HM08 Rock Climb is on Route 217, lying on the ground directly above a house on the western side of the map. The HM is visible in the overworld as a Poké Ball item.
Outside of battle, Rock Climb is used to scale rocky sections of walls. But you can’t use it like this until you defeat Snowpoint City’s Gym Leader Candice and get the Icicle Badge.
In battle, Rock Climb is a damage-dealing Normal-type physical move that also has a chance of confusing the target.
HM08 Rock Climb Location (Step-by-Step)
HM08 Rock Climb is found in the snow on a blustery section of Route 217.
The quickest way to reach the HM’s location is to start at the Pokémon Center in Snowpoint City, and head northwest.
Turn to the south when a path opens up in a cluster of trees, just past the Sailor NPC.
Go down the stairs here and head west, past the ship in the shipyard.
Head up the staircase all the way to the west, and keep moving westward so that you leave Snowpoint City and enter the Acuity Lakefront.
Continue moving westward through the tall grasses of the Acuity Lakefront.
Turn south at the Lake Acuity sign, and pass through the gap in the trees.
Around here, a strong blizzard will start to affect movement and visibility.
Head through this area in a general southwestern trajectory.
When you get to the western side of the map, move south, going past the Black Belt trainer.
Continue south here, and then shortly after passing the skier trainer, you will see a house.
If you speak to the Hiker NPC inside, he will tell you that he has lost his copy of HM08 in the blizzard.
As you may already have noticed, his copy of HM08 is right outside his house, sitting in the snow a little bit northeast of his roof.
If you speak to the Hiker after picking up his HM, he will give you verbal permission to keep it.
Furthermore, to thank you for your honesty, he will also give you an Icicle Plate, which is a stone tablet that powers Ice-type moves by 20%.
Keep in mind that to use Rock Climb outside of battle you must have defeated Leader Candice at the Snowpoint Gym and received the Icicle Badge from her.
Rock Climb Details and Uses
Using Rock Climb in Battle
Rock Climb is a damage-dealing Normal-type physical move with a high base power, but reduced accuracy. It also has a 20% chance of confusing the target.
| Rock Climb Move Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Normal |
| Category | Physical |
| Power | 90 |
| Accuracy | 85 |
| PP | 20 (max. 32) |
Like most HMs, Rock Climb generally isn’t worth taking up one of your main Pokémon’s move slots.
Its high base power and chance of confusion are offset by its low accuracy and Normal-type lack of type effectiveness.
This move is best taught to a Pokémon dedicated entirely to Hidden Moves (also known as an HM Mule).
Using Rock Climb Outside of Battle
Outside of battle, Rock Climb is used to scale rocky walls. This allows you to travel up and down previously inaccessible mountains and hills.
With a Pokémon that knows Rock Climb in your party, just face a rocky wall while standing one tile in front of it, and press A.
Select “Yes” when prompted, and the Pokémon that knows the move will carry you along the rock wall’s linear path.
Tip: When used in a Pokémon Contest, Rock Climb earns the user 2 Appeal Points, plus 2 bonus Appeal Points if the user acted last in that turn.
Guide Navigation
-
Pokémon Platinum
- How To Get HM08 Rock Climb in Pokémon Platinum
Related Posts:
Every Arceus Plate in Pokémon Platinum (All Locations)
The Definitive Berry Guide for Pokémon Platinum
Pokémon Platinum Pokétch: How To Get It + All App Locations
Where To Get Reaper Cloths in Pokémon Platinum
Candice + Snowpoint Gym Puzzle (Pokémon Platinum)
Pokémon Platinum Move Tutors (All Locations + Move Lists)
Pokémon Platinum Mental Herb: Location + Uses
How To Get Sun Stones in Pokémon Platinum (All Methods)