Waterfall is a crucial HM (Hidden Machine) move in Pokémon Black, allowing your Pokémon to ascend waterfalls and access previously unreachable areas. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to obtain the Waterfall HM and teach it to your Pokémon, enabling you to explore the Unova region more fully.
Why Waterfall is Important
Waterfall isn’t just another HM; it’s essential for several reasons:
- Navigation: It allows you to climb waterfalls, opening up new paths and shortcuts.
- Exploration: Many hidden items, trainers, and even Pokémon are located behind waterfalls or in areas accessible only by Waterfall.
- Battle Utility: Waterfall is a powerful Water-type move with a chance to make the target flinch, making it useful in battles.
Prerequisites
Before you can acquire Waterfall, you need to have:
- Defeated the Elite Four: You must have beaten the Elite Four and the Champion to unlock the post-game content, which includes the area where Waterfall is found.
- Access to Route 1: This is one of the starting routes, but the destination requires post-game access.
- A Pokémon that can learn Waterfall: Ensure you have a Water-type Pokémon or a Pokémon compatible with the move. Common choices include Water-type Pokémon found in the Unova region.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Waterfall
Follow these steps to locate and obtain the Waterfall HM:
Step 1: Return to Route 1
After defeating the Elite Four, make your way back to Route 1. This is the route where your Pokémon journey began. You can easily access it from Accumula Town or by flying to a nearby location and walking.
Step 2: Navigate to the Hidden Area
On Route 1, you need to find the hidden path that leads to the waterfall. This path is not immediately obvious, so pay close attention to the following directions:
- From the entrance of Route 1 (connecting to Accumula Town), head north, navigating the tall grass.
- Look for a ledge that you can jump down. This ledge is on the eastern side of the route. It might be near a trainer, so if you encounter one, you’re on the right track.
- Jump down the ledge.
- Once down, head west. You should see a narrow path leading towards the north.
- Follow this narrow path. It will take you behind some trees and into a secluded area.
Step 3: Find the Waterfall
As you follow the path, you’ll eventually reach a small waterfall. This is the location where you’ll find the Waterfall HM.
Step 4: Obtain the Waterfall HM
In front of the waterfall, you’ll find a Poké Ball. Interact with it to pick up the Waterfall HM (HM05). Congratulations, you’ve found Waterfall!
Teaching Waterfall to Your Pokémon
Now that you have the Waterfall HM, you need to teach it to a compatible Pokémon. Here’s how:
- Open Your Bag: Access your inventory by pressing the X button on your Nintendo DS or 3DS.
- Select the HM: Navigate to the TM/HM Pocket in your bag.
- Choose Waterfall: Select the Waterfall HM (HM05).
- Select a Pokémon: The game will display a list of your Pokémon. Choose the Pokémon you want to teach Waterfall. Note that not all Pokémon can learn Waterfall, so you’ll need to select one that is compatible. Water-type Pokémon are the most common choice.
- Confirm: Confirm that you want to teach Waterfall to the selected Pokémon.
Your Pokémon will now learn the Waterfall move, replacing one of its existing moves if necessary. Choose wisely, as you can only replace a move once unless you use a Move Relearner.
Using Waterfall in the Field
To use Waterfall outside of battle, you need to have the HM move and have defeated the Elite Four, which signifies that you have earned the right to use it freely in the overworld. Once you meet these conditions, simply stand in front of a waterfall and select the Pokémon with Waterfall in your party. The game will prompt you to use the move, allowing you to ascend the waterfall.
Locations Accessible with Waterfall
Once you have Waterfall, you can explore various locations previously inaccessible. Here are a few notable areas:
- Route 1: Ascend the waterfall where you found the HM to explore the area above. This often leads to items or new routes to explore.
- Undella Town and Bay: Waterfall allows access to deeper parts of Undella Bay, where you can find rare items and Pokémon.
- Giant Chasm: While much of Giant Chasm is accessible without Waterfall, certain areas require the move to reach hidden caves and items.
- Abundant Shrine: This location has waterfalls that block progress to certain areas without the HM.
Tips for Finding Waterfall Quickly
- Use Repels: To avoid unnecessary wild Pokémon encounters while navigating Route 1, use Repels. This will make your journey smoother and faster.
- Follow a Map: If you’re having trouble finding the hidden path, consult a map or online guide that shows the exact location of the ledge you need to jump down.
- Be Patient: The path to the waterfall can be a bit tricky, so be patient and take your time. Double-check that you’re following the correct route.
Compatible Pokémon for Waterfall
Here’s a list of some Pokémon that can learn Waterfall in Pokémon Black. Note that this is not an exhaustive list, but it covers many of the common and useful Pokémon you might encounter:
- Water-type Starters:
- Oshawott
- Dewott
- Samurott
- Other Water-types:
- Psyduck
- Golduck
- Poliwag
- Poliwhirl
- Poliwrath
- Seel
- Dewgong
- Krabby
- Kingler
- Staryu
- Starmie
- Magikarp
- Gyarados
- Lapras
- Vaporeon
- Totodile
- Croconaw
- Feraligatr
- Marill
- Azumarill
- Wooper
- Quagsire
- Corsola
- Remoraid
- Octillery
- Suicune
- Mudkip
- Marshtomp
- Swampert
- Lotad
- Lombre
- Ludicolo
- Wingull
- Pelipper
- Surskit
- Masquerain
- Corphish
- Crawdaunt
- Feebas
- Milotic
- Kecleon
- Crawdaunt
- Clamperl
- Huntail
- Gorebyss
- Relicanth
- Luvdisc
- Kyogre
- Buizel
- Floatzel
- Shellos
- Gastrodon
- Finneon
- Lumineon
- Phione
- Manaphy
- Piplup
- Prinplup
- Empoleon
- Tirtouga
- Carracosta
- Ducklett
- Swanna
- Frillish
- Jellicent
- Alomomola
- Keldeo
- Other Types:
- Nidoking
- Nidoqueen
- Farfetch’d
- Scyther
- Pinsir
- Heracross
- Sneasel
- Gligar
- Ursaring
- Mightyena
- Shiftry
- Breloom
- Sableye
- Mawile
- Aggron
- Zangoose
- Seviper
- Cacturne
- Tropius
- Absol
- Drapion
- Weavile
- Gliscor
- Krookodile
- Krookorok
Alternatives to Waterfall for Battle
While Waterfall is a decent Water-type move, there are stronger alternatives available later in the game. Consider these options if you’re looking for more powerful attacks:
- Surf: Surf is a widely available and reliable Water-type move that is stronger than Waterfall but does not have the flinch chance.
- Hydro Pump: Hydro Pump is the most powerful Water-type move, but it has lower accuracy. It’s a high-risk, high-reward option.
- Scald: Scald is a special Water-type move with a chance to burn the target. It’s useful for inflicting status conditions.
Conclusion
Finding and learning Waterfall in Pokémon Black is essential for fully exploring the Unova region. By following this guide, you can easily obtain the HM and teach it to your Pokémon, unlocking new areas and hidden secrets. Happy exploring!