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Can Zigzagoon Learn Cut and Rock Smash? A Definitive Guide

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The question of whether a seemingly innocuous Pokémon like Zigzagoon can learn Cut and Rock Smash has plagued trainers since its introduction in Generation III. The answer, thankfully, is straightforward: Yes, Zigzagoon can learn both Cut and Rock Smash in the games where these moves are available as HMs/TMs and Zigzagoon is compatible. This article will delve deeper into the specifics, clarifying which games allow Zigzagoon to learn these moves and exploring the reasons why this seemingly unlikely pairing exists.

Zigzagoon’s HM/TM Compatibility: A Game-by-Game Breakdown

Zigzagoon’s ability to learn Cut and Rock Smash varies depending on the specific Pokémon game being played. This stems from the different movepools, HM/TM availability, and game mechanics present in each generation.

Generation III: Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald

In its debut generation, Zigzagoon can learn Cut. The HM01 (Cut) is a readily available early-game move, and Zigzagoon is a prime candidate for learning it due to its accessibility. However, Zigzagoon cannot learn Rock Smash in Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald. The move is simply not part of its learnset in these versions. This is a crucial point, as many players assume that because it can learn Cut, it should logically be able to learn Rock Smash.

Generation IV: Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum

In Generation IV, the situation mirrors Generation III. Zigzagoon can learn Cut. Again, it’s a useful HM move for traversal, and Zigzagoon is a viable option for carrying it. However, like its Generation III counterparts, Zigzagoon cannot learn Rock Smash in Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum. The limitation remains despite the introduction of more complex TM/HM systems.

Generation VI: Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Returning to Hoenn in Generation VI, the availability of Cut and Rock Smash remains relevant for gameplay. As in the original Generation III games, Zigzagoon can learn Cut in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. However, mirroring the original games, Zigzagoon still cannot learn Rock Smash. This consistency across the Hoenn games reinforces the design choice behind its movepool limitations.

Generation VII and Beyond: Changing Landscape

With the introduction of Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, HMs were removed from the series. This means that Cut and Rock Smash became standard TMs, or were removed altogether. This marked a significant change in how Pokémon learned these moves. Unfortunately for those hoping for Zigzagoon to gain Rock Smash, Zigzagoon still cannot learn Rock Smash in any games after Generation VI, even if Rock Smash is available as a TM. The design limitation that prevents it from learning Rock Smash is still present.

In Sword and Shield, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and Scarlet and Violet, Zigzagoon is available, but it cannot learn Cut or Rock Smash because these moves are not present in the base game. In Legends Arceus, neither move is available, so the compatibility is irrelevant.

Why Can Zigzagoon Learn Cut (But Not Rock Smash)?

The reasons why Zigzagoon can learn Cut but not Rock Smash are multifaceted and likely rooted in game balance, move utility, and the Pokémon’s overall design.

Early-Game Utility: Cut is generally available very early in the game and is required to progress through certain areas. Giving Zigzagoon Cut allows players to utilize a common Pokémon for this essential task, easing the burden of finding a more powerful Pokémon to fill that role.
Move Balance: Rock Smash, while still a field move, also has a combat application, albeit a weak one. Limiting which Pokémon can learn Rock Smash likely contributes to maintaining some semblance of balance, preventing certain strategies from becoming too easily accessible.
Pokémon Design: While seemingly arbitrary, the design choices behind a Pokémon’s learnset often reflect its intended role in the game. Zigzagoon, as a common route Pokémon, is designed for early-game utility but not necessarily for combat prowess.
Programming Limitations (Possibly): While less likely, there’s a possibility that the decision was due to programming limitations or resource allocation during development. This is less plausible given the consistency across multiple generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Zigzagoon and its ability to learn Cut and Rock Smash:

Can Galarian Zigzagoon learn Cut and Rock Smash? No. Galarian Zigzagoon follows the same rules as the regular version. It can learn Cut in games where Cut is available and it is compatible, but it can’t learn Rock Smash in any game.
What other HMs can Zigzagoon learn? Besides Cut, Zigzagoon can also learn Surf and Strength in the games where it can learn Cut (Generation III and VI).
Is Zigzagoon a good HM slave? For early-game HM utility, absolutely. Its ability to learn Cut, Surf, and Strength in Gen III and VI makes it a decent HM slave, freeing up more powerful Pokémon for combat.
Why is Rock Smash so limited in its distribution? Rock Smash, despite being a relatively weak move, likely had its distribution limited for balance purposes and to ensure players explored various Pokémon options.
Does Zigzagoon’s ability affect its ability to learn Cut or Rock Smash? No, Zigzagoon’s ability (Pickup or Gluttony) has no impact on its TM/HM compatibility.
Are there any glitches that allow Zigzagoon to learn Rock Smash? While glitches exist in Pokémon games, none reliably and consistently allow Zigzagoon to learn Rock Smash. Attempting to exploit glitches is not recommended.
Is there a way to teach Zigzagoon Rock Smash through breeding? No, TMs and HMs cannot be passed down through breeding. Move inheritance focuses primarily on level-up moves, egg moves, and tutor moves (where applicable).
What is the best moveset for Zigzagoon in the early game? Early game, a moveset of Cut, Tackle, Tail Whip, and Sand-Attack is practical for progression. Surf and Strength can be added if available and needed.
Can Linoone (Zigzagoon’s evolution) learn Rock Smash? No, Linoone inherits Zigzagoon’s limitations and cannot learn Rock Smash in any game.
Are there any mods or ROM hacks that allow Zigzagoon to learn Rock Smash? Yes, modifications and ROM hacks can alter a Pokémon’s learnset, including allowing Zigzagoon to learn Rock Smash. However, these are not official and may introduce other issues.
Could the lack of arms be a reason it can’t learn Rock Smash? This is purely speculation, but it is a possibility, as its anatomy might play a small role in which moves are learned in the game.
In which games is Cut most useful for Zigzagoon? Cut is most useful for Zigzagoon in Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire, where it provides essential access to otherwise inaccessible areas.
Are there other Pokémon with similar odd HM/TM compatibility issues? Yes. Many Pokémon have peculiar movepools that don’t intuitively align with their design or abilities, creating similar compatibility questions.
Does the absence of HMs make Zigzagoon less useful? No. Even without HMs, Zigzagoon has value as a Pokémon for its Pickup ability, which allows it to find useful items throughout the game.
Is there a database where I can check a Pokémon’s learnset for specific games? Yes, websites like Serebii.net and Bulbapedia are invaluable resources for checking a Pokémon’s learnset, including TM/HM compatibility, across all generations.

Conclusion

While Zigzagoon’s capacity to learn Cut but not Rock Smash might seem arbitrary, it reflects the intricate design and balance considerations within the Pokémon games. Understanding these limitations, and the context in which they exist, allows trainers to make informed decisions about their team composition and strategy. So, while you can happily equip your Zigzagoon with Cut for traversing those pesky trees, you’ll need to look elsewhere for a rock-smashing solution.