Inkay doesn't have much going for it on its own — the stats just aren't there. The payoff is Malamar, and getting there is worth the grind. Part of the Gen 6 roster. Psychic moves can't touch it, and only 2 types hit it super-effectively.
You won't find a real weakness in Inkay's stat line. It's well-rounded for the Revolving Pokemon, and what it does with that depends on moveset and items. Yields 1 Attack EV, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It spins while making its luminescent spots flash. These spots allow it to communicate with others by using different patterns of light.
By exposing foes to the blinking of its luminescent spots, Inkay demoralizes them, and then it seizes the chance to flee.
Inkay Weakness
AvgType-wise, Inkay takes extra damage from Bug and Fairy. Watch out for Bug attacks, those deal 4x damage. Psychic moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity.
Inkay is the base form in a two-stage line leading to Malamar. Check the evolution method below. A massive partner pool for breeding via two egg groups. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 194 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Inkay easily with 114 breeding partners from the Water1 and Water2 egg groups.
Inkay hasn't fully evolved, but Eviolite's 50% bulk boost makes it viable anyway. Adamant nature with a spread EV build EVs shapes the defensive spread, and Contrary adds utility.
Best Build
Best Inkay Moveset
- Superpower
- Psycho Cut
- Knock Off
- Trick Room
Recommended Teammates
Most of Inkay's flexibility comes from TMs. Same-type output runs through Future Sight and Foul Play, but Flying and Normal and the rest of the TM pool push it from predictable to genuinely threatening.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
The level-up pool tells the story here. Inkay learns Close Combat and Flamethrower naturally, plus enough variety that TMs feel like bonuses. Coverage across 7 types extends the reach beyond that.
Breeding's the move. Acupressure and Destiny Bond give Inkay options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 7 types already covers a decent range on top of Future Sight and Foul Play. The egg moves push it further.
Breeding's the move. Camouflage and Destiny Bond give Inkay options it can't learn any other way, and Normal and Flying coverage and more already covers a decent range on top of Foul Play and Psychic. The egg moves push it further.
Inkay doesn't appear in Scarlet & Violet. Transfer it from X, Ultra Sun, or Sword to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Inkay doesn't appear in Legends: Z-A. Transfer it from X, Ultra Sun, or Sword to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
high spawn rates in early-game routes across 66 locations. Inkay's one of the easier catches on the list. Two different catch methods are in play here. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Best Locations
66 spots to find Inkay at Lv. 10-43 via walking and surfing. Not all of them exist in both Sword and Shield versions, so filter by your copy below.
Inkay's scattered across 8 spots in early-game routes with high spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Best Locations
walking encounters for Inkay across 8 spots at Lv. 4-61. The catch is that Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon don't share every location, so compare what's available in your version.
At 288 BST, Inkay is firmly in pre-evolution territory. Evolve it into Malamar before bringing it to any serious fight.
Inkay evolves into Malamar at level 30. Inkay is the base form of this evolutionary line.
Inkay gets Contrary, Suction Cups, and Infiltrator. But Contrary is the one that matters — it's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that.
Inkay is a physical attacker with base 54 Attack. Fragile — can't afford to take many hits, too. But the speed tells the real story — base 45 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go.
Inkay appears in 7 games, including X & Y, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, and Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon.
Since X & Y, Inkay has been obtainable in 7 games. A Generation 6 debut means a shorter history, but Inkay has appeared steadily across every generation since.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXYDebut
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A