Unlocking the Seas: The HM You Gain Access To After Defeating Fantina
After triumphing over Fantina, the Ghost-type Gym Leader of Hearthome City in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, and securing the Relic Badge, you gain the ability to use HM03 Surf outside of battle. This marks a significant turning point in your adventure, opening up vast new areas and secrets that were previously inaccessible.
Surf: Your Key to New Horizons
HM03 Surf allows your Pokémon to traverse bodies of water, unlocking new routes, islands, and hidden areas. It’s an essential tool for progressing through the game and discovering all that the Sinnoh region has to offer. But acquiring the ability to use Surf outside of battle is just one part of the equation. You must first obtain the HM. This requires an interaction with Cynthia and a journey to Celestic Town.
Obtaining HM03 Surf
Before you can even think about challenging Fantina, you’ll embark on a side quest. Cynthia tasks you with delivering an Old Charm to her grandmother in Celestic Town. Once you deliver the Old Charm, the old woman will give you HM03 Surf. However, simply possessing the HM isn’t enough. You need the Relic Badge, earned by defeating Fantina, to actually use the move outside of battle.
Strategic Implications of Surf
Surf isn’t just a means of transportation; it’s also a powerful Water-type move for battling. Its high base power and consistent accuracy make it a staple in many Pokémon teams. Furthermore, the areas accessible via Surf often contain rare Pokémon, valuable items, and important plot points. Mastering the use of Surf is crucial for becoming a true Pokémon Master in the Sinnoh region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Surf and Progression After Fantina
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that further explore the implications of gaining the ability to use Surf after defeating Fantina:
1. Where do I go immediately after beating Fantina?
After defeating Fantina and exiting the gym, Cynthia will be waiting outside. She’ll thank you for your previous help in Celestic Town and suggest you visit the Canalave City Library. This is your next main objective.
2. What is in the Canalave City Library?
The Canalave City Library holds vital information regarding the legendary Pokémon of Sinnoh, specifically Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf. This research is crucial for understanding the looming threat of Team Galactic and their plans. You will also learn of the lakes around Sinnoh and the Pokémon that are located in the area.
3. How do I get to Canalave City?
Canalave City is located to the west of Hearthome City. You’ll need to use Surf to cross the body of water separating Route 218 from Canalave City.
4. What Gym Leader do I face after Fantina?
After Fantina, you will challenge Byron, the Steel-type Gym Leader in Canalave City. This gym presents a significant challenge, particularly if you haven’t prepared accordingly.
5. What Pokémon are good against Byron’s Steel-type Pokémon?
Fighting, Ground, and Fire-type moves are super effective against Steel-type Pokémon. Consider using Pokémon like Infernape (if you chose Chimchar as your starter), Machoke, or a Pokémon with a powerful Ground-type move like Earthquake.
6. Can I access Victory Road immediately after beating Fantina?
No, Victory Road is only accessible after you have obtained all eight Gym Badges. Your journey after Fantina involves dealing with Team Galactic’s plans and securing the remaining badges before you can challenge the Pokémon League.
7. What are some good locations to train my Pokémon before facing Byron?
Route 218, the route leading to Canalave City, and Iron Island (accessible via boat from Canalave City) are excellent locations for training. Iron Island, in particular, offers challenging trainers and a variety of Pokémon.
8. What is the significance of Iron Island?
Iron Island is home to a trainer named Riley, who partners with you to explore the island and battle Team Galactic. Upon completing this task, Riley will give you a Riolu egg, which can hatch into the powerful Fighting-type Pokémon Lucario.
9. What other HMs are important besides Surf?
Besides Surf, other crucial HMs include HM01 Cut (for clearing small trees), HM04 Strength (for moving boulders), HM06 Rock Smash (for breaking rocks), HM05 Defog (for clearing fog), and HM07 Waterfall (for ascending waterfalls, obtained late in the game).
10. When can I use Waterfall outside of battle?
You can use Waterfall outside of battle after defeating Volkner, the Electric-type Gym Leader in Sunyshore City, and obtaining the Beacon Badge.
11. What is the role of Team Galactic after beating Fantina?
Team Galactic’s presence continues to escalate after your victory against Fantina. Their plans revolve around capturing the legendary Pokémon of Sinnoh to create a new world. Your actions from Canalave City onward will directly oppose their schemes.
12. How does completing the Sinnoh Pokédex relate to HM Surf?
While HM Surf unlocks new areas for exploration, completing the Sinnoh Pokédex is a separate, albeit related, endeavor. The Pokémon you encounter via Surf can contribute to your Pokédex completion, and a completed Pokédex unlocks further in-game rewards and content.
13. Is there any connection between Fantina’s Gym and Team Galactic?
There is no direct connection between Fantina’s Gym and Team Galactic. However, the events unfolding across Sinnoh, including Team Galactic’s actions, influence the overall narrative and your journey after defeating her.
14. What are some rare Pokémon I can find using Surf?
Some notable rare Pokémon accessible via Surf include Shellos (West Sea), Shellos (East Sea), Gastrodon (West Sea), Gastrodon (East Sea), Finneon, and Lumineon. These Pokémon can be found in various water routes throughout Sinnoh.
15. How does HM Surf affect my strategy for the Elite Four?
HM Surf can significantly impact your strategy for the Elite Four. Having a strong Water-type Pokémon with Surf can be advantageous against certain members, particularly Flint (Fire-type specialist) and potentially others depending on their team composition. Access to new areas via Surf also allows you to catch and train Pokémon with diverse typings, enhancing your overall team versatility.
The ability to use HM Surf after defeating Fantina is a major milestone in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. It allows you to fully explore the Sinnoh region, uncover hidden secrets, and progress towards your ultimate goal of becoming a Pokémon Master. Remember to strategically utilize this newfound ability to strengthen your team, challenge new opponents, and foil Team Galactic’s nefarious plans. The skills and knowledge acquired through playing and studying games can be transferrable to other fields and industries. Discover more at Games Learning Society on GamesLearningSociety.org.