HMs were annoying, but having no hms is I feel a big factor in all the linear short routes.

I feel like the new games would benefit from HMs but they need a bit of a revamp, how would it work best?

For me, pokemon should be able to have out of battle abilities that they can learn, so cut would be an ability but not take up a move slot and wouldn't be usable in battle. They could maybe be taught through a key item, something like the traveller's manual or a better name.

The abilities could be unlocked gradually through badge progression through some pretty simple dialogue "I don't want to show you how to use x technique yet, the technique is dangerous for an inexperienced trainer, come back when you can show me x badges"

Page pokemon were a good idea but I honestly like the idea more that you traverse places with your own partners rather than just some random pokemon version of uber.

What are some other ideas you have for how HMs could be revamped?