After Generation 8 left the total number of different Pokemon species at 905, fans who wanted to see that number surpass the 1000 mark were left eagerly awaiting the release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Now, at long last, the identity of Pokemon number 1000 has been revealed following the worldwide release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Since the Pokedex began with Bulbasaur all the way back in 1996, fans of the Pokemon franchise have spent over 25 years enjoying the franchise and the various games it has to offer, both mainline and spinoffs. The series reached a major milestone with 2010's Pokemon Black and White, which saw the final form of Tepig, Emboar, become the series' 500th Pokemon. In the following 12 years, the Pokedex continued to expand along with the franchise, and has now hit yet another massive milestone.
When Pokemon Scarlet and Violet announced Gimmighoul, there were quiet murmurings around the Pokemon community that the coin Pokemon was to be the franchise's 999th pocket monster, and that its evolution would take the spot as Pokemon number 1000. This evolution has now been revealed as none other than Gholdengo, which was designed with the number 1000 in mind. Its official Pokedex entry reads: "Its body seems to be made up of 1,000 coins. This Pokémon gets along well with others and is quick to make friends with anybody." Gholdengo can be obtained by leveling up Gimmighoul after collecting 999 coins from defeating or catching Gimmighoul in the wild, and comes with a unique ability and signature move.
The signature ability of Gholdengo, Good as Gold, gives it full immunity to status moves from other Pokemon. Its signature steel-type move, Make It Rain, also has an astounding 120 base power and 100 accuracy, but at the cost of lowering the user's special attack after use. It also awards Gholdengo's trainer with extra money once the battle ends. Though it looks like it will be a formidable threat within battles, Gholdengo will have to compete against several other strong steel types releasing with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet for a spot on the player's team.
Despite its polarizing visual design, Gholdengo not only has a great ability and powerful signature move in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, but its Pokedex entry also shows how it encapsulates the cheerful spirit of the Pokemon franchise. With Pokemon #1000 now in the books, fans will begin looking forward to what the future holds, though it might be a little while until Pokemon number 2000 rolls around.
PokemonScarlet and Violet are available now on Nintendo Switch.
