Pokemon Scarlet and Violet offer a large selection of Pokemon returning from past games, and it makes sense that many of them would be Pokemon introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield's Galar region. One of those Pokemon is Sinistea, the Black Tea Pokemon, and its evolution Polteageist. Sinistea and Polteageist are both Ghost-type Pokemon and are inclined more towards Special Attacks. If you're a fan of tea, or just like Ghost types, Sinistea is a must-have for you.
Sinistea can be found in Paldea outside of Zapapico and Alfornada at night time. Sinistea is quite small and can be hard to spot among other Pokemon, so keep your eyes peeled. Sinistea and Polteageist have the Weak Armor ability, which will sharply boost their Speed and lower their Defense upon being hit by an attack. Alternatively, their hidden ability is Cursed Body, which has a chance to disable the opponent's move when it's hurt.
How To Evolve: Phony Vs Antique
Sinistea is unique in that it has two cosmetic forms that influence its evolution; as Sinistea and Polteageist are Ghost-type Pokemon living in a teacup and tea pitcher respectively, one must pay special attention to the teacup. Sinistea has a Phony form and an Antique form, indicated by a small mark on the bottom of the cup. This is important, as whether your Sinistea is Phony or Antique decides which item you need to evolve it. If your Sinistea does not have a mark on the bottom, it is not Antique.
If your Sinistea is Phony, you'll need to get your hands on a Cracked Pot.
If your Sinistea is Antique, you'll need to use a Chipped Pot.
The Cracked Pot can be found in Socarrat Trail, a sub-area within Cassoroya Lake in the northern area of the map, nearby one of the shrines containing the legendary Pokemon. You can also find a Cracked Pot in Porto Marinada for auction, as well as a Chipped Pot; this is the only way you can get a Chipped Pot outside of trading with friends, so keep your wallet full in case you spot a Chipped Pot up for sale.
After evolving, Polteageist learns plenty of new moves inaccessible to Sinistea. Upon evolving, Polteageist learns a new move called Teatime, which forces all battling Pokemon to consume their berries on use. This move can be part of some interesting results in doubles battles. One of Polteageist's best moves is Shell Smash, learned at level 60; in exchange for lowering its Defense and Special Defense, Polteageist's Attack, Special Attack, and Speed will all be doubled! If you're worried about priority moves like Shadow Sneak, give your Polteageist a White Herb to remove the Defense drops.
