How to Catch or Buy Inkay in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Inkay is a unique and intriguing Pokémon that can play a vital role in your team. Whether you’re looking to catch it or buy it from other players, there are a few things you need to know to ensure a smooth process. Here’s a guide for all players looking to add this Dark/Psychic-type Pokémon to their roster.

Catching Inkay: Where to Find It

If you're planning to catch Inkay, you’ll need to explore certain areas within the game. This Pokémon can be found in specific locations that tend to have water or dark-themed environments, which match Inkay’s traits. Inkay prefers to be in shaded or coastal areas, where it can blend in with the surroundings.

To catch it, you’ll need to search carefully in these areas, particularly during the night or in specific weather conditions. Inkay tends to spawn in areas with a high concentration of aquatic Pokémon, so if you're familiar with the environment of other water-types, you’ll have a better chance of finding it.

The Evolution of Inkay

One of the most exciting aspects of Inkay is its ability to evolve into Malamar, a much more powerful Pokémon with a dark edge. However, this evolution isn’t like most others. Inkay will only evolve if you level it up while your character’s in-game controller is held upside down. While this may seem strange, it’s a fun twist that adds some personality to this Pokémon’s growth.

Once evolved, Malamar becomes a formidable Dark/Psychic-type, with access to powerful moves that can decimate your opponents. So, if you catch an Inkay, make sure to level it up with this special evolution method in mind!

Buying Inkay: Where to Get It from Other Players

If you don’t have the time to hunt down Inkay or simply prefer to buy it from other players, you’ll find that Pokémon trading is an option in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Inkay is available for purchase through the in-game trade system or via direct player-to-player trades.

You can check online communities or trade forums where other players may be selling or offering Inkay. Be cautious of the prices, as rarer Pokémon like Inkay can sometimes demand high rates, but they are generally accessible through regular trades. If you want a shiny variant or one with higher stats, expect to pay more.

Strategy Tips for Inkay

Inkay may not seem like the strongest Pokémon early on, but once you evolve it into Malamar, it becomes a powerhouse. Its Psychic and Dark-type moves allow it to hit both physical and special attackers hard. Here are some strategic tips for using Inkay/Malamar:

• Set Up Screens: Use Malamar's psychic abilities to support your team with moves like Reflect or Light Screen, providing protection against physical and special attacks.

• Strong STAB Moves: Malamar’s Foul Play and Psychic are strong moves to exploit its dual typing, making it a versatile attacker.

• Contrary Ability: If you get an Inkay with the Contrary ability, you’ll enjoy some interesting advantages, especially with moves like Superpower, which benefits from the ability’s effect of reversing stat changes.

Why You Should Add Inkay to Your Team

Even though Inkay may seem like just another water Pokémon, its evolution into Malamar adds complexity and strength to any team. Its ability to surprise opponents with powerful status-changing moves and devastating special abilities makes it a solid choice for any endgame raid or competitive battle scenario.

How to Catch or Buy Inkay in Pokémon Legends: Z-A can be an essential part of your journey as you build a team with unique, tactical advantages. Whether you're catching it in the wild or making a trade, Inkay is a versatile Pokémon that can turn the tide of battle when used strategically.