How Do You Get a Shiny Malamar in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

When a Pokemon mixes Dark and Psychic power, you already know things are going to get weird—in the best way. Malamar is exactly that kind of Pokemon: tricky, stylish, and honestly pretty fun to use if you enjoy mind games in battle. Below is everything you need to know about catching, evolving, and building a Malamar in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

What Is Malamar in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?

Malamar is the evolved form of Inkay and sits at Lumiose Pokedex #160. It's a Dark/Psychic-type known for powerful hypnotic abilities—its lore even says it can force others to obey its will. In battle, it's flexible and surprisingly tanky for such a strange-looking Pokemon.

Basic Info: 
• Type: Dark/Psychic 
• Height: 4'11" 
• Weight: 103.6 lbs 
• Evolution: Inkay → Malamar (Level 30 while holding your Nintendo Switch upside down)

Yes, the evolution trick still exists—and yes, it still feels funny the first time you do it.

How Do You Get Malamar in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?

There are two routes to getting a Malamar:

1. Catch One in the Wild

Where does Malamar spawn? 
Malamar can be found in Wild Zone 20, but this area only unlocks after Main Mission 38: The Future of Lumiose City. If you're not that far yet, don't worry—just keep pushing the story and it'll open up naturally.

The zone itself is pretty chill once you know where to look, but Malamar usually appears deeper in the area, often in the sections with fewer trainers and more open terrain.

2. Evolve Inkay

If you find Inkay earlier in the game, you can simply evolve it at level 30. 
But don't forget the key detail:

You must level it up while your Nintendo Switch is upside down. 
If nothing happens, rotate your console 180 degrees and try again.

Where Can You Buy Malamar in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?

Players who prefer shortcuts can buy Pokemon through trading communities. 
If you're specifically hunting for a shiny version, many players point out that U4GM is the best place to buy shiny Pokemon, and shiny Malamar is listed for $2.49.

This is especially handy if you don't want to grind Wild Zone 20 for hours.

What Are Malamar's Stats?

Malamar isn't a pure attacker—it leans into mixed bulk with enough power to hit back when needed. Its stat spread allows it to survive longer than you might expect from a Dark/Psychic Pokemon.

Base Stats: 
• HP: 86 
• Attack: 92 
• Defense: 88 
• Special Attack: 68 
• Special Defense: 75 
• Speed: 73 
Total: 482

Malamar's Attack and Defense stand out the most, making it surprisingly good in long fights or against foes that rely on predictable move patterns.

How Do You Get a Shiny Malamar in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?

Shiny Malamar is absolutely worth the hunt—it looks stylish and stands out immediately in battle.

Ways to get one:

1. Mass Outbreaks 
   If Inkay or Malamar ever appear in outbreaks, your shiny chances jump dramatically. Bring sandwiches, hunt aggressively, and reset when needed.
2. Wild Zone 20 Respawn Farming 
   Malamar spawns can be cycled by fast traveling in and out of the zone.
3. Shiny Charm 
   If you're a completionist, finishing the Pokedex gives you a permanent shiny rate boost. It's a grind, but it helps a lot.
4. Buy One Through Player Trade 
   Some players simply skip the RNG and buy a shiny. 
   (Again, shiny Malamar is priced at $2.49 on U4GM.)

How Do You Get an Alpha Malamar in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?

Alpha Malamar isn't guaranteed, but here are the realistic ways players can farm it:

1. Check Wild Zone 20 Alpha Rotations

Certain areas in Z-A have rotating Alpha spawn tables. When Malamar is in rotation, it appears rarely—but noticeably larger and much stronger.

2. Reset the Zone

Fast travel → return → check spawn → repeat. 
This is a normal method used for hunting all Alpha Pokemon.

3. Evolve an Alpha Inkay

If you're lucky enough to find an Alpha Inkay, you can evolve it into Alpha Malamar the same way: level 30 while holding the Switch upside down.

This is honestly the easiest method if the game ever gives you one.

Is Malamar Worth Using in Your Team?

If you like strategic, slightly unpredictable Pokemon, absolutely.

Malamar stands out because:

• It's bulkier than most Dark/Psychic-types 
• It can hit well with physical moves 
• Its abilities make it durable in long battles 
• It works great for story progression and post-game farming

Personally, I like pairing it with tanky teammates or supports that can help it set up safely. Once it gets rolling, Malamar tends to stay on the field longer than expected.

Summary

Malamar in Pokemon Legends: Z-A is a creative and surprisingly strong Pokemon that you can either catch in Wild Zone 20 or evolve from Inkay. It has solid stats, a fun evolution method, and both shiny and Alpha versions worth chasing. If you prefer shortcuts, U4GM is widely considered the best place to buy shiny Pokemon—including shiny Malamar at $2.49.