How to Get Strength in Pokémon Platinum: A Trainer’s Guide

The HM Strength in Pokémon Platinum is your ticket to unlocking hidden areas, pushing boulders, and ultimately conquering the Sinnoh region. It’s a crucial move for progression, opening up new routes and challenges that you simply can’t tackle without it. So, how do you get your hands on this essential HM?

You obtain the HM04 Strength in Pokémon Platinum from an elderly woman inside the Lost Tower, located on Route 209. Route 209 connects Hearthome City and Solaceon Town. You’ll need to navigate the somewhat spooky Lost Tower, battling trainers and picking up items along the way, before reaching the top floor where the woman resides. Speaking to her will reward you with the HM Strength.

Strength Training 101: Everything You Need to Know

Now that you know where to find it, let’s delve deeper into the world of Strength in Pokémon Platinum. It’s not just about getting the HM; it’s about understanding its usage, limitations, and maximizing its potential.

The Power of Strength: In and Out of Battle

Strength is a Normal-type move with a base power of 80 and a 100% accuracy. In battle, it’s a decent move, offering reliable damage. While not super effective against any types, it doesn’t suffer any resistances either, making it a consistent choice for Pokémon who lack better offensive options.

However, the true value of Strength lies in its overworld ability. Outside of battle, Strength allows you to move large boulders that block pathways. These boulders often guard hidden items, new areas, and are essential for progressing through certain routes and dungeons. You’ll encounter these boulder puzzles throughout your adventure, requiring you to strategically push them to clear the way.

Who Can Learn Strength? Choosing Your Strength User

Many Pokémon can learn Strength, providing you with flexibility in your team composition. Rock-type, Ground-type, and Fighting-type Pokémon are generally good candidates, as they often have high Attack stats to make Strength more effective in battle. Some popular choices include:

• Bibarel: A common and easily accessible option, Bibarel can also learn Surf, Waterfall, and Cut, making it a versatile HM slave.
• Machamp: A powerful Fighting-type with excellent Attack, Machamp is a formidable addition to any team.
• Rhyperior: A Rock/Ground-type with incredible bulk and Attack, Rhyperior can crush opponents and boulders alike.
• Torterra: The Grass/Ground-type starter, Torterra is capable of learning Strength.

Consider your overall team composition and choose a Pokémon that can learn Strength without compromising your strategic needs. Remember, you’ll need a Pokémon who can use Strength outside of battle, which requires a certain badge.

The Gym Badge Requirement: Taming the Power of Strength

While you can obtain the HM Strength early in the game, you won’t be able to use it outside of battle until you’ve earned the Relic Badge from Crasher Wake at the Pastoria City Gym. This badge signifies that you’ve proven your strength as a trainer, allowing your Pokémon to harness the power of Strength in the overworld. Once you have the Relic Badge, you can freely push boulders to your heart’s content!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Strength in Pokémon Platinum

Still have questions about Strength in Pokémon Platinum? Here are some of the most common queries, answered in detail.

1. Can I delete Strength from my Pokémon?

Yes, you can delete Strength, but not without the help of the Move Deleter. This NPC resides in Canalave City. He will remove any move from your Pokémon’s moveset, including HMs like Strength. Use this service wisely!

2. Do I need to teach Strength to a specific Pokémon?

No, you can teach Strength to any Pokémon that is compatible with the HM. There are no specific requirements beyond the Pokémon being able to learn the move.

3. What happens if I get stuck behind a boulder?

If you accidentally push a boulder into a position where you can’t move it back or pass it, you’ll likely need to leave the area and re-enter. This will reset the boulder’s position, allowing you to try again. Some boulder puzzles are complex, so plan your moves carefully!

4. Is Strength a good move for competitive battling?

Generally, Strength is not a top-tier move for competitive battling. While it has decent power and accuracy, it lacks any secondary effects or type advantages. There are usually better Normal-type options, or moves of other types that can provide more strategic value.

5. Can I use Strength without the Relic Badge?

You can teach Strength to a Pokémon without the Relic Badge, but you won’t be able to use it outside of battle. The Relic Badge is essential for activating Strength’s overworld ability.

6. Are there any other HMs I need to progress besides Strength?

Yes, you’ll need other HMs like Cut, Surf, Waterfall, and Rock Climb to fully explore the Sinnoh region and complete the main storyline. Strength is just one piece of the puzzle.

7. Is there a way to avoid using HMs altogether?

While you can try to minimize HM usage, it’s virtually impossible to complete Pokémon Platinum without using them. Certain areas and puzzles are specifically designed to require HMs, and Strength is one of the most essential.

8. What is the Lost Tower for, besides getting Strength?

The Lost Tower serves as a graveyard for Pokémon. You can encounter Ghost-type Pokémon here, such as Gastly and Haunter, and find items like the Cleanse Tag, which can help attract wild Pokémon.

9. Can I find Strength anywhere else in the game?

No, you can only obtain HM04 Strength from the elderly woman in the Lost Tower. It is not available through any other means.

10. Is Strength affected by abilities like Technician or Sheer Force?

No, Strength is a straightforward attack move that doesn’t benefit from abilities like Technician (which boosts moves with low base power) or Sheer Force (which removes secondary effects in exchange for increased power).

11. Are there any Pokémon that are immune to Strength?

As a Normal-type move, Strength has no effect on Ghost-type Pokémon. Keep this in mind when using Strength in battle.

12. Can I use Strength to break rocks, like in other Pokémon games?

No, Strength in Pokémon Platinum is specifically for moving boulders. You’ll need the HM Rock Smash to break rocks.