Which Pokémon can learn Rock Smash in Emerald? Rock Smash is an essential Hidden Machine (HM) in Pokémon Emerald, used both in and out of battle. At rockscapes.net, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this Fighting-type move, including which Pokémon can learn it and where to find it, so you can enhance your gameplay and navigate the Hoenn region with ease. Uncover the power of Rock Smash with us and discover how it can transform your landscaping approach, mirroring the strength and resilience found in nature’s own rock formations.
1. What is Rock Smash and Why Do You Need It in Pokémon Emerald?
Rock Smash is a Fighting-type move, HM06, with a base power of 20 and 100% accuracy. It has a 50% chance to lower the opponent’s Defense stat by one stage during battles. Outside of battles, Rock Smash is crucial for breaking rocks that obstruct your path, unlocking new areas and hidden items throughout the Hoenn region.
1.1. Why Is Rock Smash So Important?
Rock Smash is essential in Pokémon Emerald for several reasons:
- Navigating the Environment: It allows you to break rocks blocking paths in caves, routes, and other areas.
- Accessing Hidden Areas: Some areas and items are only accessible by using Rock Smash to clear obstacles.
- Catching Rare Pokémon: Certain Pokémon, such as Nosepass and Shuckle, can only be found by smashing specific rocks.
- Progressing Through the Story: In locations like Victory Road, Rock Smash is necessary to advance the storyline.
1.2. Combat Mechanics of Rock Smash
In Pokémon Emerald, Rock Smash isn’t just a utility move; it also has combat applications. Here’s a breakdown of its mechanics:
- Type: Fighting-type
- Base Power: 20
- Accuracy: 100%
- PP (Points Possible): 15
- Effect: Has a 50% chance to reduce the target’s Defense stat by one stage.
While its base power is low, the ability to lower the opponent’s Defense can be strategically useful, especially in the early game. However, as you progress, you’ll likely find more powerful Fighting-type moves.
2. Requirements to Obtain and Use Rock Smash
Before you can obtain and use Rock Smash, you need to meet certain requirements in the game.
2.1. Badges Required
To get Rock Smash, you need to have earned the following badges:
- Stone Badge: Obtained by defeating Roxanne in Rustboro City.
- Knuckle Badge: Obtained by defeating Brawly in Dewford City.
2.2. Dynamo Badge for Outside Use
To use Rock Smash outside of battle to break rocks, you also need the Dynamo Badge, which you get after defeating Wattson in Mauville City.
Pokemon emerald – dynamo badge
2.3. Why Are These Badges Necessary?
Badges in Pokémon games serve as proof of your progress and allow you to use certain HMs outside of battle. The Dynamo Badge is specifically required to use Rock Smash outside of battle, ensuring you’ve reached a certain point in the game before accessing new areas.
3. Which Pokémon Can Learn Rock Smash in Emerald?
One of the great things about Rock Smash is that many Pokémon can learn it. This provides flexibility in choosing a Pokémon to teach the move to, often referred to as an “HM slave.”
3.1. Almost All Pokémon Can Learn Rock Smash
In Pokémon Emerald, a wide variety of Pokémon can learn Rock Smash. This includes many Fighting-type, Rock-type, and even some Water-type Pokémon. This widespread compatibility makes it easy to find a suitable candidate to learn the HM.
3.2. Notable Pokémon That Can Learn Rock Smash
Here’s a list of some notable Pokémon that can learn Rock Smash, categorized by their other HM capabilities:
| Pokémon | Notable HMs They Can Learn |
|---|---|
| Zigzagoon | Cut, Surf, Strength, Rock Smash |
| Hariyama | Strength, Rock Smash |
| Breloom | Strength, Rock Smash |
| Marill | Surf, Strength, Rock Smash |
| Tentacool | Surf, Dive, Waterfall, Rock Smash |
| Gyarados | Surf, Strength, Dive, Waterfall, Rock Smash |
| Slakoth | Strength, Rock Smash |
3.3. HM Slaves: Pokémon Dedicated to Learning HMs
An “HM slave” is a Pokémon whose primary purpose is to learn HMs, freeing up your main team members to learn more strategic moves. When choosing an HM slave, consider Pokémon that can learn multiple HMs to minimize the number of Pokémon you need to carry.
- Zigzagoon/Linoone: These Pokémon can learn Cut, Surf, Strength, and Rock Smash, making them excellent HM slaves.
- Tentacool/Tentacruel: These Pokémon can learn Surf, Dive, Waterfall, and Rock Smash, perfect for navigating water routes.
3.4. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pokémon for Rock Smash
When deciding which Pokémon to teach Rock Smash, consider the following:
- Other HMs: Choose a Pokémon that can learn multiple HMs to save space in your party.
- Availability: Pick a Pokémon that is easy to catch early in the game.
- Combat Usefulness: While primarily an HM slave, a Pokémon that can still contribute in battles is a bonus.
4. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald
Getting Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald involves a few simple steps.
4.1. Step 1: Head to Mauville City
First, make your way to Mauville City, located in the central part of the Hoenn region.
Pokemon emerald mauville city
4.2. Step 2: Locate the House Next to the Poke Mart
In Mauville City, find the house located to the right of the Poke Mart. It’s in the southeastern part of the city.
Pokemon emerald house
4.3. Step 3: Talk to the NPC Inside
Enter the house and speak to the NPC (Non-Player Character) standing inside. This person will give you HM06, Rock Smash.
Pokemon emerald npc
4.4. Step 4: Receive Rock Smash
If you have the Stone Badge and Knuckle Badge, the NPC will hand over HM06, Rock Smash. If you don’t have these badges, the NPC will only provide information without giving you the HM.
Pokemon emerald rock smash hm
4.5. Step 5: Teach Rock Smash to a Pokémon
Finally, open your menu, select HM06 Rock Smash, and teach it to a Pokémon in your party that can learn it.
Pokemon emerald teaching pokemon rock smash
5. Important Locations for Using Rock Smash in Emerald
Rock Smash is essential for accessing various areas and finding specific Pokémon throughout the Hoenn region.
5.1. Victory Road
Rock Smash is required to navigate through Victory Road, the final challenge before the Elite Four. Without it, you cannot progress.
Rock smash in pokemon emerald victory road
5.2. Granite Cave
In Granite Cave, located on Dewford Island, Rock Smash can be used to find Nosepass. Head to B2F, where breaking rocks has a 30% chance of encountering Nosepass.
Rock smash in pokemon emerald granite cave
5.3. Safari Zone
In the Safari Zone, using Rock Smash in Area 6 guarantees an encounter with Shuckle. This is the only place in Emerald where you can find this Pokémon.
Rock smash in pokemon emerald safari zone
6. Rock Smash in Landscaping: Drawing Inspiration from Pokémon
While Rock Smash is essential in Pokémon Emerald for breaking rocks and accessing new areas, the concept of using rocks in landscaping can also enhance the beauty and functionality of real-world outdoor spaces. At rockscapes.net, we offer a variety of rocks and landscaping ideas to transform your garden.
6.1. Incorporating Rocks into Your Landscape
Using rocks in landscaping can add texture, structure, and natural beauty to your garden. Here are some ideas:
- Rock Gardens: Create a rock garden with various sizes and types of rocks, complemented by drought-resistant plants.
- Pathways: Use stepping stones or gravel pathways to create visually appealing and functional walkways.
- Water Features: Incorporate rocks around ponds, fountains, or waterfalls to enhance their natural appearance.
- Retaining Walls: Build retaining walls with large rocks to prevent soil erosion and create terraced garden beds.
6.2. Types of Rocks for Landscaping
Choosing the right type of rock for your landscaping project is crucial. Here are some popular options:
- Granite: Known for its durability and variety of colors, granite is excellent for pathways and retaining walls.
- Slate: With its flat, layered structure, slate is ideal for creating stepping stones and decorative features.
- River Rocks: Smooth and rounded, river rocks add a natural, organic feel to water features and garden borders.
- Lava Rocks: Lightweight and porous, lava rocks are perfect for rock gardens and mulching.
6.3. Design Ideas for Rock Landscapes
Here are some design ideas to inspire your rock landscaping projects:
- Zen Garden: Create a tranquil Zen garden with carefully placed rocks, gravel, and minimalist plantings.
- Cactus Garden: Design a desert-themed garden with various cacti, succulents, and rocks.
- Alpine Garden: Build an alpine garden with rocks, gravel, and small, hardy plants that thrive in mountainous environments.
6.4. Combining Rock Landscaping with Pokémon Themes
For Pokémon enthusiasts, consider incorporating Pokémon-themed elements into your rock landscape:
- Granite Cave Garden: Recreate the rocky environment of Granite Cave with large granite boulders and rock formations.
- Safari Zone Pathway: Design a winding pathway with river rocks and lush greenery, reminiscent of the Safari Zone.
- Victory Road Entrance: Create a dramatic entrance to your garden with large, imposing rocks, similar to the entrance of Victory Road.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald
Here are some frequently asked questions about Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald:
7.1. Is Rock Smash a Good Move in Combat?
Rock Smash is useful early in the game due to its 50% chance to lower the opponent’s Defense. However, its low base power makes it less effective against higher-level Pokémon. It’s primarily valued for its out-of-battle utility.
7.2. Can Rock Smash Be Unlearned?
No, like other HMs, Rock Smash cannot be unlearned or replaced once taught to a Pokémon. This is why it’s important to choose an HM slave wisely.
7.3. What Are Some Good HM Slaves for Rock Smash?
Good HM slaves for Rock Smash include:
- Zigzagoon/Linoone: Can learn Cut, Surf, Strength, and Rock Smash.
- Tentacool/Tentacruel: Can learn Surf, Dive, Waterfall, and Rock Smash.
- Slakoth/Slaking: Can learn Strength and Rock Smash.
7.4. Do I Need to Beat the Elite Four to Use Rock Smash?
No, you only need the Dynamo Badge to use Rock Smash outside of battle. The Elite Four are the final challenge after Victory Road, where Rock Smash is essential for progression.
7.5. Can I Find Any Rare Pokémon Using Rock Smash?
Yes, you can find Nosepass in Granite Cave and Shuckle in the Safari Zone by using Rock Smash on specific rocks.
7.6. What Happens If I Don’t Have the Required Badges?
If you don’t have the Stone Badge, Knuckle Badge, and Dynamo Badge, you won’t be able to obtain and use Rock Smash outside of battle. Make sure to defeat the Gym Leaders in Rustboro City, Dewford City, and Mauville City first.
7.7. Is Rock Smash Required to Complete the Game?
Yes, Rock Smash is essential for progressing through Victory Road, which is necessary to reach the Elite Four and complete the main storyline.
7.8. Can Multiple Pokémon Learn Rock Smash?
Yes, you can teach Rock Smash to multiple Pokémon if you have multiple copies of HM06. However, since HMs cannot be unlearned, it’s generally more efficient to use a dedicated HM slave.
7.9. Where Can I Find the Rock Smash HM?
You can find the Rock Smash HM in a house next to the Poke Mart in Mauville City by talking to the NPC inside, provided you have the Stone Badge and Knuckle Badge.
7.10. Are There Any Alternatives to Rock Smash in Emerald?
No, there are no direct alternatives to Rock Smash for breaking rocks in the overworld. It is the only move that serves this purpose in Pokémon Emerald.
8. Enhancing Your Pokémon Adventure and Landscape Design
Obtaining and using Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald is essential for both battling and exploring the Hoenn region. Similarly, incorporating rocks into your landscaping projects can enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re navigating Victory Road or designing a serene rock garden, the principles of strategy, creativity, and appreciation for natural elements apply.
8.1. Call to Action
Ready to transform your outdoor space with stunning rock features? Visit rockscapes.net today for inspiration, expert advice, and high-quality rocks that will bring your landscaping vision to life. Discover the perfect rocks to create your own Pokémon-inspired garden or a tranquil retreat that reflects the strength and beauty of nature.
8.2. Connect With Us
For more information, inspiration, and expert advice on rock landscaping, contact us at:
- Address: 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States
- Phone: +1 (480) 965-9011
- Website: rockscapes.net
Let rockscapes.net help you create a landscape that’s as captivating and adventurous as your favorite Pokémon game.
