Mastering Substitute: A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining and Utilizing TM32 in Pokémon Emerald

So, you’re diving back into the captivating world of Pokémon Emerald and are seeking the coveted Substitute TM (TM32)? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Acquiring this TM is quite straightforward, as long as you know where to look.

The Substitute TM (TM32) isn’t found lying around in the overworld in Pokémon Emerald. Instead, you will find the Substitute Move Tutor on the rooftop of the Lilycove City MegaMart. Speak with him and he will teach one of your Pokemon the Substitute move.

Diving Deeper into Substitute: Location and Usage

Finding the Substitute Move Tutor

The Substitute Move Tutor is located on the rooftop of the Lilycove City MegaMart. To reach him, simply enter the MegaMart and take the elevator to the top floor. From there, head outside to the rooftop area. The tutor will be standing there, ready to impart the knowledge of the Substitute move to one of your worthy Pokémon.

Utilizing Substitute Effectively

Substitute is a non-damaging Normal-type move that consumes 25% of the user’s maximum HP to create a Substitute. This Substitute acts as a barrier, absorbing damage from opposing attacks and protecting the user from status conditions.

Substitute is an incredibly versatile move, finding use in both competitive and in-game scenarios, although it shines more competitively due to its strategic depth. In-game, it’s still helpful for tanking hits against stronger opponents.

Core Benefits of Using Substitute:

• Damage Absorption: A primary purpose of Substitute is to absorb damage. This allows the user to set up other moves, heal, or simply stall for time.

• Status Immunity: While a Substitute is active, the user is immune to status conditions like paralysis, poison, burn, sleep, and freeze. This can be invaluable against Pokémon that rely on inflicting status ailments.

• Strategic Maneuvering: Experienced players use Substitute to predict opponents’ moves, scout their strategies, and gain a strategic advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Substitute in Pokémon Emerald

1. Is Substitute a TM in Pokémon Emerald?

No, Substitute is not a TM in Pokémon Emerald. Instead, you learn the move from a Move Tutor on the rooftop of the Lilycove City MegaMart.

2. Can I teach Substitute to any Pokémon?

Not every Pokémon can learn Substitute. You’ll need to check your Pokémon’s compatibility with the move. Most Pokémon are capable of learning the move.

3. How much HP does Substitute consume?

Substitute consumes 25% of the user’s maximum HP to create a Substitute.

4. Does Substitute protect against all attacks?

A Substitute will absorb damage from most attacks, but some moves, such as Sound-based moves or moves that bypass Substitute, will hit the user directly.

5. What happens when the Substitute’s HP is depleted?

Once the Substitute has absorbed enough damage to deplete its HP, it breaks, and the user is vulnerable to direct attacks again.

6. Is Substitute a good move to use in Pokémon Emerald?

Substitute is an incredibly powerful tool in both in-game and competitive battles. It can protect your Pokémon from damage and status conditions, allowing you to set up strategies more safely.

7. Can the Substitute be affected by status conditions?

No, the Substitute cannot be affected by status conditions. It only absorbs damage.

8. What are some strategies for using Substitute effectively?

Some common strategies include using Substitute to scout an opponent’s moves, protect against status ailments, or set up stat-boosting moves.

9. Are there any moves that bypass Substitute?

Yes, certain moves like Infiltrator can bypass Substitute, allowing the attack to hit the Pokémon directly. Sound-based moves can also bypass the substitute.

10. Does Substitute protect against critical hits?

Yes, Substitute absorbs critical hits like any other attack. The damage is calculated normally, and the Substitute will break if the damage exceeds its remaining HP.

11. Can I use Substitute multiple times in a battle?

Yes, you can use Substitute as many times as you like, provided you have enough HP to create the Substitute each time.

12. What are some Pokémon that benefit from learning Substitute?

Pokémon that benefit from Substitute typically have high offensive stats or need time to set up strategies. Examples include Gengar which can set up a Substitute as a counter, such as Tyranitar or Scizor, comes in.

13. Does Substitute protect against entry hazards like Spikes or Stealth Rock?

No, Substitute does not protect against entry hazards. The user will still take damage from hazards when switching in, regardless of whether a Substitute is active.

14. If a Pokémon uses Substitute and then switches out, does the Substitute remain?

No, when a Pokémon with an active Substitute switches out, the Substitute disappears.

15. Can I find the Substitute Move Tutor anywhere else in Pokémon Emerald?

No, the Substitute Move Tutor is exclusively found on the rooftop of the Lilycove City MegaMart.

Concluding Remarks

The Substitute move is a powerful asset in Pokémon Emerald, offering strategic depth and protection against various threats. While it requires a careful allocation of HP, the benefits it provides in terms of damage absorption and status immunity can be game-changing. Remember to visit the Lilycove City MegaMart to unlock this powerful tool and experiment with different strategies to master its use.

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