December 17, 2025 
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Ever since the earliest days of the Pokémon franchise, certain moves have shaped both battles and world exploration. Among these, the move “Cut” holds a unique legacy. Not only does it serve as a basic Normal-type attack in battles, but it’s also one of the essential Hidden Machines (HMs) in main series games, enabling trainers to slice through obstructive trees and access new areas. Whether building a well-rounded in-game team or tracking down elusive items, knowing which Pokémon can learn Cut remains a staple of every trainer’s playbook.
The cuttable trees scattered throughout Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and beyond have become iconic obstacles. Newcomers and veterans alike recall the pivotal moment when they first taught Cut to a trusted team member—shaping their journey with a single HM. Yet, as the series has evolved, so too has Cut’s relevance, shifting from required utility to a piece of nostalgia in modern games. For those returning, or for completionists aiming to build the perfect party, understanding what Pokémon can learn Cut is more than trivia—it’s strategy.
What Is Cut and How Has It Evolved?
Cut originally debuted as HM01 in the first-generation Pokémon Red and Blue. Traditionally, Cut was a Normal-type move, boasting both utility and low damage output (50 base power in many games). Beyond combat, its true value was in overworld navigation: clearing paths, discovering hidden zones, and progressing major storylines.
From Must-Have to Optional Tool
In earlier generations, having a Pokémon capable of learning Cut was not optional. Key story segments—like accessing the Vermilion City Gym—were impossible without it. However, later generations (notably Gen VI onward) began phasing out mandatory HMs, reflecting feedback from players seeking greater team-building freedom. This shift relegated Cut to a more optional, sometimes nostalgic spot in the movepool.
“Cut may not be competitive, but its value to new trainers can’t be overstated. It’s part of Pokémon’s design DNA, connecting strategy and exploration in a way few moves do.”
—Professor Ryan Locke, game designer and Pokémon historian
Criteria: Which Pokémon Can Learn Cut?
Not all Pokémon are eligible to learn Cut. Several patterns emerge across the generations:
- Most frequently, Grass- and Bug-type Pokémon can learn the move, reflecting a logic of sharp appendages or blades.
- Many Normal-type Pokémon, particularly those with claws or bladed limbs, are also eligible.
- Some Pokémon, such as certain water types with large fins or claws (e.g., Crawdaunt), can learn Cut due to their anatomy.
Generally, legendary Pokémon and most Ghost- or Psychic-types cannot learn Cut, given their lack of physical compatibility.
TM vs HM: How Do Pokémon Learn Cut?
When Cut functions as an HM (generations I–VII), any Pokémon capable of learning it must do so by using the specific HM01 item. In rare events, special moveset distributions or later games may offer Cut as a TM or via move tutor. For most players, however, the HM system remains the primary method.
Generational Breakdown: Pokémon That Can Learn Cut
The roster of eligible Pokémon has varied with each region, shaped by available species and evolving gameplay needs. Below, key lists are provided for classic and modern contexts.
Notable Kanto Pokémon (Generations I–III)
Some of the earliest and most recognizable Pokémon that can learn Cut include:
- Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur
- Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard
- Scyther
- Farfetch’d
- Paras and Parasect
- Krabby and Kingler
- Rattata and Raticate
- Meowth and Persian
- Sandshrew and Sandslash
This accessibility allowed players to pick up Cut by the time it was needed, even with a diverse team. For many, early-game encounters—like those with Meowth or Oddish—meant the puzzle of “who to teach Cut” was easy to solve.
Hoenn and Sinnoh: Expanding the Cuttable Roster
Subsequent generations added:
- Treecko, Grovyle, and Sceptile
- Zigzagoon and Linoone
- Shroomish and Breloom
- Beedrill (from earlier gens, but often used via transfer)
- Crawdaunt
- Gallade
These expansions gave trainers more thematic options—sometimes reflecting a new region’s flora and fauna.
Utility Pokémon: The “HM Slave” Phenomenon
A distinctive tactic emerged over the years: assigning a single Pokémon to learn multiple HMs, colloquially dubbed “HM slaves.” Zigzagoon (and its evolution Linoone) from Hoenn epitomized this trend, as they could also learn Surf, Rock Smash, and more. Bibarel in Sinnoh served a similar multi-HM function, minimizing the need to “waste” prime move slots on key team members.
Complete List: Key Pokémon that Can Learn Cut (Selected Generations)
For trainers seeking specifics, here is a breakdown of some widely accessible and popular “Cut users” across early generations:
Generation I
- Bulbasaur family
- Charmander family
- Beedrill
- Paras family
- Meowth family
- Farfetch’d
- Krabby family
- Scyther
- Sandshrew family
Generation II
- Sentret and Furret
- Heracross
- Aipom
- Sneasel
- Gligar
Generation III & IV
- Treecko family
- Zigzagoon family
- Mawile
- Shroomish and Breloom
- Roselia (eventually via TM)
- Bidoof and Bibarel
- Pachirisu
Beyond Generation IV, as HMs began to lose their prominence, the number and importance of Cut-compatible Pokémon shifted more toward nostalgia and optional exploration.
Modern Games: Cut in the Era of Ride Pokémon
Recent mainline Pokémon games such as Sun & Moon and Sword & Shield have replaced HMs with special Ride Pokémon or storyline events, dramatically reducing Cut’s practical value. However, for those revisiting older games or playing remakes, knowing which Pokémon can learn Cut is still valuable for full completion or unlocking hidden content.
Real-World Example: Classic “Cut Strategies” in Kanto
Consider a player starting Pokémon FireRed. Early in the game, after defeating the S.S. Anne Captain and obtaining the Cut HM, the player faces a choice: teach Cut to their starter, like Bulbasaur, or catch a Rattata or Meowth to serve as an HM carrier. Many choose the latter, preserving premium moves on primary battlers while ensuring field utility.
This tactic remains widespread, influencing team-building habits across generations. Even in modern online forums, many players recommend capturing a “disposable” Pokémon exclusively for HM usage, reducing regret over occupying valuable move slots.
Expert Insight: Building Flexible Teams with Cut
Seasoned trainers and speedrunners often optimize their playthroughs around ease of movement. Having a Pokémon that can learn multiple field moves, including Cut, saves time and steps:
“Efficiency isn’t just for competitive battling—casual adventurers benefit from specialized team roles too. Teaching Cut to a versatile Pokémon streamlines exploration and leaves your heavy hitters focused on combat.”
—Elena Sanchez, veteran Pokémon speedrunner
This approach remains valuable for both new and returning players aiming for a streamlined adventure.
Summary and Strategic Takeaways
The history of Cut in Pokémon reflects the series’ trademark blend of exploration, strategy, and nostalgia. While the move may no longer be as central in modern titles, understanding which Pokémon can learn Cut—and leveraging this for optimal team construction—remains a rite of passage for many trainers. Whether seeking to explore every corner of Kanto or simply fondly remembering the days of HMs, the right Cut user can still make a big difference in a playthrough.
FAQs
Which Pokémon can learn Cut in most games?
Many Grass-, Bug-, and Normal-type Pokémon can learn Cut, especially those with claws or blades. Classic options include Bulbasaur, Scyther, Farfetch’d, Zigzagoon, and Meowth.
Is Cut still required in modern Pokémon games?
In the latest mainline games, Cut is rarely required due to the removal of field HMs in favor of other exploration methods. However, it remains useful in remakes and older generations.
Can legendary Pokémon learn Cut?
Most legendary Pokémon cannot learn Cut, as the move is usually limited to more common species with “cutting” anatomy or appendages.
What is an “HM slave” and why is it recommended?
An “HM slave” is a Pokémon used specifically to carry multiple Hidden Machines, like Cut and Surf, freeing up stronger team members for combat moves. This makes exploration more efficient without sacrificing competitive options.
How do I teach a Pokémon Cut?
In most games, use the HM01 Cut item outside of battle and select an eligible Pokémon from your party. In certain titles, Cut may also appear as a TM or be tutored, though this is less common.
Are there any drawbacks to teaching Cut to my main team?
Cut cannot be easily removed in many older games, taking up a valuable move slot. For this reason, trainers often avoid teaching it to their strongest battlers unless necessary for progression.
