Want to know how to evolve Inkay? We’ve got you covered. Inka’s evolution method is one of a kind; literally, no other ‘mon evolves this way, so it’s understandable that you might not know what to do to get Malamar. So, allow us to help you get this formidable dark-type. We’re even ready to tell you where to catch Inkay since you actually need one to evolve.
To make the most out of Malamar once you get the dark Pokémon, check out our dark Pokémon weakness guide. Or, for more catch-em-all companion guides, be sure to browse through our picks of the best dog Pokémon, cat Pokémon, bear Pokémon, and bird Pokémon from across the franchise.
Let’s dive into our how to evolve Inkay guide.
How do I evolve Inkay in Pokémon Go?
You need to give Inkay 50 candies and turn your phone upside down to evolve into Malamar in Pokémon Go. The best way to get the candies is to catch every Inkay you see and make one your buddy so you can walk and play with it. After you get the 50 Inkay candies, complete the following steps to evolve Inkay into Malamar:
- Select Inkay in your Pokémon Go roster
- Turn your phone upside down
- Make sure the red evolution button is now green
- Hit the green button
- Take to battle with Malamar!
How do I evolve Inkay in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Pokémon Sword and Shield is the most recent main series Pokémon title with Inkay as an available monster, and it’s the only pair of games it appears in on Nintendo Switch. To evolve the gen 6 Pokémon, you need to get to level 30 then complete the following steps:
- Level up at level 30 or higher
- Turn your Nintendo Switch upside down before the dialogue ends (this is easier in handheld mode)
- Make sure not to press B through the evolution process
- Explore Galar with Malamar!
All previous games featuring Malamar and Inkay require the same steps as above.
Where can I catch Inkay in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
You can catch Inkay in Sword and Shield:
- Route 7
- Route 9
- Bridge Field
- Dusty Bowl
- Giant’s Mirror
- Hammerlocke Hills
- Watchtower Ruins
- West Lake Axewell
- Motostoke Riverbank
- Stony Wilderness
Make sure you check out our dark and psychic Pokémon weakness guides for tips on how to catch Inkay. Usually, a pokéball does the trick, but if you want to be extra sure, use a great ball.
There you have it, how to evolve Inkay. Now you can grab a big squid ready for battle. Of course, there are other evolutions out there, and we’re ready to help teach you how to evolve Charcadet, how to evolve Pawmo, how to evolve Primeape, how to evolve Finizen, and more. Or, if you want to know how to get the likes of Vaporeon in Niantic’s mobile game, check out our Pokémon Go Eevee evolution guide.