Identifying Counterfeit Pokémon in Sword and Shield: The Case of Polteageist

In the world of Pokémon Sword and Shield, players are introduced to some of the most creative creatures yet, including the quirky Polteageist—a ghost Pokémon that resides within a teapot. This imaginative design fits perfectly within the game’s setting, which is reminiscent of the charming landscapes of England. However, there’s a surprising twist that many players might overlook: there are two versions of Polteageist, and one of them is a counterfeit.

The Tale of Two Polteageists

Every Pokémon has a unique Pokédex entry, and Polteageist’s reveals an intriguing detail: the teacup that houses this ghost is a well-known antique, leading to the proliferation of forgeries. So, how can trainers tell if their Polteageist is the real deal?

Identifying Authenticity

To distinguish between the genuine and counterfeit versions, players can look for a small blue mark located on the bottom of the teapot. According to Pokémon resource Serebii, most Polteageist encountered in the wild are likely fakes. This mark serves as a seal of authenticity and is visible on both Polteageist and its pre-evolution, Sinistea.

How to Check Your Pokémon

• Open your Pokédex and select your Polteageist.
• Press the ‘A’ button to view details.
• Next, press ‘A’ again for “Motion/Cry” to see your Pokémon in action.
• Carefully flip it over to check for the authenticity mark.

Many players, upon discovering this detail, rushed to inspect their own Polteageist. While some found their Pokémon to be fake, others expressed a fondness for their counterfeit companions, highlighting that the attachment to the character remains strong regardless of its authenticity.

Evolving Your Polteageist

Another way to determine which version you have is through the evolution item used. A Cracked Pot indicates a counterfeit Polteageist, while a Chipped Pot signifies the real thing. Fortunately, there are no gameplay disadvantages between the two; both versions perform identically in battles, making this distinction more of a fun trivia point than a competitive edge.

A Quirky Concept

This unique aspect raises an intriguing question about the nature of Pokémon itself: how can a creature be counterfeit? While the teapot may be a fake, the ghost within remains authentic, showcasing the creativity that goes into Pokémon design. The imaginative minds at Game Freak continue to surprise fans with their innovative approaches, making the Pokémon universe richer and more engaging.