sandaconda-gmax #10218
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
Immune to (0x damage):
sandaconda-gmax
Generation VIII · #10218 — Sand Snake Pokémon
Gigantamax Sandaconda is the towering Gigantamax form of the Ground-type Sand Snake Pokémon, representing one of the most dramatic size transformations available in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Introduced in Generation VIII, this colossal form reaches an astounding 22.0 meters in height and weighs approximately 1,000 kilograms, making it one of the most imposing sand-based Pokémon in existence. When Sandaconda undergoes Gigantamax transformation, it gains access to the exclusive move G-Max Sandblast, a devastating Ground-type attack that combines raw power with the Pokémon's natural affinity for sand manipulation. Unlike Mega Evolution, Gigantamax is a temporary transformation that lasts only three turns in battle, making strategic timing essential for trainers who wish to utilize Gigantamax Sandaconda's full potential. The transformation requires a Sandaconda with the Gigantamax Factor, a special property found only in certain specimens encountered during specific raid battles or events within the Galar region.
Base Stats
Height
22.0m
Weight
1000.0kg
Category
Sand Snake Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
green
Shape
squiggle
Abilities
Creates a sandstorm when hit by an attack.
Has a 33% chance of curing any major status ailment after each turn.
Increases evasion to 1.25× during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.
Sandaconda-gmax Biology & Physical Characteristics
Gigantamax Sandaconda's most striking biological feature is its dramatically enlarged sand pouch, which has swollen to truly tremendous proportions during the transformation. According to Pokédex entries, the sand pouch now contains over 1,000,000 tons of sand—an increase so massive that it fundamentally alters the Pokémon's body composition and stance. In this form, Sandaconda positions itself upright on its tail in a cobra-like posture, a departure from its normal coiled serpentine positioning. The sand that swirls around its body achieves such tremendous velocity and power that it could theoretically pulverize a skyscraper, representing an exponential increase in the destructive capability of its sand-based attacks. The transformation maintains Sandaconda's core biological features—its lime green eyes, prominent nostrils, and fangs—but magnifies them to match the creature's new scale. The thick, elastic nature of the sand pouch becomes even more pronounced in this form, providing unparalleled protection while serving as a reservoir for the colossal amounts of sand weaponized during battle.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Sandaconda-gmax Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Sandaconda exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, allowing trainers equal opportunity to breed specimens of either sex. The species belongs to the Dragon and Field egg groups, classifications that reflect its serpentine nature and ground-dwelling habitat respectively. With a hatch counter of 20 cycles, Sandaconda eggs require approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps to hatch, placing them in the moderate range of incubation periods. The base friendship value of 50 indicates a neutral starting point, meaning newly caught or hatched Sandaconda will require training and interaction to develop stronger bonds with their trainers. Breeders seeking to produce Sandaconda with specific natures, abilities, or move sets will find the species reasonably accommodating, as it can pass down moves through breeding chains and can inherit abilities from parents. The combination of Dragon and Field egg groups opens interesting breeding possibilities, as Sandaconda can be bred with a diverse range of compatible Pokémon species to create offspring with varied movesets and genetic traits.
Sprites
sandaconda-gmax's Evolution Chain
Sandaconda-gmax Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Sandaconda evolves from Silicobra when the latter reaches level 36, a transformation that marks the maturation of the sand snake into its fully-formed adult state. While the base Sandaconda and Gigantamax Sandaconda share identical base stats totaling 510 points, the Gigantamax form represents not a permanent evolution but rather a temporary combat transformation unique to Generation VIII mechanics. This distinction is crucial: Gigantamax is fundamentally different from Mega Evolution introduced in previous generations, as it does not permanently alter a Pokémon's form or provide stat boosts in the traditional sense. Instead, Gigantamax transformation grants Sandaconda access to the exclusive G-Max Sandblast move while increasing its physical presence and sand-manipulating capabilities to catastrophic levels. The transformation requires the Gigantamax Factor, a special attribute that cannot be bred or transferred through normal means but must be obtained through raid encounters or official events. Players seeking to utilize Gigantamax Sandaconda must first evolve their Silicobra into Sandaconda, then locate a specimen with the Gigantamax Factor in the Wild Area raid dens or distribution events.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Sandaconda-gmax Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Gigantamax Sandaconda demonstrates the same fundamental behavioral patterns as its base form but amplified to a scale that reflects its increased power and presence. The temporary nature of Gigantamax transformation means that Sandaconda only assumes this form during critical moments in battle, typically triggered by the presence of other Gigantamax Pokémon or when a trainer activates their Dynamax Band in regions where Dynamaxing is permitted. In its gigantified state, Sandaconda becomes even more formidable in desert and arid environments, where the abundance of sand provides both tactical advantage and psychological dominance over opponents. The species' documented preference for storing sand in its pouch becomes a defining characteristic of the Gigantamax form, as the massive sand reserves allow for sustained offensive pressure throughout extended battles. Trainers report that Gigantamax Sandaconda maintains the species' characteristic behavior of becoming despondent when depleted of sand resources, though the sheer quantity of sand available in the Gigantamax form makes this outcome considerably less likely during typical encounters.
Pokedex Entries
Generation VIII
When it contracts its body, over 220 pounds of sand sprays from its nose. If it ever runs out of sand, it becomes disheartened.
Its unique style of coiling allows it to blast sand out of its sand sac more efficiently.
Sandaconda-gmax Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Sandaconda is a transparent portmanteau combining 'sand' with 'anaconda,' reflecting the Pokémon's nature as a massive, sand-manipulating serpent. The Japanese name Sadaija similarly derives from 'sand' combined with 'hebi' (snake), emphasizing its identity as a sand-type creature. Visually, Sandaconda's design draws heavy inspiration from real-world cobras, particularly in its Gigantamax form where it adopts the characteristic upright posture of a threatened cobra preparing to strike. The tan coloration with black and brown patterns mimics the appearance of cracked earth, a thematic choice that reinforces the Pokémon's connection to desert ecosystems and sand manipulation. The prominent neck pouch visible in the base form becomes the centerpiece of the Gigantamax transformation, with the design concept emphasizing how this biological feature scales to monstrous proportions. The lime green eyes and red eye bags give Sandaconda a distinctive, almost menacing appearance that suits its role as a formidable ground-type combatant, while the visible fangs and nostril structure emphasize its serpentine predatory nature.
Sandaconda-gmax Competitive Battle Guide
Gigantamax Sandaconda occupies a unique niche in competitive Pokémon battling as a bulky Ground-type attacker with exceptional defensive capabilities and access to devastating sand-based strategies. Its defense stat of 125 provides substantial physical bulk, allowing it to absorb significant damage while its attack stat of 107 ensures respectable offensive output. The ability Sand Spit automatically creates a sandstorm whenever Sandaconda is hit by an attack, a passive effect that synergizes perfectly with its potential hidden ability Sand Veil, which increases evasion to 1.25x during active sandstorms while simultaneously protecting the user from sandstorm damage. This combination transforms Sandaconda into a self-sufficient weather setter that simultaneously benefits from the weather it creates, providing strategic depth beyond simple stat-checking. The exclusive G-Max Sandblast move available only to Gigantamax Sandaconda delivers powerful Ground-type damage with guaranteed hit reliability, making it a formidable choice during Dynamax segments of raids and competitive formats that permit Dynamaxing. Competitive trainers often pair Gigantamax Sandaconda with sandstorm-based team strategies, leveraging its defensive bulk and sand generation to wear down opposing teams through sustained pressure and the residual damage of the sandstorm itself.
Commonly Asked Questions About Sandaconda-gmax
What type is Sandaconda-gmax?
Sandaconda-gmax is a ground type Pokemon.
What does Sandaconda-gmax evolve into?
Sandaconda-gmax does not evolve into any other Pokemon. It is the final form in its evolution line.
What are Sandaconda-gmax's weaknesses?
Sandaconda-gmax is weak to water, grass and ice type moves.
Sandaconda-gmax Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Sandaconda represents a significant design philosophy shift in Game Freak's approach to Ground-type Pokémon, introducing a more serpentine aesthetic that contrasts with traditional burrowing creatures dominant in the type. The introduction of the species in Pokémon Sword and Shield coincided with the Galar region's increased emphasis on Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics, positioning Sandaconda as a flagship example of how size transformations could reimagine familiar Pokémon designs. The species gained considerable popularity within the competitive community upon its introduction, with Gigantamax Sandaconda becoming a staple choice in raid battles and competitive tournaments during Generation VIII's competitive season. The design's obvious cobra inspiration resonated with players familiar with real-world serpents, making Sandaconda feel more grounded and naturalistic than many alternative Ground-type options. Fan communities have celebrated the species' combination of intimidating aesthetics and strategic complexity, leading to consistent representation in fan art, competitive discussions, and community tier lists evaluating the best Ground-type Pokémon across all generations.
Where to Find Sandaconda-gmax in Every Pokémon Game
Sandaconda can be encountered in the wild throughout various regions depending on the game version. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Sandaconda appears as a common encounter in desert and sandy areas of the Wild Area, with the local Pokédex number 0313, making it relatively accessible to players progressing through the main campaign. To obtain a Gigantamax-capable Sandaconda, trainers must specifically seek out raid encounters in Wild Area raid dens, where the species occasionally appears with the Gigantamax Factor. The Isle of Armor DLC provides an additional opportunity to encounter Sandaconda, with a local Pokédex number of 0175 specific to that expansion. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Sandaconda appears with the local Pokédex number 0271, indicating its continued presence in newer generations, though Gigantamax functionality is not available in these titles as the feature was replaced by Terastallization. Players can also breed Silicobra to obtain Sandaconda offspring, allowing those without direct access to wild encounters to generate specimens through careful breeding practices. Official distribution events occasionally feature Sandaconda with guaranteed Gigantamax Factor, providing alternative acquisition methods for competitive and casual players alike.