Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl overhaul HMs with Pokétch system, fixing original game frustrations for modern players
The Divisive Legacy of Hidden Machines
The upcoming Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remakes have addressed a longstanding community grievance by fundamentally redesigning how players navigate the Sinnoh region.
While developers promised “faithful” recreations of the 2006 Nintendo DS classics, the community overwhelmingly requested specific quality-of-life improvements to align with contemporary Pokémon design standards.
Hidden Machines (HMs) like Cut, Surf, and Rock Climb presented significant obstacles in the original Sinnoh adventures. With eight mandatory HMs required for progression, trainers faced difficult team-building decisions. Each HM occupied a permanent move slot on a Pokémon, creating tension between traversal capabilities and battle effectiveness. Many players resorted to dedicating specific team members—often nicknamed “HM slaves”—solely for navigation purposes, which diminished strategic depth.
This system particularly frustrated competitive players who needed to optimize every move slot for battles. The original games forced compromises that newer Pokémon titles have progressively eliminated through alternative navigation mechanics.
Modern Quality-of-Life Revolution
Recent Pokémon titles established precedents for HM elimination. Pokémon Sword and Shield completely removed the system, introducing the Rotom Bike and Flying Taxis for Galar region traversal. This welcome change created expectations for similar innovations in the Sinnoh remakes.
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl deliver an elegant solution through the Pokétch device. Instead of teaching Pokémon HMs, trainers use their Pokétch to summon wild Pokémon that temporarily assist with environmental navigation. “You can use your Pokétch to call on wild Pokémon to help you go places you could never reach on your own,” confirmed The Pokémon Company. These temporary allies utilize hidden moves like Cut to clear obstructing trees or Rock Climb to ascend steep cliffs.
This innovative approach preserves the original games’ exploration spirit while eliminating mechanical frustrations. The system mirrors how trainers might naturally interact with wild Pokémon in the Sinnoh ecosystem.
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) September 28, 2021
This evolution represents a sophisticated middle ground between complete removal and the original restrictive system. Players maintain the fantasy of Pokémon-assisted exploration without sacrificing battle team integrity.
Community Reception & Strategic Implications
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with trainers celebrating the preservation of exploration feel without mechanical drawbacks. One enthusiastic player noted: “What a good way to modernize HMs! You get the same feel calling on a Pokémon, but you don’t have to teach a Pokémon a HM that’s a one time use.”
Another trainer highlighted team-building benefits: “Now I can actually make Bidoof/Bibarel into a working member of the team without hindering him with HMs.” This sentiment reflects how previously underutilized Pokémon can now fulfill their battle potential without being relegated to navigation duties.
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The strategic implications are substantial. Competitive players can now optimize teams without considering HM requirements. Casual players enjoy smoother progression without managing “HM slave” Pokémon. This single change elevates the entire Sinnoh experience, making revisiting the region more enjoyable for all player types.
Practical Exploration Strategies
Mastering the new Pokétch system requires understanding several key strategies:
First, always ensure your Pokétch is charged and readily accessible. Unlike traditional HMs which required specific Pokémon in your party, the wild Pokémon calling system works anywhere with available wildlife. However, different areas feature different wild Pokémon with varying hidden move capabilities.
Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t assume all wild Pokémon can perform all hidden moves. Certain species specialize in specific environmental interactions. Research which Pokémon types inhabit each area before attempting complex navigation. Additionally, some hidden moves may require specific badges or story progression to unlock, similar to traditional HM gates.
Advanced optimization tip: Pay attention to wild Pokémon behavior patterns. Some may be more responsive to Pokétch calls during specific times of day or weather conditions. Developing relationships with recurring wild Pokémon in certain areas might yield faster response times or additional assistance options.
For competitive players, this system fundamentally changes early-game team planning. You can now prioritize battle synergy from the beginning without reserving move slots for Surf or Strength. Consider constructing teams around type coverage and ability synergy rather than navigation requirements.
This seemingly simple mechanic overhaul represents one of the most significant improvements in the Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remakes, transforming Sinnoh exploration from a constrained chore into an immersive adventure.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Pokemon Diamond & Pearl’s worst feature is being fixed in Switch remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl overhaul HMs with Pokétch system, fixing original game frustrations for modern players