Learn how to get Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald in 2025. Find the HM06 location, required badges, and trainer tips to unlock and use Rock Smash across Hoenn.
What Is Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald (HM06 Overview)?
If you’ve reached the mid-game in Pokémon Emerald, you’ve probably noticed cracked rocks blocking certain paths. That’s where Rock Smash—the game’s HM06—comes in.
This handy ability helps you break obstacles and unlock new areas you couldn’t explore before.
Inside battles, Rock Smash acts as a Fighting-type move with a chance to lower an opponent’s Defense, but its true value shines when you’re traveling across Hoenn.
It turns those scattered boulders into cleared pathways, letting you move deeper into caves, tunnels, and routes that were previously off-limits.
Think of it as one of those moves that may not wow you in combat, but becomes essential for progressing the adventure—especially once the game begins pushing you toward tougher areas and late-game challenges.
Why You Need Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald
As you move deeper into Pokémon Emerald, the world starts introducing natural barriers that quietly guide your progression. Many of these obstacles come in the form of cracked rocks, and the only reliable way to clear them is by using Rock Smash.
Without it, key routes, caves, and shortcuts remain sealed off, slowing down your journey through Hoenn.
Beyond simply breaking rocks, this ability plays an important role in opening up story-critical paths. Certain areas—like hidden cave floors or blocked tunnels—only become accessible once you’re able to smash your way through.
This makes Rock Smash more than just a utility move; it becomes a gateway to new Pokémon, new items, and new regions of the map.
What makes it even more helpful is the small perk it brings during battles. While it’s not known for raw power, the move can occasionally lower an opponent’s Defense, giving you a strategic edge in early encounters.
It’s not a move you’ll rely on forever, but in the early stages, that extra Defense drop can help your team push through tougher fights.
Most importantly, Rock Smash acts as a progression tool. From unlocking paths between towns to reaching deeper cave sections, the move supports your adventure at the exact moments when the map begins to expand.
It ensures you’re not just moving forward—you’re discovering more of what Hoenn has to offer.
Requirements to Get and Use Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald: Badge Checklist Explained
Before Rock Smash becomes a useful part of your journey, the game ensures you’ve reached the right milestones.
These requirements are tied to key Gym Badges, each marking your progress and unlocking new abilities as you explore Hoenn.
Understanding what each badge does helps you know exactly when Rock Smash becomes available—and when it becomes usable outside battles.
Stone Badge — Your First Step Toward Rock Smash
The journey begins with the Stone Badge, earned by defeating Roxanne in Rustboro City.
This badge confirms you’ve cleared the early-game challenges and are ready for more advanced mechanics. It doesn’t activate Rock Smash, but it is one of the mandatory prerequisites for obtaining HM06 later.
Knuckle Badge — Unlocking Eligibility for HM06
Your next milestone is the Knuckle Badge from Brawly in Dewford Town.
With this badge in your collection, you’ve officially met the conditions to receive HM06 Rock Smash from the NPC in Mauville City. This step ensures players follow the region’s intended progression before accessing new movement abilities.
Together, the Stone and Knuckle Badges act as a simple checkpoint: you must have both before anyone in Mauville will hand over the HM.
Dynamo Badge — Activating Rock Smash in the Overworld
While earning the first two badges lets you obtain the move, you still can’t use it on cracked rocks until you earn the Dynamo Badge by defeating Wattson, Mauville’s Electric-type Gym Leader.
This badge is the true key to activating Rock Smash beyond battles. Once it’s in your possession, you can finally break obstacles blocking pathways, access new areas, and progress deeper into Hoenn’s story routes.
The Dynamo Badge is a turning point—it transforms Rock Smash from a simple combat move into a world-navigation tool, allowing you to uncover hidden routes, rewards, and essential shortcuts.
How to Get Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting Rock Smash is simple once you know exactly where to go. The game doesn’t directly point you toward the HM, so following a clear path makes the process smooth and quick.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help you reach the right spot without any guesswork.
Step 1: Reach Mauville City
Your first stop is Mauville City, a major hub you reach after traveling through Slateport and crossing Route 110. By the time you arrive here, you should already have the first two Gym Badges, which are essential for claiming the HM.
Step 2: Find the Rock Smash House Near the Poké Mart
Once you’re in the city, head toward the Poké Mart.
Right across the path, you’ll see a small house positioned to the right side of the building.
This is the home of the NPC who provides Rock Smash. It’s easy to overlook, so spotting its location early saves you an unnecessary loop around the city.
Step 3: Talk to the NPC Inside the House
Enter the house and speak with the friendly NPC waiting inside.
As long as you already have the Stone Badge and Knuckle Badge, he’ll happily hand over HM06. If those badges aren’t in your inventory yet, he won’t give the move, so double-check your progress before heading here.
Step 4: Teach Rock Smash to a Pokémon
After receiving the HM, the next move is choosing which Pokémon will learn it.
Most Pokémon can learn Rock Smash, so you have flexibility in selecting a team member. If you prefer not to use up a valuable moveslot on a main battler, assigning it to a reliable utility Pokémon is a smart choice. This ensures your core team stays optimized while still letting you break obstacles ahead.
First Place to Use Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald: Rusturf Tunnel Progression Guide
After unlocking Rock Smash for overworld use, the game naturally directs you toward your first meaningful opportunity to use it inside Rusturf Tunnel, a short but story-rich cave near Verdanturf Town.
This area works as a guided introduction to how the move clears obstacles and helps you advance key objectives in Pokémon Emerald.
Entering Verdanturf Town Before Accessing Rusturf Tunnel
Your journey toward Rusturf Tunnel begins as you travel west along Route 117. Eventually, you’ll reach the peaceful settlement of Verdanturf Town.
This place isn’t just a quiet stopover—it acts as your direct path to the tunnel where Rock Smash becomes essential.
Many players naturally arrive here right after earning the ability to use Rock Smash outside of battle, making the timing feel seamless.
Locating the Rusturf Tunnel Entrance
At the northern edge of Verdanturf Town, you’ll find the entrance to Rusturf Tunnel. The moment you step inside, you’ll notice the route is blocked by two cracked rocks, preventing anyone from getting through.
These rocks are designed specifically to introduce you to Rock Smash’s overworld functionality in a controlled and story-relevant environment.
Using Rock Smash to Clear the Cracked Rocks
Walk up to the first cracked rock and press A.
If the Pokémon holding Rock Smash is in your party, the game will prompt you to use the move. The rock will break instantly once confirmed, clearing half the blockage. Repeat the interaction with the second rock to fully open the tunnel.
Clearing the rocks reunites NPCs who were separated earlier in the story, giving this moment a small but meaningful emotional payoff. It also demonstrates how important Rock Smash becomes for interacting with the world.
Earning HM04 Strength After Clearing the Tunnel
Once you’ve removed the obstacle, you’ll receive HM04 Strength as a reward. Although it cannot be used in the overworld yet, obtaining it here marks a key milestone in your growing set of field moves.
Why Rusturf Tunnel Is a Critical Early Test of Rock Smash
This section of the game is designed to show you how Rock Smash isn’t just a battle tool—it’s a core progression mechanic. By clearing blocked routes and enabling story events, the move becomes essential for navigating caves, unlocking shortcuts, and reaching new areas throughout Hoenn.
Important Locations in Pokémon Emerald Where Rock Smash Is Required
As your adventure spreads across Hoenn, Rock Smash becomes a reliable tool for opening new routes, discovering special encounters, and navigating story-critical areas.
Several locations depend on this ability, and understanding where it’s needed helps you explore without interruptions.
Using Rock Smash in Victory Road for Final Story Progression
One of the most crucial areas that requires Rock Smash is Victory Road, the last major dungeon before the Pokémon League.
Cracked rocks appear throughout the cave, blocking essential pathways and forcing you to rely on Rock Smash to reach the final stretch of your journey.
Using Rock Smash in Granite Cave (B2F) to Find Nosepass
Deep inside Granite Cave, specifically on the B2F floor, you’ll come across multiple cracked rocks that can be broken.
These rocks offer a chance to encounter Nosepass at a 30% rate, making this the only location in the entire game where you can obtain this rare Pokémon. The remaining encounters will be Geodude, but the chance for Nosepass makes every rock worth breaking.
Using Rock Smash in Safari Zone Area 6 for Guaranteed Shuckle
Inside the Safari Zone, particularly Area 6, Rock Smash gives you access to a special guaranteed encounter.
Breaking cracked rocks here results in a 100% chance of finding Shuckle, making this zone a must-visit if you want to add this uniquely defensive Pokémon to your party.
Using Rock Smash on Route 112 to Access Fiery Path
On Route 112, Rock Smash is required to open the path leading into the Fiery Path, a cave that helps you bypass the desert and continue toward Fallarbor Town.
Clearing the rocks here ensures smooth story progression and keeps your route forward uninterrupted.
Why These Rock Smash Locations Matter
Each location showcases a different benefit—whether it’s progression, rare Pokémon, or shortcut access. By visiting these key spots, you’ll see how Rock Smash supports your exploration and keeps your adventure moving at a steady pace.
Best Pokémon to Teach Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald: Top HM Users Guide
Choosing which Pokémon will carry Rock Smash can shape how smoothly you explore Hoenn.
Since this HM stays permanently once taught, picking a reliable partner makes travel easier and keeps your main team flexible.
The move is widely compatible, giving you several dependable options to support both exploration and early-game battles.
Top HM-Compatible Pokémon for Rock Smash
Some Pokémon naturally stand out because they can learn multiple field moves, making them ideal for handling your utility needs:
- Zigzagoon – A fan-favorite early-game helper known for learning several HMs, making it a practical choice right from the start.
- Slakoth – Great for stacking Cut, Strength, and Rock Smash on one Pokémon, reducing HM clutter in your main lineup.
- Marill – Useful if you want a Pokémon that eventually combines Rock Smash with water-based abilities later in the journey.
- Hariyama – Its impressive bulk allows it to carry Rock Smash without compromising battle performance.
- Tentacool – Helpful for players who prefer grouping Rock Smash with Surf, Waterfall, or other aquatic HMs.
- Breloom – A strong battle partner that can also take on a utility role without feeling like a wasted slot.
Gyarados as a Multi-HM Specialist
One standout option is Gyarados, especially if you want a single Pokémon to handle several overworld moves.
It can combine Rock Smash with Surf, Dive, and Waterfall, becoming a powerful all-in-one exploration partner.
The only challenge is leveling Magikarp, but the payoff is considerable once it evolves.
Picking the Right Rock Smash User for Your Team
When assigning Rock Smash, consider whether you prefer placing it on a dedicated HM partner or a battle-capable Pokémon. Since the move can’t be removed later, choosing thoughtfully helps keep your main team’s movesets clean and effective.
Rock Smash FAQs in Pokémon Emerald
Here’s a quick and clear set of answers to the most common Rock Smash questions, so you can keep your adventure moving without guesswork.
Why didn’t the NPC give me Rock Smash?
You probably already collected HM06 earlier. The NPC’s dialogue doesn’t change, which makes it easy to miss.
Is Rock Smash useful in battle?
It’s decent early on thanks to its chance to lower Defense, but it’s not meant for long-term damage.
Can Rock Smash be removed?
No, like all Gen 3 HMs, it cannot be forgotten. This is why many players assign it to a dedicated HM partner.
Do I need Rock Smash later in the game?
Yes. It’s required in important areas like Victory Road and several caves throughout Hoenn.
Why can’t I use Rock Smash outside battle?
You must first earn the Dynamo Badge from Wattson. Only then does the HM work on cracked rocks in the overworld.
Final Tips on Getting and Using Rock Smash in Pokémon Emerald
Rock Smash may seem like a simple utility move, but it becomes an important part of your journey once the game starts opening new paths.
A few thoughtful choices can make using it far more convenient as you explore Hoenn.
Keep Rock Smash on a Reliable HM Partner
Since the move stays permanently once learned, assigning it to a dependable HM user helps keep your main battlers free for stronger moves. This small decision keeps your team flexible for the long run.
Always Carry the Move When Traveling Through Caves
Many caves and routes hide cracked rocks that block shortcuts or story paths. Keeping Rock Smash available ensures you never backtrack unnecessarily or miss important items and encounters.
Use It Early for Helpful Encounters
Breaking rocks in certain areas gives you access to useful or rare Pokémon. Taking advantage of this early can strengthen your team and expand your options later.
Remember the Dynamo Badge Unlocks Full Use
If Rock Smash isn’t working outside battles, double-check that you’ve earned the Dynamo Badge. This badge is the key to unlocking its overworld functionality.
Treat Rock Smash as Part of Your Exploration Toolkit
Think of it as a simple but essential ability that keeps your adventure moving. Whether you’re opening new routes, reaching hidden rooms, or connecting towns, Rock Smash plays a consistent role in keeping your progression smooth.
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