Malamar's Dark/Psychic typing gives it an immunity to Psychic. Only 2 weaknesses on top of that — it has plenty of safe switch-in opportunities. Contrary adds more value on top. Needs some investment to avoid getting outsped. Known as the Overturning Pokemon.
Malamar's stats barely vary. 3 sit in respectable range with no real gaps. It's a blank slate for EV investment. Worth 2 Attack EVs, medium-fast 1M XP curve to max.
Gazing at its luminescent spots will quickly induce a hypnotic state, putting the observer under Malamar’s control.
It’s said that Malamar’s hypnotic powers played a role in certain history-changing events.
Malamar Weakness
AvgMalamar's Dark/Psychic typing leaves it vulnerable to Bug and Fairy moves. Bug hits land at 4x, so they're the biggest threat. It shrugs off Psychic-type attacks completely. With 86 HP and balanced defenses, Malamar can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
Malamar is the evolved form of Inkay. Breeding produces Inkay eggs, and they're average hatch time. Evolving from Inkay gave Malamar the biggest boost in Attack (+38), bringing the total to 482 stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Malamar to get Inkay eggs easily from the Water1 and Water2 egg groups. Notable egg moves include Camouflage, Destiny Bond, Flatter and 2 more.
max HP and Sp. Def EVs and Careful nature turn Malamar into a wall that doesn't fold easily. Leftovers brings passive recovery each turn for the long game, and Rest handles sustain. Contrary fills in the gaps.
Best Build
Best Malamar Moveset
- Superpower
- Knock Off
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
Recommended Teammates
The natural movepool does the job, but Camouflage and Destiny Bond from the egg pool give Malamar something extra.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
No wild encounters for Malamar in Sun & Moon. Bring Inkay over from X, Ultra Sun, or Sword, then level through the stages. Each step in the chain is laid out below.
How to Obtain Malamar in Sun & Moon
Step 1Obtain InkayCatch in the wild in:
Then trade to Sun & Moon to continue the evolution chain.
Also found in:
Step 2Malamar ✓
Don't let Malamar's 482 base stat total fool you. Contrary is what makes it tick — it punches way above its weight class. We rate it C-Tier.
Inkay evolves into Malamar at level 30. Malamar is the fully evolved form. At 482 BST, it's got solid stats to work with.
Run Contrary on Malamar. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Malamar also gets Suction Cups and Infiltrator, but they don't compare.
Malamar fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 92 Attack. Base 73 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Malamar appears in 7 games, including X & Y, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, and Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon.
Malamar first appeared in X & Y and spans 7 games across 4 generations. It later gained a Mega form in Generation 6, adding new dimensions to its competitive identity.
- 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 VIORASMega
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