Let’s be real, most Pokémon Go evolutions are a total snooze-fest. You just feed it candy, hit a button, and boom – done. Easy peasy, right?
But then there’s Inkay. If you’ve been staring at that ‘Evolve’ button, wondering why it’s stubbornly gray, you’re definitely not alone. This isn’t your grandma’s evolution method. Nope, Niantic decided to get a little… fancy with our adorable upside-down squid.
You probably have your 50 Inkay candies all ready to go, right? Maybe you even tried restarting the app, thinking it was a glitch. Frustrating, isn’t it? You’re probably thinking, ‘What gives? Is my phone broken? Am I doing something wrong?’
Well, good news: your phone’s fine. And you’re not wrong to be confused! Inkay simply has one of the weirdest, most obscure evolution requirements in the whole game. It’s less about tapping a button and more about performing a little digital magic trick, know what I mean?
And here’s the thing: once you know the secret, it’s actually super simple. But until then, it’s like trying to open a jar with a fork – you’re just gonna poke it uselessly.
So, if you’re sick of your Inkay just chilling in your storage, looking cute but totally unevolved, you’ve come to the right place. We’re gonna break down the exact, often-missed trick to finally get yourself a majestic Malamar. We’ll cover the candy, the ‘secret sauce,’ and even make sure your device is ready for the big moment. Get ready to flip your world (and your Inkay) right side up!
The One Trick You NEED to Evolve Inkay in Pokémon Go (It’s Not Just Candy!)
Forget everything you thought you knew about evolving Pokémon. Inkay doesn’t play by the rules, and honestly, we love it for that. This isn’t about walking 10km or using a special item; it’s about a physical quirk that trips up even seasoned trainers.
The ‘Upside Down’ Secret: How It Actually Works
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff. You’ve got your Inkay and enough candy (we’ll cover that soon). You tap ‘Evolve,’ and… nothing. Or maybe a confusing message. Frustrating, right? It’s like Inkay is just chilling, enjoying your confusion.
Here’s the wild part: Inkay literally needs you to turn your phone upside down. Yep, actually flip it. This isn’t a glitch; it’s a unique design choice. Pretty extra, if you ask me, but you gotta admire a Pokémon with such specific demands.
So, when do you perform this phone magic? Not just anytime. You need to be on the evolution screen – the one that pops up and asks ‘Do you want to evolve Inkay into Malamar?’ That’s your moment. Hold your phone horizontally, then physically flip it so the top is now the bottom. Think of it like a quick, precise phone flip.
The game does hint at this with a tiny icon on that very evolution screen – usually lurking in a corner. It’s a little phone with an arrow doing a flip. But honestly, who actually reads those subtle cues? We’re usually just button-mashing, hoping for the best. It’s like ignoring the instructions for IKEA furniture until you’re completely stuck. Don’t feel bad if you missed it!
Most people miss it because they’re too busy wondering why their perfectly good Inkay isn’t evolving. You’re not alone in thinking your game is broken. But once you know, it’s ridiculously simple. This unique quirk makes evolving Inkay a fun little puzzle, not just another tap-and-wait scenario. Go on, give your phone a tumble. Inkay is waiting!
Gathering Your Inkay Candy: The Standard Grind (But Still Important)
Okay, so the flip trick is cool, but even Inkay isn’t that unique. You still need candy. Always with the candy, right? It’s the universal currency of Pokémon Go. You’ll need a solid 50 Inkay candy to get your little cephalopod ready for its upside-down transformation.
Fifty candy might sound like a lot if you haven’t seen many Inkay around. But don’t sweat it too much. The best way to stack up those candies is, surprise, surprise: catch every single Inkay you see. Seriously, all of them! Each catch nets you 3 candy, or 6 if you’re using a Pinap Berry. And trust me, you want to use Pinap Berries. They basically double your candy haul, which is like getting a two-for-one deal on your favorite snack. Who doesn’t love a good discount?
Got a bunch of Inkay with terrible stats that you don’t need? Transfer them to Professor Willow! Every transfer gives you one more candy. It’s like clearing out your closet and getting paid for it – almost. Not bad for getting rid of digital clutter. Also, keep an eye out for any Inkay nest events or increased spawn rates in your area. Sometimes, the game just throws them at you like confetti.
And if you’re really struggling, or just want some passive income (candy income, that is), make Inkay your buddy. Walk around with your quirky little friend, and it’ll find you candy as you adventure, albeit slowly. Think of it as a leisurely stroll with a purpose. It’s not the fastest method for evolving Inkay in Pokémon Go, but every little bit helps when you’re trying to collect that precious candy.
Confirming Your Device is Ready for the Flip
Before you start throwing your phone around like a digital pancake, let’s make sure your device is actually ready for this bizarre challenge. Because nothing’s worse than thinking you’re doing something right, only for your phone to ignore you completely. It’s like asking a toddler to clean their room – technically possible, but often met with a blank stare.
The biggest thing to check is your phone’s auto-rotate setting. If it’s locked into one orientation, Inkay’s special trick won’t work. Think of it like trying to do a flip with a stiff board strapped to your back. No bueno. For iPhones, swipe down from the top right corner (or up from the bottom for older models) and look for the lock icon with an arrow around it. Make sure it’s not lit up or engaged. For Androids, swipe down from the top for your quick settings and find the auto-rotate or orientation lock option – again, make sure it’s enabled.
Most modern smartphones, whether you’re team iPhone or team Android, should handle this flip without breaking a sweat. They’re built for all sorts of orientations. But, if you’re rocking a device that’s older than dirt, or running an ancient operating system, you might run into some snags. Sometimes older sensors just aren’t as snappy, or the OS doesn’t communicate with the game as smoothly.
Don’t panic if it doesn’t work on the first try, though. Double-check your settings, maybe restart the game, or even your phone if you’re feeling extra cautious. Usually, it’s just a matter of making sure that auto-rotate feature is switched on. Once it is, your phone is officially ready to participate in Inkay’s peculiar evolution dance. You’ll be evolving Inkay in Pokémon Go like a pro in no time!
So there you have it. Evolving Inkay isn’t about brute force or endless walking. It’s about understanding its quirky personality and giving your phone a good old flip. It’s honestly one of the most unique evolutions in Pokémon Go, a little unexpected puzzle in a world of straightforward candy requirements.
Now go forth, flip that phone, and get yourself a Malamar. You’ve earned those bragging rights, especially when your friends are still wondering why their Inkay won’t cooperate. You can just smirk and say, “Oh, you didn’t know? It’s all about perspective.” Keep being awesome, trainers!
Alright, enough with the mystique. Seriously, this Inkay evolution thing feels like a secret handshake sometimes, right? But here’s the scoop: it’s not rocket science. Following these steps precisely will save you from yelling at your phone (we’ve all been there, especially when a shiny is involved). Let’s get your squiddy friend to evolve without any extra headaches.
Preparing Your Inkay: Buddy Up and Candy Check
First things first, let’s make sure your Inkay is ready for its big glow-up. You wouldn’t try to bake a cake without flour, would you? Same energy here.
Got Candy? (The Answer Better Be Yes)
You’re going to need 50 Inkay candy. Period. If you don’t have enough, stop reading and go catch some more Inkay or walk your current one. It’s pretty straightforward, but you’d be surprised how many folks skip this obvious step and then wonder why nothing happens. And trust me, the game won’t just give you candy.
Next up, pick your champion. Head into your Pokémon storage and find the Inkay you want to evolve. Are you going for a strong one, maybe checking its IVs (those hidden stats that make some Pokémon stronger than others)? Or are you showing off a super rare, differently colored shiny Inkay? Choose wisely, because once it’s a Malamar, there’s no going back.
The Buddy System Standoff
This is where it gets a tiny bit tricky for some players. Is your Inkay currently your Buddy Pokémon? If it is, that’s usually fine. But make sure its buddy requirement for evolution isn’t active. See, some Pokémon need you to do specific things as buddies to evolve. Luckily, Inkay isn’t one of them, but having it as your current buddy sometimes throws a wrench in the works for other evolutions. It’s usually best to just not have it as your buddy when you try this specific flip-trick. Trust me, it just simplifies things.
The Moment of Truth: Flipping Your Device
Okay, your Inkay is prepped, you’ve got the candy, and your nerves are… probably fine. This is where the magic (or the mild panic) happens. Get ready, because the timing is everything.
Opening the Evolution Screen
Tap on your chosen Inkay. You’ll see its summary screen, with all its stats and moves. If you’ve got the 50 candy, you should see a bright, happy “Evolve” button right there. Give it a tap to get things started. Now, don’t just put your phone down and grab a snack! This isn’t a passive animation.
The Great Phone Flip of Destiny
This is the big moment. As soon as you hit “Evolve,” the evolution animation will begin. You’ll see your Inkay start to shimmer and do its little evolution dance. Immediately rotate your phone 180 degrees. That means turning it completely upside down, like you’re trying to read something on the ceiling. Seriously, you gotta flip that thing before the animation finishes. It’s like a secret button, but with gravity.
If you do it right, mid-animation, Inkay will suddenly morph into Malamar. It’s a pretty cool effect, honestly. You’ll know you nailed it when your upside-down phone shows a brand new Malamar staring back at you. If you wait too long, the animation will just finish, and your Inkay will still be… an Inkay. Frustrating, right? So be quick, be decisive, and channel your inner phone-flipping ninja.
Troubleshooting: When Inkay Refuses to Cooperate
You did everything right, didn’t you? You flipped, you had the candy, you practically whispered sweet nothings to your screen. And yet… still an Inkay. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This little squid can be a bit finicky sometimes.
Common Reasons for the Evolution Fail
Most of the time, it comes down to a few usual suspects. Did you definitely have 50 Inkay candy? It’s the number one reason for a no-go. The other big one is the flip itself. Did you flip the phone during the animation? If you flip it too early (before hitting evolve) or too late (after the animation is done), it won’t work. And here’s a sneaky one: check if your phone’s screen rotation lock is on. If it is, your phone won’t register the flip, and Inkay will just laugh at you.
How to Fix That Pesky Inkay
Okay, so it didn’t work. Take a deep breath. First, double-check those candy numbers. Then, confirm your screen rotation isn’t locked on your phone’s settings. That’s a super common reason. Next, try restarting the Pokémon GO app entirely. Sometimes apps just need a fresh start, you know? If all else fails, and you’re still pulling your hair out, you could try on a different device if you have one available. But usually, it’s just about getting the timing and the rotation lock sorted out. It’s a common stumble, not a personal failure!
See? You got this. Inkay’s unique evolution is a fun little quirk in Pokémon GO, and now you’re armed with all the knowledge to conquer it. Go forth and evolve those mind-bending squids!
Alright, so you finally did it. You wrestled your phone, spun around in circles, maybe even did a little dance, and poof – your Inkay evolved into a Malamar. Bet you felt like a wizard, huh?
But now you’re looking at your new upside-down squid and thinking, “Was that whole charade worth it?” And the answer, my friend, is a resounding YES. Malamar isn’t just a quirky evolution; this Psychic/Dark-type offers some genuinely cool stuff in Pokémon GO. It’s got a few tricks up its sleeve that’ll make your opponents scratch their heads.
Malamar’s Stats and Best Movesets for Raids & PvP
First off, let’s talk about Malamar’s type combo: Psychic and Dark. It’s like a superhero with two secret identities, and it makes Malamar pretty unique. This means it’s super good against other Psychic types (bye-bye, Mewtwo!) and Ghost types, which is awesome. Plus, it laughs in the face of stuff like Psychic, Ghost, and Dark attacks.
But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t have a ton of weaknesses. Just Bug and Fairy. See? Two superpowers, not many kryptonites.
When it comes to smacking down other Pokémon, you’ve got some solid choices for Malamar’s moves.
- Fast Attacks (the quick taps):
- Psycho Cut: This one charges up your special attacks really fast. Like, “did it just chug an energy drink?” fast. That’s super important in battles.
- Peck: It’s a decent choice too, but Psycho Cut usually wins if you want those big charged attacks quicker.
- Charged Attacks (the ones you tap and hold):
- Foul Play: This is a Dark-type move that hits hard and comes out pretty fast. Perfect for surprising Psychic or Ghost types.
- Psychic: Makes sense, right? It’s a powerful Psychic-type move. Great for dealing big damage to just about anything that isn’t resistant to Psychic.
- Superpower: This one’s a Fighting-type move, and it’s a game-changer. It lowers your Malamar’s attack and defense after you use it, but it catches a lot of Pokémon off guard. Think of it as a risky but powerful secret weapon.
In the world of Pokémon GO battles (that’s PvP, by the way), Malamar really shines in the Great League and Ultra League. Why? Because its stats are just right for those leagues, and it can throw off a lot of common Pokémon with its weird type and moves.
Unique Utility: How Malamar Stands Out
So, what makes this upside-down cephalopod so special? Well, Malamar isn’t just another pretty face; it’s got some serious utility.
Its Psychic/Dark typing is like having a perfectly designed shield and sword combo. It utterly crushes common Ghost types (like Giratina or Gengar) and Psychic types (like Cresselia or Metagross). You know, the Pokémon that show up in battles all the time? Malamar just walks in and says, “Nope, not today.”
And here’s the thing about PvP: Malamar can be an amazing “safe switch.” That’s basically a Pokémon you can swap into when your current fighter is getting hammered, and you know Malamar can take a hit and maybe even flip the battle around. It’s like sending in your sturdy buddy to save the day when things are looking grim. Or you can even use it as a “lead” to start battles, because it can often win against popular Pokémon right from the get-go.
Sure, there are other Psychic types and Dark types out there. But most of them are just Psychic or just Dark. Malamar having both? That’s what makes it a trickster. It can hit things super effectively that other Pokémon can only dream of. It’s like bringing a Swiss Army knife to a fight where everyone else just has a butter knife.
Powering Up Your New Psychic/Dark Beast
Okay, you’ve got your Malamar, you know its moves, now what? Time to make it stronger!
To power up your Malamar, you’re going to need two things: Stardust (that sparkly stuff you get from catching Pokémon and winning battles) and more Inkay candy. Every time you catch an Inkay or transfer one, you get candy. You’ll dump those resources into your Malamar to pump up its Combat Power (CP) and make it hit harder and take more damage.
When should you power it up? Well, if you’re eager to use it now and your Inkay has pretty good stats (we call these “IVs,” short for Individual Values, which just means how good its hidden stats are), go for it! But if you’re a super patient trainer, you might wait to find an Inkay with really, really good IVs before spending all that precious Stardust. Because once you spend it, it’s gone! Think of it like investing in a fancy car; you want the best model before you pour money into it.
Sometimes, to get the absolute perfect moveset, you might need something called an Elite TM. These are super rare items, like finding a mythical Pokémon in the wild. They let you pick any move for your Pokémon, even ones they can’t normally learn anymore. They’re usually only for trainers who are super serious about competitive play, so don’t sweat it if you don’t have one. Your Malamar will still be awesome without one!
So, there you have it. Your upside-down friend isn’t just a quirky novelty; it’s a genuinely useful Pokémon that can mess with your opponents and help you win battles. Time to go flip some battles on their head!
Your Malamar Mission: Accomplished (And Why It Matters)
So, you did it! You literally just flipped your phone upside down to get a Pokémon to evolve. How ridiculously cool is that? Admit it, you felt like a total genius for a hot second there, mastering a trick that most games would never even think of. That unique little move is what makes Malamar feel like a truly earned evolution.
Did your phone play nice, or did it try to stay stubbornly right-side up? Seriously, drop a comment below and tell us about your Malamar success story. Or, if you’re still scratching your head, we’re here to help! Don’t be shy; we’ve all wrestled with a finicky touch screen before.
And here’s the thing: while some Pokémon just need a pile of candy to evolve (yawn), it’s these quirky, unexpected methods that keep Pokémon Go interesting. They throw a fun wrench into the usual routine and make the game feel like it still has secrets to uncover. These weird evolutions aren’t just for showing off; they’re why we keep playing.