Soaring Through Sinnoh: Your Ultimate Guide to Fly in Pokémon Platinum (and Why You Absolutely Need It)
Let’s face it, trainers. Walking the massive Sinnoh region in Pokémon Platinum is as effective as teaching a Magikarp Hyper Beam. You can do it, but why would you? There’s a better, cooler option. I’m talking about Fly. It’s your fast pass for the map, letting you breeze past annoying wild encounters.
What Exactly Does Fly Do, Anyway?
If you don’t know, let’s clarify what Fly does. In battle, Fly is a two-turn move. On the first turn, your Pokémon flies into the sky and is hard to hit. It’s like dodging, except the opponent still attacks. Swift can still strike. While in the air, you stall, using up the opponent’s PP and letting status effects like poison work on them. But, it also affects you.
The real fun with Fly is in the overworld. Once your Pokémon gets this HM (Hidden Machine), the entire Sinnoh region opens up. Long climbs and treacherous routes become mere memories. Pull up your map, choose a town you’ve been to, and just like that, you’re there. It’s fast travel, Pokémon style, and you’ll love it.
Is Fly Actually Worth the Hype? (Spoiler: Yes)
Is Fly worth it? Seriously? Is air breathable? Is Pikachu yellow? YES! Fly isn’t just good; it’s indispensable. Just imagine walking everywhere when cars and planes exist. That’s Sinnoh without Fly. It’s a lovely region, sure, but you don’t want to battle Zubats in caves. Fly is your way out, your shortcut. Watching your Pokémon take off is also super cool.
Snagging Your Own Fly HM: The Veilstone City Caper
Excited for aerial travel? Getting HM02 – Fly in Pokémon Platinum is easy. You must go to Veilstone City. Remember that duo, Dawn or Lucas? After teaming up for a Double Battle in that city, they’ll give you the Fly HM as a reward. Show off your battle skills and get ready to soar!
Uh Oh, HM Overload? Forgetting Fly (and Other HMs)
Connelly City, known as Canalave City. Visit the Pokémon Center. Inside, a Move Deleter will help for free. If you need a new move instead of Fly, this is where to go.
Who Can Actually Learn to Fly? (Not Everyone with Wings, Apparently)
Not all winged Pokémon can learn Fly. A Pidgey seems a perfect candidate, right? Generally, Flying-type Pokémon fit well. In Platinum, you have great Flying-type choices who can learn Fly, allowing for a diverse team. Check these aerial options:
- Staraptor: A fan favorite. It’s strong and versatile. A top pick for early-game Flying-types who can learn Fly.
- Crobat: Fast and cunning. A good choice to use Fly, especially if you like speed.
- Pelipper: This Water/Flying type has an excellent mix of offense and defense and can learn Fly.
- Togekiss: Elegant and fierce. Togekiss is a Fairy/Flying type that learns Fly and hits hard. It’s rarer but worth finding.
- Altaria: The Humming Pokémon is a Dragon/Flying type known for fluffy wings. It can learn Fly, giving it more versatility.
For more on the best Flying-types in Platinum, check out this discussion on PokéBase.
Additionally, some Pokémon have a history with Fly. For instance, Charizard can learn HM02 – Fly in Pokémon Yellow. But not in Red and Blue or in Platinum. Quite odd.
Wait, These Flying-Types Can’t Fly? Pokémon Logic Strikes Again!
Get ready for some Pokémon logic that might confuse you. Despite being Flying types, some Pokémon cannot use Fly. It’s like having a car that doesn’t go on highways. Here are some examples:
- Gyarados: This Water/Flying type can use Bounce and Hurricane. Yet, it can’t use proper Fly moves.
- Mantine: A graceful glider but not capable of using Fly. It’s more of a glider than a proper flyer.
- Gliscor: The Fang Scorpion Pokémon dives and swoops yet cannot learn Fly.
- Yanmega: This Bug/Flying type carries humans but cannot learn Fly. What a contradiction!
Giratina Can Learn Fly? And Other Burning Questions…
Many questions surround the ability to learn Fly. Let’s dive into some common queries:
- Can Giratina learn to fly? No. Despite being a Legendary from the Distortion World, Giratina cannot learn Fly.
- Can Scyther learn Fly? No. Scyther remains unable to use the Fly HM in any game.
- What about Garchomp? Fly? Not at all. Garchomp is a Ground/Dragon type and cannot learn Fly.
- Latios and Fly? Latios cannot learn Fly in its normal moveset but can use special abilities in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. This isn’t the same as using Bob as an HM.
- Beedrill can fly, right? So, Fly? Beedrill can fly generally but can’t learn the move “Fly.”
- Gengar floats and phases through walls… Fly? Nope again. Gengar cannot learn Fly despite its abilities.
Flying Type 101: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Pure Flyers
The Flying type is crucial in Pokémon battles.
Understanding strengths and weaknesses helps you become a great trainer. For a detailed look at the Flying type, check out Bulbapedia, the Pokémon encyclopedia made by fans. Visit for details:Flying (type) – Bulbapedia.
Here’s a brief summary:
Flying Type Advantages:
- Super Effective Offense: Flying moves hit Bug, Fighting, and Grass types hard. This is helpful for knocking out Pokémon like Heracross, Machamp, and Roserade.
- Ground Immunity: Flying Pokémon can’t be hit by Ground moves. This protects against strong moves like Earthquake, common in battles.
Flying Type Disadvantages:
- Vulnerabilities: Flying-types struggle against Electric, Ice, and Rock moves. Watch for Pokémon like Luxray, Weavile, and Golem.
- Not the Strongest Offensively: Flying attacks are strategic but not always the strongest compared to Fire or Water.
Pure Flying Types: The Rare Breed
Pure Flying-type Pokémon are rare. Only four exist! They are:
- Rookidee
- Corvisquire
- Tornadus (Incarnate Forme)
- Tornadus (Therian Forme)
That’s it! Most Flying types are combined with another type.
Strongest in the Sky: Flying-Type Move Powerhouses
Need heavy Flying-type damage? Use these moves:
| Move | Power |
| Sky Attack | 140 |
| Brave Bird | 120 |
Sky Attack requires two turns but packs a punch. Brave Bird hits hard and also causes recoil.
HM Hustle: Navigating Sinnoh with Hidden Machines
Fly is just one part of the HM puzzle in Pokémon Platinum. HMs teach useful moves and help you explore. To explore Sinnoh fully, you need a core set of HMs.
The Essential Six: Necessary HMs for Platinum
You will need these six HMs:
- Cut: Cut through trees blocking paths.
- Surf: Travel over water routes.
- Strength: Move boulders to access hidden areas.
- Rock Smash: Break rocks that can be shattered.
- Waterfall: Climb waterfalls to higher areas.
- Rock Climb: Scale steep cliffs.
HM Slaves: The Unsung Heroes of HM Management
Teaching all HMs to your main team can be inefficient. HM slaves help with this. These Pokémon focus on learning HMs, freeing your star players for battle moves. A great HM slave duo is:
- Bibarel: This Normal/Water type learns Surf, Waterfall, Strength, and Cut. Good all-rounder.
- Tropius: This Grass/Flying type learns Fly, Cut, and Flash (Flash isn’t needed for progress).
Bibarel and Tropius cover all eight HMs, including optional ones and keep your main team battle-ready.
Victory Road HM Checklist: Prepare for the Final Ascent
If you enter Victory Road, the final dungeon before the league, ensure you have these HMs:
- Surf
- Strength
- Rock Smash
- Waterfall
- Rock Climb
Remember your HM Pokémon must be in your party for navigating Victory Road. Bring a few Revives for emergencies.
Beyond Fly: Other Platinum Pointers for Pro Trainers
Fly is great, but Platinum has many other features. Here are more tips for your Sinnoh adventure:
Level Up Fast: Training Spot Paradise
Need to boost levels? Route 218 is an excellent training location, better than in Diamond and Pearl. It has high-level wild Pokémon and trainers to get your team battle-ready.
Lucky Egg Hunt: Double Your XP Gains
Want double experience faster? Look for wild Chansey. They have a 5% chance to hold a Lucky Egg, boosting your Pokémon’s experience gain. Wild Chansey appear in places like Route 209 and the Trophy Garden.
Platinum Perks: It’s More Than Just a Remake
Platinum isn’t just a rehash of Diamond and Pearl; it has improvements. Expect an engaging story, new areas, and overall a better Pokémon experience.
Garchomp: Still the King (Pre-National Dex)
Before unlocking the National Dex, Garchomp is very strong. With a base stat total of 600, this pseudo-legendary is formidable, both in-game and competitively. Get a Gible and evolve it to build a powerhouse on your team.
Now you have it, trainers! Your complete guide to Fly and navigating Pokémon Platinum. Go catch ‘em all and always Fly responsibly!
