And the lack of Pokémon Z makes me think that Game Freak decided to abandon Kalos, but that doesn’t mean that we have to. Despite the Pokédex and difficulty controversy, the game was another fun entry into a series that continues to deliver. With SW/SH running its course, I’ve decided to dive back into the older generations. If you’re of the same mind and need some help with your HM users, well then you’re in luck. Let me spare you the pain of the old HM mechanic by telling you exactly which creatures should be in your HM cage and why.
10. Lickilicky
Lickilicky keeps popping up on my lists. And honestly, I’m getting really fed up with it. The fact that this pink perv only learns three HMs and can still make a top ten list feels like a purposeful jab at me by Game Freak. Cut, Surf, and Strength. That’s what you get. How this round ball of torment and misery is meant to surf in the ocean is beyond me. Unless it’s hollow… like a beach ball… I don’t want to think about that.
9. Salamence
Ah Salamence, the forgotten uber dragon. Despite being a favorite of mine, it’s rare to hear people talking about it. Instead, you have all the Hydreigon, Garchomp, Dragonite, and Haxorus stans shouting from the rooftops, so I’m going to take any chance I have to put this guy on a list. While it might not be too practical to use one as an HM slave, given how hard it is to catch, it does make for a great flyer when you do get your hands on one. It learns Cut and Strength as well, putting it comfortably in the “3 HM” category that seems to dominate in Gen 6.
8. Haxorus
I know, I’m a hypocrite. However, I can’t deny the fact that Haxorus is an objectively better Pokémon than Salamence. It’s also easier to catch one, too. It learns Cut and Strength as well, but has Surf instead of Fly. And the fact that Surf is its most useful HM bumps it up the list for me. Haxorus is a physical attacker, so you don’t want to be loading it up with special moves. All the same, chances are a Mon’ like this is going to end up on your team anyway, so why not use it for HMs?
7. Hydreigon
I just keep making a fool out of myself, don’t I? Well, the fact of the matter is that Hydreigon is the best of both worlds when it comes to this dragon trio. You get both Fly and Surf with Hydreigon, as well as strength. It’s one of the only Pokémon that can learn both Surf and Fly, which are the two most widely used HMs, making it instantly a cut above the rest. Like the other two, though, you don’t really want to waste move slots on an HM when you could be running a Draco Meteor, and Dragon Dance build.
6. Aggron
Aggron doesn’t learn better HMs than Hydreigon. But its defense still makes it a better HM slave. Your slave is going to be a mostly useless Pokémon on your team, hence why Game Freak finally threw the mechanic in the trash. Following that logic, you want a bulky HM slave that you can leave on the field while you heal up your party during battle; Aggron is perfect for this. It has a whopping 180 defense, so good luck to any physical attackers trying to get through this tank. Aside from that, it learns Cut, Strength, and Surf. How it learns Surf I don’t know, so don’t ask me.
5. Pelipper
I’m going to preface this by saying that Hydreigon does Pelipper’s job better. However, out of respect for what is one of the OGs of HM slaves, I’m giving it a higher spot. Pelipper learns Fly and Surf. Which, as we’ve learned, is an invaluable move set. It was also the first Pokémon to ever be able to learn both. So we have to put some respect on its name. Plus, seeing it brings back GBA Mystery Dungeon memories, so I’m letting my bias run wild.
4. Crawdaunt
I’ll keep it real with you: I’m not sure whether I would rather battle with Crawdaunt or eat it. I mean, just look at it. If you think that lobster doesn’t taste absolutely divine, then there’s something wrong with you. While it would take the number one spot on the “Pokémon I would most like to eat” list; it earns number four here for being the first Mon’ capable of learning four different HMs. Specifically it gets Cut, Surf, Strength, and Waterfall.
3. Greninja
Are you a masochist? Have a self-destructive streak? Love ruining what could be a meaningful friendship for yourself? Me too, so that’s how I know Greninja should be your HM slave. There’s nothing more utterly miserable than taking the Pokémon that was meant to be your number one, your partner, the one that sticks by your side through thick or thin and slapping a slave collar on that sucker. You get four different HMs here, but let’s be honest: that doesn’t really matter, does it? You sicko.
2. Bibarel
Here we go. If we’re talking about the all-time greats, Beaver Boy takes the number one spot. Not only out of respect for the sheer masculinity that he gives off, but because of the fact that he is the most accessible HM slave of all time. In Sinnoh, you could get one very early on. And it could learn almost every HM, making it indispensable. It’s not as useful in Kalos. But I’m still putting it here out of the fear that he’ll come and find me in my sleep.
1. Dragonite
You thought I was done with the dragons, didn’t you? Well, sike! I honestly feel that how many dragons make good HM slaves is an inside joke at Game Freak. I’m so convinced of this that I’m willing to go on a public record stating it. Why, you might ask? Dragonite is the only Pokémon in Gen 6 capable of learning more than four HMs. It learns five. I reiterate: it’s the only Pokémon in the entire Kalos Pokédex, and Gen 6 had a big roster. Fly, Surf, Waterfall, Strength, and Cut. You have more HMs than you know what to do with, making Dragonite my definitive number one.
