How to Get Shiny Gimmighoul in Pokémon GO

Looking to add Shiny Gimmighoul to your Pokémon GO collection? You’re not alone! As one of the most mysterious and sought-after shiny Pokémon introduced during the game’s 9th Anniversary celebration, Shiny Gimmighoul has captured the attention of both casual players and hardcore shiny hunters alike.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting Shiny Gimmighoul in Pokémon GO, including how it spawns, how to increase your odds, what methods to use, and important things to avoid—especially during special events. Let’s dive right in!


🧩 What Is Shiny Gimmighoul?

Shiny Gimmighoul is the rare alternate-color version of Gimmighoul, a Ghost-type Pokémon originally introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet on the Nintendo Switch. Its roaming form made its mobile debut in Pokémon GO through a special integration between the mobile app and the Switch titles.

🔍 Visual Differences

  • Normal Gimmighoul: Silver body with gold accents.
  • Shiny Gimmighoul: Slightly whiter, paler body that appears more ghostly and spectral.

While the color difference may be subtle, the rarity of this form makes it highly desirable. Plus, it evolves into a visually striking Shiny Gholdengo, making it even more valuable to collectors.


⚡ Can Shiny Gimmighoul Evolve in Pokémon GO?

Yes—but with conditions.

✅ Evolvable: Standard Shiny Gimmighoul (Roaming Form)

If you catch a regular Shiny Gimmighoul via the Coin Bag method, you can evolve it into Shiny Gholdengo.

Evolution Requirements:

  • 999 Gimmighoul Coins
  • These coins are collected by:
    • Spinning Golden PokéStops
    • Catching Gimmighoul spawned by a Coin Bag

🚫 Not Evolvable: Anniversary Variant with “9” Coin

During the Pokémon GO 9th Anniversary Event, Niantic introduced a special costumed version of Gimmighoul with a “9” on its coin.

  • This variant cannot evolve, even if shiny.
  • It features a unique background in the Pokémon summary screen.
  • While rare and fun to collect, it’s purely cosmetic.

Important Tip: If you want to evolve into Shiny Gholdengo, make sure your Shiny Gimmighoul does not have the “9” coin.


🎯 How to Get Shiny Gimmighoul in Pokémon GO

Now that you know what to look for, let’s talk about how to actually get your hands on Shiny Gimmighoul. There are currently two primary methods, both of which involve some preparation and timing.


🔗 Method 1: Use the Coin Bag via Pokémon Scarlet or Violet

The main method to encounter Roaming Form Gimmighoul (including its shiny variant) is by using the Coin Bag, which works similarly to the Meltan Mystery Box.

🔹 What You’ll Need:

  • A Nintendo Switch with Pokémon Scarlet or Violet
  • A copy of Pokémon GO
  • A Nintendo Account linked to both devices

🔹 How to Activate the Coin Bag:

  1. Link Pokémon GO to Scarlet/Violet
    • Open Pokémon GO > Settings > Connected Devices & Services > Nintendo Switch
    • Follow the prompts to pair with your Switch
  2. Send a Postcard from GO to Switch
    • In Pokémon GO, tap on a PokéStop postcard
    • Choose “Send to Nintendo Switch”
  3. Receive the Coin Bag
    • After sending, you’ll get a Coin Bag in your inventory
    • You can use the Coin Bag once per day, and sending new postcards refreshes your access
  4. Use the Coin Bag in Pokémon GO
    • Activate the Coin Bag to spawn Roaming Form Gimmighoul for 30 minutes
    • These spawns will appear similar to incense-spawned Pokémon
  5. Check Each Spawn for a Shiny
    • Gimmighoul from Coin Bags have a small shiny chance
    • Be sure to tap and check every one

💡 Pro Tip: Walk around or use a lure module nearby to maximize your spawns during the 30-minute window.


🎉 Method 2: Participate in Special Events and Research

During limited-time events like the Pokémon GO 9th Anniversary, Niantic often includes Timed Research and Field Research Tasks that reward encounters with Gimmighoul.

🔹 Key Details for the 9th Anniversary Event:

  • Dates: Runs through July 6, 2025
  • Shiny Gimmighoul debut
  • Special costumed Gimmighoul with “9” coin available
  • Some research tasks reward standard Roaming Form Gimmighoul encounters (these can be shiny and evolvable)

🧪 What to Watch For:

  • Timed Research chains labeled “Anniversary Celebration”
  • Field Research tasks from spinning PokéStops during the event
  • Special PokéStops with golden sparkle effects

⚠️ Reminder: Shiny Gimmighoul from research might also be the non-evolvable costumed variant, so double-check the coin type.


🧿 Bonus Method: Golden PokéStops and Lure Modules

While not guaranteed to spawn Gimmighoul, using Golden Lure Modules on PokéStops increases the odds of Gimmighoul encounters and may yield Gimmighoul Coins.

  • To craft Golden Lures, send multiple postcards from Pokémon GO to Scarlet/Violet.
  • Apply the lure on a PokéStop to turn it gold.
  • Spin the stop for:
    • Gimmighoul Coins
    • Gimmighoul spawns (low chance)
    • Other rare items

While you can’t directly shiny hunt Gimmighoul through Golden PokéStops like you can with the Coin Bag, they are vital for collecting the 999 coins needed for evolution.


💡 Tips to Maximize Your Shiny Gimmighoul Hunt

To increase your odds and make your grind more efficient, here are a few key strategies:

🔁 Send Postcards Daily

  • The Coin Bag resets every 24 hours
  • Sending a postcard ensures you can use the bag again
  • You can stockpile postcards from unique PokéStops to use later

🚶‍♂️ Walk During Coin Bag Activation

  • The more you move, the more Gimmighoul spawns
  • Incense mechanics favor movement for spawning Pokémon

📆 Focus on Event Timings

  • Niantic often boosts shiny rates during events
  • Keep an eye on news posts and event announcements

💸 Use Star Pieces and Lucky Eggs

  • While hunting Gimmighoul, take advantage of overlapping events to boost XP and Stardust

🧾 Can You Hatch or Raid Shiny Gimmighoul?

No. As of now:

  • Gimmighoul cannot be hatched from eggs
  • There are no Gimmighoul raids
  • All Gimmighoul encounters come from Coin Bags, Golden PokéStops, or event research

📦 Can You Trade Shiny Gimmighoul?

Yes—but with restrictions.

  • Gimmighoul is a Ghost-type, which makes it a Special Trade when shiny
  • You can only do one Special Trade per day
  • You need to be at least Good Friends with the other trainer
  • Stardust cost is reduced if you’re Best Friends

🛑 Tip: Wait until you’re Best Friends before trading shiny Pokémon to save resources.


📲 How to Check If Your Gimmighoul Is Shiny or Evolvable

To verify your Shiny Gimmighoul:

Open the Pokémon Summary Screen

  • Look for the sparkling shiny icon next to its name
  • Tap the coin icon to see if it has the “9” or standard design

If it’s shiny and lacks the “9” mark, congrats—you can evolve it!


🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can Shiny Gimmighoul appear in the wild?

No. Gimmighoul cannot appear in the regular wild. Only Coin Bag spawns or event rewards can yield shiny versions.

❓ What are the shiny odds for Gimmighoul?

While Niantic doesn’t officially confirm shiny rates, most special spawns during events have standard shiny odds (~1 in 64 to 1 in 128).

❓ How long will the “9” coin Gimmighoul be available?

Only during the 9th Anniversary Event (through July 6, 2025).


✅ Final Thoughts

Shiny Gimmighoul is one of the most exciting recent additions to Pokémon GO, combining a sleek design with a fun, challenging method of acquisition. Whether you’re syncing with Scarlet/Violet or grinding through research tasks, the shiny hunt offers plenty of rewards—and bragging rights.

Just remember:

  • Use the Coin Bag daily
  • Avoid evolving the “9” coin variant
  • Stack your coins for Shiny Gholdengo

Happy hunting, Trainers—and may your next Gimmighoul sparkle!


📣 Stay Updated!

For real-time event updates and shiny hunting tips:

  • Follow @PokemonGoApp on Twitter
  • Join your local Discord or Facebook groups
  • Check the in-game News tab regularly

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