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. Plenty of partners 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 74 breeding partners from the Water1 and Water2 egg groups. Pass egg moves like Acupressure, Destiny Bond, Disable to offspring.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 8.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
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.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
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.
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 leaning toward the physical side (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