Can HMs Be Forgotten in Pokémon? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, HM moves can be forgotten in Pokémon games, but with a significant caveat. Unlike Technical Machine (TM) moves or level-up moves, HM moves cannot be overwritten by simply teaching your Pokémon a new move. They require a specific method and NPC to be removed from your Pokémon’s move set. This article will delve into the intricacies of forgetting HMs, exploring the reasons behind this limitation and how it has evolved throughout the Pokémon series.
The Purpose of HMs and Why Forgetting Them Was Restricted
Hidden Machines (HMs) served a dual purpose in early Pokémon games. Firstly, they taught Pokémon essential moves needed to navigate the overworld. These moves included Cut (to chop down small trees), Surf (to traverse water), Fly (to travel to previously visited towns), Strength (to move heavy boulders), Waterfall (to climb waterfalls), and others. Without these HMs, players would be unable to progress in the game.
Secondly, HMs acted as progress gates. Obtaining the ability to use certain HMs often required defeating a specific Gym Leader. This ensured players had sufficient experience and Pokémon levels before accessing new areas of the game.
The restriction on forgetting HMs stemmed from the fear of players becoming soft-locked. Imagine teaching your only Surf-capable Pokémon a new move, only to find yourself stranded on an island with no way to return to the mainland. To prevent such scenarios, Game Freak implemented the Move Deleter NPC. This NPC specializes in removing any move from a Pokémon’s move set, including HMs.
The Move Deleter: Your Ticket to HM-Free Pokémon
The Move Deleter is your go-to person for removing unwanted HMs. This NPC has appeared in various locations throughout the Pokémon series. Here are some notable locations across different generations:
- Generation III (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald): Lilycove City, located east of the Department Store.
- Generation IV (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum): Canalave City, in a house south of the Pokémon Center.
- Generation V (Black, White, Black 2, White 2): Mistralton City, in a house to the right of the Pokémon Center.
- Generation II (Gold, Silver, Crystal) & Generation IV (HeartGold, SoulSilver): Blackthorn City.
- Generation VI (X, Y): Dendemille Town, in a house near the Pokémon Center.
The Move Deleter offers their services free of charge in most games. This makes them a valuable resource for optimizing your Pokémon’s move sets.
The Evolution of HMs and Their Eventual Removal
While HMs were integral to early Pokémon games, they became increasingly unpopular among players. HMs often occupied valuable move slots that could be used for more powerful or strategic attacks. Furthermore, the need to carry “HM slaves” (Pokémon solely dedicated to learning HM moves) was seen as a burden.
Recognizing these concerns, Game Freak began to phase out HMs. In Pokémon Sun and Moon (Generation VII), HMs were completely removed. Instead, players could summon Ride Pokémon to perform HM-like actions. This system freed up move slots and eliminated the need for HM slaves.
Pokémon Sword and Shield (Generation VIII) and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Generation IX) continued this trend, further solidifying the removal of HMs from the core gameplay loop. While the HM system has been replaced with modern mechanics, the legacy of HMs remains a significant part of Pokémon history.
Navigating a Changing Gaming Landscape
It is important to understand why certain gaming elements are removed and others evolve. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) is a valuable resource for understanding the evolving landscape of games and their implications for learning and society. GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable insight into the history and innovation in the gaming industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Forgetting HMs
Can I forget HM moves anytime I want?
No. You need to visit the Move Deleter NPC. Only they have the ability to remove HM moves from your Pokémon’s move set.
Can TMs be forgotten the same way as HMs?
No. TMs can be overwritten by simply teaching your Pokémon a new move. You don’t need to visit the Move Deleter for TMs.
Is there a cost to use the Move Deleter?
In most Pokémon games, the Move Deleter’s services are free. There is no charge for removing moves, including HMs.
What happens if I don’t have a Pokémon that knows Surf?
In older games, you would be soft-locked if you didn’t have a Pokémon that knew Surf in an area that required it. This is why forgetting HMs was restricted. Modern games have eliminated HMs to avoid this problem.
Are HMs still used in modern Pokémon games?
No. HMs were removed starting with Pokémon Sun and Moon (Generation VII). Modern games use alternative methods for overworld traversal.
Which Pokémon can learn the most HMs?
Pokémon like Bibarel and Tropius are known for being able to learn a large number of HM moves, making them useful “HM slaves.”
What is the difference between TMs and HMs?
TMs (Technical Machines) are items that teach Pokémon new moves and can be overwritten. HMs (Hidden Machines) were essential moves for overworld navigation in older games and could only be removed by the Move Deleter. HMs were also infinitely reusable where TMs were single-use in older generations.
Where can I find the Move Deleter in Pokémon Emerald?
The Move Deleter in Pokémon Emerald is located in Lilycove City, to the east of the Department Store.
Why were HMs removed from Pokémon games?
HMs were removed to free up move slots and eliminate the need for HM slaves. They were often seen as a hindrance to team building and strategy.
Can I replace an HM with another HM?
No, you cannot replace HMs that way. You must first delete the existing HM with the Move Deleter, and then teach the Pokémon the new HM.
Do I need to teach my Pokémon HMs in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl?
No. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl use a system where you can summon wild Pokémon to perform HM actions, eliminating the need to teach your own Pokémon HM moves.
Is there a Move Deleter in Pokémon Black and White?
Yes. The Move Deleter in Pokémon Black and White is located in Mistralton City, in a house to the right of the Pokémon Center.
Can Legendary Pokémon learn HM moves?
Yes, some Legendary Pokémon can learn HM moves, but it’s generally not recommended to waste their valuable move slots on HMs.
Does the Move Deleter remove any move, or just HMs?
The Move Deleter can remove any move from a Pokémon’s move set, including HMs, TMs, and level-up moves.
What happens if I miss a week of TMS?
This article is about Pokemon HMs and is not related to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). If you miss a week of TMS, patients are often advised to discontinue treatment as there are limited data on how large treatment gaps affect TMS benefits. This information is not related to Pokemon games.