Shelgon is technically a pre-evolution of Salamence, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Only weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy. It relies on priority moves or Scarf to keep up. Known as the Endurance Pokemon.
Shelgon's spread isn't flashy. Defense leads, Sp. Def trails, 2 stats clear the bar. Tough to catch and worth 2 Defense EVs, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
The cells within its shell transform with explosive speed, preparing it for evolution.
Its armored body makes all attacks bounce off. The armor is too tough, however, making it heavy and somewhat sluggish.
Shelgon Weakness
AvgShelgon is weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Shelgon's physical bulk (base 100 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
Shelgon is the middle stage between Bagon and Salamence. It's a three-stage line with one more evolution to go. For breeding, takes forever to hatch with plenty of partners via one egg group. Defense has grown the most so far (+40), but there's still another 180 stats to gain in the final evolution.
How to Evolve
Breed with Shelgon to get Bagon eggs using 72 partners from the Dragon egg group.
One boost from Dragon Dance and Shelgon gets dangerous fast. The Adamant nature targets flexible EVs, and Overcoat backs the whole approach. Dragon Dance and the remaining moves handle most of what's left standing.
Best Build
Best Shelgon Moveset
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Iron Head
- Temper Flare
Recommended Teammates
Flamethrower and Outrage bring the raw damage. But Shelgon also picks up coverage across 11 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Flamethrower and Outrage bring the raw damage. But Shelgon also picks up coverage across 10 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Egg moves make a real difference. Shelgon gets Defense Curl and Dragon Dance exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Coverage across 9 types rounds out the picture alongside Draco Meteor and Outrage.
TMs define Shelgon's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Outrage and Dragon Pulse, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it coverage across 8 types. That's where the options open up.
Shelgon tops out at low spawn rates across 1 locations in late-game routes. The encounters below are sorted by rate so you can see exactly what you're working with.
Where To Catch Shelgon in Scarlet & Violet
To get Shelgon, start by catching Bagon through walking encounters at Lv. 16-58. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch BagonEASYSouth Province (Area Five) - MountainOverworldLv.16-2825%MidRouteMODERATEEast Province (Area One) - CaveOverworldLv.16-385%MidRouteMODERATEEast Province (Area Three) - CaveOverworldLv.16-385%MidRouteMODERATEGlaseado MountainOverworldLv.16-385%MidCaveMODERATEGlaseado MountainOverworldLv.16-385%MidCaveMODERATENorth Province (Area One) - CaveOverworldLv.16-385%MidRouteMODERATENorth Province (Area Three) - CaveOverworldLv.16-385%MidRouteMODERATENorth Province (Area Two) - CaveOverworldLv.16-385%MidRouteMODERATESouth Province (Area One) - CaveOverworldLv.16-385%MidRouteMODERATESouth Province (Area Six) - CaveOverworldLv.16-385%MidRouteMODERATEWest Province (Area One) - CaveOverworldLv.16-385%MidRouteMODERATEWest Province (Area Three) - CaveOverworldLv.16-385%MidRouteMODERATEWest Province (Area Two) - CaveOverworldLv.16-385%MidRouteCHALLENGINGEast Province (Area Three) - MineOverworldLv.16-382%MidRoute
Step 2Shelgon ✓CHALLENGINGSouth Province (Area Six) - CaveOverworldLv.42-583%LateRouteor evolve from Bagon (Step 1)
No wild encounters for Shelgon in Legends: Z-A. Bring Bagon over from Ruby, Emerald, or Violet, then level through the stages. Each step in the chain is laid out below.
3 encounter spots for Shelgon at moderate rates starting from endgame routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Shelgon in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
To get Shelgon, start by catching Bagon through walking and special encounters at Lv. 25-63. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch BagonCHALLENGINGRoute 210 - NorthUsing PokeRadarLv.25-2622%MidRouteDazzling CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSpacious CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameStargleam CavernGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-game
Step 2Shelgon ✓Dazzling CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSpacious CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameStargleam CavernGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameor evolve from Bagon (Step 1)
Shelgon doesn't appear wild. Catch Bagon instead, it shows up at moderate rates. Evolve it at level 30 to get Shelgon. The 2-stage line is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Shelgon in Sword & Shield
Step 1Catch BagonMODERATETunnel to the TopOverworldLv.60-6510%PostCaveAll Weather
Step 2Shelgon ✓
Shelgon isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Salamence to unlock its full potential. At 420 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Rock Head is the go-to ability for Shelgon. It protects against recoil damage. Its hidden ability Overcoat can work in specific setups.
Shelgon fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 60 Sp. Atk. Base 50 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Shelgon appears in 16 games, including Ruby & Sapphire, FireRed & LeafGreen, and Emerald.
Shelgon first appeared in Ruby & Sapphire and has been available in 16 games across 7 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRSDebut
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A