Evolving Inkay into Malamar in Pokémon Go requires a specific physical gesture instead of a standard button tap. You need 50 Inkay candy and a phone with a working gyroscope to trigger the transformation. The process mimics the quirky evolution mechanic from the Nintendo 3DS titles by turning your device upside down.
If you are stuck staring at an error message or wondering why your evolution button isn't working, you're not alone. The game requires precise timing and correct hardware orientation. Let's break down the exact prerequisites, step-by-step instructions, and common troubleshooting tips to get your Malamar without wasting candy.
Prerequisites for Evolution
Before attempting to evolve your Inkay, verify that you have met the fundamental requirements set by Niantic. Skipping these basics will result in a failed evolution attempt or a wasted tap.
- Candy Cost: You need 50 Inkay candy to initiate the evolution sequence. You can gather candy through catching wild Inkay, hatching eggs, walking your buddy, or using Pinap Berries.
- Device Sensors: Your phone must have a functional accelerometer and gyroscope. Without these hardware sensors, the game cannot detect when you flip your device.
- Stable Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or cellular data connection to prevent desync errors during the server-side evolution check.
Step-by-Step Evolution Guide
Follow this exact sequence to turn your Inkay into Malamar successfully. To understand the complete picture, we recommend the excellent article by The New York Times.
- Open Pokémon Go and navigate to your Pokémon storage.
- Tap on the specific Inkay you want to evolve to open its individual info screen.
- Check that you have at least 50 candy, then tap the Evolve button on the right side of the screen.
- Keep your finger pressed down on the screen. Do not lift your finger.
- Physically flip your phone upside down while maintaining touch contact on the display.
- Hold the phone inverted for two to three seconds while keeping your finger on the screen.
- Release your finger. The standard evolution animation will trigger, revealing your new Malamar.
Troubleshooting Common Evolution Failures
Many players encounter issues on their first try because minor missteps break the trigger condition. Review these frequent mistakes if your evolution fails.
- Releasing the Screen Too Early: The most common error is lifting your finger before or during the phone rotation. Your finger must remain pressed against the glass throughout the entire physical flip.
- Gyroscope Calibration Issues: If your phone's internal sensors are lagging or uncalibrated, the app might miss the orientation change. Restarting the Pokémon Go application or rebooting your phone usually fixes sensor detection bugs.
- Screen Protector Interference: Extremely thick or damaged tempered glass protectors can occasionally block touch inputs, causing the game to register a touch release when you move the phone.
How to Get More Inkay Candy Fast
If you are short on candy, you can use several reliable methods to stockpile enough for your evolution:
- Use Pinap Berries: Feed every wild Inkay a Pinap Berry or Silver Pinap Berry before catching it to double your candy yield.
- Set Inkay as Your Buddy: Walk with Inkay as your buddy Pokémon to earn candy over distance.
- Participate in Events: Watch for psychic-themed events or spotlight hours where Inkay spawns frequently in the wild.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do IVs affect the evolution method?
No. Inkay's Individual Values (IVs) or Shiny status have zero impact on the evolution mechanic. Any standard or shiny Inkay can evolve using the physical flip method as long as you have the required candy.
Can I evolve Inkay on a tablet or iPad?
Yes, you can evolve Inkay on tablets as long as the device features a functioning gyroscope and allows you to physically rotate it while maintaining a finger on the screen.
What is Malamar good for in Pokémon Go?
Malamar's unique Dark and Psychic typing grants it valuable resistances against Psychic and Ghost attacks, making it a viable niche pick in the Great League and Ultra League formats of the GO Battle League.
Why did my evolution button disappear?
If the evolution button is missing or greyed out, check your inventory to ensure you actually have 50 Inkay candy. If you have enough candy and the button is still unresponsive, restart the app to clear temporary cache errors.
