How to Evolve Gimmighoul in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Some of the most unassuming Pokemon have a tendency to evolve into gigantic, incredibly powerful forms. The most obvious example of this is Magikarp’s evolution into Gyarados, though some of these special evolutions require a bit more legwork. Gimmighoul’s evolution in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is an example of that. Here’s how to evolve Gimmighoul in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

How to Evolve Gimmighoul in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Gimmighouls appear all over the Paldea region of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, specifically in their disguised chest form. When you approach one of these red-and-gold chests, Gimmighoul pops out and reveals its stash of gold coins. At this point, you can pick a fight with it and catch it if you’re quick enough, but in its base state, Gimmighoul can’t do much fighting. If you can evolve it, though, that’s another story.

Related: What Are Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Starter Evolution Types?

In order to evolve Gimmighoul, you need to collect large quantities of its gold coins. Every time you encounter a Gimmighoul and get into a fight with it, if you’re able to KO it, you’ll receive a payout of 50 coins. These coins are stashed in your inventory alongside other evolutionary items, but you can’t use them until you’ve grabbed enough.

Farming Coins

So how many coins do you need? Well, you need as many as possible. Literally. You need 999 of Gimmighoul’s coins before you can evolve it. That’s about 20 Gimmighoul encounters and knockouts in total. It may sound a bit daunting, but the good news is that, whether you KO it or it runs away, Gimmighouls will always respawn in the same spot you encountered it. After you fight a Gimmighoul, go pass some time in-game, then come back later to rough it up again.

Once you’ve accumulated 999 gold coins, put Gimmighoul in your party and get it up one level. It’ll consume the coins and evolve on the spot to the golden-bodied Gholdengo. It may look like a string-cheese mascot from the 90s, but its signature ability, Good as Gold, makes it immune to all status effects. You can’t beat that kind of resilience.

Remember, if you find a Gimmighoul, make a note of it on your map so you can come back and shake it down later. Is it ethical? Eh, jury’s out on that.