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In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Snorlax blocks Route 12 and Route 16. These sleeping Pokémon serve two main purposes: they guide you to find a specific item needed to proceed and are the only Pokémon you can catch while asleep in the game. Until you obtain this critical item, you won’t be able to move past them and continue your journey to Fuchsia City.
Luckily, this is a simple detour. You just need to follow a specific path to get through. Here’s a clear guide on how to pass Snorlax in FRLG.
How To Get Past Snorlax
To clear the way of the two Snorlax blocking your path, you need to get the Poke Flute from Mr. Fuji in Lavender Town. Play this flute near Snorlax, and it will wake up. You can then either battle or catch it.
Note: You can’t meet Mr. Fuji immediately after arriving in Lavender Town. You first need to go through the Rock Tunnel east of Cerulean City.
In order to get the Poke Flute, you must complete part of the Pokémon Tower storyline, which requires obtaining the Silph Scope first. The Silph Scope is another key item that helps you see ghosts in Pokémon Tower and clear that section.
Clear The Rocket Hideout in Celadon City (Game Corner)
From Lavender Town, head west to Celadon City and go into the Game Corner. Inside, you’ll find a Team Rocket Grunt near a poster. Defeat him to interact with the poster, revealing a hidden switch that opens a secret passage into Team Rocket’s hideout. Progress through the hideout until you face Giovanni. Defeat Giovanni, and he will give you the Silph Scope, necessary to identify ghosts in Pokémon Tower.
Return To Pokémon Tower and Rescue Mr. Fuji
With the Silph Scope, head back to Lavender Town and re-enter Pokémon Tower. This time, use the scope to reveal that the ghost is actually a dead Marowak. Defeat the ghost and reach the top of the tower to rescue Mr. Fuji. Afterward, he returns to his house south of the tower. Visit him there, and he will reward you with the Poké Flute.
Waking Snorlax Up and Catching It
Once you have the Poké Flute, return to the sleeping Snorlax on Route 12 or Route 16. Stand in front of it, select to use the Poke Flute, and Snorlax will wake up and attack. After the battle, whether you catch it or not, Snorlax will no longer block your path, allowing you to move forward to Fuchsia City.
Tip: Save your game before battling each Snorlax. You only get two chances to encounter Snorlax in FireRed and LeafGreen. If you defeat both without catching them, they’re gone for good, and you’ll need to start a new game to try again.
How To Catch Snorlax
Bring plenty of Poke Balls—Great Balls or Ultra Balls are ideal—and consider leading with a Pokémon that can induce a status condition like paralysis, which makes catching easier (e.g., Pikachu or Raichu with Thunder Wave). Stronger status effects increase your chances of success.
Get Leftovers
After defeating or capturing each Snorlax, you can find Leftovers—the useful held item—by using the Item Finder nearby. Snorlax leaves these items behind, and Leftovers boost your Pokémon’s recovery each turn, making them a valuable addition to your team.
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