Guide: Catching and Evolving Bagon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

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 explains how to acquire it for your Scarlet Pokédex.

Locating Bagon 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 Bagon spawn exists 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 cavern with various rare Pokémon, including Bagon and Frigibax. Use Koraidon or Miraidon to access it efficiently.
• 3-Star Tera Raids: Once you've earned three Gym Badges, participate in 3-star Tera Raids for a chance to encounter Bagon. Note that its Tera Type may differ from its standard type. These raids may also yield Bagon with its Hidden Ability.

Acquiring Bagon in Pokémon Scarlet:

Since Bagon is Violet-exclusive, trading or transferring is necessary:

• Trading: Utilize the Union Circle to connect with other players and trade for a Bagon. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for online features.
• Pokémon HOME: Transfer Bagon from compatible games like Pokémon Sword/Shield (Expansion Pass), Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, or directly from Pokémon HOME. The steps are:
  1. Move Bagon to your HOME Basic Box.
  2. Open your Pokémon Scarlet game.
  3. 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. Efficient leveling methods include:

• Auto-Battling: Use the auto-battle function against appropriately leveled Pokémon. Chansey, found in various locations, provides substantial experience.
• Exp. Candy: Utilize Exp. Candy L or XL for rapid level increases.

Shelgon and Salamence can also be obtained from higher-level Tera Raids (4-star and 5/6-star, respectively).

Salamence Analysis:

Salamence, a Dragon/Flying pseudo-legendary Pokémon (600 base stat total), boasts high Attack and Speed.

• Stats: HP: 95, Attack: 135, Defense: 80, Special Attack: 110, 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 & Weaknesses: Super effective against Dragon; weak to Ice (x4), Fairy, Dragon, Rock; resists Grass, Water, Fire, Fighting, Bug; immune to Ground.
• Recommended Moves: Dragon Claw, Iron Head (TM099), Draco Meteor (special), Flamethrower (special). Move selection depends on whether you build it as a physical or special attacker.

This comprehensive guide ensures you can successfully add Salamence to your Paldea Pokédex, regardless of whether you play Pokémon Scarlet or Violet.