The Pokemon move Dive is one of the three Water-type HMS in Pokemon Emerald and the other Gen 3 games. Surf was introduced earlier as an HM in older generations (starting from Gen 1), but in Emerald, Dive and Waterfall have been added into the mix.
For this post, we’re going to dive right in on how to get Dive in Pokemon Emerald! To provide you with more knowledge about this move, we’ll be discussing what Dive is in its general definition and a step-by-step process for obtaining it.
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Table of Contents
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 a power of 60, an accuracy of 100, and a PP count of 10. It is a special move, so it uses Sp. Attack as its basis for the damage output.
It’s important to note that these numbers are for Gen 3 since it has been changed for the next Generations.
What it does is that the Pokemon will dive underwater, avoiding any attack from the enemy Pokemon. It is similar to the move Dig because, on the next turn, the Pokemon using Dive will rise from below and deal damage.
Unfortunately, Pokemon that used Dive can still be attacked with moves like Low Kick, Whirlpool, and Surf.
How Dive Works Outside of Battle

Like other HMs, when you have the right requirements, you can use Dive outside of battle.
When you’re using Surf, you will see some areas where they have a shadow on the water. Press the A button and an option to use Dive will appear.
Using Dive in Pokemon Emerald will take you to a secret area underwater. Simply use Dive again in a specific area underwater, and you can rise back up on the surface.
How to Get Dive in Pokemon Emerald?
Step 1: Beat the Mossdeep Gym Leaders


When playing Pokemon Emerald’s story, you will eventually make your way to Mossdeep Gym and beat the Gym Leaders Liza and Tate.
The Mind Badge that you get is also needed to use Dive outside of battle.
Step 2: Fight Team Magma in the Space Center


Once you’ve defeated Liza and Tate, you need to trigger the event at the Mossdeep Space Center.
You need to prepare for this because this is a series of battles against numerous Team Magma .
The final battle will be between the player teaming up with Steven, taking on Team Magma Leader Maxie and Tabitha.
Step 3: Head to Steven’s House


Once you’ve successfully thwarted Team Magma in the Space Center, head to Steven’s house in the upper left section.
Talk to Steven and he will give you HM08 Dive and you’re free to use it.
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 by Steven, but why would you?
In Closing
HM Dive in Pokemon Emerald really isn’t that hard to get Dive.
The only problem is that the game doesn’t tell you straight up. It isn’t missable and now that you know how to acquire it, you can get it much easier.
Overall, it’s good to use outside of battle to get those Legendary Pokemon. It is decent in battle but you can do better with other powerful Water-type moves.
Use this move on an HM slave of your choice.