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 covers locating Bagon, transferring it to Scarlet, and evolving it.

Finding Bagon (Pokémon Violet):

Bagon can be found in several locations within Pokémon Violet:

• East Province (Area Three): This expansive area, rich with caves, offers high chances of encountering Bagon.
• South Province (Area Five): A fixed spawn Bagon resides atop a mountain southwest of the bridge separating grassy and rocky regions.
• Dalizapa Passage: Located north of the Great Crater and south of Glaseado Mountain, this area features a deep hole accessible by Koraidon/Miraidon, containing Bagon and other rare Pokémon.
• 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 type. These raids may also yield Bagon with its Hidden Ability.

Obtaining Bagon in Pokémon Scarlet:

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

• 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.) via Pokémon HOME. Transfer steps:
  1. Move Bagon to the Basic Box in Pokémon HOME.
  2. Open your Pokémon Scarlet game and transfer Bagon from the Basic Box to a PC Box.

Evolving Bagon:

• Bagon to Shelgon: Level Bagon up to level 30.
• Shelgon to Salamence: Level Shelgon up to level 50. Exp. Candy (L, XL, or M) significantly speeds up this process. Auto-battling against Pokémon near their level (e.g., Chansey found in various locations) is another efficient method. Alternatively, Shelgon and Salamence can be obtained from 4-star and 5/6-star Tera Raids, respectively.

Is Salamence a Good Pokémon?

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

• Stats: High Attack (135), respectable Speed (100), and balanced other stats.
• Recommended Nature: Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) or Lonely (+Attack, -Defense) for a physical attacker; Timid (+Speed, -Attack) for a special attacker.
• Strengths: Effective against various types due to its dual typing.
• Weaknesses: Quadruple weakness to Ice, and vulnerabilities to Fairy, Dragon, and Rock types.
• Recommended Moves (Physical): Dragon Claw, Iron Head (TM099), and other STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves.
• Recommended Moves (Special): Draco Meteor, Flamethrower, and other STAB moves.

This updated guide provides comprehensive information on obtaining and utilizing Salamence in your Pokémon journey.