How to Evolve Inkay Pokémon GO is one of those questions that players ask all the time in Pokémon GO. Inkay is one of the more unusual Pokémon to evolve in the Pokémon series. Unlike most Pokémon that evolve through leveling up, using items, or friendship, Inkay evolves using a completely unique mechanic involving the way you hold your device. Because of this, many players search for how to evolve Inkay after reaching the required level but seeing nothing happen.
In this guide, you will learn exactly how to evolve Inkay, what level it evolves at, why the evolution method is so unusual, and how to ensure the evolution works properly. If you are trying to add Malamar to your Pokédex, the steps below will help you do it quickly and correctly.
How to Evolve Inkay
To evolve Inkay into Malamar, you must meet two conditions at the same time.
First, Inkay must reach level 30.
Second, your device must be turned upside down when the level up occurs.
This means that when Inkay levels up, the console or device you are playing on needs to be physically flipped upside down. If done correctly, Inkay will evolve into Malamar immediately after leveling.
Step by step:
- Train Inkay until it reaches level 29
- Enter a battle or use experience candy to trigger the next level
- Turn your device upside down before the level up finishes
- Inkay will evolve into Malamar
If the console is not flipped when Inkay levels up, the evolution simply will not trigger.
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Why Inkay Evolves Upside Down
Inkay’s evolution method is a clever reference to its design and behaviour. Inkay is based on a squid that uses hypnotic abilities and disorienting movements. The developers designed its evolution mechanic to mirror that disorienting effect by literally flipping the game upside down.
When Inkay evolves, it becomes Malamar, a much larger and more powerful Pokémon known for its hypnotic powers and strong Psychic and Dark type attacks.
The upside down evolution is one of the most memorable evolution methods in the franchise because it requires a real world action rather than just a standard gameplay mechanic.
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What Level Inkay Evolves
Inkay evolves at level 30.
However, simply reaching level 30 is not enough. The device must also be upside down when the level up occurs.
If Inkay reaches level 30 while the console is upright, it will remain Inkay. You can still evolve it later by leveling it again while holding the console upside down.
Because of this, some players intentionally delay the evolution until level 31 or higher so they can prepare the device flip in advance.
Best Ways to Level Up Inkay Quickly
If you are trying to evolve Inkay quickly, there are a few reliable methods to gain experience fast.
Battling high level wild Pokémon is one of the simplest options. Repeated battles against strong opponents will rapidly increase Inkay’s experience.
Using Exp. Candy is also an efficient way to level up instantly. Many players save candy specifically for Pokémon that have unusual evolution requirements like Inkay.
Another good option is battling trainers or participating in raids where experience rewards are significantly higher than normal encounters.
Whichever method you choose, make sure you are ready to flip the console upside down before the level up animation finishes.
What Malamar Is Good For
Once evolved, Malamar becomes a powerful Dark and Psychic type Pokémon with strong offensive capabilities.
Malamar is particularly known for its ability Contrary, which reverses stat changes. This ability can turn normally negative effects into powerful buffs. For example, moves that would usually lower stats can actually increase them when Contrary is active.
Because of this unique mechanic, Malamar can be surprisingly strong in competitive battles when used correctly.
Tips for Evolving Inkay Successfully
Some players struggle to evolve Inkay because the timing or device position is incorrect. The following tips can help avoid common mistakes.
Make sure the console or phone is fully upside down before the level up screen completes.
If the evolution does not trigger, simply level Inkay again while the device is flipped.
Avoid using auto leveling features that may cause the level up to happen before you flip the device.
Preparing at level 29 and planning the level up carefully makes the process much easier.
How to Evolve Inkay
Learning how to evolve Inkay can be confusing the first time because its evolution method is unlike any other Pokémon. Instead of using stones, friendship, or trading, Inkay requires players to physically flip their device upside down during the level up.
Once you understand the method, evolving Inkay into Malamar becomes very straightforward. Simply reach level 30, turn your console upside down during the level up, and you will add one of the most unique Dark and Psychic type Pokémon to your team.
For players completing their Pokédex or building a strong battle team, Malamar is a fascinating evolution that rewards players who know the trick behind how to evolve Inkay.
