DexDB

No. 0687

Malamar

Overturning Pokémon

BaseMega
Malamar
Official art
DarkPsychic
Height
1.5 m 4′11″
Weight
47 kg 103.6 lbs
Base stat total
482 Higher than 61% of Pokémon
Introduced
Gen VI X & Y
Abilities
Champions#88 Doubles ▲6 · #156 Singles ▲1Usual set Malamarite · Adamant · HP 32 / Def 2 / SpD 32Full set →
Pokédex entryShield
It’s said that Malamar’s hypnotic powers played a role in certain history-changing events.
See all 6 entries

Base stats

HP86161–193282–376
Atk92100–158170–311
Def8897–154162–302
SpA6879–132126–258
SpD7585–139139–273
Spe7383–137135–269
Total482Higher than 61% of Pokémon
HP86Atk92Def88Spe73SpD75SpA68

Ranges in Pokémon Champions at Lv 50: 0 Stat Points with a −10% Stat Alignment to 32 Stat Points with a +10% one (HP has no alignment).Ranges in the main games at Lv 100: 0 IV/EV with a hindering nature to 31 IV/252 EV with a helpful nature. EV yield: 2 Atk.

Stat calculatorChampions Stat Points & Stat Alignment, or EVs, IVs & nature
Calculate damage →

Type matchups

DarkPsychicshow which type causes itweaknessresistance

Weak to

4×
Bug (because of Dark and Psychic)
2×
Fairy (because of Dark)

Immune to

0×
Psychic (because of Dark and Psychic)
Takes normal damage from 15 types
NormalFightingFlyingPoisonGroundRockGhostSteelFireWaterGrassElectricIceDragonDark

Speed tiers

The faster Pokémon moves first each turn, so knowing who you outspeed decides a lot of battles. These are its Speed values at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions (base Speed 73); Scarf and Tailwind use the Max+ value.

Max+137Max125No SP93Min83Scarf205Tailwind274

At max Speed, Malamar outspeeds 13 of the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC on Showdown.

  1. 203Mega Garchomp ZModest · 32 SP · #21 on Showdown
  2. 200Mega GengarTimid · 32 SP · #26 on Showdown
  3. 190Mega Raichu YTimid · 23 SP · #13 on Showdown
  4. 189Mega SalamenceTimid · 32 SP · #4 on Showdown
  5. 184WhimsicottTimid · 32 SP · #23 on Showdown
  6. 178Mega MetagrossJolly · 32 SP · #28 on Showdown
  7. 178Mega StaraptorJolly · 32 SP · #29 on Showdown
  8. 172SneaslerAdamant · 32 SP · #2 on Showdown
  9. 169Mega FloetteTimid · 32 SP · #17 on Showdown
  10. 169GarchompJolly · 32 SP · #19 on Showdown
  11. 167Mega Charizard YTimid · 32 SP · #14 on Showdown
  12. 167Mega GardevoirTimid · 32 SP · #20 on Showdown
  13. 161IndeedeeTimid · 32 SP · #30 on Showdown
  14. 156Hisuian ArcanineJolly · 32 SP · #16 on Showdown
  15. 150ArchaludonTimid · 32 SP · #9 on Showdown
  16. 149GholdengoTimid · 32 SP · #8 on Showdown
  17. 143BasculegionJolly · 32 SP · #6 on Showdown
  18. 137Malamar · Max+32 SP, Speed-raising alignment
  19. 128PelipperTimid · 32 SP · #12 on Showdown
  20. 125Malamar · Max32 SP, neutral alignment
  21. 120VolcaronaBold · 0 SP · #25 on Showdown
  22. 105RillaboomAdamant · 0 SP · #1 on Showdown
  23. 101MiloticCalm · 0 SP · #15 on Showdown
  24. 95SylveonModest · 15 SP · #18 on Showdown
  25. 94Female IndeedeeRelaxed · 0 SP · #7 on Showdown
  26. 93Malamar · No SP0 SP, neutral alignment
  27. 90PolitoedCalm · 0 SP · #22 on Showdown
  28. 90SinistchaBold · 0 SP · #24 on Showdown
  29. 85ArmarougeQuiet · 0 SP · #27 on Showdown
  30. 80IncineroarCareful · 0 SP · #3 on Showdown
  31. 80FarigirafBold · 0 SP · #11 on Showdown
  32. 70KingambitAdamant · 0 SP · #5 on Showdown
  33. 60Mega GolisopodAdamant · 0 SP · #10 on Showdown

Smogon · Showdown Others at their most common Speed investment in Champions VGC (Reg M-C · Doubles, Sep 2026); Pokémon holding a Mega Stone are shown as their Mega.

Abilities

Competitive

Ranked ladder · in-game

Doubles

#88 of 262 used

▲ 6 places since Oct 22
Oct 22Oct 28
▲ 6 places since Oct 21
Oct 21Oct 28

Malamarite (47.3%) · (98.8%) · Adamant (26.6%) · HP 32 / Def 2 / SpD 32 (12%)

Moves Superpower, Knock Off, Protect, Trick Room

Singles

#156 of 262 used

Same as Oct 22
Oct 22Oct 28
▲ 1 place since Oct 21
Oct 21Oct 28

Malamarite (38.1%) · (69.6%) · Careful (22.9%) · HP 32 / Def 2 / SpD 32 (14.7%)

Moves Superpower, Baton Pass, Knock Off, Topsy-Turvy

Daily usage rank on the Pokémon Champions ladder, updated Oct 28. Battle data provided by Pokémon Champions Battle Data.

Smogon · Showdown On Showdown

Sep 2026

0.15% of teams · rank #155 · Reg M-C · Doubles · 1760+ rating · 1,631,943 battles · Sep 2026

Most common build

Item
Roseli Berry
Ability
Stat Alignment
Relaxed
Stat Points
32 HP / 12 Def / 22 SpD
  1. Superpower
  2. Knock Off
  3. Skill Swap
  4. Protect

Each part is the most used on its own, so not every team runs this exact set.

Usage by rating

  • All players0.51%
  • Rated 1500+0.3%
  • Rated 1630+0.17%
  • Rated 1760+0.15%

Usage by month

Apr 20260.15%

Moves

Items

Abilities

  • 99.6%
  • 0.3%
  • 0.1%

EV spreads

  • Relaxed 32 HP / 12 Def / 22 SpD18.8%
  • Jolly 32 HP / 2 Atk / 32 Spe10.6%
  • Adamant 32 HP / 8 Atk / 2 Def / 9 SpD / 15 Spe10.6%
  • Jolly 2 HP / 32 Atk / 32 Spe8.9%
  • Relaxed 32 HP / 2 Atk / 32 Def4%

Common teammates

Other Showdown formats Scarlet & Violet, with Tera
SV SinglesZUSV Doubles(DUU)National DexRU

Evolution

  1. #0686InkayDarkPsychic
    1. Level 30 holding the console upside down
      #0687MalamarDarkPsychic
      1. Mega Evolution, in battleholding Malamarite
        #0687Mega MalamarDarkPsychic

Moves

Level up 16

1HypnosisCauses the target to fall asleep.PsychicStatus—60%20
1PeckNo additional effect.FlyingPhys35100%35
1ReversalMore power the less HP the user has left.FightingPhys—100%15
1TackleNo additional effect.NormalPhys40100%35
1WrapTraps and damages the target for 4-5 turns.NormalPhys1590%20
9PaybackPower doubles if the user moves after the target.DarkPhys50100%10
12PluckUser steals and eats the target's Berry.FlyingPhys60100%20
15Psybeam10% chance to confuse the target.PsychicSpec65100%20
18SwaggerRaises the target's Attack by 2 and confuses it.NormalStatus—85%15
21SlashHigh critical hit ratio.NormalPhys70100%20
24Night SlashHigh critical hit ratio.DarkPhys70100%15
27Psycho CutHigh critical hit ratio.PsychicPhys70100%20
33SwitcherooUser switches its held item with the target's.DarkStatus—100%10
37Foul PlayUses target's Attack stat in damage calculation.DarkPhys95100%15
42Topsy-TurvyInverts the target's stat stages.DarkStatus——20
47SuperpowerLowers the user's Attack and Defense by 1.FightingPhys120100%5

TM / HM / TR 49

TM03Fake TearsLowers the target's Sp. Def by 2.DarkStatus—100%20
TM06Scary FaceLowers the target's Speed by 2.NormalStatus—100%10
TM07ProtectPrevents moves from affecting the user this turn.NormalStatus——10
TM16Psybeam10% chance to confuse the target.PsychicSpec65100%20
TM18ThiefIf the user has no item, it steals the target's.DarkPhys60100%25
TM20Trailblaze100% chance to raise the user's Speed by 1.GrassPhys50100%20
TM25FacadePower doubles if user is burn/poison/paralyzed.NormalPhys70100%20
TM27Aerial AceThis move does not check accuracy.FlyingPhys60—20
TM32SwiftThis move does not check accuracy. Hits foes.NormalSpec60—20
TM41Stored Power + 20 power for each of the user's stat boosts.PsychicSpec20100%10
TM43FlingFlings the user's item at the target. Power varies.DarkPhys—100%10
TM47EndureUser survives attacks this turn with at least 1 HP.NormalStatus——10
TM49Sunny DayFor 5 turns, intense sunlight powers Fire moves.FireStatus——5
TM50Rain DanceFor 5 turns, heavy rain powers Water moves.WaterStatus——5
TM54PsyshockDamages target based on Defense, not Sp. Def.PsychicSpec80100%10
TM62Foul PlayUses target's Attack stat in damage calculation.DarkPhys95100%15
TM70Sleep TalkUser must be asleep. Uses another known move.NormalStatus——10
TM74ReflectFor 5 turns, physical damage to allies is halved.PsychicStatus——20
TM75Light ScreenFor 5 turns, special damage to allies is halved.PsychicStatus——30
TM85RestUser sleeps 2 turns and restores HP and status.PsychicStatus——5
TM86Rock Slide30% chance to make the foe(s) flinch.RockPhys7590%10
TM87TauntTarget can't use status moves its next 3 turns.DarkStatus—100%20
TM94Dark Pulse20% chance to make the target flinch.DarkSpec80100%15
TM98Skill SwapThe user and the target trade Abilities.PsychicStatus——10
TM103SubstituteUser takes 1/4 its max HP to put in a substitute.NormalStatus——10
TM109TrickUser switches its held item with the target's.PsychicStatus—100%10
TM110Liquidation20% chance to lower the target's Defense by 1.WaterPhys85100%10
TM120Psychic10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.PsychicSpec90100%10
TM125Flamethrower10% chance to burn the target.FireSpec90100%15
TM126Thunderbolt10% chance to paralyze the target.ElectricSpec90100%15
TM129Calm MindRaises the user's Sp. Atk and Sp. Def by 1.PsychicStatus——20
TM130Helping HandOne adjacent ally's move power is 1.5× this turn.NormalStatus——20
TM132Baton PassUser switches, passing stat changes and more.NormalStatus——40
TM134ReversalMore power the less HP the user has left.FightingPhys—100%15
TM140Nasty PlotRaises the user's Sp. Atk by 2.DarkStatus——20
TM152Giga ImpactUser cannot move next turn.NormalPhys15090%5
TM161Trick RoomGoes last. For 5 turns, turn order is reversed.PsychicStatus——5
TM163Hyper BeamUser cannot move next turn.NormalSpec15090%5
TM171Tera BlastIf Terastallized: Phys. if Atk > SpA, type = Tera.NormalSpec80100%10
TM177SpiteLowers the PP of the target's last move by 4.GhostStatus—100%10
TM178Gravity5 turns: no Ground immunities, 1.67× accuracy.PsychicStatus——5
TM181Knock Off1.5× damage if foe holds an item. Removes item.DarkPhys65100%20
TM185Lunge100% chance to lower the target's Attack by 1.BugPhys80100%15
TM199Lash Out2× power if the user had a stat lowered this turn.DarkPhys75100%5
TM203Psych UpCopies the target's current stat stages.NormalStatus——10
TM217Future SightHits two turns after being used.PsychicSpec120100%10
TM218Expanding ForceUser on Psychic Terrain: 1.5× power, hits foes.PsychicSpec80100%10
TM221Throat ChopFor 2 turns, the target cannot use sound moves.DarkPhys80100%15
TM228Psychic NoiseFor 2 turns, the target is prevented from healing.PsychicSpec75100%10

Egg moves 3

EggAcupressureRaises a random stat of the user or an ally by 2.NormalStatus——30
EggDestiny BondIf an opponent knocks out the user, it also faints.GhostStatus——5
EggDisableFor 4 turns, disables the target's last move used.NormalStatus—100%20

Biology

Standing 4 feet 11 inches (150 cm) tall, Malamar resembles an upside-down squid, and evolves from Inkay. It is psychic, and is considered one of the strongest hypnotists among Pokémon species, described as having an incredibly powerful hypnotic ability and an evil nature. It uses the lights on its body to hypnotize prey before using digestive fluids to consume them. It is said that Malamar's hypnotic powers played a role in certain history-changing events.

Design & origin

Designed by manga artist Hitoshi Ariga, Malamar was meant to reflect how squids are often portrayed in encyclopedias and scientific textbooks, with their tentacles facing upwards. The upside-down design was also meant as a hint for players on how to evolve Inkay, as the game console must be flipped upside-down to evolve it into Malamar.

Its name is derived from "mal", a Spanish word meaning "bad"; its Japanese name, Calamanero, similarly contains the syllable "ma", which is Japanese for demon.

Forms

Mega Malamar

Standing 9 ft 6 in (290 cm) tall, Mega Malamar has a significantly larger brain, which grants it stronger hypnotic abilities. These abilities let Malamar rewrite people's personalities and memories, changing them into completely different people if it wishes.

Adapted from Wikipedia: List of generation VI Pokémon, List of generation IX Pokémon, Malamar · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited.

Pokédex entries

Overturning Pokémon
Kalos · X & Y
Color
Blue
—
Coastal Kalos#011Updated Alola#027Updated Melemele#027Updated Poni#011Galar#291Isle of Armor#109Blueberry#081Lumiose#160

  1. It’s said that Malamar’s hypnotic powers played a role in certain history-changing events.

    Shield

  2. Gazing at its luminescent spots will quickly induce a hypnotic state, putting the observer under Malamar’s control.

    Sword

  3. It flashes the pattern on its torso to control its prey and draw them in. The edges of its fins are supremely sharp.

    Ultra Moon

  4. When it comes to strong hypnosis, there’s an endless number of people who utilize Malamar for their nefarious deeds.

    Ultra Sun

  5. It lures its prey close with hypnotic motions, then wraps its tentacles around it before finishing it off with digestive fluids.

    Y · Alpha Sapphire

  6. It wields the most compelling hypnotic powers of any Pokémon, and it forces others to do whatever it wants.

    X · Omega Ruby

Names around the world

English
Malamar
Japanese
カラマネロ
Japanese (romaji)
Calamanero
Korean
칼라마네로
Chinese (Traditional)
烏賊王
Chinese (Simplified)
乌贼王
French
Sepiatroce
German
Calamanero
Spanish
Malamar
Italian
Malamar

Sprites

Artwork and 3D models

Generation IX · animated models

Gen VIII · Gen VII · Gen VI

Training

2 Atk
80 ≈10.5% with a Poké Ball at full HP
70
169
Medium

Breeding

Water 1Water 2
♂ 50%♀ 50%
20 egg cycles ≈5,355 steps (Gen IV–VII)

Where to find

Evolves from Inkay: Level 30 holding the console upside down.

Shield: The Crown Tundra 1 area
  • Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 65
Shield: The Isle of Armor 9 areas
  • Challenge BeachSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 29–60
  • Challenge Road (Max Den D)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Fields of HonorSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 26–60
  • Honeycalm Sea (Max Den D)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Loop LagoonSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 32–60
  • Soothing WetlandsSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 26–60
  • Soothing Wetlands (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Training LowlandsSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 28–60
  • Workout Sea (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
Sword: The Crown Tundra 1 area
  • Max LairCapture during a Dynamax Adventure. · Lv 65
Sword: The Isle of Armor 9 areas
  • Challenge BeachSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 29–60
  • Challenge Road (Max Den D)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Fields of HonorSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 26–60
  • Honeycalm Sea (Max Den D)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Loop LagoonSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 32–60
  • Soothing WetlandsSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 26–60
  • Soothing Wetlands (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Training LowlandsSpecial overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 28–60
  • Workout Sea (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
Shield 8 areas
  • Giant's Mirror (Max Den D)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
  • Hammerlocke Hills (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
  • Motostoke Riverbank (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • Stony Wilderness (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • Stony Wilderness (Max Den I)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Stony Wilderness (Max Den K)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • Watchtower Ruins (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • West Lake Axewell (Max Den D)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
Sword 8 areas
  • Giant's Mirror (Max Den D)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
  • Hammerlocke Hills (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 45–60
  • Motostoke Riverbank (Max Den C)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • Stony Wilderness (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • Stony Wilderness (Max Den I)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60
  • Stony Wilderness (Max Den K)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • Watchtower Ruins (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • West Lake Axewell (Max Den D)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 35–60

Locations cover Red & Blue to Sword & Shield (with its DLC) and Let’s Go. We don’t have them yet for Legends: Arceus, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Scarlet & Violet and Legends: Z-A.