Your Guide to Catching the Coin Chest Pokemon
You’re scrolling through your Pokemon Go feed, and you see it: a strange, ghostly creature clinging to a treasure chest, shared by a lucky trainer. You tap on the post, your curiosity piqued. “How did they get that?” you wonder. This isn’t your typical wild spawn. This is Gimmighoul, the Coin Chest Pokemon, and its arrival in Pokemon Go is tied to one of the most unique cross-game mechanics Niantic has ever introduced.
If you’ve been searching for how to add this spectral collector to your Pokedex, you’ve likely found the process a bit confusing. The methods have evolved since its debut, and understanding the link between Pokemon Go and the main series games is key. This guide will walk you through every current and past method to find, attract, and finally catch Gimmighoul in its Roaming Form.
Understanding Gimmighoul’s Unique Nature
Gimmighoul isn’t just another rare spawn. Its design and mechanics are deeply inspired by its role in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. In those games, Gimmighoul hides inside ruins and chests, collecting coins. This theme translates directly into Pokemon Go’s mechanics.
There are two primary forms to know about: the Chest Form, which is exclusive to the main series games, and the Roaming Form, which is the one you can encounter in Pokemon Go. The Roaming Form appears as a small, gray ghost holding a single golden coin. Your goal is to find this elusive creature and collect enough of its prized Gimmighoul Coins to convince it to join you permanently.
The Original Method: Linking with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
When Gimmighoul first debuted in Pokemon Go, the only way to find it was by connecting your game to a Nintendo Switch with Pokemon Scarlet or Violet. This process created a special item called the Coin Bag, which functioned similarly to Incense but specifically for attracting Gimmighoul.
Here was the original step-by-step process:
– Open Pokemon Scarlet or Violet on your Nintendo Switch and open the Poke Portal.
– Select Mystery Gift, then choose Connect to Pokemon Go.
– On your Pokemon Go app, navigate to Settings, then Connected Devices and Services, and select Nintendo Switch.
– Follow the on-screen prompts to pair your phone and Switch. Once linked, the game would send a Postcard from Pokemon Go to Scarlet/Violet.
– Sending your first Postcard would reward you with the Coin Bag in Pokemon Go. Using the Coin Bag would attract Roaming Form Gimmighoul to your location for 30 minutes, much like how Meltan is attracted by the Mystery Box.
This method still works and is a reliable way to farm Gimmighoul Coins if you have access to the Switch games. Each Gimmighoul caught this way drops between 5 and 15 coins.
How to Get Gimmighoul Coins in Pokemon Go
Catching the Pokemon is only half the battle. To actually earn a Gimmighoul of your own, you need 999 Gimmighoul Coins. This is the core grind and the main answer to “how to get” this Pokemon. The coins are collected from two primary sources.
The first and most direct source is catching Roaming Form Gimmighoul. Every time you catch one, it will drop a random amount of coins. The second source is from spinning Golden PokeStops. These are special PokeStops that have a golden hue and emit golden modules. Spinning a Golden PokeStop will grant you a substantial number of Gimmighoul Coins, often between 20 and 40, which significantly speeds up your collection.
Golden PokeStops appear when a Golden Lure Module is used on a regular PokeStop. And here’s the critical link: you get Golden Lure Modules by sending Postcards to Pokemon Scarlet or Violet. Sending one Postcard per day will eventually reward you with a Golden Lure Module, which you can then deploy.
The Current Standalone Method: Golden Lure Modules
For trainers without a Nintendo Switch, the path to Gimmighoul became much clearer with the introduction of a more accessible method. While you still benefit greatly from the Scarlet/Violet link, you can now obtain Golden Lure Modules through occasional in-game events or special research tasks.
Niantic has periodically featured events where Golden Lure Modules are research rewards or can be found by completing specific collection challenges. During these events, any trainer can acquire a module, use it on a PokeStop to turn it gold, and spin it to receive Gimmighoul Coins. This allows everyone to work toward the 999-coin goal, albeit at a slower pace than those using the daily Postcard method.
Keep an eye on the in-game news tab for announcements about events featuring Gimmighoul or Golden Lure Modules. These are your best opportunities to make significant coin progress as a standalone player.
Step-by-Step: The Path to Your Gimmighoul
Let’s break down the complete journey from zero to having Gimmighoul registered in your Pokedex.
Phase One: Coin Collection
Your first and longest phase is collecting 999 Gimmighoul Coins. Choose your method based on the tools available to you.
If you have Pokemon Scarlet/Violet and a Switch, commit to sending one Postcard from Pokemon Go every day. This daily interaction will, after a few days, grant you a Golden Lure Module. Use this module on a PokeStop in a location convenient for you and other players to spin frequently. Coordinate with friends to maximize spins. Simultaneously, use the Coin Bag you received from your first connection to catch Roaming Form Gimmighoul for additional coins.
If you are playing standalone, your strategy is event-dependent. Participate fully in any event that offers Golden Lure Modules as a reward. When you get one, use it strategically. Spin the Golden PokeStop it creates every five minutes for the full 30-minute duration to maximize your coin haul from that single module.
Phase Two: The Evolution to Gholdengo
Once you have amassed 999 Gimmighoul Coins, the process changes. You do not simply evolve Gimmighoul. First, you must use the coins to purchase the “Gimmighoul Coin Bag” upgrade from the in-game shop. This is a free purchase that consumes your 999 coins.
After purchasing the upgrade, you need to catch a Roaming Form Gimmighoul. This is the crucial final step. The next Roaming Form Gimmighoul you catch after spending your coins will immediately evolve into Gholdengo, the coveted Steel/Ghost-type Pokemon made of 1,000 coins. The evolution happens automatically upon catch; you do not need to use any Candy.
Remember, you must have the upgraded bag and then catch a Gimmighoul. The order is essential: collect 999 coins, buy the bag upgrade, then catch your final Gimmighoul.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Many trainers hit snags during this process. Here are solutions to the most frequent problems.
If your Coin Bag or Golden Lure Module isn’t attracting Gimmighoul, ensure you are moving. These items, like Incense, are most effective when you are walking. Staying stationary will result in very few, if any, spawns.
If you are having trouble connecting your Pokemon Go account to Pokemon Scarlet/Violet, ensure both devices are on the same stable Wi-Fi network. Bluetooth must be enabled on your phone. Restart both the Switch and the Pokemon Go app if the connection fails. The link can be finicky, so patience is key.
For trainers wondering why they can’t find Golden PokeStops, remember they only appear when a Golden Lure Module is active. They are not permanently on the map. Check your local community channels to see if any trainers have announced they are deploying a module.
Alternative Strategies for Coin Farming
Beyond the primary methods, consider these tips to optimize your grind. When using a Coin Bag, activate it in an area with high natural spawn density, such as a park or downtown area with multiple PokeStops. The increased base spawn rate can compound with the bag’s effect.
Coordinate with your local Pokemon Go community. If multiple players plan to use Golden Lure Modules on adjacent PokeStops simultaneously, everyone can spin multiple golden stops, multiplying coin gains for the entire group. This community effort is the fastest way to gather coins outside of major events.
Finally, always have plenty of Poke Balls and Berries ready. When your Coin Bag is active or you find a Golden Lure party, you don’t want to run out of resources mid-session. Use Pinap Berries on Gimmighoul to earn extra Candy for powering up your future Gholdengo.
Mastering the Coin Chest Ghost
The journey to get Gimmighoul in Pokemon Go is a test of patience and resource management. It mirrors the creature’s own obsession with collecting treasure. Whether you’re leveraging the deep connection with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet or patiently capitalizing on in-game events, the path is now clear.
Start by assessing your available tools. Do you have the Switch games? If so, begin the daily Postcard routine today. If not, focus on stockpiling resources and preparing for the next event featuring Golden Lure Modules. Your immediate action should be to open your Pokemon Go app, check the News section for any active events, and then take the first step on your coin-collecting journey. The road to 999 coins is long, but the moment your catch transforms into the shining Gholdengo makes every spin and every catch worthwhile.
