Get The Rock Smash TM In Pokémon Gold And Silver with minimal fuss by knowing exactly where to look and what to do. This important TM, a crucial tool for progression and exploration in the Johto region, can be obtained relatively early in your adventure, unlocking new paths and providing valuable combat benefits. For trainers aiming to fully explore the world and overcome specific obstacles, securing this TM is a priority.
The Rock Smash TM, officially known as TM 72 onwards in later generations, serves a dual purpose. Primarily, it’s an HM (Hidden Machine) equivalent in functionality, meaning it’s required to clear certain in-game obstacles. These usually manifest as cracked rocks blocking pathways, often leading to hidden items, secret areas, or even new routes. Once you have the ability to use Rock Smash, these previously impassable barriers crumble away, opening up a world of exploration. Secondly, Rock Smash is a viable Normal-type attacking move that can chip away at an opponent’s HP. While not the most powerful move in your arsenal, its availability and decent accuracy make it a handy option for the early to mid-game, especially against Rock and Steel-type Pokémon that might otherwise pose a challenge.
Where to Find Rock Smash in Pokémon Gold and Silver
To get the Rock Smash TM in Pokémon Gold and Silver, your journey will lead you to the town of Violet City. This is the second major town you’ll encounter after leaving New Bark Town, and it’s home to the first Gym Leader, Falkner, who specializes in Flying-type Pokémon. After you’ve defeated Falkner and earned your Zephyr Badge, the Rock Smash TM becomes accessible.
Your first port of call should be the Pokémon School located within Violet City. Speak to the various individuals inside; you’ll find trainers and professors eager to share their knowledge. Amongst these conversations, one particular individual will offer you the Rock Smash TM. This is typically a teacher or researcher within the school. It’s a straightforward acquisition, requiring no complex puzzles or difficult battles. Simply engage in conversations with the NPCs within the school, and you’ll soon be rewarded with this valuable TM.
Using Rock Smash to Your Advantage
Once you’ve obtained the Rock Smash TM, you’ll need to teach it to one of your Pokémon before you can use it to clear those pesky rocks. Not all Pokémon can learn Rock Smash; it’s primarily learned by Pokémon that possess physical strength or a rocky constitution. Look for Pokémon such as Geodude, Onix, Machop, and their evolutionary relatives. Even some Bug-type Pokémon, like Paras or Weedle, can learn this TM, surprisingly. It’s always a good idea to check the move compatibility lists online or experiment with your Pokémon to see who can learn it. Remember that once a TM is used, it’s gone forever in these games, so choose your recipient wisely! However, Rock Smash is one of the TMs that is relatively common and can be found again in certain circumstances or through other means if you miss your initial opportunity, though obtaining it from the Violet City Pokémon School is the most direct method.
The real utility of Rock Smash comes when you venture out of Violet City. The most immediate benefit is on Route 32, the route leading south from Violet City. Soon after entering Route 32, you will encounter a large cracked rock that can only be cleared with the Rock Smash technique. Breaking this rock opens up a previously inaccessible cave entrance, which leads to the Union Cave. This cave is a treasure trove of Pokémon, items, and trainers, and is crucial for progressing further into the Johto region. Without Rock Smash, you’ll be blocked from exploring this significant area.
Beyond Violet City: Further Applications of Rock Smash
As you continue your journey, you’ll find more instances where Rock Smash is required. These cracked rocks are strategically placed to guide your progression and reward exploration. For example, on Route 45, a route in the western part of Johto, you’ll find more rocks that need smashing to access hidden areas. Similarly, within certain towns and dungeons, like the basement of the Game Corner in Goldenrod City, or even within Mt. Moon in the Kanto region if you venture there, you’ll encounter these obstacles.
It’s worth noting that in Pokémon Gold and Silver, Rock Smash functions as a TM that can be taught without sacrificing the Pokémon’s ability to hold an HM. This was a significant design choice that allowed more flexibility in move set composition. While some HMs were notoriously difficult to remove from a Pokémon, TMs were generally more easily replaced. Therefore, teaching Rock Smash to a Pokémon that you intend to use for battling is a more viable strategy than with some of the more restrictive HMs like Fly or Surf.
Tips for Making the Most of Rock Smash
Choose Wisely: Decide which Pokémon will benefit most from learning Rock Smash. A Pokémon with high Attack and decent Speed will make the move more effective in battles. Consider Pokémon that might struggle against Rock or Steel-type adversaries.
Don’t Forget to Teach It: After acquiring the TM from Violet City’s Pokémon School, make sure to teach it to a suitable Pokémon. You can do this by accessing your Bag, selecting the TM, and then choosing the “Teach” option.
Explore Thoroughly: Once you have Rock Smash, revisit areas you’ve already passed. You might find that previously blocked paths are now open, leading to valuable items, hidden Pokémon, or even trainer battles you missed.
Battle Utility: While its primary use is for clearing obstacles, remember that Rock Smash is a workable attack. It has a base power of 20 and an accuracy of 100%, with a 50% chance to lower the opponent’s Defense. This makes it a decent early-game move against specific types.
In conclusion, to get the Rock Smash TM in Pokémon Gold and Silver, head to Violet City and visit the Pokémon School. This TM is an essential tool for unlocking new areas, finding secrets, and progressing through the Johto region. Don’t underestimate its utility, both for exploration and for supplementing your Pokémon’s offensive capabilities. Happy smashing!