inkay #686
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
inkay
Generation VI · #0686 — Revolving Pokémon
Inkay is a dual-type Dark/Psychic Pokémon from Generation VI, known officially as the Revolving Pokémon due to its distinctive spinning motion. As National Pokédex entry #686, Inkay represents an intriguing combination of aquatic and psychic characteristics, embodying the mysterious nature of deep-sea creatures with supernatural abilities. This small cephalopod-inspired Pokémon measures just 0.4 meters in height and weighs a mere 3.5 kilograms, making it one of the more diminutive creatures in the Dark/Psychic type category. Despite its modest size and unimposing physical stats, Inkay possesses a unique evolutionary mechanic that has captured the imagination of trainers worldwide since its introduction in Pokémon X and Y.
Base Stats
Height
0.4m
Weight
3.5kg
Category
Revolving Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
blue
Shape
tentacles
Abilities
Inverts stat changes.
Prevents being forced out of battle by other Pokémon's moves.
Bypasses light screen, reflect, and safeguard.
Inkay Biology & Physical Characteristics
Inkay's physiology reflects a fascinating blend of squid-like and otherworldly characteristics. Its body is predominantly blue with a transparent mantle housing a rounded, pink interior adorned with six yellow, circular luminescent spots—four on the front and two on the back—that can glow with remarkable intensity. The creature possesses eight tentacles in total: two transparent appendages extending from its mantle and six additional ones integrated into its main body, all of which serve both defensive and sensory functions. Its most distinctive features are the round black eyes and pink beak-like mouth typical of cephalopods, combined with transmitters positioned above its eyes that serve as conduits for its psychic abilities. The luminescent spots serve as the primary mechanism for Inkay's signature abilities, capable of emitting complex patterns of light that can dazzle and disorient opponents, drain their will to fight, or communicate with other members of its species through intricate rhythmic sequences.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Inkay Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Inkay exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, allowing for flexibility in breeding programs and team composition preferences. The species belongs to both the Water 1 and Water 2 egg groups, making it compatible with a diverse range of Pokémon for breeding purposes and enabling trainers to pass down specific move sets and individual values through careful selective breeding. With a base happiness rating of 70 (in Generations VI and VII), Inkay displays moderate friendliness toward trainers from the moment of hatching, suggesting a naturally gentle temperament that responds well to proper care and affection. The species requires 20 egg cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps, positioning it in the middle range of breeding times and making it reasonably accessible for trainers seeking to raise Inkay from birth. The egg groups' classifications as aquatic types reflect Inkay's deep-sea habitat and lifestyle, and these groupings open numerous breeding combination possibilities that can enhance competitive viability through inherited moves like Knock Off, Night Slash, and other Dark-type techniques.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
x y
tm03
black 2 white 2
tm03
black white
tm03
sun moon
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
ultra sun ultra moon
tm03
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm04
emerald
tm04
firered leafgreen
tm04
ruby sapphire
tm04
diamond pearl
tm04
xd
tm04
heartgold soulsilver
tm04
black white
tm04
colosseum
tm04
platinum
tm04
sun moon
tm04
ultra sun ultra moon
tm04
x y
+663 more TMs/HMs
inkay's Evolution Chain
Inkay Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Inkay's evolution into Malamar represents one of the most mechanically unusual transformations in the Pokémon series. Evolution occurs at level 30, but only when the game system is held completely upside-down during the level-up process, a requirement that reflects Inkay's unusual physiology and behavior patterns. On Nintendo 3DS systems, this simply required flipping the console itself, creating an interactive and memorable evolution moment. For Nintendo Switch players, evolution can only be triggered in handheld mode while using Joy-Con controllers in the proper orientation and with no additional controllers connected, maintaining the spirit of the original mechanic while adapting to modern hardware. Upon evolution, Inkay transforms into the larger and more powerful Malamar, a Pokémon that retains the Dark/Psychic typing while gaining significant stat improvements across the board, particularly in Special Attack and overall bulk. This unique evolution method has become iconic within the Pokémon community and serves as a memorable gameplay moment that emphasizes the connection between the player and their Pokémon.
Where to Find
kalos route 8
kalos
+5 more
azure bay
kalos
+1 more
alola route 1
alola
ancient poni path
alola
poni gauntlet
alola
poni wilds
alola
Inkay Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Inkay exhibits behavior patterns that showcase both predatory instinct and sophisticated communication abilities. When threatened, the Pokémon employs its signature technique of flashing its luminescent spots to daze and demoralize opponents, taking advantage of the confusion to escape and hide from danger. This defensive strategy proves particularly effective against stronger adversaries, allowing Inkay to survive in competitive aquatic environments. In hunting scenarios, Inkay uses its blinking lights as an attractive lure to draw prey within range, after which it ensnares victims with its tentacles and holds them firmly in place. The species demonstrates remarkable intelligence through its ability to exchange information with other Inkay using complex, synchronized light patterns, suggesting a form of bioluminescent language unique to the species. Inkay instinctively reacts to light and echoing sounds in its habitat, indicating sensory specialization suited to deep or murky aquatic environments. The species appears to improve its physical capabilities by floating upside-down, a behavior directly linked to its evolutionary requirements.
Pokedex Entries
Generation VI
Opponents who stare at the flashing of the light-emitting spots on its body become dazed and lose their will to fight.
It flashes the light-emitting spots on its body, which drains its opponent’s will to fight. It takes the opportunity to scuttle away and hide.
Opponents who stare at the flashing of the light-emitting spots on its body become dazed and lose their will to fight.
It flashes the light-emitting spots on its body, which drains its opponent’s will to fight. It takes the opportunity to scuttle away and hide.
Generation VII
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.
Generation VIII
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 Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Inkay's name derives from a straightforward combination of 'ink,' referencing its squid-like anatomy and ink-spraying capabilities, and 'kay,' likely derived from 'squid' or serving as a diminutive suffix. The Japanese name 'Maaiika' utilizes similar linguistic roots, combining elements associated with squid characteristics. The design philosophy behind Inkay reflects Generation VI's introduction of new dual-type combinations, specifically pairing Dark typing with Psychic to create a creature embodying both deception and mental prowess. The creature's appearance draws inspiration from real-world squid and cuttlefish, particularly the bioluminescent species found in deep ocean environments, while the psychic elements manifest through the mysterious glowing spots and otherworldly abilities. The 'Revolving Pokémon' designation emphasizes Inkay's spinning motion and the rotational mechanic central to its evolution, making the nomenclature both descriptively accurate and mechanically relevant. This thoughtful integration of natural inspiration with supernatural elements creates a cohesive design that feels both grounded in observable biology and fantastically imaginative.
Learnable Moves
Inkay can learn 85 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acupressure | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| ally switch | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| bind | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| camouflage | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| constrict | normal | Physical | 10 | 100 | 35 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| destiny bond | ghost | Status | — | — | 5 |
| disable | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| embargo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| expanding force | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake tears | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| flatter | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| future sight | psychic | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| gravity | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| guard swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hypnosis | psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| lash out | dark | Physical | 75 | 100 | 5 |
| light screen | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| liquidation | water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| lunge | bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| night slash | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| peck | flying | Physical | 35 | 100 | 35 |
| pluck | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| power split | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psybeam | psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psycho cut | psychic | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| psyshock | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| psywave | psychic | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| retaliate | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| role play | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| simple beam | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| skill swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| slash | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snatch | dark | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| stored power | psychic | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| superpower | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| switcheroo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| telekinesis | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| topsy turvy | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trick | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| trick room | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| wrap | normal | Physical | 15 | 90 | 20 |
Inkay Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battles, Inkay occupies a niche role primarily suited to lower-tier formats, with its base stat total of just 288 limiting its effectiveness at higher levels. The creature's most notable stat is Attack at 54, followed by HP and Defense at 53 each, while Special Attack reaches only 37, making it unsuitable as a special attacker despite its Psychic typing. Inkay's signature ability Contrary inverts all stat changes, potentially transforming detrimental effects into beneficial boosts, though the overall low stats limit practical applications in competitive play. The Suction Cups ability prevents forced switches, providing utility in specific scenarios but offering limited offensive value. The hidden ability Infiltrator allows Inkay to bypass defensive screens and protective moves, useful against defensive strategies but rarely justifying team slots in competitive environments. Inkay's movepool includes viable Dark and Psychic moves like Knock Off and Psybeam, along with coverage options in Slash and Night Slash, but its poor speed of 45 and limited special bulk leave it vulnerable to faster threats. While Inkay can serve valuable roles in casual play or lower-tier competitive formats, most serious competitive players view it primarily as a stepping stone toward its more viable evolution, Malamar, rather than as a standalone competitive threat.
Commonly Asked Questions About Inkay
What type is Inkay?
Inkay is a dark and psychic type Pokemon.
What does Inkay evolve into?
Inkay evolves into malamar.
What are Inkay's weaknesses?
Inkay is weak to bug and fairy type moves.
Where can I find Inkay?
Inkay can be found in kalos route 8 (kalos), azure bay (kalos) and alola route 1 (alola) and 3 other locations.
Inkay Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Inkay has achieved notable recognition within the Pokémon franchise primarily through its unprecedented evolutionary mechanic, which generated significant buzz upon the Generation VI games' release. The requirement to physically flip the game system upside-down created a memorable and tactile connection between player and Pokémon that transcended typical digital gaming experiences, becoming a talking point across gaming communities and forums. This innovative approach to evolution has inspired appreciation for creative game design and influenced subsequent games' willingness to experiment with unconventional mechanics. In the anime series, James's Inkay became a prominent character, featuring in numerous episodes and battles, introducing the species to television audiences and increasing its cultural presence beyond game players. The species has appeared in Super Smash Bros. games as both a Pokédex entry and trophy, cementing its place in Nintendo's broader gaming ecosystem. Inkay's unique design combining cute, squid-like aesthetics with mysterious psychic properties has made it popular in fan art and creative communities, though it remains somewhat overshadowed by its evolution and other more prominent dual-type Pokémon.
Where to Find Inkay in Every Pokémon Game
Inkay's availability has varied significantly across Pokémon game generations, reflecting its status as a Generation VI introduction exclusive to certain regions and games. In Pokémon X and Y, Inkay appears in the Coastal Kalos region as local Pokédex entry #0010, making it readily available to players exploring that area. The species returned in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon as Alola Pokédex entry #0026, allowing players in those games to encounter and train Inkay throughout their journey. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Inkay appears as National Pokédex #0290 and received availability in both the base game and The Isle of Armor expansion, though it was notably absent from The Crown Tundra DLC. More recently, Inkay gained increased availability with appearances in Pokémon Legends: Arceus and the base games of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, ensuring the species remains accessible to contemporary players. The species maintains a relatively high capture rate of 190, making it straightforward to obtain once encountered in the wild. Inkay can also be obtained through breeding with compatible Pokémon from the Water 1 and Water 2 egg groups, providing an alternative acquisition method for dedicated trainers seeking specific individual values or natures.