Pokémon GO Halloween 2025 Part 1: Poltchageist & Sinistcha Arrive for a Haunted Tea Party!

The spookiest season of the year is brewing in Pokémon GO! Get ready for tricks, treats, and some truly haunting new Pokémon debuts. The annual Halloween event returns, kicking off with Part 1: A Haunted Tea Party, starting soon.

This first part of the two-part celebration runs from Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time to Monday, October 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time. The main highlight? The long-awaited debut of the matcha-inspired Ghost/Grass-type Pokémon from Kitakami: Poltchageist and its evolution, Sinistcha!

Prepare your tea sets and Poké Balls – this guide will cover everything you need to know about the new Pokémon, event spawns, bonuses, research, and how to make the most of this ghostly gathering.

New Pokémon Debut: Poltchageist and Sinistcha

The main event for Part 1 is the arrival of Poltchageist and Sinistcha, adding a unique Ghost/Grass typing to the game.

Poltchageist (Matcha Pokémon): This spectral Pokémon possesses inanimate objects, much like its counterpart Sinistea, but it’s known for its matcha-powder-like substance.
- Typing: Ghost / Grass
Sinistcha (Matcha Pokémon): The evolved form of Poltchageist, likely maintaining the Ghost/Grass typing and embodying a more elaborate tea caddy or whisk.
- Typing: Ghost / Grass

How to Encounter Poltchageist During the Event: Based on information from the official announcement and typical event structures, expect to find Poltchageist through:

Wild Encounters: Poltchageist will likely appear more frequently in the wild during event hours.
Field Research: Completing specific event-themed Field Research tasks obtained from PokéStops may reward Poltchageist encounters.
Timed/Special Research: There might be a dedicated research line (either Timed or Special) focused on the new Pokémon, potentially guaranteeing encounters.

How to Evolve Poltchageist into Sinistcha: The exact evolution method in Pokémon GO hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, but drawing from the main series games, it will likely involve a special item or a unique requirement:

Potential Method: Using a specific evolution item (like an “Unremarkable Teacup” or “Masterpiece Teacup” equivalent in GO) and potentially a certain amount of Candy. Keep an eye out for in-game announcements clarifying the exact method once the event starts.

This is your first chance to catch Poltchageist and evolve it into Sinistcha, so be sure to participate actively during the event week!

Event Spawns and Raids

While Poltchageist and Sinistcha are the stars, Halloween always brings a graveyard bash of Ghost- and Dark-type Pokémon. Expect increased appearances of:

Ghost Types: Gastly*, Misdreavus*, Shuppet*, Drifloon*, Litwick*, Phantump*, Pumpkaboo* (various sizes)
Dark Types: Alolan Meowth*, Poochyena*, Sableye*, Purrloin*
Costumed Pokémon: Look out for returning or potentially new costumed Pokémon fitting the Halloween theme (like costumed Gengar or Pikachu). Details usually emerge closer to the event start.

(An asterisk indicates Shiny potential.)

Raids: Raid battles will likely feature Ghost- and Dark-type bosses. Keep an eye out for:

1-Star Raids: Gastly*, Misdreavus*, Phantump*
3-Star Raids: Gengar* (potentially costumed), Drifblim*
5-Star Raids: Giratina (Origin Forme)* is confirmed to be in raids during the latter part of October, overlapping with this event.
Mega Raids: Mega Gengar* or Mega Banette* are likely candidates.

Event Bonuses

Halloween events typically offer Candy-related bonuses. While the exact bonuses for 2025 Part 1 haven’t been fully detailed beyond the new Pokémon, common Halloween bonuses include:

Double Catch Candy: Earn twice the candy for every Pokémon caught.
Double Transfer Candy: Earn twice the candy for transferring Pokémon.
Increased Candy XL Chance: Higher chances of getting Candy XL when catching or transferring.
Buddy Distance: Reduced distance to earn Candy with your Buddy Pokémon.

Check the in-game news closer to October 21st for the confirmed list of bonuses. Using Pinap Berries during a double catch candy bonus period is a fantastic way to stock up!

Research Tasks

Expect plenty of research opportunities:

Field Research: Spin PokéStops for tasks rewarding encounters with event Pokémon (including Poltchageist), Stardust, Poké Balls, or Berries.
Timed Research: A limited-time quest line may be available, often focused on catching Ghost-type Pokémon or completing other Halloween-themed tasks for rewards like encounters, items, or Stardust. Remember to complete Timed Research before it expires!
Potential Special Research: Sometimes, larger events like Halloween include a multi-stage Special Research story that doesn’t expire.

Prepare for Part 2!

Remember, this is only the first part of the Pokémon GO Halloween 2025 event. Part 2 will likely begin immediately after Part 1 ends on October 27th, bringing different spawns, potentially new costumed Pokémon, or even another new Pokémon debut. Make the most of Part 1 while it lasts!

Get ready for a hauntingly good time! Stock up on Poké Balls, clear your Pokémon storage, and prepare to welcome Poltchageist and Sinistcha to your collection. The haunted tea party begins soon in Pokémon GO!