How to Evolve Inkay: A Comprehensive Guide
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The quirky Inkay, a dual-type Dark/Psychic Pokémon introduced in Generation VI, is known for its unusual evolution method. Unlike many Pokémon that evolve simply through leveling up or using a specific item, Inkay requires a special condition to transform into the powerful Malamar. This guide will walk you through exactly how to evolve Inkay and answer common questions about this unique evolutionary process.
Evolving Inkay into Malamar
The key to evolving Inkay lies in its unique requirement: inversion. Whether you’re playing Pokémon GO or one of the main series games, you’ll need to flip your device upside down during the evolution process. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Pokémon GO
- Gather 50 Inkay Candy: You’ll need 50 Inkay Candy to trigger the evolution. Collect them by catching multiple Inkay and transferring the ones you don’t need to Professor Willow.
- Initiate Evolution: Open your Pokémon storage and find the Inkay you want to evolve. Usually, the ‘Evolve’ button will appear in red, indicating that the conditions aren’t yet met.
- Upside Down Activation: Hold your mobile device upside down while still on Inkay’s information screen. The ‘Evolve’ button will flip upside down too, and turn a darker red, signaling that the special condition has been met.
- Evolve: Tap the newly activated ‘Evolve’ button to transform your Inkay into Malamar.
Main Series Games (e.g., Pokémon X/Y, Sword/Shield)
- Reach Level 30: In the main series, Inkay needs to reach at least level 30 before it can evolve.
- Level Up Upside Down: After reaching level 30, you’ll need to level up Inkay again. This could be through battle or by using EXP Candy. However, there is one crucial part of this process. You need to ensure that the system (Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo Switch) is physically held upside-down (the way you play should appear upside down on the system) before ending the battle or closing the level-up dialogue.
- Evolution: If the previous two steps were followed, Inkay will then evolve into Malamar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about evolving Inkay, along with detailed answers to help you understand the process thoroughly.
1. How do I get Inkay Candy in Pokémon GO?
You obtain Inkay Candy by catching wild Inkay. You can also earn candy by transferring any extra Inkay to Professor Willow. Consider using Pinap Berries while catching Inkay to double the amount of candy you receive.
2. Can Inkay evolve at any level?
In Pokémon GO, Inkay can evolve at any level once you have 50 candy and invert your device. In the main series games, Inkay needs to be at level 30 or higher before it can evolve.
3. Why do I need to turn my phone upside down to evolve Inkay in Pokémon GO?
This is a direct nod to the method used in the mainline games, where the console has to be flipped upside down. It’s a unique and fun mechanic that adds a touch of the main series games to Pokémon GO.
4. What is the best strategy for catching Inkay in Pokémon GO?
Inkay is a dual-type Dark/Psychic Pokémon. Therefore, Bug, Fairy and Dark-type Pokemon would be good counters to use when battling it in the wild. Also remember to use berries to make catching Inkay easier.
5. What type is Malamar and what are its strengths and weaknesses?
Malamar is a dual-type Dark/Psychic Pokémon. It is resistant to Psychic and immune to Ghost-type moves. However, it is weak to Bug-type moves (4x), Fairy, and Dark-type moves.
6. Is Malamar a strong Pokémon in battle?
Malamar has a unique offensive typing and a decent stat distribution. Its ability to utilize Superpower and other diverse moves make it a formidable opponent. However, its 4x weakness to Bug type moves, means its not a top choice competitively.
7. Does Inkay have any special abilities?
Inkay can have the abilities Contrary, Suction Cups, or its hidden ability, Infiltrator. Contrary reverses stat changes, while Suction Cups prevents it from being forced out of battle. Infiltrator ignores opponent’s screens and substitutes.
8. Is Malamar considered a rare Pokémon?
In terms of general availability, Malamar is not the rarest of Pokémon, though obtaining it requires following the specific evolution process of Inkay. Its rarity varies depending on location.
9. Does Inkay evolve into anything other than Malamar?
No, Inkay only evolves into Malamar, and Malamar does not evolve further.
10. How does Inkay evolve in the anime?
In the Pokémon anime, Inkay evolves after being accidentally flipped upside down by a Pikachu attack. This references the unique evolution method in the games.
11. What other Pokémon have unusual evolution methods?
Some other Pokémon with unique evolution methods include:
- Pancham: Evolves into Pangoro after catching 32 Dark-type Pokemon while as your buddy.
- Type: Null: Evolves when it levels up with high Happiness.
- Annihilape: Evolved by using Rage Fist 20 times and leveling up without going to the Pokémon Center.
- Scyther: Evolves into Scizor after trading it while holding a metal coat.
- Eevee: Evolves into Sylveon by naming it Kira and earning 25 Eevee Candy.
- Sneasel: Evolves into Weavile when it levels up while holding a Razor Claw at night.
12. Why is Malamar often depicted as an evil Pokémon?
Malamar is often depicted as evil due to its strong hypnotic powers and its portrayal in the anime, where it is seen plotting to take over the world. Additionally, its Pokédex entries suggest it has been involved in “history-changing events” through mind control.
13. What animal is Malamar based on?
Malamar is based on a squid, specifically in its upside-down form. This design ties into the evolution mechanic of needing to hold your device upside down.
14. What are the best counters to use against Malamar in battle?
The best counters to use against Malamar are Bug-type Pokémon due to its 4x weakness, and also Fairy and Dark type Pokémon. Some good choices include: Mega Pinsir, Pheromosa, Volcarona, Mega Beedrill, Mega Scizor & Shadow Pinsir.
15. Does the evolution method of turning the device upside down apply to other games?
The upside-down evolution method is primarily specific to Inkay and Malamar across Pokémon GO, Pokémon X & Y, Pokémon Sword & Shield and other Main Series Pokemon games. This unique twist remains its iconic signature.