Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Guide: Catching and Evolving Bagon

Bagon is a formidable Dragon-type Pokémon known for its evolution into Salamence, a powerful addition to any team in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. However, it’s important to note that Bagon and its evolutions are exclusive to Pokémon Violet. If you’re playing Scarlet and aim to complete your Paldea Pokédex, you will need to transfer Bagon and its evolutions from Violet. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information and strategies for acquiring Bagon and its subsequent evolutions.

Updated January 13, 2025, by Renri Seong: This guide details various methods for obtaining Bagon, along with tips on evolving it into Shelgon and subsequently into Salamence. Notably, Salamence stands as a Dragon/Flying-type pseudo-legendary Pokémon with an impressive base stat total of 600. So, does Salamence rank among the top contenders, or is it better suited for casual gameplay? Below, we delve into its stats, type effectiveness, and the best moves to optimize its potential.

Where to Find Bagon

Bagon Location in Pokémon Violet

You can encounter Bagon at multiple locations in Pokémon Violet. A prime area to start your search is East Province (Area Three), as it features a variety of caves and is expansive, providing ample opportunities for exploration.

If you are in the initial stages of the game, you can find a fixed spawn Bagon on a mountain in South Province (Area Five). Climb the mountain located to the southwest of the bridge that connects the grassy area with the rocky region.

Another excellent location to locate Bagon is Dalizapa Passage. This passage is situated north of The Great Crater of Paldea and south of Glaseado Mountain. Upon arrival, seek out a deep hole in the ground that contains a Pokémon Center. You can either ride Koraidon or Miraidon to jump down or walk through any of the cavern entrances leading to this area. While this location is more enclosed than East Province, it is home to several rare Pokémon, including Bagon and Frigibax.

If you participate in raids, you can obtain Bagon through 3-star Tera Raids, which become accessible after acquiring three gym badges. It’s worth noting that Bagon’s Tera Type may vary from its standard type when caught in a raid. However, Pokémon from 3-star raids sometimes possess their Hidden Ability, which can be a valuable trait to consider.

How to Get Bagon in Pokémon Scarlet

How to Trade and Transfer Pokémon

As Bagon and its evolutions are not found in Pokémon Scarlet, your best option is to trade with someone who is playing Pokémon Violet or transfer Bagon using Pokémon HOME. To facilitate a trade, you’ll need to either create or join a group via the Union Circle. Keep in mind that a Nintendo Switch Online Membership is required for using online trading features. Alternatively, transferring Bagon from another game might prove simpler.

If you have Pokémon HOME installed on your Switch, you can move Bagon from other titles such as Pokémon Sword/Shield (with the Expansion Pass), or Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl.

Open Pokémon HOME, select the game from which you’ll transfer Bagon.
Move Bagon to your Basic Box (located on the left side) and save and exit.
Open your Pokémon Scarlet game and transfer Bagon from the Basic Box to one of your Scarlet PC Boxes.
Save and exit.

Once you launch Pokémon Scarlet again, you will find Bagon in the designated PC Box, and its Pokédex entry will be complete.

How to Evolve Bagon into Shelgon and Salamence

What Level Does Bagon Evolve?

To evolve Bagon into Shelgon, you must train it to level 30. After it evolves, raise Shelgon to level 50. The most efficient way to accomplish this is by engaging in auto-battles with Pokémon of a similar level.

If you are not focused on EV training, consider using Bagon to auto-battle against Pokémon like Chansey, which yield higher experience points. Chansey can be located in East Province (Area Two), North Province (Areas One to Three), Casseroya Lake, and West Province (Areas Two to Three).

You can also utilize Exp. Candy to expedite the leveling process for Bagon or Shelgon. One piece of Exp. Candy L or XL can elevate their levels significantly. Exp. Candy M can be used as well, but you may need multiple to evolve Shelgon into Salamence.

Additionally, Shelgon and Salamence can be obtained through 4-star Tera Raids and 5/6-star Tera Raids respectively.

Is Salamence Good?

Salamence Strengths & Weaknesses

Salamence is one of the notable pseudo-legendary Pokémon introduced in Generation 3, alongside Metagross. Pseudo-legendaries are non-legendary Pokémon boasting a base stat total of 600, making them highly desirable for a wide array of trainers, especially in competitive play.

HP:	95
Attack:	135
Special Attack:	110
Defense:	80
Special Defense:	80
Speed:	100
Total:	600

For an optimal setup, consider equipping Salamence with an Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) or Lonely (+Attack, -Defense) nature to maximize its offensive capabilities.

As a Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon, Salamence has access to both Dragon and Flying-type moves, enhancing its effectiveness against various opponents. However, this dual-typing also exposes it to a significant weakness that trainers must strategize around.

Super-effective against:	Dragon
Weaknesses:	Ice (x4), Fairy, Dragon, Rock
Resistances:	Grass (x1/4), Water, Fire, Fighting, Bug
Immunities:	Ground

Recommended Moves

Salamence’s movepool is predominantly physical, aligning perfectly with its stronger Attack stat. Prioritize moves such as Dragon Claw over special moves like Dragon Breath for maximum effectiveness. To counter its weaknesses to Fairy and Rock types, teaching it Iron Head utilizing TM099 is advisable.

Despite its notable Attack prowess, Salamence’s Special Attack can still be leveraged effectively. If opting for a special-attacking role, using a Timid (+Speed, -Attack) nature may enhance its competitive edge, allowing it to capitalize on moves like Draco Meteor and Flamethrower.

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