Snorlax Tanking Tier List: Best Bug-Type Counters in Shining Pearl
Snorlax's Bulk: A Shining Pearl Tanking Tier List - Bug Counter Focus
Snorlax is a classic Pokemon known for its incredible HP and decent Special Defense, making it a powerful tank in Pokemon Shining Pearl. However, even the most resilient Pokemon have weaknesses. This tier list will rank Bug-type Pokemon and moves based on their effectiveness against Snorlax in Shining Pearl, focusing on competitive viability and availability within the game.
Tier List Criteria
- S Tier (Excellent): Bug-types or moves that consistently threaten Snorlax and can reliably OHKO or 2HKO with proper setup and investment.
- A Tier (Good): Bug-types or moves that can deal significant damage to Snorlax and are generally viable options.
- B Tier (Situational): Bug-types or moves that can be useful in specific scenarios but are not consistently reliable against Snorlax.
- C Tier (Niche): Bug-types or moves that have limited effectiveness against Snorlax but might have niche uses.
- D Tier (Weak): Bug-types or moves that are generally ineffective against Snorlax.
Tier List
S Tier:
- Choice Band Technician Scizor (Bullet Punch): While not directly Bug-type, Scizor's Technician-boosted Bullet Punch bypasses Snorlax's high Special Defense, hitting its lower Defense stat with priority. A Choice Band set can even OHKO a Snorlax without max Defense investment after a Swords Dance. Not directly bug typed moves, but Scizor is the best bet.

A Tier:
- Heracross (Megahorn): Heracross boasts high Attack and access to Megahorn, a powerful Bug-type move. A well-trained Heracross can deal significant damage to Snorlax, especially with a Choice Band or Life Orb. Guts Ability helps with status conditions.

B Tier:
- Yanmega (Bug Buzz): Yanmega's Speed Boost ability and access to Bug Buzz make it a decent offensive threat. However, Snorlax's Special Defense can mitigate the damage, requiring multiple hits or stat drops to be truly effective. Limited availability until post game.

- Pinsir (X-Scissor): Pinsir has a high Attack stat and access to X-Scissor, a reliable Bug-type move. However, it is relatively slow and frail, making it vulnerable to Snorlax's attacks.

C Tier:
- Beautifly (Bug Buzz): Beautifly has Special Attack and learns Bug Buzz, but falls short on defenses and Speed. Relying on boosts to effectively damage Snorlax.
D Tier:
- Dustox: Low stats across the board make Dustox an ineffective counter to Snorlax.
- Kricketune: Completely outclassed by every other Pokemon on this list.
Strategy Considerations
- Status Conditions: Applying status conditions like Burn or Poison can chip away at Snorlax's HP, making it more vulnerable to Bug-type attacks.
- Stat Boosting: Utilizing moves like Swords Dance or Nasty Plot can significantly increase the damage output of Bug-type Pokemon.
- Coverage Moves: Having coverage moves like Fighting-type moves can help deal with other threats on the opposing team.
- Team Synergy: Building a team that supports Bug-type attackers with screens or speed control can improve their effectiveness.
Conclusion
While Bug-type Pokemon may not be the most common counter to Snorlax, certain strategies and specific Pokemon can be surprisingly effective. Scizor, Heracross, and Yanmega stand out as the best options in Shining Pearl. Keep in mind that proper training, move sets, and team synergy are crucial for success.
What are your favorite strategies for dealing with Snorlax in Shining Pearl?
