Inkay, the Spinning Pokémon of the Kalos region (Gen VI), is perhaps the most fascinating evolution of them all in the Pokémon universe.
Its cute cephalopod appearance and novel method of evolving into Malamar only contribute to its appeal.
Inkay entered the world of Pokémon GO through the Psychic Spectacular 2021 event. It’s not merely a question of gathering Candy, though, you know how to get the best Eevee evolution in Pokémon—there’s a catch!
In this step-by-step guide, we’re going to examine everything you need to know about how to evolve Inkay in Pokémon GO. Whether you’re new or a seasoned Trainer.
How To Evolve Inkay In Pokemon Go: Step-by-Step Guide
In the standard Pokémon games, Inkay evolves to Malamar at level 30—but only while the device (i.e., the Nintendo 3DS) is held upside down.
Niantic copied this odd method for Pokémon GO in a fun and unusual manner. Read on to duplicate the experience.
Evolution Requirements:
- 50 Inkay Candy
- Device with gyroscope/motion sensor
- Auto-rotate on
- Phone held upside down while evolving
Step-by-Step How To Evolve Inkay In Pokemon into Malamar:
1. Catch an Inkay. If you already have one, go to the next step. If not, head to the catching below.
2. Have 50 Inkay Candy. Grind as follows to get instant Candy:
- Catch some Inkay in events
- Double Candy with Pinap Berries
- Only use Rare Candy as a last resort
- Walk with Inkay as your Buddy
3. Ensure Auto-Rotate Is Enabled.
- Android: Swipe down → Tap on auto-rotate icon
- iPhone: Swipe down from top-right → Disable Portrait Lock
- Flip Your Phone Over.
Please note that the “Evolve” button will become blue from gray. That’s because your phone senses rotation via its gyroscope.
4. Press the “Evolve” Button.
- Inkay will evolve into the powerful and bizarre-looking Malamar!
Tips:
- If the “Evolve” button stays gray, reopen the app and check your rotation settings.
- Ideally compatible with regular smartphones. Tablet and emulator support for motion detection is not available.
Pokémon GO Inkay Evolve Problem Solution
Most players find themselves bewildered in developing Inkay due to its unique evolution method.
Let’s take care of some commonly faced problems:
| Problem | Solution |
| Evolve button is grayed out | Turn the phone upside down with screen rotation on |
| Phone not rotating | Activate auto-rotate in device settings |
| 50 Candy available but unable to evolve | Reboot Pokémon GO app and check the screen rotation |
| Using emulator/tablet | Try using a smartphone with a gyroscope |
| Already tried everything | Reinstall Pokémon GO or update your OS |
Important: Inkay evolution DOES NOT work on some tablets, PCs, or unsupported mobile phones that lack gyroscopic sensors.
How To Catch Inkay In Pokémon GO
Inkay is not a daily spawn, just like if you wanna know how to get a mewtwo in pokemon go, getting an Inkay is difficult. But where and how to search increases your chances.
Where Inkay Can Be Found:
- In the Wild: Usually during nighttime hours or dark/psychic-type events
- 1-Star Raids: Usually during special events such as Psychic Spectacular
- Field Research: Occasionally rewards for an Inkay encounter
- Eggs: Occasionally hatches from 5km or 7km eggs during special events
- GO Battle League Encounters: Occasionally, rank rewards
Catch Tips:
- Active events reward Incense; use it to lure more Inkay.
- Set Lure Modules on park and cemetery PokéStops.
- Look for moonlight hours—Inkay spawn rates are increased during night cycles.
Inkay’s not behind a walking requirement like other Pokémon, but here are intelligent ways to get Inkay or Inkay Candy at home:
1. Incense And Lures
- Activate during events that will cause Inkay to spawn.
- Ensure playing in locations that have normal spawn density.
2. Remote Raid Passes
- Get 1-star raids remotely.
- Access raids worldwide with apps such as PokéRaid or Poke Genie.
3. Use A Buddy
- Set Inkay as your Buddy.
- Walk 3 km and receive 1 Candy.
- Use a Poffin to save distance and receive double the reward.
4. Adventure Sync
- Have your steps automated and receive Inkay Candy without gameplay.
5. Field Research Tasks
- Look for tasks that reward Inkay.
- No need to go very far to complete some of the tasks.
Don’t spoof (GPS cheat) since it is against the game terms and can get you an account suspension or a ban.
Getting Inkay And Shiny Inkay
The shiny variant of Inkay was introduced to Pokémon GO in September 2022‘s Psychic Spectacular event.
Normal Inkay
- Normal color: Deep blue body with pinkish top
- Acquired via wild spawns, raids, tasks, or eggs
Shiny Inkay
- The body is teal/blue-green, and the head bulb is golden
- Spawns in the wild, raids, and research tasks (in special events)
How To Get Shiny Inkay Best:
- Play during Shiny-boosted events
- Stack a huge amount of Inkay research tasks for simple checking
- Give a high priority to Field Research, where shiny opportunities are usually 1 in 64
- Utilize your daily incense to increase rates for rare spawns
Bonus: Malamar For PvP And Pv
Evolked Inkay—Malamar—is more than just a Pokédex filler. It’s a fun, off-meta choice in Great League PvP because of its quirky Dark/Psychic typing and non-standard move set. Malamar Stats:
- Max CP: ~2660 (Level 50)
- Best PvP League: Great League
- Type: Dark/Psychic (Only weak to Bug and Fairy)
- Key Moves
- Quick: Psycho Cut / Peck
- Charged: Foul Play / Superpower / Hyper Beam
Malamar knocks out Psychic and Ghost-type opponents with ease and disorients opponents with Superpower baiting.
Turn Your Phone, Evolve Your Game
Leveling up Inkay in Pokémon GO isn’t just about feeding it candy—it’s getting down to playing the game in its most holistic, harmonious form of being a part of the original charm of the Pokémon universe.
The chain evolutions of Inkay to Malamar feel like a refreshing break from GO defaults, and one of the best evolutions after you’ve gotten your groove going.
No matter if you want to catch a Shiny Inkay, stock up on Candy enough, or simply evolve one for the first time, this guide leads you step by step through everything. Now you know how to catch, evolve, and unlock the full potential of your Inkay.
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