Gholdengo weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Gholdengo is a new Pokémon first encountered in Generation Nine. It has a golden body, and combines Steel and Ghost elements with an unusually high Special Attack rating. It also has solid Defense, Special Defense and Speed ratings. Its standard attacks don’t hit especially hard, but that’s small consolation. Here’s our guide on Gholdengo’s weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Note: For more information about the game, check out our Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides and features hub.

Gholdengo weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Gholdengo is completely immune to status-focused attacks, except for rare ailments inflicted as a side effect of other moves. You’ll waste precious time if you try to debuff or paralyze Gholdengo.

Your best bet against Gholdengo is to avoid a protracted battle. Try to strike first with a powerful attack if your Pokémon is fast, or at least make sure you can survive the first round long enough to counter hard. To hit Gholdengo where its weaknesses lie, use abilities with Dark, Fire, Ghost, or Ground affinity.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

When you face Gholdengo, it’s a good idea to bring out a powered-up Fire-type Pokémon like Skeledirge, or a strong Ground-type Pokémon such as Garchomp, Mudsdale, or Great Tusk. Dark-type Pokémon can do well, but make sure to choose fast ones like Meowscarada or they may not get a chance to inflict any damage.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

If you want to acquire a Gholdengo of your own, first find and capture a Gimmighoul. They hide within rare treasure chests. Look for them atop watchtowers, or in corners along the edge of ruins.

Besides capturing a Gimmighoul, gather 999 Gimmighoul Coins (the maximum number you can carry). You earn them when capturing the Gimmighoul enemies in their chests. Sometimes, you can earn a smaller reward from tiny Gimmighoul enemies positioned on walls in ruins, or at high points along cliffs and buildings. Finally, an NPC in Medali (West) area mentions finding coins. He sometimes hands over some of them.

Once you posses 999 Gimmighoul Coins, level up your Gimmighoul once. It will evolve into Gholdengo.

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet can be purchased on the Nintendo Store.