How to Get HM Surf in Pokémon Platinum: A Trainer’s Definitive Guide
So, you’re ready to ride the waves in Pokémon Platinum? Excellent choice! HM03 Surf is not just a requirement for navigating Sinnoh’s waterways, but a powerful Water-type move that will bolster your team. In a nutshell, you get HM Surf by defeating Crasher Wake in Pastoria City’s Gym and then speaking to an elder standing outside the Gym. It is a crucial HM, and this article will provide you a comprehensive and engaging guide on securing it, along with answers to frequently asked questions.
Securing HM Surf: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Let’s dive right in, shall we? Obtaining HM Surf is a multi-stage process, but following these steps will have you surfing the waves in no time:
Progress Through the Story: You need to have already defeated the Gym Leader in Eterna City, Gardenia, and obtained the Coal Badge from Oreburgh City’s Roark before you are able to challenge Crasher Wake. This opens up Route 213 which leads to Pastoria City.
Arrive in Pastoria City: This vibrant town is located on the eastern side of Sinnoh. Navigate Route 213, passing through the beaches and battling trainers, until you reach the city limits.
Challenge the Pastoria City Gym: This is where the real fun begins! The Pastoria City Gym specializes in Water-type Pokémon. You’ll need a strong Grass-type or Electric-type team to effectively battle Crasher Wake. Consider Pokémon like Luxray, Roserade, or Grotle for this challenge.
Defeat Crasher Wake: Prepare yourself for a tough battle. Crasher Wake’s team consists of Gyarados, Quagsire, and Floatzel, all packing a serious punch. Utilize type advantages wisely and manage your items effectively to emerge victorious.
Speak to the Elder Outside the Gym: Once you’ve defeated Crasher Wake, exit the Gym. You’ll find an elder standing right outside, engaged in a conversation. Talk to him, and he will reward you with HM03 Surf.
With HM Surf in your possession, you can now explore the vast waterways of Sinnoh and unlock previously inaccessible areas. Remember that you will need to have earned the Fen Badge from Pastoria City Gym before you can use Surf outside of battle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions that trainers often have about obtaining and using HM Surf in Pokémon Platinum:
1. What exactly does HM Surf do?
HM Surf serves a dual purpose. First, it’s a powerful Water-type move that can be taught to many Pokémon, adding significant offensive coverage to your team. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it allows you to traverse water bodies – rivers, lakes, and oceans – opening up new routes and areas to explore. It is essential for completing the Pokédex and finding rare items.
2. Which Pokémon can learn HM Surf in Pokémon Platinum?
A wide variety of Water-type Pokémon, as well as some others, can learn HM Surf. Some notable examples include Empoleon, Gyarados, Lumineon, Psyduck, Golduck, Bibarel, and Lapras. It’s always a good idea to check a specific Pokémon’s movepool to confirm whether it can learn Surf.
3. Do I need a specific badge to use Surf outside of battle?
Yes, you need to have the Fen Badge earned by defeating Crasher Wake in Pastoria City to use Surf outside of battle. Without it, you’ll be able to teach the move to your Pokémon, but you won’t be able to summon them to ride the waves.
4. Can I get HM Surf before defeating Gardenia?
No, you cannot. Access to Route 213 and therefore Pastoria City is locked until you progress sufficiently in the story and defeat Gardenia in the Eterna City Gym.
5. Is Surf a good move in battle?
Absolutely! Surf is a reliable and powerful Water-type move with a base power of 90 and 100% accuracy. It’s a great choice for both in-game battles and competitive play, providing consistent damage output.
6. Are there any other ways to travel across water without Surf?
While there are other methods to navigate small water patches using moves like Waterfall or Aqua Jet, Surf is the primary method for traversing larger bodies of water in Pokémon Platinum. It is essential for accessing many areas of the game.
7. Can I delete Surf from a Pokémon once it’s learned?
Yes, but only with the help of the Move Deleter. Unlike regular TMs, HMs cannot be forgotten naturally. You’ll need to visit the Move Deleter in Canalave City to remove Surf from a Pokémon’s moveset. Keep in mind this action is permanent; once deleted, the move is gone and needs to be retaught from the HM.
8. Is Surf required to beat the game?
Yes, Surf is technically required to complete the main storyline of Pokémon Platinum, as it is needed to access the Victory Road and ultimately challenge the Elite Four and Champion.
9. What level should my Pokémon be before challenging Crasher Wake?
Ideally, your Pokémon should be around levels 27-32 before taking on Crasher Wake. This will give you a decent chance of victory, especially if you have Pokémon with type advantages.
10. Are there any hidden items I can find using Surf?
Yes, there are numerous hidden items and areas accessible only with Surf. Keep an eye out for spots where you can land and explore previously unreachable locations. Some of these areas contain rare items, powerful Pokémon encounters, and even secrets related to the game’s lore.
11. Where is the best place to train my Pokémon before battling Crasher Wake?
Good training spots before tackling Crasher Wake include Route 212, south of Pastoria City, and the areas around the Great Marsh. These locations offer a variety of Pokémon at suitable levels for training.
12. Is there an alternative TM or move tutor that teaches a move similar to Surf?
No, there is no direct alternative to Surf in terms of both power and overworld usage. While there are other Water-type moves, none provide the same combination of battle utility and the ability to traverse water bodies. There is also a move called Waterfall, which allows you to travel up waterfalls.
With this comprehensive guide and these frequently asked questions answered, you’re now fully equipped to obtain and utilize HM Surf in Pokémon Platinum. Go forth, trainer, and explore the seas of Sinnoh! Happy surfing!
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