Pokémon GO 10th Anniversary Guide: Shiny Gimmighoul & Bonuses
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Pokémon GO is celebrating a full decade with the 10th Anniversary Party, a limited-time event featuring a new anniversary-themed Gimmighoul, increased Shiny chances, four-times Catch XP, four-times Catch Stardust, costume Pokémon, exclusive evolution attacks, and paid Timed Research.
The main celebration runs from Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to Monday, July 6, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time. However, several Gimmighoul-related features—including the anniversary costume, Shiny eligibility, Coin Bag encounters, and Special Background chance—remain active until Friday, July 31 at 11:59 p.m. local time.
This complete guide explains how to find Shiny anniversary Gimmighoul, use the Coin Bag and Golden Lure Module, maximize the XP and Stardust bonuses, complete the paid research, obtain exclusive attacks, and avoid missing time-sensitive rewards.
Pokémon GO 10th Anniversary Event Overview
The event uses two different availability windows. Most bonuses and wild encounters end on July 6, while the special anniversary Gimmighoul features continue throughout most of July. Players who only care about Shiny Gimmighoul therefore have considerably more time than those farming XP, Stardust, or costume Pokémon.
When Is the Pokémon GO 10th Anniversary Event?
The Pokémon GO 10th Anniversary Party begins on July 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. local time and ends on July 6 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
During this main event period, players receive:
Four-times XP for catching Pokémon
Four-times Stardust for catching Pokémon
Increased Shiny odds for event-themed wild Pokémon
Special costume Pokémon in the wild
Anniversary Field Research
Access to the paid Timed Research
Exclusive evolution attacks for Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise
The complete event announcement is available on the official Pokémon GO 10th Anniversary Party page.
Which Features Continue Until July 31?
From July 4 at 10:00 a.m. until July 31 at 11:59 p.m. local time, the following remain available:
Gimmighoul holding a 10th anniversary coin
Shiny anniversary Gimmighoul encounters
Anniversary Gimmighoul from Coin Bags
Anniversary Gimmighoul from Golden Lure Modules
A chance for anniversary Gimmighoul to have a Special Background
The four-times Catch XP, four-times Catch Stardust and boosted wild costume Pokémon are not listed as month-long bonuses. Those belong to the shorter July 4–6 event period.
Anniversary Coin Gimmighoul Debut
The event introduces a new costumed version of Roaming Form Gimmighoul holding a 10th anniversary coin.
This anniversary Gimmighoul can be attracted by:
A Coin Bag
A Golden Lure Module
It can also be Shiny, and some encounters may have a Special Background. The official announcement does not disclose the encounter rate, Shiny rate, or Special Background probability.
This is an event-themed costume rather than a newly announced Gimmighoul species or evolution. Players should check the individual Pokémon’s detail page before attempting to evolve it, because the official event announcement does not confirm whether this costumed form can evolve or whether its anniversary appearance would remain after evolution.
Can Anniversary Gimmighoul Be Shiny?
Yes. Gimmighoul holding the 10th anniversary coin is confirmed as Shiny eligible.
Both Coin Bag and Golden Lure Module encounters can produce the new costumed Gimmighoul, and the event announcement marks that encounter as potentially Shiny. However, a Coin Bag does not guarantee a Shiny encounter, and Pokémon GO has not published the exact odds.
Can Anniversary Gimmighoul Have a Special Background?
Yes. Anniversary Gimmighoul encountered during the extended July event period may have a Special Background.
The paid Timed Research includes an anniversary Gimmighoul encounter with a confirmed Special Background. For normal Coin Bag and Golden Lure encounters, the background is only a possibility.
The rarest collection target may therefore be an anniversary-costume Gimmighoul that is simultaneously:
Shiny
Equipped with the 10th anniversary coin
Marked with a Special Background
High IV
Shiny status and Special Background status are separate characteristics. Receiving one does not guarantee the other.
How to Get Anniversary Gimmighoul
There are three confirmed methods for obtaining the event version.
Method 1: Use a Coin Bag
The Coin Bag is a special Incense that attracts Roaming Form Gimmighoul around the player for 30 minutes. It works best while the player is moving.
To obtain and recharge the Coin Bag:
Connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet.
Send a saved Postcard from Pokémon GO to the connected Nintendo Switch game.
Receive the Coin Bag the first time the connection is used.
Send another Postcard on a later day to make the Coin Bag usable again.
Activate the Coin Bag from the Item Bag.
Move through a safe area while checking each Gimmighoul.
A Postcard can normally be sent once per day, resetting at midnight. The Coin Bag cannot run at the same time as another form of Incense.
Method 2: Use a Golden Lure Module
A Golden Lure Module converts a PokéStop into a Golden PokéStop and attracts wild Pokémon to that location. It can occasionally attract Roaming Form Gimmighoul, and the anniversary event allows it to attract the special 10th anniversary version.
Unlike a Coin Bag, a Golden Lure benefits every nearby Trainer. This makes it more suitable for organized community gatherings or locations containing several closely grouped PokéStops.
Method 3: Complete the Paid Timed Research
The event-exclusive paid Timed Research rewards an encounter with Gimmighoul holding the 10th anniversary coin and guarantees that the Pokémon has a Special Background.
The research does not guarantee that the Gimmighoul will be Shiny.
Coin Bag vs Golden Lure Module
Use the Coin Bag for consistent personal hunting. Because it follows the player, it is easier to combine with walking routes and high-volume catching.
Use Golden Lure Modules with a group. Several players can deploy their Lures around a compact park or city area and benefit from one another’s spawns.
The most efficient plan is to use a Coin Bag whenever available throughout July and also attend community Golden Lure sessions.
How to Get a Coin Bag
The first Coin Bag is obtained by connecting Pokémon GO to Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet and sending a Postcard.
After the first connection:
Sending another Postcard allows the Coin Bag to be used again.
Only one Postcard can normally be sent each day.
Each individual Postcard can only be sent once.
The daily Postcard limit resets at midnight.
These mechanics require access to Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet on Nintendo Switch, either through your own game or a trusted friend’s device.
How to Get Golden Lure Modules
Golden Lure Modules are earned by sending multiple Postcards from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet.
Players can normally carry only one Golden Lure Module at a time. When a player already has one, a later qualifying reward may provide Gimmighoul Coins instead of another Golden Lure.
Use any saved Golden Lure before becoming eligible for another one so the next reward is not replaced.
Best Shiny Gimmighoul Hunting Strategy
Use the Entire July Window
Do not restrict your hunt to the three-day anniversary party. Anniversary Gimmighoul remains available until July 31 at 11:59 p.m. local time.
Use as many Coin Bag activations as your Scarlet or Violet connection allows. More encounters create more opportunities for both Shiny status and Special Backgrounds.
Move While the Coin Bag Is Active
The Coin Bag works best while walking. Choose a safe route where you can move continuously without frequently stopping for traffic, difficult terrain, or a lack of mobile signal.
Organize Golden Lure Sessions
For group hunting:
Find a location with several nearby PokéStops.
Ask each participant to prepare a Golden Lure.
Place the Lures where most players can remain within range.
Avoid spreading the group across distant PokéStops.
Check each Gimmighoul before transferring it.
Campfire, Discord communities and local social groups can help coordinate these sessions.
Clear Storage Before Each Hunt
Anniversary Gimmighoul must be checked for multiple valuable attributes. Avoid transferring it immediately.
Check:
Costume
Shiny symbol
Special Background
IV appraisal
Size record
Trade value
Create a search tag for anniversary Gimmighoul and evaluate the entire group after the session.
Prioritize Encounters Over Catch Speed
Gimmighoul is the central collector target, so encounter volume matters. Use quick-catching techniques where appropriate, but confirm that the Pokémon has been registered as caught before moving to the next spawn.
All Pokémon GO 10th Anniversary Bonuses
The combined XP and Stardust bonuses make this one of the most efficient general catching events of the year. Even players who are not interested in costume Pokémon can gain substantial progression by catching every spawn.
How to Maximize the 4× Catch XP Bonus
Four-times Catch XP can become especially valuable when combined with accurate throws.
Recommended strategy:
Play in an area with dense natural spawns and PokéStops.
Use a Lucky Egg during your highest-volume catching period.
Prioritize Excellent Curveball Throws.
Catch common Pokémon instead of only checking rare targets.
Stack Friendship level increases during an active Lucky Egg when possible.
Use Mega Evolution bonuses where they support your chosen spawn types.
Do not spend too much time appraising Pokémon during the active XP period. Tag important catches and review them later.
How to Maximize the 4× Catch Stardust Bonus
Stardust rewards scale with the number and type of Pokémon caught.
To maximize the bonus:
Activate a Star Piece before entering a high-density area.
Catch every available Pokémon.
Look for species that normally award additional Stardust.
Use quick-catching where practical.
Keep sufficient Poké Balls and Pokémon Storage available.
Avoid spending the bonus period repeatedly transferring Pokémon.
The event announcement confirms the base four-times Catch Stardust bonus, but it does not announce extra Stardust for hatching, raids, research, or other activities.
Wild Encounters and Costume Pokémon
Confirmed wild encounters include:
Pikachu wearing a cake hat
Eevee wearing a party hat
Wurmple wearing a party hat
Additional event-themed Pokémon
All three specifically named costume Pokémon can be Shiny. The complete spawn list has not yet been published, so more species may be revealed in-game or through an additional announcement.
Cake Hat Pikachu
Cake Hat Pikachu is one of the clearest visual symbols of the anniversary celebration. Prioritize it when:
You are missing the costume in your Pokédex.
You want a Shiny version.
You collect costume Pikachu.
You need additional copies for trading.
Do not assume it can evolve unless the evolution button appears on its Pokémon detail page.
Party Hat Eevee
Party Hat Eevee is likely to attract particular interest because of Eevee’s popularity and multiple evolutions.
The announcement does not state whether this costume can evolve into the various Eeveelutions. Check the game before spending Candy or using evolution requirements.
Party Hat Wurmple
Party Hat Wurmple is another anniversary-themed collector target with a confirmed Shiny chance.
Because costume Wurmple has limited battle relevance, focus on:
Shiny status
IVs
Size records
Trade value
Costume collection completeness
Paid Timed Research Tasks and Rewards
The event ticket costs US$1.99 or the equivalent pricing tier in the player’s local currency. It cannot be purchased using PokéCoins.
Tickets can be gifted to Pokémon GO friends who have reached at least the Great Friends level. Purchases are generally non-refundable, subject to local law and the game’s terms.
Does the Paid Research Expire?
Yes. The research tasks must be completed and every reward must be claimed before July 6 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Buying the ticket does not permanently preserve the research. Any unfinished tasks or unclaimed rewards may disappear after the deadline.
Start the research early enough to avoid being blocked by walking, catching, spinning, or other task requirements.
Is the Paid Research Worth Buying?
The ticket is most valuable for collectors because it guarantees a Special Background anniversary Gimmighoul encounter.
It may also appeal to players who need the included Super Incubator and Premium Battle Pass. However, the ticket does not guarantee Shiny Gimmighoul, so dedicated Shiny hunters will still need to use Coin Bags and Golden Lure Modules.
The final value depends on:
How much you value Special Background Pokémon
Whether you need the included premium items
How easily you can complete the tasks before the deadline
Whether you already have access to regular anniversary Gimmighoul encounters
Featured Evolution Attacks
Three classic Kanto starter evolutions can learn their Community Day attacks during the event:
Evolve Ivysaur into Venusaur to learn Frenzy Plant
Evolve Charmeleon into Charizard to learn Blast Burn
Evolve Wartortle into Blastoise to learn Hydro Cannon
These attacks normally provide much better performance than the species’ standard Charged Attack options. The official announcement confirms all three evolution bonuses for the anniversary event.
Should You Evolve Venusaur?
Frenzy Plant is the main reason to prepare Venusaur candidates.
Prioritize:
High-IV Bulbasaur or Ivysaur for raids and Mega Venusaur
PvP-ranked candidates for Great League or Ultra League
Shiny candidates
Older Pokémon with collection value
Evolving during the event can save an Elite Charged TM.
Should You Evolve Charizard?
Blast Burn is one of Charizard’s most important attacks.
Consider evolving:
High-IV candidates for Mega Charizard
PvP candidates
Shiny Charmander
Valuable costume Charmander that displays an evolution option
Check the final evolution’s legal moves and costume retention before committing rare or collector Pokémon.
Should You Evolve Blastoise?
Hydro Cannon greatly improves Blastoise’s practical value.
Prepare:
High-IV Blastoise candidates
PvP-IV Squirtle or Wartortle
Mega Blastoise candidates
Shiny or costume Pokémon that are eligible to evolve
Anniversary Field Research
Event-themed Field Research tasks will be available from PokéStops during the main event. Completing them will reward encounters with event-themed Pokémon.
The official announcement does not yet provide:
Exact tasks
Full encounter pool
Shiny eligibility for every reward
Item reward quantities
Relative task rarity
The article should be updated after the event begins with a complete task-and-reward list.
Until then, prioritize encounter tasks over low-value item tasks when hunting costume Shinies.
Gimmighoul Coins and Gholdengo
Roaming Form Gimmighoul requires 999 Gimmighoul Coins to evolve into Gholdengo.
Coins can be earned by:
Catching Roaming Form Gimmighoul
Adventuring with Gimmighoul as your Buddy
Spinning Golden PokéStops
Using Golden Lure Modules
The original Gimmighoul connection announcement confirms the 999-coin evolution requirement.
Should You Evolve Anniversary Gimmighoul?
Wait until the event begins and inspect the evolution option.
The official anniversary announcement does not confirm:
Whether the costumed Gimmighoul can evolve
Whether Gholdengo would retain an anniversary feature
Whether a Special Background would remain visible after evolution
Because 999 Gimmighoul Coins require substantial effort, do not spend them on the anniversary form without verifying the result.
New Avatar Item, Stickers and Web Store Bundle
A new anniversary avatar item will be available through the in-game shop during the event.
Players can also obtain event-themed stickers by:
Spinning PokéStops
Opening Gifts
Purchasing them from the in-game shop
An official Pokémon GO Web Store bundle will be offered for US$1.99 or the equivalent local pricing tier. The bundle is separate from the US$1.99 paid Timed Research ticket.
Review the exact bundle contents before purchasing, as the initial announcement does not list every included item.
Best Pokémon GO 10th Anniversary Strategy
Before July 4
Prepare the following:
Clear Pokémon Storage.
Stock Poké Balls, Great Balls and Ultra Balls.
Save Lucky Eggs and Star Pieces.
Connect Pokémon GO to Pokémon Scarlet or Violet.
Confirm that your Coin Bag works.
Save a Golden Lure Module.
Tag Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle evolution candidates.
Locate a dense spawn route.
Find a local Golden Lure group.
During July 4–6
Follow this priority order:
Activate a Lucky Egg and Star Piece during high-volume catching.
Catch as many Pokémon as possible for XP and Stardust.
Shiny-check costume Pikachu, Eevee and Wurmple.
Complete the paid Timed Research before its deadline.
Evolve Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise candidates.
Complete valuable Field Research.
Use a Coin Bag.
Participate in Golden Lure sessions.
During July 7–31
After the main celebration ends:
Continue using the Coin Bag whenever possible.
Join Golden Lure gatherings.
Hunt Shiny anniversary Gimmighoul.
Check every encounter for a Special Background.
Collect Gimmighoul Coins.
Stop expecting the four-times XP and Stardust bonuses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming the complete anniversary event lasts until July 31
Forgetting that four-times XP and Stardust end on July 6
Missing the paid Timed Research deadline
Assuming the ticket guarantees Shiny Gimmighoul
Transferring Gimmighoul without checking its Special Background
Forgetting to activate the Coin Bag regularly
Holding a Golden Lure when becoming eligible for another one
Using only Shiny checks and ignoring the Catch Stardust bonus
Forgetting to evolve Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise
Spending 999 Gimmighoul Coins before confirming costume evolution behavior
Expecting every anniversary Gimmighoul to have a Special Background
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Pokémon GO 10th Anniversary event?
The main event runs from July 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. until July 6 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
How long is anniversary Gimmighoul available?
Gimmighoul holding the 10th anniversary coin is available from July 4 at 10:00 a.m. until July 31 at 11:59 p.m. local time.
Can anniversary Gimmighoul be Shiny?
Yes. The new costumed Gimmighoul is Shiny eligible, but a Shiny encounter is not guaranteed.
How do you get anniversary Gimmighoul?
Use a Coin Bag, visit a PokéStop with a Golden Lure Module, or complete the paid Timed Research.
Can anniversary Gimmighoul have a Special Background?
Yes. Normal anniversary encounters may have one, while the paid Timed Research encounter is confirmed to have a Special Background.
Does the event have boosted Shiny odds?
Event-themed Pokémon appearing in the wild are more likely to be Shiny during the July 4–6 main event.
What are the main event bonuses?
The primary bonuses are four-times Catch XP, four-times Catch Stardust and increased Shiny chances for event-themed wild Pokémon.
Does four-times Catch XP last until July 31?
No. Only selected Gimmighoul-related features continue until July 31.
How much does the paid Timed Research cost?
The ticket costs US$1.99 or the corresponding local pricing tier.
Does the paid Timed Research expire?
Yes. It must be completed and claimed by July 6 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Does the ticket guarantee Shiny Gimmighoul?
No. It guarantees an anniversary Gimmighoul with a Special Background, not a Shiny encounter.
What exclusive evolution attacks are available?
Venusaur can learn Frenzy Plant, Charizard can learn Blast Burn, and Blastoise can learn Hydro Cannon.
How many Gimmighoul Coins are required for Gholdengo?
Roaming Form Gimmighoul requires 999 Gimmighoul Coins to evolve into Gholdengo.
How long does a Coin Bag last?
A Coin Bag attracts Gimmighoul for 30 minutes and works best while the player is moving.
Can you carry multiple Golden Lure Modules?
No. Players can normally carry only one Golden Lure Module at a time.
Final Event Priorities
The Pokémon GO 10th Anniversary Party combines a short, high-value catching event with a much longer Gimmighoul collection period.
Your main priorities should be:
Use July 4–6 to maximize the four-times Catch XP and Stardust bonuses.
Complete paid Timed Research before July 6 at 8:00 p.m.
Evolve selected Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise candidates.
Hunt costume Pikachu, Eevee and Wurmple while their wild Shiny rates are boosted.
Continue using Coin Bags and Golden Lure Modules until July 31.
Check every anniversary Gimmighoul for Shiny status and a Special Background.
The full Field Research lineup, complete wild spawn list, Gimmighoul encounter rates and costume evolution behavior should be confirmed after the event goes live. Check the official Pokémon GO event announcement for any last-minute changes.
