HM Moves are a part of the Pokemon franchise for the longest time, with multiple installments having this feature. The term “HM” in Pokémon stands for “Hidden Machine,” which refers to special moves that you can teach to Pokémon. These HMs help you navigate through the game’s environment, such as cutting down trees or surfing across the water.
These moves are essential for progressing through the pokémon games and accessing new areas. Some examples of HMs in the Pokémon series include Cut, Fly, Surf, and Strength. Their effects are straightforward and similar to their name.
With the franchise’s latest installment, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, HMs are not part of the game. This followed the pattern of Pokemon Sword and Shield who also did not possess the HM feature.
It is safe to assume that HMs are now sadly obsolete since Pokemon is moving toward an open-world genre. In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, you can fully explore the Paldea region without needing the help of HMs.
The past uses of HMs got replaced by the lovable motorcycle legendaries, Koraidon and Miraidon. Since you can now ride a motorcycle to explore the open world, Hidden Moves are no longer needed.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Exploration No HM Moves
To fully explore the region, you must scale tall cliffs, swim the rivers, etc. Usually, these actions are done by HMs in other Pokémon games. But not in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Instead of HMs, you will solely rely on Koraidon or Miraidon, depending on which game you are playing. As you progress through the game, these Pokémon can perform all the moves an HM would.
Your Legendary Pokemon can be enhanced to further help your case in exploring the region. You simply must finish the Path of Legends storyline in the game. The Path of Legends is a questline that Arven initiates when you speak to him at Naranja/Uva Academy.
Path of Legends
This pathway will have you working alongside him to track down Titan Pokemon. Titan Pokemon are extremely powerful Pokemon who got their strength from eating Herba Mystica. In this questline, you will gather the Herba Mystica scattered around the Paldea region.
By winning against the Titan Pokemon and getting the Herba Mystica, you will unlock the powers of Koraidon and Miraidon. There are a total of five Titan Pokemon for you to encounter, and each of them gives benefits.
Here is the complete list of the Titan Pokemon, with the recommended level for beating them and their reward.
- Stony Cliff Titan – Recommended Level: 15 – Reward: Mount Unlocks Dash
- Open Sky Titan – Recommended Level: 19 – Reward: Mount Unlocks Swim
- Lurking Steel Titan – Recommended Level: 28 – Reward: Mount Unlocks High Jump
- Quaking Earth Titan – Recommended Level: 44 – Reward: Mount Unlocks Glide
- False Dragon Titan – Recommended Level: 55 – Reward: Mount Unlocks Climb
