snorlax
Generation I · #0143 — Sleeping Pokémon
Snorlax, known in Japan as Kabigon, is a Normal-type Pokémon that has captivated trainers since Generation I with its simple yet endearing philosophy: eat and sleep. As Pokédex entry #143, this massive creature stands 2.1 meters tall and weighs an impressive 460 kilograms, making it one of the most recognizable gentle giants in the Pokémon world. Despite its sedentary lifestyle and sluggish speed stat of just 30, Snorlax possesses remarkable resilience with the highest HP stat among all Normal-type Pokémon at 160, alongside solid Attack and Special Defense stats of 110 each. The Sleeping Pokémon has become iconic not only for its gameplay utility but also as the mascot of Pokémon Sleep, cementing its status as a beloved franchise character that represents contentment and relaxation.
Base Stats
Height
2.1m
Weight
460.0kg
Category
Sleeping Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
black
Shape
humanoid
Habitat
mountain
Abilities
Prevents poison.
Halves damage from fire and ice moves.
Makes the Pokémon eat any held Berry triggered by low HP below 1/2 its max HP.
Snorlax Biology & Physical Characteristics
Snorlax is a rotund, bipedal Pokémon with a body composition seemingly designed entirely around consumption and rest. Its most distinctive feature is its enormous, round belly, which serves as a place where children reportedly enjoy playing, according to Alpha Sapphire Pokédex entries. The creature's digestive system is extraordinarily resilient, capable of neutralizing virtually any poison—its stomach acid can dissolve toxins so effectively that even Muk's potent poison is reduced to a mere spice on Snorlax's tongue. This biological marvel allows Snorlax to consume nearly 900 pounds of food daily without suffering from indigestion, and it will consume nearly anything it encounters, including moldy or rotten food that would sicken other Pokémon. With its three possible abilities—Immunity, Thick Fat, or the hidden ability Gluttony—Snorlax is physiologically equipped to handle extreme dietary conditions. The Immunity ability prevents poisoning entirely, Thick Fat halves damage from Fire and Ice-type moves by reducing the creature's metabolic vulnerability, while Gluttony causes it to consume held Berries at half its maximum HP rather than waiting until it's nearly defeated.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Snorlax Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Snorlax exhibits a significant gender skew in its population, with approximately 87.5% of wild Snorlax being male compared to just 12.5% being female. This genetic distribution is notably unusual and suggests biological factors specific to this species that favor male development. All Snorlax belong to the Monster egg group, meaning they can only breed with other Pokémon in the same egg group, which includes creatures like Machamp, Golem, and Rhydon. The egg hatching process requires 40 cycles to complete, translating to 10,024 to 10,280 steps with the player's Pokémon, reflecting Snorlax's slow growth rate classification. The Monster egg group designation also reflects Snorlax's larger body size and robust physiology, distinguishing it from smaller, more nimble Pokémon. Interestingly, despite the dramatic gender ratio favoring males, female Snorlax can be bred with compatible partners from the Monster egg group to produce Munchlax eggs, allowing trainers to cultivate their own lineages. The base happiness value for Snorlax is 70, suggesting that while it may appear lazy, the species maintains a generally content and amiable demeanor toward those who care for them properly.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
chesto-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when asleep to cure sleep.
Cost: 80
chesto-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when asleep to cure sleep.
Cost: 80
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
leftovers
held-items
Held: Restores 1/16 (6.25%) holder’s max HP at the end of each turn.
Cost: 4000
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
gold silver
tm01
crystal
tm01
red blue
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
blue japan
tm01
red green japan
tm01
sword shield
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
sword shield
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
sword shield
tm04
yellow
tm04
red blue
tm04
sword shield
tm04
red green japan
tm05
red blue
+666 more TMs/HMs
Snorlax Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Snorlax evolves from Munchlax, a smaller baby form introduced in Generation IV, when the latter is leveled up with high friendship. This evolution represents the natural progression from childhood gluttony to adult lethargy, with Munchlax gradually developing into the gargantuan Snorlax through continued feeding and bonding with its trainer. The friendship requirement emphasizes the importance of building a strong relationship with Munchlax to achieve this transformation, rewarding devoted trainers with the fully-formed Sleeping Pokémon. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Snorlax gained the ability to Gigantamax if it possesses the Gigantamax Factor, transforming into Gigantamax Snorlax. This form grows to staggering proportions, exceeding 35 meters in height, and gains access to the exclusive G-Max move G-Max Replenish, which not only deals damage but also restores the HP of Snorlax's teammates by removing the effects of entry hazards and moves like Reflect or Light Screen. This Gigantamax transformation showcases the latent power hinted at in various Pokédex entries, revealing that Snorlax's apparent docility masks genuine battle capability when circumstances demand it.
Where to Find
kanto route 12
kanto
+8 more
kanto route 16
kanto
+6 more
vermilion city
kanto
kanto route 11
kanto
kalos route 7
kalos
alola route 1
alola
cerulean cave
kanto
+3 more
Snorlax Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Snorlax's behavioral patterns are refreshingly straightforward: it eats and sleeps, with little else occupying its time. Pokédex entries consistently describe this lifestyle with endearing simplicity, noting that as its rotund bulk increases, it becomes progressively more slothful and lethargic. However, despite this apparent laziness, the Pokédex hints at an intriguing duality—when prompted to make a serious effort, Snorlax apparently displays awesome power, suggesting that beneath its docile exterior lies considerable hidden strength. The creature's vocalizations are distinctive enough that what sounds like its cry may actually be its sonorous snores or the rumblings of its constantly hungry belly. In the games, Snorlax is famously found sleeping in inconvenient locations, blocking crucial pathways and routes. Trainers must awaken these slumbering creatures using the Poké Flute in Generation I and II games, establishing Snorlax's signature trait as an immovable obstacle to progression. Despite its docile nature, Snorlax shows no aggression when roused, making it surprisingly approachable once awakened.
Pokedex Entries
Very lazy. Just eats and sleeps. As its rotund bulk builds, it becomes steadily more slothful.
Will eat anything, even if the food happens to be a little moldy. It never gets an upset stomach.
What sounds like its cry may ac tually be its snores or the rumblings of its hungry belly.
Its stomach's di gestive juices can dissolve any kind of poison. It can even eat things off the ground.
This POKéMON's stomach is so strong, even eating moldy or rotten food will not affect it.
SNORLAX’s typical day consists of nothing more than eating and sleeping. It is such a docile POKéMON that there are children who use its expansive belly as a place to play.
SNORLAX’s typical day consists of nothing more than eating and sleeping. It is such a docile POKéMON that there are children who use its big belly as a place to play.
It is not satisfied unless it eats over 880 pounds of food every day. When it is done eating, it goes promptly to sleep.
Very lazy. Just eats and sleeps. As its rotund bulk builds, it becomes steadily more slothful.
Its stomach can digest any kind of food, even if it happens to be moldy or rotten.
It stops eating only to sleep. It doesn’t feel full unless it eats nearly 900 pounds a day.
When its belly is full, it becomes too lethargic to even lift a finger, so it is safe to bounce on its belly.
What sounds like its cry may actually be its snores or the rumblings of its hungry belly.
Its stomach’s digestive juices can dissolve any kind of poison. It can even eat things off the ground.
When its belly is full, it becomes too lethargic to even lift a finger, so it is safe to bounce on its belly.
When its belly is full, it becomes too lethargic to even lift a finger, so it is safe to bounce on its belly.
It is not satisfied unless it eats over 880 pounds of food every day. When it is done eating, it goes promptly to sleep.
Its stomach can digest any kind of food, even if it happens to be moldy or rotten.
Snorlax’s typical day consists of nothing more than eating and sleeping. It is such a docile Pokémon that there are children who use its expansive belly as a place to play.
Its stomach is said to be incomparably strong. Even Muk’s poison is nothing more than a hint of spice on Snorlax’s tongue.
It doesn’t do anything other than eat and sleep. When prompted to make a serious effort, though, it apparently displays awesome power.
It eats nearly 900 pounds of food every day. It starts nodding off while eating—and continues to eat even while it’s asleep.
It has no interest in anything other than eating. Even if you climb up on its stomach while it’s napping, it doesn’t seem to mind at all!
Will eat anything, even if the food happens to be a little moldy. It never gets an upset stomach.
It is not satisfied unless it eats over 880 pounds of food every day. When it is done eating, it goes promptly to sleep.
This Pokémon’s stomach is so strong, even eating moldy or rotten food will not affect it.
This glutton appears in villages without warning and devours the entirety of their rice granaries—such occurrences have long been counted among the gravest of disasters.
Snorlax Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Snorlax's design brilliantly captures the essence of a creature driven by two fundamental motivations: consumption and rest. The name itself is a portmanteau of 'snore' and 'relax,' perfectly encapsulating the Pokémon's defining characteristics and behavioral identity. Its Japanese name, Kabigon, derives from 'kabi' (mold) and 'gon' (a suffix used in Pokémon names), likely referring to the creature's ability to consume moldy food without consequence. The character design emphasizes roundness and mass, with a distinctly porcine quality to its face and body structure, complete with what appears to be a perpetually satisfied expression. The black coloring of its body contrasts with the cream-colored belly, drawing attention to the very feature that defines it—its enormous stomach. Unlike more aggressive or exotic Pokémon designs, Snorlax's aesthetic is deliberately simple and relatable, making it approachable and endearing rather than intimidating. The design choice to give Snorlax such an extreme speed stat of 30—nearly the lowest in the entire Pokédex—reinforces its sluggish, stationary nature, while its high HP and Special Defense create the archetypal 'slow tank' that can endure punishment while slowly wearing down opponents through sheer resilience.
Learnable Moves
Snorlax can learn 70 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| amnesia | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| belly drum | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| charm | fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dynamic punch | fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| fire punch | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| fissure | ground | Physical | — | 30 | 5 |
| flail | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| harden | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice punch | ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| lick | ghost | Physical | 30 | 100 | 30 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| metronome | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| outrage | dragon | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| pay day | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psywave | psychic | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| pursuit | dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| seismic toss | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| self destruct | normal | Physical | 200 | 100 | 5 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| submission | fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 20 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder punch | electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| whirlwind | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| zap cannon | electric | Special | 120 | 50 | 5 |
Snorlax Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battles, Snorlax functions as a durable physical wall and special tank, leveraging its exceptional 160 HP and 110 Special Defense to absorb hits while dealing consistent damage through its respectable 110 Attack stat. The choice of ability dramatically influences Snorlax's competitive role: Immunity provides crucial protection against poison-based strategies employed by teams featuring Toxic Spikes or Toxic Powder users, while Thick Fat offers invaluable resistances against Fire and Ice-type coverage moves that would otherwise deal super-effective damage. The hidden ability Gluttony sees occasional usage in competitive sets, enabling Snorlax to activate held Berry consumption at half HP rather than quarter, potentially allowing for unexpected survivability through strategic Berry selection. However, Snorlax's abysmal Speed stat of 30 is a severe liability in competitive formats, necessitating the use of Trick Room support or Choice Scarf to function effectively. Snorlax's movepool includes reliable physical moves like Body Slam, Earthquake, and Crunch, while also gaining access to utility moves such as Curse, which trades Speed for Attack and Defense boosts—a trade Snorlax willingly makes given its already pitiful velocity. In formats like Doubles, Snorlax can leverage its bulk while allies provide offensive pressure, making it a surprisingly effective team member despite its slowness.
Commonly Asked Questions About Snorlax
What type is Snorlax?
Snorlax is a normal type Pokemon.
What does Snorlax evolve from?
Snorlax evolved from munchlax.
What are Snorlax's weaknesses?
Snorlax is weak to fighting type moves.
Where can I find Snorlax?
Snorlax can be found in kanto route 12 (kanto), kanto route 16 (kanto) and vermilion city (kanto) and 4 other locations.
Snorlax Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Snorlax has transcended its identity as a mere Pokémon to become a widely recognized symbol of relaxation and contentment in popular culture, appearing prominently in multiple media properties beyond the core games. The character achieved significant anime prominence through Ash's Snorlax, a memorable team member that exhibited the species' characteristic appetite and lethargy while proving surprisingly powerful in critical battles. Beyond the anime, Snorlax was selected as the official mascot of Pokémon Sleep, a mobile wellness application designed to encourage healthy sleep habits by rewarding real-world sleep tracking with in-game benefits—a choice that perfectly aligns the Pokémon's nature with the app's health-focused mission. The creature has appeared across numerous Pokémon media properties including Pokémon Concierge, POKÉTOON animations, and various manga adaptations, consistently portrayed with humor and warmth. Snorlax has also entered the Super Smash Bros. franchise as a recurring Poké Ball Pokémon, where its random arrival on stage causes disruption through its massive weight and immobility. The character's design has proven so appealing that Snorlax merchandise—ranging from plushies to home décor items—remains consistently popular among Pokémon fans of all ages, making it one of the franchise's most commercially successful characters.
Where to Find Snorlax in Every Pokémon Game
Throughout the Pokémon game series, Snorlax availability has been carefully controlled to maintain its status as a special encounter rather than a common find. In Generation I games (Red, Blue, and Yellow), wild Snorlax appears sleeping on specific routes, particularly Route 12 and Route 16, requiring the Poké Flute to awaken before capture—establishing the iconic encounter pattern that defines the species' presence in those games. Generation II games (Gold, Silver, and Crystal) continue this tradition with Snorlax blocking pathways until awakened via Pokégear's Poké Flute channel. In later generations, Snorlax availability varies: it appears in specific postgame areas in Diamond and Pearl, returns to traditional routes in remakes like FireRed and LeafGreen, and features in various Galar locations in Pokémon Sword and Shield where it can be encountered in the overworld or through Max Raid Battles for potential Gigantamax specimens. In recent generations like Legends: Arceus and Scarlet and Violet, Snorlax maintains its presence as a notable late-game encounter. The species' limited availability and special encounter mechanics have made it a prized catch throughout the franchise, while its evolution from Munchlax—introduced in later generations—provides an alternative method for trainers to obtain the species by breeding or capturing the baby form. For players seeking Snorlax, patience and the appropriate awakening items remain essential, making each encounter feel genuinely special rather than routine.