January 3, 2026 
7 Min 
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For countless Pokémon trainers, the HM “Cut” represents more than a mere move: it’s a rite of passage. In the franchise’s mainline games, Cut is often one of the first Hidden Machines (HMs) a player encounters, unlocking new paths and hidden items by allowing Pokémon to slice down obtrusive trees. Its utility extends beyond battles, making it a memorable and strategic tool for story progression.
Over time, how trainers select a Pokémon to learn Cut has evolved—shaped by game design, team composition, and the move’s changing status across generations. In some titles, Cut is a necessary part of field navigation, while in others, its role has become more optional or has shifted altogether with the removal of HMs in recent generations.
“In early Pokémon games, moves like Cut and Surf weren’t just battle options — they were keys to new worlds, forcing players to think creatively about team strategy and move compatibility.”
— Professor Arven Ludlow, Pokémon Research Analyst
Let’s explore which Pokémon can learn Cut, what factors influence their selection, and why this once-humble move remains iconic among Pokémon fans.
What Is “Cut” and Why Does It Matter?
Cut is a Normal-type move (base power 50 in most generations) primarily known for its use outside battle. Early on, it was essential for progressing through forests, cities, and secret areas, fostering exploration while adding a layer of environmental puzzle-solving.
Utility Beyond Battle
- Field Move: Removes small trees blocking certain paths.
- Access to Secrets: Reveals hidden items, trainers, and shortcuts.
- Strategic Consideration: Learning Cut can determine a Pokémon’s permanent moveset slot, especially due to early games not allowing HM forgetting without a special NPC.
Evolution of Its In-Game Role
Starting with Pokémon Sun & Moon (Generation VII), HMs—including Cut—were phased out, replaced by Poké Ride and similar mechanics. Yet in replayed classics and popular remakes, the question endures: “Which Pokémon can learn Cut?”
Complete List of Pokémon That Can Learn Cut
Across mainline games (up to Generation VI, when HMs were actively in use), a diverse spectrum of Pokémon can learn Cut by TM or HM. Notably, flexibility varies by game version and generation.
Most Common Pokémon That Learn Cut (Early Generations)
The following Pokémon are recognized for their universal ability to learn Cut from Generation I onwards:
- Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venusaur (Grass/Poison)
- Charmander, Charmeleon, Charizard (Fire; later Fire/Flying)
- Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise (Water)
- Rattata, Raticate (Normal)
- Sandshrew, Sandslash (Ground)
- Oddish, Gloom, Vileplume, Bellossom (Grass/Poison or Grass)
- Paras, Parasect (Bug/Grass)
- Farfetch’d (Normal/Flying; famous for being used to complete Cut puzzles in early games)
- Krabby, Kingler (Water)
- Scyther (Bug/Flying)
- Meowth, Persian (Normal)
- Lickitung (Normal)
Other Notables Across Regions
- Treecko, Grovyle, Sceptile (Gen III starters, Grass)
- Zigzagoon, Linoone (Normal; “HM mules” for their broad compatibility with HMs)
- Bidoof, Bibarel (Normal/Water; widely considered among the best “HM slaves”—the term used in community discussions for Pokémon loaded with field utility moves)
- Shroomish, Breloom (Grass or Grass/Fighting)
- Leafeon (Grass evolution of Eevee)
- Sneasel, Weavile (Dark/Ice)
- Gallade (Psychic/Fighting)
Beyond these, many other Pokémon—with claws, blades, or emphasized appendages—fit the thematic requirements and can learn Cut via HM/TM.
By Generation: Field Compatibility and Strategy
- Gen I & II (Red/Blue/Yellow, Gold/Silver/Crystal): Rattata, Farfetch’d, and Scyther were common picks.
- Gen III (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald, FireRed/LeafGreen): Zigzagoon and Linoone raised the bar for utility.
- Gen IV (Diamond/Pearl/Platinum): Bidoof and Bibarel became famous for their broad HM coverage.
- Gen V & VI (Black/White, X/Y, Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire): Compatibility expanded, but overall design shifted away from mandatory HMs.
In practice, players often select easily caught and replaceable Pokémon with large HM move pools for Cut and related moves such as Strength, Surf, and Rock Smash.
Selecting the Best Pokémon to Learn Cut
Not all Pokémon that can learn Cut are equally suited for it. Trainers often prioritize a slot for Cut based on a combination of utility factors:
Criteria for Choosing
- Availability: Early-game wild Pokémon are preferred for convenience.
- HM Coverage: Pokémon able to learn multiple HMs minimize wasted team slots.
- Battle Usefulness: Sometimes, a Pokémon necessary for progression won’t earn a place in final battle teams.
Community Favorites
“HM mule” is the colloquial term for Pokémon loaded with HMs. Zigzagoon/Linoone (Gen III) and Bidoof/Bibarel (Gen IV) are fan favorites—catchable early and capable of learning Cut alongside Surf, Rock Smash, and more.
When to Avoid Teaching Cut to Core Team Members
In generations where HMs cannot be deleted easily, teaching Cut to a main battler locks that move into their four-move set, potentially degrading combat performance. For the competitive-minded trainer, that’s a significant tradeoff.
Cut in Modern Pokémon Games
The sharp decline in field moves like Cut in Generation VII onwards signals a transformation of the series. Contemporary games favor seamless exploration, using Ride Pokémon, gadgets, or overworld mechanics rather than HM-move gating.
However, classic games and remakes (including Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl) still prompt trainers to think strategically about Cut users, bridging nostalgia with ongoing gameplay relevance.
Real-World Analysis: Why Cut Remains Iconic
Though not the strongest attack, Cut’s cultural impact is undeniable. Online forums, speedrunning communities, and nuzlocke challenges regularly discuss “the best Pokémon to teach Cut,” showing that its legacy is as much about shared experience as optimal team-building.
For instance, competitive players often cite the need to consider “run viability,” striking a balance between forward progression and a powerful core team. Even today, listicles, guides, and forum threads on this topic consistently attract significant readership.
“Choosing the right Pokémon for Cut is a subtle strategy—it shapes each playthrough in tangible, memorable ways,” notes long-time competitive player L. Nakada.
Conclusion
The move Cut offers a window into the intersection of strategy, nostalgia, and design evolution in Pokémon games. For veterans and new trainers alike, the choice of which Pokémon can learn Cut blends utility, availability, and personal preference, echoing the spirit of exploration that defines the series. As the franchise continues to innovate, the Cut dilemma serves as a reminder of how even the smallest mechanics can leave a lasting mark on player experience.
FAQs
Which Pokémon can learn Cut in Gen 1?
Many early-game Pokémon like Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Rattata, Farfetch’d, and Oddish can learn Cut in Generation I, alongside several others like Meowth and Paras.
Can legendary Pokémon learn Cut?
Very few legendary Pokémon can learn Cut, as the move is typically reserved for more common, thematically appropriate species (those with claws or blades).
What happens if no Pokémon in your party can learn Cut?
If no party member can learn Cut, progression past certain obstacles becomes impossible until a compatible Pokémon is caught and taught the move.
Are there any Pokémon that can learn all HMs, including Cut?
Certain Pokémon like Linoone and Bibarel are notable for learning most HMs, including Cut, making them highly valued for field navigation.
Is Cut a good move for battle purposes?
Cut has low power compared to other moves, making it a poor choice for competitive battling outside of its utility for progressing in the game’s world.
How can I remove Cut from a Pokémon’s move set?
In most older games, HMs cannot be deleted without visiting the Move Deleter NPC. In newer games, this restriction no longer applies as HMs themselves have been phased out.
