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Bagon, a Dragon-type Pokémon, evolves into the formidable Salamence, and you can add one to your team in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. However, if you're playing Pokémon Scarlet, you might find that Bagon and its evolutions are elusive. This is because Bagon is exclusive to Pokémon Violet. To complete your Paldea Pokédex, you'll need to catch Bagon, Shelgon, and Salamence.
Updated on January 13, 2025, by Renri Seong: Bagon, a Dragon-type Pokémon, evolves into the powerful Salamence, and you can include it in your team in Pokémon Violet. There are several ways to catch Bagon and its evolved form, Shelgon. However, if you're aiming to complete the Pokédex in Pokémon Scarlet, you'll need to transfer one from Pokémon Violet. Like Dragonite, Salamence is a Dragon/Flying-type pseudo-legendary with a base stat total of 600. But is Salamence a worthy catch? Or should you look elsewhere? This guide has been updated to provide detailed information on Salamence's stats, type effectiveness, and recommended moves.
Where to Find Bagon
Bagon Location in Pokemon Violet
You can find Bagon in various locations in Pokémon Violet, but starting your search in East Province (Area Three) is highly recommended. This area is vast and filled with caves ripe for exploration.
If you're still in the starting area, you can catch a fixed spawn Bagon on a mountain in South Province (Area Five). Head southwest of the bridge that connects the grassy and rocky regions of South Province (Area Five) to find this mountain.
Another excellent spot is Dalizapa Passage, located north of The Great Crater of Paldea and south of Glaseado Mountain. Upon arrival, you'll find a deep hole with a Pokémon Center. You can ride Koraidon or Miraidon to jump down the hole or enter it through one of the many cave entrances. While not as expansive as East Province, this location is a cave system teeming with rare Pokémon like Bagon and Frigibax.
For those who enjoy Tera Raids, Bagon can be caught in 3-star Tera Raids, which unlock after you've earned three gym badges. Keep in mind that Bagon's Tera Type might differ from its regular type when caught in a raid. However, Pokémon from 3-star Raids may have their Hidden Ability, a factor to consider when hunting for Bagon.
How to Get Bagon in Pokemon Scarlet
How to Trade and Transfer Pokemon
Since you can't catch Bagon or its evolutions in Pokémon Scarlet, you'll need to trade with a Pokémon Violet player or transfer Bagon using Pokémon HOME. To trade, either create or join a Group via the Union Circle. Remember, you'll need a Nintendo Switch Online Membership to use online features. Transferring Bagon from another game might be the simpler option.
If Pokémon HOME is installed on your Switch, you can transfer Bagon from games like Pokémon Sword/Shield (with the Expansion Pass), Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, or directly from Pokémon HOME.
- Open Pokémon HOME, then select the game from which you'll be transferring Bagon.
- Move Bagon to your Basic Box (the left side of the screen), then save and exit.
- Open your Pokémon Scarlet file and move Bagon from the Basic Box to one of your Scarlet PC Boxes.
- Save and exit.
Upon reopening Pokémon Scarlet, Bagon should be in the PC Box you selected, and its Dex Entry should be completed.
How to Evolve Bagon into Shelgon and Salamence
What Level Does Bagon Evolve
To evolve Bagon, you need to raise its level to 30, at which point it will evolve into Shelgon. Then, level Shelgon up to 50 to evolve it into Salamence. The quickest way to level up is by having your Bagon or Shelgon auto-battle Pokémon of similar levels.
If you're not EV training, have your Bagon auto-battle Pokémon like Chansey, which provide substantial experience. You can find Chanseys in East Province (Area Two), North Province (Areas One-Three), Casseroya Lake, and West Province (Areas Two-Three).
Alternatively, you can use Exp. Candy to speed up the process. One piece of Exp. Candy L or Exp. Candy XL will boost their level significantly. Exp. Candy M works, but you might need more of it to evolve Shelgon into Salamence.
You can also catch Shelgon and Salamence from 4-star and 5/6-star Tera Raids, respectively.
Is Salamence Good?
Salamence Strengths & Weaknesses
Salamence, along with Metagross, was introduced as a pseudo-legendary Pokémon in Generation 3. Pseudo-legendary Pokémon are non-legendary with a base stat total of 600, making them highly sought after for competitive play when properly trained.
| Stat | Base Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 95 |
| Attack | 135 |
| Special Attack | 110 |
| Defense | 80 |
| Special Defense | 80 |
| Speed | 100 |
| Total | 600 |
A recommended Nature for Salamence is Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) or Lonely (+Attack, -Defense).
Salamence is a Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon, making it highly effective against a variety of types. However, its dual-typing comes with a significant weakness.
| Type Effectiveness | |
|---|---|
| Super-effective against | Dragon |
| Weaknesses | Ice (x4), Fairy, Dragon, Rock |
| Resistances | Grass (x1/4), Water, Fire, Fighting, Bug |
| Immunities | Ground |
Recommended Moves
Salamence's move set leans heavily toward physical attacks, aligning well with its higher Attack stat compared to its Special Attack. Consider teaching it physical moves like Dragon Claw over special moves like Dragon Breath. To counter its weaknesses to Fairy and Rock types, you can teach it Iron Head via TM099.
Although Salamence's base Special Attack isn't as high as its Attack, it's still viable for special attacking if you prefer. For a special attacker build, opt for a Timid Nature (+Speed, -Attack). This will enhance moves like Draco Meteor and Flamethrower, making them more effective.
