How To Get TM97 Dark Pulse in Pokémon ORAS

Getting the Dark Pulse TM in Pokémon Alpha Sapphire

To acquire TM97 Dark Pulse, you’ll need to navigate through the Team Aqua/Magma Hideout in Lilycove City. You’ll use a series of warp tiles to reach the room where the TM is located.

But the exact location of the TM and the pathways you need to take will differ depending on whether you’re playing Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire.

TM97 Dark Pulse Location (Step-by-Step)

Once you’ve encountered Team Aqua/Magma in Mt. Pyre and Slateport Harbor, you’ll soon be able to find and explore their secret hideouts in Lilycove City.

Though the layouts of Team Aqua’s and Team Magma’s hideouts are mirrored, the location of the TM varies between the two versions.

Regardless of the version you’re playing, you will still need to complete the same prerequisites:

  • Obtain the sixth Gym Badge from Winona, the Fortree City Gym Leader
  • Deal with Team Aqua/Magma in Mt. Pyre, followed immediately by a visit to Slateport Harbor
  • Bring a Pokémon with HM03 Surf

Once you’re prepared, head towards the eastern beach of Lilycove City.

Omega Ruby: Team Magma Hideout

Step 1: Start by navigating to Lilycove City’s east side using HM03 Surf, leading you straight to the cove entrance of Team Magma’s Hideout.

Lilycove City's east side / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Lilycove City’s east side

Step 2: After you enter the cove, proceed directly through the main entrance of the Team Magma Hideout.

Team Magma Hideout / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Team Magma Hideout

Step 3: Once you’ve entered the first room, make use of the warp tile in the room’s northwest corner.

The first warp tile you need to use / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
The first warp tile you need to use

Step 4: Battle or avoid the Team Magma Grunts, and then proceed to the stairs located on the room’s right side.

Team Magma Grunts you can battle / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Team Magma Grunts you can battle

Step 5: After heading down the stairs, move towards the middle of the room.

From there, use the warp tile located on the scientist’s right side in the top-right corner of this area.

The second warp tile you need to use / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
The second warp tile you need to use

Step 6: From the narrow hallway you find yourself in, use the only other warp tile to your left.

The last warp tile you need to use / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
The last warp tile you need to use

Step 7: In this next room, make your way to the southeast corner. And just below a bed in this corner is where you can pick up the TM for Dark Pulse.

The location of TM97 Dark Pulse in Omega Ruby / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
The location of TM97 Dark Pulse in Omega Ruby

Alpha Sapphire: Team Aqua Hideout

Step 1: Start by navigating to Lilycove City’s east side using HM03 Surf, leading you straight to the cove entrance of Team Aqua’s Hideout.

Lilycove City's east side / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Lilycove City’s east side

Step 2: After you enter the cove, proceed directly through the main entrance of the Team Aqua Hideout.

Team Aqua Hideout / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Team Aqua Hideout

Step 3: Once you’ve entered the first room, make use of the warp tile in the room’s northeast corner.

The first warp tile you need to use / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
The first warp tile you need to use

Step 4: Battle or avoid the Team Aqua Grunts, and then proceed to the stairs located on the room’s left side.

Team Aqua Grunts you can battle / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Team Aqua Grunts you can battle

Step 5: After heading down the stairs, navigate to the room’s left side and step onto the warp tile at the end of the hallway.

The second warp tile you need to use / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
The second warp tile you need to use

Step 6: Then move towards the middle of the room. From there, use the warp tile located on the scientist’s southeast side.

The third warp tile you need to use / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
The third warp tile you need to use

Step 7: From the narrow hallway you find yourself in, use the only other warp tile to your left.

The last warp tile you need to use / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
The last warp tile you need to use

Step 8: Lastly, make your way to the southeast side of the room to pick up the TM for Dark Pulse.

The location of TM97 Dark Pulse in Alpha Sapphire / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
The location of TM97 Dark Pulse in Alpha Sapphire

TM97 Dark Pulse Details + Uses

In-game details for TM97 Dark Pulse / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
In-game details for TM97 Dark Pulse
Dark Pulse Move Details
Type Dark
Category Special
Power 80
Accuracy 100
PP 15 (max. 24)

Dark Pulse is a Special Dark-type move that has a 20% chance to make the target flinch, preventing that Pokémon from executing a move during the same turn. But if your opponent has already used a move before you, they can’t be flinched on that turn.

Using TM97 Dark Pulse in battle / Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Using TM97 Dark Pulse in battle

With a base power of 80 and perfect 100% accuracy, Dark Pulse provides both power and consistency.

The chance to cause flinching is particularly effective when used by faster Pokémon, potentially disrupting the strategy of slower opponents.

Dark Pulse is frequently paired with stat-boosting moves like Nasty Plot or Calm Mind, which enhance the Special Attack stat of the user. This makes Dark Pulse deal even more damage.

Most Dark-type moves are Physical, so options for Special Dark-type STAB (Same Type Damage Bonus) moves can be very limited for Dark-type Pokémon.

But among the three available Special Dark-type moves (Snarl, Dark Pulse, and Zoroark’s signature move Night Daze), Dark Pulse stands out for its reliable strength and wide distribution.

StormSwampert

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Though he spends most of his time playing a wide variety of games, Pokémon has always been his favorite. When he’s not playing games or writing guides, you can find him watching anime and collecting trading cards.

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