Sandshrew Pokémon Crystal: Moves, Sprites & Locations

Everything you need to know about Sandshrew in Pokémon Crystal. On this page you'll find its Pokédex entry straight from the game, all sprite variants including shiny forms, the complete moveset of 43 moves grouped by learning method (level-up, TM/HM, egg, tutor), and every wild encounter location with levels, conditions, and catch rates.

Pokémon Crystal

Kanto

Sandshrew Pokemon Crystal Pokedex Entry

It burrows into the ground to create its nest. If hard stones impede its tunneling, it uses its sharp claws to shatter them and then carries on digging.

Pokemon Crystal Sandshrew Sprites

Sandshrew front-facing sprite from Pokémon Crystal

Primary

Sandshrew back-facing sprite from Pokémon Crystal

Reverse

Shiny

Shiny Reverse

Pokémon Crystal Sandshrew Moveset

Complete registry of moves learned by Sandshrew via various methods in Pokémon Crystal.

Move	Type	Requirement
Scratch	normal	Lv. 1
Defense Curl	normal	Lv. 6
Sand Attack	ground	Lv. 11
Poison Sting	poison	Lv. 17
Slash	normal	Lv. 23
Swift	normal	Lv. 30
Fury Swipes	normal	Lv. 37
Sandstorm	rock	Lv. 45

End of Move Database

Pokémon Crystal Sandshrew Locations

Sandshrew can be caught in 2 locations across Pokémon Crystal, including Union Cave 1f and Mt Moon 1f. The most reliable spawn is at Union Cave 1f, where you'll find it at Lv. 6 by walking through tall grass with a 30% encounter rate (morning).

Union Cave 1f

2 encounters

walk
Lv. 6
Day
30%Frequent
walk
Lv. 6
Morning
30%Frequent

Mt Moon 1f

2 encounters

walk
Lv. 8
Day
20%Frequent
walk
Lv. 8
Morning
20%Frequent