In the mysterious Coastal Biome of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Indigo Disk DLC, a quirky evolution challenge awaits trainers: to evolve the enigmatic Inkay into the formidable Malamar, you must literally turn your Nintendo Switch upside down. This unconventional twist revives a beloved mechanic from previous generations, demanding precision and patience as you level up Inkay at least to 30 while holding your console inverted-no dock, no Pro controller, just pure handheld upside-down action. Ready to flip your world and unlock one of the darkest Psychic Pokémon around? Here’s how to master this head-spinning evolution.
Below, we detail where to find a Inkay and how to evolve it into Malamar in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Where to find Inkay in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Inkay can be found in the wild in the northeastern section of the Terarium, specifically in the Coastal Biome of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s The Indigo Disk DLC. This aquatic Pokémon is commonly spotted near bodies of water, such as beaches, making it relatively easy to encounter while exploring this area. Players will likely come across Inkay frequently as they traverse the Coastal Biome, so catching one should not require extensive searching.
You can find Inkay in the waters in the following areas:
There’s a bunch of them swimming around. It’s actually kind of hard to get around this area without running into one.
How to evolve Inkay into Malamar in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
To evolve Inkay into Malamar in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you must level up Inkay to at least level 30 while holding your Nintendo Switch console upside down in handheld mode with the Joy-Cons attached . Ensure that no other controllers are connected, and that the console is held straight without tilting . Leveling up must occur through battling, not through the use of candies .
To evolve Inkay into Malamar, your Inkay has to be at least level 30 and, while it levels, you have to be holding your Nintendo Switch console upside down. Yep, you need to take it out of the dock. You can level it from battling or from using Rare Candy, but you just need to make sure your Switch is inverted when it levels.
If the method isn’t working for you, troubleshoot by ensuring you’re following these guidelines:
- You are holding your Nintendo Switch, with Joy-Cons inserted, upside down.
- You have no other controllers (like a Pro Controller) connected to it.
How can I master the tricky upside-down evolution for Inkay in Scarlet and Violet
To master the tricky upside-down evolution of Inkay in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Indigo Disk DLC, follow these key steps precisely:
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Ensure your Nintendo Switch is in handheld mode with only the first-party JoyCons attached; third-party JoyCons or a connected Pro Controller will prevent evolution.
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Disconnect any other controllers so the system only reads the JoyCons.
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Flip the entire Switch console completely upside down and keep it perfectly level-no tilting or slanting. Using a table, desk, or even your thigh to stabilize it is recommended.
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Level up Inkay to at least level 30 while the Switch remains upside down. The evolution triggers only if Inkay levels up during battle or by using Rare Candy while the system is inverted; auto-battle leveling does not work.
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Start holding the Switch upside down before the level-up occurs and keep it that way until the evolution animation begins to ensure the game registers the position.
Following these strict conditions will allow Inkay to evolve into Malamar without frustration.
What’s the easiest way to ensure my Switch stays perfectly upside down during evolution
The easiest way to keep your Nintendo Switch perfectly upside down during Inkay’s evolution in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is to use a stable surface or holder to support the console in an inverted position. Many players recommend resting the Switch upside down on a table, desk edge, or even your thigh to keep it steady and level from before Inkay levels up until the evolution animation finishes. Avoid using docked mode or any controllers other than the original Joy-Cons attached directly to the console in handheld mode, as other controllers or docking will prevent evolution. Additionally, restarting your Switch before attempting the evolution can help recalibrate the gyroscope sensors for more reliable upside-down detection. This setup ensures the system accurately senses the inverted position needed to trigger Inkay’s evolution into Malamar.
