Pokemon Yellow TM List — Complete Guide to TMs & HMs

Pokemon Yellow TM List — Complete Guide to TMs & HMs

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Introduction

If you grew up exploring Kanto with a trusty Pikachu on your shoulder, you know how precious TMs are in Pokemon Yellow. This pokemon yellow tm list guide walks you through everything a trainer needs to know: what TMs and HMs are in Yellow Version, how TM teaching and TM compatibility work in Gen 1, where to find useful TM moves, which TMs to save for Pikachu or your starter, and practical tips to make every TM count.

What Are TMs and HMs in Pokemon Yellow?

TMs (Technical Machines) and HMs (Hidden Machines) are consumable items that teach Pokemon new moves. In Generation 1, which includes Pokemon Yellow, TMs are one-time-use items. That means once you teach a TM move to a Pokemon and later delete or replace it, you cannot re-teach that move unless you have another physical TM. HMs are special moves needed for overworld navigation and are also permanent on a Pokemon until you teach another move in that slot (in Gen 1 there was no Move Reminder, and HMs were difficult to remove without losing the move).

Because items like TMs are limited and some TM moves are central to battle strategy, managing your TM inventory, knowing TM locations, and understanding TM compatibility are essential skills for Yellow Version trainers.

How TM Teaching and TM Compatibility Work (Gen 1)

Understanding how TM compatibility works in Pokemon Yellow helps you avoid mistakes and wasted items. Here are the core points:

  • One-time use: TMs are consumed when used. Think twice before teaching an expensive or rare TM move.
  • Compatibility list: Each Pokemon species has a predefined list of moves it can learn from TMs in Gen 1. Not every Pokemon can learn every TM move; check the TM compatibility for your specific Pokemon.
  • Move limits: A Pokemon can only know four moves at a time. When teaching a TM, choose which move to replace carefully.
  • HMs are special: HMs teach moves that serve outside-battle functions (like cutting a tree or surfing). They are more limited in availability but essential for game progression.

Tip: If you’re unsure whether a Pokemon can learn a specific TM move, test on a disposable Pokemon or consult a compatibility chart before using a rare TM on a key team member.

Where to Find TMs in Pokemon Yellow: TM Locations and How to Prioritize

One of the most common queries around the pokemon yellow tm list is “where to find TMs?” In Yellow Version, TMs and HMs are scattered across Kanto as hidden items, shop purchases, and storyline rewards. You’ll also get some as gifts from NPCs. Here are safe, practical tips on TM locations and how to prioritize them:

  • Explore thoroughly: Check every building, ledge, and patch of ground where wild Pokemon are found. Many TMs are floor items or hidden in caves and routes.
  • Talk to NPCs: Some non-player characters give TM moves as rewards for completing tasks or as one-time gifts.
  • Purchase select TMs: While not all TMs are for sale, some shops in major cities sell useful TM moves. Keep money handy for late-game purchases, especially for moves you didn’t find in the wild.
  • Use item-finding techniques: In Yellow, many TMs are visible as items rather than hidden, but thorough searching is still your best bet.

Prioritize TMs that offer wide TM compatibility or moves you can’t learn easily through leveling. For example, coverage moves, powerful attacks like energy-type specials, and utility moves that improve your team’s versatility are good targets.

Key TMs and HM Moves to Look For (Moves Every Trainer Should Know)

Rather than memorize TM numbers, focus on high-impact TM moves that appear in Pokemon Yellow and how they benefit common team members like your Pikachu, starters, and key catchable Pokemon. Below are categories of TM moves and examples to search for in your TM list.

Powerful Special Attacks

  • Thunderbolt / Thunder: Excellent for electric coverage; great for Pikachu and other Electric-types.
  • Ice Beam / Blizzard: Strong special moves that counter Dragon, Flying, Ground, and Grass types.
  • Surf: While Surf is an HM, it provides excellent coverage and helps you navigate water routes.
  • Psychic: One of the best special attackers in Gen 1—useful on psychic-capable Pokemon.

Physical Coverage and High-Power Moves

  • Earthquake: A top-tier physical move for Ground-types and many attackers.
  • Hyper Beam: Massive raw power; useful late-game or when you can afford the recharge turn.
  • Body Slam / Double-Edge: Solid physical damage options with additional effects like paralysis (Body Slam).

Utility and Status Moves

  • Toxic: Extremely valuable for wearing down tanks and bosses.
  • Protect / Substitute / Reflect: Defensive options that help manage difficult battles.
  • Rock Slide / Fire Blast: Coverage moves that expand your type matchups.

Essential HMs

  • Cut — HM used to clear short trees blocking progress.
  • Fly — HM for fast travel between towns and also a strong move.
  • Surf — HM for water travel and an essential special move.
  • Strength — HM for moving boulders during puzzles and useful for some physical teams.
  • Flash — HM to illuminate dark caves (useful but often optional later in the game).

Best TMs for Pikachu and Common Team Members

Pikachu is the defining mascot of Pokemon Yellow, and choosing the right TM moves for it can make your run much smoother. Keep in mind TM compatibility: some Pikachu moves are restricted, but Pikachu benefits most from reliable Electric coverage plus a couple of utility options.

  • Thunderbolt / Thunder: Core moves for Pikachu; high-power special attacks that capitalize on Pikachu’s Electric type.
  • Move complements: Consider adding moves that cover Ground-type weaknesses when possible. Since Pikachu cannot learn Earthquake directly in Gen 1, you may prefer a partner Pokemon that covers Ground types.
  • Body Slam: If Pikachu can learn it in your version, it provides neutral coverage and paralysis potential.

For team composition, combine Pikachu with Pokemon that can learn Ground and Rock-type moves to ensure you can handle common threats and gym leaders. Use the TM compatibility principle to distribute moves wisely across your team — don’t waste a rare special TM on a Pokemon that benefits little from it.

TM Strategy: How to Save, Swap, and Optimize Your TM Moves

Because TMs are consumable in Gen 1, you need a strategy for how and when to use them. Here’s a set of actionable tips to protect your TM investment and maximize battle effectiveness.

  • Plan ahead: Know your team’s long-term growth path. Decide which Pokemon you want to carry late into the game and reserve powerful TMs for them.
  • Use filler Pokemon: Teach a TM to a low-cost or easily replaceable Pokemon to test the move. If it’s vital, you’ll need to acquire another TM or plan accordingly.
  • Trade and breed carefully: In Yellow, trading matters for evolution and move inheritance in later generations, but Gen 1 doesn’t have breeding. Still, trading for version-exclusive Pokemon can change your TM priorities.
  • Balance coverage and specialization: Rather than stacking only STAB (same-type attack bonus) moves on one Pokemon, spread coverage TMs across your team to handle more matchups.
  • Document TM numbers and names: Maintain a mental or written list of which TM moves you’ve found and where; this helps you locate replacements if needed.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Wasting rare TMs on filler moves: Avoid using signature or powerful TMs on Pokemon you plan to trade away or replace soon.
  • Ignoring HMs: HMs are invaluable for progression. Keep a reliable HM user on your team so you don’t have to relearn HMs later.
  • Not checking TM compatibility: Before applying a TM, make sure the Pokemon can learn that move in Gen 1. Compatibility restrictions are strict and differ from later generations.
  • Forgetting move slots: Since Pokemon can only know four moves, plan which moves to replace and what role each Pokemon should fill on your team.

Move Tutor, Move Machine, and Gen Differences

In later generations, Move Tutors and Move Relearners allow players to reacquire moves that were previously forgotten or to teach moves without consuming a TM. In Pokemon Yellow (Gen 1), these features are limited or unavailable. The “Move Machine” concept doesn’t exist in the same way; hence the term move machine is often used informally to refer to TM items.

Be aware of generational differences: some moves that appear as TMs in later games may have different TM numbers or not exist in Gen 1. Always use a Gen 1 TM compatibility resource if you want precise move-number references. For practical gameplay, focus on move names and effects rather than TM numbers.

FAQ — Common Questions About Pokemon Yellow TM List

Q1: Are TMs reusable in Pokemon Yellow?

A1: No. In Generation 1 (Yellow Version), TMs are one-time-use items. Once you teach a TM to a Pokemon and replace it later, the TM is gone. Choose carefully and prioritize important team members.

Q2: How can I find the most powerful TM moves in Yellow Version?

A2: Explore every area thoroughly, talk to NPCs, and check shops in major cities. Some of the best moves—like powerful Electric, Ice, and Psychic moves—appear as TMs or HMs across Kanto. Also, conserve money to buy select TMs if they are available in shops.

Q3: Which TMs should I teach Pikachu first?

A3: Prioritize core Electric moves such as Thunderbolt or Thunder. If you have Body Slam or other useful moves available, consider them for secondary coverage. Always keep Pikachu’s role in mind—while powerful, Pikachu is fragile and often best paired with physical wall or ground-coverage teammates.

Q4: What’s the difference between TMs and HMs in Yellow?

A4: TMs teach battle moves and are generally one-use items. HMs teach moves that are required for overworld navigation (Cut, Fly, Surf, Strength, Flash) and also serve in battle. HMs are more permanent and should be assigned to Pokemon you don’t plan to replace often.

Q5: How do I check TM compatibility for a specific Pokemon?

A5: The safest way in-game is to try using the TM on a disposable Pokemon to see if the option appears, or consult a Gen 1 compatibility guide outside the game. Compatibility differs significantly between generations, so always reference Gen 1 sources for Pokemon Yellow.

Conclusion

Managing your pokemon yellow tm list in Yellow Version is a balancing act between exploration, planning, and conserving valuable resources. Because TMs are consumable and HMs serve dual purposes, wise TM usage can make the difference between a smooth Gym run and a string of costly replays. Focus on high-impact TM moves, keep a reliable HM user on your team, and spread coverage so your squad can handle all of Kanto’s challenges. With the tips above — about TM locations, TM compatibility, and best TM moves for Pikachu and other team members — you’ll be able to craft a powerful, flexible team ready to take on the Elite Four and beyond.

Happy training, and may your TM choices lead to many victories on your journey through Yellow Version!