Navigating the Pokémon world often requires more than just a strong team; you need the right tools. Hidden Machines (HMs) are crucial items that teach your Pokémon essential field moves, allowing you to overcome obstacles and explore new areas. In Pokémon X and Y, HM01 Cut is a valuable asset that allows you to chop down small trees blocking your path. This guide will provide a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to obtain HM01 Cut in Pokémon X and Y, ensuring you can fully explore the Kalos region.
Why HM01 Cut is Important
HM01 Cut enables your Pokémon to cut down small trees that obstruct various routes, leading to new areas, hidden items, and shortcuts. Without Cut, you’ll be unable to access certain parts of the game, making it essential for completionists and those looking to explore every nook and cranny of the Kalos region. While some may consider it less essential than HMs like Surf or Fly, Cut still provides access to numerous useful items and Pokémon encounters that you might otherwise miss.
Pre-requisites
Before you can obtain HM01 Cut, you need to have made some progress in the game. Specifically, you’ll need to have:
- Obtained your first Gym Badge: This ensures that you’ve progressed far enough into the game to access the relevant locations. You need to defeat Viola at the Santalune City Gym to obtain the Bug Badge.
- Arrived in Camphrier Town: This is where the events leading to obtaining HM01 Cut will unfold.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining HM01 Cut
Step 1: Arrive in Camphrier Town
After defeating Viola in Santalune City, head north through Route 4 (Illumis Route). This route is fairly straightforward, with a few trainers to battle and Pokémon to catch. Continue north until you reach Camphrier Town.
Step 2: The Prankster Furfrou
Upon entering Camphrier Town, you’ll find a commotion in front of Shabboneau Castle. A woman named Jessica will explain that her Furfrou has run off and is now inside the castle. This sets the stage for your mission to retrieve the mischievous Pokémon.
Step 3: Enter Shabboneau Castle
Head inside Shabboneau Castle. The entrance is clearly marked, and you won’t have any trouble finding it. Once inside, you’ll notice a maze-like structure with various rooms to explore. However, your focus should be on finding Furfrou.
Step 4: Navigating Shabboneau Castle
Shabboneau Castle isn’t particularly complex, but here’s a strategy to quickly find Furfrou:
- Explore the first floor: Start by thoroughly checking the first floor of the castle. Look in each room and hallway for any signs of Furfrou.
- Head to the courtyard: The courtyard is a key area in the castle. Often, Furfrou will be wandering around this open space.
- Check the upper floors: If you don’t find Furfrou on the first floor or in the courtyard, proceed to the upper floors. Look for staircases that lead to new areas.
Step 5: Finding Furfrou
Furfrou is typically found in one of the rooms or in the courtyard of the castle. It’s a fluffy, white Pokémon that stands out against the castle’s interior. When you approach Furfrou, a short cutscene will trigger.
Step 6: Return Furfrou to Jessica
After finding Furfrou, it will automatically return to Jessica, who is waiting outside the castle. Exit the castle and speak to Jessica. She will be overjoyed to have her Furfrou back and will thank you for your help.
Step 7: Receiving HM01 Cut
As a token of her gratitude, Jessica will reward you with HM01 Cut! This crucial HM will now be in your possession, ready to be taught to one of your Pokémon.
Teaching HM01 Cut to a Pokémon
Now that you have HM01 Cut, you need to teach it to one of your Pokémon. Keep in mind that HMs are permanent moves unless you use a move deleter later in the game. Therefore, choose a Pokémon that you don’t mind having Cut on its moveset.
Suitable Pokémon for Learning Cut
Many Pokémon can learn Cut, but some are more suitable than others due to their movepools and overall utility. Here are a few suggestions:
- Froakie/Frogadier/Greninja: As your starter, Greninja is a versatile Pokémon that can easily learn Cut without significantly hindering its effectiveness.
- Pangoro: A strong Fighting/Dark-type, Pangoro can learn Cut and still maintain a powerful moveset for battling.
- Honedge/Doublade/Aegislash: This Steel/Ghost-type line can also learn Cut and offers a unique strategic advantage in battles.
- Any Pokémon with a free move slot: If you have a Pokémon with a move slot that you don’t particularly need, teaching it Cut can be a practical choice.
How to Teach Cut
To teach HM01 Cut to a Pokémon, follow these steps:
- Open your Bag: Navigate to your bag using the X button.
- Select HM01 Cut: Find HM01 Cut in your bag and select it.
- Choose a Pokémon: The game will display a list of your Pokémon. Select the Pokémon you want to teach Cut to.
- Confirm the Move: The game will ask if you want to teach Cut to the selected Pokémon. Confirm your choice.
- Replace a Move (if necessary): If the Pokémon already has four moves, you’ll need to choose which move to replace with Cut. Choose wisely!
Using Cut in the Field
Once a Pokémon has learned Cut, you can use it to chop down small trees that block your path. To use Cut, simply approach a small tree and interact with it. The game will prompt you to use Cut, and your Pokémon will perform the action, clearing the way.
Locations Where Cut is Useful
Cut is particularly useful in several areas throughout the Kalos region. Here are some notable locations where Cut can help you access new areas and items:
- Route 5 (Versant Road): There are several small trees blocking paths on this route, which Cut can easily clear.
- Route 6 (Palais Lane): Cut will help you navigate this route more efficiently by opening up shortcuts.
- Connecting Cave: Cut can be used to explore previously inaccessible areas within this cave, leading to items and Pokémon.
- Various towns and cities: Keep an eye out for small trees in towns and cities, as they often hide hidden items or lead to secret areas.
Tips and Tricks
- Carry a Pokémon with Cut at all times: Having a Pokémon with Cut in your party ensures that you can always clear obstacles when needed, without having to backtrack to a Pokémon Center to switch moves.
- Consider a dedicated HM user: Some players prefer to have a dedicated HM user—a Pokémon whose primary purpose is to learn HMs like Cut, Surf, and Strength. This can free up more valuable move slots on your main battling team.
- Remember Move Deleters: If you later decide that you no longer want a Pokémon to have Cut, you can visit a Move Deleter in a Pokémon Center to remove the move.
Conclusion
Obtaining HM01 Cut in Pokémon X and Y is a simple but essential task that opens up new possibilities for exploration and discovery. By following this guide, you can easily acquire Cut and start chopping down trees, uncovering hidden areas, and collecting valuable items throughout the Kalos region. Happy exploring!