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 draws prey near with its blinking lights and then wraps them up in its long tentacles and holds them in place.
When exchanging information with others of its kind, it flashes the light-emitting spots on its body in a complex rhythm.
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. No compatible 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 from the Water1 and Water2 egg groups. Pass egg moves like Camouflage, Destiny Bond, Flatter and 3 more to offspring.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 7.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
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.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
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