Introduction
Pokémon fans know that evolving their favorite Pokémon can be a daunting task. Inkay, the Dark/Psychic-type introduced in Pokémon XY, is no exception. Evolving Inkay is a mystery to many trainers because it requires a unique method. However, with some guidance and commitment, evolving Inkay is possible. This article explores tips, strategies, and step-by-step instructions for evolving Inkay in Pokémon XY and Sun/Moon.
10 Tips to Master Inkay’s Evolution in Pokémon XY
Understanding Inkay’s unique evolution method is the first step in evolving it. Inkay evolves by leveling up to 30 while holding the 3DS device upside down. Here are ten tips to make the process faster and more manageable:
Tip 1: Understand Inkay’s unique evolution method
Knowing that Inkay needs to be at level 30 while the 3DS device is upside down is crucial. The 3DS device must be held upside down from the moment Inkay levels up until the evolution animation finishes.
Tip 2: Catch an Inkay with the right nature
Pokémon nature affects Inkay’s stats and how it gains experience points. Catching an Inkay with a nature that boosts its attack and speed while hindering its special defense is recommended. Inkay’s ideal nature is Jolly or Adamant.
Tip 3: Use a Soothe Bell to increase Inkay’s happiness
Happiness plays an important role in Inkay’s evolution. Using a Soothe Bell boosts Inkay’s happiness as it gains experience points. You can find it in Cyllage City or buy it from the pokemon boutique in Lumiose City.
Tip 4: Battle with Inkay frequently
Battling with Inkay frequently helps it gain experience points and level up faster. Engage in battles in gyms and against wild Pokémon to level up Inkay quickly.
Tip 5: Feed Inkay vitamins to boost its stats
Vitamins such as Calcium, Iron, and Zinc boost Inkay’s stats. You can purchase vitamins at the Lumiose City Pokemon Center. Since Inkay’s evolution depends on its level and not its stats, make sure that boosting its stats is not your main focus.
Tip 6: Give Inkay a good move set
Provides Inkay with moves that complement its strengths. Its signature move, Topsy-turvy, reverses the target’s stat changes, making it useful in battles. Other recommended moves include Psybeam, Night Slash, and Foul Play.
Tip 7: Use an Exp. Share to level up Inkay quickly
The Exp. Share item helps level up Inkay quickly while also helping the team gain experience points. This item is incredibly beneficial when training low-level Pokémon.
Tip 8: Swap out Inkay during battles to increase its friendship
Swapping out Inkay during battles can increase its friendship, which is necessary for its evolution. Friendship increases by one point each time Inkay takes a hit.
Tip 9: Use the ability Suction Cups to prevent Inkay from being forced to switch out
Suction Cups is Inkay’s abilities. It prevents it from being forced to switch out, which is useful when swapping Inkay out during battles to increase its friendship.
Tip 10: Keep a backup Inkay just in case
It’s always a good idea to have a backup Inkay in case evolving the first one fails. Keep the backup Inkay ready to repeat the evolution process.
The Ultimate Guide to Evolving Your Inkay: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you understand how to evolve Inkay let’s look into a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Catch or obtain an Inkay
- Train Inkay to level 30.
- Hold the 3DS device upside-down from the moment Inkay levels up
- Continue holding the 3DS device upside-down until the evolution animation finishes
As simple as that!
Level-Up vs. Switch Method: Which Is Better for Inkay’s Evolution?
There are two ways to evolve Inkay: leveling up or swapping it out during battles. It’s important to know the pros and cons of each method before deciding which one to use.
Level-Up Method
The level-up method offers a simple progression route for Inkay’s evolution. All you have to do is level up Inkay while holding the 3DS device upside-down. It’s a straightforward process and doesn’t require too much thinking.
Switch Method
The switch method involves battling with Inkay, then swapping it out for another Pokémon before the battle ends. It’s a more time-consuming process than leveling up but can increase Inkay’s happiness and friendship quickly.
Which Method to Use?
Out of the two options, leveling up Inkay is the faster and less complicated method. However, if you’re looking to max out Inkay’s happiness and friendship stats, the switch method is the better option.
Maximizing Happiness: A Strategy for Evolving Your Inkay in Pokémon Sun and Moon
Evolution in Pokémon Sun and Moon is not the same as in past games. In this section, we will cover how to evolve Inkay in Pokémon Sun and Moon:
Use Rare Kitchen to Increase Happiness
The Rare Kitchen facility in Festival Plaza can increase your Pokémon’s happiness points. Using this facility can increase Inkay’s happiness points quickly.
Feed Inkay Berries
Berries such as the Pomeg Berry, Kelpsy Berry, and Qualot Berry can decrease Inkay’s EVs and increase its happiness points. You can obtain these berries by farming them in Pokémon Pelago.
Use False Swipe to Catch Inkay
When attempting to catch an Inkay, use False Swipe rather than a move that can damage Inkay. False Swipe prevents Inkay from fainting, meaning its happiness points won’t decrease.
The Dark Side of Evolving Inkay: Potential Risks and Rewards
While evolving your Inkay is a worthwhile goal, there are risks to consider. Here are some potential rewards and risks of evolving Inkay:
Rewards of Evolving Inkay
Evolution improves Inkay’s stats, making it a stronger and more versatile Pokémon in battle. Evolving Inkay also boosts Inkay’s morale, and you can even get a new battle cry.
Risks of Evolving Inkay
The risk of evolving Inkay is that it will lose the unique ability to change its type when leveling up. Since Inkay is a dual-type Pokémon, this feature was once essential to its flexibility in battle. Additionally, evolving Inkay may not be ideal for your battle strategy, making it more vulnerable to specific opponents.
Inkay’s Evolution: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Stats, Moves, and Abilities
Inkay’s stats are as follows:
- HP: 53
- Attack: 54
- Defense: 53
- Special Attack: 37
- Special Defense: 46
- Speed: 45
Inkay has various moves, including Tackle, Reflect, Acid Spray, and Topsy-turvy, among others. Inkay’s unique ability is Infiltrator, which allows it to bypass Light Screen, Reflect, and Safeguard.
Conclusion
Mastering Inkay’s evolution may seem challenging, but it’s not impossible. With the right strategies, Inkay’s evolution is not just a dream but a reality. Whether you choose to level up Inkay or swap it out during battles, make sure to prioritize its happiness and friendship levels. With proper leveling, move sets, and equipment, your Inkay will be ready to evolve and face any challenge in battle.