Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald is a crucial HM (Hidden Machine) that allows you to break rocks both in and outside of battle, and Rockscapes.net is here to guide you on how to obtain it and use it effectively. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Rock Smash, including its location, the necessary badges, and the Pokémon that can learn it, ensuring you can navigate the Hoenn region with ease. Discover the best ways to integrate this move into your gameplay and unlock hidden areas with Rockscapes.net.
1. What Is Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald?
Rock Smash is a Fighting-type HM (HM06) in Pokémon Emerald that serves a dual purpose: it’s a move used in battle, and it’s an essential tool for navigating the overworld. In combat, Rock Smash has a 50% chance to lower the opponent’s Defense stat by one stage. Outside of battle, it allows you to break certain rocks that obstruct your path, opening up new areas and secrets. This makes it invaluable for exploration and completing the game.
The move itself has a base power of 20, 100% accuracy, and 15 PP (Power Points). While it’s not the strongest Fighting-type move, its utility outside of battle is what makes it a must-have. Once you obtain the Dynamo Badge, you can use Rock Smash to clear obstacles and access new locations. According to Bulbapedia, HM06 Rock Smash is essential for progressing through certain areas, such as Victory Road.
1.1. The Importance of Rock Smash
Rock Smash is more than just a move; it’s a key to unlocking hidden content in Pokémon Emerald. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Navigating the Overworld: Many areas in the game are blocked by breakable rocks, and Rock Smash is the only way to clear them.
- Accessing Rare Pokémon: Some Pokémon, like Nosepass and Shuckle, can only be encountered by using Rock Smash on specific rocks.
- Progressing Through the Story: In areas like Victory Road, Rock Smash is required to advance and eventually challenge the Elite Four.
For players aiming to complete their Pokédex or explore every corner of the Hoenn region, Rock Smash is indispensable.
1.2. Rock Smash in Combat
While Rock Smash is primarily known for its overworld utility, it can also be used in battle. Here’s a breakdown of its combat properties:
- Type: Fighting
- Base Power: 20
- Accuracy: 100%
- PP (Power Points): 15
- Effect: 50% chance to lower the target’s Defense by one stage
Given its low base power, Rock Smash is generally not a preferred move for competitive battling. However, its ability to potentially lower the opponent’s Defense can make it useful in certain situations, particularly early in the game when stronger moves are not yet available.
1.3. Rock Smash in Other Pokémon Games
Rock Smash has appeared in multiple generations of Pokémon games, each with slight variations in its properties and acquisition method.
- Generation II: Introduced as a TM (Technical Machine) rather than an HM.
- Generation III: Became an HM, including in Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald.
- Later Generations: Rock Smash has alternated between being an HM and a TM, and in some games, it can be learned through natural leveling by certain Pokémon.
Despite these changes, its core function—breaking rocks and opening new paths—has remained consistent.
2. What You Need Before You Can Get and Use Rock Smash
Before you can obtain and use Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald, you need to meet a few prerequisites. These include earning specific badges and defeating certain Gym Leaders. Here’s a detailed look at what you need:
2.1. Stone Badge
Pokemon emerald – stone badge
The Stone Badge is the first badge you’ll earn in Pokémon Emerald. You obtain it by defeating Roxanne, the Gym Leader of Rustboro City. Roxanne specializes in Rock-type Pokémon, so you’ll want to bring along Pokémon with strong Water, Grass, or Fighting-type moves to exploit her team’s weaknesses.
- Gym Leader: Roxanne
- Location: Rustboro City Gym
- Pokémon Types: Rock
- Recommended Pokémon Types: Water, Grass, Fighting
Defeating Roxanne not only earns you the Stone Badge but also increases the Attack stat of your Pokémon. This badge is a stepping stone to obtaining Rock Smash and progressing further in the game.
2.2. Knuckle Badge
Pokemon emerald – knuckle badge
The Knuckle Badge is the second badge you’ll acquire in Pokémon Emerald. You earn it by defeating Brawly, the Gym Leader of Dewford Town. Brawly specializes in Fighting-type Pokémon, so you’ll need Pokémon with Flying or Psychic-type moves to gain an advantage.
- Gym Leader: Brawly
- Location: Dewford Town Gym
- Pokémon Types: Fighting
- Recommended Pokémon Types: Flying, Psychic
Earning the Knuckle Badge enhances your Pokémon’s Speed stat and allows them to use the HM Flash outside of battle. This badge is another essential requirement for obtaining Rock Smash.
2.3. Dynamo Badge
Pokemon emerald – dynamo badge
The Dynamo Badge is the third badge required to use Rock Smash outside of battle in Pokémon Emerald. You obtain it by defeating Wattson, the Gym Leader of Mauville City. Wattson specializes in Electric-type Pokémon, so you’ll want to bring Ground-type Pokémon to exploit his team’s weaknesses.
- Gym Leader: Wattson
- Location: Mauville City Gym
- Pokémon Types: Electric
- Recommended Pokémon Types: Ground
Defeating Wattson earns you the Dynamo Badge, which allows you to use Rock Smash outside of battle. This is crucial for opening up new areas and accessing hidden content in the game.
3. Pokémon That Can Learn Rock Smash
In Pokémon Emerald, almost all Pokémon are capable of learning Rock Smash via HM06. This makes it a versatile move that can be taught to a wide variety of Pokémon, ensuring you always have someone on your team who can break rocks.
3.1. Versatility of Rock Smash Learners
The ability for almost any Pokémon to learn Rock Smash means you don’t have to rely on a specific species to perform this essential task. This flexibility allows you to choose a Pokémon that fits well with your team composition and strategy.
3.2. Strategic Choices for Rock Smash
While many Pokémon can learn Rock Smash, some are better suited for the role due to their other abilities and stats. Here are a few strategic choices:
- Fighting-Type Pokémon: Pokémon like Machop and Makuhita are natural choices, as they benefit from the Fighting-type move’s STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus).
- Pokémon with High Attack: Pokémon with high Attack stats, such as Hariyama, can make better use of Rock Smash in battle.
- HM Slaves: Pokémon that can learn multiple HMs, such as Zigzagoon, can serve as “HM slaves,” freeing up your main team members from having to learn these utility moves.
3.3. Considerations for Choosing a Rock Smash Learner
When deciding which Pokémon to teach Rock Smash, consider the following:
- Team Composition: Choose a Pokémon that complements your team’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Move Compatibility: Select a Pokémon that can learn other useful moves in addition to Rock Smash.
- Availability: Choose a Pokémon that is readily available early in the game.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select the best Pokémon to learn Rock Smash and enhance your overall gameplay experience.
4. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald
Obtaining Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald involves a straightforward process. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you find it:
4.1. Step 1: Head to Mauville City
Pokemon emerald mauville city
Your journey to acquire Rock Smash begins in Mauville City. This city is located roughly in the center of the Hoenn region and is home to the third Gym, led by Wattson.
To reach Mauville City, you may need to travel through several routes and towns, battling trainers and wild Pokémon along the way. Make sure your team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
4.2. Step 2: Head to This House
Pokemon emerald house
In Mauville City, locate the house on the lower right side, directly to the right of the Poké Mart. This is where you’ll find the NPC who will give you the Rock Smash HM.
The house is easily identifiable, and it shouldn’t take long to find once you’re in the correct area of the city.
4.3. Step 3: Talk to This NPC
Pokemon emerald npc
Enter the house and speak to the NPC (Non-Player Character) inside. This person will offer you the Rock Smash HM, but only if you meet the necessary requirements.
The NPC is usually standing near the center of the room, making him easy to spot.
4.4. Step 4: He’ll Give You the Rock Smash HM
Pokemon emerald rock smash hm
If you have the Stone Badge and the Knuckle Badge, the NPC will give 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.
Make sure you have defeated Roxanne in Rustboro City and Brawly in Dewford Town before attempting to obtain Rock Smash.
4.5. Step 5: Teach a Pokémon Rock Smash
Pokemon emerald teaching pokemon rock smash
Once you have HM06, select a Pokémon in your party and teach it Rock Smash. Remember, almost any Pokémon can learn this move, so choose one that fits well with your team.
To teach a Pokémon Rock Smash, navigate to your Bag, select HM06, and choose the Pokémon you want to learn the move.
5. Important and Great Locations for Using Rock Smash
After obtaining Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald, you’ll find numerous locations where it’s essential for exploration and accessing hidden areas. Here are some of the most important and rewarding places to use Rock Smash:
5.1. Victory Road
Rock smash in pokemon emerald victory road
Victory Road is the final challenge before reaching the Elite Four. Rock Smash is one of several HMs required to navigate through this complex cave system. Without Rock Smash, you won’t be able to progress and ultimately challenge the Pokémon League.
- Importance: Required to progress through the game
- Challenges: Navigating a maze-like cave, battling strong trainers
- Rewards: Access to the Elite Four and the Champion
Victory Road is a true test of your skills as a Pokémon trainer, and Rock Smash is a key tool for overcoming its obstacles.
5.2. Granite Cave
Rock smash in pokemon emerald granite cave
Granite Cave, located on Dewford Island, is home to various Rock-type Pokémon and a unique encounter: Nosepass. By using Rock Smash on the rocks in B2F of Granite Cave, you have a 30% chance of encountering Nosepass.
- Location: Dewford Island
- Specific Area: B2F
- Encounter Rate: 30% for Nosepass
- Alternative Encounter: 70% for Geodude
This is the only location in Pokémon Emerald where you can catch Nosepass, making Rock Smash essential for completing your Pokédex.
5.3. Safari Zone
Rock smash in pokemon emerald safari zone
The Safari Zone is a special area where you can catch Pokémon using Safari Balls. In Area 6 of the Safari Zone, using Rock Smash on the rocks guarantees an encounter with Shuckle.
- Location: Safari Zone
- Specific Area: Area 6
- Encounter Rate: 100% for Shuckle
- Note: This is the only place to encounter Shuckle in Emerald
Shuckle is a rare and unique Pokémon known for its incredibly high Defense and Special Defense stats. This makes Rock Smash in the Safari Zone a must for trainers looking to add this Pokémon to their collection.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6.1. Is Rock Smash good in combat?
Rock Smash can be useful early in the game due to its 50% chance to lower the target’s Defense. However, its low base power of 20 makes it less effective against high-level Pokémon. There are generally better moves for both damage and Defense reduction purposes. Rock Smash is primarily valuable for its utility outside of battle.
6.2. Can Rock Smash be unlearned?
No, like all HMs in Pokémon Emerald, Rock Smash cannot be replaced or removed once a Pokémon has learned it. This is why it’s important to choose a Pokémon wisely to teach Rock Smash, often opting for an “HM slave” that can learn multiple HMs without being a crucial member of your main battle team.
6.3. Are there any good HM slaves to learn Rock Smash?
Yes, several Pokémon make excellent HM slaves due to their ability to learn multiple HMs. Some good options include:
- Zigzagoon: Can learn Cut, Surf, Strength, and Rock Smash.
- Tropius: Can learn Cut, Fly, Strength, and Rock Smash.
- Tentacool/Tentacruel: Can learn Surf, Dive, Waterfall, and Rock Smash.
These Pokémon can free up your main team members from having to learn HMs, allowing them to focus on more powerful and strategic moves.
6.4. What badges do I need to use Rock Smash outside of battle?
To use Rock Smash outside of battle, you need the Dynamo Badge, which you obtain by defeating Wattson, the Gym Leader of Mauville City. The Stone Badge and Knuckle Badge are prerequisites for obtaining Rock Smash, but the Dynamo Badge is specifically required to use it in the overworld.
6.5. Where can I find the HM for Rock Smash?
The HM for Rock Smash (HM06) can be found in a house in Mauville City. The house is located on the lower right side of the city, just to the right of the Poké Mart. Inside, an NPC will give you the HM if you have the Stone Badge and Knuckle Badge.
6.6. Can Rock Smash break any rock in the game?
No, Rock Smash can only break specific rocks that are designated as breakable obstacles in the game. These rocks are typically found blocking paths or concealing hidden areas. Regular rocks and walls cannot be broken with Rock Smash.
6.7. Does Rock Smash have any effect on wild Pokémon encounters?
Yes, in certain locations like Granite Cave and the Safari Zone, using Rock Smash on specific rocks can trigger encounters with rare Pokémon like Nosepass and Shuckle. These encounters are unique to these locations and are the only way to obtain these Pokémon in Pokémon Emerald.
6.8. Is Rock Smash affected by any abilities?
Rock Smash is a physical move, so it is affected by abilities that influence physical attacks, such as Intimidate (which lowers the Attack stat of the Pokémon using Rock Smash) and Huge Power/Pure Power (which doubles the Attack stat of the Pokémon using Rock Smash).
6.9. What is the accuracy of Rock Smash?
Rock Smash has an accuracy of 100%, meaning it will always hit the target unless the target uses a move like Dig or Fly to become invulnerable, or if the user’s accuracy is lowered or the target’s evasion is raised.
6.10. Does Rock Smash get STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus)?
Yes, if a Fighting-type Pokémon uses Rock Smash, it will receive a 50% increase in power due to STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus). This makes Rock Smash a more effective move for Fighting-type Pokémon compared to other types.
7. Rockscapes.net: Your Guide to Pokémon Emerald and Beyond
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Join our community forums to connect with other Pokémon trainers, share your experiences, and ask questions. Our community is a valuable resource for all things Pokémon, and we’re always happy to help.
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8. Unlock the Hoenn Region: Mastering Rock Smash
Rock Smash is an indispensable tool for any trainer seeking to fully explore the Hoenn region in Pokémon Emerald. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to obtain Rock Smash, teach it to a suitable Pokémon, and use it to unlock hidden areas and encounter rare Pokémon.
8.1. Utilize Rock Smash for Strategic Advantages
Remember to use Rock Smash strategically, both in and out of battle. While it may not be the most powerful move, its utility and potential for Defense reduction make it a valuable asset to your team.
8.2. Explore Every Nook and Cranny
Don’t be afraid to explore every nook and cranny of the Hoenn region. With Rock Smash, you’ll be able to access areas that were previously inaccessible, leading to new discoveries and exciting adventures.
8.3. Complete Your Pokédex
Use Rock Smash to encounter and catch rare Pokémon like Nosepass and Shuckle, bringing you closer to completing your Pokédex and becoming a true Pokémon master.
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