Navigating the world of Pokémon FireRed is an adventure filled with exploration, battling, and puzzle-solving. One of the earliest obstacles you’ll encounter is the abundance of small trees blocking your path. These aren’t just decorative; they’re deliberate roadblocks placed to guide your progress and ensure you explore areas in a specific order. Cutting them down is essential for reaching new locations, discovering hidden items, and progressing further in your quest to become a Pokémon master. But how exactly do you cut down these pesky trees? The answer lies in obtaining and using the HM (Hidden Machine) Cut.
Understanding the Importance of Cut
The HM Cut is more than just a move; it’s a key that unlocks new areas and opportunities within the Kanto region. Without it, you’ll be unable to access certain routes, caves, and even entire towns. Imagine trying to reach Vermilion City without being able to chop down that one crucial tree!
Cut is a Normal-type move that deals damage in battle, but its real power lies in its overworld utility. Once a Pokémon in your party knows Cut, you can interact with the small, unassuming trees scattered throughout the game, triggering a short animation of your Pokémon slicing through the wood, opening the way forward.
Acquiring HM01 (Cut)
Finding HM01 (Cut) is a crucial step in your Pokémon FireRed journey. It’s not simply lying around waiting to be picked up; you need to earn it. The key to obtaining Cut lies in helping the captain of the S.S. Anne.
Reaching the S.S. Anne
Before you can even think about obtaining Cut, you need to get your hands on a ticket to the S.S. Anne. This luxurious cruise ship is docked in Vermilion City, but you won’t be allowed onboard without the proper credentials.
To get the ticket, you must travel north from Cerulean City to Route 24 and Route 25. These routes are home to several trainers looking for a battle, so be prepared to test your Pokémon’s strength. Along the way, you’ll encounter Bill, a Pokémon researcher who has accidentally transformed himself into a Pokémon. Help him revert to his human form, and as a reward, he’ll give you the S.S. Anne Ticket.
Once you have the ticket, head to Vermilion City and board the S.S. Anne.
Navigating the S.S. Anne
The S.S. Anne is a maze of cabins, corridors, and sailors. You’ll encounter various trainers eager to battle, so keep your Pokémon healed and ready for action. Explore the ship thoroughly, battling trainers and collecting items as you go.
The main goal is to find the captain, who is located in his quarters on the upper deck. You’ll find him suffering from seasickness.
Receiving HM01 (Cut) from the Captain
After battling your way through the ship and finally locating the captain, talk to him. He’s feeling ill and appreciates your concern. As a token of his gratitude, he’ll reward you with HM01 (Cut). This is the key to unlocking new areas and progressing further in the game.
Teaching Cut to a Pokémon
Now that you have HM01 (Cut), you need to teach it to a Pokémon in your party. Not all Pokémon can learn Cut; you’ll need to choose one that is compatible with the move. Some of the early-game Pokémon that can learn Cut include:
- Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venusaur
- Charmander, Charmeleon, Charizard
- Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise
- Pikachu, Raichu
- Nidoran (Male and Female) and their evolutions
- Oddish, Gloom, Vileplume
- Paras, Parasect
- Bellsprout, Weepinbell, Victreebel
- Exeggcute, Exeggutor
- Cubone, Marowak
- Scyther
- Pinsir
To teach a Pokémon Cut, simply open your party menu, select the Pokémon you want to teach the move to, choose “Move,” and then select HM01 (Cut). You’ll be prompted to replace one of the Pokémon’s existing moves with Cut. Choose carefully, as you can only teach a Pokémon four moves at a time.
It’s often wise to teach Cut to a Pokémon that you don’t rely on heavily in battle, as Cut isn’t the most powerful attack. Consider a Pokémon that you use primarily for HM usage, allowing your stronger Pokémon to focus on more powerful combat moves.
Using Cut to Clear Trees
With a Pokémon in your party knowing Cut, you’re now ready to start clearing those pesky trees. Simply approach a small tree that’s blocking your path and press the ‘A’ button. If a Pokémon in your party knows Cut, you’ll be prompted to use the move. Select “Yes,” and your Pokémon will step forward and chop down the tree, opening the way forward.
It’s a simple process, but it’s essential for progressing through the game. Remember to explore thoroughly, as you never know what secrets might be hidden behind those trees.
Strategic Tree Cutting: Planning Your Route
While cutting down trees seems straightforward, strategic planning can save you time and effort. Certain areas might have multiple trees blocking different paths, and choosing the right path can lead to valuable items or shortcuts.
Before mindlessly hacking away at every tree you see, take a moment to assess the surrounding area. Look for clues, such as visible items or paths leading to previously inaccessible locations.
Consider the overall layout of the region and plan your route accordingly. Sometimes, cutting down a seemingly unimportant tree can open up a shortcut that allows you to bypass a lengthy detour.
Overcoming Potential Problems
While obtaining and using Cut is relatively straightforward, there are a few potential problems you might encounter:
- Forgetting to get the S.S. Anne Ticket: This is a common mistake, as players sometimes rush through the early game without completing all the necessary steps. Remember to help Bill on Route 25 to receive the S.S. Anne Ticket.
- Forgetting to talk to the captain: Even if you explore the S.S. Anne thoroughly, you won’t receive Cut if you forget to talk to the captain in his quarters. Make sure to check every room and interact with every character on the ship.
- Teaching Cut to the wrong Pokémon: Choose wisely when deciding which Pokémon to teach Cut. Consider a Pokémon that you don’t rely on heavily in battle, or one that has a naturally high Attack stat to make Cut more effective in combat situations where it’s necessary.
- Accidentally releasing the Pokémon that knows Cut: Be extra careful when managing your Pokémon party. Accidentally releasing the Pokémon that knows Cut can force you to teach it to another Pokémon, which can be inconvenient if you’ve already optimized your team’s movesets.
- Being unable to use Cut outside of battle: Ensure you have the Cascade Badge. Without it, you cannot use Cut outside of battle, even if a Pokémon in your party knows the move. Misty, the Cerulean City Gym Leader, awards this badge after you defeat her.
The Long-Term Value of Cut
While Cut might seem like a simple HM, it has significant long-term value throughout your Pokémon FireRed adventure. It’s not just about clearing trees; it’s about unlocking new possibilities and expanding your horizons.
Accessing new areas leads to encountering new Pokémon, discovering valuable items, and challenging powerful trainers. Cut allows you to explore every nook and cranny of the Kanto region, maximizing your chances of becoming a Pokémon master.
Even in the late game, Cut can be useful for accessing hidden areas or quickly traversing familiar routes. Don’t underestimate the power of this humble HM; it’s an essential tool for any aspiring Pokémon champion.
Beyond the Trees: Other Uses for Cut
While its primary function is cutting down trees, Cut can also be surprisingly useful in certain battle situations. As a Normal-type move, it deals a moderate amount of damage and has a decent chance of landing a critical hit.
While not the most powerful attack in your arsenal, Cut can be a viable option against Pokémon that are weak to Normal-type moves, or when you need a reliable attack with a good chance of landing a critical hit. It’s also a useful move to have on hand if you’re running low on PP for your more powerful attacks.
Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Cut
Cutting down trees in Pokémon FireRed is more than just a trivial task; it’s an integral part of the gameplay experience. Obtaining HM01 (Cut) and strategically using it to clear your path is essential for progressing through the game, discovering new areas, and ultimately becoming a Pokémon master. So, embrace the power of Cut, explore every corner of the Kanto region, and carve your own path to victory. Remember, sometimes the greatest adventures begin with the simple act of chopping down a tree.
FAQ 1: What is the primary purpose of cutting down trees in Pokémon FireRed?
The primary purpose of cutting down trees in Pokémon FireRed is to clear pathways that are otherwise blocked, allowing the player to progress through the game and access new areas. Certain routes and locations are inaccessible without the HM01 Cut, making it a crucial element for completing the main storyline and exploring the Kanto region.
Beyond the main story, cutting down trees is also essential for accessing hidden items and secret areas that are tucked away behind obstructive foliage. These hidden locations can contain valuable items like TMs, evolution stones, or even rare Pokémon encounters, making the Cut HM a valuable tool for completionists and those seeking to maximize their gameplay experience.
FAQ 2: How do I obtain the HM01 Cut in Pokémon FireRed?
To obtain HM01 Cut, you must first save the captain of the S.S. Anne. The S.S. Anne docks in Vermilion City, and access is granted by obtaining an S.S. Ticket. This ticket is obtained by helping Bill, the Pokémon collector, at his Sea Cottage north of Cerulean City. Once you have the ticket, board the ship in Vermilion City.
After boarding the S.S. Anne, you need to navigate through the ship and find the captain’s quarters. He is suffering from seasickness. Give him a back rub by interacting with him, and in return for your kindness, he will give you the HM01 Cut. Remember, you will need to defeat your rival before you can reach the Captain.
FAQ 3: Which Pokémon can learn the HM01 Cut in FireRed?
Many Pokémon are capable of learning HM01 Cut in Pokémon FireRed, providing a variety of options for your team. Some popular choices include Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Charmander, Charmeleon, Charizard, Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, and Pikachu. These Pokémon represent various types and stats, allowing you to choose one that complements your overall team strategy.
Beyond those mentioned, other learnable Pokémon include, but are not limited to, Sandshrew, Sandslash, Ekans, Arbok, Oddish, Gloom, Vileplume, Paras, Parasect, Bellsprout, Weepinbell, Victreebel, Exeggcute, Exeggutor, Cubone, Marowak, Scyther, Pinsir and many more. Experimenting with different Pokémon to find the best fit for your team and gameplay style is highly encouraged.
FAQ 4: How do I use HM01 Cut outside of battle in Pokémon FireRed?
To use HM01 Cut outside of battle, you first need to teach it to a Pokémon in your party. Once a Pokémon has learned Cut, you must have the Boulder Badge from Pewter City. This badge is earned by defeating Brock, the gym leader of Pewter City.
With both HM01 Cut learned by a Pokémon and the Boulder Badge in your possession, simply approach a small tree that obstructs your path. The game will prompt you to use Cut. Select ‘Yes’, and your Pokémon will cut down the tree, clearing the way forward. Remember that some trees are integral parts of the map and cannot be cut.
FAQ 5: Do I need to keep a Pokémon with Cut on my main team throughout the entire game?
While Cut is essential for initial progression, it is generally not necessary to keep a dedicated Cut user on your main team throughout the entire game. Once you have cleared all the required paths for the main story and accessed any desired hidden areas, you can replace the Cut user with a more strategically beneficial Pokémon.
Consider utilizing the Pokémon Storage System at any Pokémon Center to temporarily deposit your Cut user when not actively needed. This allows you to optimize your team composition for battles and other challenges without permanently sacrificing valuable team slots. Remember, you can always retrieve the Cut user if you need to access an area you may have missed later in the game.
FAQ 6: Can I delete HM01 Cut from a Pokémon once I no longer need it?
Deleting HMs like Cut can be challenging in Pokémon FireRed compared to regular moves. There is no natural move deletion functionality within the game, meaning you can’t simply use the “Forget Move” option at a Pokémon Center.
To delete HM01 Cut, you need to find the Move Deleter, an NPC located in Fuchsia City. He lives in a house, just south of the Pokémon Center. He has the ability to remove HM moves from your Pokémon, freeing up a move slot for a more desirable attack. This is the only way to remove HM01 Cut in FireRed.
FAQ 7: Are there any trees that cannot be cut down in Pokémon FireRed?
Yes, not all trees are created equal in Pokémon FireRed. Only specifically designated small trees can be cut down using HM01 Cut. These trees are intentionally placed to block paths and are part of the game’s puzzle design.
Larger trees and those that are integrated into the environment as part of the scenery cannot be cut down. Attempting to use Cut on these trees will simply result in the game indicating that the move cannot be used on that particular object. Therefore, only focus on the small, clearly obstructive trees for HM01 Cut.