For many players diving into Pokémon Gold and Silver, few moments are as satisfying as removing that annoying rock blocking your path. Rock Smash, while not the most powerful move in battle, is an essential Field Move for progressing in Johto. But if you’ve ever wandered around wondering how to get it, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through two methods to obtain the Rock Smash TM — one that involves a mini-quest and another where you simply buy it.
How to Get the Rock Smash TM in Pokémon Gold and Silver
In Pokémon Gold and Silver, Rock Smash isn’t just a utility move — it’s also necessary for reaching certain hidden areas, battling wild Pokémon, and continuing your adventure past Route 36. There are two different ways to obtain the TM08 (Rock Smash): either by defeating Sudowoodo or by purchasing it in Goldenrod City. Let’s walk through both methods in detail.
Method 1: Defeating Sudowoodo and Earning Rock Smash
Step 1: Reach Goldenrod City
Start by making your way to Goldenrod City, one of the largest and most important cities in the Johto region. You’ll get there naturally by progressing north from Azalea Town through Ilex Forest and Route 34. Be sure your team is well-trained because a challenging gym battle lies ahead.
Step 2: Defeat the Goldenrod Gym Leader, Whitney
Next, you’ll need to challenge Whitney, the third Gym Leader in Johto. Her Miltank is notoriously difficult due to its Rollout attack and high stats. Make sure to train up, bring status-inducing moves like Sleep or Paralysis, and maybe even a Pokémon that can use Attract to reduce her effectiveness. Once you beat her, she’ll initially cry and not give you the badge — but talk to her again to get the Plain Badge and move on.
Step 3: Enter the House Near the Gym
After defeating Whitney, head outside the Gym and look for a small house directly next to or just above the Gym building. Inside, you’ll meet a woman sitting at a table. This character is the one who gives you the Squirt Bottle, but only after you’ve earned the Plain Badge. Talk to her and she’ll hand it over once you’ve proven yourself.
Step 4: Receive the Squirt Bottle
The Squirt Bottle is a key item used to interact with a mysterious tree blocking your path on Route 36. With it in your bag, you’re now ready to take on one of the region’s oddest roadblocks. Make sure it’s listed in your key items before heading north.
Step 5: Travel North to National Park and East to Route 36
Now, walk or bike your way north past Goldenrod City into the National Park area. Once there, head east onto Route 36, where you’ll spot a strange-looking tree obstructing the road. This is not an ordinary tree — it’s actually the Rock-type Pokémon Sudowoodo in disguise.
Step 6: Use the Squirt Bottle on the Odd Tree
Stand directly in front of the odd tree and use the Squirt Bottle from your Key Items menu. This will trigger a scripted event, revealing that the “tree” is actually a wild Sudowoodo. It will immediately attack, starting a battle sequence.
Step 7: Battle and Defeat or Catch the Sudowoodo
You can either defeat or catch the Sudowoodo — either way, it will be removed from the path. It’s a pure Rock-type, so Water, Grass, and Fighting moves work best. Be cautious if you want to catch it, as it only appears once in the game. After the battle, the path will finally be cleared.
Step 8: Speak with the Chubby Guy Nearby
Once the Sudowoodo is gone, walk forward and talk to the NPC standing nearby — a chubby man in green. As a token of appreciation, he will hand you TM08: Rock Smash. Congratulations! You can now teach this move to a compatible Pokémon and use it to break cracked rocks around Johto.
Method 2: Buying the Rock Smash TM
Step 1: Go to Goldenrod City
As with the first method, start by heading to Goldenrod City, which serves as a central hub with access to the largest department store in Johto. It’s a good idea to stock up on other useful items while you’re there.
Step 2: Enter the Goldenrod Department Store
Locate the Goldenrod Department Store, which is the tall, multi-story building near the northern side of town. Head inside and take the elevator or stairs to explore the upper floors.
Step 3: Go to the Fifth Floor (TM Corner)
Your destination is the fifth floor, which is often referred to as the TM Corner. Here, you’ll find a vendor selling a variety of Technical Machines. Walk up to the counter and initiate a conversation with the salesperson.
Step 4: Buy TM08 (Rock Smash) for 1000 Pokédollars
The vendor sells TM08: Rock Smash for just ₱1000 — a very reasonable price considering how essential the move is. Once purchased, it will appear in your TM/HM inventory, and you can teach it to an eligible Pokémon right away.
Conclusion: Two Roads, One Rock-Breaking Move
Whether you enjoy completing side quests and battling quirky Pokémon like Sudowoodo or prefer a fast-track option through the department store, getting Rock Smash in Pokémon Gold and Silver is a crucial milestone in your adventure. The move not only lets you shatter boulders blocking your path, but also opens up secret areas and wild encounters. Now that you’ve got it, the journey through Johto just got a whole lot smoother — and a little more powerful.
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