Pokémon That Can Learn Flash and Cut in Generation 1

For those eager to revisit the Kanto region in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, the use of Hidden Machines (HMs) is essential for navigating the world. Among these, Cut and Flash are particularly useful, with Cut allowing players to chop down trees and Flash illuminating dark caves like Rock Tunnel. Finding a single Pokémon that can learn both of these HMs can be a significant advantage, saving a party slot and streamlining exploration.

The HM Dilemma in Gen 1

In the original Pokémon games, HMs are not only essential for progression but also take up valuable move slots on a Pokémon's moveset. Unlike Technical Machines (TMs), HMs are reusable but can only be forgotten by the Move Deleter, who appears later in the game. Therefore, choosing which Pokémon to teach HMs to is a strategic decision.

The Search for a Dual-HM Learner

Many players seek a Pokémon that can learn both Cut and Flash to minimize the number of HM slaves in their party. The quest to find such a Pokémon in Red, Blue, and Yellow can be challenging.

The Mythical Exception: Mew

According to research, only one Pokémon can naturally learn both Flash and Cut in Generation 1: the mythical Mew. Mew is a versatile Pokémon capable of learning every TM and HM in the game. However, obtaining Mew in Red, Blue, and Yellow is notoriously difficult, typically requiring the use of glitches. One popular method involves the "Mew glitch" before Rock Tunnel, utilizing Abra's Teleport ability.

More Accessible Options

Since Mew is not readily available through normal gameplay, players often look for more accessible alternatives. Some players have suggested that Paras, Oddish, or Bellsprout can learn both Flash and Cut. In Pokémon Blue, Meowth is also a viable option as it can learn both HMs.

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HM Locations in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow

To effectively utilize Cut and Flash, it's important to know where to find these HMs in the game.

HM01 - Cut

HM01, containing Cut, is found on the S.S. Anne, a ship docked in Vermilion City.

Obtain the S.S. Ticket to board the ship.
Head to Vermilion City and go south to the docks.
Board the S.S. Anne.
Inside the Captain’s quarters, assist the old man suffering from seasickness by giving him a back rub.
He will reward you with HM01 - Cut.

HM05 - Flash

HM05, containing Flash, can be obtained in one of two ways:

Route 2 Gate: From Vermilion City, head north through Route 2. Use Cut to clear the trees blocking the path to the Route 2 Gate. If you have caught 10 or more Pokémon, one of Professor Oak's assistants will reward you with HM05 - Flash.
Diglett's Cave: Alternatively, from Vermilion City, head east to Route 11 and enter Diglett's Cave. Exit Diglett's Cave on Route 2 and proceed to the Route 2 Gate, using Cut if necessary.

The Importance of Flash

While some players find Flash unnecessary for navigating Rock Tunnel, remembering the layout can be challenging, and avoiding trainers isn't always desirable for leveling up Pokémon.

Other Essential HMs

Besides Cut and Flash, other HMs are crucial for progressing through Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow.

HM02 - Fly

Travel to Celadon City and head west to Route 16.
Navigate the hidden route west through the gate until you find a house with a young girl and a Flying-type Pokémon.
Speak to the girl and agree to keep her location secret, and she will reward you with HM02 - Fly.
With the Thunder Badge from Vermilion City, you can teach Fly to a Flying-type Pokémon to return to previously visited locations.

HM03 - Surf

Venture south to Fuchsia City and enter the Safari Zone.
From the first screen, move right and exit.
In the next screen, go to the top over the rocky paths and exit to the top and left.
In the northern part of the Safari Zone, take the left rocky path (not the one with the sign).
Exit to the left of the hedge, then travel up and right until you see the Safari Zone Rest House.
From the Rest House, hug the top of the screen and go left, then move straight down past the two bodies of water and enter the next screen.
Pick up the item to find the Gold Teeth.
Move left to find the Safari Zone Secret House. Speak to the person inside to receive HM03 - Surf.

HM04 - Strength

Leave the Safari Zone and head to the south of Fuchsia City.
Find the two houses in the southeast corner of Fuchsia City.
Enter the house on the left to find the Warden, who is having trouble speaking.
Give him the Gold Teeth, and he will reward you with HM04 - Strength.

HMs in Later Generations

In later Pokémon games, the importance of HMs has diminished. For example, Pokémon Black and White reduced the number of HMs to six, with only Cut being essential to complete the main storyline. Other HMs in these games are primarily used to access extra items or create shortcuts.

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