Pokemon is an ever-expanding classic series, and fans immerse themselves in the world with each new game. Online competitive play is an excellent opportunity to take that experience to the next level. Players can develop a winning strategy by experimenting with moves, stats, and weather conditions. Sandstorms, for example, have advantages and disadvantages depending on the Pokemon on the field.

A Sandstorm team is generally built around Pokemon with stats or movesets affected by sand. It can turn the tide very quickly in competitive Pokemon if 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 yields success.

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How To Set Up A Sandstorm

Desert areas, mines, and dry plains in Pokemon games typically mean the battlefield will have a Sandstorm lasting the entire match. In competitive matches, Sandstorms are triggered by a Pokemon. The ability Sandstream causes a Sandstorm that stays in effect for 5 turns. The move Sandstorm starts one that also lasts for 5 turns. Both methods can be extended to 8 turns with the Smooth Stone. Tyranitar, Hippowdon, and Gigalith are all Sandstream Pokemon and reliable VGC picks. Sandstorm can be learned by significantly more Pokemon that are Rock, Ground, or Steel-type. Landorus and Garchomp would be good options as they remain popular in the Meta when allowed to compete.

How Does A Sandstorm Affect The Field

Weather changes more than players' visibility levels during Pokemon battles. A Sandstorm will have the following effects:

• All Pokemon will experience a small amount of damage at the end of each turn unless immune (Type immunities include Rock, Ground, and Steel-type Pokemon)
• Certain abilities are activated
• Rock-type Pokemon get a Sp. Def boost
• The power of Solar Beam and Solar Blade are cut in half
• Some recovery moves increase in effectiveness

Choosing A Sandstorm Core

Building a team should start with a relevant Core. The Core is a group of Pokemon with excellent team synergy that support each other in many ways. Since Sandstorms cause damage, it is best to stay true to the immune Pokemon types in team selection. Of course, some Pokemon have abilities that protect them from the slicing 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 makes the holder immune.

After establishing a Pokemon to set up a Sandstorm, having a Pokemon with the ability Sand Force is another good strategy. 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 dish out a lot of damage. Another good ability is Sand Rush, which boosts the user's Speed stat. Speed control can be a decisive advantage in the VGC's Double Battle format. With this in mind, a good choice would be Excadrill, which not only has Sand Rush but also a great Attack stat.

Prepare for Sandstorm Weaknesses

Some strong Steel-type Pokemon are common on offensive Sandstorm teams. Lucario particularly shines as a Special Sweeper in matches, and if paired with Rhyperior's bulk and Attack stat, players will have a strong standing during the match. However, Sandstorm teams that use lots of Steel have to be weary of Fire-type Pokemon, and opposing Water-types are also a problem as they knock down Ground and Rock-types somewhat easily.

Having contingency plans for both goes a long way. For example, some Electric-type Pokemon are a safe choice to avoid Grass and Fire matchup problems. One good Electric option, Magnezone, is immune to the storm from its Steel-typing, so passive damage won't be an issue. On that same note, the Water/Ground-type Gastrodon is another perfect ally for Sandstorm teams dealing with Water and Fire-types.

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