Best Sand Team
Mega Tyranitar's Sand Stream whips up a permanent sandstorm that doubles Excadrill's Speed through Sand Rush, letting it outrun even Tailwind-boosted threats. Aerodactyl provides the fastest non-Prankster Tailwind in the format as backup speed control and counters Sun teams with Rock Slide. Wash Rotom handles Rain teams and burns physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. Sinistcha blocks opposing Trick Room with Imprison and redirects attacks, while Incineroar pivots with Intimidate and Fake Out pressure.
Gameplan
Opening
Lead Tyranitar plus Excadrill against teams without opposing weather — Mega Evolve immediately for permanent sand, then Rock Slide plus Earthquake pressures the entire field while Excadrill outspeeds everything.
Mid-game
Against weather-heavy teams, lead Aerodactyl plus Incineroar: Tailwind plus Fake Out buys you a safe turn to pivot into the sand core, and Rock Slide threatens opposing Charizard and Venusaur.
End-game
Sinistcha is your anti-Trick-Room tech: Imprison locks out opposing Trick Room setters, and Rage Powder buys turns for Tyranitar to set up Dragon Dance. Wash Rotom counters Rain teams with Thunderbolt.
Team Roster
Tyranitar
- Item:
- Tyranitarite
- Ability:
- Sand Stream
- Nature:
- Adamant
- EVs:
- 16 HP / 256 Atk / 256 Spe
- Moves:
- Rock Slide, Dragon Dance, Low Kick, Protect
Excadrill
- Item:
- Lum Berry
- Ability:
- Sand Rush
- Nature:
- Adamant
- EVs:
- 16 HP / 256 Atk / 256 Spe
- Moves:
- Iron Head, Earthquake, Rock Slide, Protect
Aerodactyl
- Item:
- Focus Sash
- Ability:
- Unnerve
- Nature:
- Jolly
- EVs:
- 16 HP / 256 Atk / 256 Spe
- Moves:
- Rock Slide, Dual Wingbeat, Tailwind, Protect
Rotom-Wash
- Item:
- Leftovers
- Ability:
- Levitate
- Nature:
- Calm
- EVs:
- 256 HP / 256 SpD / 16 Spe
- Moves:
- Hydro Pump, Thunderbolt, Will-O-Wisp, Protect
Incineroar
- Item:
- Sitrus Berry
- Ability:
- Intimidate
- Nature:
- Careful
- EVs:
- 256 HP / 128 Def / 144 SpD
- Moves:
- Flare Blitz, Fake Out, Parting Shot, Snarl
Sinistcha
- Item:
- Mental Herb
- Ability:
- Hospitality
- Nature:
- Calm
- EVs:
- 256 HP / 136 Def / 136 SpD
- Moves:
- Matcha Gotcha, Trick Room, Imprison, Rage Powder