Is Sandaconda Worth Building in Pokémon GO? A Complete Meta Breakdown

Hello Trainers! Welcome! We are here with another meta breakdown, and this time we are digging deep—quite literally! As we roll through the Memories in Motion Season and the start of the Sustainability Week 2026, Silicobra, the Sand Snake Pokémon, slithers its way into Pokémon GO. Trainers can use 50 Silicobra candies to evolve Silicobra into Sandaconda. Trainers may be wondering—does Sandaconda unravel a new layer in the meta, or will it stay buried beneath stronger Ground types? Let’s uncoil the details and find out!

Sandaconda: Stats, Profile and Typing

Sandaconda Ground

Max CP	3155
ATK	202
DEF	207
HP	176
Weak to
Resists
Fast moves	Mud Shot Mud-Slap
Charge moves	Bulldoze Earth Power Dig Wrap

Sandaconda, the Sand Snake Pokémon, is a pure Ground type Pokémon, introduced first in Generation 8 (Galar Region) with the release of Pokémon: Sword & Shield. Being a pure Ground type, Sandaconda is weak to 3 different types but at the same time has an equal number of resistances as well, which also includes double resistance to Electric.

Sandaconda in Pokémon GO PvE

Raids

Yeah, I will get straight to the point—With an Attack stat of 202 and a max CP of 3155, Sandaconda doesn’t stand a chance of coiling its way into any raid relevance. Its preferred moveset: Mud-Slap & Earth Power, is solid on paper, but when your base stats are not the best, you need something better than good moves—Ask Tinkaton. Let us use DPS Comparer Tool to compare Sandaconda’s performance with Top Ground Attackers: 

Sandaconda is completely overshadowed by other Ground types. Its performance is even behind the likes of Golem and Donphan. Plenty of Ground type Pokémon do the same job faster and more efficiently. Let’s be honest, Sandaconda is not a serious Ground type option in raids. It is more like a gentle sand drift than a swirling sandstorm. 

Max Battles

Sandaconda boasts of a Gigantamax form that can unleash its exclusive G-Max Move, G-Max Sandblast, which is a Ground type G-Max attack. Sandaconda is in a unique position as it is the only one with access to a Ground type G-Max move. It is this unique niche which can help Sandaconda shine in Max Battles, when its G-Max form becomes available in the game. Even as a defender, with a decent 207 defense stat and double resistance to Electric attacks, it can hold its own again certain G-Max bosses like G-Max Toxtricity. 

Sandaconda in Pokémon GO PvP

Ideal Moveset: Mud-Slap + Wrap & Earth Power

After its rather underwhelming presence in PvE, expectations for Sandaconda’s performance in PvP may not be particularly high—and that’s fairly reasonable. Unfortunately, this serpentine Ground type doesn’t slither far up the PvP ranks either. While it boasts decent bulk and a few tricky moves to catch opponents off guard, Sandaconda ultimately struggles to carve out a defined role in the meta, finding use only in a handful of scenarios. 

Great League

In Great League, Sandaconda has pretty decent bulk which gives it solid staying power against neutral foes, but its typing leaves it frail to Water types, which currently pretty common in the meta. It still have some meta wins like Shadow Empoleon, Morpeko, Forretress and Wigglytuff. However, there are even more losses like Cradily, Quagsire, Empoleon, Corviknight, Altaria and Furret. Sandaconda, certainly has some potential to be an anti-meta/spice pick or possibly even be meta in certain themed cups. 

Sandaconda’s ideal IV spread for Great League is: 2/15/15, 1499CP, Level 20.

Ultra League

The narrative doesn’t change much in Ultra League. Sandaconda secures some predictable victories like Ampharos, Tinkaton, Tentacruel and Cleafable. However, its performance starts to falter when faced with tougher opponents—notable defeats include Empoleon, Feraligatr, Virizion, Regidrago and even Skeledirge, highlighting its limited staying power in this tier. 

Sandaconda’s ideal IV spread for Ultra League is: 0/14/15, 2499CP, Level 37.5.

Master League

With a max CP of 3155, Sandaconda simply doesn’t have the raw stats required to make any meaningful impact in the Master League. While it can find some niche playstyles in lower leagues, it struggles to keep up the heavy hitters that dominate the Master League meta. 

Is Sandaconda Worth Building?

The short answer is: Not Really! Sandaconda finds itself caught in an unfortunate dust storm when it comes to raid and PvP relevance. It simply doesn’t pack enough punch to compete with top-tier Ground types or even now-dormant options like Donphan and Golem. On the bright side, its G-Max form may change the story when introduced. With access to G-Max Sandblast, Sandaconda could find a niche role in Max Battles but until then, this snake is better left coiled in your storage.

PvP paints a slightly better picture, but is still limited. Be that as it may, Trainers may still want to hold onto a good IV one as the future is always uncertain. A single move update could easily push Sandaconda into meta relevance. If the move Glare were ever introduced, it could further enhance Sandaconda’s potential, along with benefitting other Serpent Pokémon like Arbok and Seviper. (Sadly, Sandaconda doesn’t have a signature move, although it does have a signature ability: Sand Spit. Unfortunately, there is no corresponding mechanic to abilities in Pokémon GO.)

Parting Words

Sandaconda isn’t the storm it aspires to be—more a drifting breeze across Galar’s sands. While its G-Max and PvP potential hints at an interesting future, the reality of its performance today leaves it firmly out of the competitive spotlight. Still, for those who appreciate unique designs and niche utility, Sandaconda can serve as a stylish, if not overly practical, addition to your roster.

Let us know Trainers—Was Sandaconda in your Team of 6 for your Sword and Shield Playthrough? Which pure Ground type is your favorite? 

And as always, Stay Safe!