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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Yes, it is possible to forget HM moves in Pokémon Emerald, but it requires a specific NPC and a special circumstance. Unlike regular moves, HM moves are designed to be essential for progression and are not learned through leveling up or TM's in the traditional sense, making their removal a deliberate gameplay mechanic.

Key Facts

The player can find an NPC called the Move Deleter in the game.
The Move Deleter is located in the house to the right of the Pokémon Center in the Lilycove City Pokémon Center.
To forget an HM move, the player must have a different Pokémon know a move that the player wants to delete.
The Move Deleter can also teach forgotten HM moves if the player has the corresponding HM.
HM moves like Cut, Surf, Strength, and Waterfall are examples of moves that can be forgotten.

Overview

In the world of Pokémon Emerald, HM (Hidden Machine) moves play a crucial role in exploration and progression. These powerful moves, such as Cut, Surf, Strength, and Waterfall, are not only used in battles but are also essential for navigating the game's environment, opening up new areas and allowing players to reach previously inaccessible locations. Due to their importance, HM moves are often perceived as permanent fixtures on a Pokémon's move list, leading to a common question among players: can these vital abilities be forgotten? The answer is a nuanced yes, with a specific in-game mechanism designed for this purpose.

While most Pokémon moves can be replaced by learning new ones through leveling up, using TMs (Technical Machines), or visiting the Move Tutor, HM moves present a unique challenge. Their permanent nature stems from their narrative significance and their utility in overcoming obstacles that would otherwise halt progress. However, as Pokémon teams evolve and players strategize for competitive battles, the need to replace an HM move becomes apparent. Fortunately, the game developers included a way to manage these powerful, yet sometimes cumbersome, abilities, ensuring that players are not permanently locked into a move they no longer desire.

How It Works

The Move Deleter: In Lilycove City, a special NPC known as the Move Deleter resides in a house to the right of the Pokémon Center. This individual has the unique ability to remove any move from a Pokémon's repertoire, including those learned via HM. Interacting with the Move Deleter is the primary method for deleting unwanted HM moves.
Overwriting vs. Deleting: It's important to distinguish between replacing a move and deleting it. Normally, when a Pokémon learns a new move that would exceed its four-move limit, the player is prompted to choose which move to forget. However, this option is not typically available for HM moves without intervention. The Move Deleter bypasses this limitation by directly removing the move, freeing up a move slot.
The Requirement for Deletion: To forget an HM move, the Pokémon must know a different move that the player wishes to delete. This means that if a Pokémon has four HM moves, or if the player wants to delete an HM move and has no other move to immediately replace it with, they cannot use the standard 'overwrite' function. The Move Deleter's function is a direct deletion, not a replacement, but the game mechanics often guide the player towards having a selectable move to 'forget' in exchange for the HM. Essentially, the player will choose an HM move to be deleted, and this is presented as a 'forgetting' action.
Re-learning HM Moves: Should a player regret deleting an HM move, they can re-learn it by obtaining the corresponding HM item again and teaching it to the Pokémon. This ensures that players who make a mistake or change their strategy are not permanently penalized and can restore access to essential HM abilities when needed. The Move Deleter can also be used to re-teach forgotten HM moves if the player possesses the original HM item.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Standard Move Deletion	Move Deleter (HM Deletion)
Location	Upon learning a new move when at 4 moves	Lilycove City (House right of Pokémon Center)
Applicable Moves	Any of the current 4 moves	Any move, including HM moves
Requirement	A new move being learned	Pokémon must know a move to delete (select HM to be deleted)
Process	Overwrite existing move with a new one	Direct deletion of the selected move
HM Specificity	Cannot delete HM moves directly without overwrite	Can delete HM moves without needing to learn a new move immediately

Why It Matters

Team Flexibility: The ability to forget HM moves significantly enhances team building and flexibility. Players are no longer permanently burdened by an HM move on a Pokémon they wish to use for competitive battling or for more optimal in-game strategies. This allows for more diverse and effective team compositions throughout the game.
Strategic Combat: In competitive battles or challenging in-game scenarios, having a Pokémon locked into a move like Surf or Strength can be detrimental. Being able to remove these moves and replace them with more offensively or defensively oriented attacks allows players to optimize their Pokémon's performance, leading to a more engaging and rewarding gameplay experience.
Game Progression Management: While HMs are crucial for progression, sometimes a Pokémon that is otherwise strong or a personal favorite might be forced to learn an HM early on. The Move Deleter provides a crucial out, allowing players to maintain their preferred Pokémon on their team without sacrificing the ability to explore and advance through the game.

In conclusion, while HM moves are designed to be integral to the Pokémon Emerald experience, they are not immutable. The presence of the Move Deleter in Lilycove City provides players with the essential functionality to remove these moves when they are no longer needed or desired. This mechanic ensures that players have control over their Pokémon's move sets, fostering greater strategic depth and enjoyment throughout their journey in the Hoenn region.