Evolving Inkay into Malamar in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is one of those quirky evolution methods that asks a little more of you than just grinding a few levels. There’s a level threshold to hit, sure, but the trick is in how you’re holding your system when you trigger the evolution. Miss a requirement and Inkay won’t flip into everyone’s favorite topsy-turvy squid.
Update (Dec. 17): Added extra context for both evolution methods and a spot to catch Malamar directly.
How to evolve Inkay in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
First, get Inkay to at least level 30 and make sure it’s in your party. Unlike older games, you don’t have to level up while the console is upside-down—but orientation still matters when you actually evolve it.
Before you start, meet these requirements:
- Use a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 in handheld mode with Joy‑Cons attached.
- Disconnect any other controllers.
From here, you have two ways to trigger the evolution:
Method 1: Flip the console. Turn your Switch upside-down, open your party menu, and interact with Inkay. You won’t see the usual evolution arrow, but the “Evolve” option will appear once you select Inkay.
Method 2 (Nintendo Switch 2 only): Attach Joy‑Cons upside-down. Detach both Joy‑Cons and reattach them inverted on the opposite sides. If you’ve done it right, the red-accent Joy‑Con sits on the left and the blue-accent Joy‑Con sits on the right. Open your party menu and interact with Inkay to reveal the “Evolve” prompt.
Important: choose “Evolve” while the system or Joy‑Cons are still inverted. If you flip the console back or reattach the controllers normally before confirming, the prompt disappears. After you hit “Evolve,” you’re free to turn the system back around, dock it, and reconnect your Pro Controller.
Where to catch Malamar in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
If you’d rather skip the flip, Malamar can also be found in Wild Zone 20. You’ll need to finish the main story to unlock that area, so it’s a later option—but it’s a clean catch once it opens up.
