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How to Get Rock Smash and Surf in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Rock Smash and Surf are Mable’s Research rewards in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Find the levels, claim the TMs, and learn what Surf does—and doesn’t—unlock.
WorldPokémon Legends: Z-A Length1 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team

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Rock Smash and Surf are TMs awarded through Mable’s Research in Pokémon Legends: Z-A: claim TM004 Rock Smash at Research Level 2 and TM073 Surf at Research Level 29. Then teach each move to a compatible Pokémon. They are TMs, not HMs; in particular, Surf’s reward does not establish an HM-style water-traversal ability.

Where to get Rock Smash and Surf

Both moves come from Mable’s Research rewards. Requests and registering Pokémon contribute to research progression; once you reach a reward level, you must claim the reward separately from the Mable’s Research menu. Nintendo advises checking Mable’s Research in the main menu and redeeming earned rewards. The reward levels are also listed by Pokémon Database and Game8.

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Move TM Research level What to know
Rock Smash TM004 2 Early reward; can clear rock piles in the story walkthrough.
Surf TM073 29 Later reward; teach it as a move. It is not an HM-style swimming unlock.

How to claim and use each TM

  1. Progress Mable’s Research by completing requests and registering Pokémon until you reach the relevant level.
  2. Open Mable’s Research from the main menu and claim the newly earned reward.
  3. Teach the TM to a compatible Pokémon.

Using Rock Smash on a rock pile

In the early story sequence covered by Thonky’s walkthrough of Main Mission 03, send out the Pokémon that knows Rock Smash, target the rock pile, and command it to use the move to clear the obstacle. That documented use does not mean every TM functions as an HM or unlocks a general traversal system.

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Is Surf an HM that lets you cross water?

No: Surf is TM073, a move you teach to a compatible Pokémon, not an HM. The game’s HM listings distinguish the older HM expectation from Z-A’s move system. Nintendo describes Surf as a move with a wide area of effect in online battles, but the cited information does not establish that earning it grants swimming or water travel. Nintendo’s game information likewise does not support treating this TM reward as a water-traversal unlock.

Rank #3
Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
  • [4K ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE] Protect the peace in Lumiose City in this enhanced edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, featuring native 4K resolution and a stable 60FPS frame rate. Experience the urban re-development plan with high-fidelity textures and advanced lighting effects centered around the iconic Prism Tower.
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  • [MEGA EVOLUTION MECHANICS] Master the power of Mega Evolution to suppress rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon appearing across the Kalos region. This edition introduces 15+ newly discovered Mega-Evolved forms, each rendered with dynamic particle effects and exclusive Z-A signature moves for tactical depth.
  • [MULTIPLAYER Z-A ROYALE] Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills against global Trainers. Supported by Nintendo Switch 2's improved low-latency wireless architecture, these competitive events allow you to climb leaderboards and unlock rare evolution stones in 20-player lobbies.
  • [EXPANSIVE WILD ZONES] Explore vibrant Wild Zones where Pokémon roam free in their natural habitats, from bustling city shops to hidden restaurants. This Hong Kong physical edition is region-free and supports English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese, featuring the enigmatic AZ and the peacekeeping Team MZ.
Rank #2
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]
  • Venture into Hyperspace Lumiose in this additional story content that can be accessed after completing the main game
  • Work with the mysterious baker, Ansha, to make donuts that awaken the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa’s power and grant you and your Pokémon a variety of useful effects
  • Join Team MZ and the Mega Evolution Successor, Korrina, to investigate Hyperspace Lumiose, the otherworldly home to rare and hyper-strong Pokémon
  • Discover new Mega Evolutions such as Mega Raichu X, Mega Raichu Y, Mega Chimecho and Mega Baxcalibur
  • Claim Holo-X and Holo-Y in-game apparel items, which you can wear as soon as you are able to customize your character’s look and outfit in the main game
#1 Best Overall
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]
  • Your journey will take you to all manner of sights in the streets arrayed around Prism Tower, including shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free.
  • As you catch, train, and battle Pokémon, there will be plenty of people to meet too—like AZ, the enigmatic owner of Hotel Z.

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