Ah, Pokémon Red. A classic. A timeless adventure. But to truly conquer Kanto, you need more than just brute force – you need the power of the wave! The HM Surf is essential for traversing watery routes, accessing hidden areas, and ultimately, becoming a Pokémon Master. This guide will walk you through every step of acquiring this vital HM, ensuring you don’t miss a single Pokémon or secret along the way.
Venturing into Fuchsia City: Your Surf Destination
Your journey to acquiring Surf begins in Fuchsia City, a location nestled in the southern reaches of Kanto. This city is renowned for its Safari Zone and its Poison-type Gym Leader, Koga. However, our immediate goal lies with a specific resident, not the Gym Challenge.
Fuchsia City itself is relatively straightforward to navigate. You’ll find the Pokémon Center and Mart as expected, along with several houses and the all-important Safari Zone entrance. Be prepared; the Safari Zone demands an entrance fee, but the rewards within are well worth the investment, even beyond the quest for Surf.
Preparation Before Fuchsia City
Before arriving in Fuchsia City, it’s wise to ensure your team is adequately prepared. Having Pokémon around level 30-40 is generally recommended, as the Safari Zone and subsequent encounters can be challenging. Pokémon strong against Poison-types will be advantageous when facing Koga after you get Surf. Psychic and Ground-type Pokémon are particularly useful.
Additionally, stocking up on Potions, Antidotes, and Paralyze Heals is crucial. The Safari Zone can be unpredictable, and status conditions can quickly derail your progress. Don’t underestimate the importance of having a good supply of Poké Balls. While you won’t be catching Pokémon specifically for the Surf HM quest, the Safari Zone is a prime opportunity to expand your team.
The Safari Zone: The Key to Unlocking Surf
The Safari Zone presents a unique gameplay mechanic: you’re given a limited number of steps and Safari Balls to catch Pokémon. Within its expansive boundaries lie rare Pokémon and the secret to obtaining Surf. The goal is to reach a specific location within the Safari Zone where you’ll find a hidden house.
Navigating the Safari Zone
The Safari Zone consists of multiple areas, each with its unique landscape and Pokémon encounters. Be mindful of your step count; running out of steps will automatically eject you from the Zone. It’s recommended to explore each area thoroughly, looking for hidden items and landmarks. Remember that you can use “bait” and “rocks” to influence Pokémon behavior, though these strategies aren’t strictly necessary for finding the HM Surf.
The HM Surf isn’t simply lying on the ground; you need to find a specific Secret House within the zone. This house is tucked away in a corner of the Safari Zone, often requiring you to navigate through maze-like areas and across bodies of water (which, ironically, you’ll need Surf later to access fully). Persevere and keep exploring each new area you encounter within the Safari Zone. The Secret House is typically found towards the latter areas of the Safari Zone, so exploration is key.
Inside the Secret House: HM03 Awaits
Once you locate the Secret House, enter it. Inside, you’ll find a man who rewards your adventurous spirit with HM03, Surf. Congratulations! You’ve successfully acquired the sought-after HM. This is perhaps the most crucial step in acquiring Surf. This HM is key to unlocking further exploration and progress in Pokémon Red.
Teaching Surf to Your Pokémon
Acquiring the HM is only half the battle; you need to teach it to a compatible Pokémon. Surf is a Water-type move, so it can only be learned by Water-type Pokémon or Pokémon with the ability to learn HM moves. Some popular choices include Blastoise (if you started with Squirtle), Lapras, and Gyarados.
Choosing the Right Pokémon
Selecting the right Pokémon to learn Surf is important. Consider the Pokémon’s overall stats and other moves it knows. Surf is a powerful Water-type move with good accuracy, making it a valuable addition to any team, even outside of its utility for traversing water.
Once you’ve chosen your Pokémon, access your inventory and select HM03 (Surf). Use the HM on the chosen Pokémon, and it will learn the move. Remember, HM moves are permanent and can only be removed by the Move Deleter, located in Celadon City. So, be sure about your choice.
Using Surf Outside of Battle: The Badge Requirement
While your Pokémon now knows Surf, you can’t use it outside of battle immediately. To use Surf in the overworld, you must first defeat Koga, the Gym Leader of Fuchsia City. Defeating Koga earns you the Soul Badge, which grants you the ability to use Surf outside of battle.
Post-Surf Adventures: Exploring Kanto’s Waterways
With Surf in your arsenal and the Soul Badge in your possession, the watery world of Kanto is now open to you. Numerous new areas and secrets become accessible, expanding your adventure significantly.
Revisiting Routes and Discovering Secrets
Many routes that were previously inaccessible can now be explored. For example, you can access the Power Plant, where you can encounter the legendary Pokémon Zapdos. You can also revisit Route 21 to reach Cinnabar Island and continue your journey towards the Pokémon League.
Exploring these waterways can lead to discovering rare Pokémon, hidden items, and even secret trainers. Don’t underestimate the power of Surf to unlock new possibilities within the game. Some of these areas are key to catching rare Pokémon or finding valuable items. Take your time and explore every nook and cranny.
Progression to Cinnabar Island and Beyond
Surf is essential for reaching Cinnabar Island, where Blaine, the Fire-type Gym Leader, awaits. Cinnabar Island also houses the Pokémon Mansion, a creepy abandoned building filled with puzzles and valuable items. Solving the puzzles in the Pokémon Mansion is crucial for obtaining the key to the Cinnabar Gym.
After defeating Blaine, you’ll need Surf to reach the Viridian City Gym, where Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, is the Gym Leader. Defeating Giovanni is a significant step towards challenging the Elite Four and becoming the Pokémon Champion. Surf is integral to completing these vital parts of the game.
Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Surf Acquisition
Securing Surf can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can streamline the process and minimize frustration. This is especially important for new players.
Safari Zone Strategies
Conserve your steps in the Safari Zone by walking instead of running. This allows you to explore more thoroughly and increases your chances of finding the Secret House before running out of steps. Pay attention to the environmental clues within the Safari Zone. These clues can help you navigate and find the hidden house more efficiently.
Consider using a map of the Safari Zone. Although it may diminish the sense of discovery, it can save you valuable steps and time, particularly if you’re having trouble navigating. There are many online resources and maps available that can guide you to the Secret House.
Pokémon Team Considerations
Ensure your team is well-balanced and prepared for the challenges of the Safari Zone and the battles that follow. Having a diverse team will make navigating the various challenges more manageable.
Consider teaching your Pokémon moves that can inflict status conditions, such as Sleep or Paralysis. These moves can be useful for catching Pokémon in the Safari Zone and for battling tough opponents. These status conditions can also help you control the pace of the battle and prevent your Pokémon from taking too much damage.
Patience and Persistence
Finding Surf can be time-consuming, so be patient and persistent. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the Secret House immediately. Keep exploring, and eventually, you’ll succeed. Remember, the reward of accessing new areas and powerful Pokémon makes the effort worthwhile. Persistence is key to unlocking the full potential of Pokémon Red.
Troubleshooting Common Surf Acquisition Issues
Sometimes, acquiring Surf can be tricky. Here’s how to tackle some common issues you might encounter.
Lost in the Safari Zone
If you’re consistently running out of steps in the Safari Zone, try breaking down your exploration into smaller segments. Focus on thoroughly exploring one area at a time before moving on to the next. This will help you avoid aimless wandering and maximize your chances of finding the Secret House within your step limit.
Also, remember that the layout of the Safari Zone can be confusing. Use landmarks and visual cues to orient yourself and track your progress. Refer to a map if necessary, but try to rely on your own sense of direction as much as possible to improve your navigation skills.
Unable to Teach Surf to Pokémon
If you’re unable to teach Surf to a Pokémon, double-check that the Pokémon is compatible with the HM. Only Water-type Pokémon and those with specific move compatibility can learn Surf.
If you’re still having trouble, ensure that you have the HM Surf in your inventory and that you’re selecting the correct option when attempting to teach the move. Sometimes, simple mistakes can prevent you from progressing.
Forgetting to Get the Soul Badge
A common mistake is obtaining Surf but forgetting to challenge Koga for the Soul Badge. Remember, you must defeat Koga to use Surf outside of battle. If you’re trying to use Surf and it’s not working, revisit Fuchsia City and challenge the Gym.
Always prioritize obtaining the necessary badges to unlock the full potential of your HM moves. This will ensure that you can progress smoothly through the game and access all the available areas and features.
By following these steps and strategies, you’ll successfully obtain Surf in Pokémon Red and unlock a world of new adventures. Happy surfing!
Where exactly is Surf located in Pokémon Red?
Surf is not an item found lying on the ground. Instead, it’s a Hidden Machine (HM) known as HM03. You obtain it as a reward for completing a specific task within the Safari Zone, located west of Fuchsia City. Specifically, you must find the Secret House deep inside the Safari Zone.
Inside the Secret House, an old man will reward you with HM03 (Surf) after you speak to him. Be aware that the Safari Zone charges an entry fee of 500 PokéDollars and only allows a limited number of steps, so plan your route carefully to maximize your chances of reaching the Secret House before running out of steps.
What requirements must I meet before I can obtain Surf?
Before venturing into the Safari Zone to find Surf, you must first acquire the Gold Teeth. These are located within the Safari Zone itself and are essential for progressing the storyline. An NPC will trade you HM04 (Strength) for the Gold Teeth, which is needed to move boulders blocking your path to Lt. Surge and potentially within the Safari Zone.
You’ll also need access to Fuchsia City. This requires navigating through Cycling Road, which is situated south of Celadon City. Once in Fuchsia City, ensure you have sufficient PokéDollars to pay the Safari Zone’s entry fee.
Which Pokémon can learn Surf in Pokémon Red?
Many Water-type Pokémon, as well as some non-Water-types, can learn Surf. Some popular choices include Blastoise, Lapras, Gyarados, and Vaporeon. These Pokémon generally have good stats and are useful for both in-game battles and navigating water routes.
Remember that HM moves can only be taught to a limited set of Pokémon, so it’s crucial to check your Pokémon’s compatibility before using the HM. You can find a list of compatible Pokémon in the game’s manual or online resources. Also note that once a Pokémon learns Surf, it cannot forget it unless you use the Move Deleter in Fuchsia City.
Why is Surf so important in Pokémon Red?
Surf is essential for progressing through the game because it allows you to travel across water bodies, opening up new areas and routes. Without Surf, you cannot access certain towns, Gyms, or Legendary Pokémon. This makes it a crucial move to acquire.
Beyond exploration, Surf is also a powerful Water-type move used in battles. It offers decent damage and has a good accuracy rate, making it a valuable addition to any Pokémon’s moveset. It’s useful against Fire, Ground, and Rock-type Pokémon.
Can I use Surf outside of battle immediately after getting it?
No, you cannot use Surf outside of battle immediately after obtaining HM03. Like other HM moves such as Cut, Fly, and Strength, you need to earn a specific Gym Badge to unlock its overworld functionality. This is to gate progress and encourage players to challenge Gym Leaders in order.
In the case of Surf, you must defeat Erika, the Gym Leader of Celadon City’s Gym, and obtain the Rainbow Badge. Only then will you be able to use Surf to navigate across water and explore new areas. This reinforces the progression system inherent in Pokémon games.
Are there any benefits to teaching Surf to multiple Pokémon?
While you only need one Pokémon with Surf to navigate water routes, teaching it to multiple Pokémon can be advantageous. This is particularly useful if your primary “Surf user” faints during exploration or needs a different moveset for battling other trainers.
Having multiple Pokémon that can use Surf provides redundancy and strategic flexibility. You can also use it to strategically assign different Pokémon to different HM utility roles and it may provide a stronger lineup for the Elite Four.
Is it possible to miss Surf entirely in Pokémon Red?
No, it is not possible to miss Surf entirely. While it’s possible to accidentally leave the Safari Zone before obtaining it due to running out of steps or not finding the Secret House, you can always re-enter and continue searching. The old man will remain in the Secret House until you speak with him.
Surf is a mandatory HM to progress through the game and is required to access key locations and continue the storyline. Therefore, the game prevents you from completing it without eventually acquiring it. The Safari Zone is designed to allow for multiple visits to encourage exploration.