Rock Smash: More Than Just Breaking Rocks (But It Does That Too!)
Ever heard of Rock Smash? This move may sound like crushing pebbles, but in Pokémon, it is quite useful. Let’s explore this Fighting-type move and see what it can do.
Rock Smash 101: Stats and Strengths
How strong is Rock Smash? It is a Fighting-type move that appeared in Generation II. This move delivers a solid punch. It won’t overwhelm your opponent, but it has its advantages.
In Pokémon GO, Rock Smash is a Fighting-type Fast move. It deals 17 damage and generates 12 energy in Gyms or Raids. Not bad for a quick hit! In the GO Battle League, it deals 9 damage and generates 7 energy. Energy generation is vital in PvP battles.
As a Fighting-type move, Rock Smash has typical advantages. It’s physical, striking the opponent’s Defense stat. It excels against Normal, Ice, Rock, Steel, and Dark types. So, if you face a Steel-type, Rock Smash can be surprisingly useful.
Smashing Rocks and Opening Paths
Rock Smash has practical use outside battles. It can break rocks and some cracked walls in the game. Breaking obstacles opens new paths to items or wild Pokémon encounters hidden behind them. It’s like a key to hidden areas where secrets lie, but your key is a punch!
Rock Smash has another trick. It might lower the target’s Defense stat. This can weaken your opponent, allowing for bigger hits later on. It may not happen every time, but it adds strategy.
Rock Smash vs. The Competition: Move Comparisons
Let’s face it, Rock Smash isn’t the best Fighting-type move. It’s good to know how it compares to others.
Rock Smash vs. Low Kick: The two are often compared. In a damage race, Rock Smash wins slightly. However, Low Kick is regarded as easier to dodge in Pokémon GO, making it valuable in fast-paced battles. It’s a choice between damage and maneuverability.
Rock Smash vs. Counter: Counter is a strong Fighting-type move. Offensively, Rock Smash is weaker than Counter. Counter delivers a more powerful hit.
Rock Smash vs. Arm Thrust: Arm Thrust is another Fighting-type choice, often favored for damage output. Don’t forget Rock Smash’s Defense-reducing effect. It can help weaken a bulkier opponent over time, which may be worth it.
Rock Smash vs. Brick Break: Brick Break is much stronger, boasting 75 power while Rock Smash only hits 40. For raw power, Brick Break wins easily. But Rock Smash offers that Defense-lowering chance and overworld utility.
Who Can Learn Rock Smash? More Than You Think!
You might expect only Rock-types learn Rock Smash. Not true! As a Fighting-type move, many Fighting-type Pokémon or those with strong physical builds can learn it. Sometimes it’s just Pokémon with fists! Logic in Pokémon is debatable.
Here are some Pokémon that can learn Rock Smash:
- Onix: The giant rock snake can learn Rock Smash. Who would have guessed?
- Machop/Machamp: Machamp, with its four arms, is great for Rock Smash. Surprisingly, Machop cannot learn it in traditional ways. Maybe its fists are too small?
- Bidoof: Even Bidoof can learn Rock Smash via TM in games like Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Who knew Bidoof could smash things?
- Zigzagoon, Poochyena, Mudkip, Treecko: A random assortment of Pokémon, but they can learn Rock Smash. Treecko benefits from having a Fighting-type move against Ice and Steel types.
Rock-Type Moves: A Quick Detour
Since we’re discussing Rock Smash, let’s quickly touch on Rock-type moves. While Rock Smash is Fighting-type, its name can confuse it with Rock-type moves.
If you want raw power in Rock-type moves, look for Stone Edge, Stone Axe, and Diamond Storm. These heavy hitters cause significant damage. Rock-type moves are effective against Bug, Fire, Flying, and Ice types. Nature shows that “fire melts rock, but rock smashes fire-types!”
However, Rock-types have noted weaknesses. They are vulnerable to Fighting, Grass, Ground, Steel, and Water-type moves. That’s significant! Yet, Rock-types are strong against Fire-types. Shuckle takes normal damage from Fire-types due to these interactions. Type matchups are wild!
Getting Your Hands on Rock Smash: Location, Location, Location!
Want to teach your Pokémon Rock Smash? In older games, it was often an HM (Hidden Machine). You needed to find it and meet requirements to use it outside combat, like defeating a Gym Leader.
For instance, in Pokémon Emerald, defeat the Gym Leader of Mauville City and earn the Dynamo Badge to use Rock Smash outside battle. In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, get it from a Hiker on Route 36 after obtaining that Dynamo Badge. In FireRed and LeafGreen, find HM06 in Ember Spa cave on Kindle Road after battling trainers.
Using Rock Smash outside battle is usually simple. With the HM or TM and necessary badge, interact with smashable rocks or walls, and automatically activate it. Boom! Path cleared!
In some games, like Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Rock Smash is essential to progress through areas like Ravaged Path. You must get the Rock Smash TM after earning the Coal Badge to navigate there. So, Rock Smash is an adventure tool, not just a battle move!
Rock Smash: A Solid, Utility-Packed Move
In summary, Rock Smash may not be the most glamorous move in Pokémon, but it’s reliable and versatile. It’s a decent Fighting-type attack early in games. Its ability to lower Defense and break rocks gives it extra value. Rock Smash may not top “strongest moves” lists, but it is a dependable move that accomplishes its task. Sometimes that’s all you need!
