malamar #687
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Immune to (0x damage):
malamar
Generation VI · #0687 — Overturning Pokémon
Malamar, the Overturning Pokémon, is a Dark/Psychic-type species introduced in Generation VI that has gained notoriety for possessing the most compelling hypnotic powers of any known Pokémon. This dual-type creature stands at 1.5 meters tall and weighs 47.0 kilograms, making it a moderately-sized Pokémon with a distinctly otherworldly appearance. According to multiple Pokédex entries, Malamar wields its extraordinary hypnotic abilities to force others to do whatever it desires, with historical records suggesting that its mind-controlling powers have even influenced certain history-changing events. The Pokédex further notes that gazing upon its luminescent spots can quickly induce a hypnotic state in observers, placing them entirely under Malamar's control. With a base stat total of 482 and respectable offensive capabilities, Malamar combines physical prowess with psychic manipulation to create a formidable presence in both natural and competitive environments.
Base Stats
Height
1.5m
Weight
47.0kg
Category
Overturning Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
blue
Shape
blob
Abilities
Inverts stat changes.
Prevents being forced out of battle by other Pokémon's moves.
Bypasses light screen, reflect, and safeguard.
Malamar Biology & Physical Characteristics
Malamar presents a striking and unconventional morphology that closely resembles an upside-down squid or cuttlefish. Its body consists of a bluish-purple main structure adorned with six circular yellow lights on both the front and back, creating an almost bioluminescent appearance enhanced by a yellow stripe of light that nearly encircles its upper body. From the top of its head sprout several purple tentacles with bright blue undersides, while its face features distinctive yellow eyes with black sclerae, a dark pink beak-like mouth, and lighter purple eyelids. The creature is partially enclosed within a transparent mantle, beneath which two white fins function as legs for terrestrial movement. Each side of the mantle extends a long tentacle featuring dark pink coloration at the top and white, scythe-like fins at the ends that are described in the Pokédex as supremely sharp and capable of being enhanced using psychic energy during battles. The creature's anatomy reflects a perfect adaptation for both aquatic and semi-terrestrial existence, with its bioluminescent patterns serving as the primary mechanism for its renowned hypnotic abilities.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Malamar Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Malamar exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio with exactly 50% male and 50% female individuals appearing in the wild, allowing for flexible breeding strategies among trainers. 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 the inheritance of valuable moves and traits across generations. With a base happiness value of 70, Malamar shows moderate friendliness toward its trainers, requiring consistent interaction and positive reinforcement to develop stronger bonds. The species exhibits a medium growth rate and produces eggs that take 20 cycles (approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps) to hatch, placing it in the middle range of breeding durations and making it reasonably accessible for players seeking to breed competitive individuals. Its dual egg group classification provides trainers with considerable flexibility when attempting to create optimized offspring with desired movesets and natures, though the species' own move pool remains its primary strength in competitive breeding applications.
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
+711 more TMs/HMs
malamar's Evolution Chain
Malamar Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Malamar evolves from Inkay through a unique and unconventional method that requires the player to level up Inkay to level 30 while holding the game console upside-down, a mechanic that cleverly mirrors the Pokémon's inverted squid-like design. On the Nintendo Switch, this evolution can only be accomplished in handheld mode with the Joy-Con controllers properly oriented, making it one of the most distinctive evolution requirements in the entire Pokédex. Beyond its standard evolution, Malamar possesses a Mega Evolution into Mega Malamar, introduced in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, using the Malamarite mega stone. The Mega Evolution dramatically increases Malamar's size to 2.9 meters and enhances its Special Attack from 68 to 98 and Special Defense from 75 to 120, creating a more balanced special-oriented Pokémon with a total base stat of 582 compared to the standard form's 482. This transformation further emphasizes Malamar's psychic nature while maintaining its lethal physical capabilities, making Mega Malamar a formidable presence in competitive gameplay.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Malamar Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Malamar is a highly intelligent predator that employs sophisticated hunting strategies centered around its extraordinary hypnotic capabilities. It lures prey close through hypnotic motions and luminescent displays, using the mesmerizing patterns on its torso to draw victims within striking distance before wrapping its powerful tentacles around them and finishing them off with potent digestive fluids. The Pokédex indicates that its hypnotic powers are so compelling that many individuals have utilized Malamar for nefarious deeds throughout history, suggesting it may possess a cunning nature that responds to human manipulation or readily serves those who command it. Being an amphibious species, Malamar inhabits coastal regions and aquatic environments, particularly thriving in the Kalos region's waters. Its presence in both Water 1 and Water 2 egg groups confirms its dual adaptability to freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, though it appears to be most active during periods when it can utilize its full arsenal of hypnotic abilities to hunt effectively.
Pokedex Entries
Generation VI
It wields the most compelling hypnotic powers of any Pokémon, and it forces others to do whatever it wants.
It lures its prey close with hypnotic motions, then wraps its tentacles around it before finishing it off with digestive fluids.
It wields the most compelling hypnotic powers of any Pokémon, and it forces others to do whatever it wants.
It lures its prey close with hypnotic motions, then wraps its tentacles around it before finishing it off with digestive fluids.
Generation VII
When it comes to strong hypnosis, there’s an endless number of people who utilize Malamar for their nefarious deeds.
It flashes the pattern on its torso to control its prey and draw them in. The edges of its fins are supremely sharp.
Generation VIII
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 Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Malamar's name derives from a creative linguistic blend that combines "mal-" (meaning bad or evil in Romance languages) with "calamari" (the Italian word for squid), creating an elegantly simple yet thematic name that references both its sinister nature and its squid-like appearance. The Japanese name "Calamanero" similarly combines "calamar" (Spanish for squid) with potential connections to "manerism" or manipulation, reinforcing the concept of mind control and persuasion central to its identity. The English designation as the "Overturning Pokémon" plays directly on the literal inversion required to evolve Inkay into Malamar, while also serving as a metaphorical reference to its ability to overturn the will of others through hypnosis. The visual design deliberately invokes the appearance of a squid viewed upside-down, with all anatomical features positioned inversely from a typical cephalopod, creating a visually distinct and memorable creature that stands apart from other Dark and Psychic types. The bioluminescent spots and hypnotic patterns serve as visual representations of its psychic powers, while the sharp, scythe-like fins evoke danger and predatory efficiency.
Learnable Moves
Malamar can learn 91 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 |
| block | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| brutal swing | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| calm mind | psychic | 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 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| future sight | psychic | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| gravity | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| guard swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| 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 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psybeam | psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psychic noise | psychic | Special | 75 | 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 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| role play | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| signal beam | bug | Special | 75 | 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 |
| throat chop | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| topsy turvy | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trailblaze | grass | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| trick | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| trick room | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| wrap | normal | Physical | 15 | 90 | 20 |
Malamar Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battles, Malamar's viability centers heavily on its signature ability Contrary, which inverts all stat changes applied to it—a mechanic that transforms moves like Swords Dance, Amnesia, and Dragon Dance into devastating setup opportunities rather than liabilities. With base Attack and Defense statistics of 92 and 88 respectively, Malamar possesses respectable physical bulk paired with reasonable offensive capability, allowing it to function as both an aggressive setup sweeper and a moderately durable bulky attacker depending on team composition and EV distribution. Its Special Attack base of 68 remains its weakest stat, making it unsuitable for special-attacking strategies, though its movepool includes valuable coverage options and priority moves that enhance its practical utility. The alternative ability Suction Cups provides situational value by preventing forced switches, while the hidden ability Infiltrator bypasses screens and entry hazards, offering niche applications in specific metagames. Mega Malamar's enhancement to Special Attack and particularly Special Defense transforms it into a special wall-turned-attacker capable of utilizing Contrary in conjunction with Special Attack-boosting moves, though availability in competitive formats remains limited to Pokémon Legends: Z-A compatible tournaments. Its moderate speed of 73 base necessitates careful team building and speed control strategies to function optimally.
Commonly Asked Questions About Malamar
What type is Malamar?
Malamar is a dark and psychic type Pokemon.
What does Malamar evolve from?
Malamar evolved from inkay.
What are Malamar's weaknesses?
Malamar is weak to bug and fairy type moves.
Malamar Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Malamar has established itself as a memorable and somewhat sinister figure within Pokémon lore and popular culture, distinguished by its role as one of the franchise's most overtly manipulative and controlling creatures. The Pokédex entries repeatedly emphasize its capacity for mind control and exploitation, positioning it as a distinctly menacing Pokémon compared to many others, and this darker characterization has resonated with players seeking Pokémon with morally ambiguous or outright malevolent traits. Its unique evolution method—requiring the player to hold the console upside-down—became an iconic mechanic upon Generation VI's release, generating viral moments online as players discovered this unconventional requirement and shared videos of the bizarre process. The species gained further prominence through its Mega Evolution introduction in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which promised deeper integration into the franchise's storyline and mythology. In competitive circles, Malamar's Contrary ability sparked significant discussion about mechanic abuse and strategic depth, establishing it as a beloved threat among experienced players while remaining accessible to casual competitors. Its design has inspired fan art, competitive analysis content, and scholarly discussion about Pokémon game design philosophy.
Where to Find Malamar in Every Pokémon Game
Malamar's availability varies significantly across Pokémon game generations and regions, with its primary introduction occurring in Generation VI's Pokémon X and Y, where it appeared in the Coastal Kalos area with National Pokédex number 687. The species maintains regional Pokédex presence in subsequent generations, appearing in Alola's dex at number 27 in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, and in Galar's dex at number 291 in Sword and Shield, with additional appearances in expansion content including The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra's Indigo Disk. Players can typically encounter Malamar through standard leveling of Inkay in the water routes of eligible regions, though evolution requires the specific upside-down console orientation, making it accessible only to determined players aware of this mechanic. With a catch rate of 80 and base happiness of 70, wild Malamar are reasonably easy to capture once located, and the species maintains consistent availability through both traditional routes and newer game expansions. Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduced Mega Malamar with regional Pokédex number 160, ensuring continued accessibility for players seeking to utilize its enhanced Mega Evolution form in contemporary gameplay.