What HMs are needed to complete HeartGold?

Question

By completing, I mean up to Lance. The ones I know that I need are Fly and Surf. Also, how frequently do you use them?

Answer 1

The HMs needed to complete HeartGold until Lance are Cut (to get through Ilex Forest), Surf (to reach Cianwood and Kanto), Waterfall (to reach Kanto), Strength (to get through Ice Path), and Whirlpool (to receive the Rising Badge in Dragon's Den).

I guess Surf is used most frequently since it's required to find the fifth gym leader, to get the Red Scale from Gyarados and infiltrate Team Rocket's base in Mahogany, and reach Kanto. I wouldn't count Fly since it's not really required to beat the game, it's more of a convenience. The other HMs (Cut, Waterfall, Strength, Whirlpool) are not used as much as Surf, unless you're exploring for items in caves or areas of interest.

Comments

Actually, whirlpool is mandatory once in the dragons den.

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also for Whirl Islands if the user feels like exploring

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The whirl islands are required in soul silver.

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Thanks, your answer was really detailed. But I think you can get around the whirlpools in the Dragon's Den. Not sure tho.