How to Obtain Dive in Pokémon Emerald: A Comprehensive Guide

Dive is a crucial Hidden Machine (HM) in Pokémon Emerald, allowing you to explore the underwater depths and uncover hidden areas. This guide will provide you with a detailed walkthrough on how to obtain HM08 Dive, ensuring you don’t miss out on valuable items, Pokémon, and the path to the legendary Kyogre. Getting Dive is not a simple linear task; it involves progressing through the game, battling gym leaders, and navigating specific areas. So, buckle up, trainer, and let’s dive in!

Prerequisites Before You Begin

Before you can even think about acquiring Dive, you need to have reached a certain point in the game. Here’s a checklist to ensure you’re ready:

• Obtain the Fifth Gym Badge: You need the Balance Badge, obtained by defeating Norman, the Petalburg Gym Leader.
• Obtain the Sixth Gym Badge: You need the Feather Badge, obtained by defeating Winona, the Fortree City Gym Leader.
• Have Surf: You’ll need Surf (HM03), which is usually obtained after the Norman Gym battle but is mandatory to progress here.
• Progress through Team Aqua/Magma’s Plotline: You need to have at least visited the Weather Institute and progressed in the Mt. Pyre storyline.

If you’ve completed these prerequisites, you’re on the right track! Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining HM08 Dive

Step 1: Head to Mossdeep City

After defeating Winona in Fortree City, you’ll need to head to Mossdeep City. This city is located on the eastern side of the map and is accessible by surfing east from Route 124.

Navigation Tip: If you need a reminder, Route 124 is directly south of Lilycove City (where the Department Store is), and you’ll have to surf a bit.

Step 2: Explore Mossdeep City

Mossdeep City is a unique location. Not only is it home to the Mossdeep Space Center, but it also has a strong aquatic theme, hinting at the importance of Dive. Once in the city, make your way to Steven’s house.

Location Tip: Steven’s house is located in the northeastern part of the city, it’s very noticeable compared to other buildings, and a sign is in front of it.

Step 3: Enter Steven’s House

Go inside Steven’s house. Steven won’t be there (he’s busy helping in another part of Hoenn), but you’ll find a letter on the table. This letter mentions a Pokémon that lives deep in the ocean, hinting at the use of Dive.

Step 4: Go to the Mossdeep Gym

The Mossdeep Gym is located on the western side of the city. This is where the Psychic-type gym leaders, Liza and Tate, are waiting for you. You must defeat them before you can obtain Dive. So, ensure your team is ready for a double battle using Psychic-type Pokémon. Water, Grass, and Dark-type Pokemon will be advantageous here.

Gym Battle Strategy: This gym is particularly challenging because of the double battle format, which means you will face both leaders simultaneously. Focus fire on one Pokémon at a time, make use of Pokemon that have spread attacks, and type advantages. You should be aiming to take out one leader at a time first and the other second.

Step 5: After Defeating the Gym Leaders

After a tough battle, you’ll receive the Mind Badge, which enables Pokemon up to level 80 to obey you, along with TM04 Calm Mind, which boosts your Pokemon’s Special Attack and Special Defense.

Step 6: The Final Step: Getting Dive

Now, this is the crucial step. Leave the Gym and head towards the southeastern part of Mossdeep City, near the ocean. You’ll spot a trainer, who is usually a man in an orange and yellow top standing right next to the ocean. Talk to this man. He will see you have the Mind Badge. He will then give you HM08 Dive. He will explain it and why the leaders of the city had it initially before handing it over to you.

Note: Ensure you have a Pokémon that can learn Dive. Water-type Pokémon such as Wailmer, Wingull, Pelipper, and other various water type Pokemon can learn Dive. If you don’t have any, make sure you catch one along the way.

How to Use Dive Effectively

Now that you have Dive, here are some pointers on how to utilize it effectively:

• Dark Patches in the Ocean: Dive can be used on the dark patches in the ocean. These patches signify that you can go underwater at that spot.
• Navigating Underwater: While underwater, you can navigate just as you would on land. It is worth noting however that trainer encounters will cease once you enter an underwater cave or area.
• Underwater Caves and Areas: Many underwater caves lead to new locations and often have valuable items, new Pokemon, or even entrances to other locations.
• The Seafloor Cavern: Dive is necessary to access the Seafloor Cavern where a large part of the Team Aqua/Magma plot is resolved and the legendary Pokemon Kyogre (in Emerald) is found.
• Catching Relicanth: Relicanth, a rare Rock/Water type Pokemon can only be obtained by using Dive. It’s located underwater in the Sootopolis City area and needs to be fished for in that area.

Why Dive is Essential in Pokémon Emerald

Dive is not just about exploring underwater caves. It is essential for several reasons:

• Progression of the Story: Dive is mandatory to progress the main storyline, as it’s the only way to reach the Seafloor Cavern, where you will confront the villainous team and deal with Kyogre/Groudon.
• Access to Rare Items and Pokémon: Dive opens up routes to hidden items, TMs, and rare Pokémon that are not available anywhere else.
• Completing the Pokédex: Some Pokémon like Relicanth are only accessible with Dive. If you are aiming to complete the Pokedex, it is a necessity.
• Exploration: Dive expands your exploration capabilities significantly, allowing you to delve into the depths of the Hoenn region and discover secrets not found anywhere else on land.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Obtaining Surf First: You need Surf to even reach areas where Dive is relevant. Ensure you have Surf first before trying to get Dive.
• Skipping the Gym Battle: The Mind Badge from the Mossdeep Gym is a prerequisite, don’t try looking for it without defeating the gym leaders first.
• Not Having a Pokémon that Can Learn Dive: Make sure you have a Pokémon that can learn the HM before obtaining it. You don’t want it to sit in your bag without any way to use it.
• Getting Confused on Location: Mossdeep City is where Dive is given out, not Sootopolis. Try not to get these two cities confused with their purposes for the Dive HM.

Tips and Tricks for Using Dive

• Stock up on Repels: When exploring underwater caves, you will encounter quite a few wild Pokémon. Repels can help you navigate without the constant battles and allow you to focus on exploration.
• Heal Frequently: Underwater battles can be as challenging as any other, so it is important to heal between battles.
• Use the Pokénav for Location Purposes: The Pokénav can track your location on the map, making it easy to orient yourself while exploring underwater routes.
• Explore Every Corner: Some items or areas might be tucked away. Use dive in every dark patch of water and explore each cave entirely as you never know when you will find a new treasure or an easter egg.

Conclusion

Obtaining Dive in Pokémon Emerald is a rewarding experience that opens up many new possibilities in your adventure. By following this guide, you should be well-equipped to get Dive and effectively explore the underwater world of the Hoenn region. So go ahead, trainer, and discover all the secrets that lie beneath the waves!

This comprehensive guide ensures you know every step necessary to obtain and utilize the HM08 Dive. Dive is a key element in finishing the game and will enable you to finish the game with ease.