Evolve Inkay: A Definitive Guide for Pokémon GO (2023)

Inkay, the Squid Pokémon, has been captivating trainers in Pokémon GO since its introduction in 2016. Known for its unique evolution mechanic, Inkay has become a popular choice for those seeking to add diversity to their teams. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about evolving Inkay, including its evolution requirements, move pool, and potential applications.

Evolution Requirements

Unlike most Pokémon, Inkay's evolution into Malamar is not triggered by reaching a certain level. Instead, it requires a specific set of conditions to be met:

1. Inkay must be held upside down: When Inkay is in battle or walking with you as your buddy, hold your mobile device upside down. This can be achieved by rotating your device 180 degrees along its horizontal axis.
2. Walk 10 kilometers: While your device is upside down, walk a total distance of 10 kilometers with Inkay as your buddy. This distance can be tracked in the "Buddy" section of your profile.

Once these two requirements have been met, Inkay will be eligible to evolve into Malamar.

Move Pool

Malamar has a diverse move pool that suits various battle situations. Its notable moves include:

• Fast Moves:

  • Psycho Cut
  • Astonish

• Charged Moves:

  

  • Foul Play
  • Superpower
  • Dark Pulse
  • Psychic
  • Hypnosis

Potential Applications

Malamar's unique move pool and ability to lower opponents' stats make it a versatile Pokémon in both PvE and PvP battles:

PvE:
* Raids: Malamar can be useful against Pokémon with Psychic, Ghost, and Dark weaknesses. Its access to Foul Play and Superpower makes it a solid choice for raid teams.
* Gym Battles: Malamar's high defense and access to Hypnosis make it a decent defender in gym battles.

PvP:
* Great League: Malamar's combination of bulk and potent moves make it a formidable contender in the Great League.
* Ultra League: In the Ultra League, Malamar faces tougher competition but can still shine with its ability to lower opponents' stats.
* Master League: While Malamar faces stiff competition in the Master League, it can still be effective against specific matchups.

Evolution Tips and Tricks

Here are some useful tips to help you evolve Inkay efficiently:

• Use Incense: Incense attracts Pokémon to your location, increasing the chances of finding Inkay.
• Check PokéStops: PokéStops often spawn Inkay, so be sure to check them regularly.
• Participate in Events: Events featuring Inkay can be a great opportunity to acquire multiple Inkay for evolution.
• Take Advantage of Weather Boosts: Inkay is boosted by Cloudy weather, so try to evolve it during these conditions for a faster evolution.

Pros and Cons of Malamar

Pros:

• Versatile move pool suitable for various battle scenarios
• High defense and ability to lower opponents' stats
• Can be a valuable addition to raid teams and PvP lineups

Cons:

• Requires specific evolution conditions
• Can be vulnerable to Fairy-type attacks
• May struggle against fast-paced opponents

Conclusion

Evolving Inkay in Pokémon GO is a unique and rewarding experience. By understanding the evolution requirements, move pool, and potential applications of Malamar, you can add this intriguing Pokémon to your team and enhance your gameplay in both PvE and PvP battles. Remember to utilize the tips and tricks provided to maximize your efficiency and unlock the full potential of Inkay's evolved form.