Pokémon Crystal, a beloved entry in the second generation of Pokémon games, continues to capture the hearts of trainers worldwide. Its immersive world, engaging storyline, and captivating Pokémon make it a timeless classic. Among the many abilities trainers seek, the ability to Fly is paramount for quick and efficient travel across the Johto and Kanto regions. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions on how to obtain the Fly HM in Pokémon Crystal, enabling you to soar through the skies and explore the vast landscapes with ease.
Understanding the Importance of Fly
The Fly HM (Hidden Machine) allows a Pokémon to use the move Fly in battle and, more importantly, to transport the player to any previously visited town or city with a Pokémon Center. This ability significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to quickly access different areas for battling, training, or completing quests. Without Fly, navigating the interconnected routes and cities of Johto and Kanto can become a tedious and time-consuming endeavor. It’s an indispensable tool for any aspiring Pokémon Master.
Prerequisites Before Embarking on Your Flying Journey
Before you can acquire the Fly HM, you need to fulfill a few prerequisites:
- Progress Through the Story: You must have progressed far enough in the game to reach Cianwood City. This city is located on the southwest coast of Johto and is only accessible by surfing from Olivine City or battling your way through Route 47 and 48.
- Defeat Chuck at the Cianwood City Gym: You need to defeat Chuck, the Gym Leader of the Cianwood City Gym. Chuck specializes in Fighting-type Pokémon, so prepare accordingly with Flying or Psychic-type moves.
- Have a Pokémon That Can Learn Fly: Ensure you have a Pokémon in your party that is capable of learning the Fly HM. Common choices include (but are not limited to) Dodrio, Crobat, Skarmory, and the legendary Lugia (if you’ve captured it).
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining the Fly HM
Once you’ve met the prerequisites, follow these detailed steps to obtain the Fly HM:
- Head to Cianwood City: If you haven’t already, navigate to Cianwood City. You can Surf from Olivine City (southwest) or take the more scenic (and battle-filled) route through Routes 47 and 48 (west of Ecruteak City).
- Defeat Chuck at the Cianwood City Gym: Challenge and defeat Chuck at the Cianwood City Gym. His team consists primarily of Fighting-type Pokémon, so bring along some strong Flying, Psychic, or Fairy type moves. His Primeape and Poliwrath can be challenging, so be prepared with a diverse team and some healing items.
- Visit Baoba’s Wife (After Defeating Chuck): After defeating Chuck, exit the Gym. You need to find Baoba’s wife. Baoba is the Safari Zone Warden and his wife lives in a house on the west side of Cianwood City. Her house is directly west of the Pokémon Center.
- Talk to Baoba’s Wife: Enter the house and speak to Baoba’s Wife. She will be grateful for your help in retrieving her husband from Cliff Cave and will reward you with the HM02 Fly as a token of her appreciation.
- Teach Fly to a Compatible Pokémon: Open your inventory, select the HM02 Fly, and choose a Pokémon in your party that can learn the move. Some common and powerful Pokémon that can learn Fly include Dodrio, Crobat, and Skarmory. Make sure to teach it to a Pokémon that you are willing to keep in your active party for convenient travel.
Detailed Instructions and Tips for Specific Steps
Let’s delve into some of the steps with more detail and offer helpful tips:
Reaching Cianwood City
There are two primary methods to reach Cianwood City:
- Surfing from Olivine City: This is the most straightforward method. You’ll need the Surf HM, which you receive after completing a quest in Olivine City by healing the sick Ampharos in the Glitter Lighthouse. Once you have Surf, head south from Olivine City’s docks, surfing along the coastline until you reach Cianwood City. Be aware of Water-type Pokémon along the way.
- Navigating Routes 47 and 48: This method involves traveling west from Ecruteak City through Routes 47 and 48. This route is longer and requires you to navigate ledges, climb waterfalls (requiring the Waterfall HM), and battle trainers. While more challenging, this route can provide valuable experience for your Pokémon and allow you to discover hidden items. You will need the secret potion from the pharmacy in Cianwood City to complete the quest in Olivine City and receive the Surf HM.
Defeating Chuck: A Gym Battle Strategy
Chuck’s Cianwood City Gym is a Fighting-type Gym. Here’s a suggested strategy to defeat him:
- Type Advantages: Exploit the type advantages of Flying and Psychic-type Pokémon. Pokémon like Hoothoot/Noctowl, Abra/Kadabra/Alakazam, and Natu/Xatu can be invaluable.
- Team Composition: Build a team with a diverse moveset to counter Chuck’s Pokémon. Include moves that can inflict status conditions like paralysis or sleep to gain an advantage.
- Individual Pokémon Strategies:
- Primeape: Chuck’s Primeape is fast and has powerful physical attacks. Use a Pokémon with high defense or a move that lowers Primeape’s attack. Flying type moves are super effective.
- Poliwrath: Poliwrath is Chuck’s strongest Pokémon, boasting high attack and defense stats. It knows moves like Submission and Dynamic Punch. Use Special Attacks or moves like Fly to avoid contact damage.
- Healing Items: Don’t hesitate to use Potions and Super Potions to heal your Pokémon during the battle. A well-timed heal can turn the tide of the battle.
Finding Baoba’s Wife
Baoba’s wife lives in the house immediately west of the Cianwood City Pokémon Center. It’s a small house, so it’s easy to spot. Simply enter the house and speak to her; she’ll be more than happy to reward you with the Fly HM after you’ve proven yourself by defeating Chuck.
Choosing a Pokémon to Learn Fly
Selecting the right Pokémon to learn Fly is important for both convenience and battling effectiveness. Consider these factors:
- Move Compatibility: Choose a Pokémon that can learn Fly and also has a good moveset for battling.
- Stats: Consider the Pokémon’s stats. A Pokémon with high speed and special attack can be particularly effective with Fly.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, choose a Pokémon that you like and enjoy using.
Some recommended Pokémon for learning Fly include:
- Dodrio: A fast Flying/Normal-type Pokémon with good attack stats.
- Crobat: A fast Poison/Flying-type Pokémon with high speed and special attack.
- Skarmory: A Steel/Flying-type Pokémon with excellent defense, making it a great defensive flyer.
Using Fly Effectively
Once you’ve taught Fly to a Pokémon, you can use it to travel between any towns or cities with Pokémon Centers that you’ve previously visited. To use Fly:
- Open Your Menu: Press the Start button to open the main menu.
- Select Pokémon: Choose the ‘Pokémon’ option.
- Choose Your Flyer: Select the Pokémon that knows Fly.
- Select Fly: Select the ‘Fly’ option from the Pokémon’s menu.
- Choose Destination: A map will appear, showing all the towns and cities with Pokémon Centers that you’ve visited. Select your desired destination.
Your Pokémon will then transport you instantly to the chosen location, saving you valuable time and allowing you to explore the world of Pokémon Crystal more efficiently.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some solutions to common issues you might encounter while trying to get Fly:
- Cannot Find Baoba’s Wife: Ensure you have defeated Chuck at the Cianwood City Gym. Baoba’s wife will only give you the HM after you’ve proven your strength. Her house is located directly west of the Pokémon Center.
- Pokémon Cannot Learn Fly: Double-check the Pokémon’s compatibility with the Fly HM. Some Pokémon cannot learn the move, even if they are Flying-type. Refer to a Pokémon Crystal move compatibility chart if needed.
- Cannot Use Fly Outside of Battle: Make sure you are not in a cave, building, or on a route. Fly can only be used from the overworld map in towns and on routes.
Alternative Methods (Glitch Exploitation – Use with Caution)
While not recommended for a standard playthrough, it’s worth mentioning that certain glitches can allow you to bypass the normal requirements for obtaining Fly. These methods are complex and can potentially corrupt your game, so proceed with extreme caution and only if you are comfortable with the risks. These typically involve trainer escape glitches and memory manipulation, which is beyond the scope of this safe walkthrough.
Fly’s Strategic Use in Pokémon Crystal
The Fly HM isn’t just about convenient travel; it also has strategic uses in battle:
- Dodging Attacks: Fly has two turns. During the first turn, the Pokémon flies up into the air, becoming invulnerable to most attacks. This can be useful for dodging powerful moves or stalling for time.
- Powerful Attack: On the second turn, the Pokémon swoops down to attack, dealing significant damage.
- Vulnerability: While in the air, the Pokémon is vulnerable to certain moves like Gust, Thunder, and Twister, which deal double damage. Be mindful of your opponent’s moveset.
Exploring Johto and Kanto with Fly
With Fly at your disposal, the vast regions of Johto and Kanto become much more accessible. Here are some key locations you can easily reach and explore:
- Goldenrod City: A bustling metropolis with a department store, Game Corner, and the Radio Tower.
- Ecruteak City: Home to the Burned Tower and the Bell Tower, steeped in history and mystery.
- Olivine City: A coastal city with the Glitter Lighthouse, where you can help heal the sick Ampharos and receive the Surf HM.
- Violet City: The location of the Sprout Tower and the first Gym Leader, Falkner.
- Cerulean City (Kanto): Explore the Cerulean Cave in search of rare Pokémon.
- Vermilion City (Kanto): Visit the Pokémon Fan Club and the S.S. Aqua.
Advanced Strategies and Tips
- Optimizing Travel Routes: Plan your travel routes efficiently by using Fly to jump between key locations. This can save you a significant amount of time when completing quests or training your Pokémon.
- Utilizing Fly in Competitive Battles: Incorporate Fly into your competitive battle strategies. Its ability to dodge attacks and deal significant damage can be a valuable asset.
- Breeding and Move Tutors: Fly is an HM and cannot be taught via breeding. There are no move tutors in Crystal that teach fly.
Conclusion
Obtaining the Fly HM in Pokémon Crystal is a crucial step towards becoming a true Pokémon Master. This comprehensive guide has provided you with detailed instructions, strategies, and tips to acquire and effectively use Fly. Soar through the skies, explore the vast landscapes of Johto and Kanto, and embark on unforgettable adventures with your team of loyal Pokémon. With Fly at your command, the world of Pokémon Crystal is yours to conquer!