The move known as Cut is a Normal-type attack, a physical technique meant to slice at an opponent using a sharp appendage or blade. Trainers seek out Pokémon capable of learning this move not for its combat prowess, but for its utility in navigating the world. Understanding which creatures can acquire this ability is crucial for players attempting to progress through the various regions of the Pokémon universe. The ability to learn Cut is restricted primarily to Pokémon with physical features that suggest a capacity for slicing.
The Mechanics and History of the Move Cut
In battle, Cut is a straightforward damage-dealing move with relatively low power. Across most generations, the move has a base power of 50 and 95% accuracy, making it functional but not competitively powerful.
Its significance lies almost entirely in its application outside of combat, allowing a trainer to clear small trees that block pathways on the overworld map. This field utility established Cut as Hidden Machine (HM01) from Generation I through Generation VI. As an HM, it was mandatory for story progression and required a specific Gym Badge for field use. Trainers often dedicated a specific Pokémon, sometimes called an “HM slave,” purely to carry Cut and other required field moves.
Pokémon That Learn Cut via Technical Machines
The most common method for a Pokémon to learn Cut is through a Technical Machine (TM) or Hidden Machine (HM). This method created a wide pool of eligible Pokémon, generally encompassing those with sharp features such as claws, scythes, pincers, or bladed limbs. The availability of the HM meant a single copy could be taught to any compatible Pokémon multiple times in older games.
Many Grass-type and Bug-type Pokémon are candidates due to their natural anatomy, including creatures like Scyther and Sceptile. Other eligible Pokémon include those with large claws, such as Sandslash, or powerful pincers, like Kingler and Crawdaunt. Even surprising Pokémon, such as the Fire-type starter evolution Charizard, are often eligible. The pattern holds true across generations: if the Pokémon appears physically capable of slicing, it is likely eligible.
Pokémon That Learn Cut by Level Up or Move Tutor
A much smaller, distinct group of Pokémon learns Cut organically by reaching a certain level. These creatures are typically those whose design is intrinsically tied to the act of slicing or using a blade-like weapon, contrasting with the broader TM-based learning pool.
The Normal/Flying-type Farfetch’d, known for wielding a sharp stalk of leek, has consistently been able to learn Cut by leveling up across multiple generations. Its evolved form, Sirfetch’d, also retains this ability, reflecting the move’s importance to the creature’s identity. In more recent games, the Ultra Beast Kartana, a Grass/Steel-type Pokémon designed to resemble razor-sharp origami, also learns Cut naturally.
The Current Relevance of Cut in Recent Generations
The function of Cut underwent a significant transformation beginning with the Generation VII games, Pokémon Sun and Moon, where the concept of Hidden Machines was largely retired. The mandatory field utility of cutting down trees was replaced by different mechanics, such as the use of Ride Pokémon or specific overworld actions. This change removed the requirement for trainers to dedicate a move slot to a low-power move for progression.
In modern titles, the move “Cut” still technically exists, sometimes appearing as a Technical Record (TR) or an older TM in remakes. However, its necessity has vanished entirely, and the move is not learnable by any Pokémon available in the latest games, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. For players accessing the newest regions, the move is effectively obsolete for overworld navigation.
In games like Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, the original HM system is replaced by the Pokétch application. This allows players to summon a wild Pokémon to perform the cutting action, ensuring the obstacle-clearing function remains without burdening a team’s moveset.