Inkay, the cute but tricky Pokémon introduced in Generation VI, made its debut in Pokémon Go with a unique evolution method that’s different from most others. To evolve Inkay into Malamar, trainers must meet specific requirements, making the process both fun and challenging. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to evolve Inkay in Pokémon Go, cover key tips for faster evolution, and address common player questions. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned trainer, this guide will ensure you evolve Inkay without any hitches!
What is Inkay?
Inkay is a dual-type Dark/Psychic Pokémon that first appeared in Pokémon X and Y. It has a unique ability to confuse opponents and comes with an unusual method of evolution. In Pokémon Go, Inkay retains its quirky nature, which extends to how you evolve it into Malamar.
How to Evolve Inkay in Pokémon Go
Step 1: Collect Enough Inkay Candy
Like many Pokémon in Pokémon Go, evolving Inkay requires Candy. Specifically, you’ll need 50 Inkay Candies to initiate the evolution process.
You can collect Inkay Candy by:
- Catching multiple Inkay
- Using Pinap Berries to increase candy yield
- Walking with Inkay as your buddy
- Hatching Inkay from eggs (if available)
- Transferring Inkay to Professor Willow for extra candy
Step 2: Meet the Evolution Condition
Once you have 50 Inkay Candies, the next step is what makes this evolution unique. Instead of simply clicking the “Evolve” button, you must flip your phone upside down when you evolve Inkay! This unusual mechanic is a nod to how Inkay evolves in the main series of games, where it evolves when the player levels up Inkay while holding the console upside down.
Step 3: Evolve Inkay to Malamar
Once you’ve met the conditions—having 50 Inkay Candies and flipping your phone upside down—tap the “Evolve” button, and your Inkay will transform into Malamar, a Psychic/Dark-type Pokémon with formidable abilities in PvP battles.
Why Inkay’s Evolution is Unique
Inkay’s evolution method is one of the few in Pokémon Go that requires real-world interaction beyond just collecting in-game items. By asking players to flip their phone physically, Niantic recreates the quirky evolution mechanic from the main Pokémon games, giving Pokémon Go a special interactive twist. This makes evolving Inkay one of the most memorable experiences in the game.
Tips for Evolving Inkay Faster
- Use Rare Candy: If you’re short on Inkay Candies, don’t forget about using Rare Candies. These can be converted to Inkay Candy and help you meet the 50 Candy requirement more quickly.
- Walk with Inkay as Your Buddy: By setting Inkay as your buddy, you’ll earn 1 Candy per 3 km walked. This can significantly speed up the evolution process if you’re short on Candies.
- Check for Inkay Events: Keep an eye out for Pokémon events that might increase the spawn rate of Inkay or provide bonuses for evolving Pokémon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Inkay evolve without flipping the phone?
No, the phone must be flipped upside down for the evolution to trigger. This mirrors the evolution method used in the mainline Pokémon games.
2. Is there a time limit for evolving Inkay after flipping the phone?
No, there’s no time limit. As long as your phone is upside down when you click the “Evolve” button, the evolution will proceed normally.
3. How strong is Malamar in Pokémon Go?
Malamar has decent utility in PvP battles, particularly in the Great and Ultra Leagues. Its access to moves like Psycho Cut, Foul Play, and Hyper Beam makes it a versatile choice, especially against Psychic and Ghost-type opponents.
Evolution Alternatives: Can You Evolve Inkay in Other Pokémon Games?
In the main series of Pokémon games, Inkay evolves into Malamar when it reaches level 30 and the player turns their console upside down. This mechanic is exclusive to certain games, but it’s clear that Pokémon Go wanted to bring this same playful experience to mobile users.
How to Use Malamar in Pokémon Go
Once you’ve evolved Inkay into Malamar, it’s time to use your newly evolved Pokémon in battle! Malamar’s Psychic/Dark typing gives it a unique set of resistances, making it strong against certain types like Ghost and Psychic, while being vulnerable to Bug and Fairy types.
Moveset Recommendations
For PvP battles, here are the recommended moves for Malamar:
- Fast Move: Psycho Cut
- Charged Move 1: Foul Play
- Charged Move 2: Superpower
These moves provide a balance of Psychic and Dark-type attacks, giving Malamar versatility in combat.
Evolving Inkay in Pokémon Go is a fun and interactive process that mirrors the mechanics of the main series Pokémon games. By following the steps outlined in this guide—collecting enough Inkay Candy, flipping your phone, and tapping evolve—you’ll have your very own Malamar in no time. Whether you’re aiming to complete your Pokédex or dominate in PvP battles, evolving Inkay is a memorable experience for all Pokémon trainers.
For more tips on evolving rare Pokémon, check out our guides on other special evolutions in Pokémon Go!
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