What number is 999 Pokémon?
As a passionate Pokémon gamer and content creator, one of the most common questions I‘ve gotten recently is "what Pokémon is number 999?" And the answer is the intriguing new Ghost/Rock-type known as Gimmighoul, introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Key Facts on the 999th Pokémon
According to Serebii‘s official Pokédex listing, here are the key facts on this unique Pokémon:
- National Pokédex Number: #999 [1]
- Classification: Coin Chest Pokémon
- Type: Ghost/Rock
- Abilities: Rattled (hidden – Roaming Spirit)
- Height: 1‘08′′ (0.5m)
- Weight: 15.4 lbs (7.0 kg)
Right away the Ghost/Rock typing stands out as an unusual combination rarely seen in the Pokémon world. And Gimmighoul‘s classification as the "Coin Chest Pokémon" ties directly into its very unique evolution method.
[1] https://www.serebii.net/pokedex-swsh/gimmighoul/Evolving Gimmighoul into Gholdengo
What makes Gimmighoul so different from any other Pokémon is the specific requirement to collect 999 of its Coins before it can evolve. As players defeat Gimmighoul in battle, it will randomly drop between 1-3 Coins. Once the player has amassed exactly 999 Coins, then leveling up a Gimmighoul to Level 42 or higher triggers the evolution into Gholdengo [2].
For context, most Pokémon evolve simply by reaching a certain level. Some require specific stones or trading while others evolve under certain environmental conditions like friendship. But no Pokémon before has forced players to grind battles just for the chance to collect items to enable an evolution. Based on estimates, collecting 999 Coins requires defeating between 333-999 Gimmighoul depending on your luck [3]. That‘s a massive amount of effort!
As a hardcore Pokémon player, I love this new evolution method as it hearkens back to old school JRPGs where gaining a super rare item, weapon or piece of equipment felt like a monumental achievement. And the payoff is worth it, as…
[2] https://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-sword-shield/How_to_Evolve_Gimmighoul_into_Gholdengo[3] https://gamerant.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-gimmighoul-evolve-gholdengo/
Gholdengo‘s Power
When Gimmighoul finally evolves into the mighty Gholdengo, its Ghost/Steel-typing and stat spread position it as a formidable Trick Room sweeper or tank [4]. Check out the stat comparison:
| Gimmighoul | Gholdengo | |
| HP | 60 | 80 |
| Attack | 40 | 100 |
| Defense | 90 | 145 |
| Sp. Atk | 40 | 100 |
| Sp. Def | 90 | 145 |
| Speed | 15 | 15 |
That huge boost of 45 points in both defenses in combination with the gains to Attack, Sp. Atk and HP make Gholdengo a force to be reckoned with at high levels. And with access to moves like Trick Room, Autotomize and weakness exploiting STAB attacks like Shadow Claw and Iron Head, players who put in the long hours to evolve Gimmighoul will have a potent weapon for competitive battles.
The Inspiration Behind Gimmighoul
In terms of design and inspiration, Gimmighoul seems connected to old legends around spirits haunting places where money is stored, such as pirate treasure chests full of gold and jewels. This explains Gimmighoul‘s Ghost/Rock dual-type and clear treasure chest visual motif [5]. And modern urban legends speak of a haunted coin purse named Gimmighoul!
GameFreak also confirmed that Gimmighoul and Gholdengo were based around the key themes of "value" and "bodies" in Scarlet/Violet. So collecting coins and evolving Gimmighoul is tied into concepts around material value and the way our bodies change over time [6]. Truly creative ideas that show why Pokémon remains captivating after 25+ years and 1,000 amazing beasties!
[5] https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-paldea-myths-legends-gimmighoul-origins/[6] https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/all-pokemon-scarlet-violet-themes-new-gen-9-interview-1932006/
Closing Thoughts
Well I hope this guide has shed some light on the #999 Pokémon for those wondering "what number is 999 Pokémon in the Pokédex?" Gimmighoul and its exceptionally rare evolution Gholdengo are some of the most unique Pokémon ever designed. The creative method to evolve Gimmighoul shows GameFreak still has plenty of fresh ideas even after 1000 Pokémon – and I cannot wait to see what comes next!
Let me know your thoughts on these spooky new species. And as always, thanks for reading Tamashii Comics – your home for gaming news and discussion!
