What Pokémon can learn Surf in Emerald? Discovering which Pokémon can learn Surf in Pokémon Emerald is crucial for navigating Hoenn’s waters, and LEARNS.EDU.VN provides a comprehensive guide to help you. This guide explores the best Pokémon for Surf and other Hidden Machines, ensuring you have a versatile team for all your adventures. Master essential HM skills and enhance your gameplay with effective strategies and team compositions by leveraging the knowledge available on LEARNS.EDU.VN, and you will be capable of building a winning team and mastering Hoenn with insights and tactics, including HM compatibility and optimal team builds to achieve victory, with resources for skill enhancement and team strategies.
1. Understanding the Importance of Surf in Pokémon Emerald
Surf is an essential Hidden Machine (HM) in Pokémon Emerald, enabling players to traverse water bodies and access new areas. This ability is crucial for progressing through the game, battling Gym Leaders, and completing the Pokédex. Understanding which Pokémon can learn Surf is vital for efficient gameplay and strategic team building.
1.1. Why Surf is Necessary
Surf isn’t just a means of transportation; it’s also a powerful Water-type move that can be used in battles. Its utility both in and out of combat makes it a valuable asset for any trainer.
- Navigation: Allows access to islands, sea routes, and hidden locations.
- Battle: A strong Water-type attack that can deal significant damage.
- Progression: Required to advance the main storyline and complete certain quests.
1.2. The Role of HM Slaves
Due to HMs taking up valuable move slots and not always being the best attacks, many players use “HM slaves.” These Pokémon are primarily used to learn HMs, freeing up other team members to focus on more strategic moves.
- Move Slot Efficiency: Prevents important battle Pokémon from having their move sets burdened by HMs.
- Team Versatility: Allows for a more diverse and specialized team composition.
- Convenience: Ensures that necessary HMs are always available when needed.
2. Top Pokémon That Can Learn Surf in Emerald
Many Pokémon in Emerald can learn Surf, but some are more versatile and useful than others. Here’s a list of the top Pokémon that can learn Surf, along with their additional HM capabilities:
2.1. Swampert
- HMs: Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, Waterfall, Dive
- Why: Swampert is an excellent choice due to its dual Water/Ground typing, making it resistant to Electric-type attacks. It can learn all essential HMs, making it a versatile team member.
- Availability: As a starter Pokémon, Swampert is available from the beginning of the game.
2.2. Wailord
- HMs: Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, Waterfall, Dive
- Why: Wailord can learn multiple Water-type HMs along with Strength and Rock Smash, making it a great HM slave. Its high HP also makes it durable in battle.
- Availability: Can be caught as a Wailmer and evolved into Wailord.
2.3. Ludicolo
- HMs: Surf, Strength, Flash, Rock Smash, Waterfall, Dive
- Why: Ludicolo’s access to six HMs makes it highly versatile for both navigation and exploration.
- Availability: Requires a Water Stone to evolve from Lombre, which can be found or purchased.
2.4. Crawdaunt
- HMs: Cut, Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, Waterfall, Dive
- Why: Crawdaunt is ideal for its ability to learn Cut, which is essential for accessing new areas.
- Availability: Can be caught as a Corphish and evolved into Crawdaunt.
2.5. Pelipper
- HMs: Fly, Surf
- Why: Pelipper is unique in its ability to learn both Surf and Fly, essential for rapid traversal of the Hoenn region.
- Availability: Can be found early in the game, making it a convenient choice for HM support.
2.6. Sharpedo
- HMs: Cut, Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, Waterfall, Dive
- Why: Sharpedo’s impressive movepool and high Speed stat, combined with its ability to learn five HMs, make it a strong and versatile choice.
- Availability: Requires the Surf HM to find and catch Carvanha, its pre-evolution.
2.7. Walrein
- HMs: Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, Waterfall, Dive
- Why: Walrein is a powerhouse capable of learning five HMs, making it an excellent choice for both combat and utility.
- Availability: Requires evolving Spheal through two stages, making it a later-game option.
2.8. Hariyama
- HMs: Surf, Strength, Rock Smash
- Why: Hariyama’s unique ability to learn Surf as a Fighting-type makes it a surprising and useful HM user.
- Availability: Can be found in the wild, offering early access to a Surf-capable Pokémon.
2.9. Aggron
- HMs: Cut, Surf, Strength, Rock Smash
- Why: Aggron is an ideal HM mule for exploring caves, with its ability to learn Cut, Surf, Strength, and Rock Smash.
- Availability: Requires evolving Aron through two stages, making it a mid-to-late game option.
2.10. Linoone
- HMs: Cut, Surf, Strength, Rock Smash
- Why: Linoone is available early in the game and can learn four essential HMs, making it a convenient choice for HM support.
- Availability: Zigzagoon, its pre-evolution, is one of the first Pokémon encountered in the Hoenn region.
3. Detailed Analysis of HM Compatibility
Understanding which HMs each Pokémon can learn is crucial for optimizing your team. Here’s a detailed analysis of HM compatibility for the Pokémon listed above:
3.1. Comprehensive HM Learning Chart
| Pokémon | Surf | Strength | Rock Smash | Waterfall | Dive | Cut | Flash | Fly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swampert | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wailord | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Ludicolo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Crawdaunt | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Pelipper | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Sharpedo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Walrein | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Hariyama | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Aggron | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Linoone | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Tropius | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Relicanth | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Kecleon | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Breloom | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Absol | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Kyogre | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
3.2. Optimizing HM Usage
To maximize your team’s efficiency, consider the following strategies:
- Early Game: Focus on Pokémon like Linoone or Pelipper that can quickly learn essential HMs.
- Mid Game: Transition to more versatile Pokémon like Swampert or Wailord that can handle multiple HMs.
- Late Game: Utilize Pokémon like Crawdaunt or Ludicolo for their comprehensive HM coverage and battling capabilities.
4. Where to Find Pokémon That Can Learn Surf
Knowing where to find these Pokémon is essential for building your HM team. Here’s a guide to locating the top Surf learners in Pokémon Emerald:
4.1. Location Guide
| Pokémon | Location(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swampert | Starter Pokémon | Choose Mudkip at the beginning of the game. |
| Wailord | Route 129, Route 130, Route 131, Route 132 | Fish for Wailmer with a Super Rod, then evolve it to Wailord at level 40. |
| Ludicolo | Evolve Lombre with a Water Stone | Catch a Lotad on Route 102 or Route 114, evolve it into Lombre at level 14, then use a Water Stone. |
| Crawdaunt | Route 102, Route 117 | Fish for Corphish with an Old Rod or Good Rod, then evolve it into Crawdaunt at level 30. |
| Pelipper | Route 103, Route 104, Route 105, Route 106 | Can be found surfing or fishing. |
| Sharpedo | Route 118 (Requires Surf) | Fish for Carvanha with a Good Rod, then evolve it into Sharpedo at level 30. |
| Walrein | Shoal Cave (Requires Waterfall) | Catch a Spheal and evolve into Sealeo at level 32, then evolve Sealeo into Walrein at level 44. |
| Hariyama | Route 115 | Can be found in the grass. |
| Aggron | Victory Road | Requires evolving Aron to Lairon at level 32, then Lairon to Aggron at level 42. |
| Linoone | Route 101, Route 102, Route 103, Route 104 | Catch Zigzagoon early in the game, then evolve it into Linoone at level 20. |
| Relicanth | Route 131, Route 132 | Requires Surf and Dive to locate underwater. |
| Kecleon | Route 119, Route 120 | Interact with invisible objects using the Devon Scope. |
| Breloom | Petalburg Woods | Catch Shroomish early in the game, then evolve it into Breloom at level 23. |
| Absol | Route 118, Route 120 | Rare encounter in the wild. |
| Kyogre | Cave of Origin (Post-Elite Four) | Legendary Pokémon encounter after defeating the Elite Four. |
4.2. Tips for Catching Rare Pokémon
- Use Repels: To reduce encounters with common Pokémon and increase your chances of finding rare ones.
- Patience: Some Pokémon, like Absol, are rare and may take time to find.
- Surf and Dive: Some Pokémon, like Relicanth, require Surf and Dive to access their locations.
5. Strategic Team Building with Surf Users
Building a balanced team that includes Surf users is essential for success in Pokémon Emerald. Here are some strategic considerations:
5.1. Balancing HM Coverage and Battle Prowess
- Versatility: Choose Pokémon that can learn multiple HMs without sacrificing their battle capabilities.
- Type Coverage: Ensure your team has a variety of types to handle different opponents.
- Move Sets: Optimize move sets to include both HM moves and strong attacking moves.
5.2. Sample Team Compositions
-
Balanced Team:
- Swampert (Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, Waterfall, Dive)
- Gardevoir (Psychic, Thunderbolt, Calm Mind, Shadow Ball)
- Salamence (Fly, Dragon Claw, Flamethrower, Earthquake)
- Aggron (Iron Tail, Protect, Thunderbolt, Ice Beam)
- Manectric (Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, Bite, Thunder Wave)
- Breloom (Sky Uppercut, Mach Punch, Seed Bomb, Stun Spore)
-
HM-Focused Team:
- Wailord (Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, Waterfall, Dive)
- Crawdaunt (Cut, Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, Waterfall, Dive)
- Pelipper (Fly, Surf)
- Breloom (Cut, Strength, Flash, Rock Smash)
- Gardevoir (Psychic, Thunderbolt, Calm Mind, Shadow Ball)
- Typhlosion (Flamethrower, Earthquake, Lava Plume, Solar Beam)
5.3. Advanced Training Techniques
To get the most out of your team, consider these advanced training techniques:
- EV Training: Focus on specific stats to enhance your Pokémon’s strengths.
- Breeding: Breed Pokémon with optimal natures and abilities.
- Move Tutors: Utilize move tutors to teach your Pokémon powerful new moves.
6. Overcoming Challenges in HM Usage
Using HMs effectively in Pokémon Emerald involves overcoming several challenges. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
6.1. Managing Move Slots
HMs often take up valuable move slots that could be used for more strategic attacks.
Solutions:
- HM Slaves: Dedicate certain Pokémon to learn multiple HMs, freeing up move slots on your main team members.
- Strategic TM Usage: Teach TMs to your Pokémon to provide powerful and versatile attacks, reducing the reliance on HMs for combat.
- Move Deleter: Use the Move Deleter in Lilycove City to remove unwanted HMs from Pokémon once they are no longer needed.
6.2. Balancing HM Utility with Combat Effectiveness
Pokémon used as HM slaves may not be as effective in battles, leading to imbalances in your team.
Solutions:
- Versatile HM Users: Choose Pokémon that can learn multiple HMs while still being viable in combat, such as Swampert or Sharpedo.
- EV Training: Even HM slaves can benefit from EV training to boost their stats and make them more useful in battles.
- Strategic Teambuilding: Ensure that your main team members are strong enough to compensate for any weaknesses in your HM users.
6.3. Navigating Areas Requiring Multiple HMs
Some areas require the use of multiple HMs, making it difficult to navigate with a limited team size.
Solutions:
- Pokémon with Multiple HM Capabilities: Prioritize Pokémon that can learn several essential HMs, reducing the need to switch between different HM slaves.
- Strategic Planning: Plan your route ahead of time to ensure that you have the necessary HMs available when needed.
- Utilize Fly: Use the Fly HM to quickly travel between towns and Pokémon Centers to switch out team members as needed.
7. Benefits of Using Optimal Surf Learners
Choosing the right Pokémon to learn Surf can provide numerous benefits, enhancing your overall gameplay experience.
7.1. Enhanced Navigation and Exploration
Optimal Surf learners allow you to explore every corner of the Hoenn region, uncovering hidden locations and rare items.
- Access to Secret Areas: Surf is essential for reaching islands, sea routes, and hidden caves that are inaccessible by land.
- Item Discovery: Many hidden items, including rare TMs and evolution stones, can only be found by surfing to remote locations.
- Pokémon Encounters: Surfing allows you to encounter a variety of Water-type Pokémon that cannot be found elsewhere.
7.2. Improved Battle Performance
Some Surf learners are also strong in combat, providing a dual benefit of utility and power.
- Powerful Water-Type Attacks: Surf is a strong Water-type move that can deal significant damage to opponents, especially those with Fire, Ground, or Rock weaknesses.
- Versatile Movepools: Many Surf learners have access to a variety of other powerful moves, allowing them to handle a wide range of opponents.
- Strategic Advantage: Having a strong Surf user on your team can give you a strategic advantage in battles against Gym Leaders and other trainers.
7.3. Streamlined Gameplay
Using the right Surf learners can streamline your gameplay experience, making it easier and more efficient to navigate the Hoenn region.
- Reduced Travel Time: Surf allows you to quickly traverse water bodies, reducing the time spent traveling between locations.
- Efficient HM Management: Choosing Pokémon that can learn multiple HMs minimizes the need to switch between different HM slaves, saving time and effort.
- Enhanced Team Composition: By selecting versatile Surf learners, you can create a well-rounded team that is capable of handling any challenge.
8. Community Insights and Tips
Pokémon Emerald players have developed various strategies and tips for effectively using Surf and HM slaves. Here are some community insights that can help you optimize your gameplay:
8.1. Player-Recommended Surf Learners
Many players recommend specific Pokémon for learning Surf based on their experiences and preferences.
- Swampert: Highly recommended due to its dual typing, versatile movepool, and ability to learn multiple HMs.
- Wailord: Popular for its high HP and ability to learn all essential Water-type HMs, making it a reliable HM slave.
- Pelipper: Praised for its unique ability to learn both Surf and Fly, essential for rapid traversal of the Hoenn region.
8.2. Strategies for Minimizing HM Use
Players have devised strategies to minimize the impact of HMs on their team’s movepools.
- HM Slave Teams: Create a dedicated team of HM slaves that are only used for navigation, freeing up move slots on your main team members.
- Strategic TM Usage: Teach TMs to your main team members to provide powerful and versatile attacks, reducing the reliance on HMs for combat.
- Move Deleter: Use the Move Deleter to remove unwanted HMs from Pokémon once they are no longer needed.
8.3. Tips for Finding Hidden Items and Locations
The Pokémon community has shared tips for finding hidden items and locations using Surf.
- Explore Every Water Route: Surf along every water route, checking every nook and cranny for hidden items and secret areas.
- Use Dive: Dive in dark patches of water to access underwater caves and locations, which often contain rare items and Pokémon.
- Talk to NPCs: Talk to non-player characters (NPCs) for clues about hidden items and locations that can be accessed using Surf.
9. The Impact of Modern Gaming on HM Usage
Modern Pokémon games have evolved significantly, with HMs being replaced by more convenient mechanics.
9.1. HM Alternatives in Newer Pokémon Games
Newer games, such as Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, have removed HMs in favor of alternative methods for navigating the game world.
- Ride Pokémon: Players can ride certain Pokémon to traverse land, water, and air, eliminating the need for HMs like Surf and Fly.
- Key Items: Key items, such as the Rotom Bike in Pokémon Sword and Shield, allow players to travel across water without teaching HMs to their Pokémon.
- Exploration Abilities: Some Pokémon have innate abilities that allow them to interact with the environment, such as breaking rocks or cutting down trees, further reducing the need for HMs.
9.2. Benefits of HM Removal
The removal of HMs has several benefits for modern Pokémon games.
- Improved Team Composition: Players are no longer forced to include HM slaves on their team, allowing for more strategic and versatile team compositions.
- Enhanced Movepool Customization: Pokémon can learn a wider variety of moves without being limited by HMs, leading to more diverse and powerful movepools.
- Streamlined Gameplay: The removal of HMs streamlines the gameplay experience, making it easier and more enjoyable to explore the game world.
9.3. Nostalgia for HMs
Despite the benefits of HM removal, many players still feel nostalgic for the HM system.
- Sense of Achievement: Learning and using HMs provided a sense of achievement and progression, as players unlocked new areas and abilities.
- Strategic Planning: The need to strategically plan HM usage added a layer of complexity to the gameplay, requiring players to think carefully about their team composition and movepools.
- Unique Challenges: HMs presented unique challenges that players had to overcome, such as managing move slots and balancing HM utility with combat effectiveness.
10. Future of Navigation in Pokémon Games
The future of navigation in Pokémon games is likely to continue evolving, with new and innovative mechanics replacing traditional HMs.
10.1. Potential New Navigation Mechanics
Future games may introduce new mechanics for navigating the game world, such as:
- Pokémon Summons: Players could summon specific Pokémon to assist with navigation, such as a Pokémon that can create bridges or clear obstacles.
- Environmental Interactions: Players could interact with the environment in new ways to create pathways and access hidden areas.
- Dynamic World Changes: The game world could change dynamically based on player actions, creating new navigation challenges and opportunities.
10.2. Integration with Open-World Design
As Pokémon games continue to adopt open-world designs, navigation mechanics will need to be seamlessly integrated into the environment.
- Seamless Transitions: Players should be able to transition seamlessly between different modes of transportation, such as riding a Pokémon, surfing, or flying.
- Exploration Rewards: The game should reward players for exploring the world, with hidden items, rare Pokémon, and secret locations scattered throughout the environment.
- Meaningful Challenges: Navigation challenges should be meaningful and engaging, requiring players to think strategically and use their skills to overcome obstacles.
10.3. Community Expectations
The Pokémon community has high expectations for the future of navigation in Pokémon games.
- Innovation: Players want to see new and innovative mechanics that enhance the gameplay experience and provide fresh challenges.
- Balance: The game should strike a balance between accessibility and complexity, providing a rewarding experience for both casual and hardcore players.
- Nostalgia: The game should pay homage to the series’ past while also embracing new ideas and mechanics.
Navigating the waters of Hoenn in Pokémon Emerald requires strategic planning and the right team composition. By understanding which Pokémon can learn Surf and other essential HMs, you can optimize your gameplay and explore every corner of the region. Whether you choose to rely on versatile HM users like Swampert or dedicated HM slaves like Wailord, mastering HM usage is key to success in Pokémon Emerald.
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FAQ: Mastering Surf in Pokémon Emerald
1. Which is the best Pokémon to learn Surf in Emerald early in the game?
Pelipper is an excellent choice early in the game due to its ability to learn both Surf and Fly, making navigation much easier. Its availability early on makes it a convenient pick for HM support.
2. Can Swampert learn all the Water-type HMs in Pokémon Emerald?
Yes, Swampert can learn Surf, Waterfall, and Dive, along with Strength and Rock Smash, making it a versatile HM user and a strong addition to your team.
3. Where can I find Wailmer to eventually get a Wailord that can learn Surf?
Wailmer can be found by fishing with a Super Rod on Route 129, Route 130, Route 131, and Route 132. Evolve it into Wailord at level 40.
4. Is it worth using a starter Pokémon as an HM slave in Emerald?
While it may seem counterintuitive, using Swampert as an HM user is efficient because it can learn multiple essential HMs without needing to catch additional Pokémon.
5. What are the benefits of having a Pokémon that can learn both Surf and Fly?
Having a Pokémon like Pelipper that knows both Surf and Fly allows for quick traversal of the Hoenn region, making it easier to explore and complete quests.
6. How does Crawdaunt compare to Ludicolo as an HM user in Pokémon Emerald?
Crawdaunt learns Cut, which is essential for accessing new areas, while Ludicolo learns Flash. Depending on your needs, Crawdaunt may be slightly more useful overall.
7. Are there any drawbacks to using HM moves in battle?
Yes, HM moves can take up valuable move slots and may not be the most powerful attacks. Using HM slaves helps alleviate this issue.
8. Can Kyogre, a legendary Pokémon, learn Surf and other HMs in Emerald?
Yes, Kyogre can learn Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, Waterfall, and Dive, but using such a powerful Pokémon as an HM slave is generally impractical.
9. How do I balance HM utility with combat effectiveness on my team?
Choose Pokémon that can learn multiple HMs without sacrificing their battle capabilities, and ensure your team has a variety of types to handle different opponents.
10. What should I do if my main battling Pokémon learns an HM and I want to replace it?
You can visit the Move Deleter in Lilycove City to remove unwanted HMs from your Pokémon’s moveset.
