Mastering the Unique Evolution of Inkay in Pokémon Go
In the ever-expanding world of Pokémon Go, trainers encounter a vast array of fascinating creatures, each with their own unique quirks and challenges. One such Pokémon, Inkay, the Squishy Cephalopod, stands out for its peculiar evolution method. Forget the traditional candy grind; evolving Inkay into the formidable Malamar requires a clever twist that harks back to the ingenuity of the Pokémon franchise.
This guide delves into the secrets of evolving Inkay, equipping you with the knowledge to transform this intriguing Pokémon into its powerful counterpart. So, dust off your Poké Balls, Trainers, and get ready to master the art of upside-down evolution!
Step 1: Encountering the Elusive Inkay
Inkay isn’t the most common Pokémon you’ll encounter in the wild. It primarily appears near bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and even coastal areas. Utilize Incense or Lures near these locations to increase your odds of finding one. Additionally, keep an eye out for special events or Field Research tasks that might reward Inkay encounters.
Once you’ve encountered an Inkay, prepare for battle! This Psychic-type Pokémon boasts a decent defense but is weak against Bug, Dark, and Ghost-type attacks. Utilize these weaknesses to your advantage by deploying Pokémon like Pinsir, Heracross, Gengar, or any strong Bug or Dark-type battler in your arsenal.
Step 2: Power Up with Inkay Candy
As with most Pokémon evolutions in Pokémon Go, you’ll need Candy to transform Inkay into Malamar. Here are some effective ways to collect enough Inkay Candy:
- Catching Inkay: Every time you catch an Inkay, you’ll receive 3 Inkay Candy (with a chance for a bonus Candy if you use a Pinap Berry during capture).
- Transferring Inkay: If you have a surplus of Inkay that aren’t particularly strong, transferring them to Professor Willow will yield some Candy.
- Walking with Inkay: Make Inkay your Buddy Pokémon! As you walk a certain distance with Inkay as your buddy, you’ll earn Candy. This is a great way to passively collect Candy while you go about your day.
Step 3: The Upside-Down Evolution Trick
Here comes the exciting part! Unlike most Pokémon evolutions in Pokémon Go, which simply require enough Candy, evolving Inkay into Malamar has a unique twist.
Prepare to defy gravity, trainers! To evolve Inkay, you’ll need 50 Inkay Candy, just like any other standard evolution. However, the key step lies in your phone’s position. With 50 Candy and your chosen Inkay selected, navigate to the evolution screen. You’ll likely notice a faint “Evolve” button. Here’s the secret: turn your phone upside down!
With your phone in this position, the “Evolve” button should illuminate, signifying that the evolution requirements are met. Voila! Tap the button, and witness your Inkay transform into the majestic Malamar!
This clever evolution method pays homage to the original evolution method for Inkay in the core Pokémon games. In those games, players had to physically turn their Nintendo DS upside down to trigger the evolution. Niantic, the developers of Pokémon Go, cleverly translated this unique mechanic into the mobile platform, adding a touch of nostalgia and fun for veteran trainers.
Step 4: Unleashing the Power of Malamar
Congratulations, trainer! You’ve successfully evolved your Inkay into the formidable Malamar, the Ominous Pokémon. Malamar boasts a much stronger offensive and defensive presence compared to Inkay. Its dual Dark and Psychic typing grants it resistances against a wider range of attacks, while also offering offensive advantages against Ghost and Psychic-type Pokémon.
Malamar excels in the Great League (CP limit of 1500) and Ultra League (CP limit of 2500) PvP battles due to its well-rounded stats and access to powerful moves like Superpower, Psychic, and Night Slash. Consider investing in a strong Malamar for your battle team, especially if you encounter Ghost or Psychic-type opponents frequently.
Here are some additional tips for maximizing your Malamar’s potential:
- Power Up: Invest Stardust and Candy to further increase Malamar’s CP and stats.
- Second Move: Unlock a second charged move for Malamar to provide greater versatility in battle.
- Fast Attacks: Choose the Fast Attack that best suits your battle strategy. Consider options like Psycho Cut for faster energy generation or Confusion for stat debuffs on your opponent.
- Team Composition: Pair Malamar with Pokémon that complement its strengths and weaknesses. Consider using a Fairy-type Pokémon to counter Dark-type attacks that Malamar is weak against.
Beyond the Basics: Mastering the Art of the Malamar Trainer
Evolving your Inkay is just the first step in your journey with Malamar. This enigmatic Pokémon offers a unique blend of power and intrigue, rewarding trainers who delve deeper into its potential. Here’s how to elevate your Malamar mastery:
Unlocking the Depths of Malamar’s Moveset:
Malamar boasts a diverse moveset, allowing for customization based on your preferred battle strategy. Here’s a breakdown of some key moves and their applications:
- Fast Attacks:
- Psycho Cut: This fast-charging move generates energy quickly, enabling frequent use of charged attacks.
- Confusion: This attack deals decent damage while also lowering your opponent’s attack stat, potentially weakening their offensive power.
- Charged Attacks:
- Superpower: This devastating Dark-type attack deals massive damage but lowers Malamar’s defense for a short duration. Use it strategically against opponents with low defense or when victory hinges on a single powerful blow.
- Psychic: This Psychic-type attack offers reliable damage and a chance to decrease your opponent’s defense. It’s a versatile option for a variety of situations.
- Night Slash: This Ghost-type attack deals decent damage and has a high critical hit chance. It can be a surprise weapon against opponents who underestimate Malamar’s offensive capabilities.
Understanding Malamar’s Role in Your Team:
Malamar shines as a versatile battler, capable of filling multiple roles within your team. Here’s how to leverage its strengths:
- Glass Cannon: Equip Malamar with Psycho Cut and Superpower for a powerful offensive combo. This strategy focuses on dealing maximum damage before your opponent can retaliate. However, be mindful of Malamar’s lower defense and choose battles where quick elimination is key.
- Debuffer: Utilize Confusion as your Fast Attack to steadily weaken your opponent’s offensive capabilities. Pair this with a charged attack like Psychic for a well-rounded approach that both weakens and damages the enemy.
- Anti-Psychic/Ghost Counter: Malamar’s dual Dark/Psychic typing grants it resistances against both Ghost and Psychic-type attacks. This makes it a valuable asset when facing teams reliant on these types.
Advanced Strategies for the Discerning Trainer:
For trainers seeking to truly master Malamar, here are some advanced tactics to consider:
- Shielding Strategy: Malamar’s lower defense makes strategic use of shields crucial. Consider shielding against powerful attacks that could significantly cripple it, allowing you to counterattack effectively.
- Baiting and Switching: Utilize Malamar’s Fast Attacks to bait out your opponent’s shields before unleashing a powerful charged attack. Alternatively, leverage Malamar’s resistance to lure out specific attacks before switching to a more advantageous Pokémon on your team.
- Mind Games: Malamar’s unique typing and moveset can be used to surprise your opponent. Play mind games by switching between charged attack options, keeping them guessing and potentially creating openings for a strategic advantage.
By understanding the nuances of Malamar’s moveset, role flexibility, and advanced tactics, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a formidable Malamar trainer. Remember, practice, experimentation, and a keen understanding of your opponent are key to mastering this fascinating Pokémon. So, venture forth, trainers, and unleash the true potential of your Malamar!
