Pokémon FireRed, a beloved remake of the original Pokémon Red, takes players back to the Kanto region for an unforgettable adventure. One of the essential Hidden Machines (HMs) you’ll need to navigate the world is Rock Smash. This move allows you to break through cracked rocks, opening up new paths and uncovering hidden items. Obtaining Rock Smash in FireRed requires a bit of exploration and completing a specific task. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.
Why You Need Rock Smash
Rock Smash is more than just a move to teach your Pokémon; it’s a key to unlocking areas that are otherwise inaccessible. Here’s why it’s crucial to have Rock Smash in your FireRed adventure:
- Access to New Areas: Cracked rocks block pathways in various locations, preventing you from progressing or reaching valuable items.
- Item Discovery: Hidden behind these rocks, you’ll often find useful items, including TMs, evolution stones, and other rare treasures.
- Completing the Pokédex: Certain Pokémon might be found in areas only accessible with Rock Smash.
- Advantage in Battles: Although Rock Smash isn’t the strongest Fighting-type move, it can be useful in a pinch against certain Pokémon.
Prerequisites
Before you can obtain Rock Smash, you need to meet a few requirements:
- Defeat Lt. Surge: You must defeat Lt. Surge, the Vermilion City Gym Leader, and obtain the Thunder Badge. This allows you to use the move Cut outside of battle, which is necessary for accessing certain areas.
- Access to Vermilion City: You should be able to freely travel to and explore Vermilion City.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Rock Smash
Follow these steps to acquire Rock Smash in Pokémon FireRed:
Step 1: Head to Vermilion City
If you haven’t already, make your way to Vermilion City. This bustling port city is located south of Cerulean City and east of Pewter City. You can reach it by traveling south from Cerulean or by taking the S.S. Anne (more on that later).
Step 2: Visit the Pokémon Center
Once in Vermilion City, it’s always a good idea to heal your Pokémon at the Pokémon Center. It’s located near the entrance of the city and is marked with a red roof and a Poké Ball symbol. Talk to the Nurse Joy behind the counter to fully restore your team’s health and PP.
Step 3: Locate the House Next to the Pokémon Center
Exit the Pokémon Center and look for a small house located directly to the right (east). This house is where you’ll find one of Professor Oak’s assistants.
Step 4: Talk to Professor Oak’s Assistant
Enter the house and speak to the assistant inside. He will be standing near a table, usually surrounded by books and research materials. The assistant is on a quest to learn more about different Pokémon species. He will ask you how many Pokémon you’ve caught.
Step 5: Show the Assistant at Least 30 Different Pokémon
Here’s the catch: Professor Oak’s assistant won’t simply hand over Rock Smash. He wants to see evidence of your dedication to Pokémon research. You need to have caught at least 30 different species of Pokémon. This means your Pokédex needs to register at least 30 unique entries.
Tips for Catching 30 Pokémon:
- Explore Different Areas: Venture into various routes, caves, and forests to encounter a wide range of Pokémon.
- Use Different Poké Balls: Experiment with Great Balls, Ultra Balls, and other types of Poké Balls to increase your chances of catching Pokémon.
- Weaken Pokémon Before Catching: Lowering a Pokémon’s HP makes it easier to catch. Use moves like Tackle or Vine Whip to weaken them without knocking them out. Be careful not to use moves like Take Down, which can cause recoil damage to your own Pokémon. Moves that inflict status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis can also dramatically increase your catch rate.
- Trade with Friends: If possible, trade with friends to obtain Pokémon you haven’t encountered in your game.
- Don’t Neglect Fishing: Use the Old Rod, Good Rod, and Super Rod in different bodies of water to catch Water-type Pokémon.
- Check Every Patch of Grass: Even common Pokémon like Pidgey and Rattata count towards your total. Make sure you’ve caught at least one of each species you encounter.
Step 6: Receive Rock Smash!
Once you’ve caught at least 30 different Pokémon and shown them to Professor Oak’s assistant, he will be impressed by your dedication and knowledge of Pokémon. As a reward, he will give you the HM06 Rock Smash. Congratulations!
Teaching Rock Smash to a Pokémon
Now that you have Rock Smash, you need to teach it to one of your Pokémon. Keep in mind that only certain Pokémon can learn Rock Smash.
Eligible Pokémon
Here are some Pokémon that can learn Rock Smash in FireRed:
- Bulbasaur
- Ivysaur
- Venusaur
- Charmander
- Charmeleon
- Charizard
- Squirtle
- Wartortle
- Blastoise
- Pikachu
- Raichu
- Sandshrew
- Sandslash
- Nidoran♀
- Nidorina
- Nidoqueen
- Nidoran♂
- Nidorino
- Nidoking
- Paras
- Parasect
- Diglett
- Dugtrio
- Mankey
- Primeape
- Growlithe
- Arcanine
- Poliwag
- Poliwhirl
- Poliwrath
- Abra
- Kadabra
- Alakazam
- Machop
- Machoke
- Machamp
- Bellsprout
- Weepinbell
- Victreebel
- Geodude
- Graveler
- Golem
- Ponyta
- Rapidash
- Slowpoke
- Slowbro
- Magnemite
- Magneton
- Farfetch’d
- Grimer
- Muk
- Shellder
- Cloyster
- Onix
- Krabby
- Kingler
- Voltorb
- Electrode
- Exeggcute
- Exeggutor
- Cubone
- Marowak
- Hitmonlee
- Hitmonchan
- Lickitung
- Koffing
- Weezing
- Rhyhorn
- Rhydon
- Chansey
- Tangela
- Kangaskhan
- Horsea
- Seadra
- Goldeen
- Seaking
- Staryu
- Starmie
- Mr. Mime
- Scyther
- Jynx
- Electabuzz
- Magmar
- Pinsir
- Tauros
- Magikarp
- Gyarados
- Lapras
- Ditto
- Eevee
- Vaporeon
- Jolteon
- Flareon
- Porygon
- Omanyte
- Omastar
- Kabuto
- Kabutops
- Aerodactyl
- Snorlax
- Articuno
- Zapdos
- Moltres
- Dratini
- Dragonair
- Dragonite
- Mewtwo
- Mew
Teaching the Move
- Open your Pokémon menu by pressing the Start button.
- Select the Pokémon you want to teach Rock Smash to.
- Choose the “Moves” option.
- Select “HM06 Rock Smash” from your inventory.
- The game will ask if you want to teach Rock Smash to the selected Pokémon. Choose “Yes.”
- You’ll be prompted to replace one of the Pokémon’s existing moves with Rock Smash. Choose the move you want to replace. Keep in mind that HMs cannot be deleted unless you use the Move Deleter (located in Fuchsia City).
Using Rock Smash in the Field
Once a Pokémon knows Rock Smash, you can use it to break cracked rocks that block your path. Simply approach a cracked rock and press the A button. The game will prompt you to use Rock Smash. Select “Yes,” and your Pokémon will smash the rock, clearing the way.
Key Locations for Using Rock Smash
Here are some notable locations where Rock Smash is essential in FireRed:
- Mt. Moon: Certain areas in Mt. Moon require Rock Smash to access valuable items and Pokémon.
- Rock Tunnel: While not mandatory, Rock Smash can help you navigate the Rock Tunnel more efficiently.
- Victory Road: Rock Smash is crucial for progressing through Victory Road, the final challenge before the Elite Four.
- Various Routes: Keep an eye out for cracked rocks on various routes throughout the Kanto region, as they often hide valuable items or shortcuts.
- Island One (after obtaining the Ruby and Sapphire): Rock Smash opens up additional areas and items on the islands.
Tips and Tricks
- Carry a Pokémon with Rock Smash: Always have a Pokémon in your party that knows Rock Smash so you can break rocks whenever you encounter them.
- Explore Thoroughly: Don’t rush through areas. Take your time to explore every nook and cranny, as cracked rocks can be hidden in unexpected places.
- Consider a Dedicated HM Slave: Some players choose to have a specific Pokémon that learns multiple HMs (like Cut, Rock Smash, Strength, and Surf) to free up move slots on their main team.
The Importance of Catching Multiple Pokémon
The requirement of catching 30 different species of Pokémon to obtain Rock Smash highlights the importance of catching as many Pokémon as possible in FireRed. Not only does it unlock essential moves like Rock Smash, but it also contributes to completing your Pokédex, which is a major goal for many players. Furthermore, having a diverse team of Pokémon allows you to adapt to different battle situations and exploit various type matchups.
Beyond Rock Smash: Other Important HMs
While Rock Smash is essential, it’s just one of several HMs you’ll need to progress through FireRed. Here’s a brief overview of other important HMs:
- Cut: Obtained on the S.S. Anne in Vermilion City, Cut allows you to chop down small trees that block your path.
- Surf: Obtained in Fuchsia City after saving the Warden from Team Rocket at the Safari Zone, Surf allows you to travel across water.
- Strength: Obtained in the Safari Zone, Strength allows you to move large boulders that block your path.
- Flash: Obtained in Rock Tunnel from an NPC, Flash illuminates dark caves.
- Fly: Obtained in Celadon City after rescuing the Celadon City Rocket Base, Fly allows you to instantly travel to any previously visited town.
- Waterfall: Requires the National Pokédex, and is located in Icefall Cave on Four Island. Allows you to ascend waterfalls.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble obtaining Rock Smash, consider the following:
- Double-Check Your Pokédex: Make sure you’ve actually caught 30 different species of Pokémon. Releasing a Pokémon doesn’t remove it from your Pokédex, so you need to have caught and registered 30 unique entries.
- Talk to the Correct Assistant: Ensure you’re talking to the assistant in the house next to the Pokémon Center in Vermilion City.
- Have Room in Your Party: Make sure you have an open slot in your party or your PC to receive the HM.
Conclusion
Obtaining Rock Smash in Pokémon FireRed is a crucial step in your journey to become a Pokémon Master. By following these detailed instructions, you’ll be able to unlock new areas, discover hidden items, and progress further in the game. Remember to catch at least 30 different Pokémon, speak to Professor Oak’s assistant in Vermilion City, and teach Rock Smash to a compatible Pokémon. With Rock Smash in your arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to overcome any obstacle that stands in your way. Happy adventuring!
Additional Tips for FireRed Players
Here are some extra tips to enhance your Pokémon FireRed experience:
- Explore Thoroughly: The Kanto region is full of secrets and hidden items. Take your time to explore every area, talk to every NPC, and check every corner.
- Manage Your Team: Build a well-balanced team with diverse types to cover different matchups. Pay attention to your Pokémon’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Use Held Items: Held items can provide significant benefits in battle, such as increasing attack power, boosting speed, or restoring HP. Experiment with different items to find what works best for your team.
- Take Advantage of Type Matchups: Understanding type matchups is crucial for success in Pokémon battles. Use super-effective moves to deal more damage and gain an advantage.
- Train Your Pokémon: Level up your Pokémon by battling wild Pokémon and trainers. Higher levels increase your Pokémon’s stats and allow them to learn new moves.
- Visit the Move Deleter: The Move Deleter in Fuchsia City can help you remove unwanted HMs from your Pokémon, freeing up valuable move slots.
- Complete the Pokédex: Aim to catch as many Pokémon as possible to complete your Pokédex. This not only unlocks rewards but also provides a sense of accomplishment.
- Enjoy the Journey: Pokémon FireRed is a classic game with a rich world and engaging gameplay. Take your time to enjoy the experience and create lasting memories.
By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Pokémon Master in FireRed! Good luck, and have fun!