To tackle the hardest evolutions in Pokémon GO, focus on learning specific requirements tailored to each Pokémon. These include gathering Zygarde cells, collecting coins for Gimmighoul, earning buddy hearts, or using unique environmental triggers like the full moon.
Zygarde Cells Collection
steps
- Travel routes to collect Zygarde cells. Routes in Pokémon GO occasionally yield Zygarde cells, but the feature tends to be inconsistent and requires persistence.
- Track daily progress. Zygarde evolution demands a specific number of cells, which can only be accumulated through repetitive route usage.
- Stay consistent. Aim to traverse routes daily, as cell drops are not guaranteed and usually limited to one per route.
- Assess the effort required. This evolution involves significant commitment over consecutive days or weeks.
Gimmighoul Coins
prerequisites
- Collect 999 Gimmighoul coins. Coins are necessary to evolve Gimmighoul into Gholdengo.
- Golden Lure Modules usage. Secure these by sending postcards from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games for five days.
- Track your coin total. Verify that your inventory shows at least 999 Gimmighoul coins before initiating evolution.
Buddy Heart Requirements
Candy-Heavy Evolutions
| Pokémon | Candy Needed | Evolution Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magikarp | 400 | Candy collection | Use Pinap berries or participate in raids for faster collection.  |
Magikarp is displayed with its candy count and statistics in view. — MYSTIC7
| | Wimpod | 400 | Requires catching in events | Limited spawning makes this evolution dependent on event availability. | | Meltan | 400 | Mystery Box spawns | Obtain Meltan through transfers to Pokémon HOME; shiny availability rotates based on special events. | | Larvesta | 400 | Egg exclusive | Hatch limited eggs to obtain Larvesta. |
Special Evolution Conditions
before after
Examples of unique evolution mechanics:
Device Use Requirements: Inkay requires flipping your device upside down. 
The device is flipped upside down to trigger Inkay's evolution. — MYSTIC7
Also worth knowing
- Zygarde cells: Routes often yield only one cell per travel, and obtaining cells from routes is no longer guaranteed.
- Gimmighoul evolution: Utilizing Golden Lure Modules speeds up coin collection. These modules are awarded daily after sending five postcards over consecutive days.
- Targeting dark-type areas: Pancham benefits from hunting dark types in areas like movie theaters or during events such as Halloween.
- Swirlix buddy treats: Feed Swirlix 25 berries while set as your buddy to progress toward its evolution.
- Walking requirements: Certain rare baby Pokémon necessitate walking 15 or 20 kilometers as buddies, though this point wasn’t emphasized in the main coverage.
FAQ
What is the hardest evolution in Pokémon GO?
The Zygarde evolution is considered the hardest due to its requirement to collect numerous Zygarde cells, obtained inconsistently via route-travel mechanics.
How do you evolve Galarian Yamask in Pokémon GO?
Set Galarian Yamask as your buddy and win 10 raids. Raid tiers are flexible, but access costs like raid passes add to the difficulty.
What is required to evolve Gimmighoul into Gholdengo in the game?
Accumulating 999 coins is necessary. Golden Lure Modules improve efficiency and are obtained by linking with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Are rare shiny evolution requirements achievable?
Yes, but achieving rare shiny forms (e.g., Salandit) often involves low probability rates and long-term efforts tied to exclusive events or egg hatching.
How to complete Vivillon forms with Scatterbug?
Trade global postcards with players from specific regions in order to unlock Scatterbug encounters tied to Vivillon forms. Completing all forms requires substantial candy investment and worldwide coordination.
Sources
Screenshots on this page are frames from the videos below, used to illustrate the steps they describe. All rights remain with their creators.
- Pokémon GO’s Most IMPOSSIBLE Evolutions — MYSTIC7, May 5, 2026
