Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon Emerald

HM Locations & Usage

Find all HM locations and best usage strategies in Pokemon Emerald. Learn how to utilize HMs like Surf and Strength to navigate the Hoenn region.

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HM Locations & Usage

Hidden Machines (HMs) are invaluable tools in your journey through the Hoenn region, allowing you to overcome environmental obstacles and access new areas. Unlike Technical Machines (TMs), HMs can be used repeatedly and cannot be forgotten by a Pokémon without the help of the Move Deleter in Lilycove City. It's wise to dedicate a "HM slave" Pokémon to carry multiple HMs, freeing up move slots for your main battle team.

HM01: Cut

  • Location: Rustboro City. After defeating Roxanne at the Rustboro Gym, head to the house directly to the left of the Pokémon Center. Speak to the man inside, and he will give you HM01 Cut.
  • Usage: Cut allows you to clear small trees blocking paths. You'll need the Stone Badge (from Rustboro Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Strategy: Essential for progressing through areas like Petalburg Woods and accessing certain hidden items. Many Grass-type Pokémon, or even your starter Treecko/Grovyle/Sceptile, can learn Cut.

HM02: Fly

  • Location: Route 119. You'll receive this HM from May/Brendan after defeating them in a rival battle on Route 119, just before Fortree City. This encounter occurs after you've dealt with Team Aqua/Magma at the Weather Institute.
  • Usage: Fly allows you to instantly travel to any previously visited town or city. You'll need the Feather Badge (from Fortree Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Strategy: A massive time-saver for backtracking and efficient travel. Flying-type Pokémon are the obvious choice for this HM. Swellow, Pelipper, or even Tropius make excellent Fly users.

HM03: Surf

  • Location: Petalburg City. After defeating your father, Norman, at the Petalburg Gym, head to Wally's house (the one next to the Gym). Speak to Wally's father, and he will give you HM03 Surf.
  • Usage: Surf allows you to cross bodies of water. You'll need the Balance Badge (from Petalburg Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Strategy: Absolutely crucial for exploring the vast aquatic routes of Hoenn. Water-type Pokémon like Marill, Tentacool, or even your starter Mudkip/Marshtomp/Swampert are ideal candidates.

HM04: Strength

  • Location: Rusturf Tunnel. After you've helped the old man and his Machop clear the path in Rusturf Tunnel (connecting Rustboro City and Verdanturf Town), proceed through the tunnel. You'll find HM04 Strength on the ground near the exit to Verdanturf Town.
  • Usage: Strength allows you to push large boulders that block paths. You'll need the Dynamo Badge (from Mauville Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Strategy: Opens up many optional areas and shortcuts, particularly in caves. Fighting-type Pokémon or strong Normal-types are good choices. Machoke, Hariyama, or even Slaking can learn Strength.

HM05: Flash

  • Location: Granite Cave. After delivering the Letter to Steven in Granite Cave (near Dewford Town), speak to the Hiker on the second floor. He will give you HM05 Flash.
  • Usage: Flash illuminates dark caves, making navigation much easier. You'll need the Knuckle Badge (from Dewford Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Strategy: While not strictly required to navigate dark caves, Flash makes the experience significantly less frustrating. Many Electric-type or Psychic-type Pokémon can learn Flash. Abra or Electrike are common choices.

HM06: Rock Smash

  • Location: Mauville City. Speak to the man standing near the Pokémon Center in Mauville City. He will give you HM06 Rock Smash.
  • Usage: Rock Smash allows you to break small, cracked rocks blocking paths. You'll need the Dynamo Badge (from Mauville Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Strategy: Often used in conjunction with Strength. Many Fighting-type Pokémon are good for Rock Smash. Geodude or Makuhita are common early-game options.

HM07: Waterfall

  • Location: Cave of Origin. After the events at Sootopolis City involving Kyogre/Groudon, speak to Wallace (the Gym Leader of Sootopolis) inside the Cave of Origin. He will give you HM07 Waterfall.
  • Usage: Waterfall allows you to climb up waterfalls. You'll need the Rain Badge (from Sootopolis Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Strategy: Essential for reaching the Pokémon League and certain hidden areas. Any strong Water-type Pokémon that can also learn Surf is a good candidate, like Swampert or Wailord.

HM08: Dive

  • Location: Mossdeep City. After defeating Tate and Liza at the Mossdeep Gym, speak to Steven Stone in his house (the one with the large telescope). He will give you HM08 Dive.
  • Usage: Dive allows you to submerge underwater in specific dark patches of water, revealing new paths and hidden areas. You'll need the Mind Badge (from Mossdeep Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Strategy: Crucial for progressing the main story after Mossdeep and for exploring the underwater routes. Many Water-type Pokémon can learn Dive. Wailmer/Wailord are excellent choices due to their high HP and access to Surf as well.