Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: How to Catch Bagon and Evolve It

In the world of *Pokémon Scarlet* and *Violet*, Bagon, a Dragon-type Pokémon, evolves into the formidable Salamence. However, acquiring Bagon presents a unique challenge. Bagon and its evolutions are exclusive to *Pokémon Violet*. Completing your Paldean Pokédex requires obtaining and evolving this powerful Dragon-type Pokémon.

Updated January 13, 2025 by Renri Seong: This guide details how to obtain Bagon, Shelgon, and Salamence, including strategies for *Pokémon Scarlet* players who need to acquire them via trading or transferring.

Where to Find Bagon

Bagon Location in Pokémon Violet

Several locations in *Pokémon Violet* offer chances to encounter Bagon. East Province (Area Three) is a great starting point, boasting numerous explorable caves. A guaranteed Bagon spawn exists on a mountain in South Province (Area Five), southwest of the bridge between the grassy and rocky regions. Another location is Dalizapa Passage, north of The Great Crater of Paldea. This cave offers a chance to find rare Pokémon like Bagon and Frigibax. Finally, three-star Tera Raids (unlocked after three Gym Badges) also offer a chance to catch Bagon, though its Tera Type may differ from its regular type. These raids may also yield Bagon with its Hidden Ability.

How to Get Bagon in Pokémon Scarlet

How to Trade and Transfer Pokémon

Since Bagon isn't found in *Pokémon Scarlet*, trading with a *Pokémon Violet* player or transferring via Pokémon HOME is necessary. Union Circle allows for trading, requiring a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Alternatively, Pokémon HOME facilitates transfers from games like *Pokémon Sword/Shield* (Expansion Pass), *Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl*, or directly from another Pokémon HOME save. Transferring involves moving Bagon to your HOME Basic Box, then to a *Pokémon Scarlet* PC Box.

How to Evolve Bagon into Shelgon and Salamence

What Level Does Bagon Evolve?

Bagon evolves into Shelgon at level 30 and into Salamence at level 50. Auto-battling against similarly leveled Pokémon, or using Exp. Candy (L or XL for faster evolution), are efficient methods. Alternatively, Shelgon and Salamence can be obtained from four-star and five/six-star Tera Raids, respectively.

Is Salamence Good?

Salamence Strengths & Weaknesses

Salamence, a Gen 3 pseudo-legendary Pokémon, boasts a 600 base stat total. Recommended Natures include Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) or Lonely (+Attack, -Defense). Its Dragon/Flying typing offers advantages but leaves it vulnerable to Ice (x4), Fairy, Dragon, and Rock-type moves. It resists Grass, Water, Fire, Fighting, and Bug-type attacks and is immune to Ground.

Recommended Moves

Salamence's high Attack stat makes physical moves ideal. Dragon Claw, alongside Iron Head (TM099) to counter weaknesses, is a strong combination. A Special Attack-focused Salamence (Timid Nature) can utilize moves like Draco Meteor and Flamethrower.