CARD INFORMATION

SUBTYPES:
- Basic
HP: 60
TYPES:
- Darkness
EVOLVES TO:
- Malamar
WEAKNESSES:
- TYPE: Grass
- VALUE: ×2
RETREATCOST:
- Colorless
RETREAT COST: 1
RARITY: Common
FLAVOR TEXT: By exposing foes to the blinking of its luminescent spots, Inkay demoralizes them, and then it seizes the chance to flee.
REGULATIONMARK: G

CARD ABILITIES

This card has no abilities

CARD ATTACKS

NAME: Hug
COST:
- Darkness
- Colorless
ENERGY COST: 2
DAMAGE: 30
DETAILS: During your opponent's next turn, the Defending Pokémon can't retreat.

MARKET PRICES FOR INKAY 💰

Last updated: 2025/10/11

HIGH	4.99	USD
MID	0.07	USD	TREND
LOW	0.01	USD

Check the latest prices on:

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Inkay (sv3-137) brings an interesting tactical element to the Darkness type lineup.

This Basic Pokémon might seem unassuming with its 60 HP, but its ability to restrict opponent movement makes it worth examining for players looking to control the battle tempo in competitive matches.

Offensive rating: 3/10

Inkay's offensive capabilities are quite limited.

Its single attack, Hug, deals a modest 30 damage for two energy (one Darkness, one Colorless), which is below average for its energy investment.

The damage output alone won't threaten most Pokémon in the current meta.

However, Hug's secondary effect of preventing the Defending Pokémon from retreating during the opponent's next turn provides tactical utility rather than raw power.

This retreat-lock effect can trap vulnerable Pokémon in the active position, but the minimal damage means opponents often remain in play despite being trapped.

Without significant damage behind it, this control element lacks the punch needed to make Inkay a serious offensive threat.

Survival rating: 2/10

With just 60 HP, Inkay sits firmly in OHKO (One-Hit Knockout) territory for most competitive attackers in the current format.

Its Grass weakness is particularly problematic in a meta where Grass-type attackers are common.

The single retreat cost is manageable but still requires resource commitment.

Inkay offers no built-in defensive abilities or protection mechanisms, leaving it extremely vulnerable once played.

As a Basic Pokémon, it can be played directly from hand, which provides some utility as a potential starter, but its fragility means it's unlikely to survive more than a single turn when facing established attackers.

Its survival rating is quite poor overall.

Versatility rating: 4/10

Inkay shines somewhat brighter in versatility compared to its other attributes.

As a Basic Darkness-type that evolves into Malamar, it serves as an essential evolution piece for potentially stronger strategies.

The retreat-lock effect from Hug can disrupt opponents' plans by forcing them to use Switch cards or other retreat alternatives, potentially depleting their resources.

This control aspect gives Inkay limited tactical applications in certain matchups, particularly against decks that rely heavily on retreating to cycle attackers.

However, its versatility is hampered by mediocre stats and limited offensive options.

The card functions almost exclusively as either evolution fodder or a temporary disruptor, rather than having multiple viable roles.

Speed/Setup rating: 7/10

Inkay benefits from a straightforward setup process.

As a Basic Pokémon, it can be played directly to the bench without prerequisites, making it immediately accessible.

Its attack requires just two energy attachments, achievable by turn two under normal circumstances or potentially turn one with energy acceleration support.

The evolution path to Malamar gives it some strategic depth, as players can choose to either attack with Inkay or focus on evolving it.

Common Darkness-type support cards like Dark Patch can help accelerate its energy requirements.

The low commitment needed to get Inkay operational compensates somewhat for its limited battlefield impact, allowing it to function as a quick, if unspectacular, option in the early game.

To maximize Inkay's effectiveness, pair it with energy acceleration cards to power up its attack faster and evolution support to transition to its stronger Malamar form.

Cards that capitalize on trapped active Pokémon or that extend control effects complement Inkay's retreat-locking ability, creating a more robust disruption strategy.

Perfect Partners examples:

Malamar

As Inkay's evolution, Malamar typically offers stronger attacks and abilities that justify using Inkay in the first place. The evolution path transforms a mediocre Basic into a potentially more impactful Stage 1 Pokémon.

Dark Patch

This card helps accelerate energy attachment to Darkness Pokémon, allowing Inkay to attack sooner or ensuring your evolved Malamar has the energy it needs immediately after evolution.

Boss's Orders

Combining with Inkay's retreat-lock effect, Boss's Orders can force a vulnerable Pokémon into the active position where it becomes trapped, creating powerful disruption opportunities your opponent must address.

Inkay represents a specialized tactical option rather than a powerhouse in the current TCG landscape.

Its primary strengths lie in its accessibility as a Basic Pokémon, straightforward energy requirements, and unique retreat-locking capability.

However, these advantages are severely undermined by its frail 60 HP, minimal damage output, and vulnerability to common attackers.

In competitive play, Inkay functions best as either evolution material for Malamar or as a temporary disruptor in specific matchups where trapping an opponent's Pokémon creates meaningful advantage.

Players considering Inkay should view it as a supporting piece within a broader strategy rather than a cornerstone of their deck.

For tournament play, the card requires careful timing and strategic positioning to extract value before it's inevitably removed from play by opponents' attacks.