Uncovering the Elusive Source of Strength in Pokemon Emerald

In Pokemon Emerald, an iconic game loved by fans worldwide, one of the most critical moves players need to progress through the game is the HM move Strength. This powerful move isn’t just useful in battles but also necessary for navigating specific areas in the Hoenn region. Finding the HM04 (Strength) can sometimes feel elusive, especially if you’re new to the game. In this guide, we’ll uncover where to find Strength, how to use it effectively, and provide troubleshooting tips for players who may encounter issues. Let’s dive into how you can harness the strength you need to move those pesky boulders and elevate your Pokemon Emerald experience.

Table of Contents

Why You Need Strength in Pokemon Emerald

Strength is an essential move in Pokemon Emerald for a few reasons:

Battle Advantage: Strength is a powerful Normal-type move with an attack power of 80, which can make a significant difference in battles.
Environmental Use: Strength allows you to move large boulders in caves and other areas, granting access to new regions and items that are otherwise inaccessible.

Given these advantages, obtaining Strength early on can make a substantial difference in your gameplay.

Where to Find the HM04 (Strength) in Pokemon Emerald

Locating the Strength HM in Pokemon Emerald is fairly straightforward once you know where to look. Follow these steps to add this invaluable move to your inventory:

Travel to Rusturf Tunnel: After reaching Mauville City, head towards the Rusturf Tunnel, which is located west of Verdanturf Town. You’ll find the tunnel between Verdanturf and Rustboro City.
Locate the Rescue Mission: As you enter the tunnel, you’ll encounter a man in need of help. His girlfriend is on the other side, and a large boulder separates them.
Complete the Rescue: After obtaining the Rock Smash HM (HM06) from Wally’s uncle in Mauville City, you can smash the boulder to reunite the couple. As a reward for helping them, the man will give you the Strength HM.

With Strength now in your possession, you’ll be able to move large boulders and open up new paths. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to defeat the Gym Leader in Lavaridge Town to use Strength outside of battles.

Teaching Strength to a Pokemon

Once you have the Strength HM, it’s time to teach it to one of your Pokemon. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Bag: Go to your Bag and navigate to the TM/HM section.
Select HM04 Strength: Click on the Strength HM, and choose “Use” from the menu.
Pick a Suitable Pokemon: Choose a Pokemon in your team that can learn Strength. Many Normal-type Pokemon and several other types can learn it. For instance, Machoke, Linoone, and Hariyama are popular choices.

After following these steps, your selected Pokemon will know the move Strength, making it possible to move boulders and access new areas.

Troubleshooting: What If You Can’t Use Strength?

Sometimes players may encounter issues when trying to use Strength. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Problem: “Can’t Use Strength Outside of Battle”

If you’re receiving this message, it’s likely because you haven’t yet earned the appropriate Gym Badge. To use Strength outside of battle, you need the Heat Badge, which is awarded after defeating Flannery, the Gym Leader in Lavaridge Town.

Problem: No Pokemon Can Learn Strength

If none of your current Pokemon can learn Strength, consider catching one that can. Many Normal and Fighting-type Pokemon are compatible with the move, and they’re fairly common in the Hoenn region. Check the Pokemon’s compatibility by selecting it in your Bag, and you’ll quickly see if it’s a suitable candidate for Strength.

Problem: Accidentally Deleted Strength from Your Pokemon

If you’ve accidentally removed Strength from your Pokemon, you can re-teach it by going back to your Bag and using the HM again. Unlike TMs, HMs are reusable, so you won’t have to worry about losing it forever.

Best Uses of Strength in Pokemon Emerald

Using Strength strategically can significantly enhance your journey. Here are some tips on maximizing its potential:

Navigating Caves: Strength is essential in Victory Road, where boulders block your path. Push the boulders to create new routes and reach items or areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Finding Hidden Items: Certain areas contain rare items, and moving boulders can uncover these valuable resources. Always check the areas around moved boulders; there might be hidden items waiting to be discovered.
Combining Strength with Rock Smash: Many areas require the combination of Strength and Rock Smash to access fully. By mastering both, you’ll unlock all the nooks and crannies of Pokemon Emerald.

Additional Tips for Using Strength in Pokemon Emerald

Here are a few extra tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of Strength in Pokemon Emerald:

Consider Your Team Composition: Since Strength is a Normal-type move, it’s not super effective against any particular type, so it’s best used as a supplementary move on Pokemon with strong Attack stats.
Use Strength Strategically: Strength has 80 power and 100% accuracy, making it reliable. If you have a Pokemon that needs a strong physical move and doesn’t have many type advantages, Strength can fill this gap effectively.
Balance Your HM Usage: HMs can’t be forgotten easily, so avoid overloading a single Pokemon with HMs. If possible, spread HM moves across different Pokemon in your team to prevent one from being restricted by multiple HMs.

Alternatives to Strength in Combat

While Strength is powerful, you may also consider other Normal-type moves depending on your strategy. Moves like Body Slam and Return can offer similar power with added effects or bonuses based on a Pokemon’s happiness level. Choosing the right move can depend on your team’s composition and your battle strategy. For more tips on building a balanced team, check out our guide on team composition in Pokemon Emerald.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strength in Pokemon Emerald

Q: Can Strength be forgotten in Pokemon Emerald?
A: No, Strength, like all HM moves, cannot be forgotten unless you visit the Move Deleter in Lilycove City.
Q: Is Strength necessary to complete the game?
A: Yes, you’ll need Strength to navigate certain areas required to progress through the storyline, especially Victory Road.
Q: Which Pokemon are the best choices to learn Strength in Pokemon Emerald?
A: Pokemon with high Attack stats and no essential moves to replace, like Linoone, Hariyama, or Machoke, are solid options.

Conclusion

Mastering Strength in Pokemon Emerald opens up a world of possibilities, from accessing new areas to enhancing your Pokemon’s battling abilities. With this guide, you now know where to find the Strength HM, how to teach it to your Pokemon, and how to use it effectively. By following the steps and troubleshooting tips outlined above, you can ensure you’re never blocked by those tricky boulders again.

Whether you’re a seasoned player revisiting the game or a newcomer to the Pokemon Emerald universe, learning to use Strength effectively is a key milestone in your journey. So get out there, teach your Pokemon this valuable move, and continue exploring the rich world of Hoenn! For even more tips and tricks, visit Pokemon’s official website to stay updated with everything Pokemon.

This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by GameMasterHub Team