TL;DR
- Rock Smash is taught exclusively by Hitmonchan, the only Pokemon in the Exercise Resting Spot habitat.
- Find the Punching Bag near the ruined Pokemon Center and place it next to the wooden bench.
- Wait a few minutes for Hitmonchan to appear, then speak to it.
- Deliver 2 Stones (found lying on the ground) to Hitmonchan to receive Rock Smash instantly.
- Use Rock Smash to break the leaking rocks at the back wall and unlock new Water-type habitats.
- Equip Rock Smash using the Left/Right cursor buttons to switch between moves.
One of the most essential early moves in Pokemon Pokopia is Rock Smash — the ability that lets you break cracked stone blocks, reshape the environment, and open up entirely new sections of the island. To get Rock Smash in Pokemon Pokopia, you need to befriend Hitmonchan, the Gen 1 Fighting-type Punching Pokemon. This guide walks you through every step, from building the habitat to learning the move and knowing exactly where to use it first.
If you are just getting started, check out our Pokemon Pokopia Time to Party walkthrough for a full overview of early-game progression.
What Is Rock Smash in Pokemon Pokopia?
Rock Smash is an environmental exploration ability — not a combat move — that lets your character destroy cracked stone blocks scattered across Pokopia. These obstacles block shortcuts, hide collectibles, and conceal new habitats. Once you have Rock Smash equipped, your character gains a visual effect of red boxing gloves inspired by Hitmonchan’s fighting style, and you can smash any breakable block instantly.
Unlike standard moves, Rock Smash is equipped and switched using the Left and Right cursor buttons, so you can swap between it and other moves on the fly without opening any menus.
How to Find Hitmonchan in Pokemon Pokopia
Hitmonchan does not roam freely in Pokopia. It only appears after you build its specific habitat: the Exercise Resting Spot. This is the only habitat that spawns Hitmonchan, so you don’t need to worry about other Pokemon competing for the same spot.
You’ll find Hitmonchan in the Withered Wasteland area, which also contains Pokemon like Timburr and Scyther. Once you’re in this zone, follow the steps below.
How to Build the Exercise Resting Spot Habitat in Pokemon Pokopia
Step 1: Head to the area to the left of the ruined Pokemon Center in the Withered Wasteland. You’ll notice a pre-placed wooden bench nearby — this is where the habitat will be created.
Step 2: Look for a Punching Bag on the ground in the nearby ruins. Pick it up. It’s usually located a short distance from the bench, near the broken PC.
Step 3: Place the Punching Bag next to the wooden bench. As soon as you set it down, you’ll get a pop-up message: “You’ve restored an Exercise Resting Spot habitat.”
Step 4: Wait a few minutes (real time) for Hitmonchan to appear and settle into its new habitat.
Tip: While waiting, use the time to gather 2 stones from the ground nearby — you’ll need them for Hitmonchan’s request. Stones are small and gray, so check around rocky areas and near water sources. Most players already have several in their inventory without realizing it.
The Exercise Resting Spot only requires two items: a Punching Bag and any type of Seat. If you want to craft your own bench later using a Crafting Table, that works too, but the pre-placed bench nearby makes this step easy right from the start.
How to Learn Rock Smash in Pokemon Pokopia
Once Hitmonchan appears at the Exercise Resting Spot, here’s exactly how to unlock Rock Smash:
- Approach Hitmonchan and interact with it. It will present a quick request: deliver 2 Stones for boxing practice.
- Accept the request and collect 2 stones from the ground nearby if you haven’t already.
- Return to Hitmonchan and select the “Got you something” dialogue option to hand over the stones.
- Hitmonchan will automatically teach you Rock Smash — no menu navigation required. The move is learned the instant the stones leave your inventory.
Pro Tip: After learning Rock Smash, speak to Hitmonchan again. It will point you toward the broken path leading to the upper part of the area. Use Rock Smash on the surrounding dirt blocks to uncover a glowing Poké Ball containing the Dowsing Machine, a useful item for finding hidden collectibles throughout Pokopia.
What to Do After Learning Rock Smash in Pokemon Pokopia
With Rock Smash in hand, a whole new layer of Pokopia opens up. Here’s what to prioritize:
| Action | What It Unlocks |
|---|---|
| Break leaking rocks at the back wall | Releases water, enabling new Water-type Pokemon habitats |
| Smash stone blocks on the western path | Reveals a massive bridge across the ocean |
| Break wall east of the Pokemon Center | Reveals Drilbur, who teaches the Rototiller Transformation for farming |
| Clear cave blocks near Squirtle’s request | Leads to finding trapped Onix (next major story beat) |
| Revisit earlier blocked paths | Uncovers hidden items, shortcuts, and collectibles |
The first thing most players should do is smash the leaking rocks at the back wall. Breaking them releases water freely, which is essential for attracting Water-type Pokemon and unlocking new habitat options. This ties directly into the environmental restoration system — visit our guide on how to increase Environment Level in Pokemon Pokopia to understand how terraforming helps you progress.
Once you’ve explored the Withered Wasteland, Squirtle will appear near Hitmonchan’s habitat and encourage you to break stone blocks ahead to access the beach. Following this path leads into a cave where Onix is trapped — a key storyline moment. Keep an eye out for Drifloon near the cave entrance, as speaking to it unlocks the Dream Islands feature, which is incredibly useful for gathering rare materials.
Rock Smash Tips and Habitat Strategy
- Stockpile stones: Keep at least 10–20 in your inventory at all times. Multiple Pokemon and requests throughout the game will ask for them. See also our Iron Ingots guide and Bricks guide for more resource tips.
- Don’t over-terraform: Some rocks serve an ecological or structural purpose. Breaking everything at once may affect water flow and habitat conditions in unexpected ways.
- Save before major terraforming: Before breaking a large number of rocks or drastically altering the landscape, save your game first.
- Mark important habitats: Use the in-game map markers to track where you’ve placed special habitats like the Exercise Resting Spot so you don’t accidentally build over them.
- Punching Bag respawn: If you accidentally move or lose the Punching Bag, check your inventory first. It typically respawns at its original location after a few in-game days.
For more ways to develop your Pokopia island, explore our guides on opening area gates and raising Trainer Rank, getting Leaves, and getting Lumber.
Other Moves You Can Learn in Pokemon Pokopia
Rock Smash is just one of many environmental moves available in Pokopia. Each move is tied to a specific Pokemon and unlocked by completing a habitat request. For a complete breakdown, check out our full list of all Pokemon Pokopia moves and transformations. For example, Scyther — also found in the Withered Wasteland — teaches you Cut if you bring it 2 Sturdy Sticks.
If you’re working through the main story too, our Team Initiation Challenge walkthrough is a great companion resource.
Where to Buy Pokemon Pokopia
Pokemon Pokopia is available on Nintendo Switch 2. Pick up your copy from the official Nintendo Store or visit the official Pokemon Pokopia website for more information. If you want to play with friends, see our guide on how to GameShare Pokemon Pokopia on Switch.
Frequently Asked Questions – Rock Smash in Pokemon Pokopia
Where is the Punching Bag located in Pokemon Pokopia?
The Punching Bag is found in the Withered Wasteland area, near the ruins of the Pokemon Center. It’s located to the left of the broken PC. Pick it up and place it next to the nearby wooden bench to create the Exercise Resting Spot habitat and attract Hitmonchan.
How long does it take for Hitmonchan to appear after building the habitat?
Hitmonchan typically appears within a few minutes of real time after you place the Punching Bag next to the bench. Use the waiting period to gather 2 stones, explore nearby areas, or complete other small tasks around the Wasteland.
Do I need to keep Hitmonchan in my party to use Rock Smash?
No. Once Hitmonchan teaches you Rock Smash, the move is permanently available and can be used at any time. Simply equip it using the Left or Right cursor buttons. Hitmonchan can remain in its habitat or join your collection — it does not need to be active for you to use the move.
What rocks should I break first after learning Rock Smash?
Head to the back wall of the Withered Wasteland and smash the rocks that are visibly leaking water. Breaking them releases the water flow and opens up the possibility of new Water-type Pokemon habitats. Additionally, breaking the wall east of the Pokemon Center reveals Drilbur and unlocks the Rototiller Transformation needed for farming.
Can I get Rock Smash from any other Pokemon in Pokopia?
In the current version of Pokemon Pokopia, Hitmonchan is the only Pokemon that teaches Rock Smash through the befriending and habitat mechanic. Other Fighting-type Pokemon may appear in the game, but Rock Smash is exclusively tied to Hitmonchan at this time.