If you’ve been trying to evolve Inkay and nothing seems to work, you’re not alone. Unlike most Pokémon, Inkay has one of the most unusual evolution methods in the entire series. Many players level it up multiple times, only to wonder why it refuses to evolve.
The good news is that the process is actually very simple once you know the hidden requirement. In this guide, you’ll learn how to evolve Inkay, which games support its evolution, why it sometimes doesn’t evolve, and how to fix the most common problems players encounter.
Whether you’re playing Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Sword and Shield, Pokémon GO, or an older Pokémon title, this guide has you covered.
What Does Inkay Evolve Into?
Inkay evolves into Malamar, a Dark/Psychic-type Pokémon known for its unique design and strong offensive abilities.
Malamar is popular because it has:
- High Attack stat
- Useful Dark and Psychic moves
- Good competitive potential
- A distinctive evolution method unlike any other Pokémon
If you’re building a Dark-type or Psychic-type team, Malamar can be a valuable addition.
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How to Evolve Inkay
The special requirement depends on which Pokémon game you’re playing.
For most main-series Pokémon games, Inkay evolves when:
- It reaches Level 30 or higher
- Your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo 3DS system is held upside down during the level-up animation
Both conditions must happen at the same time.
If either requirement isn’t met, Inkay simply levels up without evolving.
Step-by-Step Guide to Evolving Inkay
Follow these steps for a successful evolution.
Step 1: Catch or Obtain Inkay
Inkay can be found in several Pokémon games through wild encounters or other in-game methods.
Step 2: Train Inkay to Level 30
Battle wild Pokémon, trainers, or use Experience Candies until Inkay reaches Level 30.
It may also evolve at any level above 30 if the special requirement is met.
Step 3: Hold Your Console Upside Down
Just before Inkay levels up:
Turn your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo 3DS completely upside down.
Keep it upside down until the evolution animation begins.
Step 4: Let Inkay Level Up
Once the level-up occurs while the console is inverted, Inkay evolves into Malamar automatically.
Why Does Inkay Need to Be Upside Down?
Game Freak designed Inkay’s evolution as a fun reference to its appearance and abilities.
Instead of using an Evolution Stone or friendship level, the game checks the orientation of your console.
This makes Inkay one of the most memorable evolutions in Pokémon history.
How to Evolve Inkay in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the process remains the same.
Requirements:
- Inkay must be Level 30 or higher.
- Hold your Nintendo Switch upside down.
- Gain one level through battling or Experience Candy.
Once those conditions are met, Inkay evolves into Malamar.
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How to Evolve Inkay in Pokémon Sword and Shield
Players in Sword and Shield follow the exact same steps.
- Reach Level 30.
- Turn the Nintendo Switch upside down.
- Gain a level.
If done correctly, the evolution starts immediately.
How to Evolve Inkay in Pokémon X and Y
Pokémon X and Y introduced Inkay’s unique evolution.
On the Nintendo 3DS:
- Reach Level 30.
- Hold the console upside down.
- Allow Inkay to gain one level.
The 3DS motion sensors detect the position automatically.
How to Evolve Inkay in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
The method didn’t change.
Simply:
- Train Inkay to Level 30.
- Hold your Nintendo 3DS upside down.
- Level up once.
Malamar will appear after the evolution animation.
How to Evolve Inkay in Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO uses a completely different evolution system.
Instead of turning your phone upside down, you’ll usually need:
- 50 Inkay Candy
- Complete the current evolution requirement set by Pokémon GO
Niantic occasionally updates evolution requirements during special events, so always check the latest in-game information before evolving.
Why Won’t Inkay Evolve?
This is one of the most common questions players ask.
Possible reasons include:
Your Inkay Is Below Level 30
It won’t evolve before reaching Level 30.
Your Console Isn’t Fully Upside Down
The Switch or 3DS must be completely inverted.
Even a slight angle may prevent the evolution from triggering.
You’re Using Rare Candy Incorrectly
Rare Candies work, but the console still needs to be upside down when the level-up occurs.
Motion Sensors Aren’t Detecting Orientation
Very rarely, motion detection may not register properly.
Simply try again by gaining another level.
Best Moves for Malamar
After evolving, consider teaching Malamar powerful moves such as:
- Night Slash
- Psycho Cut
- Superpower
- Foul Play
- Knock Off
- Psychic
These moves help take advantage of Malamar’s offensive strengths.
Is Malamar Worth Using?
For many players, yes.
Malamar offers:
- Strong Attack stat
- Interesting Dark/Psychic typing
- Useful coverage moves
- Competitive potential
- Unique design
Its Contrary Ability can also create powerful battle strategies in certain games.
Tips for Training Inkay Faster
If you want to evolve Inkay quickly:
- Use Experience Candies.
- Battle high-level wild Pokémon.
- Equip Exp. Share where available.
- Participate in trainer battles.
- Join Tera Raid Battles in Scarlet and Violet.
These methods reduce the time needed to reach Level 30.
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Common Mistakes Players Make
Avoid these mistakes:
- Forgetting to turn the console upside down.
- Trying before Level 30.
- Turning the console after the level-up animation starts.
- Assuming Pokémon GO uses the same evolution method.
Knowing these mistakes saves plenty of frustration.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to evolve Inkay is easy once you understand its unique evolution requirement. Unlike most Pokémon, Inkay needs both the correct level and the correct console orientation before it can become Malamar. If your evolution isn’t working, double-check that your Inkay is at least Level 30 and that your Nintendo Switch or 3DS is completely upside down during the level-up. Once everything is set correctly, you’ll have Malamar in just a few seconds.
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FAQs
1. What level does Inkay evolve?
Inkay evolves starting at Level 30.
2. Why isn’t my Inkay evolving?
Most likely because the console wasn’t upside down during the level-up.
3. Does Inkay evolve differently in Pokémon GO?
Yes. Pokémon GO uses Candy and game-specific evolution requirements instead.
4. Can Inkay evolve above Level 30?
Yes. It can evolve at any level above 30 if the special condition is met.
5. What does Inkay evolve into?
Inkay evolves into Malamar.
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