Pokémon Crystal
Pokémon Crystal

Move List and Technical Machines (TMs)

Master your Pokémon in Crystal. Learn all moves and understand the strategic use of Technical Machines (TMs) to dominate battles in Johto and Kanto.

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Move List and Technical Machines (TMs)

Welcome, aspiring Pokémon Master! This comprehensive guide will illuminate the world of moves and Technical Machines (TMs) in Pokémon Crystal. Understanding and strategically using TMs is crucial for customizing your Pokémon's movesets, covering weaknesses, and dominating battles throughout Johto and Kanto.

What are TMs?

Technical Machines (TMs) are single-use items that teach a specific move to a compatible Pokémon. Unlike HMs (Hidden Machines), which can be used infinitely, TMs disappear after one use. This makes careful consideration of which Pokémon learns which TM paramount. Always check a Pokémon's compatibility before using a valuable TM!

Acquiring TMs: Your Treasure Hunt Begins!

TMs are scattered across the regions, found as hidden items, rewards for defeating Gym Leaders, prizes in the Game Corner, or purchased from specific vendors. Here's a breakdown of common acquisition methods and some early-game examples:

Hidden TMs & Item Ball Locations

  • TM02 Headbutt: This fantastic Normal-type move can be found early! Head to Ilex Forest. After obtaining Cut, navigate through the forest. You'll find a man who will teach one of your Pokémon Headbutt for free. While not a traditional TM, it functions similarly and is indispensable for shaking trees to find rare Pokémon like Heracross.
  • TM05 Roar: Located in Tohjo Falls. After you've gained access to the area, explore thoroughly. It's often found near the waterfall itself. Roar is a great utility move for forcing out troublesome opponents.
  • TM08 Rock Smash: This HM-turned-TM is given to you by the man outside the Sudowoodo blocking Route 36. It's essential for clearing certain paths and can be a decent early-game Rock-type attack.
  • TM16 Icy Wind: Found in the Ice Path. This move is excellent for slowing down faster opponents. You'll need to navigate the ice puzzles to reach it.

Gym Leader Rewards

Defeating Gym Leaders isn't just about badges; they often reward you with powerful TMs that reflect their type specialty. Plan your team to take advantage of these!

  • Falkner (Violet City): Rewards TM31 Mud-Slap. A Ground-type move that lowers accuracy. Useful for early-game Flying-types.
  • Bugsy (Azalea Town): Rewards TM49 Fury Cutter. A Bug-type move that increases in power with consecutive hits.
  • Whitney (Goldenrod City): Rewards TM45 Attract. A Normal-type status move that infatuates Pokémon of the opposite gender. Incredibly useful for stalling and setting up.
  • Morty (Ecruteak City): Rewards TM30 Shadow Ball. A powerful Ghost-type special attack. A must-have for many special attackers.
  • Chuck (Cianwood City): Rewards TM01 DynamicPunch. A powerful Fighting-type move with 100% confusion chance, but low accuracy.
  • Jasmine (Olivine City): Rewards TM23 Iron Tail. A Steel-type physical attack with a chance to lower defense.
  • Pryce (Mahogany Town): Rewards TM16 Icy Wind. (Note: Can also be found in Ice Path, as mentioned above. This provides a second copy!)
  • Clair (Blackthorn City): Rewards TM24 DragonBreath. A Dragon-type special attack with a chance to paralyze.

Game Corner Prizes (Goldenrod City)

The Goldenrod Game Corner offers some fantastic TMs, but they require a significant investment of coins. Save up your money or get lucky at the slots!

  • TM14 Blizzard: (5500 Coins) A powerful Ice-type special attack.
  • TM25 Thunder: (5500 Coins) A powerful Electric-type special attack.
  • TM38 Fire Blast: (5500 Coins) A powerful Fire-type special attack.
  • TM32 Double Team: (1000 Coins) A Normal-type status move that raises evasion. Can be frustrating for opponents.
  • TM07 Zap Cannon: (5500 Coins) A powerful Electric-type move with 100% paralysis, but low accuracy.

Department Store Purchases (Goldenrod City)

The Goldenrod Department Store is your go-to for a rotating selection of TMs. Check back frequently as the stock changes!

  • 5F (TM Shop): Offers several TMs for purchase, including:
    • TM33 Ice Punch
    • TM34 Swagger
    • TM35 Sleep Talk
    • TM37 Sandstorm
    • TM40 Defense Curl
    • TM44 Rest
    • TM48 Fire Punch
    • TM50 Nightmare

    Strategy Tip: Prioritize moves that cover your team's weaknesses or enhance their primary attacking stats. Ice Punch and Fire Punch are excellent for Pokémon with high Attack stats that lack type coverage.

Key TMs for Strategic Play

While all TMs have their uses, some stand out as particularly valuable for competitive play or general progression:

  • TM26 Earthquake: A ground-breaking (pun intended!) Ground-type physical attack. Found in Victory Road. Essential for many physical attackers and devastating against Electric, Fire, Poison, Rock, and Steel types.
  • TM13 Snore: A Normal-type special attack that can only be used while asleep. Found in Dark Cave (requires Surf). Can be surprisingly effective on Pokémon that frequently use Rest.
  • TM15 Hyper Beam: A powerful Normal-type special attack, but requires a recharge turn. Found in the Celadon City Department Store (Kanto). Best used as a finisher.
  • TM17 Protect: A Normal-type status move that protects the user from all damage for one turn. Found in Celadon City Department Store (Kanto). Invaluable for scouting opponent moves or stalling.
  • TM28 Dig: A Ground-type physical attack that makes the user semi-invulnerable on the first turn. Found in National Park. Useful for escaping caves and as a decent attack.

Considerations for TM Use

  • Type Coverage: Use TMs to give your Pokémon moves that hit types they are weak against for super-effective damage. For example, teaching an Electric-type Pokémon a Ground-type move like Dig can help against opposing Ground-types.
  • Stat Alignment: Does your Pokémon have high Attack or Special Attack? Teach them TMs that align with their stronger offensive stat. A Pokémon with high Special Attack won't get much use out of a physical TM like Iron Tail.
  • Team Synergy: Consider how a TM might benefit your entire team. A Pokémon with Attract can set up another Pokémon for an easy sweep.
  • Future Plans: Remember TMs are one-time use. Think about which Pokémon will be a permanent fixture on your team before committing a rare or powerful TM.

By carefully managing your TMs and understanding their strategic value, you'll build a formidable team ready to conquer any challenge Pokémon Crystal throws your way!