TL;DR
- Sinistea spawns exclusively in Glimwood Tangle through rustling grass encounters
- Evolution requires Cracked Pot for common forms or Chipped Pot for rare authentic variants
- Check for authenticity stamp on Sinistea’s bottom before attempting evolution
- Polteageist’s Teatime move can strategically force berry consumption in battles
- Daily marketplace vendor in Stow-on-Side offers both evolution items randomly
Perfect timing for a delightful tea experience in the Galar region.
The Galar region in Pokemon Sword and Shield draws direct inspiration from British culture, which explains the introduction of Sinistea, a ghost-type Pokemon embodying the essence of tea culture. This charming teacup creature evolves into Polteageist, transforming from a single cup into an entire teapot. These Pokemon feature exceptionally creative names that perfectly capture their thematic origins. Beyond their appealing aesthetics, they offer substantial gameplay value and can be obtained relatively easily with proper knowledge of their locations and evolution mechanics.
What makes these Pokemon particularly fascinating is their cultural authenticity. Sinistea represents the British tea tradition through its design, while Polteageist embodies the communal aspect of tea service. Their ghost typing adds an intriguing supernatural twist to the otherwise mundane concept of tea time.

Sinistea exclusively inhabits Glimwood Tangle, the enchanting mushroom-filled forest connecting Stow-on-Side and Ballonlea. You’ll need to carefully search through the tall grass areas to trigger exclamation mark encounters. Sinistea appears among the potential Pokemon that initiate battles when these rustling spots are investigated.
For optimal hunting efficiency, focus on the central and northern sections of Glimwood Tangle where encounter rates appear highest. Bring Pokemon with the ability to inflict sleep or paralysis status conditions to make catching easier. The area’s unique lighting conditions can sometimes make spotting the rustling grass challenging, so move systematically through each section.
After capturing Sinistea, you’ll require one of two specific evolution items: either a Cracked Pot or a Chipped Pot. The appropriate item depends on a subtle distinction between two Sinistea variants—authentic antique teacups versus more common forgeries. Authentic Sinistea specimens evolve exclusively using the Chipped Pot, while counterfeit versions only evolve with the Cracked Pot.
The sole physical characteristic distinguishing authentic Sinistea is a small authenticity seal located on the underside of the teacup. This marking becomes visible in the Pokedex once you’ve registered both variants, or during Pokemon Camp sessions if you manage to view the Pokemon from the correct angle. Despite their rarity differences, both forms perform identically in battle scenarios.
To obtain these evolution items, visit Stow-on-Side and speak with the merchant operating the right-side market stall. This vendor offers different discounted items daily, predominantly featuring evolution-enabling items for various Pokemon species. He stocks both Pot variants, though the Cracked Pot typically appears more frequently in his inventory rotations.
An additional Cracked Pot can be discovered atop one of Stow-on-Side’s rooftops. Access this location by ascending the ladder positioned near the staircase leading toward the Gym building. This path places you on the rooftop section overlooking the outdoor marketplace area.
Polteageist possesses the exclusive move Teatime, which compels all active Pokemon to immediately consume their held berries. This strategic ability proves particularly valuable when opposing Pokemon carry damage-reducing berries that mitigate super-effective attacks. By forcing premature berry activation, you can deliver maximum damage with subsequent attacks without interference from protective berry effects.
For optimal competitive utilization, pair Polteageist with Pokemon that benefit from opponents losing their held items. Consider combining Teatime with entry hazard strategies or status-inflicting moves to compound tactical advantages. The move’s area-of-effect nature makes it especially potent in double battle formats where multiple opponents can be affected simultaneously.
For comprehensive Pokemon Sword and Shield coverage, don’t miss our detailed review! We also provide specialized evolution guides covering various Pokemon including Milcery, Galarian Linoone, and Applin transformations.
Pokemon Sword And Shield News & Guides
Action Checklist
- Search Glimwood Tangle’s tall grass for rustling spots to encounter Sinistea
- Inspect caught Sinistea for authenticity stamp on bottom
- Visit Stow-on-Side marketplace daily to check for Cracked/Chipped Pots
- Use appropriate evolution item based on Sinistea authenticity status
- Develop battle strategies utilizing Polteageist’s Teatime move
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Pokemon Sword & Shield: How To Evolve Sinistea Into Polteageist Complete guide to finding, evolving, and mastering Sinistea and Polteageist in Pokemon Sword and Shield
