- HMs are Key Items: Hidden Machines teach field moves necessary for progression.
- Permanent Progress: Unlike TMs, HMs can be used repeatedly outside of battle.
- Badge Requirements: Some HMs require specific Gym Badges to function in the field.
- Sevii Islands: Late-game HMs like Rock Smash and Waterfall are found on the islands.
- Strategy: Teach HMs to compatible "HM Slaves" or useful team members to save move slots.
Early Game HM Locations
The first few HMs in Pokemon LeafGreen are obtained during the main story progression through Kanto. You will naturally encounter them as you travel from Pallet Town to Fuchsia City.
HM01 Cut
- Location: S.S. Anne (Vermilion City)
- Requirement: Defeat your rival on the ship.
- Use: Cuts down small trees blocking paths.
- Badge: Cascade Badge (Misty) required for field use.
HM02 Fly
- Location: Route 16 (West of Celadon)
- Requirement: Reach the isolated house.
- Use: Fast travel to visited cities.
- Badge: Thunder Badge (Lt. Surge) required.
HM05 Flash
- Location: Route 2 (South of Viridian Forest)
- Requirement: Catch 10+ Pokemon.
- Use: Illuminates dark caves (Rock Tunnel).
- Badge: Boulder Badge (Brock) required.
You cannot use these moves outside of battle until you have earned the specific Gym Badge required for each HM. Ensure you challenge the Gyms in the correct order to unlock their traversal utility.
Mid-Game HM Locations
As you progress past the halfway point, the HMs become more critical for navigating the complex terrain of Kanto, specifically water routes and boulders.
| HM Name | Location | How to Obtain | Field Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| HM03 Surf | Safari Zone (Fuchsia City) | Reach the Secret House in Area 3. | Travel over water. |
| HM04 Strength | Fuchsia City (Warden's House) | Return the Gold Teeth found in Safari Zone. | Push heavy boulders. |
Enter the Safari Zone
Pay the entry fee and head into the Fuchsia City Safari Zone. You have a limited time (500 steps) to find the item.
Find the Gold Teeth
Navigate through the maze-like areas. The Gold Teeth are typically found on the ground in one of the lower sections (Area 3).
Claim HM03 Surf
In the same area (or a connected one), look for the Secret House. Inside, a scientist will reward you with HM03 Surf.
Return to the Warden
Exit the Safari Zone and go to the Warden's house in the northeast part of Fuchsia City. Speak to him to return the Gold Teeth.
Receive HM04 Strength
Grateful for his teeth, the Warden gives you HM04 Strength as a reward.
Surf is arguably the best Water-type move in the game, offering 95 Base Power and 100% Accuracy. It is worth teaching to a strong Water-type Pokemon on your main team, not just an HM slave.
Sevii Islands HM Locations
After defeating Blaine on Cinnabar Island, Bill will invite you to the Sevii Islands. This region unlocks the remaining HMs needed for post-game exploration and accessing the National Pokedex areas.
| HM Name | Location | How to Obtain | Field Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| HM06 Rock Smash | Ember Spa (One Island) | Speak to the old man inside the spa building. | Breaks cracked rocks; may lower Defense. |
| HM07 Waterfall | Icefall Cave (Four Island) | Found inside the cave on the lowest level. | Climb waterfalls. |
You must first complete the initial quest on One, Two, and Three Islands (helping Celio and finding Lostelle) before you can freely return to Four Island to find HM07 Waterfall.
HM Compatibility and Strategy
Managing your team's moveslots is crucial. You do not want to waste a powerful Pokemon's moveset with weak utility moves.
Best HM Slaves
- Lapras: Learns Surf, Strength, Waterfall, Flash.
- Nidoking/Nidoqueen: Learns Cut, Strength, Surf, Rock Smash.
- Gyarados: Learns Surf, Waterfall, Strength, Rock Smash.
- Fearow/ Dodrio: Learns Fly, Cut, Strength.
Badge Requirements
- Boulder Badge: Enables Flash.
- Cascade Badge: Enables Cut.
- Thunder Badge: Enables Fly.
- Soul Badge: Enables Surf (and Strength in some versions logic, though usually Soul Badge enables Surf).
- Earth Badge: Enables Waterfall (often associated with high-level traversal).
HM Collection Checklist:
- Obtain HM01 Cut on S.S. Anne
- Teach Cut to a Pokemon and clear Viridian Forest path
- Obtain HM02 Fly on Route 16
- Obtain HM05 Flash on Route 2
- Clear Rock Tunnel using Flash
- Obtain HM03 Surf in Safari Zone
- Obtain HM04 Strength in Fuchsia City
- Travel to One Island
- Obtain HM06 Rock Smash in Ember Spa
- Reach Four Island and obtain HM07 Waterfall
FAQ
Q: Can I forget an HM move in Pokemon LeafGreen?
No, unlike in modern Pokemon games, you cannot forget HM moves at the Move Deleter's house in LeafGreen. Once taught, the move is permanent unless you use a specific glitch or the move is overwritten by level-up (which is restricted for HMs). Choose carefully.
Q: Where is the Move Deleter located?
There is no Move Deleter in FireRed and LeafGreen. This makes teaching HMs a permanent commitment for that specific Pokemon in that save file.
Q: Do I need all HMs to beat the game?
You need Cut, Surf, and Strength to complete the main story and reach the Pokemon League. Flash is highly recommended for Rock Tunnel but technically skippable with luck. Fly, Rock Smash, and Waterfall are primarily for exploration and post-game content.
Q: Which Pokemon can learn the most HMs?
Mew can learn every HM and TM in the game. For standard Pokemon, Dragonite and Nidoking have wide compatibility. Lapras is excellent for water-based HMs.