The Munchlax Pokémon is one of the few ones to display the playful aspect of the series. Little, round and constantly worrying about its next meal. It was added in Generation 4 as the baby version of the iconic Snorlax, and was one of the most difficult-to-spot Pokémon in Sinnoh games. This guide will give you all the details you need to know about the Munchlax Pokemon, including Munchlax stats and evolution, shiny Munchlax and Munchlax origins.

What is the name of this Pokemon?

The Munchlax Pokémon, also known as a baby Pokémon, is #446 in the National Pokédex, and a small, normal-type Pokémon. It belongs to the Big Eater Pokémon and has the capacity to eat a lot of food, which is fitting for its large size. The height is about 0.6 metres and the weight is about 105 kg, this is quite heavy for its dimensions. Has a teal coloured body, a cream coloured patch on the chest which resembles a bib, a round head and large pointy ears. From the Pokédex it is written that it eats virtually without chewing food in, and forgets food hiding in its fur. Munchlax was also the first Pokémon to be publicized that was a Generation 4 Pokémon back in May 2004.

Origin of the Munchlax Pokémon

Munchlax Pokémon is a tale about something. There was no baby form for Snorlax in the first generation, so Munchlax was introduced in the fourth generation. It is called Gonbe in Japanese. The English name apparently is a blend of "munch" and “lax” referring to its constant eating and its laid-back personality, which parallels that of Snorlax. It retains Snorlax's sleepy charm, but is smaller and cuter. This is a good example of the way that the series provides new stages to old favourites, such as the Munchlax Pokémon.

Evolution: How Munchlax Becomes Snorlax

When the Munchlax Pokémon gets to level 100, it evolves into Snorlax if friendship is high enough. It is not a special stone or trade. To promote friendship, leave it in your party, fight with it, walk with it, and utilize items that enhance joy. Don't let it faint too much, as that decreases friendship. If you have a high friendship, then you only need to make one level-up. There's a reason for this evolution, however: Snorlax is a lot stronger and a lot of players raise a Munchlax intentionally.

Base Stats

The Munchlax Pokémon has a total base stat of 390 which is distributed in an unusual manner:

• HP: 135

• Attack: 85

• Defense: 40

• Special Attack: 40

• Special Defense: 85

• Speed: 5 

These numbers have a definite pattern. The HP of Munchlax Pokémon is very high, Attack and Special Defense are well-rounded, and Speed and Defense are very low. In battle it will be the final move. Only susceptible to Fighting-type attacks.

Abilities

The Munchlax Pokémon can be a Pokémon with one of three abilities. It may aid in picking up items following battle. Thick Fat will boost the power of Fire & Ice attack. It's secret power is Gluttony which makes it eat held Berries earlier, which can be a bonus. Of these, Thick Fat is useful in battles, and Pickup will be useful in idle play.

Where to Find the Munchlax Pokémon

It is known in Diamond, Pearl and Platinum and very rarely in Honey trees. For this reason it's still a fond memory for many Sinnoh players who had to wait for one. It will be easier to meet in later games. It will appear on Route 1 in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and at Sword and Shield at Motostoke Riverbank. When located, they are easily caught with a catch rate of 50. In other games, they have to be obtained through breeding Snorlax.

Shiny Munchlax Pokémon

A Munchlax Pokémon with a shiny appearance will take on a different colour scheme to the normal teal coloured appearance. Patience is required in the hunt for it as it is not common, and will depend on game. Later in the games, many collectors will opt for the Honey tree in Sinnoh or breed. Shiny Munchlax can be a valuable find, since it is already a rare occurrence in the early games. Make notes of your failures as shiny hunting takes a long time. 

Tips for Trainers

Put a Pokémon with HP and Special Defense up moves in the Munchlax slot.Place a Pokémon in the Munchlax Spot with HP and Special Defense up moves. Its slow, make sure that your team is organised as they will be weak, the others will have to cover for them. If it's a quick track evolution, pursue friendship first. It is much easier to assemble a team if you know the base stats, evolutions, moves and location of the Pokémon and skwovet has pokédex-style entries for Generations 1-4. With a bit of prep the Munchla Pokémon will be much more useful.  

Conclusion  

As much as the Munchlax Pokémon is sleepy, it has a place in the series. It introduces baby Snorlax which is a welcome addition to the Sinnoh series, and a nice design which also aids bulking up. It's a good Pokémon to know if you want to evolve it, or just enjoy its story. Just before heading out on the next quest, you should check out this skwovet for information on the Generation 1-4 guides and Pokédex information.