Inkay, a fan-favorite Pokémon, makes its return in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and many players are eager to add this quirky Psychic/Dark-type to their roster. Whether you want to catch it in the wild or buy it through in-game methods, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Catching Inkay in the Wild

FindingInkay in Pokémon Legends: Z-A can be a bit of a challenge if you're unfamiliar with the game's layout, but once you know where to look, it’s fairly straightforward.

Location

Inkay can usually be found in the Midnight Hills area, typically in the nighttime or during stormy weather conditions. This Pokémon prefers the darker parts of the region, so if you’re looking to catch it during the day, you might have trouble finding it.

Preparation

Before venturing out, make sure to bring Pokémon that can deal damage without knocking Inkay out immediately. A Pokémon with low-level, status-inducing moves like Thunder Wave or Sleep Powder is ideal for increasing your chances of a successful catch.

Battle Strategy

Inkay has a unique ability, Contrary, which reverses stat changes. Be cautious with stat-boosting moves like Swords Dance or Growth, as they will have the opposite effect on your Pokémon. Instead, use moves that won't affect Inkay's stats and focus on lowering its HP slowly to make the capture easier.

Catching Inkay

Once Inkay’s health is sufficiently low, throw a Dusk Ball or Ultra Ball to increase your chances of a successful capture, especially given the dark environment. If you don’t catch it immediately, try again with a Repeat Ball or other specialized ball for increased odds.

Buying Inkay

If you prefer to skip the hunt and add Inkay directly to your collection, buying it from an NPC vendor or an in-game market might be the more convenient option. Here's how:

The Merchant NPC

In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, there are special vendors that sell rare Pokémon. Inkay is occasionally available for purchase from the Legendary Merchant who sets up shop in various towns. Check the market regularly to see if this elusive Pokémon is in stock.

In-Game Currency

To buy Inkay, you'll need to have accumulated enough in-game currency, which you can earn by completing missions, winning battles, or selling items you no longer need. Inkay usually costs a bit more than average Pokémon, so be prepared to spend a substantial amount.

Trade Options

Another way to acquire Inkay is by trading with other players in the game. If you're having difficulty finding Inkay or don't want to wait for the in-game market to refresh, consider checking online trade forums or visiting trade posts within the game’s social hub.

Evolving Inkay

Once you've successfully caught or bought Inkay, don’t forget that it has an interesting evolution method. To evolve it into Malamar, you need to level up Inkay to at least level 30 while it is in a reversed holding position (upside down) when it reaches the required level. This quirky evolution method is a nod to Inkay's mischievous nature and adds a fun twist to the Pokémon’s development.

How to Catch or Buy Inkay in Pokémon Legends: Z-A might seem like a straightforward task at first, but it's important to know where to look and what strategies to use. Whether you're chasing it down in the wild or choosing to purchase it directly, the effort is well worth it, as Inkay can be a powerful ally in your team.