How To Evolve Inkay In Pokemon Sword

If you’re playing Pokemon Sword and you’ve come across an Inkay, you may be wondering how to evolve it. Inkay is a unique Pokemon that requires a specific method to trigger its evolution. In this article, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of evolving Inkay, as well as some useful tips and tricks to make the evolution easier. Whether you’re a new or experienced Pokemon Trainer, this guide will help you evolve Inkay into its powerful evolved form!

Contents:

1. Introduction to Inkay

2. How to Evolve Inkay

3. Useful Tips and Tricks

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Introduction to Inkay

Inkay is a Dark/Psychic-type Pokemon known for its unique upside-down appearance. It resembles a small squid or cuttlefish with a bluish-black body and large yellow eyes. The name “Inkay” is a combination of “ink” and “kay,” referring to its ink-spewing abilities and playful nature. Inkay was first introduced in Generation VI and has become a fan favorite due to its distinctive design and fun personality.

As a Dark/Psychic-type Pokemon, Inkay has several strengths and weaknesses. It is strong against Psychic and Ghost-type Pokemon, but is weak against Fairy and Bug-type Pokemon. You can use these strengths and weaknesses to your advantage during battles and when leveling up Inkay.

2. How to Evolve Inkay

Unlike most Pokemon, evolving Inkay requires a specific condition to be met. Inkay will only evolve if it levels up while the Nintendo Switch console is held upside down. This unique evolution method references Inkay’s unusual upside-down appearance and adds an extra layer of challenge to its evolution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to evolving Inkay:

Step 1: Catch or obtain an Inkay – Before you can evolve an Inkay, you need to catch one or obtain it through trading. Inkay can be found in various locations throughout the Galar region, such as Route 7 or Lake of Outrage. It can also be obtained by participating in Max Raid Battles or through trading with other players.

Step 2: Level up Inkay – Once you have an Inkay in your party, you need to level it up to trigger its evolution. This can be done by battling other Pokemon, participating in Max Raid Battles, or using Rare Candy items to boost its level.

Step 3: Hold the Nintendo Switch upside down – This is the crucial step in evolving Inkay. While Inkay is leveling up, hold your Nintendo Switch console upside down. You can do this by detaching the Joy-Con controllers from the console and flipping it 180 degrees. Keep the console in this position until Inkay finishes leveling up.

Step 4: Inkay evolves into Malamar – If you’ve followed the previous steps correctly, Inkay should now evolve into its evolved form, Malamar. Malamar is a Dark/Psychic-type Pokemon with improved stats and new abilities. It has a sophisticated, mysterious appearance and is known for its unique ability to control opponents’ minds using hypnotic powers.

3. Useful Tips and Tricks

While evolving Inkay may seem straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks that can make the process easier and more efficient. Here are some useful suggestions to help you successfully evolve Inkay into Malamar:

– Use the Exp. Share feature: Exp. Share is a useful item that allows all Pokemon in your party to gain experience points (XP) when one Pokemon battles. By using Exp. Share, you can level up Inkay more quickly and increase the chances of triggering its evolution. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to level up multiple Pokemon at once.

– Battle Pokemon of higher levels: Inkay gains more XP from battling Pokemon that are at a higher level. Seek out powerful opponents or participate in Max Raid Battles to earn more XP and level up Inkay faster. This will reduce the overall time required to trigger its evolution.

– Trade for a high-level Inkay: If you’re having trouble leveling up Inkay yourself, consider trading for a high-level Inkay. Many online communities and trading forums offer Pokemon for trade, and you may be able to find a high-level Inkay that’s ready to evolve.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I evolve Inkay without holding the Nintendo Switch upside down?

A1: No, evolving Inkay into Malamar requires the Nintendo Switch console to be held upside down during the evolution process. This is a unique mechanic specific to Inkay’s evolution.

Q2: Can I use a different method to evolve Inkay in Pokemon Sword?

A2: No, Inkay’s evolution method is consistent across all versions of Pokemon Sword. It requires the Nintendo Switch console to be held upside down during Inkay’s level-up process.

Q3: Can I revert my Nintendo Switch back to normal after Inkay evolves?

A3: Yes, once Inkay evolves into Malamar, you can revert your Nintendo Switch console back to its normal position. The evolution is triggered by the act of leveling up while the console is upside down, and the console position no longer affects Malamar.

Q4: Is Malamar a strong Pokemon?

A4: Yes, Malamar is a formidable Pokemon with improved stats and unique abilities. Its Dark/Psychic typing gives it an advantage against certain Pokemon types, and its hypnotic powers can be a valuable asset in battles. However, each Pokemon’s strength also depends on its level, moveset, and the Trainer’s strategy.

In conclusion, evolving Inkay in Pokemon Sword requires a unique method that involves holding the Nintendo Switch console upside down during its level-up process. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article and using some useful tips and tricks, you can successfully evolve Inkay into the powerful Malamar. Remember to enjoy the journey and have fun training your Inkay along the way!