Malamar, the enigmatic Dark and Psychic-type Pokémon, offers versatile combat options in Pokémon GO. Evolving from Inkay at level 30 when flipped upside down, it boasts a max CP of 2667, making it a solid choice for raids, gyms, and PvP leagues. This guide explores its stats, weaknesses, available moves, and tailored movesets to dominate battles.
Malamar’s Core Stats and Role in Battles
Malamar’s base stats include 177 Attack, 165 Defense, and 200 Stamina, providing balanced performance across scenarios. Its typing grants STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) on Psychic and Dark moves, enhancing damage output. However, it suffers double weakness to Bug moves and single weakness to Fairy, with resistances to Ghost, Psychic, and Dark attacks.
In raids, Malamar excels as a Dark-type attacker against Psychic and Ghost bosses. For PvP, particularly Ultra League, its bulk and move diversity shine in Great and Ultra Leagues. Weather boosts during Fog (Dark moves) or Windy (Psychic moves) conditions amplify its effectiveness.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Max CP | 2667 |
| Attack | 177 |
| Defense | 165 |
| Stamina | 200 |
| Buddy Distance | 3 km |
Shiny Malamar is available, adding collectible appeal without altering performance.
Available Moves Arsenal
Malamar accesses three Fast Moves and four Charged Moves, blending Psychic, Dark, Flying, Normal, and Fighting types for coverage.
Fast Moves
- Psycho Cut (Psychic): 9.6 DPS, STAB, reliable energy generation.
- Psywave (Psychic): Similar DPS to Psycho Cut, strong STAB option.
- Peck (Flying): 10 DPS, covers Bug weaknesses but lacks STAB synergy.
Charged Moves
- Foul Play (Dark): 42 DPS, top STAB choice for high damage.
- Psybeam (Psychic): STAB Psychic nuke, raid-focused.
- Hyper Beam (Normal): High power but slow, neutral coverage.
- Superpower (Fighting): Coverage against Dark, Steel; lowers stats but potent.
These moves enable flexible builds, prioritizing STAB for maximum DPS.
Top Moveset for Raid Attacking
For raids, prioritize DPS and TDO (Total Damage Output). The premier setup is Psycho Cut (Fast) + Foul Play (Charged), delivering 9.94 DPS and 179.3 TDO. Psywave + Foul Play ties closely at identical metrics, boosted in Windy or Fog weather.
Alternative: Psywave + Psybeam for pure Psychic damage against Fighting or Poison foes, though Foul Play edges out for versatility.
- Pros: High STAB synergy, quick energy for frequent Charged attacks.
- Cons: Vulnerable to Bug-type raid bosses like Scizor.
Pair with top counters like Tyranitar or Mewtwo for optimal raid teams.
Premier PvP Configuration
In PvP, especially Ultra League, Malamar thrives with Psywave/Psycho Cut + Foul Play. This combo pressures Steel, Psychic, and Ghost types common in meta. Peck + Foul Play offers Flying coverage against Bug threats.
Key matchups:
- Strong vs. Giratina, Cresselia (Dark STAB).
- Weak to Azumarill, Togekiss (Fairy/Bug).
Energy-efficient Fast Moves allow spamming Foul Play, shielding switches effectively.
Gym Defense and Attacker Balance
For gym defense, Peck + Foul Play deters Bug attackers with Flying STAB while maintaining Dark pressure. Offensively in gyms, Psycho Cut + Foul Play maximizes DPS at 9.6 + 42.
Malamar’s bulk sustains it longer than glass cannons, ideal for prolonged engagements.
Counters and Weakness Mitigation
Malamar falters against Bug (x2) and Fairy moves. Top counters include:
| Counter | Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Volcarona | Bug/Fire | Double STAB Bug damage. |
| Togekiss | Fairy/Flying | Fairy resists + Air Slash spam. |
| Yanmega | Bug/Flying | Fast Bug moves. |
To counter, lead with Peck for Bug coverage or shield against Fairies.
Evolution Path and Acquisition Tips
Catch Inkay (1km buddy) and evolve at level 30 by flipping your device upside down. Power up to level 40/50 for max CP: 2667/2950. Candy economy favors 3km walks.
Events boost spawns; Fog/Windy weather increases encounters.
Advanced Strategies and League Insights
In Great League (1500 CP), Malamar underperforms due to low bulk; focus Ultra (2500 CP). Simulations show 60%+ win rates against meta Ghosts.
IV priorities: High Attack/HP for raids; balanced for PvP (0/15/15 ideal).
Comparisons with Similar Pokémon
| Pokémon | Max CP | Best DPS Moveset | Edge Over Malamar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyranitar | 3839 | Smack Down/Bite | Higher bulk/DPS. |
| Mewtwo | 4140 | Psycho Cut/Psystrike | Pure Psychic power. |
| Umbreon | 2332 | Snarl/Foul Play | Superior defense. |
Malamar niches in hybrid typing for specific metas.
FAQs
What is Malamar’s best raid moveset?
Psycho Cut or Psywave with Foul Play for optimal DPS/TDO.
Is Malamar viable in Ultra League PvP?
Yes, excels with STAB Dark/Psychic moves against common threats.
How do I evolve Inkay into Malamar?
Level 30 evolution while device upside down.
What weather boosts Malamar?
Fog (Dark) and Windy (Psychic).
Does Malamar have a Shiny form?
Yes, available in the wild and raids.
References
- Malamar (Pokémon GO) – Best Movesets, Counters, Evolutions — pokemon.gameinfo.io. 2023. https://pokemon.gameinfo.io/en/pokemon/687-malamar
- Pokemon Go Malamar: Best moveset for PvP and Raids — Dexerto. 2023-10-12. https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/best-moveset-for-malamar-in-pokemon-go-1648352/
- Malamar (Pokémon GO) – Best Moveset, Counters, Max CP & Stats — pokemongohub.net. 2024. https://db.pokemongohub.net/pokemon/687
- Malamar’s best moves in Pokémon GO — pokemongohub.net. 2024. https://db.pokemongohub.net/pokemon/687/moves
- Malamar is Now EXTREMELY Good for the Go Battle Ultra League — YouTube (PvPoke analysis reference). 2023.