The Sinistea Debacle: How to Tell if You've Caught Phony or Antique Form in Pokémon Go

The long-awaited Sinistea and its evolved form, Polteageist, have finally arrived in Pokémon Go. As part of the 'Just My Cup of Tea' event, Sinistea can be obtained by participating in One-Star Raids from December 3 to December 7, 2024. However, players have been struggling to determine whether they've caught the Phony or Antique form of this unique Pokémon.

The Mysterious Forms of Sinistea

Sinistea's lore is one of its most intriguing aspects, particularly the distinction between Phony and Antique forms. While the main series game offers a clear visual difference, Pokémon Go has taken a more subtle approach. The Antique Form features a small stickers on the bottom of its cup, which can be difficult to spot in AR mode. Fortunately, there are better ways to determine the difference between the two forms.

Appraising Sinistea: The Secret to Decoding its Form

Trainers can easily determine whether they've caught the Phony or Antique form of Sinistea by appraising it. When you ask your Team Leader to evaluate your Black Tea Pokémon, they will comment on its form, along with the star rating and catch details. This method also helps trainers keep track of their Sinistea's form without having to repeatedly appraise it.

A Quick and Simple Way to Tell the Difference

Another way to identify the form of your Sinistea is to note its evolution requirements. Phony Form Sinistea evolves into Polteageist for 50 Sinistea Candy, while Antique Form requires a whopping 400 Candies. This significant difference in Candy cost makes it easier to spot the Antique Form.

Conclusion

While Niantic's original announcement left some players uncertain about the difference between Phony and Antique Form Sinistea, the Pokémon community has come together to provide a clear solution. By appraising your Sinistea or noting its evolution requirements, you can easily determine whether you've caught the Phony or Antique form. So, during the 'Just My Cup of Tea' event, make the most of your friend-list raid invites and catch both forms of Sinistea to complete your collection.