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Bagon, the Dragon-type Pokemon that evolves into the formidable Salamence, can be obtained in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. However, if you're playing Pokemon Scarlet, you'll find that Bagon and its evolutions are exclusive to Pokemon Violet. To complete the Paldea Pokedex and catch Bagon, Shelgon, and Salamence, you'll need to trade or transfer them from Violet.
Updated on January 13, 2025 by Renri Seong: Bagon, a Dragon-type that evolves into the powerful Salamence, is a must-have for your team in Pokemon Violet. You can catch Bagon in various locations and even encounter its evolved form, Shelgon. However, if you're aiming to complete the Pokedex in Pokemon Scarlet, you'll need to transfer one from Violet. Salamence, like Dragonite, is a Dragon/Flying-type pseudo-legendary with a base stat total of 600. But does Salamence measure up to the first pseudo-legendary in the Pokemon world? This guide has been updated with detailed information on Salamence's stats, type effectiveness, and recommended moves.
Where to Find Bagon
Bagon Location in Pokemon Violet
In Pokemon Violet, Bagon can be found in several locations, with East Province (Area Three) being a prime spot due to its expansive terrain and numerous caves. 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 connecting the grassy and rocky regions of South Province (Area Five) to find it.
Another recommended location is Dalizapa Passage, situated north of The Great Crater of Paldea and south of Glaseado Mountain. Here, you'll find a deep hole with a Pokemon Center. You can ride Koraidon or Miraidon to jump down the hole or enter through one of the cavern entrances. This location, while less open than East Province, hosts several rare Pokemon, including Bagon and Frigibax.
If you enjoy participating in raids, you can catch Bagon from 3-star Tera Raids, which unlock after obtaining three gym badges. Keep in mind that Bagon's Tera Type may differ from its regular type in raids, but these Pokemon may have a Hidden Ability, adding value to your catch.
How to Get Bagon in Pokemon Scarlet
How to Trade and Transfer Pokemon
Since Bagon and its evolutions are not available in Pokemon Scarlet, you'll need to trade with a Pokemon Violet player or use Pokemon HOME to transfer Bagon from another game. To trade, you can create or join a Group via the Union Circle, but you'll need a Nintendo Switch Online Membership. Transferring Bagon from games like Pokemon Sword/Shield (Expansion Pass), Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, or Pokemon HOME might be more convenient.
- Open Pokemon HOME, then select the game from which you're transferring Bagon.
- Move Bagon to the Basic Box (left side of the screen), then save and exit.
- Open your Pokemon Scarlet file and transfer Bagon from the Basic Box to one of your Scarlet PC Boxes.
- Save and exit.
When you restart Pokemon Scarlet, Bagon should appear in the designated PC Box, completing its Dex Entry.
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 evolves into Shelgon. From there, level Shelgon up to 50 to evolve it into Salamence. The fastest way to level up is by having your Bagon or Shelgon auto-battle Pokemon of similar levels.
If you're not focused on EV training, have your Bagon battle high-experience Pokemon like Chansey, found in East Province (Area Two), North Province (Areas One-Three), Casseroya Lake, and West Province (Areas Two-Three).
Alternatively, you can use Exp. Candy. One piece of Exp. Candy L or Exp. Candy XL will boost their level significantly. Exp. Candy M works too, but you might need more for evolving Shelgon into Salamence.
You can also obtain Shelgon and Salamence from 4-star and 5/6-star Tera Raids, respectively.
Is Salamence Good?
Salamence Strengths & Weaknesses
Salamence, along with Metagross, is a Gen 3 pseudo-legendary Pokemon. These non-legendary Pokemon boast 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 (+Attk, -Sp.Attk) or Lonely (+Attk, -Def).
Salamence's Dragon/Flying-type gives it access to both Dragon and Flying-type moves, making it super effective against many opponents. However, its dual-typing results in a significant weakness to Ice-type moves.
| Super-effective against | Weaknesses | Resistances | Immunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon | Ice (x4), Fairy, Dragon, Rock | Grass (x1/4), Water, Fire, Fighting, Bug | Ground |
Recommended Moves
Salamence's move set leans heavily towards physical attacks, aligning with its high Attack stat. Opt for moves like Dragon Claw over special moves like Dragon Breath. To counter its Fairy and Rock weaknesses, you can teach it Iron Head using TM099.
Despite its higher Attack, Salamence's Special Attack isn't negligible, allowing it to serve as a special attacker if you choose. In this case, consider a Timid (+Spd, -Attk) Nature instead of Adamant or Lonely. A specially trained Salamence would benefit from moves like Draco Meteor and Flamethrower.
