How to Evolve Inkay in Pokemon GO
By Jack O'Dwyer
Pokemon GO trainers are a bit confused about how to evolve Inkay.
Niantic Labs announced that Inkay and its evolved form Malamar would be making an appearance during the Season of Mischief's "Psychic Spectacular" event this month. From Wednesday, Sept. 8 to Monday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. through to 8 p.m. local time, trainers will be able to find Inkay in their neighborhood—that part is simple. The real question is: how do they evolve it into Malamar?
Trainers, the Psychic Spectacular event has started in some areas around the world! ?
— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) September 8, 2021
Psychic-type Pokémon have begun to appear more often in the wild, in raids, and in Field Research encounters! https://t.co/UTHRvGiryL pic.twitter.com/eoxrTAcI8Y
How to Evolve Inkay in Pokemon GO
Niantic wasn't wrong when it alluded to Kalos trainers already having a headstart on figuring out this answer. To evolve Inkay, trainers will need to physically turn their phones upside down for the Pokemon to be able to evolve. Inkay should also be the trainer's Buddy at this time.
They'll also need 50 candies, but trainers were likely expecting that already.
Inkay is a dark and psychic-type from the Kalos region. Much like the animal it's based on—the squid—Inkay is best suited for the deep ocean biome with a unique bioluminescent pattern on its head. Those who stare into the pattern will "lose their will to fight," according to the in-game PokeDex. It is also known as the "Revolving" Pokemon and its PokeDex number is 686.
Its evolved form, Malamar, is known as the "Overturning" Pokemon—likely due to the fact its appearance looks a lot like an Inkay (or giant squid) turned upside down. Despite its unique aesthetic, trainers won't find much success with this Pokemon beyond its novelty value.
Some, however, have claimed it does well in the GO Battle Great League. Malamar's best moveset contains the quick move Psycho Cut and the charged move Foul Play.