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 battle viability.

Updated January 13, 2025: This guide has been updated with detailed information on Salamence's stats, type effectiveness, and recommended movesets.

Where to Find Bagon

Bagon's Location in 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 spawn Bagon resides atop a mountain southwest of the bridge connecting 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 cavern with various rare Pokémon including Bagon and Frigibax.
• 3-Star Tera Raids: After obtaining three Gym Badges, you can encounter Bagon in 3-star Tera Raids. Note that the Tera type may differ from its standard type, and a Hidden Ability might be present.

How to Obtain Bagon in Pokémon Scarlet

Trading and Pokémon HOME Transfer

Since Bagon is Violet-exclusive, trading with a Violet player or using Pokémon HOME is necessary for Scarlet players. Union Circle trading requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Pokémon HOME offers a simpler alternative:

1. Open Pokémon HOME and select the source game (Sword/Shield, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, etc.).
2. Move Bagon to the Basic Box. Save and exit.
3. Open Pokémon Scarlet, transfer Bagon from the Basic Box to a PC Box. Save and exit.

Evolving Bagon into Shelgon and Salamence

Bagon's Evolution Levels

Bagon evolves into Shelgon at level 30 and into Salamence at level 50. Efficient leveling strategies include:

• Auto-battling: Use auto-battle against Pokémon near the target level. Chansey (found in various locations) provides significant experience.
• Exp. Candy: Exp. Candy L or XL significantly boosts levels; Exp. Candy M can also be used.
• Tera Raids: Shelgon and Salamence can also be obtained from 4-star and 5/6-star Tera Raids, respectively.

Is Salamence a Viable Pokémon?

Salamence: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Movesets

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

Recommended Natures: Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) or Lonely (+Attack, -Defense).

Type Effectiveness:

• Strengths: Dragon, Flying-types
• Weaknesses: Ice (x4), Fairy, Dragon, Rock
• Resistances: Grass (x1/4), Water, Fire, Fighting, Bug
• Immunity: Ground

Recommended Moves: Salamence's high Attack stat favors physical moves like Dragon Claw. Iron Head (TM099) counters Fairy and Rock weaknesses. For a Special Attacker build (using a Timid Nature), Draco Meteor and Flamethrower are effective choices.