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 (Pokémon Violet):

Several locations yield Bagon encounters in Pokémon Violet:

• East Province (Area Three): This expansive area, rich with explorable caves, offers high chances of finding Bagon.
• South Province (Area Five): A fixed Bagon spawn resides atop a mountain southwest of the bridge connecting 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, leading to a cavern with Bagon and other rare Pokémon.
• 3-Star Tera Raids: Once you've earned three Gym Badges, 3-star Tera Raids offer a chance to encounter Bagon (though its Tera Type might differ from its normal 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 with another player or transferring it using Pokémon HOME:

• Trading: Use the Union Circle to connect with other players and trade. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required.
• Pokémon HOME: Transfer Bagon from compatible games (Sword/Shield, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, etc.) to your Scarlet game via Pokémon HOME. Instructions:
  1. Move Bagon to your HOME Basic Box.
  2. Open your Pokémon Scarlet game.
  3. 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 strategies include:

• Auto-battling: Use the auto-battle feature against appropriately leveled Pokémon (Chansey is a good choice for experience gain).
• Exp. Candy: Utilize Exp. Candy L or XL for rapid level increases.

Shelgon and Salamence can also be obtained from higher-level Tera Raids (4-star and 5/6-star respectively).

Salamence's Battle Viability:

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

• Stats: HP: 95, Attack: 135, Sp. Attack: 110, Defense: 80, Sp. Defense: 80, Speed: 100
• Recommended Natures: Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) or Lonely (+Attack, -Defense) for physical attackers; Timid (+Speed, -Attack) for special attackers.
• Strengths & Weaknesses: Salamence excels against Dragon-type Pokémon but is weak to Ice (x4), Fairy, Dragon, and Rock types. It resists Grass, Water, Fire, Fighting, and Bug types. It's immune to Ground-type attacks.

• Recommended Moves: Its high Attack stat makes physical moves like Dragon Claw ideal. Iron Head (TM099) counters its Fairy and Rock weaknesses. For special attackers, Draco Meteor and Flamethrower are effective choices.

This comprehensive guide ensures you can successfully add Bagon, Shelgon, and Salamence to your Pokémon Scarlet and Violet team.