Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

Move Tutors and Move Deleter

Optimize your team in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl with Move Tutors and the Move Deleter. Teach new attacks or remove unwanted moves for battle.

·Multi-source verified (98/98)

Move Tutors and Move Deleter

As you journey through the Sinnoh region, you'll encounter various NPCs who can help your Pokémon learn new moves or forget old ones. These services are invaluable for optimizing your team's battle capabilities, especially for competitive play or simply to fine-tune your favorite Pokémon's moveset.

The Move Deleter

The Move Deleter is a crucial NPC who can make your Pokémon forget any move, including those learned via Hidden Machines (HMs). This is particularly useful as HMs often occupy valuable move slots but are required for overworld navigation. Once an HM move is forgotten, you can teach your Pokémon a more combat-oriented move.

  • Location: Canalave City.
  • Directions: Upon arriving in Canalave City, head to the house directly to the left of the Pokémon Center. Inside, you'll find an old man who is the Move Deleter.
  • Cost: This service is completely free!
  • Strategy: Don't hesitate to use the Move Deleter to remove HMs like Cut, Fly, Surf, Strength, Defog, Rock Smash, Waterfall, and Rock Climb once their overworld utility is no longer needed for a specific Pokémon. You can always re-teach them if necessary using the respective HM item.

Move Tutors

Unlike the Move Deleter, Move Tutors teach specific, powerful moves to your Pokémon, often in exchange for Battle Points (BP) or other items. These moves can be exclusive to tutors and offer unique strategic advantages.

Veilstone City Move Tutor (Elemental Punches)

This tutor specializes in teaching the elemental "punch" moves, which are excellent coverage options for many physical attackers.

  • Location: Veilstone City.
  • Directions: Find the house in the southwestern part of Veilstone City. Inside, you'll see a man who offers his services.
  • Moves Available:
    • Fire Punch: A powerful Fire-type physical attack.
    • Ice Punch: A powerful Ice-type physical attack.
    • ThunderPunch: A powerful Electric-type physical attack.
  • Cost: Each move costs 4 Red Shards, 2 Blue Shards, and 2 Green Shards.
  • Shard Farming Strategy:
    • Underground: The most reliable way to gather Shards is by mining in the Sinnoh Underground. Focus on sparkling spots on the touch screen.
    • Wild Pokémon: Certain wild Pokémon have a chance to hold Shards. For example, some Geodude and Graveler may hold Hard Stones, but Shards are primarily found underground.
    • Trainer Battles: While not a primary source, some trainers might reward you with items, though Shards are rare this way.

Pastoria City Move Tutor (Dragon Pulse)

This tutor teaches the potent special attack, Dragon Pulse, a valuable move for many Dragon-type Pokémon or those needing Dragon-type coverage.

  • Location: Pastoria City.
  • Directions: Locate the house in the northeastern section of Pastoria City. Speak to the man inside.
  • Move Available:
    • Dragon Pulse: A strong Dragon-type special attack.
  • Cost: 4 Blue Shards, 2 Red Shards, and 2 Green Shards.
  • Strategy: Consider teaching this to Pokémon like Garchomp (if you prefer a special set), Palkia, or Dialga to maximize their offensive potential.

Snowpoint City Move Tutor (Iron Head)

This tutor offers Iron Head, a Steel-type physical attack with a chance to flinch the opponent, making it a great utility and damage move.

  • Location: Snowpoint City.
  • Directions: Find the house in the southeastern part of Snowpoint City. The man inside will offer his services.
  • Move Available:
    • Iron Head: A powerful Steel-type physical attack with a 30% chance to make the target flinch.
  • Cost: 4 Green Shards, 2 Red Shards, and 2 Blue Shards.
  • Strategy: Excellent for Pokémon like Metagross, Empoleon, or Lucario who can benefit from a strong Steel-type STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) or coverage move.

Survival Area Move Tutor (Various)

The Survival Area hosts a tutor who teaches a wide array of powerful moves, often requiring Battle Points (BP) earned at the Battle Frontier (post-game content).

  • Location: Survival Area (Battle Zone).
  • Directions: After defeating the Elite Four and gaining access to the Battle Zone, travel to the Survival Area. The Move Tutor is located in a house near the entrance to Route 226.
  • Cost: Battle Points (BP), earned by competing in the Battle Tower.
  • Strategy: This tutor offers some of the most competitively viable moves in the game. Prioritize earning BP in the Battle Tower to access these powerful options. Some notable moves include:
    • Outrage: A devastating Dragon-type physical attack that locks the user into the move for 2-3 turns and then confuses them.
    • Superpower: A powerful Fighting-type physical attack that lowers the user's Attack and Defense stats after use.
    • Drill Run: A high critical-hit ratio Ground-type physical attack.
    • Seed Bomb: A reliable Grass-type physical attack.
    • Heat Wave: A strong Fire-type special attack that can hit multiple opponents in double battles.
    • Dark Pulse: A powerful Dark-type special attack with a chance to flinch.
    • And many more! Consult a comprehensive list for all available moves and their BP costs to plan your team's ultimate movesets.