This Pokemon has a unique evolutionary requirement.
There are quite a few Pokemon in Pokemon Go that have unique evolutionary systems. As a couple of examples, Combee can only be evolved into Vespiquen if the Pokemon is female, and Eevee can only be evolved into Sylveon if you earn a required number of hearts with Eevee as your Buddy first.
Inkay is another pocket monster with a unique evolution requirement.
According to Bulbapedia, in games like Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, Inkay evolves into Malamar once it reaches Level 30 and is leveled up while the player holds their system (in this case, their Switch) upside down.
According to Leek Duck, this requirement has been carried over into Pokemon Go. Specifically, to evolve Inkay into Malamar in Pokemon Go, Leek Duck said players need to use 50 Inkay Candy and hold their device upside down.
Inkay is a Dark- and Psychic-type Pokemon from the sixth generation of the Pokemon universe. To learn more about it, check out its entry on the Bulbapedia website.
To learn more about Pokemon Go, or to view the rest of our guides for the game, check out our previous coverage.
Brandy Berthelson has been writing about video games and technology since 2006, with her work appearing on sites including AOL Games, Digital Spy, and Adweek. When she’s not gaming, Brandy enjoys crafting, baking, and traveling with her husband.