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, trading, evolution, and Salamence's viability.

Updated January 13, 2025: This guide has been updated to include comprehensive details 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 features numerous caves ideal for exploration.
• South Province (Area Five): A fixed Bagon spawn exists atop a mountain southwest of the bridge connecting grassy and rocky regions.
• Dalizapa Passage: Located north of the Great Crater and south of Glaseado Mountain, this area contains a deep hole accessible by Koraidon/Miraidon, offering Bagon and other rare Pokémon.
• 3-Star Tera Raids: Once you've obtained three Gym Badges, Bagon may appear in 3-star Tera Raids, potentially with its Hidden Ability.

Obtaining Bagon in Pokémon Scarlet:

Since Bagon is Violet-exclusive, Pokémon Scarlet players must obtain it through trading or Pokémon HOME:

• Trading: Use the Union Circle to trade with Pokémon Violet players. Nintendo Switch Online membership is required.
• Pokémon HOME: Transfer Bagon from compatible games (Sword/Shield, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, etc.) to Pokémon Scarlet. Instructions:
  1. Move Bagon to your HOME Basic Box.
  2. Open Pokémon Scarlet and transfer Bagon from the HOME Basic Box to a Scarlet PC Box.

Evolving Bagon:

Bagon evolves into Shelgon at level 30 and into Salamence at level 50. Exp. Candy can expedite this process. Shelgon and Salamence can also be obtained from higher-tier Tera Raids (4-star and 5/6-star respectively).

Image: Trading Pokemon

Image: Bagon Evolution

Is Salamence Good?

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

• Stats: HP: 95, Attack: 135, Sp. Attack: 110, Defense: 80, Sp. Defense: 80, Speed: 100. Adamant or Lonely Natures are recommended for physical attackers; Timid for special attackers.
• Strengths & Weaknesses: Super effective against Dragon; weak to Ice (x4), Fairy, Dragon, Rock. Resistant to Grass, Water, Fire, Fighting, Bug; immune to Ground.

Image: Salamence Stats

Recommended Moves:

Salamence's high Attack stat favors physical moves like Dragon Claw and Iron Head (TM099). Special attackers may utilize Draco Meteor and Flamethrower.