If you’ve ever come across a Snorlax blocking your path in a Pokémon game or stomping into a Gym in Pokémon GO, you already know one thing—this sleepy giant isn’t someone to mess with. But the real question is: how do you unlock its full potential? That’s where understanding its best moveset comes into play.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know to get the best performance out of your Snorlax—whether you’re battling in Gyms, Raids, or just flexing your collection. Let’s roll up our sleeves and discover what makes Snorlax a powerhouse, even when he looks like he just rolled out of bed.
Why Snorlax Is a Fan Favorite
Let’s be honest—Snorlax is iconic. From snoozing in the middle of roads to serving as a Gym guardian, this Normal-type Pokémon has built a reputation for being tough, tanky, and just plain adorable.
With high stamina and surprising attack stats, Snorlax can take hits and dish them right back. He’s the kind of Pokémon you want in your corner during intense battles.
Understanding Snorlax’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Before diving into the best moveset, it helps to know what you’re working with. Snorlax is a pure Normal-type Pokémon. That means:
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Weakness: Only weak to Fighting-type moves
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Resistances: Ghost-type moves don’t affect it
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Strengths: High HP, solid Attack, and flexible move pool
Think of Snorlax as a drowsy sumo wrestler—slow to rise, but once he moves, he absorbs hits like a sponge and slams back with unstoppable force.
Fast Moves Overview: What to Know First
Snorlax has access to several Fast Moves. These moves build energy quickly and set up your Charge Moves. Here are the key options:
Lick (Ghost-type)
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Fast energy gain
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Good for dealing with Ghost-types like Gengar
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Even though Snorlax isn’t Ghost-type, this move gives great coverage
Zen Headbutt (Psychic-type)
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High damage but very slow energy gain
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Not ideal for PvP or raids
Yawn (Normal-type)
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Terrible damage
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Almost zero energy generation
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Basically useless in competitive battles
Verdict: Lick is the best Fast Move for almost every situation. It’s fast, builds energy quickly, and gives Snorlax broader coverage.
Charge Moves: What Packs the Biggest Punch
Snorlax’s Charge Moves are where things get interesting. These are the heavy hitters and can turn the tide in battle. Let’s break down the top contenders.
Body Slam (Normal-type)
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Low energy cost
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Fast and spammy
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Puts constant pressure on opponents
Earthquake (Ground-type)
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Strong against Steel and Rock-types
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High damage, but slow
Hyper Beam (Normal-type)
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High damage but super slow to charge
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Great for surprise KOs but risky
Superpower (Fighting-type)
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Coverage against Normal-weak enemies
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Lowers Snorlax’s own stats after use
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Best used strategically
Outrage (Dragon-type)
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Good coverage
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Rare on Snorlax, but surprisingly effective
Verdict: A mix of Body Slam and Superpower is widely considered the best moveset. It balances speed, power, and type coverage.
Best PvP Moveset for Snorlax
In battles like GO Battle League, you want a moveset that builds pressure and makes opponents waste shields. Here’s the top pick:
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Fast Move: Lick
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Charge Moves: Body Slam + Superpower
Why it works:
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Lick charges Body Slam quickly
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Body Slam forces constant decisions from opponents
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Superpower surprises opponents and adds Fighting coverage
It’s like having a trick up your sleeve—just when they think they’ve got you figured out, you hit them with a stat-dropping haymaker.
Best Raid Moveset for Snorlax
In Raids, you want pure damage. You’re not as worried about shields—just hitting hard and fast.
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Fast Move: Lick
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Charge Move: Hyper Beam or Earthquake
Why:
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Lick still charges fast
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Hyper Beam gives raw damage output
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Earthquake offers useful Ground-type coverage
Use this if you’re facing Electric or Rock bosses and need something sturdy and reliable.
Snorlax as a Gym Defender
Now let’s talk about defense. If you want to leave a Pokémon behind at a Gym, Snorlax is one of the best choices—especially for casual players.
Why?
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Huge HP pool
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Few weaknesses
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Intimidating for attackers
Recommended defensive set:
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Fast Move: Zen Headbutt (slower but more damage on defense)
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Charge Move: Body Slam or Hyper Beam
Sure, Zen Headbutt isn’t great for PvP, but when used by AI in defense, it’s harder for human players to dodge or time.
Shadow Snorlax: Is It Worth Powering Up?
Ah yes, the shadow version. Shadow Snorlax trades its sturdy defenses for raw, unfiltered power—like a beast unleashed with nothing holding it back.
. Think of it like your regular Snorlax after a double espresso.
Is it worth using?
Yes—especially in PvP. It still has the same moves, but Superpower and Body Slam now hit way harder. Just be careful—Shadow Pokémon take more damage too.
Best Shadow Moveset:
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Fast Move: Lick
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Charge Moves: Body Slam + Superpower
Shadow Snorlax is often seen in the Ultra League for a reason. It puts opponents on the back foot fast.
Snorlax in Ultra League: Still a Meta Contender
In Ultra League battles, Snorlax stands as a rock-solid choice—reliable, resilient, and ready for almost anything thrown its way.
It counters Ghost-types, tanks damage, and lands solid blows.
Pros:
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Beats Giratina (Origin and Altered)
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Pressures Steel-types with Superpower
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Few hard counters
Cons:
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Struggles against Charmers and fast Fighters
Whether you send Snorlax in first or rely on it as a backup, it’s a trusted anchor that rarely lets you down.
Best Snorlax Moveset for Beginners
Just starting out in Pokémon GO? Don’t worry—you don’t need a maxed-out team to use Snorlax well.
Here’s the beginner-friendly combo:
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Fast Move: Lick
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Charge Move: Body Slam
This gives you fast energy, consistent output, and helps you learn PvP timing. It’s like training wheels, but still strong enough to win.
Tips to Maximize Snorlax Performance
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Avoid Fighting-types: Lucario, Machamp, and others can wipe the floor with Snorlax. Switch out if you see them.
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Use shields wisely: Body Slam charges fast, so baiting shields is easy.
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Watch for stat drops: Superpower lowers your stats—time it as a finisher or switch out after using it.
Also, don’t forget to check for IVs. A Snorlax with decent stats will perform way better over time.
Real-Life Analogy: Snorlax is a Tank with a Soft Touch
Imagine a sleepy grizzly bear in armor. That’s Snorlax. He might look slow, but once he wakes up, he’s hard to stop. He’ll take hit after hit, yawn, and then smash you with a surprise punch. That’s the beauty of using him right—he’s not flashy, but he wins wars of attrition.
FAQs
1. What is the best moveset for Snorlax in Pokémon GO?
The best all-around moveset is Lick as the Fast Move, with Body Slam and Superpower as Charge Moves. It balances speed, damage, and coverage.
2. Is Zen Headbutt a good move for Snorlax?
Not really. It’s slow and doesn’t generate much energy. It’s better on defense rather than offense.
3. Should I use Shadow Snorlax or regular Snorlax?
Shadow Snorlax delivers crushing blows and thrives in aggressive PvP strategies, making it a fierce contender when offense is your game.
Regular Snorlax has more durability, which is better for defense.
4. Can Snorlax beat Giratina in Ultra League?
Yes, Snorlax is one of the few Normal-types that can handle Giratina thanks to Lick and Body Slam.
5. Is Body Slam or Hyper Beam better for Snorlax?
Body Slam is better in PvP due to its speed and low energy cost. Hyper Beam is more useful in raids for raw damage.
Conclusion: Snorlax Isn’t Just a Wall—He’s a Weapon
Snorlax may look like he just wants to nap, but under the surface lies one of the most durable and flexible Pokémon out there. Whether you’re raiding, defending Gyms, or dominating GO Battle League, this Normal-type titan can do it all with the right moveset.
Choose Lick for speed, Body Slam for pressure, and Superpower for surprise. Mix and match based on the situation. Mastering Snorlax isn’t about being fancy—it’s about being smart and steady.
Now go let that big guy stretch, yawn, and roll into battle like the legend he is.
