Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Earthquake TM Location

Since the fifth generation of Pokemon, TMs (technical machines) were unbreakable and could be used repeatedly. In Pokemon Sword/Shield, some TMs were changed into TRs (technical records) and could be purchased with Watts. With Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, TMs make a return, but they are once again breakable. This provides a challenge for new players since there is only one of each TM, meaning they will have to use them wisely.

Earthquake is a powerful Ground-type move. It deals Physical damage, has 100% Accuracy, 10PP, and inflicts 100 Damage. If used in Double Battles, this move hits all Pokemon (including allies) unless the opposing Pokemon is a Flying-type, has the Levitate ability, or is carrying an Air Balloon. Pokemon that can't learn Earthquake by leveling up will need to be taught via Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl's TM26.

Updated February 18th, 2022 by Russ Boswell: Although many players have moved on to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, there are still a large handful that are just now starting their journey through Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. There is so much to do and see in the Sinnoh remake thanks to the inclusion of the Grand Underground and access to the National Pokedex. There are a lot of great Ground-type Pokemon that players can pick up in the latest Gen 4 remake, giving them access to an army of Pokemon to teach the ever-imposing Earthquake move to. But where exactly can players find the Earthquake TM in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl? To better answer this question, the following guide has been updated with even more information regarding the move.

Wayward Cave

Before players can get TM26, they will need to have HM Strength and be able to use it outside of battle.

Once this is done, travel to Oreburgh City and head towards Route 207 and up onto Route 206. Cut the trees on the right side and go up. Eventually, players will run into a Hiker trainer. Go left of him under Cycling Road. Two steps next to the patch of grass is the Secret Entrance to Wayward Cave.

Once inside Wayward Cave, use HM Strength to push a boulder out of the way. Go to the left and down the stairs into the basement. Getting TM26 requires trainers to navigate a maze, so follow these steps carefully.

On this floor, players can also catch Gible. But for now, use the bike (Mach) to go up two mud slides. Then, ride the bike over several ramps to the section with a Poke Ball item.
Go to the left and jump down the ledge to get behind the final ramp. Jump over this ramp again, but make sure the bike is in Acro Mode.
Follow the path up and jump over another ramp in Mach Mode.
Go up the stairs and pedal along the narrow bridge.
Go all the way to the left and then north up another mudslide.
Now, go all the way to the right. Eventually, players will end up at the northeast corner of the room. Do not jump over the ledge to get the Poke Ball item; this is not TM26.
Ignore the item for now and go around the boulders to reach another ramp. Taking this ramp will allow players to go up a set of stairs.
Keep going south along this path and the final room will be on the right.
TM26 Earthquake is right near the entrance of the new room. If players are having a difficult time picking up the TM, stand to the left of the Poke Ball and collect it from there.

Exchanging Battle Points (BP)

pokemon brilliant diamond shining pearl battle tower

Players can get another TM26 if they save up enough Battle Points at the Battle Park. This area will not be available until the Elite Four is defeated and the National Dex is unlocked.

BP can also be tedious to get since players will need to participate in the Battle Tower's Knockout Challenge and win consecutive battles. At Battle Park, TM26 can be exchanged for 80BP.

More Information On Earthquake

Earthquake has been a staple of the Pokemon franchise since its introduction in Generation I. It's remained TM26 throughout the entire series and it's one of the most recognized and feared of all ground-type moves. Many trainers fear this move for good reason, as Earthquake has a power of 100 and an accuracy of 100, making it a hard-hitting move that's difficult to avoid. Many players find themselves falling victim to this impressive move thanks to Cynthia's Garchomp, who isn't afraid to use it on under-prepared trainers and unsuspecting Pokemon.

Earthquake comes packed with a few stipulations that novice players may be unaware of. For example, if a Pokemon uses Earthquake against a Pokemon that has burrowed itself underground (using Dig, for example), the move will do double damage. Conversely, it will only do half damage if the arena is covered in the Grassy Terrain effect. It also has no effect on Flying-type Pokemon and that includes any Pokemon that have the Levitate ability (like Gengar).

Earthquake also behaves differently in Double and Triple Pokemon battles. In a Double Battle it's possible to do damage to every single Pokemon (excluding the move user) which means players can accidentally knock out their teammates. This (oddly) isn't an issue in Triple Battles and will only attack the Pokemon that are across from the user.

Pokemon That Learn Earthquake Naturally

Although players can grab Earthquake in TM form by using the above method, there are an array of Pokemon that are capable of learning the move naturally. Here's a glance at all of the Pokemon that players can grab in Generation IV and when they unlock Earthquake naturally through leveling.