Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire

HM Locations & Usage

Locate and strategically use Hidden Machines (HMs) in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Traverse the Hoenn region and overcome obstacles with these special moves.

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HM Locations & Usage

Hidden Machines (HMs) are invaluable tools in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, allowing you to traverse the Hoenn region and overcome environmental obstacles. Unlike Technical Machines (TMs), HMs can be used repeatedly and cannot be forgotten by a Pokémon unless you visit the Move Deleter in Lilycove City. It's crucial to teach these moves to your Pokémon strategically, as they often occupy valuable move slots. Remember, you'll need the appropriate Gym Badge to use each HM outside of battle.

HM01: Cut

  • Location: Rustboro City
  • How to Get It: After defeating Roxanne, the Gym Leader of Rustboro City, head to the house directly to the west of the Pokémon Center. Speak to the man inside, and he will give you HM01 Cut.
  • Usage: Cut allows you to clear small trees that block paths. You'll need the Stone Badge (from Rustboro Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Key Areas: Petalburg Woods (to access a hidden area), Rustboro City (to reach the back of the Gym), Route 116 (to find certain items).
  • Recommended Pokémon: Any Pokémon with a decent Attack stat that you don't mind having Cut on. Grass-types often learn it naturally, but many Normal-types can also learn it.

HM02: Fly

  • Location: Route 119
  • How to Get It: Progress through the story until you reach Route 119. You'll need to navigate through tall grass and use the Acro Bike to cross certain ledges. Eventually, you'll encounter May/Brendan, who will give you HM02 Fly after a battle.
  • Usage: Fly allows you to instantly travel to any Pokémon Center you've previously visited. You'll need the Feather Badge (from Fortree Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Key Areas: Essential for fast travel across the entire Hoenn region.
  • Recommended Pokémon: A Flying-type Pokémon is ideal, as Fly is a powerful STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) move for them. Swellow, Pelipper, or Tropius are good candidates.

HM03: Surf

  • Location: Petalburg City
  • How to Get It: After defeating your father, Norman, at the Petalburg Gym, return to his house. Wally's father will be there and will give you HM03 Surf as a token of gratitude.
  • Usage: Surf allows you to travel across bodies of water. You'll need the Balance Badge (from Petalburg Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Key Areas: Crucial for reaching numerous islands, new routes, and hidden areas, including the Abandoned Ship, Pacifidlog Town, and the Sky Pillar.
  • Recommended Pokémon: A Water-type Pokémon is a must-have for Surf. Swampert, Pelipper, or Sharpedo are excellent choices.

HM04: Strength

  • Location: Rusturf Tunnel
  • How to Get It: After helping the old man in Rusturf Tunnel retrieve his Peeko, he will give you HM04 Strength. You'll need to use Rock Smash to clear the path first.
  • Usage: Strength allows you to push large boulders that block paths. You'll need the Knuckle Badge (from Dewford Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Key Areas: Victory Road, Granite Cave (to access deeper levels), various caves and dungeons.
  • Recommended Pokémon: A strong Normal-type or Fighting-type Pokémon is a good choice. Machoke, Hariyama, or even a powerful Normal-type like Slaking can learn it.

HM05: Flash

  • Location: Granite Cave
  • How to Get It: Inside Granite Cave, on the first basement floor (B1F), you'll find a Hiker. Speak to him, and he will give you HM05 Flash.
  • Usage: Flash illuminates dark caves, making it easier to navigate and see wild Pokémon. You'll need the Stone Badge (from Rustboro Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Key Areas: Granite Cave, Victory Road, Shoal Cave.
  • Recommended Pokémon: Any Pokémon that can learn Flash will do, as its battle utility is minimal. Many Electric-types or even some Normal-types can learn it. Keep a "Flash slave" in your party for convenience.

HM06: Rock Smash

  • Location: Mauville City
  • How to Get It: 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 that block paths or hide items. You'll need the Dynamo Badge (from Mauville Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Key Areas: Rusturf Tunnel, Jagged Pass, various routes and caves.
  • Recommended Pokémon: A Fighting-type Pokémon is ideal, as Rock Smash is a Fighting-type move. Makuhita/Hariyama or Breloom are good options.

HM07: Waterfall

  • Location: Cave of Origin (Sootopolis City)
  • How to Get It: After dealing with the events at the Cave of Origin in Sootopolis City, Wallace will give you HM07 Waterfall as a reward for your efforts.
  • Usage: Waterfall allows you to climb up waterfalls. You'll need the Rain Badge (from Sootopolis Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Key Areas: Victory Road, various routes to access hidden areas.
  • Recommended Pokémon: A Water-type Pokémon is the best choice, as Waterfall is a powerful Water-type move. Swampert, Wailord, or Kyogre (if playing Sapphire) are excellent candidates.

HM08: Dive

  • Location: Mossdeep City
  • How to Get It: After defeating Tate & Liza at the Mossdeep Gym, Steven Stone will give you HM08 Dive at his house in Mossdeep City.
  • Usage: Dive allows you to submerge underwater in specific dark patches of water, revealing new areas. You'll need the Mind Badge (from Mossdeep Gym) to use it outside of battle.
  • Key Areas: Route 124, Route 126, Seafloor Cavern, and various other underwater passages.
  • Recommended Pokémon: A Water-type Pokémon is essential for Dive. Wailord, Tentacruel, or Relicanth are good choices.