A complete guide to catching Inkay in Pokemon Go, including current event opportunities, Shiny hunting strategies, and expert evolution tips.
Introduction: The Revolving Rogue Squid
Inkay, the deceptive Dark/Psychic-type squid Pokemon, slithers into the spotlight with one of the most memorable mechanics in Pokemon Go. Its signature upside-down evolution captures the imagination, but catching one—especially a Shiny variant—requires specific knowledge and timing.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We provide a clear, actionable plan for acquiring Inkay, securing its Shiny form, and flawlessly executing its famous evolution, transforming a quirky gimmick into a reliable strategy.
More than just a novelty, Inkay and its evolution Malamar possess unique typing and moves that can be valuable in specific PvP and PvE scenarios. Knowing how to reliably obtain and evolve them adds a potent tool to any trainer’s arsenal.
How to Get Inkay in Pokemon Go Right Now
The primary and best way to catch Inkay right now is in the wild, with its spawn rate significantly boosted for the World of Wonders: Taken Over event. This event runs from Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 12:00 AM to Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 11:59 PM local time.
Practical Tip: To maximize encounters, use a Daily Adventure Incense or a standard Incense while walking in areas with a diverse range of spawns, like parks or shopping centers. Inkay’s Dark/Psychic typing means it may be more common near certain types of geographic features, though this is not a guaranteed mechanic in Pokemon Go.
A common mistake is wasting Poké Balls on low-level Inkay. Check its CP before throwing. A low-CP Inkay is easier to catch with a standard Poké Ball, saving your better resources. Use a Razz Berry and aim for Great or Excellent throws on higher-CP specimens to prevent flee.
As noted, Inkay is not currently available in Pokemon Eggs, Research Tasks, or Raids. It has featured in these mechanics in the past, particularly in 7km Eggs and as a reward for specific Field Research. Veteran players should not waste Super Incubators or Raid Passes hunting for it outside the wild during this event period.
Optimization Tip for Advanced Players: If you are hunting for a high-IV Inkay for evolution, remember that weather boosts (Fog for Dark, Wind for Psychic) increase the chance of spawning higher-level Pokemon with a minimum IV floor. Tracking in-game weather can improve your odds of finding a battle-ready specimen.
Shiny Inkay Hunting: Odds, Strategies & Event Boosts
Yes, Shiny Inkay is available in Pokemon Go. Its evolution, Shiny Malamar, is also obtainable by evolving a Shiny Inkay.
The World of Wonders: Taken Over event provides a boosted Shiny rate for Inkay. While the exact multiplier is never officially confirmed, event-boosted rates are significantly better than the standard full-odds rate (approximately 1 in 500). During such events, the odds can improve to roughly 1 in 64 or better, making this the absolute best time to hunt.
Shiny Hunting Strategy: The key is volume. Prioritize moving through high-density spawn areas to check as many Inkay as possible. Fast-catching (the technique where you skip the catch animation) is highly recommended to save time. Do not waste time trying to catch every non-Shiny; check it and move on if it’s not Shiny.
Common Pitfall: Players often make the mistake of catching a Shiny Inkay with a Pinap Berry to double the candy, only for it to break free and flee. For a Shiny, always use a Golden Razz Berry and an Ultra Ball to maximize catch chance, unless it has a green catch circle. The candy is not worth the risk of losing a rare Shiny.
Remember, a Shiny Inkay will evolve into a Shiny Malamar. The evolution method does not change, so be prepared to turn your phone upside down for your prized Shiny as well.
Mastering Inkay’s Evolution: From Gimmick to Strategy
Inkay’s evolution into Malamar is famous: when you have 50 Inkay Candy and press evolve, you must physically turn your mobile device upside down. The evolution animation will then proceed.
The Exact Trigger: It’s not enough to just flip the phone. The game reads the device’s gyroscope. You must initiate the evolve button press, then rotate the phone 180 degrees so the top points toward the ground. Hold it steady until the evolution sequence starts. A slow, deliberate flip works better than a quick shake.
Common Evolution Pitfalls & Fixes:
- Pitfall: The evolution button greys out and nothing happens.
Fix: Ensure your phone’s screen rotation lock is OFF. The game needs access to the gyroscope. - Pitfall: You flip the phone but the game doesn’t register it.
Fix: Exit the evolution screen, close any background apps, and restart the Pokemon Go app. Try again in a clear, open space. - Pitfall: Evolving the wrong Inkay (low IV or non-Shiny).
Fix: Favorite the Inkay you intend to evolve to prevent accidental selection.
Strategic Use for Malamar: Once evolved, Malamar retains the Dark/Psychic typing. In Pokemon Go PvP (especially Great League), a well-equipped Malamar with moves like Psycho Cut and Foul Play or Superpower can be a potent counter to Fighting and Psychic-types. It’s a niche but valuable pick for trainers looking to surprise opponents.
Your Inkay Action Plan
Your window for the easiest Inkay acquisition is the World of Wonders: Taken Over event. Focus on wild encounters, use Incense strategically, and employ fast-catching techniques to maximize your Shiny checks.
Remember the evolution nuances: disable rotation lock, flip deliberately, and favorite your target Inkay. With this knowledge, you can transform this quirky Pokemon from a mere curiosity into a reliably obtained and strategically deployed member of your team.
Ready to put this plan into action? Follow the step-by-step checklist below.
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