Ability Detail

Sand Stream is an ability in the Pokémon series that primarily affects the battle environment by altering the weather condition. When a Pokémon with Sand Stream enters the battlefield, it automatically summons a sandstorm. This weather effect lasts for five turns, unless it is extended by the use of an item like the Smooth Rock, which increases the duration to eight turns.

Effects of Sand Stream

Damage Over Time: During a sandstorm, all Pokémon types except Rock, Ground, and Steel receive damage at the end of each turn equal to 1/16th of their maximum HP.
Special Defense Boost: Rock-type Pokémon receive a 50% special defense boost while the sandstorm is active, providing them with greater resilience against special attacks.
Weather Synergy: Certain abilities and moves interact positively with sandstorm. For instance, abilities like Sand Rush double the Pokémon's speed in sandstorms, Sand Force boosts the power of Ground, Rock,

Effects

The weather changes to a sandstorm when this Pokémon enters battle and does not end unless cancelled by another weather condition. If multiple Pokémon with this ability, drizzle, drought, or snow warning are sent out at the same time, the abilities will activate in order of Speed, respecting trick room. Each ability's weather will cancel the previous weather, and only the weather summoned by the slowest of the Pokémon will stay. Overworld: If the lead Pokémon has this ability, the wild encounter rate is halved in a sandstorm.

Flavor Texts

ruby-sapphire: Summons a sandstorm.

emerald: Summons a sandstorm.

firered-leafgreen: Summons a sandstorm.

diamond-pearl: The Pokémon summons a sandstorm in battle.

platinum: The Pokémon summons a sandstorm in battle.

heartgold-soulsilver: The Pokémon summons a sandstorm in battle.

black-white: The Pokémon summons a sandstorm in battle.

black-2-white-2: The Pokémon summons a sandstorm in battle.

x-y: The Pokémon summons a sandstorm in battle.

omega-ruby-alpha-sapphire: The Pokémon summons a sandstorm in battle.

sun-moon: The Pokémon summons a sandstorm when it enters a battle.