Pokemon Black and White
Pokemon Black and White

Move Sets and TMs/HMs

Pokemon Black and White guide to Move Sets and TMs/HMs helps trainers acquire items and build effective movesets for success in the Unova region.

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Move Sets and TMs/HMs

Mastering your Pokémon's move sets and strategically using Technical Machines (TMs) and Hidden Machines (HMs) is paramount to success in the Unova region. This section will guide you through acquiring essential TMs and HMs, and offer advice on building effective move sets for your team.

Understanding TMs and HMs

  • Technical Machines (TMs): These items teach a Pokémon a specific move. Unlike previous generations, TMs in Black and White can be used an infinite number of times, making them incredibly valuable. Don't hesitate to experiment!
  • Hidden Machines (HMs): HMs are special moves required to progress through the game world, allowing you to overcome obstacles like cutting down trees or surfing across water. They can also be used in battle. While HMs are also reusable, remember that once taught, an HM move can only be forgotten by visiting the Move Deleter in Icirrus City.

Essential HMs and Where to Find Them

Prioritize collecting these HMs as they unlock new areas and are crucial for navigation:

  • HM01 Cut:
    • Location: Castelia City. After defeating Burgh at the Castelia Gym, head to the building directly to the left of the Gym. Speak to the scientist on the second floor, and he will give you HM01 Cut.
    • Usage: Clears small trees blocking paths, such as those found on Route 3 or in Pinwheel Forest. Also a decent Grass-type physical attack early on.
  • HM02 Fly:
    • Location: Driftveil City. After defeating Clay at the Driftveil Gym, speak to the woman standing near the entrance to the Cold Storage. She will reward you with HM02 Fly.
    • Usage: Allows you to instantly travel to any previously visited Pokémon Center. In battle, it's a two-turn Flying-type attack.
  • HM03 Surf:
    • Location: Twist Mountain. After defeating Brycen at the Icirrus Gym, head to Twist Mountain. You'll find Alder near the entrance, and he will give you HM03 Surf.
    • Usage: Essential for crossing bodies of water, opening up vast new areas like Route 17 and Route 18. A powerful Water-type special attack in battle.
  • HM04 Strength:
    • Location: Nimbasa City. After defeating Elesa at the Nimbasa Gym, head to the house directly north of the Ferris Wheel. Speak to the man inside, and he will give you HM04 Strength.
    • Usage: Moves large boulders blocking paths, often found in caves like Chargestone Cave or Victory Road. A reliable Normal-type physical attack.
  • HM05 Waterfall:
    • Location: Route 18. After obtaining HM03 Surf, surf south from Route 17 to reach Route 18. You'll find HM05 Waterfall on the ground in a Poké Ball.
    • Usage: Allows you to climb waterfalls, necessary for reaching certain areas like the top of Victory Road. A strong Water-type physical attack.
  • HM06 Dive:
    • Location: Undella Town. After defeating Drayden/Iris at the Opelucid Gym, speak to the girl in the house near the beach in Undella Town. She will give you HM06 Dive.
    • Usage: Allows you to dive underwater in specific dark patches of water, revealing hidden areas and items. A two-turn Water-type special attack in battle.

Key TMs to Look Out For

While all TMs are useful, some are particularly impactful for many Pokémon. Keep an eye out for these:

  • TM01 Hone Claws:
    • Location: Pinwheel Forest (from a trainer after defeating Burgh).
    • Strategy: Boosts Attack and Accuracy, excellent for physical attackers with slightly inaccurate moves.
  • TM04 Calm Mind:
    • Location: Mistralton City (from a trainer in the Pokémon Center).
    • Strategy: Boosts Special Attack and Special Defense, ideal for special attackers or defensive Pokémon.
  • TM10 Hidden Power:
    • Location: Mistralton City (from a woman in the Pokémon Center).
    • Strategy: The type and power vary based on the Pokémon's IVs. Can provide crucial type coverage for a diverse team.
  • TM17 Protect:
    • Location: Nimbasa City (from a trainer in the Battle Institute).
    • Strategy: Allows a Pokémon to avoid all damage for one turn. Invaluable for scouting opponent moves or stalling.
  • TM24 Thunderbolt:
    • Location: Nimbasa City (from a trainer in the Battle Institute).
    • Strategy: A powerful Electric-type special attack. Essential for many special attackers.
  • TM26 Earthquake:
    • Location: Relic Castle (deep inside, requires Strength).
    • Strategy: One of the strongest Ground-type physical attacks. A must-have for many physical attackers.
  • TM29 Psychic:
    • Location: Lacunosa Town (from a trainer in a house).
    • Strategy: A potent Psychic-type special attack. Great for many special attackers.
  • TM35 Flamethrower:
    • Location: Dragonspiral Tower (top floor).
    • Strategy: A reliable Fire-type special attack. Essential for many special attackers.
  • TM52 Focus Blast:
    • Location: Icirrus City (from a trainer in a house).
    • Strategy: A powerful Fighting-type special attack, despite its lower accuracy.
  • TM53 Energy Ball:
    • Location: Route 12 (in a hidden area accessible via Surf).
    • Strategy: A strong Grass-type special attack.

Building Effective Move Sets

When deciding on moves for your Pokémon, consider the following:

  1. STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus): Always include at least one move that matches your Pokémon's type. These moves receive a 1.5x power boost. For dual-type Pokémon, aim for one move of each type if possible.
  2. Type Coverage: Ensure your Pokémon has moves that can hit several types super effectively. For example, a Fire-type Pokémon might benefit from a Fighting-type move to cover Rock and Water types.
  3. Physical vs. Special: Pay attention to your Pokémon's base stats. If it has high Attack, prioritize physical moves. If it has high Special Attack, go for special moves. Don't mix them unless there's a specific strategy (e.g., a Pokémon with a strong physical attack and a special move for coverage).
  4. Status Moves: Don't underestimate the power of status-inflicting moves like Thunder Wave (paralysis), Will-O-Wisp (burn), or Sleep Powder (sleep). They can turn the tide of battle.
  5. Stat-Boosting Moves: Moves like Swords Dance, Nasty Plot, Dragon Dance, Calm Mind, or Bulk Up can significantly increase your Pokémon's offensive or defensive capabilities.
  6. Utility Moves: Consider moves like Recover, Roost, or Slack Off for healing, or Rapid Spin to clear hazards.
  7. HM Slaves: It's often beneficial to dedicate one or two Pokémon in your party (or even in your PC) to solely carry HM moves that aren't useful in battle, freeing up valuable move slots for your main team. Bidoof or Bibarel (from previous generations, but similar early-game Normal/Water types exist in Unova) are classic examples. In Unova, Pokémon like Watchog or Basculin can serve as decent HM users.

Experiment with different combinations and see what works best for your playstyle and team composition. The infinite use of TMs in Black and White makes this process much more forgiving!