Shadow Snorlax

Unlike its non-evil self, Shadow Snorlax actually does have limited utility in raids. Despite its lack of STAB, its Shadow Bonus can make it a viable TDO option where its attacks can deal Super Effective damage, such as Vs. Giratina's two formes. It won't set any speed records, but it is viable at least!

On defense, it's a mixed bag. Snorlax has one main claim to defensive fame, and that's wasting the attacker's time. But Shadow Snorlax sacrifices about 1/5 of its bulk for higher attack. While it may score an added KO in some cases, it's generally not worth the added cost. Still, probably best to not purify a good Shadow Snorlax just in case it has more utility later.

Best PvE Offensive Moveset

• Don't use Yawn* on Shadow Snorlax. Ever.
• In general, Lick is superior to Zen Heabutt when strengths/resistances aren't an issue
• Outrage, Super Power, Earthquake, and Heavy Slam can be used to make Shadow Snorlax into a budget attacker with any of their respective types, though Shadow Snorlax isn't great in these roles.
• Lick and Hyper Beam provide maximum neutral damage together
• Skull Bash is inferior to Hyper Beam, and Return is as well. They also don't offer Super Effective damage against any type.

Best PvE Defensive Moveset

• Don't use Yawn on Shadow Snorlax. Ever.

• Zen Headbutt has far better defensive DPS than Lick, and it hurts Fighting-types seeking to prey on Shadow Snorlax.

• Body Slam is tricky to dodge, as it comes with little warning and can happen in quick succession.

• Heavy Slam can have the tricky properties of Body Slam while dealing effective damage to select common attackers. It takes more energy to use, though.

• Superpower is easier to dodge, but its wide coverage can be very useful.

• Outrage can be very nice as dragons are very common gym attackers, but it's not hard to dodge.

• Earthquake is usable thanks to its wide coverage, but is too expensive, easy to dodge, and doesn't have a huge damage benefit over other option.

• Return is one of the hardest moves to dodge in the game, but its lower power makes it less effective on defense.

• Hyper Beam, if it hits, maims most attackers, but is very telegraphed and thus easy to dodge.

Lick is Snorlax's only real option with regards to its fast moves. Zen Headbutt is really bad.

Body Slam is pretty much a requirement in order to use Snorlax for PvP. Without it Snorlax is unable to pressure shields effectively, and has no real options to shield-bait. Your secondary charged move of choice is going to depend on the format. Superpower is at its most notable in formats heavy with Steel-types (hi, Master League), though the Fighting-type coverage is very often relevant. Earthquake is meaningfully slower, but it's a solid nuke where needed, and it helps solidify a strong matchup against Giratina (among other things). Outrage and Skull Bash are generally considered outclassed, though they have seen experimentation and can catch your opponents by surprise.

Due to the power creep in Open Master League in the form of legendary signature moves and high presence of Fighting-type Charged Attacks, Snorlax's prowess have diminished over the years. Snorlax performs best in Premier Cup, where the overall power level is lower, and its sheer stats and strong neutral play enables it to become a top threat there.