How to evolve Inkay into Malamar in Pokemon X and Y

The designers of the Pokemon X and Y Pokedex went a little wild when trying to find new ways to evolve Pokemon. While Pancham’s evolution into Pangoro is interesting, and Sylveon's evolution method is cute, neither holds a candle up to the insanity that is Inkay’s evolution into Malamar. Seriously, this is one you’d never, ever figure out on your own, especially if you’re used to the typical evolution methods in previous Pokemon games. Think you're just going to level it up or rub a rock on it? Think again. As we mentioned in our Pokemon X and Y review, the designers had a very outside-the-box approach to this new entry.

After level 30, Inkay has the ability to evolve, but in order to successfully complete it you need to turn your 3DS upside-down when it levels. Yes, seriously--flip it over and hold it the wrong way during a level and it’ll turn into Malamar. It makes sense after you know it, since Malamar looks like an upside-down Inkay, but, still--that's a pretty big departure from how typical evolutions work. Then again, we're in a post-Mega Evolution world, so nothing is off-limits.

Also, if you've noticed that Boutique Couture in Lumiose City and Lost Hotel off of Route 15 appear to be off limits then we can help with these two places that just won't let you in - here's how to get into Boutique Couture and Lost Hotel in Pokemon X and Y, to solve that problem once and for all. 

Hollander Cooper

Hollander Cooper was the Lead Features Editor of GamesRadar+ between 2011 and 2014. After that lengthy stint managing GR's editorial calendar he moved behind the curtain and into the video game industry itself, working as social media manager for EA and as a communications lead at Riot Games. Hollander is currently stationed at Apple as an organic social lead for the App Store and Apple Arcade.