At the moment most of our spare time is being devoted to catching ’em all in Pokemon X & Y, and as such we’ve learnt a few tips and tricks along the way that’ll help you, our fellow trainer.
Want to know how to evolve Inkay? What about catching Mewtwo? Or evolving Eevee into Sylveon? Then simply read on…
5 Pokemon X and Y Tips You Need to Know
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How to Evolve Inkay
Starting from level 30 Inkay can evolve into Malamar, though the method you have to employ for this to happen is very unconventional.
When Inkay is approaching the next level, engage in a battle with another trainer or a wild Pokemon and, before the battle begins, hold your 3DS upside down. The 3DS has an accelerometer that can determine the positioning of the console, which means that it will recognise which way you are holding it.
Play through the whole battle with the 3DS held upside down (it's a little awkward, but them's the rules) and, if Inkay levels up following it, it'll evolve into Malamar.
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How to Raise Affection in Pokemon-Amie
Pokemon-Amie is perhaps my favourite new feature in Pokemon X and Y, as it creates a visible bond between you and your Pokemon that hasn't been apparent in any other game in the series. Reaching the maximum level of Affection in Pokemon-Amie is no small task, though, so here's how to do it.
There are three stats you can raise in Pokemon-Amie: Affection, Fullness and Enjoyment. Affection is the most important, though it can only be raised by working on the other two. To raise Affection, you must play mini-games with your Pokemon and also feed it Poke Puffs, which are essentially cupcakes you win by completing those mini-games. You must also pet your Pokemon, essentially making it a Tamagotchi for the Facebook generation.
Start off by petting your Pokemon by rubbing it with your stylus. Each Pokemon has a place on its body where it enjoys being rubbed the most, which you can judge by the expression on its face. Keep rubbing it in that place until hearts appear around its head. Repeat this process until those hearts are replaced by a musical note, which means that your Pokemon wants to play a mini-game.
There are three mini-games, but Head It is by far the easiest and will award you the best Poke Puffs. After playing a round of Head It, go back and feed your Pokemon the Poke Puffs you acquired (the best ones will be found by scrolling to the far right of your inventory). Do this until it refuses to eat any more, and then go back to rubbing it again. Repeat this process until your Pokemon starts dancing - this means that it has gained one Affection point.
Do this five times and your Pokemon will have full Affection, meaning it will be more likely to avoid enemy attacks and will have more chance of landing Critical Hits in battle. This Affection will not decrease over time, so you needn't worry about maintaining it.
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How to Get Sylveon
Sylveon can be acquired by maxing out all of an Eevee's Pokemon-Amie stats, which can be achieved by following the previous tips. The Eevee will also need to have learned a Fairy-type move - some wild Eevee's already know one, but if not then they eventually will after leveling them up a few times.
Eevees can be found on Route 10 but appear very sporadically, so don't give up looking for one if it doesn't appear within 10 minutes. After maxing out all of the Pokemon-Amie stats (that's Affection, Fullness and Enjoyment), you'll now need to level your Eevee up. When Eevee levels up with all of those stats full, it will evolve into Sylveon.
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The Essential Pokemon Chart
Before you fight a Gym leader or venture off on another Route, you're going to want to know the strengths and weakness of the Pokemon you'll be battling. Luckily, this chart has you covered.
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How to Catch Mewtwo
Catching Mewtwo in Pokemon X and Y is a surprisingly simple task, depending upon whether you have a Master Ball or not. The Master Ball wil be acquired once you clear out Team Grunt from the Poke Ball Factory, but don't go throwing it a particularly stubborn Miltank - you're going to want to save it to secure the position everyone's favourite Poke Clone in your party.
Mewtwo can be found in a cave in Pokemon Village, which will be blocked by a man until you defeat the Elite Four. After defeating the Elite Four, go inside this cave and Mewtwo will be standing with his back to the entrance. Interact with him and then get ready to throw that Master Ball.
The Master Ball will ensure an easy capture, though if you have for some reason already disposed of it, buckle in a for LONG fight. Mewtwo's a level 70 and won't go down easily, so make sure you save the game before fighting him, pack a whole bunch of Ultra Balls and hope for the best.