Pokémon GO

How to Evolve Inkay in Pokémon GO: A Complete Guide for 2024

How to Evolve Inkay in Pokémon GO

If you’re a Pokémon GO player in the United States, you’re probably familiar with Inkay – a Dark/Psychic-type Pokémon that can evolve into the formidable Malamar. However, evolving Inkay in Pokémon GO is not as straightforward as it might seem. Unlike many other Pokémon that evolve with a simple use of Stardust or candy, Inkay requires a special technique to evolve, making it an exciting challenge for players. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to evolve Inkay in Pokémon GO and provide you with some useful tips for maximizing your chances.

1. Understanding Inkay and Its Evolution

Inkay is a dual-type Dark/Psychic Pokémon first introduced in Generation VI, and it is a fan favorite due to its unique appearance and typing. Inkay is a small, squid-like creature that has a very interesting evolution mechanic. It evolves into Malamar, a more powerful and intimidating Pokémon, known for its strong moves and great PvP potential.

However, the key to evolving Inkay is not just collecting enough candy like many other Pokémon. Instead, players need to perform a specific action in the game that simulates the flipping motion of a real-life squid. This evolution mechanic adds a unique twist and is one of the many things that makes Pokémon GO stand out.

2. The Special Requirement for Evolving Inkay

To evolve Inkay into Malamar in Pokémon GO, you need to perform a special action known as “upside-down evolution.” This requirement is a nod to the way Inkay evolves in the mainline Pokémon games, where it flips upside down in order to evolve.

Step-by-Step Guide to Evolving Inkay

Step 1: Catch Inkay First, you need to catch an Inkay in the wild or hatch it from eggs. Inkay can typically be found in places with a higher spawn rate for Water and Dark-type Pokémon. Make sure to use lures or take advantage of events where Inkay spawns more frequently.

Step 2: Collect Inkay Candy To evolve Inkay, you need 50 Inkay candies. You can collect Inkay candies by:

  • Catching more Inkays
  • Walking with Inkay as your buddy
  • Using a Pinap Berry to increase candy drops
  • Transferring Pokémon to Professor Willow
  • Participating in events or challenges that boost candy rewards

Step 3: Ensure Your Device is in the Right Orientation Once you’ve gathered 50 Inkay candies, it’s time to evolve. Here’s the catch: You need to hold your phone upside down during the evolution process. This simulates the real-world evolution of Inkay and is a key part of how the game mirrors the original Pokémon games.

To evolve Inkay:

  • Open the Pokémon menu and select Inkay.
  • Tap on the “Evolve” button, but don’t press it just yet.
  • Hold your phone upside down and wait for the evolution animation to begin. The phone’s orientation will trigger the evolution process.

Step 4: Enjoy Your New Malamar After following the steps correctly, Inkay will evolve into Malamar! Congratulations, you now have one of the most interesting and powerful Pokémon in your collection.

3. Why is Inkay’s Evolution So Unique?

The upside-down evolution of Inkay is a unique mechanic in Pokémon GO, and it sets this Pokémon apart from others. The reason behind this unusual evolution comes from the Pokémon games, where Inkay evolves when the player’s game is flipped upside down. This mirrors Inkay’s design as a squid, an animal known for its ability to change its orientation.

This mechanic was brought into Pokémon GO to give players a fun and interactive way to evolve Inkay, making it an interesting challenge for trainers. It also adds an extra layer of immersion, as it’s not just about catching and collecting Pokémon – it’s about using your real-world environment and interactions to evolve your Pokémon.

4. Tips for Catching Inkay

Inkay might not be as commonly found as other Pokémon, so it’s important to know where and when to look for it. Here are a few tips for finding Inkay:

  • Take Advantage of Events: Niantic frequently holds events that feature increased spawn rates for specific Pokémon, including Inkay. Make sure to participate in these events to increase your chances of catching one.
  • Use Lures: If you’re in an area where Inkay isn’t naturally spawning, try using a lure to increase the chances of attracting Inkay to your location.
  • Check Spawn Maps: Some third-party websites and apps provide spawn maps that show where Pokémon like Inkay are most likely to appear. Use these resources to maximize your hunting efficiency.

5. Inkay’s PvP Potential

Malamar, Inkay’s evolved form, is a powerhouse in PvP battles. With its strong Dark and Psychic-type moves, Malamar can be a valuable asset in the GO Battle League. Here are some reasons why Malamar is a great Pokémon for PvP:

  • Malamar’s Stats: Malamar boasts impressive CP potential and solid defensive stats, making it a tough opponent in battle.
  • Strong Moveset: Malamar can learn a variety of powerful moves, including Psycho Cut, Foul Play, and Superpower, making it versatile in many situations.
  • Unique Typing: As a Dark/Psychic-type Pokémon, Malamar has a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses, allowing it to counter a variety of other Pokémon in PvP.

6. Is It Worth Evolving Inkay into Malamar?

If you’re wondering whether you should invest in evolving Inkay into Malamar, the answer depends on your goals. If you’re a completionist or a competitive player, Malamar can be a great addition to your roster. It’s also a fun and unique Pokémon to evolve, given the special upside-down mechanic.

For players looking to dominate in the GO Battle League, Malamar is definitely worth considering due to its excellent move set and solid stats. However, if you’re more of a casual player and don’t plan to engage in competitive battles, you may choose to hold off on evolving Inkay until you encounter a higher IV one.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Evolving Inkay

While evolving Inkay is relatively straightforward, there are a few common mistakes players make. Here’s how to avoid them:

  • Forgetting to Flip Your Phone: The most common mistake is forgetting to hold your phone upside down during the evolution process. If you don’t flip your phone, Inkay will not evolve into Malamar.
  • Not Collecting Enough Candies: Make sure you have at least 50 Inkay candies before attempting the evolution. If you don’t have enough, you’ll need to catch more Inkays or use items to increase your candy collection.
  • Evolving a Low IV Inkay: Before evolving, check the IVs of your Inkay. If it’s a low IV Pokémon, you might want to hold off on evolving it until you find a better one.

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