Pokémon Encounter: Bagon's Capture and Evolution Guide

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 battle viability.

Where to Find Bagon (Pokémon Violet)

Several locations in Pokémon Violet offer Bagon encounters:

• East Province (Area Three): This expansive area features numerous explorable caves, increasing your chances.
• 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 contains a deep hole accessible by Koraidon/Miraidon, leading to a cave with 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 (Tera Type may vary). These raids may offer Bagon with its Hidden Ability.

Obtaining Bagon in Pokémon Scarlet

Since Bagon is Violet-exclusive, you must trade with a Violet player or transfer it using Pokémon HOME:

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

Evolving Bagon

Bagon evolves into Shelgon at level 30 and into Salamence at level 50. Speed up the process with:

• Auto-Battling: Use auto-battle against appropriately leveled Pokémon (Chansey is a good option for experience).
• Exp. Candy: Utilize Exp. Candy L, XL, or M to quickly level up Bagon and Shelgon.
• Tera Raids: Shelgon can be found in 4-star Tera Raids, and Salamence in 5/6-star raids.

Is Salamence Good?

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

• Stats: High Attack (135) makes it a physical attacker, although its Special Attack (110) is also usable.
• Recommended Nature: Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) or Lonely (+Attack, -Defense) for physical sets; Timid (+Speed, -Attack) for special sets.
• Strengths & Weaknesses: Super effective against Dragon-type Pokémon, but has a quadruple weakness to Ice-type moves and further weaknesses to Fairy, Dragon, and Rock-type attacks.
• Recommended Moves (Physical): Dragon Claw, Iron Head (TM099), Outrage, Earthquake.
• Recommended Moves (Special): Draco Meteor, Flamethrower, Hurricane, Air Slash.

This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information to acquire and effectively utilize Bagon and its evolutions in your Pokémon Scarlet and Violet journey.