Generation II was a leap in terms of gameplay and amount of content. Featuring both Johto and Kanto, it improved on Generation I in almost every aspect. This Generation contains the games Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Overcoming this arduous journey might not have been possible if it weren’t for TMs (technical machines).

We know their purpose, but little is known about how they work. TMs involve a combination of a Pokémon and an intricate device. To aid you on your journey, we’ve compiled this list. This is ranking the ten best TMs in Pokémon Generation II.

10 TM23 - Iron Tail

Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal kept much of the same gameplay as the first generation but expanded on the world in so many ways. One of Generation II’s highlights was the introduction of new element types.

TM23 Iron Tail is a Steel-type move, and one of the most effective TMs of the generation. It has a power rating of 100 and an accuracy rating of 75%. Since it can lower an opponent’s Defense stat, it is an exceptional move in battle.

9 TM14 - Blizzard

This icy move delivers a significant amount of special damage. With a power rating of 110 and an accuracy rating of 70%, it has the potential to freeze an enemy. The PP is a low 5 points, and the move’s accuracy rating was lowered in Generation II, which is why it places lower on this list. Despite its pitfalls, Blizzard is the most powerful Ice-type move in Generation II.

8 TM15 - Hyper Beam

When we look for the best TMs in the game, we look at factors such as if the move deals substantial damage, the move’s accuracy, and if it requires two turns.

Hyper Beam instantly deals 150 damage. With 90% accuracy, it requires a recharge turn after every use. However, if you win the battle, it does not need a recharge. This differs from Generation I, where recharging was only required if an opposing Pokémon did not faint. For these reasons, it is considered one of the best TMs in the game.

7 TM06 - Toxic

This non-damaging move infects an opposing Pokémon with a status condition. They become badly poisoned and are increasingly affected by Toxic. If used in combination with moves like Recover or Rest, Toxic can be one of the most effective moves of Generation II. A variety of Poison-type Pokémon can learn this move by TM. It is an essential part of any lineup; it allows you to catch Pokémon easier as well.

6 TM30 - Shadow Ball

Introduced in Generation II of the main series Pokémon games, TM30 is Shadow Ball. It is a Ghost-type damage-dealing move that has an 80 power rating and 100% accuracy. You can get this TM from the fourth Gym Leader in Ecruteak City. This TM benefits you in the long-run, so use it as soon as possible.

It’s not the most powerful move on this list, but it is highly accurate and a unique element-type. Most trainers don’t expect to face-off against Ghost-type, which is super effective against Ghost-type and Psychic-type. It is not very effective against Dark-type and Steel-type.

5 TM38 - Fire Blast

In the first generation of the main series Pokémon games, Fire Blast had a 30% chance to burn its target. In Generation II, this percentage was nerfed to 10%. Used with the Generation II move Sunny Day, it can deal 50% more damage than usual.

TM38 Fire Blast carries a 110 power rating and has 85% accuracy. This finishing attack deals a tremendous amount of damage and is super effective against Bug, Grass, Ice, and Steel-type.

4 TM29 - Psychic

Like many of the most powerful moves from each element-type, Psychic was nerfed. In Generation II, it now has a 10% chance to lower a target’s Special Defense. Psychic’s damage is dependent on a Pokémon’s Special Attack, so it can deal even more damage as it lowers an opponent’s Special Defense. Generation 2’s Espeon would greatly benefit from learning Psychic.

3 TM36 - Sludge Bomb

Seasoned Pokémon trainers understand the frustration of fighting a Poison-type Pokémon. Sludge Bomb is the ideal Poison-type move to have on your lineup. It is the most powerful Poison-type move of Generation II with a 90 power rating and 100% accuracy. It has a 30% chance to poison your target and is considered a better version of the Sludge attack.

2 TM19 - Giga Drain

Introduced in Generation II of the main series Pokémon games, Giga Drain is the strongest Grass-type move of the three Grass draining moves. Giga Drain has a 75 Power Rating and 100% accuracy. 50% of Giga Drain’s damage is restored to the attacker as HP. For restoring HP as it delivers a significant amount of damage, Giga Drain is considered one of the best TMs in the game. Giga Drain is super effective against Ground, Rock, and Water-type.

1 TM26 - Earthquake

Albeit some trainers will disagree with this placement, TM26 Earthquake is a heavy-damage dealing move. It is the only move with a Power Rating above 100 that has 100% accuracy. Watch out for Earthquake users from Generation II like Donphan and Steelix.

This move was changed to affect opposing Pokémon, who are in the first-stage of Dig. If an opposing Pokémon has burrowed underground, Earthquake does twice the amount of damage!

NEXT: Pokémon: 10 Times The Games Contradicted Their Own Canon