Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Edge
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Edge
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Edge Magazine
  • EDGE GTAVI exclusive
  • Join our monthly RPG Club
  • Golden Joystick Awards 2026
  • Deal of the Day
  • Countdown to GTA 6
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  • RPG Hub
  • G+RLS Podcast
Want more Switch 2 news?

Sign up to our Switch 2 newsletter to make sure you get the very latest news on Nintendo's new console and its games every week


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games
  2. Adventure Games
  3. Pokemon
  4. Pokemon Legends: Z-A

How to evolve Inkay into Malamar in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Guides
By Catherine Lewis
Published 16 October 2025

Here's how to evolve Inkay so you can get Mega Malamar in Pokemon ZA

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Inkay in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
(Image credit: The Pokemon Company / Nintendo)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
0
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

If you were hoping to add a Mega Malamar to your team, you might be wondering how to evolve Inkay in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Inkay has always had one of the most unusual evolution methods in the Pokemon series, and although it's mostly the same as before in the new RPG, there's a slight difference to be aware of.

Inkay evolves into Malamar – a Psychic/Dark-type you'll need to own in order to try out one of the new Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega Evolutions – Mega Malamar. It's not as simple as just leveling Inkay up, however, but we're going to tell you exactly how to do it in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

If you're looking to achieve the full Pokemon Legends: Z-A Pokedex, make sure to take a look at our wider Pokemon Legends: Z-A evolution guide for more pointers, as well as the best way to boost friendship in Pokemon Legends: Z-A for certain other evolutions.

Latest Videos FromGamesRadar+
Watch full video here:

How to evolve Inkay in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Selecting the option to evolve Inkay in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

(Image credit: The Pokemon Company / Nintendo)

To evolve Inkay in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, you'll first need to do the following:

  1. Get Inkay to level 30+ and put it in your party.
  2. Put your Switch or Switch 2 in handheld mode, with Joy-Con controllers attached.
  3. Hold the console upside-down and select Inkay in your party. The evolution option should be there, as see above.

Importantly, you no longer need to level up Inkay while the console is upside down for the evolution to trigger. What's more, the glowing arrow that usually appears next to Pokemon in the party when they're ready to evolve doesn't appear here, which can make it appear like the method isn't working. Ignore this, and just select Inkay anyway – the option to evolve will appear as long as the console is upside down.

You may like
  • The Pokopia Windup Inkay toy floats underwater. How to get Pokopia Windup Inkay
  • Pokemon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift codes for Mega Garchomp Z All Pokemon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift Codes and Rewards (October 2026)
  • Manaphy smiles in Pokemon Pokopia. How to get Manaphy in Pokemon Pokopia

Become best buds with Inkay, as we explain how to increase your Pokemon Legends: Z-A Friendship score ASAP!

© Gamesradar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

Want more Switch 2 news?

Sign up to our Switch 2 Spotlight newsletter to make sure you get the very latest news on Nintendo's new console and its games every week

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
TOPICS
The Pokemon Company Game Freak
CATEGORIES
Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Platforms Nintendo
Catherine Lewis
Catherine Lewis
Social Links Navigation
Deputy News Editor

I'm GamesRadar+'s Deputy News Editor, working alongside the rest of the news team to deliver cool gaming stories that we love. After spending more hours than I can count filling The University of Sheffield's student newspaper with Pokemon and indie game content, and picking up a degree in Journalism Studies, I started my career at GAMINGbible where I worked as a journalist for over a year and a half. I then became TechRadar Gaming's news writer, where I sourced stories and wrote about all sorts of intriguing topics. In my spare time, you're sure to find me on my Nintendo Switch or PS5 playing through story-driven RPGs like Xenoblade Chronicles and Persona 5 Royal, nuzlocking old Pokemon games, or going for a Victory Royale in Fortnite.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
The Pokopia Windup Inkay toy floats underwater.
Pokemon How to get Pokopia Windup Inkay
 
 
Pokemon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift codes for Mega Garchomp Z
Pokemon All Pokemon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift Codes and Rewards (October 2026)
 
 
Manaphy smiles in Pokemon Pokopia.
Pokemon How to get Manaphy in Pokemon Pokopia
 
 
Ditto holds a green Pokopia paint balloon and stands in front of a painted green house.
Pokemon How to get all Pokopia paint colors
 
 
Pokemon TCG Pocket
Pokemon Best Mega Rayquaza ex deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket
 
 
A Pokopia Shiny Pearl floats next to a Grubby Pearl in Bubbly Basin.
Pokemon How to get Shiny Pearls in Pokopia
 
 
Latest in Pokemon
James, Jessie, and Wobbuffet from Team Rocket crying
Tabletop Gaming UK McDonalds Pokemon Happy Meals won't arrive until next year, months after the first drop
 
 
Cropped key art for Pokemon Unite shows Cinderace, Greninja, and Pikachu competing.
Pokemon Pokemon's free-to-play MOBA, Pokemon Unite, is shutting down in March after less than 6 years
 
 
A trainer standing on a rock next to the ocean during Pokemon Winds and Waves
Pokemon Pokemon Winds and Waves might benefit from next-gen water tech
 
 
Close up of the thunder designs on the Pokemon Beats Pill.
Speakers and Audio Apple's new Pokemon edition Beats Pill has reignited my appreciation of wireless Bluetooth speakers
 
 
A pile of presents with Pokemon products interspersed in the pile, and a fireplace visible in the background
Toys & Collectibles This year's Pokemon Center Christmas decorations already have me feeling festive
 
 
An anime girl raises her hands in Ame Nochi Hare Onna
Pokemon Pokemon lead is making an "original" RPG where you wash your outfits and let them dry in real time
 
 
Latest in Guides
Rezi 12 MW4
Call of Duty The best Rezi 12 builds in MW4
 
 
Phantom Blade Zero Bai Chilian snake lady boss licking sword
Action RPGs How to defeat Bai Chilian in Phantom Blade Zero
 
 
Modern Warfare 4
Call of Duty The best Oris 8.6 builds in MW4
 
 
Phantom Blade Zero A Healer's Mercy Soul talking to Yu'er and a thief in red in the Thieves' Camp
Action RPGs How to complete the A Healer's Mercy quest in Phantom Blade Zero
 
 
Modern Warfare 4
Call of Duty What does Non-Milsim Content in MW4 mean?
 
 
A chest like this could contain a Fortnite pirate shop token
Fortnite What is the Fortnite pirate shop token and how rare is it?
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Turns out the problem wasn't me messing up a PC rebuild; it was a very niche USB problem
    1
    My entire PC was shorting after I swapped my motherboard, and you'll never believe why this simple USB hub fixed everything
  2. 2
    Fan spends 40 hours turning the Catan board game into an incredible Halloween costume
  3. 3
    The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping star Mckenna Grace fought to have her character resemble Maysilee from beloved 2011 fan film
  4. 4
    As Steam struggles with clones, Itch.io wipes out "a couple terabytes of AI slop" and adds a crucial new filter to its search function so you can avoid AI altogether
  5. 5
    DC fans think that the recent Batman 2 leak is a red herring, and the proof is in the first movie

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...