Where to Find Rock Climb in Pokemon Platinum
Pokemon Platinum is known for its intricate gameplay and hidden moves, keeping players engaged and on the hunt for valuable resources throughout the Sinnoh region. One such hidden move is Rock Climb, which is essential for scaling rocky walls and reaching otherwise inaccessible areas. However, locating this hidden move isn’t always straightforward, leaving players searching for clues. In this guide, we’ll take a comprehensive look at where to find Rock Climb in Pokemon Platinum and offer a step-by-step approach to ensure you don’t miss out on this valuable move.
Why Rock Climb is Essential in Pokemon Platinum
Rock Climb is an HM (Hidden Move) that allows your Pokemon to scale specific rocky surfaces, granting access to unique areas, hidden items, and special encounters that you would otherwise miss. It becomes especially important as you progress further into the game and need access to hidden caves and rare items scattered across the region. Unlike some other HMs, Rock Climb isn’t automatically handed to players and requires a bit of exploration to uncover.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Rock Climb
Locating Rock Climb involves navigating the snow-covered Route 217, which presents its own set of challenges. Follow this guide to ensure you don’t miss out on this essential move.
1. Prepare for the Journey to Route 217
Before you set out to find Rock Climb, make sure you’re prepared for the cold and harsh conditions of Route 217. This route is located north of Route 216 and is characterized by its snowy, low-visibility environment. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Ensure you have a strong team with Pokemon that can handle the cold and the wild Pokemon in this area.
- Stock up on healing items, as the battles along the way can be challenging.
- Bring along other essential HMs like Strength and Defog to make your journey easier.
2. Head North on Route 217
Once you reach Route 217, continue heading north while keeping a close eye on your surroundings. The snowstorm in this area can reduce visibility, so move cautiously and explore each part of the route to avoid missing important items.
As you move through Route 217, you will come across multiple snow-laden trees, rocks, and patches of deep snow that can slow down your movement. Be patient and take your time exploring the area.
3. Locate the Cabin on Route 217
One of the key landmarks on Route 217 is a small cabin that serves as a clue to finding Rock Climb. Head towards the cabin, located on the western side of the route. Upon entering, you will encounter an NPC who mentions they’ve lost something important due to the snowy conditions.
While this NPC doesn’t directly mention Rock Climb, it’s a subtle hint to search the area around the cabin carefully.
4. Search Behind the Cabin for Rock Climb
Once you’ve spoken with the NPC, head outside the cabin and check the area directly behind it. Here, hidden in the snow, you’ll find the Rock Climb HM (TM08). Simply walk over to it and press the “A” button to pick it up.
This is a crucial step, as many players miss the HM due to low visibility or because they don’t realize it’s hidden in the snow. Make sure to check carefully behind the cabin to collect it!
5. How to Use Rock Climb After Finding It
Once you’ve acquired Rock Climb, the next step is to teach it to a compatible Pokemon in your party. Open your bag, navigate to your TMs and HMs, and select Rock Climb. Choose a Pokemon that is able to learn the move (many Normal-type and Rock-type Pokemon can learn it), and you’ll be ready to start scaling walls in various parts of Sinnoh!
Remember, you will need the Icicle Badge from the Snowpoint City Gym to use Rock Climb outside of battle. If you haven’t yet acquired this badge, head to Snowpoint City, defeat the Gym Leader Candice, and then you’ll be able to utilize Rock Climb to its fullest potential.
Tips for Successfully Using Rock Climb
Know Where to Use Rock Climb
Rock Climb can be used in a variety of areas to reach secret locations, hidden caves, and valuable items. Some of the areas in Sinnoh where Rock Climb is essential include:
- Mount Coronet: Access higher floors and hidden pathways.
- Victory Road: Reach challenging sections with rare items and trainers.
- Route 212 and 224: Find special items and unlock secret areas.
Keep an eye out for rocky surfaces marked by distinct ridges – these are the areas where Rock Climb can be used.
Choosing the Best Pokemon for Rock Climb
When teaching Rock Climb to your Pokemon, choose a team member that doesn’t rely on a moveset focused solely on battle efficiency. As an HM move, Rock Climb takes up a valuable slot, so it’s wise to assign it to a Pokemon that doesn’t need four high-powered moves for battles.
Alternatively, you may choose a versatile Pokemon known as an HM slave for carrying multiple HM moves, including Rock Climb, Strength, and Surf.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues with Finding Rock Climb
“I Can’t Find the Cabin on Route 217”
If you’re struggling to locate the cabin, ensure you are moving slowly and thoroughly exploring the western side of Route 217. The reduced visibility due to the snowstorm can make landmarks hard to spot, but staying to the left side of the route will eventually bring you to the cabin.
“I Picked Up Rock Climb but Can’t Use It Outside Battle”
Remember, you need the Icicle Badge from Snowpoint City before you can use Rock Climb outside of battle. If you’ve picked up Rock Climb but can’t seem to activate it on rocky surfaces, check your badges and make sure you’ve defeated Gym Leader Candice.
“My Pokemon Can’t Learn Rock Climb”
Rock Climb isn’t compatible with every Pokemon, so if your current party members can’t learn it, consider catching a Normal-type or Rock-type Pokemon, which are more likely to be compatible. Alternatively, check your PC box for any Pokemon capable of learning Rock Climb, and add them to your party as needed.
Conclusion: Mastering Rock Climb to Unlock the Sinnoh Region
Finding Rock Climb in Pokemon Platinum adds an exciting element of exploration to the game. By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to locate this essential move on Route 217, teach it to the right Pokemon, and make the most of it throughout your journey in Sinnoh. From uncovering hidden paths in Mount Coronet to navigating Victory Road with ease, Rock Climb is a key tool in your Pokemon Platinum arsenal.
Once you’ve unlocked Rock Climb, consider exploring areas you previously passed over; you may find hidden items and secret encounters that enhance your experience in the game. With persistence and careful exploration, Rock Climb opens up a new layer of discovery in the beloved world of Pokemon Platinum.
Looking to enhance your Pokemon journey even further? Check out our comprehensive guide to all HMs in Pokemon Platinum to ensure you don’t miss any essential moves.
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by GameMasterHub Team