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.
Type-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.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 4x (Critical) | Bug |
| 2x (Weak) | Fairy |
| 0x (Immune) | Psychic |
Mimikyu can KO Inkay with Play Rough (133-156%). Fezandipiti's U-turn hits Inkay for 76-89%. Galvantula deals 51-60% with Thunder.
 Mimikyu GhostFairy | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityDisguise ItemLife Orb NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Inkay View Mimikyu builds →Shadow Sneak30-35% Play Rough 2x133-156%KO | ||
 Fezandipiti PoisonFairy | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityToxicchain ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Inkay View Fezandipiti builds →U Turn 4x76-89% Moonblast 2x53-63% Heat Wave18-21% | ||
 Galvantula BugElectric | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityCompoundeyes ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Inkay View Galvantula builds →Thunder51-60% | ||
 Genesect BugSteel | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityDownload ItemChoice Scarf NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Inkay View Genesect builds →U Turn 4x211-248%KO Extreme Speed40-47% | ||
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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
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 spread EVs shapes the defensive spread, and Contrary adds utility.
Best Build
Inkay best EVs are Attack and Sp. Def
Physical Tank Moveset
- Superpower
- Psycho Cut
- Knock Off
- Trick Room
Recommended Teammates
Physical Tank Moveset
- Superpower
- Psycho Cut
- Knock Off
- Trick Room
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 8.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 7.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Moves
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 to Catch Inkay in Sword & Shield
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 to Catch Inkay in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
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.
Inkay evolves into Malamar at level 30. One evolution, no branching. Solid jump from 288 BST.
Inkay evolves into Malamar at level 30. Takes some grinding. Plan your team around the mid-game wait.
For a casual playthrough, Inkay works as a placeholder. Dark/Psychic coverage is useful early. The real payoff is Malamar. That's where the stats start mattering.
Inkay is catchable across 7 games. Debuted in Legends: Z-A and most recently available in X & Y and Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire.
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.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XYDebut
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves