HMs and TMs have long been a staple of the Pokémon series, all the way back into Generation I. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet do not have HM moves, but they do still have TM, or Technical Machine moves. They still remain as one use only items (as it’s what used to set them apart from HMs). You shouldn’t have to worry about saving them for the perfect Pokémon, however. Here’s how TMs work in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
How do TMs work in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?
TMs can be used from your bag to teach a Pokémon a new move for battle. Each TM has its own unique move and not every Pokémon will be able to learn it. To access your bag’s TM menu from the overworld, press X to open your menu, then toggle right to highlight the Bag option and select it. You can then use your arrow keys or joystick to move to the right five times to reach the TM section of your bag. It’s indicated by a CD-like icon on the top bar of the Bag menu. You can scroll up and down in this menu to see what TMs you currently have. The game will helpfully tell you which Pokémon in your active party can learn the move stored in that TM with green and red indicators on the left side of the screen.
Do I need to save my TMs in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
No, thankfully you don’t. Any TM that you find in the overworld (you’ll know them by the short, yellow light shining from a Poké Ball) or that is given to you can be crafted again thanks to the TM Machine. If you wondered why Pokémon in the wild are dropping items like Psyduck Down and Magicarp Scales, this is why.
Wondering where to find some of those Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet? Check out Where to find Tinkatink in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and Where to find Dunsparce in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet here at Pro Game Guides.
