Surfing the Wave of HM Utility: Which Pokémon Should Learn Surf?

So, you’re diving back into the world of Pokémon, ready to explore every nook and cranny, every hidden shore? Then you’re probably wondering, “Which Pokémon should I teach Surf to?” The definitive answer is: it depends! There’s no single “best” Pokémon. However, for pure utility and convenience, especially in the older generations, a dedicated “HM Slave” like Krabby, Tentacool, or a dual-type Water/Grass type such as Lotad or Ludicolo is often the superior strategy, keeping your primary battling team free from these necessary, yet sometimes suboptimal, move slots. Let’s explore why.

Understanding the Role of Surf in Pokémon Games

Before picking the perfect surfer dude (or dudette), let’s clarify the role of Surf. In most Pokémon games, Surf is a crucial Hidden Machine (HM). HMs are special moves that, once taught, can be used both in and out of battle. Surf serves two main purposes:

• Battle Power: As a Water-type move, Surf is a reliable attack with decent power and 100% accuracy. It can be a core move for many Water-type Pokémon. The text suggests Surf is a good move for Pikachu if you want a unique electric-type.

• World Traversal: More importantly, Surf allows you to travel across bodies of water, opening up new areas, routes, and secrets. It’s often essential for progressing through the game.

The HM Slave Strategy: Practicality Over Power

The phrase “HM slave” might sound harsh, but it’s a practical term within the Pokémon community. It refers to a Pokémon whose primary purpose is to learn and use HMs, freeing up more valuable moveslots on your main team. Why use an HM slave?

• Preserving Moveslots: HMs can be difficult or impossible to remove in some generations, so forcing a powerful Pokémon to learn Surf can hamstring their battling potential.

• Efficiency: A dedicated HM slave can often learn multiple HMs besides Surf, like Waterfall, Dive, Strength, Rock Smash, and even Flash. This means you only need one Pokémon for most overworld utility.

Top Contenders for Surf Duty

Considering these factors, here are some excellent candidates for learning Surf, categorized by their strengths:

The Classic HM Slaves: Tentacool and Krabby

As the excerpt mentions, Krabby and Tentacool are excellent choices, especially in earlier games.

• Availability: They are typically readily available by fishing early in the game.

• HM Compatibility: They can learn a decent number of HMs beyond Surf, including Waterfall, Strength, and Rock Smash

• Disadvantages: Not competitively viable. They exist solely for HM utility.

The Multi-Talented HM Masters: Lotad/Ludicolo

This evolutionary line stands out for its versatility.

• Diverse Movepool: Ludicolo can learn six HMs – Surf, Waterfall, Dive, Strength, Flash, and Rock Smash. This is a massive advantage.

• Type Advantage: Being a Water/Grass type gives it some defensive advantages against common threats.

• Disadvantage: Requires a Water Stone to evolve, which can be limited in some games.

Relicanth: The Deep Dive Specialist

Relicanth is a niche pick but excels in specific games.

• HM Coverage: It can learn Surf, Waterfall, Dive, and Rock Smash. The inclusion of Dive is crucial in games where this HM is required.

• Rarity: It can be difficult to find, making it less accessible than other options.

Others Pokémon Able to Learn Surf

• Skiddo and Gogoat: They can learn Surf and are Ride Pokemon in Pokemon X and Y.
• Tauros, Lickitung And Lickilicky, Nidoking And Nidoqueen, Rhyhorn, Rhydon, And Rhyperior, Snorlax, Bunnelby And Diggersby: These are other Pokemon you didn’t know could learn Surf from older generations.

Alternatives to Surf

It’s important to note that later Pokémon games have reduced the reliance on HMs, replacing them with key items or rideable Pokémon. In these games, teaching Surf becomes more about its battle utility than its overworld use.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Surfer for You

Ultimately, the best Pokémon to teach Surf depends on your playstyle and the specific game you’re playing. If you prioritize competitive battling, choose a powerful Water-type that benefits from Surf as a move. If you value convenience and exploration, embrace the HM slave strategy with a versatile Pokémon like Ludicolo or the readily available Tentacool. And, of course, remember that the fun of Pokémon is experimentation. Try out different combinations and find what works best for your team! Don’t forget to learn more about games and learning at the Games Learning Society via GamesLearningSociety.org!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Surf in Pokémon

1. What Pokémon can learn both Surf and Waterfall?

Many Water-type Pokémon can learn both Surf and Waterfall. Common examples include Gyarados, Feraligatr, and Swampert. Check a specific Pokémon’s movepool for confirmation in each game.

2. Can Pikachu learn Surf?

Yes, Pikachu can learn Surf, however normal pikachu can learn surf via TM, but this is typically through special events or promotions. The “Surfing Pikachu” is a popular and rare variant. It may not be possible in every game.

3. Is Surf a good move in Pokémon battles?

Yes, Surf is generally considered a good move. It boasts a high accuracy (100%) and decent base power (90), making it a reliable Water-type attack.

4. Why can Skiddo and Gogoat learn Surf?

Skiddo and Gogoat can learn Surf because they are used as Ride Pokémon in X and Y. They carry trainers across long distances, including water, making them able to cross bodies of water.

5. What Pokémon can learn Fly and Surf simultaneously?

Pokemon that can learn Fly and Surf include: Dragonite, Mew, Lugia, Pelliper, Latios, Latias, Rayquaza, Arcius and Smeargle.

6. Can Gyarados learn Surf?

Yes, Gyarados can learn Surf. However, Waterfall may be a more powerful Water-type move option for it in some games.

7. Does Waterfall replace Surf as an HM?

In some games, Waterfall is a separate HM. However, it doesn’t necessarily “replace” Surf. Both can be useful, although Surf is often more widely accessible. The text suggests Waterfall inflicts more damage than Surf.

8. Can TM moves be forgotten?

Yes, Technical Machines (TMs) can be forgotten. This allows you to change your Pokémon’s moveset as needed. In games with reusable TMs, this is even more convenient. The differences between TMs and HMs are minimal, TMs are used for battle, and can be easily forgotten to make room for another move.

9. Can Vaporeon learn Surf?

Yes, Vaporeon can learn Surf. A strong technique combination could be Surf, Blizzard or Aurora Beam, Rest and Haze or Mist.

10. Can any Grass-type Pokémon learn Surf?

Only one Grass-type Pokemon can learn Surf: Lotad is the only Grass type that can learn Surf. It’s because it’s part Water.

11. What Pokémon can learn Surf and Flash?

Ludicolo can learn a variety of HMs including Surf, Waterfall, Dive, Strength, Flash, and Rock Smash.

12. Is Surfing Pikachu rare?

Surfing Pikachu V is a very rare Ultra Rare card, adding to its collectibility.

13. What evolves into Gyarados?

Magikarp evolves into Gyarados at level 20. Feeding it Exp. candies will make the process faster.

14. Why is Gyarados not a Dragon-type?

Gyarados is not a Dragon-type because in the early days, all other Water-types would have been irrelevant. Now that the Pokémon landscape has become more balanced and diverse, there was freedom to alter the typing of existing Pokémon.

15. What does Shiny Pikachu look like?

Shiny Pikachu has gray-tipped ears and a slightly darker tint than its normal form.