Soaring Through Johto: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting HM Fly in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Ah, the sweet freedom of flight! In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, HM02 Fly isn’t just a convenient way to travel; it’s a game-changer that unlocks new areas and significantly speeds up your journey across the Johto and Kanto regions. But, unlike some other HMs, Fly isn’t simply handed to you. It requires a bit of exploration and a specific sequence of events. This detailed guide will walk you through each step of obtaining this essential HM, ensuring you’re soaring across the skies in no time.

Before You Take Flight: Preparation is Key

Before you embark on your quest for HM02 Fly, you’ll need to have made some progress in the game. Here’s what you’ll need to have accomplished:

• Defeat the Gym Leaders of Violet City and Azalea Town: You’ll need the Zephyr Badge from Falkner in Violet City and the Hive Badge from Bugsy in Azalea Town.
• Completed the Team Rocket incident at the Slowpoke Well: This is a mandatory part of the main story after getting your second badge. You will face Team Rocket grunts and their leader.
• Visited Goldenrod City: Goldenrod City is your next major stop after Azalea, and it is where most of the upcoming steps will unfold.

Once you’ve ticked those boxes, you’re ready to begin your quest to acquire HM Fly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting HM Fly

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps you need to take to get your hands on HM Fly:

1. Head to Goldenrod City and Locate the Flower Shop

   Your journey to Fly begins in Goldenrod City, a bustling metropolis with a lot to offer. Your primary destination is the Goldenrod Flower Shop, located just north of the Goldenrod City Gym, and it’s just south of the Radio Tower and the Department Store. The building is quite distinct with all the flower displays. Make your way inside.

2. Speak to the Woman Inside the Flower Shop

   Inside the Flower Shop, you’ll see a woman standing near a table filled with flowers. Talk to her. She will inform you about a lost Squirtbottle and that the owner of this item is located on a particular path of Route 35 (to the North).

3. Head North to Route 35

   Leave Goldenrod City from the north exit towards Route 35. This route is known for its greenery and trainers, so be prepared for some encounters. You’ll need to navigate through some tall grass, and there will be trainers to battle. Make your way up Route 35, and you’ll notice a path to the right.

4. Locate and Talk to the Girl on Route 35

   While on Route 35, and just before you exit to the north towards National Park, you will notice a fenced path leading east. Take this path and you should see a Girl standing in front of a tree. Talk to the girl, and she will realize that you are talking about the Squirtbottle. She will tell you that a Pokémon is causing trouble and you will need to defeat it to get it back.

5. Battle the Sudowoodo

   As the girl says, you will find a Sudowoodo that is blocking the path towards Route 36, which is located on the east. You will not be able to proceed to the next step without confronting this Pokémon. You must battle it. This encounter is special because it is the only chance to get Sudowoodo, and it is a static encounter. Be sure to use a Pokémon that does not use moves that cause it to faint. The Sudowoodo is also Level 20 so be prepared for a slightly tough battle. Make sure to save beforehand if you are trying to catch this Pokémon.

   Tip: Consider using a Pokémon with a move like False Swipe to bring its HP down to 1, making it easier to capture.

6. Receive the Squirtbottle

   After defeating or capturing Sudowoodo, it will go to the side of the path, letting you advance through it. The Girl near the tree will run to the now empty area of the Sudowoodo and give you the Squirtbottle.

7. Return to the Flower Shop in Goldenrod City

   Now that you have the Squirtbottle, you’ll need to backtrack to Goldenrod City. Re-enter the Flower Shop and speak to the same woman who told you about the bottle.

8. Receive the Watering Can

   Hand the woman the Squirtbottle and in return, she will be extremely grateful and will give you a Watering Can. This is also an important step to getting HM Fly.

9. Head to Route 37

   Now you will have to leave Goldenrod City from the west towards Route 37. This route connects to Ecruteak City, the next city on your journey to the next gym.

10. Locate the Wobbuffet Blocking the Path

    On Route 37, as soon as you enter, you will notice that a small path that has a Wobbuffet is blocking the path. Now that you have the Watering Can, it is time to use it to get the Wobbuffet to move.

11. Use the Watering Can on the Wobbuffet

    You have to walk near the small patch of land and select the Watering Can. Now, water the Wobbuffet. Once you do, the Wobbuffet will disappear, and reveal a large tree to the left.

12. Locate and Speak to the Woman near the Tree

    The woman will be behind the large tree, standing next to a house. The Wobbuffet was blocking you from approaching this location. Talk to her.

13. Receive HM Fly

    Finally, after all this, the Woman you are speaking to will give you HM02 Fly for helping her. You have finally acquired one of the most useful HMs in the game.

Using HM Fly

Once you’ve obtained HM Fly, it’s time to put it to good use. Here’s how it works:

• Teaching Fly: You’ll need to teach Fly to a Pokémon that’s compatible with the HM. Flying-type Pokémon, and some others, can learn the move.
• Selecting a Destination: Once a Pokémon knows Fly, you can access it from the menu. Select “Fly”, and a map of Johto (or Kanto, once unlocked) will appear with all of the towns and cities that you have previously visited highlighted. Pick your desired location and you will be instantly transported there.
• Strategic Use: Fly is invaluable for quickly traveling between towns and avoiding long walks. It’s also useful for returning to previous areas to collect missed items or explore new routes as they open up.

Tips for Using HM Fly Effectively

• Choose a good Flyer: Select a strong Pokémon that can learn Fly for combat, which is also going to be useful, since you can use it in battle.
• Keep track of explored locations: As you explore, remember which cities you have visited. This will help you quickly get back to areas that you may need to revisit with Fly.
• Use it to save time: When revisiting locations, think about using Fly to save time. This will be very helpful in post-game when you are completing side-quests.

Conclusion

Obtaining HM Fly in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver requires a little bit of effort, and understanding the correct steps. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be soaring through the skies of Johto in no time, making your journey more efficient and enjoyable. Enjoy the freedom and convenience that Fly provides, and happy adventuring! It is also a good idea to keep your HM Fly user in your party because you never know when you might need to get back to a city you have previously visited!