If you’re exploring the vast regions of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, encountering Sandile is an essential step for both completing your Pokédex and strengthening your team with a solid Ground/Dark-type. Sandile is a relatively early-game Pokémon, but catching it can still be tricky if you don’t know where to look or how to approach it. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find and catch Sandile efficiently.

Where to Find Sandile

Sandile is primarily found in desert and arid environments. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the most reliable location is the Great Sand Dunes area. When searching, keep an eye on sandy patches and dry riverbeds, as Sandile often blends into the terrain, making it easy to miss. It typically spawns more frequently during daytime, but checking the area in different weather conditions can also affect encounter rates.

How to Approach Sandile

Steath is key. Sandile is often alert and can flee if you approach too quickly. Use the crouch and sneak mechanics to get closer without triggering a battle from a distance. If you have a Pokémon with abilities that reduce movement noise or distract wild Pokémon, this is a great opportunity to use them. Once close, you can initiate a standard wild encounter and prepare for battle.

Tips for Catching Sandile

Status Effects Help: Inflicting a status effect like Sleep or Paralysis significantly increases your catch chances. Moves like Sleep Powder or Thunder Wave are excellent choices before throwing a Poké Ball.

Use the Right Poké Balls: If you’re aiming to save resources, standard Poké Balls work fine, but Great Balls or Ultra Balls give higher catch rates. Quick Balls are also a good option if you strike first in battle.

Level Advantage: Make sure your Pokémon are at a comparable level to Sandile. Weakening it without knocking it out is essential. Focus on moves that deal damage efficiently without risking a knockout.

Patience Pays Off: Sandile can flee after several turns, so quick and strategic throws are preferable. Keep an eye on its HP and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Why Catching Sandile is Worth It

Sandile evolves into Krokorok and eventually Krookodile, both of which are versatile for both PvE and competitive battles. Its Ground/Dark typing gives it an edge against Electric-types and Psychic-types, making it a valuable addition to your team.

For players who enjoy collecting, hunting Sandile is also part of the fun for completing your shiny collection. If you’re interested in options beyond the standard hunt, some players choose to buy shiny Pokémon or buy all shiny Z-A variants to streamline their collection and ensure they don’t miss out on rare spawns.

Catching Sandile in Pokémon Legends: Z-A requires a combination of careful exploration, strategic battle preparation, and patience. With the right approach, you can add this Ground/Dark-type Pokémon to your roster and prepare it for evolution into a powerful Krookodile. Whether you’re focused on team building or shiny hunting, understanding Sandile’s behavior and habitat is the key to success.