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 explains how to acquire it for your Scarlet Pokédex.

Where to Find Bagon (Pokémon Violet)

Bagon can be found in several locations within Pokémon Violet:

• East Province (Area Three): This expansive area, rich with explorable caves, is an excellent starting point.
• 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 hole leading to a cavern with various rare Pokémon, including Bagon and Frigibax.
• 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 might differ from its standard typing. These raids may also yield Bagon with its Hidden Ability.

Acquiring Bagon in Pokémon Scarlet

Since Bagon is Violet-exclusive, obtaining it in Scarlet requires trading or transferring:

• Trading: Use the Union Circle to trade with a Pokémon Violet player. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for online features.

• Pokémon HOME: If you have Pokémon HOME on your Switch, transfer Bagon from compatible games like Pokémon Sword/Shield (Expansion Pass), Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, or directly from Pokémon HOME. Instructions:

  1. Open HOME, select the source game.
  2. Move Bagon to the Basic Box (leftmost box). Save and exit.
  3. Open Pokémon Scarlet, transfer Bagon from the Basic Box to a PC Box. Save and exit.

Evolving Bagon

• Bagon to Shelgon: Level up Bagon to level 30.
• Shelgon to Salamence: Level up Shelgon to level 50. Exp. Candy (L, XL, or M) can expedite this process. Auto-battling against appropriate-level Pokémon, such as Chansey (found in various locations), is another efficient method. You can also encounter Shelgon and Salamence in 4-star and 5/6-star Tera Raids, respectively.

Is Salamence Good?

Salamence, a Dragon/Flying pseudo-legendary Pokémon (600 base stat total), is a powerful addition to any team.

Salamence Stats:

• HP: 95
• Attack: 135
• Defense: 80
• Special Attack: 110
• Special Defense: 80
• Speed: 100
• Total: 600

Recommended Natures: Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) or Lonely (+Attack, -Defense) for physical attackers; Timid (+Speed, -Attack) for special attackers.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Strengths: Super effective against Dragon-type Pokémon.
• Weaknesses: Ice (x4), Fairy, Dragon, Rock.
• Resistances: Grass (x1/4), Water, Fire, Fighting, Bug.
• Immunities: Ground.

Recommended Moves: Its high Attack stat makes physical moves ideal. Consider Dragon Claw, and Iron Head (TM099) to counter Fairy and Rock weaknesses. For special attackers, Draco Meteor and Flamethrower are strong choices.

This updated guide provides comprehensive information for acquiring and utilizing Bagon and its evolutions in your Pokémon journey.