How to wake Snorlax in Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow

Snorlax is undeniably one of the best Generation 1 Pokemon designs. With great base stats and a strong move pool, it makes for a fantastic team member for your party.

However, in Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow, Snorlax can be a bit of a roadblock – quite literally.

Two Snorlax block the routes leading to Fuchsia City, south of Lavender Town and west of Celadon City.

In the original Pokemon games, there aren’t many clues on how to progress, so it may not be clear that you need to complete a seemingly unrelated quest-line to wake up the sleeping giant.

You only have two chances to add Snorlax to your team, so it’s advisable to stock up on Pokeballs and save your game before challenging them to a battle. Here’s what you need to do!

How to wake Snorlax in Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow

Once you’ve reached Lavender Town through Rock Tunnel using Flash, head into the Pokemon Tower on your right.

Inside, you’ll encounter ghosts that are immune to your attacks. You must complete this quest-line to move Snorlax.

To identify and defeat the ghosts, first, go to Celadon City through the tunnel in the small house at the end of the route left from Lavender Town. Then, visit the Celadon City Game Corner and speak to the Team Rocket Grunt in front of the poster along the back wall.

Defeat him in battle to gain access to the secret Team Rocket hideout via a staircase on your right. Navigate through the dungeon to receive the Silph Scope at the end. Return to Pokemon Tower, battle the ghosts to the top, and foil Team Rocket’s plans once again.

At the summit, you’ll rescue Mr. Fuji, an elder from Lavender Town, and be taken to his house at the tower’s foot, where you’ll receive the Pokeflute. This item is essential for waking up Snorlax.

Position your character next to Snorlax and open your inventory. Select the Pokeflute from the item menu. Playing the Pokeflute next to Snorlax will wake it up and trigger a battle!

You can also use the Pokeflute to wake up your own Pokemon during battle if they’re put to sleep by hypnosis. It acts as a free, reusable awakening.

Snorlax is not only a strong Pokemon but can also learn Surf and Strength, making it a valuable addition to your team.