Finding rare S-Rank Yo-kai in Yo-kai Watch 2 is often a game of patience and luck, but the 5-star coin is the ultimate shortcut to building a powerful team. These coins are far superior to the standard red or yellow coins because they specifically target high-tier spirits and rare items. Whether you are playing Bony Spirits, Fleshy Souls, or Psychic Specters, knowing how to stack these coins can change the trajectory of your playthrough.

The Mechanics of the 5-Star Coin

In the world of Yo-kai Watch 2, the Crank-a-kai is a machine governed by a sophisticated internal sequence. Unlike many other RPGs where a "save and reload" strategy works for randomized loot, this game pre-determines your rewards the moment you start your save file. This means that if you use a 5-star coin and get a specific Yo-kai, reloading the game and using that same coin again will yield the exact same result.

However, there is a strategic workaround involving the game's timeline. The rewards for a 5-star coin differ depending on whether you use the machine in the Present (at Mt. Wildwood) or in the Past (at Mt. Wildwood hundreds of years ago). This effectively gives every single 5-star coin two potential outcomes, allowing you to choose the one that benefits your team more.

Unlocking Coins via Passwords at Lambert Post Office

The most reliable way to fill your inventory with 5-star coins is by visiting the Lambert Post Office in Uptown Springdale. Approach the middle booth (Counter #2) and speak to the NPC to enter passwords. These codes are case-sensitive and can only be used once per save file.

Depending on your game region, the codes vary. Here is a breakdown of verified passwords that provide 5-star coins for different versions of the game.

North American and European English Passwords

These passwords are the most commonly used for the English-language versions of the game. Enter them exactly as shown to receive your rewards:

  • f1v3st@r: A classic code that remains active for all versions.
  • b3stm@t3s: This code provides a high probability of a Rare Yo-kai.
  • ny@nny@n: Specifically designed for cat-lover enthusiasts, though the rewards are broad.
  • g0wh1sp3r!: Named after everyone's favorite butler, this often yields high-tier items or spirits.
  • f3l1nep@l: Another feline-themed code for a premium coin.
  • @ll@rund: A general-purpose code for a 5-star reward.
  • world: Simple and effective, this unlocks one coin immediately.

European Dutch Passwords

If you are playing the European version set to Dutch, the post office recognizes a different set of strings. These are essential for players in that region:

  • ov3r@l!: Grants one 5-star coin.
  • j1b@nk@t!: A variation of the Jibanyan-themed rewards.
  • g3lukwhspr: Dutch-specific code for the Crank-a-kai.
  • ny@nm1@uw: Another cat-themed entry.
  • 5puntst3r: Literally translated for the 5-star reward.
  • mnvr!3nd3n: A friend-themed code for premium loot.
  • vriend: A short code used for a quick coin claim.

Utilizing QR Codes at Piggleston Bank

While passwords are text-based, QR codes require you to use the 3DS camera. Visit Piggleston Bank in Uptown Springdale and talk to the clerk at the first counter. Scanning special 5-star coin QR codes is often the fastest way to get bulk coins. Many promotional materials, physical Yo-kai Medals, and official social media posts have distributed these codes over the years.

Since the rewards are predetermined, scanning ten QR codes at once gives you ten chances to check both the Present and Past loot tables. It is recommended to save your game before scanning and using them, so you can test the results in both timelines without wasting your daily Crank-a-kai uses.

Purchasing Coins with In-Game Points

If you have exhausted all passwords and QR codes, you can still obtain 5-star coins through gameplay, though it requires significant effort. These coins are sold in specialty shops that use unique currencies rather than standard money.

The Battle Points (BP) Shop

By participating in official battles and online ranked matches, you earn Battle Points (BP). Once you have accumulated enough, you can visit the BP Shop. A single 5-star coin typically costs 5,000 BP. This is a steep price, often requiring dozens of victories, but it serves as a sustainable way for end-game players to continue hunting for rare S-ranks like Shadow Venoct or Cruncha.

The Karma Points (KP) Shop

Karma Points are earned by performing "Good Deeds" throughout the world—answering questions correctly for NPCs, helping lost spirits, or cleaning up litter. The KP shop also lists 5-star coins for a similar price of 5,000 KP. This is often slower than farming BP but can be done entirely offline.

Present vs. Past: Maximizing Your Loot Table

This is the most critical part of managing your 5-star coins. Each coin pulls from a specific pool of Yo-kai depending on which era the machine is in. If you are looking for specific Legendary seals, you must choose your era wisely.

The Present-Day Rewards (Gilgaros Pool)

In the modern era, the 5-star coin is heavily weighted toward the Yo-kai required to unlock Gilgaros (Mountain Peak Legendary). If you use your coin here, you are likely to encounter:

  • Cruncha: A powerful Brave tribe S-rank that prevents allies from loafing.
  • Frostail: A high-Spirit Mysterious tribe attacker.
  • Goldenyan: A top-tier Tough tribe defender.
  • Damona: A Charming tribe attacker with great speed.
  • Auntie Heart: One of the best healers in the Heartful tribe.
  • Eterna: An Eerie tribe Yo-kai with debilitating inspirits.
  • Count Cavity: A Shady tribe specialist.
  • Shadow Venoct: A Slippery tribe ninja with healing capabilities.

The Past Rewards (Slurpent Pool)

In the era 60 years in the past, the 5-star coin switches its focus toward the Yo-kai needed to unlock Slurpent (The Slurping Legendary). The rewards here include:

  • Devourer: A high-attack Brave tribe spirit.
  • King Mera: A fiery attacker for the Mysterious tribe.
  • Uber Geeko: A resilient Tough tribe wall.
  • Tigappa: A Charming tribe physical powerhouse.
  • Uni-kirin: A specialized Heartful tribe supporter.
  • Eyellure: An Eerie tribe spirit with high utility.
  • Arachnia: A Shady tribe attacker with unique skills.
  • Mermother: A Slippery tribe Yo-kai with strong technique stats.

Strategic Advice: The "Check and Reset" Method

Even though you cannot change the result of a specific coin through reloading, you can change which result you accept. Follow this protocol to ensure you don't waste your rare coins:

  1. Save the game immediately in front of the Crank-a-kai in the Present.
  2. Use one 5-star coin. Write down the result.
  3. Exit without saving (Home button or L+R+Start).
  4. Travel to the Past and save in front of the machine there.
  5. Use the same 5-star coin. Compare this result to the one from the Present.
  6. Make your choice. Decide which Yo-kai helps your team more and keep that result.
  7. Repeat for every 5-star coin you possess.

This ensures you never accidentally settle for an item (like a Mega Exporb) when the other timeline might have offered an S-rank Yo-kai for the same coin.

Daily Deeds and StreetPass Shenanigans

Beyond the primary methods, keep your 3DS StreetPass active. Encountering other players can occasionally trigger rewards at the Wayfarer Manor, which may include rare coins if you have hit certain milestones. Additionally, check the "Daily Quests" and the "Daily Wonder Wheel" events. While the odds are lower, 5-star coins have been known to appear as rare rewards for the most dedicated players who engage with the city's NPCs every single day.

Legendary Yo-kai and the 5-Star Connection

Most players hunt for 5-star coins because they are the most efficient way to obtain "Crank-a-kai Exclusives." These are Yo-kai that cannot be found in the wild. Both Gilgaros and Slurpent require a full roster of these exclusives to break their seals. Without multiple 5-star coins, you are forced to rely on standard colored coins, which have a much higher chance of spitting out common items or low-rank spirits.

By collecting the passwords listed above, you are essentially guaranteeing several of the seals required for these Legendary spirits. For example, getting Cruncha and Shadow Venoct early through these coins can make the middle-to-end game significantly easier, as their base stats far outclass anything you can catch in the early-game forests or alleys.

Managing Your Crank-a-kai Uses

Remember that you only get a limited number of Crank-a-kai uses per day (usually 3, though this can be increased by certain events or NPCs). 5-star coins consume these daily uses just like any other coin. If you have ten 5-star coins but only three uses left, prioritize the ones that might fill the gaps in your Legendary seals.

Check the machine every morning. The number of uses is randomized daily between 3 and 30. If you are lucky enough to hit a high-use day, that is the perfect time to burn through your 5-star coin stash and check both timelines for the best possible results.

Final Recommendations for Coin Hunting

The 5-star coin is the crown jewel of the Yo-kai Watch 2 inventory. To make the most of them, focus on the passwords first to build a solid foundation. Then, utilize the timeline-switching strategy to ensure you are getting the specific S-rank you need. Avoid spending your coins blindly in the Present if you are actually trying to unlock Slurpent, and always save before you crank. With these methods, your Medalium will be filled with the rarest spirits in the game in no time.