Do You Need Hm Slaves In Brilliant Diamond

Okay, let's talk about something a little… controversial. Something that might make some Pokémon purists clutch their pearls.

Specifically, are HM slaves actually necessary in Brilliant Diamond?

The HM Haze

Remember HMs? Those moves that were also essential tools? You needed them to progress. Strength to move rocks, Surf to cross water, and so on.

And remember dedicating a poor, unsuspecting Pokémon's life to learning only those moves? A life of servitude? We called them HM slaves!

Usually it was a Bibarel. Poor thing knew nothing but Cut, Surf, Strength, and Waterfall. The epitome of a 'jack of all trades, master of none' Pokemon.

Modern Conveniences

But Brilliant Diamond... things are different. Very different.

See, BDSP introduced the Pokétch and its Hidden Moves app. It brings back HMs, but in a new mechanic, you no longer need your own Pokemon to learn HMs!

All of a sudden, we don't need dedicated HM mules. It's like Game Freak felt bad about the digital servitude.

The Unpopular Opinion

Here it comes. Brace yourselves.

I kinda... miss HM slaves.

Yes, I said it! Don't hate me! Let me explain.

Nostalgia Goggles

I’ll admit it. It's probably pure nostalgia. The old games were like this, period.

Training a Bibarel (or whatever you choose) was just a part of the process. Part of the adventure. Part of the weird charm.

It was a quirk. It was clunky. But it was our clunky.

The Challenge

Okay, "challenge" might be a strong word. But it made you think! Team composition became a mini-puzzle.

You had to factor in HM coverage when building your team. Who could learn what? Was it worth sacrificing a good move slot for Waterfall?

Now? Everyone just uses the Pokétch. Problem solved. Efficient? Yes. But is it fun?

A Bond (Sort Of)

Hear me out. Even if it was a begrudging one, there was a bond with your HM slave.

You relied on them. They were always there. Rock Smash? Bibarel's got you covered. Waterfall? Same Bibarel.

You were forced to interact with them, even if only to use an HM. It created a weird, utilitarian relationship.

So, Do We Need Them?

Objectively? No. Brilliant Diamond makes HM slaves completely unnecessary.

The game practically screams, "Please, don't waste a Pokémon's life on Cut!"

But... maybe, just maybe, a little part of me wants to dust off my old Bibarel strategy.

Embrace the Absurd

Perhaps it's time to embrace the absurdity of it all. To celebrate the inefficient.

Maybe, just maybe, on my next Brilliant Diamond playthrough, I'll build a dedicated HM team. Just for kicks.

Because sometimes, the most ridiculous things are the most memorable. And who knows? Maybe my Bibarel will finally get the recognition it deserves!