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 location strategies, trading, transferring via Pokémon HOME, evolution methods, and Salamence's viability in battle.

Bagon Locations in Pokémon Violet

Several locations in Pokémon Violet offer Bagon encounters:

• East Province (Area Three): This expansive area, rich in explorable caves, is a prime hunting ground.
• South Province (Area Five): A fixed spawn Bagon resides 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 cavern with various rare Pokémon, including Bagon and Frigibax. Access it by riding your Koraidon or Miraidon and jumping down a hole, or via cavern entrances.
• 3-Star Tera Raids: Once you've earned three Gym Badges, participate in 3-star Tera Raids for a chance to encounter Bagon (Tera Type may vary). These raids may even yield Bagon with its Hidden Ability.

Acquiring Bagon in Pokémon Scarlet

Since Bagon is absent from Pokémon Scarlet, acquiring it requires trading with a Pokémon Violet player or transferring it using Pokémon HOME:

• Trading: Utilize the Union Circle to connect and trade with other players. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for online features.
• Pokémon HOME Transfer: 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. The steps are:
  1. Open HOME, select the source game.
  2. Move Bagon to your Basic Box. Save and exit.
  3. Open Pokémon Scarlet, transfer Bagon from the Basic Box to a PC Box.
  4. Save and exit.

Evolving Bagon and Shelgon

Bagon evolves into Shelgon at level 30, and Shelgon evolves into Salamence at level 50. Efficient leveling strategies include:

• Auto-Battling: Auto-battle against appropriately leveled Pokémon. Chansey (found in various locations) provides significant experience.
• Exp. Candy: Utilize Exp. Candy L, XL, or M to quickly level up your Pokémon.
• Tera Raids: 4-star raids offer Shelgon, and 5/6-star raids offer Salamence.

Salamence's Battle Viability

Salamence, a Dragon/Flying pseudo-legendary Pokémon with a base stat total of 600, is a formidable battler.

• Stats: HP: 95, Attack: 135, Special Attack: 110, Defense: 80, Special Defense: 80, Speed: 100.
• Recommended Natures: Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) or Lonely (+Attack, -Defense) for physical attackers; Timid (+Speed, -Attack) for special attackers.
• Type Effectiveness: Super effective against Dragon; weak to Ice (x4), Fairy, Dragon, Rock; resists Grass, Water, Fire, Fighting, Bug; immune to Ground.
• Recommended Moves (Physical): Dragon Claw, Iron Head (TM099), and others based on team composition.
• Recommended Moves (Special): Draco Meteor, Flamethrower, and others based on team composition.

This comprehensive guide ensures you can successfully add Bagon, Shelgon, and the powerful Salamence to your Pokémon Scarlet or Violet team. Remember to utilize trading or Pokémon HOME for Pokémon Scarlet players.