Stuck on trees in Hoenn? Learn how to get Cut in Pokémon Emerald, where to find HM01 in Rustboro City, the Stone Badge requirement, why Cut isn’t working yet, and the best Pokémon to teach it—step by step.
Don’t stress—we’ve all spent an embarrassing amount of time pacing around Rustboro City, staring at those tiny prickly trees, wondering why they refuse to move. Missing Cut is a rite of passage in Pokémon Emerald. It doesn’t mean you messed up—it just means the game never bothered to explain it properly, like an older sibling assuming you’ll “just figure it out.”
Let’s clear that up.
This guide walks you through exactly where to find HM01 Cut in Pokémon Emerald, who gives it to you, why it sometimes won’t work right away, and how to use it smartly without wrecking your team’s move sets or boxing a Pokémon out of frustration.
This is the moment where Hoenn stops holding your hand—and starts opening up.
What Does Cut Do in Pokémon Emerald (And Why You Need It)
Cut is your first real field move in Pokémon Emerald—the first time the game teaches you that moves aren’t just for battles. When used outside of combat, Cut allows your Pokémon to chop down small prickly trees that block paths, hide items, or seal off shortcuts that loop back to earlier areas.
Beyond just clearing obstacles, Cut opens optional paths that reward exploration. These routes often lead to extra trainers, hidden Poké Balls, or faster travel between areas, which becomes increasingly valuable as Hoenn expands.
In simple terms, Cut isn’t about power—it’s about progress. This is the game handing you your first key to the Hoenn region and quietly saying, “Alright, now you’re really playing.”
If you’re staring at blocked paths and thinking, “Am I stuck already?”—you’re not. You’re right on schedule. You’re just missing Cut.
Cut is also a Normal-type move that works in battle, but let’s be honest: its real job is tree removal, not winning fights or staying on your starter long-term.
Where to Get Cut in Pokémon Emerald (Exact Location)
Here’s the part that gets everyone, no matter how many Pokémon games they’ve played before.
You receive HM01 – Cut in Rustboro City, and no—it’s not inside a gym, cave, dungeon, or hidden side area that requires pixel-perfect exploration.
Cut is given by an NPC known as “The Cutter” inside a small house right next to the Pokémon Center.
That’s it.
No puzzle.
No battle.
No quest chain.
You simply walk in and talk to him.
And yes—this house is so easy to overlook that entire Reddit threads exist because players walked past it repeatedly, assuming it was just decorative scenery. Pokémon Emerald quietly tests your curiosity here, and many players fail it the first time.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Cut in Rustboro City
Let’s make this impossible to miss, even if you’re half-asleep or speed-running on muscle memory.
First, reach Rustboro City through normal story progression after navigating Route 104 and Petalburg Woods. Once inside the city, locate the Pokémon Center, which is one of the most obvious landmarks and usually your first stop anyway. Immediately next to the Pokémon Center, you’ll see a small, unassuming house—this is the Cutter’s House. Enter it, talk to the man inside, and he will hand you HM01 – Cut, which is then stored in your Bag and ready to be taught to a Pokémon.
That’s the full, official HM Cut location and acquisition method in Pokémon Emerald—no hidden requirements, no alternate paths.
Pro tip: If you’ve already beaten Roxanne and still don’t have Cut, this step is almost always what you skipped while wondering why the game felt blocked.
Why You Can’t Use Cut Yet (Stone Badge Requirement)
Ah, yes—another Emerald classic that has confused players for generations.
Owning Cut does NOT mean you can use Cut.
To use Cut outside of battle, you must first defeat Gym Leader Roxanne and earn the Stone Badge from the Rustboro Gym. Until that badge is in your possession, Cut will behave like a normal battle move and nothing more.
This means that even if your Pokémon knows Cut, the game will refuse to let you interact with trees in the overworld. Those trees aren’t bugged, broken, or mocking you—you’re just missing the badge.
So if you’re asking yourself, “Why is Cut not working in Pokémon Emerald?” or “Why can’t I cut trees?”, the answer is almost always the same: you don’t have the Stone Badge yet.
Which Pokémon Should Learn Cut in Emerald (Don’t Waste a Slot)
Time for some big-sibling advice that saves you pain later.
Cut is a utility move, not a combat move, and treating it like one is how first-time players accidentally weaken their teams. Early starters need every move slot they can get, and Cut simply doesn’t pull its weight in battle.
The smartest early-game solution is Zigzagoon. You’ll encounter Zigzagoon constantly throughout early Hoenn, it learns Cut easily, and it later evolves into Linoone, which becomes one of the best utility Pokémon in the game. Because of its flexibility, Zigzagoon is commonly used as the team’s beloved HM Slave—a Pokémon dedicated to field moves so your main battlers stay optimized.
Teach Cut to Zigzagoon, keep it available when you need to clear trees, and box it when you don’t. Your future self, deep into the story or preparing for the Elite Four, will be extremely grateful.
Common Mistakes Players Make (You’re Definitely Not Alone)
These mistakes aren’t rare—they’re practically a shared experience among Pokémon Emerald players.
Many players walk past the Cutter’s House without entering, assuming it’s irrelevant. Others believe Cut must be hidden in Rusturf Tunnel or tied directly to gym completion. Some teach Cut immediately but forget that the Stone Badge is required to use it in the field. And plenty of players teach Cut to their starter early on, only to regret wasting a valuable move slot later.
If you’ve done any of these—congratulations. You’re playing Pokémon Emerald exactly as intended.
FAQs About Cut in Pokémon Emerald
Where is the Cutter’s House in Pokémon Emerald?
The Cutter’s House is located in Rustboro City, directly next to the Pokémon Center. Simply enter the house and talk to the NPC inside.
What badge do I need to use Cut in Emerald?
You need the Stone Badge, which is earned by defeating Gym Leader Roxanne at the Rustboro Gym.
Can Zigzagoon learn Cut?
Yes, and it’s one of the best Pokémon to teach Cut to because of its role as a utility and HM-focused Pokémon.
Is Cut necessary to beat Pokémon Emerald?
Yes. Certain routes and progression points in the game require Cut to continue, making it essential for completion.
How do I delete Cut from my Pokémon?
Later in the game, you can visit the Move Deleter to remove Cut once it’s no longer needed.
Who gives you Cut in Pokémon Emerald?
An NPC called The Cutter, located inside the Cutter’s House in Rustboro City.
Quick Recap: Unlocking Hoenn Starts Here
To wrap everything up clearly and cleanly: HM01 Cut is found in Rustboro City, inside the house next to the Pokémon Center. You must defeat Roxanne to earn the Stone Badge before Cut can be used outside of battle. Teaching Cut to a utility Pokémon like Zigzagoon keeps your main team strong while letting you clear trees and access new paths.
Those tiny trees aren’t laughing anymore.
You’ve got the key now.
Welcome to the real Pokémon Emerald adventure.
Visit Our Post Page: Blog Page