If there’s one thing that is clear from exploring the Kanto region, it’s that there are far too many trees that need cutting down. Seriously.
You may be expecting to use an HM (Hidden Machine) to teach one of your pocket monsters Cut in Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee!, but, as with Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, these have been removed. Secret Techniques are their replacement – special skills that your partner Pokémon can use outside of battle. These can be used to clear away trees (Chop Down), glide across water (Sea Skim) or quickly revisit towns and cities that you have already explored (Sky Dash).
These work in the same way as Cut, Surf and Fly, but won’t be available to you straight away once you start your adventure. Those looking out for Chop Down will need to play through the main storyline until you reach the S.S. Anne, and, once onboard, make your way to the ship’s bridge. Here you will find the Captain, and, after helping him deal with his queasiness, he will offer to teach your partner Pokémon Chop Down.
It’s worth pointing out that to learn these Secret Techniques you do not need to lose a move slot, as they cannot be used in battle.
If you need more pointers, we have guides on the version exclusive Pokémon, Mega Stone locations, the Catch Combo mechanic, Cinnabar Island Pokémon Quiz answers, a list of the new Attack moves, and all 153 Master Trainer locations.
Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee! are now available exclusively for Nintendo Switch worldwide.
