Finding Rock Smash in Pokemon Soul Silver can be tricky, but Rockscapes.net is here to guide you through every step of the way! This essential HM move allows you to break through cracked rocks and access new areas, unearthing hidden treasures and secrets in the Johto and Kanto regions. Let’s explore where to find it and the best Pokémon to teach it to, ensuring you’re well-equipped to conquer every obstacle in your path, with landscape design in mind.
1. What Exactly Is Rock Smash And Why Do I Need It?
Rock Smash is a Fighting-type Hidden Machine (HM) move in Pokemon Soul Silver. It’s used both in and out of battle. In battle, it’s a relatively weak attack, but its real value lies in its overworld utility. Outside of battle, Rock Smash allows you to break certain rocks that block your path, opening up new routes, items, and even Pokémon encounters. Think of it as your key to unlocking hidden areas throughout the game.
1.1. Why Is Rock Smash Important?
Rock Smash isn’t just a means to an end; it’s essential for several reasons:
- Accessing New Areas: Many areas in Pokemon Soul Silver are inaccessible without Rock Smash. These areas often contain valuable items, rare Pokémon, and even key locations for progressing the story.
- Finding Hidden Items: Cracked rocks often hide items, ranging from simple potions to valuable evolution stones.
- Progressing Through the Game: In some cases, Rock Smash is required to advance the main storyline.
- Completing Your Pokedex: Certain Pokémon can only be found in areas accessible via Rock Smash.
1.2. Understanding The HM System
In Pokemon Soul Silver, HMs (Hidden Machines) are special moves that can be used both in and out of battle. Unlike TMs (Technical Machines), HMs are reusable and, once taught to a Pokémon, cannot be forgotten unless you use a Move Deleter. HMs like Rock Smash, Cut, Surf, and Waterfall are crucial for navigating the game world.
2. How Do I Get The Rock Smash HM?
The Rock Smash HM is obtained in Azalea Town. This charming town is located west of Violet City and is home to the Slowpoke Well.
2.1. Step-by-Step Guide To Getting Rock Smash
- Arrive in Azalea Town: Head west from Violet City. You’ll pass through Route 33 to reach Azalea Town.
- Team Rocket’s Slowpoke Well Incident: Upon entering Azalea Town, you’ll quickly realize that Team Rocket is causing trouble. They’ve taken over the Slowpoke Well, a place of great importance to the townspeople.
- Meet Kurt: You’ll meet Kurt, a local Poké Ball craftsman, who is determined to stop Team Rocket. However, he injures his back trying to deal with them himself.
- Enter Slowpoke Well: Your mission is to enter the Slowpoke Well and drive out Team Rocket.
- Battle Team Rocket Grunts: Navigate through the well, battling Team Rocket Grunts along the way.
- Defeat Proton: At the end of the well, you’ll face Proton, one of Team Rocket’s executives. Defeat him in battle.
- Receive Rock Smash: After defeating Proton and driving Team Rocket out of the well, return to Kurt’s house. As a thank you for saving the Slowpoke, Kurt will give you the Rock Smash HM.
2.2. Kurt’s Role In Azalea Town
Kurt is more than just a character who gives you Rock Smash. He plays a vital role in Azalea Town and the wider Pokemon world. He crafts special Poké Balls using Apricorns, which you can find growing on trees throughout the Johto region.
2.3. Team Rocket’s Slowpoke Debacle
Team Rocket’s presence in Azalea Town highlights their continued nefarious activities. They seek to exploit Slowpoke for their tails, believing they can be sold for profit. This storyline underscores the importance of protecting Pokémon and the environment, tying into the game’s broader themes.
3. Which Pokémon Can Learn Rock Smash?
Not all Pokémon can learn Rock Smash. It’s important to choose a Pokémon that can learn the move and is also useful in battle. Here’s a list of some of the best Pokémon to teach Rock Smash:
3.1. Top Pokémon Choices
| Pokémon | Type | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krabby | Water | Available early in the game, learns several other HMs | Low Special Attack and Special Defense |
| Kingler | Water | High Attack stat, good for physical moves | Weak to Electric and Grass types |
| Geodude | Rock/Ground | High Defense, learns Rock-type moves | Weak to Water and Grass types |
| Graveler | Rock/Ground | Balanced stats, evolves into Golem | Double weakness to Water and Grass types |
| Golem | Rock/Ground | Very high Defense, strong against Physical attackers | Double weakness to Water and Grass types |
| Golduck | Water | Learns a variety of moves, including Surf and Waterfall | Average stats, not particularly strong in any one area |
| Heracross | Bug/Fighting | High Attack and Special Defense, learns Fighting-type moves | Weak to Flying, Fire, Psychic, and Fairy types |
| Lickitung | Normal | Can learn many HMs, versatile movepool | Lacks strong STAB moves |
3.2. Krabby And Kingler: Early Game Powerhouses
Krabby is an excellent choice for an HM slave early in the game. You can catch it using an Old Rod in Cherrygrove City. It can learn Rock Smash, Cut, Strength, Surf, and Whirlpool. Evolving Krabby into Kingler gives you a powerful Water-type Pokémon with a high Attack stat, useful for both HM duties and battling.
3.3. Geodude, Graveler, And Golem: Rock-Solid Choices
Geodude, and its evolutions Graveler and Golem, are Rock/Ground-type Pokémon that can learn Rock Smash and Strength. Geodude is found in many caves and routes throughout Johto. These Pokémon have high Defense stats, making them useful for tanking hits in battle.
3.4. Golduck: The Versatile Water-Type
Golduck is a Water-type Pokémon that can learn a wide variety of moves, including Rock Smash, Surf, Waterfall, and Strength. It can be found by surfing in Ilex Forest. Golduck’s versatility makes it a valuable addition to your team.
3.5. Heracross: The Strong Bug/Fighting Type
Heracross is a Bug/Fighting-type Pokémon known for its immense strength. It can learn Rock Smash and Strength, making it a useful HM user and a powerful attacker. Heracross can be found headbutting trees in various locations, including Azalea Town.
3.6. Lickitung: The HM Master
Lickitung is a Normal-type Pokémon that can learn a surprising number of HMs, including Cut, Rock Smash, Strength, and Rock Climb. It can be found on Route 44. Lickitung is an excellent choice if you need a dedicated HM slave.
4. Where To Use Rock Smash In Johto
Once you have the Rock Smash HM, you can start using it to explore new areas in Johto. Here are some key locations where Rock Smash is essential:
4.1. Union Cave
Located between Violet City and Azalea Town, Union Cave has several cracked rocks that hide items and new paths. Using Rock Smash here can help you find rare Pokémon and valuable treasures.
4.2. Route 36
North of Violet City, Route 36 has a cracked rock that blocks access to a small area with items. Breaking this rock is a quick way to snag some useful resources.
4.3. Ruins Of Alph
The Ruins of Alph, famous for their mysterious Unown Pokémon, also contain cracked rocks. Using Rock Smash here can reveal new chambers and puzzles.
4.4. Mt. Mortar
Mt. Mortar is a large cave system with multiple entrances and exits. Rock Smash is required to navigate certain parts of the cave and find rare items and Pokémon.
4.5. Dark Cave
As the name suggests, Dark Cave is a dark and treacherous location. Rock Smash is needed to access certain areas and uncover hidden paths.
4.6. Ice Path
The Ice Path is a slippery and challenging area located east of Blackthorn City. Rock Smash is essential for navigating the icy terrain and reaching the Dragon’s Den.
5. Using Rock Smash In Kanto
After defeating the Elite Four and Champion, you can travel to the Kanto region. Here are some key locations in Kanto where Rock Smash is useful:
5.1. Route 3
Located near Pewter City, Route 3 has several cracked rocks that hide items and Pokémon. Breaking these rocks can lead to valuable discoveries.
5.2. Mt. Moon
Mt. Moon, famous for its Clefairy and Moon Stone, also contains cracked rocks. Using Rock Smash here can reveal hidden chambers and items.
5.3. Rock Tunnel
As the name implies, Rock Tunnel is a dark and rocky area. Rock Smash is needed to navigate certain parts of the tunnel and find your way through.
5.4. Diglett’s Cave
Diglett’s Cave connects Vermilion City and Pewter City. Rock Smash can be used to access hidden areas and find rare Pokémon.
5.5. Cerulean Cave (Post-Game)
Cerulean Cave, also known as the Unknown Dungeon, is a post-game area filled with powerful Pokémon. Rock Smash is required to explore certain parts of the cave and challenge the legendary Mewtwo.
6. Tips And Tricks For Using Rock Smash
To make the most of Rock Smash, here are some helpful tips and tricks:
6.1. Carry A Pokémon With Rock Smash At All Times
Since Rock Smash is essential for accessing many areas, it’s a good idea to have a Pokémon that knows the move in your party at all times. This will save you time and effort when you encounter a cracked rock.
6.2. Explore Every Nook And Cranny
When you find a cracked rock, take the time to explore the area thoroughly. There may be hidden items, rare Pokémon, or even secret passages waiting to be discovered.
6.3. Use Rock Smash To Grind For Items
Cracked rocks can be a reliable source of items, such as potions, evolution stones, and even Heart Scales. If you need to stock up on supplies, consider revisiting areas with cracked rocks and smashing them repeatedly.
6.4. Consider The Pokémon’s Other HMs
When choosing a Pokémon to teach Rock Smash, consider which other HMs it can learn. Some Pokémon, like Krabby and Lickitung, can learn multiple HMs, making them valuable HM slaves.
6.5. Plan Your Route
Before setting out on an adventure, plan your route and identify any areas where Rock Smash might be needed. This will help you ensure that you have the right Pokémon and moves to overcome any obstacles.
7. The Importance of HM Slaves
HM slaves are Pokémon dedicated to learning HM moves, freeing up your main team to focus on battling. While it might seem counterintuitive to dedicate a Pokémon solely to HM moves, it can be a strategic advantage.
7.1. Why Use An HM Slave?
- Free Up Move Slots: HMs often have limited use in battle, and teaching them to your main team can take up valuable move slots.
- Versatility: HM slaves can handle overworld tasks, allowing your main team to focus on training and battling.
- Convenience: Having a dedicated HM slave ensures you always have the necessary moves to navigate the game world.
7.2. Common HM Slave Choices
- Krabby/Kingler: Learns Cut, Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, and Whirlpool.
- Lickitung: Learns Cut, Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, and Rock Climb.
- Bibarel (Diamond/Pearl/Platinum): Learns Cut, Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, and Waterfall.
8. Rock Smash In Competitive Battling
While Rock Smash is primarily used for overworld utility, it can also be used in competitive battling. However, it’s generally not a popular choice due to its low power and accuracy.
8.1. Rock Smash As A Status Move
Rock Smash has a 50% chance of lowering the target’s Defense stat by one stage. This can be useful for setting up physical attackers or weakening opponents.
8.2. Potential Strategies
- Defense Debuff: Use Rock Smash to lower the opponent’s Defense, then switch to a strong physical attacker to capitalize on the weakened defense.
- Stalling: Use Rock Smash to slowly whittle down the opponent’s health while also lowering their Defense.
8.3. Drawbacks
- Low Power: Rock Smash has a base power of only 40, making it a weak attack.
- Low Accuracy: Rock Smash has an accuracy of 100%, but the 50% chance of lowering Defense is not guaranteed.
- Better Alternatives: There are often better Fighting-type moves available, such as Brick Break or Close Combat.
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10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rock Smash
Here are some frequently asked questions about Rock Smash in Pokemon Soul Silver:
10.1. Can I Delete The Rock Smash HM After Teaching It To A Pokémon?
Yes, but only by using the Move Deleter, who is located in Blackthorn City. Once an HM is taught to a Pokémon, it cannot be forgotten through normal means.
10.2. Is Rock Smash A Good Move For Battling?
Rock Smash is generally not a good move for battling due to its low power and accuracy. There are often better Fighting-type moves available.
10.3. Can Any Pokémon Learn Rock Smash?
No, only certain Pokémon can learn Rock Smash. Check the Pokémon’s movepool to see if it can learn the move.
10.4. Where Can I Find Heart Scales To Re-Learn Sketch?
Heart Scales can be found by smashing rocks in Violet City or Tohjo Falls. They are also sometimes held by wild Luvdisc, which can be caught using a Super Rod.
10.5. What Is The Best Pokémon To Use As An HM Slave?
Krabby/Kingler and Lickitung are both excellent choices for HM slaves, as they can learn multiple HMs.
10.6. Do I Need The Rock Smash Badge To Use Rock Smash Outside Of Battle?
Yes, you need to defeat Chuck, the Cianwood City Gym Leader, to use Rock Smash outside of battle.
10.7. Can I Use Rock Smash To Find Rare Pokémon?
Yes, certain Pokémon can only be found in areas accessible via Rock Smash.
10.8. Is There A Limit To How Many Times I Can Use Rock Smash?
No, Rock Smash can be used an unlimited number of times once you have the HM and the necessary badge.
10.9. Can I Use Rock Smash To Clear Paths In The Post-Game?
Yes, Rock Smash is essential for exploring new areas in both Johto and Kanto after defeating the Elite Four.
10.10. How Does Rock Smash Interact With Other HMs?
Rock Smash can be used in conjunction with other HMs like Surf, Waterfall, and Strength to access even more areas and uncover hidden secrets.
By understanding where to find Rock Smash and how to use it effectively, you’ll be well-prepared to explore every corner of the Johto and Kanto regions.
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