Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen: All HM Locations Guide
Hey guys! If you're diving into the awesome world of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, you know that catching 'em all isn't just about having a stellar team—it's also about exploring every nook and cranny of the Kanto region. And to do that, you're gonna need HMs, or Hidden Moves! These aren't your run-of-the-mill TMs; HMs are essential moves that your Pokémon can learn and use both in and out of battle. Think of them as the keys to unlocking new areas, overcoming obstacles, and truly becoming a Pokémon master. In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, there are 7 crucial HMs: HM01 Cut, HM02 Fly, HM03 Surf, HM04 Strength, HM05 Flash, HM06 Rock Smash, and HM07 Waterfall. Each one opens up new possibilities and is vital for completing your Pokédex and conquering the Elite Four. So, if you're ready to embark on this HM-hunting adventure, buckle up! This guide will walk you through exactly where to find each HM, ensuring you don't miss a single one. Let's get started and make sure you're fully equipped to explore every hidden corner of the Pokémon world!
HM01 Cut
Let's kick things off with HM01 Cut, a move that's not just handy in battle but also crucial for slicing through those pesky small trees that block your path. You'll find this HM early in your adventure, making it one of the first essential tools you'll acquire. To get your hands on Cut, you'll need to head to the S.S. Anne in Vermilion City. This isn't just a random stop; it's a bustling cruise ship teeming with trainers to battle and secrets to uncover. Before you can even board the S.S. Anne, you'll need to obtain the S.S. Ticket. Don't worry, it's not too difficult to snag. Head north of Cerulean City and make your way through Nugget Bridge, battling the trainers along the way. Eventually, you'll encounter a Team Rocket member who's feeling generous (or perhaps just desperate) and will gift you the S.S. Ticket. Once you've got your ticket, make your way to Vermilion City and present it at the gate to board the S.S. Anne. Now, here's where the fun really begins. The ship is packed with trainers eager to test their Pokémon against yours, so be prepared for some battles! Explore the various cabins and levels of the ship, taking on trainers and collecting items as you go. Your main goal is to find the captain, who's feeling a bit seasick in his cabin. Navigate through the ship, battling trainers and solving the minor puzzles to reach the captain's quarters. Once you find him and give him a soothing back rub (yes, really!), he'll be so grateful that he'll reward you with HM01 Cut. With Cut in your possession, you can now teach it to a compatible Pokémon (like a Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle evolution) and start slicing through those small trees that have been holding you back. This opens up new areas to explore, items to collect, and, of course, more Pokémon to catch. Cut is not only essential for progressing through the game but also for accessing certain areas that are home to rare Pokémon and valuable items. So, make sure you grab this HM as soon as you can and put it to good use!
HM02 Fly
Next up, let's talk about HM02 Fly, arguably one of the most convenient HMs in the game. Imagine being able to soar through the skies and instantly travel to any town you've previously visited—sounds amazing, right? Fly makes that dream a reality! To get your hands on this incredible HM, you'll need to venture to Celadon City, a bustling metropolis known for its department store and Game Corner. Your destination within Celadon City is a bit hidden, though. You're looking for a secret hideout located in the western part of town, tucked away behind a building. This hideout is the Team Rocket Hideout, and infiltrating it is key to obtaining Fly. Before you can even think about getting Fly, you'll need to have defeated the Team Rocket Grunts at the Celadon City Game Corner. This involves a bit of detective work and battling, but once you've cleared them out, you'll gain access to the Team Rocket Hideout's elevator. The Team Rocket Hideout is a multi-level dungeon filled with puzzles, traps, and, of course, plenty of Team Rocket members eager to battle. Make your way through the hideout, battling grunts and solving puzzles as you descend deeper into their lair. The hideout can be a bit maze-like, so be sure to explore thoroughly and pick up any items you find along the way. Your ultimate goal is to reach the bottom floor, where you'll face off against the Team Rocket Boss, Giovanni. This is a challenging battle, so make sure your team is well-prepared with a variety of Pokémon types and moves. Once you've defeated Giovanni, he'll disband the Team Rocket members in Celadon City, and you'll be able to progress further in your quest. After defeating Giovanni, head back up to the fourth floor of the hideout. In a small room, you'll find a woman who will reward you with HM02 Fly for your efforts in dismantling Team Rocket's operations in Celadon City. With Fly in your possession, you can now teach it to a Flying-type Pokémon (like Pidgey, Spearow, or their evolutions) and use it to fast-travel between towns you've already visited. This is a game-changer for exploration and makes backtracking a breeze. Fly not only saves you time but also opens up new strategies for battling and training, allowing you to quickly access different areas to level up your team or hunt for specific Pokémon. So, make sure you grab Fly as soon as you can and take to the skies!
HM03 Surf
Alright, let's dive into HM03 Surf, a move that's not just about battling—it's your ticket to exploring the vast oceans and waterways of the Kanto region. Surf allows you to traverse water routes, opening up access to new islands, hidden areas, and, of course, a plethora of Water-type Pokémon. To acquire this essential HM, you'll need to head to Fuchsia City, a location known for its Safari Zone and the Poison-type Gym Leader, Koga. However, the HM isn't located directly in the city itself; you'll need to make a slight detour to the Safari Zone. The Safari Zone is a unique area where you can catch Pokémon using Safari Balls in a timed environment. It's a bit of a departure from the usual Pokémon catching mechanics, but it's also home to some rare and powerful Pokémon. Enter the Safari Zone and begin your exploration. The area is divided into different sections, each with its own set of Pokémon and items. You'll need to navigate through these sections, searching for a specific building where you'll find the HM. Make your way to the Secret House within the Safari Zone. This house is located in one of the later areas of the zone, so you'll need to explore thoroughly to find it. The Safari Zone can be a bit of a maze, but with patience and a keen eye, you'll eventually stumble upon the Secret House. Inside the Secret House, you'll find an old man who will reward you with HM03 Surf for reaching this secluded location. He recognizes your adventurous spirit and entrusts you with this valuable HM. With Surf in hand, you can now teach it to a Water-type Pokémon (like Squirtle, Staryu, or their evolutions) and set out to explore the seas. Surf not only allows you to cross bodies of water but also opens up access to new islands and hidden areas that are inaccessible by any other means. This includes the Seafoam Islands, where you can find Articuno, and various other locations teeming with rare Pokémon and valuable items. Surf is essential for completing your Pokédex and uncovering all the secrets of the Kanto region. So, grab this HM, hit the waves, and get ready for some aquatic adventures!
HM04 Strength
Now, let's get strong with HM04 Strength! This move is perfect for those massive boulders blocking your path, both in and out of battle. It's like having a super-powered friend who can move mountains—or at least big rocks—for you. To obtain this HM, you'll need to make your way to Fuchsia City, which we visited earlier for Surf. However, this time, you're not heading to the Safari Zone. Instead, you'll be focusing on a building located near the city's entrance. Your destination is a house located just east of the Pokémon Center in Fuchsia City. Inside, you'll find the warden of the Safari Zone, who's a bit preoccupied with a dental dilemma. The warden is feeling under the weather because he's lost his Gold Teeth. These aren't just any teeth; they're essential for his comfort and well-being. To help him out (and get Strength in the process), you'll need to venture into the Safari Zone once again. Head back to the Safari Zone and re-enter the hunt. This time, your goal isn't to reach the Secret House but to find the Gold Teeth hidden somewhere within the zone. The Gold Teeth are located in the central area of the Safari Zone, so focus your search there. You'll need to explore thoroughly, checking every nook and cranny, as the item can be easily missed. Once you've found the Gold Teeth, make your way back to the warden's house in Fuchsia City. Talk to the warden and return his Gold Teeth. He'll be overjoyed and incredibly grateful for your help. As a token of his appreciation, he'll reward you with HM04 Strength. With Strength in your possession, you can now teach it to a Pokémon with strong muscles (like a Machop, Geodude, or their evolutions) and start moving those boulders. This opens up new pathways, allows you to access hidden caves, and unveils areas previously inaccessible. Strength is crucial for progressing through the game, as it unlocks several key locations and items. It's also essential for completing certain puzzles and navigating dungeons. So, grab Strength, flex those muscles, and get ready to move some serious rocks!
HM05 Flash
Time to shed some light on HM05 Flash! This handy move illuminates dark caves, making exploration much easier and preventing you from stumbling around in the shadows. If you've ever felt the frustration of navigating a dimly lit cave, Flash is your best friend. To acquire Flash, you'll need to head to Vermilion City, a bustling port town known for its Electric-type Gym Leader, Lt. Surge, and the S.S. Anne. However, Flash isn't located in the city itself; you'll need to take a slight detour to the east. Your destination is Route 2, specifically a building located just north of the entrance to Mt. Moon. This building is the entrance to the Rock Tunnel, a dark and winding cave that connects Route 10 and Route 8. Before you can even think about venturing into the Rock Tunnel, you'll need Flash to light the way. Enter the building and talk to Professor Oak's aide. He's a friendly character who's always eager to help aspiring trainers. He'll ask if you've caught at least 10 different species of Pokémon. If you've been diligently catching Pokémon along your journey, you should easily meet this requirement. If you've caught 10 or more different Pokémon, the aide will congratulate you on your progress and reward you with HM05 Flash. He recognizes your dedication to becoming a Pokémon master and entrusts you with this essential HM. With Flash in hand, you can now teach it to a Pokémon (many Pokémon can learn Flash, including Pikachu, Meowth, and their evolutions) and enter the Rock Tunnel with confidence. The Rock Tunnel is a challenging cave filled with trainers and Pokémon, and without Flash, it's incredibly difficult to navigate. The cave is dark and maze-like, and wild Pokémon encounters are frequent. Flash illuminates the cave, making it much easier to see your surroundings and avoid dead ends. Flash is not only essential for navigating the Rock Tunnel but also for exploring other dark caves and areas throughout the Kanto region. It ensures you don't miss any hidden items or Pokémon and allows you to progress through the game smoothly. So, grab Flash, light up the darkness, and explore the depths with ease!
HM06 Rock Smash
Let's break through some barriers with HM06 Rock Smash! This move is perfect for shattering those pesky cracked rocks that block your path, opening up new areas and hidden treasures. It's like having a demolition crew in your pocket, ready to clear the way at a moment's notice. To acquire Rock Smash, you'll need to venture to the Sevii Islands, a series of islands south of the Kanto mainland that become accessible after you've progressed through the main storyline. The Sevii Islands are a post-game area filled with new challenges, Pokémon, and adventures. Your destination is Knot Island (One Island), the first island you'll visit in the Sevii Islands chain. This island is home to a bustling port town and a variety of attractions. Upon arriving at Knot Island, make your way to the Pokémon Center. This is a good place to heal your Pokémon and stock up on supplies before embarking on your quest for Rock Smash. From the Pokémon Center, head east towards the beach. You'll notice a man standing near the entrance to a cave. This is the person who will give you Rock Smash. Talk to the man, and he'll explain that he's trying to clear the entrance to the cave but needs some assistance. He'll ask if you're willing to help him out. Of course, you'll say yes! To prove your worth, he'll ask you to complete a small task. He wants you to deliver a package to a friend who lives on a different island. This friend is located on Two Island, the second island in the Sevii Islands chain. Accept the package delivery quest and set sail for Two Island. Once you arrive at Two Island, head to the Joyful Game Corner, a local arcade where you can play games and win prizes. Inside the Game Corner, you'll find the man you're looking for. Talk to him and deliver the package. He'll be grateful for your help and will reward you for your efforts. After delivering the package, return to the man on Knot Island. He'll be pleased to hear that you successfully completed the task and will reward you with HM06 Rock Smash. With Rock Smash in your possession, you can now teach it to a strong Pokémon (like a Geodude, Machop, or their evolutions) and start shattering those cracked rocks. This opens up new areas to explore on the Sevii Islands and beyond, revealing hidden items, caves, and Pokémon. Rock Smash is not only essential for exploration but also for accessing certain areas that are key to completing post-game quests and challenges. So, grab Rock Smash, smash those rocks, and uncover the secrets of the Sevii Islands!
HM07 Waterfall
Last but definitely not least, let's conquer HM07 Waterfall! This move allows you to ascend waterfalls, unlocking access to higher elevations and hidden areas that were previously inaccessible. It's the key to reaching some of the most secluded and rewarding locations in the game. To acquire Waterfall, you'll need to continue your journey through the Sevii Islands. You may recall we obtained Rock Smash in the Sevii Islands. If you haven't ventured here yet, you'll need to progress through the main storyline until you can access the islands. Your destination this time is Four Island, another island in the Sevii Islands chain. You'll need to have completed a few tasks on Knot Island (One Island) and Two Island before you can access Four Island. Upon arriving at Four Island, make your way to the Icefall Cave. This is a chilly and challenging cave filled with ice-type Pokémon and slippery floors. The Icefall Cave is a multi-level dungeon, and you'll need to navigate through its icy tunnels and chambers to reach your goal. The cave is known for its puzzles involving ice and sliding, so be prepared for some brain-teasing challenges. Make your way through the Icefall Cave, battling trainers and solving puzzles as you go. Your ultimate goal is to reach the upper levels of the cave, where you'll find the HM. As you ascend higher in the Icefall Cave, you'll eventually encounter a Team Rocket Grunt who's causing trouble. He's blocking the path to the HM, so you'll need to challenge him to a battle. Defeat the Team Rocket Grunt, and he'll scurry away, leaving the path clear for you. Continue further into the cave, and you'll find HM07 Waterfall sitting on the ground. Congratulations, you've successfully obtained the final HM! With Waterfall in your possession, you can now teach it to a Water-type Pokémon (like a Gyarados, Lapras, or their evolutions) and start scaling waterfalls. This opens up access to new areas on the Sevii Islands and in the Kanto region, including hidden caves, islands, and locations where you can find rare Pokémon and valuable items. Waterfall is essential for completing post-game quests and challenges, as it unlocks access to some of the most difficult and rewarding areas in the game. So, grab Waterfall, climb those waterfalls, and conquer the highest peaks in the Pokémon world!
Conclusion
And there you have it, trainers! You've successfully located all 7 HMs in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. With Cut, Fly, Surf, Strength, Flash, Rock Smash, and Waterfall in your arsenal, you're now fully equipped to explore every corner of the Kanto region and the Sevii Islands. These HMs not only allow you to overcome obstacles and access new areas but also open up a whole new world of possibilities for your Pokémon journey. You can now catch more Pokémon, uncover hidden items, and conquer challenges that were previously out of reach. Remember, each HM has its own unique uses both in and out of battle. Cut can slice through small trees, Fly allows you to fast-travel between towns, Surf lets you cross bodies of water, Strength moves boulders, Flash illuminates dark caves, Rock Smash shatters cracked rocks, and Waterfall allows you to ascend waterfalls. Mastering the use of these HMs is key to becoming a true Pokémon master. So, go out there, explore, and make the most of your newfound abilities. Whether you're aiming to complete your Pokédex, conquer the Elite Four, or simply discover every secret the game has to offer, these HMs will be your trusty companions along the way. Happy exploring, and may your journey be filled with adventure and excitement! Catch 'em all, guys! Good luck, and have fun exploring the Pokémon world! With these HMs, no place is out of reach.
