This limited sync pair is the only one capable of causing endless hail, functioning similarly to Silver & Ho-oh with sunny weather. Additionally, Steven & Sandslash are the only 5★ Ice-type physical Striker. Their moveset and passive skills already make them a capable pair, but their sync grid has several viable builds for what you want to focus on.

The best sync grid build for Summer Steven and Sandslash would be to go for either a Icicle Spear-focused build or a Icicle Crash one.

Sync Grid Builds

Frozen Volley (3/5) whittles down the enemy’s HP with relentless Icicle Spear attacks to leave opponents frozen on the field. Crushing Ice (2/5) is a straightforward sync level 2 build using Icicle Crash that can run through Battle Villa with minor adjustments . Eternal Blizzard (3/5) capitalizes on Sandslash’s sync move abilities to become the centerpiece of a hail team.

Universal Upgrades

• HP +10
• Attack +10
• Defense +5
• Sp. Def +5
• Speed +5

Universal Lucky Skill Recommendations:
Critical Strike 2, Defense Crush 2

Steven & Sandslash have enough versatility in their grids that no tile is used in all builds. As a Striker capable of maxing out their critical-hit rate, Critical Strike 2 is always the ideal lucky skill. However, if you’re limited on crunchy lucky cookies, getting Defense Crush 2 is also a good option.

Frozen Volley Build (Sync Level 3/5)

(build link)

Total Sync Orb Cost: 750
Total Energy Used: 60
Unique Upgrades:

• Attack +5
• Icicle Spear Power +5
• Icicle Spear Move Gauge Refresh 3
• Icicle Spear Move Gauge Refresh 3
• X Attack MP Refresh 2
• Icicle Spear Cold Snap 2
• Healing Hail 1
• No Quarter

2/5 Variation:
Not recommended

Similar to Guzma & Golisopod, Steven & Sandslash use their multi-hit move to batter down the target’s HP. This build is excellent for a team that benefits from opponents being frozen.

The key tile for Sandslash is No Quarter, which ensures Icicle Spear hits five times. Gaining +5 power, Icicle Spear also picks up both of its Move Gauge Refresh 3 tiles. The attack uses two bars of the move gauge, meaning it can pay for itself very easily. Finally, Cold Snap 2 for Icicle Spear will possibly freeze the target with each successful attack.

X Attack MP Refresh 2 allows Sandslash to max his Attack if it activates once. Healing Hail 1 will heal his HP while it is hailing, which can be from Sandslash’s sync move or from another sync pair.

Since both No Quarter and Icicle Spear Cold Snap 2 are unavailable until sync level 3, the build loses a lot of effectiveness prior to fully unlocking the grid.

Crushing Ice Build (Sync Level 2/5)

(build link)

Total Sync Orb Cost: 738
Total Energy Used: 59
Unique Upgrades:

• HP +10
• Attack +10
• Speed +5
• Icicle Crash Power +15
• Icicle Crash Move Gauge Refresh 3
• Icicle Crash Move Gauge Refresh 3
• X Attack MP Refresh 2
• Icicle Crash Harry 2
• Healing Hail 1

This sync level 2 build uses Icicle Crash as its primary move in a show of raw power. Sacrificing some power, this build can also be used for Battle Villa by picking up Coolest There Is! MP Refresh 2.

Icicle Crash gains +15 Power and two Move Gauge Refresh 3 tiles. Each refresh tile has a chance to activate to regain one bar on the move gauge, helping Sandslash to continue attacking. With Harry 2, Icicle Crash’s power increases against flinching targets, which the move is able to cause.

Picking up X Attack MP Refresh 2 will help Sandslash max out his Attack. With either Sandslash’s sync move or from another sync pair, Healing Hail 1 will restore his HP with each attack while there is hail. 

At sync level 3, if you have another sync pair capable of freezing an opponent, picking up Freeze Synergy 3 is recommended instead of some Attack and Icicle Crash boosts.

Eternal Blizzard Build (Sync Level 3/5)

(build link)

Total Sync Orb Cost: 750
Total Energy Used: 60
Unique Upgrades:

• HP +10
• Attack +5
• Speed +5
• Icicle Crash Power +6
• Too Cool Icicle Crash Power +50
• Icicle Crash Move Gauge Refresh 3
• Icicle Crash Move Gauge Refresh 3
• Flinch Hitter 5
• Freezer Burn 5
• Double Down 3

2/5 Variation:
Not recommended

Arguably Steven & Sandslash’s strongest build capitalizes on their currently unique trait: repeatable hail with their sync move. This sync pair will be a staple for hail teams to build around.

Too Cool Icicle Crash gains +50 power, but benefits from several skills on the grid. Flinch Hitter 5 increases damage against flinching targets, Freezer Burn 5 increases damage against frozen targets, and Double Down 3 increases damage against opponents weak to Ice-type. Although you can freeze opponents with Icicle Spear Cold Snap 2, it is better delegated to another sync pair, such as Glacia & Glalie.

To count down the sync gauge, both Icicle Crash Move Gauge Refresh 3 tiles help to replenish the move gauge for Sandslash and your other sync pairs.