Stats & Training
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
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 GhostFairy | A | |
Fairy is super effective against InkayView Mimikyu → | ||
 Fezandipiti PoisonFairy | B | |
Fairy is super effective against InkayView Fezandipiti → | ||
 Galvantula BugElectric | B | |
Bug deals 4x damage to InkayView Galvantula → | ||
In Scarlet & Violet, 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% | ||
Scarlet & Violet Evolution
Inkay is the base form in a two-stage line leading to Malamar. Check the evolution method below. Plenty of partners 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 87 breeding partners from the Water1 and Water2 egg groups. Pass egg moves like Acupressure, Destiny Bond, Disable to offspring.
Scarlet & Violet Inkay Best Moveset
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
Moves
Breeding's the move. Acupressure and Destiny Bond give Inkay options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 8 types already covers a decent range on top of Future Sight and Foul Play. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
How to Get Inkay in Scarlet & Violet
Inkay Guide
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.
In Scarlet & Violet, 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 in Scarlet & Violet. Check the Locations section above for specific routes, encounter rates, and methods. It also appears in 6 other games across the series.
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 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