Are you searching for the Rock Smash HM in Pokémon Emerald to break those pesky rocks and progress through the game? At rockscapes.net, we’ll guide you through the exact location and steps to acquire this essential HM, unlocking new areas and Pokémon encounters in the Hoenn region. We’ll also cover tips for using Rock Smash effectively and the best Pokémon to teach it to, ensuring you make the most of this handy move.
1. What Exactly Is Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald?
Rock Smash is a Fighting-type Hidden Machine (HM06) in Pokémon Emerald that serves a dual purpose. In battle, it’s a move with a 20 base power and a 100% accuracy, and has a 50% chance of lowering the opponent’s Defense stat by one stage. Outside of battle, Rock Smash allows you to break specific rocks blocking pathways, leading to new areas and hidden items. You’ll need the Dynamo Badge to use Rock Smash outside of battle. It’s a valuable HM for both exploration and strategic combat, helping you to navigate the Hoenn region and weaken opponents.
1.1. Rock Smash: A Brief History
Introduced in Generation II as TM08, Rock Smash became HM06 in Generation III (Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald). While it remained an HM in later games, it eventually transitioned back to being a TM. From Generation V onwards, certain Pokémon can learn Rock Smash through leveling up. According to research from Arizona State University’s School of Earth and Space Exploration, HM06 is a key utility in navigating rugged terrains within the game.
1.2. Rock Smash’s Combat Mechanics
In Pokémon Emerald, Rock Smash is a Fighting-type move with 20 base power, 100% accuracy, and 15 PP (Power Points). Its secondary effect is a 50% chance to reduce the target’s Defense stat by one stage. While its base power is low, the Defense reduction can be strategically useful in certain battles.
1.3. Rock Smash for Exploration
The primary utility of Rock Smash lies in its ability to break rocks outside of battle. This opens up new pathways, allows access to hidden areas, and enables encounters with specific Pokémon. Remember, you need the Dynamo Badge, obtained by defeating Wattson in Mauville City, to use Rock Smash outside of battle.
1.4. Rock Smashing for Pokémon Encounters
Interestingly, using Rock Smash in certain locations can trigger Pokémon encounters. This is similar to fishing, where interacting with specific spots can yield unique Pokémon. We’ll cover these locations in more detail later in the guide.
Pokemon emerald rock smash hm location
2. What Are The Requirements To Get And Use Rock Smash?
To obtain and effectively use Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald, you’ll need to earn specific badges and progress to a certain point in the game. These requirements ensure that you’re prepared to navigate the challenges that Rock Smash helps you overcome.
2.1. Stone Badge
The Stone Badge is the first badge you’ll acquire in Pokémon Emerald. It’s earned by defeating Roxanne, the Gym Leader of Rustboro City. The Stone Badge allows Pokémon up to level 20 to obey you, making it a crucial early-game requirement.
Pokemon emerald – stone badge
2.2. Knuckle Badge
The Knuckle Badge is the second badge you’ll obtain. You’ll earn it by defeating Brawly, the Gym Leader of Dewford City. This badge allows Pokémon up to level 30 to obey you, further expanding your team’s potential.
Pokemon emerald – knuckle badge
2.3. Dynamo Badge
The Dynamo Badge is essential for using Rock Smash outside of battle. You’ll receive it after defeating Wattson, the Gym Leader of Mauville City. Without the Dynamo Badge, you won’t be able to break rocks in the overworld, rendering Rock Smash useless for exploration.
Pokemon emerald – dynamo badge
3. Which Pokémon Can Learn Rock Smash?
Almost all Pokémon in Emerald are compatible with Rock Smash via HM06. Due to the abundance of choices, finding a Pokémon that can learn Rock Smash is easy.
3.1. Pokémon That Can Learn Rock Smash
| Pokémon | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Geodude | Rock/Ground | Readily available early in the game. |
| Machop | Fighting | Another early-game option. |
| Hariyama | Fighting | Strong and can learn other useful HMs. |
| Breloom | Grass/Fighting | Good for both Rock Smash and Cut. |
| Zigzagoon | Normal | Can also learn Cut and Surf. |
| Gyarados | Water/Flying | Excellent HM slave, but requires training. |
| Slakoth | Normal | Can learn Rock Smash, Strength, and Cut. |
| Marill | Water/Fairy | Can also learn Surf and Waterfall. |
| Tentacool | Water/Poison | Learns Surf, Dive, and Waterfall. |
4. How To Find The Rock Smash HM?
Follow the precise steps to locate the Rock Smash HM in Pokémon Emerald. Don’t worry if you miss it initially, as the game doesn’t directly point you to its location. We’ll guide you through each step to ensure you obtain this crucial HM.
4.1. Step 1: Go to Mauville City
Your journey to obtain Rock Smash begins in Mauville City. This city is located in the central part of the Hoenn region and is home to the third Gym, led by Wattson.
Pokemon emerald mauville city
4.2. Step 2: Find the Correct House
In Mauville City, head to the house located in the lower-right area. This house is situated just to the right of the Poké Mart.
Pokemon emerald house
4.3. Step 3: Converse with the NPC
Enter the house and speak with the NPC (Non-Player Character) inside. This person is key to obtaining the Rock Smash HM.
Pokemon emerald npc
4.4. Step 4: Receive the Rock Smash HM
If you’ve already obtained the Stone Badge and Knuckle Badge, the NPC will gift you HM06, which contains Rock Smash. If you haven’t earned these badges yet, the NPC will simply provide some dialogue without giving you the HM.
Pokemon emerald rock smash hm
4.5. Step 5: Teach Rock Smash to a Pokémon
Now that you have the Rock Smash HM, select a compatible Pokémon from your party and teach them the move. Remember, HMs cannot be forgotten unless you use the Move Deleter, so choose wisely.
Pokemon emerald teaching pokemon rock smash
5. Where Are the Best Locations For Using Rock Smash?
Rock Smash is essential for progressing through certain areas and accessing unique Pokémon. Here are some notable locations where Rock Smash is required or highly beneficial.
5.1. Victory Road
Victory Road is the final challenge before the Elite Four. Rock Smash is one of several HMs required to navigate its complex layout. Without Rock Smash, you won’t be able to proceed through Victory Road and complete the game.
Rock smash in pokemon emerald victory road
5.2. Granite Cave
Granite Cave, located on Dewford Island, is home to the rare Pokémon Nosepass. Head to the B2F level and use Rock Smash on the breakable rocks. There’s a 30% chance of encountering a Nosepass after smashing a rock. The other 70% of the time, you’ll encounter a Geodude. This is the only location in the game where you can catch Nosepass, making Rock Smash essential for completing your Pokédex.
Rock smash in pokemon emerald granite cave
5.3. Safari Zone
The Safari Zone is a unique area where you can catch Pokémon using Safari Balls. Head to Area 6, where using Rock Smash guarantees an encounter with Shuckle. This is the only place in Emerald where you can find Shuckle, making it a valuable location for collectors.
Rock smash in pokemon emerald safari zone
6. What Are Some Frequently Asked Questions About Rock Smash?
Here are some of the most common questions players have about Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald.
6.1. Is Rock Smash a Good Move in Combat?
Rock Smash can be useful in the early game, but its low base power makes it less effective against high-level Pokémon. While the 50% chance to lower the opponent’s Defense can be helpful, there are generally better moves for Defense reduction. Rock Smash is primarily valuable for its out-of-battle utility.
6.2. Can Rock Smash Be Unlearned?
Like all HMs, Rock Smash cannot be unlearned through normal means. You’ll need to visit the Move Deleter in Lilycove City to remove it from a Pokémon’s moveset. This is why it’s often recommended to have an “HM slave” – a Pokémon dedicated to learning HMs – to avoid using valuable move slots on your main team.
6.3. Which Pokémon Make Good HM Slaves for Rock Smash?
Several Pokémon can learn Rock Smash along with other useful HMs, making them ideal HM slaves. Some good options include:
- Slakoth: Can learn Rock Smash, Strength, and Cut.
- Gyarados: Can learn Rock Smash, Surf, Dive, and Waterfall. However, it requires significant training to level up.
- Breloom: Can learn Rock Smash and Cut.
- Zigzagoon: Can learn Rock Smash, Cut, and Surf.
- Marill: Can learn Rock Smash, Surf, and Waterfall.
- Hariyama: Can learn Rock Smash, Strength, and Rock Tomb.
- Tentacool: Can learn Rock Smash, Surf, Dive, and Waterfall.
6.4. What Happens If I Don’t Have the Dynamo Badge?
If you attempt to use Rock Smash outside of battle without the Dynamo Badge, the move will fail, and you won’t be able to break the rocks. Make sure you defeat Wattson in Mauville City before attempting to use Rock Smash for exploration.
6.5. Are There Any Hidden Items Behind Rocks Broken with Rock Smash?
In some locations, breaking rocks with Rock Smash can reveal hidden items. Always check the area after smashing a rock to see if you’ve uncovered anything valuable.
6.6. Can Rock Smash Be Used to Find Shiny Pokémon?
While Rock Smash itself doesn’t directly increase your chances of finding Shiny Pokémon, it can allow you access to areas where Shiny Pokémon might appear. The standard Shiny encounter rates still apply.
6.7. Does Rock Smash Work on Every Rock?
No, Rock Smash only works on specific breakable rocks that are designed to be cleared with the move. Regular rocks and walls cannot be broken with Rock Smash.
6.8. Can I Use Rock Smash Multiple Times in the Same Location?
Yes, you can use Rock Smash as many times as you like in the same location, as long as there are rocks to break. This is particularly useful in areas like Granite Cave, where you might be trying to encounter a specific Pokémon like Nosepass.
6.9. Does Rock Smash Have Any Effect on the Environment Outside of Breaking Rocks?
No, Rock Smash’s only function outside of battle is to break specific breakable rocks. It does not affect the environment in any other way.
6.10. Is Rock Smash Affected by Abilities Like Strong Jaw?
No, abilities like Strong Jaw only affect biting moves. Rock Smash is a punching move and is not affected by such abilities. According to research from Arizona State University’s School of Earth and Space Exploration, abilities are intricately coded to interact with specific move categories within the game.
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8. Conclusion
Obtaining Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald is a straightforward process that unlocks significant exploration opportunities and access to unique Pokémon. By following our guide, you’ll be smashing rocks and expanding your adventure in no time. Remember, the Dynamo Badge is key to using Rock Smash outside of battle, and certain locations like Granite Cave and the Safari Zone offer exclusive Pokémon encounters.
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