The Pokémon move Dive is one of three Water-type HMs in Pokémon Emerald and other Generation 3 games. While Surf was introduced earlier as an HM in Generation 1, Dive and Waterfall were added in Gen 3, including in Emerald.
In this guide, we’ll take you through how to get Dive in Pokémon Emerald. We’ll cover the basic overview of Dive and provide a step-by-step guide on how to obtain it.
What is Dive?
Dive is an HM, particularly HM08 introduced in the Gen 3 games, which means Emerald is one of them.
Dive has two effects, like the other HMs:
How Dive Works in Pokemon Battles?
In battle, Dive has 60 power, 100 accuracy, and 10 PP. As a special move, it relies on the user’s Special Attack to determine its damage output.
Keep in mind that these stats apply to Generation 3, as they have been altered in later generations.
Dive works by having the Pokémon submerge underwater, avoiding attacks from the opponent for one turn. It’s similar to Dig, where the user resurfaces on the next turn to deal damage.
However, Pokémon using Dive can still be hit by moves like Low Kick, Whirlpool, and Surf.
How Dive Works Outside of Battle
Similar to other HMs, Dive can be used outside of battle once you meet the necessary requirements.
While using Surf, you’ll notice certain spots on the water with a shadow beneath. Press the A button, and the option to use Dive will appear.
In Pokémon Emerald, using Dive allows you to explore hidden underwater areas. To resurface, simply use Dive again in a designated underwater spot, and you’ll return to the surface.
Also worth checking out: How to Play Pokemon Infinite Fusion on Android & PC.
How to Get Dive in Pokemon Emerald?
Step 1: Beat the Mossdeep Gym Leaders
As you progress through Pokémon Emerald’s storyline, you will eventually reach the Mossdeep Gym, where you’ll face the Gym Leaders, Liza and Tate.
After defeating them, you’ll receive the Mind Badge, which is required to use Dive outside of battle.
Step 2: Fight Team Magma in the Space Center
After defeating Liza and Tate, the next step is to trigger the event at the Mossdeep Space Center.
Be prepared for this, as you’ll face a series of battles against multiple Team Magma members.
The final battle involves teaming up with Steven to take on Team Magma Leader Maxie and Admin Tabitha.
Step 3: Head to Steven’s House
After successfully stopping Team Magma at the Space Center, head to Steven’s house located in the upper-left part of Mossdeep City.
Speak with Steven, and he will reward you with HM08 Dive, allowing you to use it in and out of battle.
How to Use Dive?
When you want to use Dive outside of battle, the steps are easy and very straightforward:
Teach your Pokemon the HM Dive
There are a plethora of good Pokemon to teach Dive and we’ll provide a list below.
Dive itself is a decent move to use, although not something you should teach every Pokemon, since HMs cannot be removed.
Do You Need a Pokemon Who Can Perform Surf to Use Dive?
In Pokemon Emerald, you need a Pokemon that knows Surf if you want to access an underwater area with Surf.
Dive can only be used while you’re surfing on the water. The list below will also suggest some Pokemon that can learn Surf, so that you don’t need to bring another one to use Dive.
How to Actually Dive in Pokemon Emerald?
In the image below, you can see there is a dark spot or shadowy area on the water. Press A and you can dive directly underwater.
Use Dive again while underwater to get back up again. Certain areas can only be accessed while you’re underwater.
You can rise above in a different area when you know where to go.
Best Pokemon to Have the HM Dive
1. Tentacool
Can learn Dive, Surf, and Waterfall. It can be a handy water slave to do all of those things and Tentacool is easy to catch.
2. Gyarados
Teach Dive, Surf, and Waterfall as well. It can be decent to use in battle, but you may want to skip Waterfall and just use Dive and Surf, for combat purposes.
3. Marill
Another one that can learn Diver, Waterfall, and Surf. Marill can be caught early and can also learn other HMs like Strength and Rock Smash if you want a good HM slave.
4. Lombre
Can be evolved early from a Lotad which can be caught in the starting areas. Can learn a multitude of HMs like Dive, Waterfall, Surf, Flash, Strength, and Rock Smash.
5. Walrein
A powerful Pokemon to teach Dive, especially if you have no preferred Water-type. Teach it Dive and Surf as well as other HMs if you want to, such as Rock Smash and Waterfall.
Areas Where You Can Use Dive
There are a lot of areas that are good when you want to use Dive. You get a lot of extra goodies, items, and even some Pokemon.
There are a couple of areas that you can explore, but the ones listed below are those that will give you meaningful rewards.
Route 124 and Route 126
These are the only locations where you can dive and encounter Clamperl, Relicanth, and Chinchou. These three Pokemon are not encountered anywhere else.
Route 134
Going underwater here will lead you to the Sealed Chamber. This Chamber is where the events leading to fighting the Legendary Regis.
Abandoned Ship
A couple of good extra items located underwater as well as the Key Item Scanner are found here.
Marine Cave
This is where Kyogre is located once you’ve progressed post game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HM Dive Required to Progress in the Game?
It is not, but you will be stuck if you don’t get it. You need Dive to progress through the Victory Road. That’s why this guide on getting Dive in Pokemon Emerald can be useful.
The game doesn’t really tell you how to get Dive in Emerald, so that’s why you need to get HM08 from Steven.
Is there another way to get Dive?
One way is by using cheats. A legit way is that if you trade a Pokemon from someone else which has Dive taught to it.
You still have to beat the Mossdeep Gym Leaders, since you need the Mind Badge to use Dive outside of battle.
If you just need Dive, then you can bypass Steven, but why would you?
Conclusion
HM Dive in Pokémon Emerald is fairly easy to obtain, though the game doesn’t explicitly guide you to it.
Fortunately, it’s not missable, and now that you know the steps, acquiring it is straightforward.
While Dive is useful outside of battle for reaching Legendary Pokémon, it’s only decent in combat. There are stronger Water-type moves available.
Consider teaching this move to an HM slave of your choice for convenience.