snivy
Generation V · #0495 — Grass Snake Pokémon
Snivy is a Grass-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V, holding the National Pokédex number #495. As one of three starter Pokémon available in the Unova region alongside Tepig and Oshawott, Snivy represents the grass-type choice for trainers beginning their journey through Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2. This petite reptilian creature serves as the first evolution in a three-stage evolutionary line, eventually developing into the elegant and composed Serperior. With a base stat total of 308, Snivy is designed as an early-game partner with modest offensive capabilities but respectable defensive qualities, making it an accessible choice for new trainers while maintaining strategic depth for experienced players.
Base Stats
Height
0.6m
Weight
8.1kg
Category
Grass Snake Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
green
Shape
upright
Abilities
Strengthens grass moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
Inverts stat changes.
Snivy Biology & Physical Characteristics
Snivy is a small, bipedal reptilian Pokémon with a distinctly slender build that emphasizes grace over brute strength. Its body is predominantly green with a cream-colored underside, complemented by a striking yellow stripe that runs along the length of its back and tail, with additional yellow markings framing its large, expressive eyes. Two curved yellow structures resembling leaves or small wings protrude from its shoulders and bend backward, contributing to its elegant appearance. The most distinctive feature is its large, three-pronged palmate leaf tail, which serves a critical biological function—it can perform photosynthesis to generate energy and power, allowing Snivy to move with increased swiftness when exposed to sunlight. Snivy's slender arms possess only three fingers, while its feet lack any visible digits, yet this apparent limitation is compensated by its remarkable ability to wield vines with exceptional dexterity and control, often using these appendages more skillfully than its diminutive hands.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Snivy Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Snivy exhibits a notable gender imbalance typical of starter Pokémon, with an 87.5% male to 12.5% female ratio. This skewed distribution means female Snivy are considerably rarer and potentially more valuable to collectors attempting to breed specific traits or natures. When breeding, Snivy belongs to the Field and Grass egg groups, allowing it to produce eggs through pairing with compatible Pokémon from these categories. The species has a base friendship value of 70, indicating moderate initial affection that develops reasonably quickly through standard interaction and care, making it an accessible starter for players focused on building bonds with their team. Snivy eggs require 20 hatch cycles to develop, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps before hatching—a manageable incubation period that doesn't excessively penalize players who choose this starter. Baby Pokémon in this evolutionary line are not present, meaning Snivy itself represents the earliest accessible form in its family, with no younger juvenile stage preceding it.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
yellow
tm03
red blue
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
blue japan
tm03
red green japan
tm04
emerald
tm04
firered leafgreen
tm04
ruby sapphire
tm04
diamond pearl
tm04
xd
tm04
heartgold soulsilver
tm04
black white
tm04
colosseum
tm04
platinum
tm04
sun moon
tm04
ultra sun ultra moon
tm04
x y
+573 more TMs/HMs
snivy's Evolution Chain
Snivy Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Snivy follows a straightforward three-stage evolutionary progression without branching paths or alternative forms. At level 17, Snivy evolves into Servine, which refines its body structure and increases its base stats across most categories, particularly improving its Special Attack and Special Defense from 45 and 55 to 63 and 63 respectively. The evolution at level 36 into Serperior represents the final form, transforming Snivy from a modest starter into a capable grass-type with a base stat total of 454 and access to the exclusive ability Contrary, which inverts all stat changes—a hidden ability that fundamentally alters competitive strategies. Serperior gains the signature move Leaf Storm, a powerful grass-type attack with 130 base power, and develops into a more serpentine, majestic form that reflects the calm intelligence evident even in Snivy's juvenile state. This evolutionary line demonstrates consistent growth in speed and special statistics while maintaining the species' characteristic grace and composed demeanor throughout all three stages.
Where to Find
nuvema town
unova
aspertia city
unova
hoenn route 101
hoenn
Snivy Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Snivy is characterized by a calm, intelligent, and collected demeanor that sets it apart from many other starter Pokémon. According to various Pokédex entries, it exhibits a preference for solitude and actively avoids congregating with groups whenever possible, displaying a more reserved and introspective personality than its louder counterparts. The Pokédex notes that being exposed to abundant sunlight directly enhances its movement speed and the potency of its attacks, making this species ideally suited to bright, sunny environments where it can maximize its photosynthetic capabilities. When in poor health or depleted of energy, Snivy's distinctive tail droops noticeably, serving as a visible indicator of its physical condition. Recently, this species has been documented living within the Terarium of Blueberry Academy, suggesting it thrives in controlled, temperate environments with adequate light sources. Its intelligent nature and calm composure make it an excellent choice for trainers seeking a thoughtful, strategic partner rather than an impulsive powerhouse.
Pokedex Entries
It is very intelligent and calm. Being exposed to lots of sunlight makes its movements swifter.
Being exposed to sunlight makes its movements swifter. It uses vines more adeptly than its hands.
They photosynthesize by bathing their tails in sunlight. When they are not feeling well, their tails droop.
Being exposed to sunlight makes its movements swifter. It uses vines more adeptly than its hands.
They photosynthesize by bathing their tails in sunlight. When they are not feeling well, their tails droop.
Being exposed to sunlight makes its movements swifter. It uses vines more adeptly than its hands.
They photosynthesize by bathing their tails in sunlight. When they are not feeling well, their tails droop.
Snivy Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Snivy's design draws clear inspiration from real-world snakes and ivy plants, merging these biological concepts into a cohesive Grass-type identity. The name itself combines 'snake' with 'ivy,' creating an intuitive descriptor for this grass snake Pokémon—a creature that embodies characteristics of both reptile and flora. Its Japanese name, Tsutarja, similarly blends 'tsuta' (ivy) with 'hebi' (snake), demonstrating consistent design philosophy across language barriers. The yellow stripe running along its back and tail likely references the patterns found on certain grass snake species, while the leaf-like structures on its shoulders and tail explicitly connect it to botanical imagery. The three-pronged tail resembles actual plant leaves with their characteristic veining and segmentation, emphasizing that this creature isn't merely snake-like with grass coloring, but rather a true hybrid that can photosynthesize and draw energy from sunlight. The overall aesthetic suggests a creature that exists in harmony with nature, combining predatory reptilian traits with the peaceful, growth-oriented characteristics of plant life.
Learnable Moves
Snivy can learn 77 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| aqua tail | water | Physical | 90 | 90 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bind | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| bullet seed | grass | Physical | 25 | 100 | 30 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| coil | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| energy ball | grass | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| gastro acid | poison | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| glare | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| grass pledge | grass | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| grassy glide | grass | Physical | 55 | 100 | 20 |
| grassy terrain | grass | Status | — | — | 10 |
| growth | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| leaf blade | grass | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| leaf storm | grass | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| leaf tornado | grass | Special | 65 | 90 | 10 |
| leech seed | grass | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| light screen | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| magical leaf | grass | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| mean look | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| mega drain | grass | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| mirror coat | psychic | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| nature power | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| petal blizzard | grass | Physical | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| pursuit | dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seed bomb | grass | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| slam | normal | Physical | 80 | 75 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snatch | dark | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| sweet scent | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| synthesis | grass | Status | — | — | 5 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| vine whip | grass | Physical | 45 | 100 | 25 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| worry seed | grass | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| wrap | normal | Physical | 15 | 90 | 20 |
| wring out | normal | Special | — | 100 | 5 |
Snivy Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Snivy itself sees minimal usage due to its modest base stat total of 308 and relatively weak offensive prowess, with only 45 base Attack and 45 base Special Attack. However, its final evolution Serperior achieves competitive viability through superior stats and the hidden ability Contrary, which inverts stat changes and enables strategies involving moves like Leaf Storm that normally lower the user's Special Attack. Snivy's speed stat of 63 provides a reasonable foundation, reaching 247 at maximum investment and beneficial nature, allowing it to outspeed many common threats. Its movepool includes valuable coverage options such as Vine Whip, Magical Leaf, Leech Seed for survivability, and eventually Leaf Blade and Leaf Storm upon evolution, providing both physical and special attacking options. The dual defensive typing of Grass grants resistance to Water, Electric, and Grass attacks while presenting vulnerabilities to Fire, Ice, Flying, and Poison moves—matchups that require careful team building. Most trainers using this line competitively focus entirely on Serperior, where the Contrary ability and superior 474 base stat total create viable strategies in various competitive formats.
Commonly Asked Questions About Snivy
What type is Snivy?
Snivy is a grass type Pokemon.
What does Snivy evolve into?
Snivy evolves into servine, then into serperior.
What are Snivy's weaknesses?
Snivy is weak to flying, poison, bug, fire and ice type moves.
Where can I find Snivy?
Snivy can be found in nuvema town (unova), aspertia city (unova) and hoenn route 101 (hoenn).
Snivy Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Snivy achieved significant cultural prominence as one of the three Unova starter Pokémon, gaining further visibility through its appearances in the Pokémon animated series where it played major roles in several protagonist storylines. Trip's Snivy initially served as an obstinate rival Pokémon that refused to obey trainers other than its original owner, representing a memorable character arc throughout the Black and White anime series. Ash's eventual capture and training of Snivy provided another major storyline, showcasing this species' intellectual nature and gradual development of trust and loyalty. The species has appeared in numerous Pokémon video game spin-offs and trading card game releases, with Serperior receiving particular attention as a capable and recognizable grass-type representative. Snivy's elegant design and composed personality resonated with fans seeking starter Pokémon that emphasized grace and intelligence rather than raw power, establishing it as a beloved member of the Generation V lineup. Its inclusion in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate through various Pokéball appearances and trophy information further cemented its position within the broader Pokémon cultural landscape.
Where to Find Snivy in Every Pokémon Game
Snivy is primarily available as a starter Pokémon in Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2, where it can be obtained from Professor Juniper at the beginning of the player's journey through the Unova region. In games featuring the Pokédex number system, Snivy typically appears early in the regional listings, assigned as #0001 in both Black/White and Black 2/White 2. The species has been distributed through various official Nintendo events and promotional campaigns throughout the years, including periodic Mystery Gift distributions that allow players in other games to obtain this starter without visiting Unova. Recent games including Pokémon Scarlet and Violet include Snivy as a capturable Pokémon, though it doesn't serve as a starter option in these titles. The Indigo Disk DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet features Snivy with National Pokédex number 0200, indicating its inclusion in that expansion's Pokédex. With a base capture rate of 45 and a medium-slow experience growth rate, Snivy provides a balanced early-game experience for players who receive it as their starter, though its availability in subsequent games has made it accessible to all players regardless of their chosen starter Pokémon.