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 in battle.
Updated January 13, 2025: This guide has been updated to include detailed information on Salamence's stats, type effectiveness, and recommended moves.
Bagon Locations (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 separating the grassy and rocky regions.
- Dalizapa Passage: Located north of the Great Crater and south of Glaseado Mountain, this area features a deep cavern accessible by Koraidon/Miraidon or on foot, containing various rare Pokémon including Bagon and Frigibax.
- 3-Star Tera Raids: Once you've earned three Gym Badges, you can encounter Bagon in these raids. Be aware that its Tera Type might differ from its standard typing. These raids may also yield Bagon with its Hidden Ability.
Obtaining Bagon in Pokémon Scarlet:
Since Bagon is Violet-exclusive, obtaining it in Scarlet requires trading or Pokémon HOME transfer:
- Trading: Utilize the Union Circle to trade with a Pokémon Violet player. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for online features.
- Pokémon HOME: Transfer Bagon from compatible games (Sword/Shield, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, etc.) to your Scarlet save file. Instructions:
- Move Bagon to your HOME Basic Box.
- Open your Pokémon Scarlet save file.
- 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 is recommended for experience).
- Exp. Candy: Exp. Candy L, XL, and M can significantly accelerate the evolution process.
- Tera Raids: Shelgon and Salamence can be obtained from 4-star and 5/6-star Tera Raids respectively.
Is Salamence Good?
Salamence, a Dragon/Flying pseudo-legendary (600 base stat total), remains a formidable Pokémon:
- Stats: High Attack (135) makes it a potent physical attacker. Its Speed (100) and Special Attack (110) are also respectable.
- Strengths & Weaknesses: Super effective against Dragon-type Pokémon, but has a quadruple weakness to Ice-type moves, and weaknesses to Fairy, Dragon, and Rock. It resists Grass, Water, Fire, Fighting, and Bug-type moves. It is immune to Ground-type moves.
- Recommended Natures: Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) or Lonely (+Attack, -Defense) for physical sets; Timid (+Speed, -Attack) for special sets.
- Recommended Moves: Dragon Claw, Iron Head (TM099), and other STAB moves. Consider Draco Meteor and Flamethrower for special attack sets.
This comprehensive guide ensures you can successfully add Salamence to your Paldea Pokédex.
