Mastering Snowpoint Gym: Sneaky Strategies To Cheese Your Way To Victory

how to cheese snowpoint gym

Cheesing Snowpoint Gym in Pokémon games, particularly in *Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum*, involves exploiting strategies to bypass or trivialize the challenges posed by Gym Leader Candice and her Ice-type Pokémon. Players often focus on using type advantages, such as Fighting, Fire, Rock, or Steel-type moves, to quickly defeat her team. Additionally, leveling up a Pokémon with strong offensive moves or using status effects like burns or paralysis can make the battle significantly easier. Another common tactic is to bring a Pokémon with high speed and a super effective move to take out Candice’s ace, Abomasnow, before it can use its powerful Grass and Ice-type attacks. By carefully planning your team and moveset, you can cheese Snowpoint Gym and secure the Glacier Badge with minimal effort.

Characteristics Values
Gym Leader Candice (Specializes in Ice-type Pokémon)
Weakness Fire, Fighting, Rock, Steel-type moves
Cheese Strategy Use Pokémon with Fire-type moves to exploit Ice-type weaknesses
Recommended Pokémon Rapidash, Flareon, Magmar, or any Pokémon with strong Fire-type attacks
Key Move Fire Blast, Flamethrower, or any powerful Fire-type move
Gym Puzzle Navigate icy paths; avoid sliding into walls or trainers
Puzzle Bypass Use a Pokémon with the ability "Rock Head" or "Sturdy" to avoid recoil damage from sliding
Trainer Avoidance Move quickly and strategically to avoid unnecessary battles
Candice's Team Snover, Sneasel, and Abomasnow (weak to Fire, Fighting, and other types)
Reward Glacier Badge and TM27 (Ice Beam)
Difficulty Moderate, but easily cheesed with proper type advantage
Additional Tips Bring healing items and ensure your Pokémon are at a high enough level (around 35-40)

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Exploit Glaceon's Weakness: Use Fire or Fighting types to quickly defeat Glaceon in the gym battle

Glaceon, the elegant Ice-type Eevee evolution, is a formidable opponent in the Snowpoint Gym, but its weaknesses provide a clear path to victory. Ice types like Glaceon are vulnerable to Fire and Fighting moves, making these your go-to choices for a swift and efficient battle. By strategically selecting Pokémon with these types or moves, you can exploit Glaceon’s natural weaknesses and turn the tide in your favor.

Step 1: Choose Your Fire or Fighting Types Wisely

Opt for Pokémon like Rapidash, Magmar, or Flareon for Fire-type attacks, or consider Machamp, Lucario, or Heracross for Fighting moves. Ensure these Pokémon are at least level 35–40 to outmatch Glaceon’s stats. If you lack fully evolved Pokémon, even mid-stage evolutions like Monferno or Primeape can deal significant damage. Prioritize moves like Flamethrower, Fire Blast, or Close Combat for maximum effectiveness.

Step 2: Leverage Type Matchups and Move Power

Fire and Fighting moves deal super-effective damage to Ice types, doubling their impact. For instance, a Flamethrower from a well-trained Rapidash can reduce Glaceon’s HP by over 50% in one hit. Similarly, a Close Combat from Machamp can be devastating, though beware of its recoil. Pair these moves with STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) for even greater damage output.

Caution: Watch for Glaceon’s Moveset

Glaceon often relies on Ice-type moves like Ice Beam or Blizzard, which can be powerful but lack diversity. However, some trainers pair Glaceon with coverage moves like Shadow Ball or Quick Attack. If Glaceon uses a move like Shadow Ball, switch to a Dark or Ghost-type Pokémon to absorb the damage. Otherwise, focus on outspeeding Glaceon with faster Fire or Fighting types to minimize its turns.

By exploiting Glaceon’s weaknesses with Fire or Fighting types, you can minimize the battle’s duration and conserve resources. This strategy not only ensures victory but also saves time and effort, allowing you to focus on the Gym Leader’s other Pokémon. Remember to heal between battles if necessary, and always scout Glaceon’s moveset if possible to avoid surprises. With the right team composition and move selection, Snowpoint Gym’s Glaceon becomes a manageable challenge rather than a daunting obstacle.

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Abuse Stealth Rock: Lead with a Pokémon that sets up Stealth Rock to wear down opponents

Stealth Rock is a game-changer in Pokémon battles, especially when cheesing gyms like Snowpoint. By leading with a Pokémon that sets up this entry hazard, you immediately put pressure on your opponent. The strategy is simple yet effective: as soon as the battle starts, your Pokémon lays down Stealth Rock, which damages opposing Pokémon every time they switch in. This wear-and-tear effect accumulates over time, chipping away at your opponent’s team health without requiring direct attacks. It’s a passive yet relentless tactic that forces your opponent to play defensively from the outset.

To execute this strategy effectively, choose a Pokémon with high speed and access to Stealth Rock, such as a Scarfed variant or one with a naturally high speed stat. For instance, a Pokémon like *Jellicent* or *Skarmory* can set up Stealth Rock while also providing additional utility through moves like Will-O-Wisp or Whirlwind. The key is to ensure your Stealth Rock setter survives the first turn, as its primary role is to establish this hazard before being replaced by a stronger sweeper. Pairing this lead with a team that excels in wearing down opponents, such as those with status moves or residual damage, amplifies the strategy’s effectiveness.

One common mistake trainers make is underestimating the impact of Stealth Rock on specific Pokémon types. Rock-type damage affects Flying, Fire, Ice, and Bug types particularly harshly, making it a devastating tool against gyms like Snowpoint, which often feature Ice-type Pokémon. For example, if your opponent leads with a Pokémon like *Weavile* or *Froslass*, Stealth Rock will immediately reduce their health, giving you an early advantage. However, be cautious of Pokémon with Levitate or those immune to entry hazards, as they can nullify this strategy.

To maximize the cheese factor, combine Stealth Rock with other entry hazards like Spikes or Toxic Spikes, if your team composition allows it. This creates a layered defense that punishes every switch-in, making it nearly impossible for your opponent to gain momentum. Additionally, consider using a Pokémon with a hazard removal move like *Defog* on your opponent’s side to deny them the same advantage. This dual approach ensures you control the battlefield while systematically dismantling your opponent’s team.

In conclusion, abusing Stealth Rock as a lead strategy is a powerful way to cheese gyms like Snowpoint. It’s a low-risk, high-reward tactic that forces your opponent into a defensive position from the start. By selecting the right Pokémon, understanding type matchups, and combining hazards strategically, you can turn this single move into a decisive advantage. Just remember: the goal isn’t just to set up Stealth Rock but to use it as a foundation for a comprehensive, wear-down strategy that leaves your opponent with no room to recover.

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Freeze with Hail: Use Hail to halve the opponent’s HP gradually, making battles easier

In the frigid confines of Snowpoint Gym, where every step feels like a battle against the elements, trainers often seek unconventional strategies to gain the upper hand. One such tactic involves leveraging the weather condition Hail to systematically weaken opponents. Hail, a move that summons a harsh, icy storm, deals continuous damage to all non-Ice-type Pokémon, chipping away at their health over time. By strategically employing Hail, trainers can halve their opponents’ HP gradually, turning what would be grueling battles into manageable encounters.

To execute this strategy effectively, start by equipping a Pokémon with the ability Snow Warning, such as Snover or Abomasnow. When this Pokémon enters the battle, Hail is automatically triggered, lasting for five turns or until manually stopped. Pair this with a team composition that minimizes Hail’s drawbacks—Ice-type Pokémon are immune to its damage, while others can be protected with moves like Safeguard or by holding a Safety Goggles item. Focus on wearing down the opponent’s team with Hail’s steady 16.7% damage per turn, forcing them to waste turns healing or switching Pokémon.

A critical aspect of this approach is timing. Activate Hail early in the battle to maximize its duration, but avoid using it prematurely if the opponent has a countermeasure like a Fire-type move or a Pokémon with the ability Magic Guard. Combine Hail with status conditions like Freeze or Sleep to further neutralize threats while the storm does its work. For example, a Pokémon with Hail and a move like Ice Beam can freeze opponents, rendering them unable to act while Hail continues to chip away at their HP.

While Hail is a powerful tool, it’s not without risks. Prolonged exposure can harm your own non-Ice-type Pokémon, so ensure your team is either immune or well-prepared to withstand the damage. Additionally, Hail’s gradual effect means it’s less effective against opponents with high HP or recovery moves. To counter this, supplement Hail with direct attacks or entry hazards like Spikes to accelerate the wear-down process. With careful planning, Hail becomes a silent but relentless ally in Snowpoint Gym, turning the icy battlefield into a strategic advantage.

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Spam Ice Shard: Equip a fast Pokémon with Ice Shard to outspeed and KO foes

In the frigid confines of Snowpoint Gym, where icy terrains and hailstorms reign supreme, speed is your greatest ally. Equipping a fast Pokémon with Ice Shard transforms them into a relentless blizzard, outpacing and dismantling opponents before they can retaliate. This strategy hinges on exploiting Ice Shard’s priority, a move that strikes first regardless of Speed tiers, provided the user isn’t outsped by other priority moves. Pair this with a Pokémon boasting high base Speed, such as Weavile (125 base Speed) or Mamoswine (80 base Speed with a Scarf), and you’ve got a recipe for dominance. The key is to maximize Speed through Nature (Jolly), EVs (252 Speed), and held items like Choice Scarf or Life Orb, ensuring your Pokémon strikes first and hits hard.

Consider the matchup dynamics. Ice Shard’s 40 base power may seem modest, but its priority and type coverage make it devastating against common Snowpoint threats like Abomasnow or Glalie. For instance, a Jolly Weavile with Ice Shard and a Choice Scarf can outspeed and OHKO Abomasnow under hail, provided it’s not running max HP investment. Similarly, a Scarf Mamoswine can outpace and KO Glalie with Ice Shard, even without a super effective hit. The move’s reliability lies in its ability to bypass slower foes, making it a tactical nuke in a gym where Speed is often underestimated.

However, this strategy isn’t without pitfalls. Over-reliance on Ice Shard can leave you vulnerable to Pokémon with higher priority moves, such as Mach Punch or Aqua Jet. Additionally, foes with Sturdy or Focus Sash can survive the hit, potentially turning the tide against you. To mitigate this, diversify your team’s movepool. Pair your Ice Shard user with a Pokémon capable of handling priority threats, like a Ground-type to counter Mach Punch users. Alternatively, carry a Pokémon with Follow Me or Rage Powder to redirect attacks, ensuring your Ice Shard user remains unscathed.

Practical implementation requires meticulous planning. Start by scouting the gym’s lineup. If the leader relies on slower, bulkier Pokémon, Ice Shard becomes your trump card. For example, against a team featuring Froslass (110 base Speed) or Walrein (70 base Speed), a Scarf Weavile with Ice Shard can sweep through their team with ease. Conversely, if the leader favors faster Pokémon like Jynx (95 base Speed), consider pivoting to a different strategy or boosting your Pokémon’s Speed further with Tailwind support. The goal is to create a Speed gap so wide that Ice Shard becomes an unstoppable force.

In conclusion, spamming Ice Shard on a fast Pokémon is a high-reward strategy for cheesing Snowpoint Gym, but it demands precision and adaptability. By maximizing Speed, understanding matchup nuances, and preparing for counterplay, you can turn this move into a game-winning tool. Remember, in the icy arena of Snowpoint, speed isn’t just an advantage—it’s survival.

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Exploit Low Levels: Overlevel your team to overpower the gym’s low-level Pokémon easily

In the frigid confines of Snowpoint Gym, where ice-type Pokémon reign supreme, a strategic approach can melt away the competition. One of the most effective methods to dominate this gym is to exploit the low levels of the Pokémon within. By overleveling your team, you create a power disparity that makes battles against Snowpoint’s trainers feel like a walk through freshly fallen snow. This tactic hinges on the principle of overwhelming strength, turning what could be a challenging gym into a manageable, even trivial, encounter.

To execute this strategy, focus on leveling your Pokémon well above the gym’s average level range, typically around 25-30. Aim to have at least two team members at level 35 or higher, with one powerhouse reaching level 40. This ensures that your Pokémon’s stats and movesets far exceed those of the gym trainers. For instance, a level 40 Luxray with Crunch and Wild Charge can decimate Candice’s level 30 Abomasnow with ease. Prioritize leveling through efficient methods like chaining Pokémon in the Grand Underground or battling trainers in Victory Road, where experience yields are higher.

However, overleveling isn’t just about brute force—it’s about smart type matchups and move selection. Even with a level advantage, ice-type Pokémon can still pose a threat if you’re unprepared. Equip your team with super-effective moves like Flamethrower or Focus Blast to counter Candice’s ice and ground types. Additionally, ensure your Pokémon have diverse coverage to handle any surprises. A well-rounded team with fire, fighting, or steel types will ensure you’re not caught off guard by Abomasnow’s Grass-type moves or Weavile’s dark-type attacks.

While overleveling is a reliable strategy, it’s not without its cautions. Over-relying on this method can diminish the challenge and satisfaction of the game. If you’re seeking a balanced experience, consider capping your team’s levels closer to the gym’s range but still slightly higher, around 32-34. This maintains a sense of accomplishment while still giving you an edge. Additionally, avoid neglecting your team’s move diversity—even overleveled Pokémon can struggle if their movesets are poorly optimized.

In conclusion, exploiting the low levels of Snowpoint Gym’s Pokémon through strategic overleveling is a proven method to streamline your victory. By focusing on efficient leveling, type advantages, and move selection, you can turn a potentially daunting gym into a showcase of your team’s dominance. Just remember to balance power with strategy, ensuring your victory feels earned rather than effortless. With this approach, Snowpoint Gym will be just another milestone on your journey to becoming the Champion.

Frequently asked questions

The most common strategy is to use a Pokémon with Stealth Rock and a strong Ice-type move, such as Weavile or Mamoswine, to quickly wear down the Gym Leader’s team.

A Pokémon with high Speed and Ice-type moves, like Glaceon or Froslass, works well. Alternatively, a Fire-type like Rapidash or Magmar can exploit the Gym’s Ice-type weaknesses.

Focus on a single Pokémon with strong Ice or Fire-type moves and ensure it’s faster than the Gym Leader’s Pokémon. Using status moves like Thunder Wave or Toxic can also help even the odds.

In BDSP, using a Pokémon with Stealth Rock and Ice Beam, such as Glacia’s Glalie, can quickly cripple the Gym Leader’s team. Additionally, a Fire-type with Flamethrower or Fire Blast is highly effective.

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