Sinistea (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #0853: Grapploct	Pokémon	#0855: Polteageist →

Sinistea (Japanese: ヤバチャ Yabacha) is a Ghost-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VIII.

Sinistea Black Tea Pokémon ヤバチャ Yabacha #0854 Sinistea Phony Form Antique Form Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Ghost Unknown Unknown Unknown Phony Form Unknown Unknown Antique Form Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Weak Armor Cacophony Phony Form Cacophony Antique Form Cursed Body Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Phony Form Cacophony Antique Form
Gender ratio Gender unknown	Catch rate 120 (24.9%)
Breeding Egg Groups Mineral and Amorphous Hatch time 20 cycles
Height 0'04" 0.1 m Sinistea 0'0" 0 m Phony Form 0'0" 0 m Antique Form 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form5}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form6}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form7}}}	Weight 0.4 lbs. 0.2 kg Sinistea 0 lbs. 0 kg Phony Form 0 lbs. 0 kg Antique Form 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form5}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form6}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form7}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield Unknown Gen. IV Unknown IV 62	Leveling rate Medium Fast
EV yield Total: 1 Sinistea 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 1 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed Phony Form 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed Antique Form 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint Phony Form
Pokédex color   Purple	Base friendship 50
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

It evolves into Polteageist when exposed to a Cracked Pot or a Chipped Pot, depending on Sinistea's form.

• The Phony Form (which lacks a stamp of authenticity) requires a Cracked Pot to evolve.
• The Antique Form (which has a stamp of authenticity) requires a Chipped Pot to evolve.

It bears a close resemblance to Poltchageist; however, the two are separate species.

Biology

A teacup before a Sinistea has possessed it

Sinistea is a Pokémon said to be created when a lonely spirit possesses a cold, leftover cup of tea. It is one of the shortest Pokémon in existence. The teacup that Sinistea lives in is a famous piece of antique tableware; seafoam green in color with gold rims and a lacy pattern that resembles a face (and functioning as one, being able to change to express emotions). However, there are many forgeries in circulation.

The swirl pattern on Sinistea's purple body serves as a weakness. Should a Sinistea get stirred, the swirl will disappear and cause it to get dizzy. Sinistea can absorb the life force of anyone who drinks it. While it can wait patiently, most of Sinistea's opportunities end up being short, as it tastes so bad that it is spat out immediately. Sinistea inhabits hotels and homes. The Antique Form of Sinistea is highly sought after by certain enthusiasts. These collectors dedicate considerable time and effort to prepare the perfect tea and teacup, hoping that a Sinistea will come and possess their selections. Poltchageist bears a resemblance to Sinistea, although the two species are biologically unrelated.

Forms

Sinistea has two separate forms: Phony Form and Antique Form. Telling either of these forms apart requires careful inspection; Antique Form Sinistea has a stamp of authenticity on the bottom of its cup, whereas Phony Form Sinistea lacks it. This stamp appears as a teal-colored emblem on the bottom inside rim of the cup.

Phony Form

Antique Form

Evolution

Sinistea evolves into Polteageist.

Unevolved Sinistea  Ghost

→

First Evolution Polteageist  Ghost

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VIII.
Generation VIII Galar #335 Isle of Armor #— Crown Tundra #132 Sinnoh #— Hisui #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, and Legends: Arceus. Phony Form Sword This Pokémon is said to have been born when a lonely spirit possessed a cold, leftover cup of tea. Shield The teacup in which this Pokémon makes its home is a famous piece of antique tableware. Many forgeries are in circulation. Antique Form Sword The swirl pattern in this Pokémon's body is its weakness. If it gets stirred, the swirl loses its shape, and Sinistea gets dizzy. Shield It absorbs the life-force of those who drink it. It waits patiently, but opportunities are fleeting—it tastes so bad that it gets spat out immediately.
Generation IX Paldea #237 Kitakami #— Blueberry #127 Lumiose #— Hyperspace #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Z-A. Phony Form Scarlet The soul of someone who died alone possessed some leftover tea. This Pokémon appears in hotels and houses. Violet Sinistea gets into your body when you drink it, and then it steals your vitality from within. It also tastes awful. Antique Form Scarlet Some fanatics will go to great pains to prepare the perfect tea and teacup, eagerly waiting for a Sinistea to come and possess their selections. Violet This Sinistea lives in an antique teacup. As valuable as this Pokémon is, its awful taste remains unchanged.

Sinistea in the Paldea Pokédex	Sinistea in the Blueberry Pokédex

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VIII.
Generation VIII Sword Shield Glimwood Tangle Stony Wilderness, Watchtower Ruins, South Lake MilochSh, Giant's MirrorSh (Max Raid Battle) Phony Form Expansion Pass Old Cemetery Giant's Bed, Old Cemetery, Ballimere Lake (Max Raid Battle) Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl Unobtainable Legends: Arceus Unobtainable
Generation IX Scarlet Violet South Province: Area Six East Province: Area Three Tera Raid Battles (2★) (Phony Form) The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Canyon Biome, Chargestone Cavern Legends: Z-A Unobtainable

In events

Games	Event	Language/Region	Location	Level	Distribution period
SwSh	2022 World Championships Sinistea	All	ExCeL London, United Kingdom	50	August 18 to 22, 2022

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 40		100 - 147	190 - 284
Attack: 45		45 - 106	85 - 207
Defense: 45		45 - 106	85 - 207
Sp. Atk: 74		71 - 138	137 - 271
Sp. Def: 54		53 - 116	101 - 227
Speed: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Total: 308	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 0× Fighting 0× Flying 1× Poison ½× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug ½× Ghost 2× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 2× Fairy 1× None

Weak to: Normal 0× Fighting 0× Flying 1× Poison ½× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug ½× Ghost 2× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 2× Fairy 1× None

Immune to: Normal 0× Fighting 0× Flying 1× Poison ½× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug ½× Ghost 2× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 2× Fairy 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 0× Fighting 0× Flying 1× Poison ½× Ground 1× Rock 1× Bug ½× Ghost 2× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 2× Fairy 1× None

Notes: If Foresight or Odor Sleuth is used by an opponent, the opponent has Scrappy, or this Pokémon is given a Ring Target, the effectiveness of  Normal-type  moves is 1× and the effectiveness of  Fighting-type  moves is 1×.

Learnset

Sinistea is available in Scarlet and Violet.

By leveling up

Generation IX Other generations: VIII

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Astonish Ghost Physical 03030 100100% 15 011 Withdraw Water Status 0000— 00——% 40 066 Aromatic Mist Fairy Status 0000— 00——% 20 1212 Mega Drain Grass Special 04040 100100% 15 2424 Sucker Punch Dark Physical 07070 100100% 5 3030 Sweet Scent Normal Status 0000— 100100% 20 3636 Giga Drain Grass Special 07575 100100% 10 4242 Nasty Plot Dark Status 0000— 00——% 20 4848 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100100% 15 5454 Memento Dark Status 0000— 100100% 10 6060 Shell Smash Normal Status 0000— 00——% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sinistea Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sinistea

By TM

Generation IX Other generations: VIII

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM007 TM007 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM016 TM016 Psybeam Psychic Special 06565 100}}100% 20 TM017 TM017 Confuse Ray Ghost Status 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM025 TM025 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM029 TM029 Hex Ghost Special 06565 100}}100% 10 TM033 TM033 Magical Leaf Grass Special 06060 00—}}—% 20 TM041 TM041 Stored Power Psychic Special 02020 100}}100% 10 TM042 TM042 Night Shade Ghost Special 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM047 TM047 Endure Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM054 TM054 Psyshock Psychic Special 08080 100}}100% 10 TM062 TM062 Foul Play Dark Physical 09595 100}}100% 15 TM070 TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM080 TM080 Metronome Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM085 TM085 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM092 TM092 Imprison Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM094 TM094 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM098 TM098 Skill Swap Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM103 TM103 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM107 TM107 Will-O-Wisp Fire Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 TM109 TM109 Trick Psychic Status 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM111 TM111 Giga Drain Grass Special 07575 100}}100% 10 TM114 TM114 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM120 TM120 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM129 TM129 Calm Mind Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM132 TM132 Baton Pass Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 40 TM140 TM140 Nasty Plot Dark Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM151 TM151 Phantom Force Ghost Physical 09090 100}}100% 10 TM161 TM161 Trick Room Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM171 TM171 Tera Blast Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10 TM177 TM177 Spite Ghost Status 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM198 TM198 Poltergeist Ghost Physical 110110 090}}90% 5 TM224 TM224 Curse Ghost Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sinistea Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Sinistea

By breeding

Generation IX Other generations: VIII

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  * Ally Switch Psychic Status — —% 15

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Sinistea Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Sinistea Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Sinistea

TCG-only moves

Move	Card
Teatime	Sinistea (Sword & Shield 89)

Side game data

Phony Form

Pokémon GO Base HP: 120 Base Attack: 96 Base Defense: 134 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: 50 Fast Attacks: Astonish, Sucker Punch Charged Attacks: Shadow Ball, Psychic, Dark Pulse

Antique Form

Pokémon GO Base HP: 120 Base Attack: 96 Base Defense: 134 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: 400 Fast Attacks: Astonish, Sucker Punch Charged Attacks: Shadow Ball, Psychic, Dark Pulse

Form data

Sinistea has two separate forms: Phony Form and Antique Form. Its form is maintained through Evolution into Polteageist and cannot be changed.

The Antique Form is rarer and has a stamp of authenticity hidden on the underside of its base. The only functional difference between the two forms is the Evolution item used by Sinistea to evolve into Polteageist: Phony Form Sinistea requires a Cracked Pot, while Antique Form Sinistea requires a Chipped Pot.

Antique Form Sinistea does not obey typical form inheritance rules when breeding, and therefore cannot produce Eggs that contain Antique Form Sinistea. All Sinistea that hatch from Eggs will always be Phony Form, regardless of the parent's form.

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Sinistea's forms are not named, despite being included in the Pokédex. This was also originally the case in Pokémon HOME. However, the "Phony Form" and "Antique Form" names were used in Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield: The Official Galar Region Strategy Guide, as well as some official websites. Starting in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, these form names are included in the Pokédex in-game, with Pokémon HOME also being updated to include them.

In Japanese, the names of Sinistea's forms use 「フォルム」 form, the term otherwise primarily used in the names of forms localized as Forme in English.

In the mobile version of Pokémon HOME, Sinistea is one of few Pokémon that can be "rotated" when viewed in the Pokédex, which replaces its render with a version viewed from behind so that its form difference can be seen.

Phony Form Sinistea

Antique Form Sinistea

Evolution data

Phony Form

Unevolved Sinistea  Ghost

Cracked Pot →

First Evolution Polteageist  Ghost

Antique Form

Unevolved Sinistea  Ghost

Chipped Pot →

First Evolution Polteageist  Ghost

Sprites

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VIII.
Generation VIII Sword Shield
Cross-Generation HOME

For other sprites and images, please see Sinistea images on the Bulbagarden Archives.

In animation

Sinistea in Pokémon Horizons: The Series

Main series

Major appearances

A Sinistea debuted in The Spectral Express!, where Allister asked it to put some tea into Ash's mouth, who was possessed by a Spiritomb.

A Phony Form Sinistea appeared in Slip and Crash! A Mystery Pokémon?!, born from Diana's antique teacup when a Polteageist poured its tea into it. Along with Polteageist, it subsequently joined the Rising Volt Tacklers on their travels.

Minor appearances

A Trainer's Sinistea appeared in The Winding Path to Greatness!.

Pokémon: Twilight Wings

A Trainer's Sinistea appeared in The Gathering of Stars.

In the manga

Antique Form Sinistea in Pokémon Adventures

Pokémon Adventures

Sword & Shield arc

Professor Magnolia owns a Sinistea and Polteageist, both in their Antique Form, as shown in Teary!! The Voice of the Master. She found them in Glimwood Tangle when her car crashed and she was forced to stop to fix it.

In the TCG

Main article: Sinistea (TCG)

Trivia

• Sinistea is tied with Roaming Form Gimmighoul and Poltchageist as the shortest Ghost-type Pokémon.
• Sinistea was designed by James Turner.
• The Sinistea and Poltchageist lines are the only convergent pairing that share a type and Egg Groups with each other, as well as the only ones with multiple forms.

Origin

Sinistea is based on a ghost (possibly a poltergeist, a mischievous ghost that possesses objects) possessing a cup of tea, which has historical and cultural significance in the United Kingdom, the country Galar is based on. The way Sinistea holds its own cup references a way of holding a teacup with one's pinky finger sticking out, which is commonly and erroneously believed to be part of tea drinking etiquette. Additionally, the bit of tea hanging from Sinistea's rim resembles both a tongue and a tea bag tag.

Sinistea's forms may be based on porcelain forgeries. One way porcelain makers historically combatted forgeries was to create a stamp of authenticity on their products, hence the stamp under Antique Form Sinistea.

Name origin

Sinistea may be a combination of sinister and tea.

Yabacha may be a combination of やばい yabai (dangerous; terrible) and 茶 cha (tea).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ヤバチャ Yabacha From やばい yabai and 茶 cha French Théffroi From thé, froid and effroi Spanish Sinistea Same as English name German Fatalitee From fatal or fatalité and Tee Italian Sinistea Same as English name Korean 데인차 Dancha From danger and 차 (茶) cha Mandarin Chinese 來悲茶 / 来悲茶 Láibēichá From 來 / 来 lái, 悲 bēi, 茶 chá, and a pun of 來杯茶 / 来杯茶 lái bēi chá Cantonese Chinese 來悲茶 Lòihbēichàh From 來 lòih, 悲 bēi, and 茶 chàh

More languages Hindi चायकिरू Chaikiroo From चाय chāy Thai ยาบาฉะ Yabacha Transcription of Japanese name Vietnamese Yabacha Transcription of Japanese name

Phony Form

Language		Title
Japanese		がんさくフォルム Counterfeit Forme
Chinese	Cantonese	贗品形態 Ngaahnbán Yìhngtaai
	Mandarin	贗品形態 / 赝品形态 Yànpǐn Xíngtài
French		Forme Contrefaçon
German		Fälschungsform
Hindi		फ़ेक फ़ॉर्म Fake Form
Indonesian		Bentuk Imitasi
Italian		Forma Contraffatta
Korean		위작품 Wijakpum
Malaysian		Bentuk Palsu
Brazilian Portuguese		Forma Falsificada
Spanish		Forma Arcaica
Thai		ฟอร์มของปลอม
Turkish		Sahte Formu
Vietnamese		Dạng Rởm

Antique Form

Language		Title
Japanese		しんさくフォルム Authentic Forme
Chinese	Cantonese	真品形態 Jānbán Yìhngtaai
	Mandarin	真品形態 / 真品形态 Zhēnpǐn Xíngtài
French		Forme Authentique
German		Originalform
Hindi		ऐंटीक फ़ॉर्म Antique Form
Indonesian		Bentuk Antik Asli
Italian		Forma Autentica
Korean		진작품 Jinjakpum
Malaysian		Bentuk Antik
Brazilian Portuguese		Forma Autêntica
Spanish		Forma Genuina
Thai		ฟอร์มของแท้
Turkish		Antika Formu
Vietnamese		Dạng Thật

Related articles

• List of Pokémon with form differences
• Poltchageist

External links

Convergent species and their counterparts

See also:
Regional forms (Alolan • Galarian • Hisuian • Paldean)

← #0853: Grapploct

Pokémon

#0855: Polteageist →

This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.