steel
Ability: Snow Cloak: Increases evasion during a hailstorm.

Sandslash's new form will be available in the Alolan region, which hasn't yet released as of this writing. Sandslash changes type to an Ice/Steel combo, gains a new ability, and you can bet it'll learn different attacks.

Right now, we don't know what the new moves will be, or if the base stats will change, but Alola gives up another reason to keep our eyes on this oft-forgotten Pokémon.

Overall

Overall Score: 6/10

I really wish Sandslash had a third evolution. Its got decent abilities, good moves, and a useful stat distribution—the only thing holding it back is its limited stat total. A third form would turn Sandslash into a true competitive nightmare, but for now, he's still got enough qualities in his favor to see occasional use. Hopefully, the Alolan form will help display Sandslash's potential.

Your Thoughts

Keep on the lookout for more Pokémon reviews! Feel free to vote for your favorite of today's monsters, and I'll see you when we tackle our next set: Nidoking and Nidoqueen.