Essential HMs:
* HM01 Cut: This is absolutely crucial. It allows you to cut down trees blocking paths, opening up new areas. You'll need it early on and throughout the game.
* HM04 Strength: Strength allows you to move large boulders out of your way. This is vital for accessing key routes and areas within the game.
* HM05 Flash: Flash is essential for exploring dark caves. You'll need it to see your surroundings and navigate through various underground areas.
* HM06 Rock Smash: Rock Smash breaks rocks, granting access to new pathways and hidden areas. It's particularly useful for accessing some key trainer locations.
* HM07 Waterfall: Waterfall is essential for navigating waterfalls. This will help you reach areas inaccessible by other means, including areas with powerful trainers.
Important Note: While these are essential, some players find HM08 (Fly) to be extremely helpful for faster travel. It's not technically required, but it can make exploring and backtracking much quicker.
Tips for Managing HMs:
* Utilize a dedicated HM Pokemon: Choose a Pokemon like Snorlax or a Pokemon with a strong movepool to learn all the HMs. This way you won't have to constantly swap out your team.
* Use the Move Deleter: You can delete HMs from a Pokemon's moveset at the Move Deleter located in the Pokemon Center. This is important if you want to replace an HM with a stronger move for battles.
Remember, the Pokemon League is a challenging battle. Make sure you have a well-rounded team, train your Pokemon diligently, and equip them with the best items available. Good luck, Trainer!