poltchageist #1012
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
Immune to (0x damage):
poltchageist
Generation IX · #1012 — Matcha Pokémon
Poltchageist, the Matcha Pokémon, is a dual-type Grass/Ghost Pokémon introduced in Generation IX that has captivated researchers and trainers alike with its mysterious origins. Despite bearing a striking resemblance to Sinistea, Poltchageist was discovered to be entirely unrelated to its tea-based counterpart, representing a separate evolutionary lineage rooted in Japanese tea ceremony traditions. With a National Pokédex number of #1012, this diminutive Pokémon stands at merely 0.1 meters tall and weighs just 1.1 kilograms, making it one of the smallest Pokémon ever documented. The counterfeit form, which lacks the stamp of authenticity found on its Artisan counterpart, serves as the standard encountered form in many regions. According to legend, Poltchageist emerged from the lingering regrets of a tea ceremony master who died before achieving perfection in his craft, with his unfinished aspirations somehow crystallizing into this spectral being of matcha powder.
Base Stats
Height
0.1m
Weight
1.1kg
Category
Matcha Pokémon
Gender
Genderless
Color
green
Shape
ball
Abilities
When a Pokémon with Hospitality enters a battle, it restores HP for an ally by 25%.
Halves damage from fire moves and burns.
Poltchageist Biology & Physical Characteristics
Poltchageist's physical composition consists entirely of matcha tea powder contained within a traditional Japanese tea caddy known as a chaire, the type specifically used in formal tea ceremonies. The caddy itself features a distinctive black and white coloration with a white lid and a sealed crack near the top, while its painted pattern resembles a face capable of expressing emotions through subtle shifts. Just below the lid, Poltchageist displays a yellow swirl pattern remarkably similar to that found on Sinistea, though unlike its apparent doppelgänger, this swirl does not function as a weak point vulnerable to disturbance. The Pokémon invariably carries a chashaku—a traditional tea scoop used in tea ceremonies—which appears to be an integral part of its physical form rather than a held item. The ghost-type properties of Poltchageist are particularly intriguing, as they suggest that the Pokémon possesses a supernatural essence intertwined with its material tea-powder body, creating a unique existence that bridges the physical and spectral realms.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Poltchageist Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Poltchageist is classified as a genderless Pokémon, consistent with many supernatural and artificial Pokémon species that lack biological sex differentiation. This genderless classification reflects Poltchageist's origins as a manifestation of spiritual regret rather than a naturally conceived biological organism, placing it alongside other ethereal Pokémon such as Chandelure, Gengar, and Misdreavus in the broader taxonomy of spectral beings. The Pokémon belongs to both the Mineral and Indeterminate egg groups, a unique combination that reflects its hybrid nature as a material object possessed by spiritual essence; the Mineral classification acknowledges its tea caddy container and powdered composition, while the Indeterminate group accommodates its ghostly properties. With a base happiness of 50, Poltchageist begins its relationships with trainers in a neutral emotional state, suggesting that trust and companionship must be actively cultivated rather than given freely. The species demonstrates a relatively slow growth rate, requiring more experience points than average Pokémon to level up, which may symbolically represent the long, gradual journey toward the tea master's perfection that Poltchageist itself embodies.
Sprites
Forms
counterfeitTMs & HMs
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm04
emerald
tm04
firered leafgreen
tm04
ruby sapphire
tm04
diamond pearl
tm04
xd
tm04
heartgold soulsilver
tm04
black white
tm04
colosseum
tm04
platinum
tm04
sun moon
tm04
ultra sun ultra moon
tm04
x y
tm04
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm04
black 2 white 2
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm07
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm08
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm09
gold silver
+249 more TMs/HMs
Forms
counterfeitDefaultpoltchageist's Evolution Chain
Poltchageist Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Poltchageist's counterfeit form evolves into the Unremarkable Form of Sinistcha when exposed to an Unremarkable Teacup, a specific held item that triggers a transformation process unique to this species. This evolution marks a significant power increase, as Poltchageist transitions from its base stats totaling 308 into a more formidable Sinistcha capable of greater combat effectiveness. The evolution mechanic itself is thematically appropriate, as the Unremarkable Teacup represents the everyday, mass-produced vessels used in casual tea consumption rather than the formal, artisanal implements of the tea ceremony. Unlike most Pokémon evolutions that occur through conventional methods such as leveling or stone exposure, Poltchageist's evolution is uniquely tied to the conceptual distinction between counterfeit and authentic items, reinforcing the lore that distinguishes the Counterfeit Form from the Artisan Form. The transformation process symbolizes the progression from an imperfect, incomplete state toward maturity, mirroring the very regrets of the tea master whose essence supposedly created Poltchageist in the first place.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Poltchageist Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Poltchageist exhibits behavior deeply connected to its origins in Japanese tea culture, often remaining perfectly still in a manner reminiscent of a display piece in a tea room. The Pokémon's primary method of sustenance involves a parasitic-like feeding mechanism wherein it dusts its powdery matcha body onto targets or contaminates food that will be consumed, subsequently draining the life force and absorbing it as energy. This predatory behavior, while unsettling, appears to be an instinctive survival mechanism rather than malicious intent, suggesting that Poltchageist requires vital energy to maintain its spectral-physical hybrid existence. In its natural habitat, which likely encompasses tea houses, traditional Japanese gardens, and cultural centers throughout regions where tea ceremony is practiced, Poltchageist can be found resting in tea caddies or near ceremonial tea equipment. The Pokémon seems to thrive in serene, meditative environments where the cultural practices surrounding its origins remain strong, making it particularly rare outside of regions with deep tea traditions.
Pokedex Entries
Generation IX
Supposedly, the regrets of a tea ceremony master who died before perfecting his craft lingered in some matcha and became a Pokémon.
Poltchageist looks like a regional form of Sinistea, but it was recently discovered that the two Pokémon are entirely unrelated.
Poltchageist Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Poltchageist derives from a clever linguistic blend combining 'poltergeist' with 'matcha,' the powdered green tea central to Japanese tea ceremonies, creating a name that perfectly encapsulates the Pokémon's dual nature as both a supernatural entity and a tea-based creature. The Japanese name, Chadeath, similarly fuses 'cha' meaning tea with 'death,' emphasizing the gothic, mournful origins rooted in the regrets of a deceased tea master. Visually, Poltchageist's design draws heavily from traditional Japanese aesthetics, particularly the formalized elements of the tea ceremony including the chaire tea caddy and the chashaku scoop, elevating everyday objects from cultural practice into the realm of Pokémon design. The yellow swirl marking positioned just below the lid serves as both a decorative element evocative of traditional pottery patterns and a visual echo of Sinistea's infamous weak point, though with a twist that defines Poltchageist's independence. The overall aesthetic achieves a remarkable balance between appearing cute and quaint while simultaneously conveying an air of supernatural mystery, with the ghost-type coloration and the inherent duality of counterfeit versus authentic forms adding layers of thematic complexity.
Learnable Moves
Poltchageist can learn 38 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| absorb | grass | Special | 20 | 100 | 25 |
| astonish | ghost | Physical | 30 | 100 | 15 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| energy ball | grass | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| grassy terrain | grass | Status | — | — | 10 |
| hex | ghost | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| leaf storm | grass | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| life dew | water | Status | — | — | 10 |
| magical leaf | grass | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| mega drain | grass | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| memento | dark | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| night shade | ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| phantom force | ghost | Physical | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| poltergeist | ghost | Physical | 110 | 90 | 5 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage powder | bug | Status | — | — | 20 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| scald | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| stun spore | grass | Status | — | 75 | 30 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| trick room | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| withdraw | water | Status | — | — | 40 |
Poltchageist Competitive Battle Guide
Poltchageist's competitive viability is primarily anchored by its exceptional Special Attack stat of 74, the highest among its base stats and a notable strength for a Pokémon with a total base stat of only 308. The counterfeit form's access to the Hospitality ability provides team support potential, restoring 25% of an ally's HP when Poltchageist enters battle, making it a valuable choice for doubles and team formats where synergy matters significantly. Its movepool grants access to powerful special attacks including Leaf Storm, a 130 power Grass-type move at 90 accuracy that serves as its most devastating offensive option, complemented by Shadow Ball for ghost-type coverage and Giga Drain for reliable Grass-type damage with built-in recovery. The hidden ability Heatproof, which halves damage from Fire-type moves and protects against burns, offers defensive utility in contexts where Fire-type threats are prevalent, though this is unavailable on the counterfeit form in standard competitive play. With middling defenses of 45 in both categories and minimal HP of 40, Poltchageist requires careful team building and strategic play rather than direct confrontation, positioning it as a specialist Pokémon best utilized in specific formats or as a niche counter rather than a generalist threat.
Commonly Asked Questions About Poltchageist
What type is Poltchageist?
Poltchageist is a grass and ghost type Pokemon.
What does Poltchageist evolve into?
Poltchageist evolves into sinistcha.
What are Poltchageist's weaknesses?
Poltchageist is weak to flying, ghost, fire, ice and dark type moves.
Poltchageist Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Poltchageist represents a significant cultural moment in Pokémon design, marking the franchise's continued expansion into specific cultural traditions and aesthetic traditions beyond Western fantasy tropes. By grounding its design in authentic Japanese tea ceremony culture and the profound philosophy surrounding the pursuit of perfection through traditional arts, Poltchageist serves as a bridge between Pokémon fandom and appreciation for real-world cultural practices. The Pokémon's lore, centered on the regrets of a master who died before achieving his life's goal, introduces themes of mortality, unfulfilled ambition, and spiritual manifestation that resonate more deeply than typical Pokédex entries, elevating Poltchageist beyond a mere collectible into a character carrying genuine philosophical weight. Its distinction from Sinistea despite visual similarities has sparked considerable discussion within the fan community about authenticity, counterfeits, and value—themes that extend into the gameplay mechanic of requiring different evolution items for different forms. The introduction of the Counterfeit and Artisan forms themselves offers commentary on mass production versus artisanal craftsmanship, making Poltchageist a Pokémon that functions simultaneously as entertainment and cultural artifact.
Where to Find Poltchageist in Every Pokémon Game
Poltchageist was introduced exclusively in The Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, making it accessible only to players who have purchased this expansion content. Within the DLC, the counterfeit form is the standard encounter, with Poltchageist appearing in various locations throughout the Kitakami region, designated as local Pokédex number 0076 within that area. The Pokémon has a catch rate of 120, making it relatively easy to capture with standard Poké Balls even when encountered at full health, though its low base stats mean trainers should be mindful of catching multiple specimens if they desire specific natures or IVs. With a hatch counter of 50 and a medium-fast experience growth rate, Poltchageist requires approximately 20 egg cycles to hatch from an egg and will evolve into Sinistcha when trained with an Unremarkable Teacup. The counterfeit form does not appear in subsequent games like Pokémon Legends: Z-A, as confirmed by move availability data, suggesting that Poltchageist may remain a generation IX exclusive unless Game Freak decides to include it in future regional Pokédexes. Players seeking this Pokémon outside of the Teal Mask DLC would need to trade with other players who have access to it, potentially limiting its availability in certain markets or regions.