Conquering Waterfalls in Pokemon Emerald: A Trainer’s Guide to HM07
So, you’re in Hoenn, trying to be the best? A massive waterfall blocks your path. You can’t ask it to move. No way. You need a Hidden Machine. You need Waterfall (HM07).
Obtaining the Majestic Waterfall HM07
Waterfall isn’t given away easily. It’s not something you find early in Emerald. It’s a reward for experienced trainers. You need to prove you’re more than a beginner.
First, go to Sootopolis City. It’s not a quick trip. You need seven badges to enter the Gym area. Think of those badges as your entry pass.
Navigate through winding paths and underwater currents to reach Sootopolis. Head straight to the Gym area. Don’t get swept away by the beautiful scenery. Remember the legendary Pokemon story? Time to collect your rewards.
To get the Waterfall HM, you must have seen Rayquaza calm Groudon and Kyogre. If you missed it, go back to Sky Pillar. Wake up Rayquaza again. Battling these legends has its perks.
If you’ve completed that task, go to the Sootopolis Gym. From the Pokemon Center, just surf across the water. It’s straightforward. Once in the Gym area, locate Wallace. He will give you the HM07 Waterfall.
Using Waterfall to Conquer Cliffs (and Waterfalls)
You got Waterfall. High fives! But don’t rush to climb every waterfall. Getting the HM doesn’t mean you can use it yet. First, you need to climb waterfalls outside of battle.
You must defeat the Eighth Gym Leader in Sootopolis – Wallace. Yes, you must conquer the one who gave you the HM. Beat him to earn the coveted Rain Badge. Then, Waterfall lets you climb.
To climb, find an actual waterfall. Make sure you’re surfing on water, facing it directly. You can’t climb from dry land. You can access Waterfall in your Pokemon’s move list, or just press ‘A’ facing the waterfall with a Pokemon that knows the move. Up you go!
Waterfall: The Battle Move – Not Just for Climbing
Waterfall isn’t only for exploring. It’s also a strong Water-type move in battles.
Using Waterfall against an opponent looks great. It deals damage and has a 20% chance to make the target flinch. Flinching disrupts your opponent’s game plan, especially if they haven’t moved yet in their turn.
Fun fact: In Generations 1-3, Waterfall was a Special move. Now, it’s purely Physical. This makes it powerful for Pokemon with high Attack stats.
If you use a Mega Swampert in the rain, Waterfall becomes its strongest move. Rain + Mega Swampert + Waterfall means total water domination. Picture a pumped Swampert charging up a waterfall to slam down on an enemy. Epic.
Waterfall vs. Surf: The Water-Type Showdown
Now, let’s compare Waterfall and Surf. Both are Water-type moves, both are HMs. But which is superior?
For raw power, Surf is stronger. Surf carries a base power of 90, while Waterfall has 80. If you want heavy damage, Surf wins. Think of it as the difference between a strong fire hose and a less powerful one.
Yet, Waterfall has a flinch chance, which can be crucial. Plus, Waterfall is Physical, while Surf is Special. Choose based on your Pokemon’s stats. Physical attackers might favor Waterfall. Special attackers should lean towards Surf.
In double battles, Surf hits all adjacent Pokemon, including your partner, for 75% damage. Waterfall hits one target only, maintaining its full power. Thus, Surf can be risky, while Waterfall remains focused.
Also, Surf cannot climb waterfalls. Waterfall is unique for that purpose. For exploration, Waterfall takes the crown.
Your choice between Surf and Waterfall depends on strategy and team composition. Surf offers power and spread damage (with caution), while Waterfall gives flinch potential, physical strength, and climbing ability. Why not teach both to your Water-types? Variety enhances Pokemon battles.
A Quick Detour: Related Watery Locations (Sort Of)
Let’s touch on some water-related locations from other Pokemon games, even though they aren’t tied to Waterfall in Emerald. Think of it as extra trivia!
Heard of Icefall Cave? It’s in FireRed and LeafGreen, not Emerald. This cave has the only chance to catch a Delibird in FireRed and a Sneasel in LeafGreen. Plus, wild Lapras swim there.
Next is the puzzle-filled Seafoam Islands, also from FireRed and LeafGreen. Use Strength to move boulders around. The goal? Block water to create paths. Solve it to swim north and find the legendary Articuno.
We’ve covered Sootopolis City and Sky Pillar in Emerald already. They are essential for Waterfall. But extra Pokemon knowledge is never a waste.
So, that’s it! Everything about Waterfall in Pokemon Emerald. Now go forth, climb those waterfalls, dominate battles, and be the ultimate Pokemon Master! Just don’t fall off actual waterfalls in real life.
