Inkay Best Moveset
Dark/Psychic at 54 Attack and 45 Speed with AbilityContrary reversing stat changes. MoveSuperpower normally drops Attack and Defense, but Contrary turns both into boosts. Pre-evolution Attack means the boosts don't hit hard. Evolve to Malamar for 92 Attack and Contrary Superpower that snowballs.
Inkay saw minimal competitive use in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS). This was Inkay's competitive peak. Its most popular set ran Contrary with Choice Scarf, favoring a Adamant nature.
Best Moves
Best Build
Inkay best EVs are Attack and Sp. Def
Physical Revenge Killer Moveset
- Psycho Cut
- Superpower
- Knock Off
- Switcheroo
Recommended Teammates
Inkay saw minimal competitive use in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM). Inkay maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Contrary with Eviolite, favoring a Calm nature.
Wall Moveset
- Topsy Turvy
- Toxic
- Foul Play
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
Inkay saw minimal competitive use in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP). Inkay maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Infiltrator with Expert Belt, favoring a Brave nature.
Utility Moveset
- Disable
- Trick Room
- Foul Play
- Flamethrower
Recommended Teammates
Inkay saw minimal competitive use in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-A). Inkay maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Suctioncups with Focus Sash, favoring a Hardy nature.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Topsy Turvy
- Protect
- Disable
- Flamethrower
Recommended Teammates
Inkay Weakness
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 |
What is Inkay Weak Against
AvgBest Pokemon Against Inkay
Genesect can KO Inkay with U-turn (256-302%). Mimikyu threatens a KO with Play Rough (123-145%).
 Genesect BugSteel | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityDownload ItemChoice Scarf NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Inkay View Genesect builds →U Turn 4x256-302%KO Extreme Speed49-57% | ||
 Mimikyu GhostFairy | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityDisguise ItemRed Card NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Inkay View Mimikyu builds →Play Rough 2x123-145%KO Shadow Sneak28-33% | ||
Evolution
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
How to Get Inkay
A handful of locations for Inkay with moderate rates across endgame routes. The sort toggle below swaps between best odds and earliest access, so you can approach it based on where you are in the game.
Where To Catch Inkay in SV
To get Inkay, start by catching Inkay through walking encounters at Lv. 50-80. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Inkay ✓Coastal BiomeLv.50-80OverworldCoastal BiomeLv.60Overworld
Step 2Catch or Evolve into MalamarCanyon BiomeLv.50-80OverworldCoastal BiomeLv.50-80Overworldor evolve from Inkay (Step 1)
1 encounter spots for Inkay at moderate rates starting from late-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Inkay in LZA
To get Inkay, start by catching Inkay through walking encounters at Lv. 31-65. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
- Step 1Inkay ✓Wild Zone 11Lv.31-33OverworldLegends: Z-A
- Step 2Catch or Evolve into MalamarWild Zone 20Lv.54-55OverworldLegends: Z-AWild Zone 20Lv.64-65OverworldLegends: Z-Aor evolve from Inkay (Step 1)
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.
Where To Catch Inkay in SwSh
The path to Inkay starts with Inkay at Lv. 10-43 via walking and surfing encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Inkay ✓Challenge BeachLv.10-15OverworldRate 20%OvercastFields of HonorLv.10-15OverworldRate 20%OvercastTraining LowlandsLv.10-15OverworldShieldRate 20%OvercastTraining LowlandsLv.13-18OverworldSwordRate 20%OvercastChallenge BeachLv.13-18GrassRate 15%OvercastFields of HonorLv.13-18GrassRate 15%OvercastHammerlocke HillsLv.28-30GrassRate 35%OvercastBridge FieldLv.26-28GrassRate 30%Intense SunHammerlocke HillsLv.28-30GrassRate 25%Normal WeatherHammerlocke HillsLv.28-30GrassRate 25%SnowingLoop LagoonLv.16-21OverworldRate 20%OvercastBridge FieldLv.26-28GrassRate 20%SnowstormBridge FieldLv.26-28GrassRate 20%Normal WeatherTraining LowlandsLv.16-21GrassRate 15%OvercastLoop LagoonLv.19-24GrassRate 15%OvercastHammerlocke HillsLv.28-30GrassRate 15%RainingHammerlocke HillsLv.28-30GrassRate 15%Heavy FogHammerlocke HillsLv.28-30GrassRate 15%Intense SunBridge FieldLv.26-28GrassRate 10%RainingBridge FieldLv.26-28GrassRate 10%SandstormBridge FieldLv.26-28GrassRate 10%ThunderstormBridge FieldLv.26-28GrassRate 10%SnowingHammerlocke HillsLv.28-30GrassRate 10%SnowstormRoute 9 - in Circhester BayLv.39-43GrassRate 25%All WeatherBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 15%SandstormBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 15%SnowingBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 15%ThunderstormBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 15%OvercastBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 15%Normal WeatherBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 15%RainingBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 15%Intense SunBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 15%SnowstormBridge FieldLv.40-43Surfing on waterRate 15%Heavy FogRoute 7Lv.37-41OverworldRate 10%All Weather
Step 2Evolve into MalamarBREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Malamar egg.
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.
Where To Catch Inkay in USUM
To get Inkay, start by catching Inkay through walking encounters at Lv. 4-61. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
Step 1Inkay ✓Route 1 - Hau'oli OutskirtsLv.4-7GrassRate 30%Ancient Poni PathLv.41-44GrassRate 20%Poni WildsLv.41-44GrassRate 20%Poni GauntletLv.58-61GrassRate 15%
Step 2Evolve into Malamar
Base Stats
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.
Inkay Guide
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.
Game Availability
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 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XYDebut
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves