Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: How to Catch Bagon and Evolve It

This guide details how to obtain Bagon, Shelgon, and Salamence in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Bagon, a Dragon-type Pokémon evolving into the powerful Salamence, is exclusive to Pokémon Violet. This guide covers location strategies, trading, transferring via Pokémon HOME, evolution methods, and Salamence's viability in battle.

Updated January 13, 2025: This guide has been updated to include comprehensive information on Salamence's stats, type matchups, and recommended movesets.

Bagon Locations (Pokémon Violet):

Several locations in Pokémon Violet offer Bagon encounters:

• East Province (Area Three): This expansive area, rich with explorable caves, is a prime hunting ground.
• South Province (Area Five): A fixed Bagon spawn exists atop a mountain southwest of the bridge separating the grassy and rocky regions.
• Dalizapa Passage: Located north of the Great Crater and south of Glaseado Mountain, this area features a deep hole accessible by Koraidon/Miraidon, leading to a cave with various rare Pokémon, including Bagon and Frigibax.
• 3-Star Tera Raids: Once you've earned three Gym Badges, participate in 3-star Tera Raids for a chance to encounter Bagon (Tera Type may vary). These raids may also yield Bagon with its Hidden Ability.

Obtaining Bagon in Pokémon Scarlet:

Since Bagon is exclusive to Pokémon Violet, obtaining it in Scarlet requires trading with another player or transferring it using Pokémon HOME.

• Trading: Utilize the Union Circle to connect with other players and trade. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for online features.
• Pokémon HOME Transfer:
  1. Open Pokémon HOME and select the game containing Bagon (e.g., Pokémon Violet, Sword/Shield, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl).
  2. Move Bagon to your Basic Box.
  3. Open your Pokémon Scarlet game and transfer Bagon from the Basic Box to a PC Box.

Evolving Bagon:

• Bagon to Shelgon: Level up Bagon to level 30.
• Shelgon to Salamence: Level up Shelgon to level 50. Exp. Candy (L, XL, or M) significantly accelerates this process. Auto-battling against appropriate-level Pokémon (like Chansey, found in various locations) is another effective method. 4-star and 5/6-star Tera Raids also offer chances to encounter Shelgon and Salamence, respectively.

(Image: Illustrative image of Pokémon trading)

(Image: Illustrative image of Pokémon evolution)

(Image: Illustrative image of Salamence)

Is Salamence Good?

Salamence, a Dragon/Flying pseudo-legendary Pokémon (600 base stat total), remains highly competitive.

• Stats: HP: 95, Attack: 135, Special Attack: 110, Defense: 80, Special Defense: 80, Speed: 100
• Recommended Nature: Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) or Lonely (+Attack, -Defense) for physical attackers; Timid (+Speed, -Attack) for special attackers.
• Strengths: High Attack stat, access to powerful Dragon and Flying-type moves.
• Weaknesses: Quadruple weakness to Ice, also weak to Fairy, Dragon, and Rock.
• Recommended Moves (Physical): Dragon Claw, Earthquake, Iron Head (TM099), Outrage.
• Recommended Moves (Special): Draco Meteor, Flamethrower, Hurricane, Air Slash.

This comprehensive guide ensures you can successfully add Bagon, Shelgon, and the powerful Salamence to your Paldea Pokédex.