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 is weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy. 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.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Ice, Dragon, Fairy |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fire, Water, Electric, Grass |
Archaludon threatens a KO with Dragon Pulse (105-124%). Whimsicott deals 64-76% with Moonblast.
 Dragonite Dragon | S | |
Recommended Build AbilityMultiscale ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Shelgon View Dragonite builds →Extreme Speed24-28% Earthquake30-35% | ||
 Archaludon SteelDragon | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityStamina ItemAssault Vest NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Shelgon View Archaludon builds →Flash Cannon50-58% Dragon Pulse 2x105-124%KO | ||
 Whimsicott GrassFairy | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityPrankster ItemCovert Cloak NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Shelgon View Whimsicott builds →Moonblast 2x64-76% | ||
 Weavile DarkIce | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Shelgon View Weavile builds →Knock Off25-29% Ice Shard 2x31-36% | ||
 Lapras WaterIce | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityWaterabsorb ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Shelgon View Lapras builds →Liquidation14-17% Icicle Spear 2x18-21% | ||
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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
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, and Overcoat backs the whole approach. Dragon Dance and the remaining moves handle most of what's left standing.
Best Build
Shelgon best EVs are Speed and Attack
Utility Moveset
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Iron Head
- Temper Flare
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Physical Tank Moveset
- Iron Head
- Flamethrower
- Dragon Claw
- Double Edge
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Wall Moveset
- Protect
- Fire Spin
- Mud Slap
- Rest
Recommended Teammates
Bulky Support Moveset
- Dragon Claw
- Dragon Dance
- Double Edge
- Crunch
Recommended Teammates
Utility Moveset
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Iron Head
- Temper Flare
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Physical Tank Moveset
- Iron Head
- Flamethrower
- Dragon Claw
- Double Edge
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Wall Moveset
- Protect
- Fire Spin
- Mud Slap
- Rest
Recommended Teammates
Bulky Support Moveset
- Dragon Claw
- Dragon Dance
- Double Edge
- Crunch
Physical Tank Moveset
- Double Edge
- Crunch
- Thrash
- Brick Break
Recommended Teammates
Physical Tank Moveset
- Double Edge
- Crunch
- Thrash
- Brick Break
Recommended Teammates
Moves
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 BagonSouth Province (Area Five) - MountainOverworld Lv.16-28 Route25%MidEast Province (Area One) - CaveOverworld Lv.16-38 Route5%MidEast Province (Area Three) - CaveOverworld Lv.16-38 Route5%MidGlaseado MountainOverworld Lv.16-38 Cave5%MidGlaseado MountainOverworld Lv.16-38 Cave5%MidNorth Province (Area One) - CaveOverworld Lv.16-38 Route5%MidNorth Province (Area Three) - CaveOverworld Lv.16-38 Route5%MidNorth Province (Area Two) - CaveOverworld Lv.16-38 Route5%MidSouth Province (Area One) - CaveOverworld Lv.16-38 Route5%MidSouth Province (Area Six) - CaveOverworld Lv.16-38 Route5%MidWest Province (Area One) - CaveOverworld Lv.16-38 Route5%MidWest Province (Area Three) - CaveOverworld Lv.16-38 Route5%MidWest Province (Area Two) - CaveOverworld Lv.16-38 Route5%MidEast Province (Area Three) - MineOverworld Lv.16-38 Route2%Mid
Step 2Shelgon ✓South Province (Area Six) - CaveOverworld Lv.42-58 Route3%Lateor 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 BagonRoute 210 - NorthUsing PokeRadar Lv.25-26 Route22%MidDazzling CaveGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameSpacious CaveGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameStargleam CavernGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-game
Step 2Shelgon ✓Dazzling CaveGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameSpacious CaveGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-gameStargleam CavernGrass Lv.58-63 CavePostPost-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 BagonTunnel to the TopOverworld Lv.60-65 Cave10%PostAll 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 first appeared in Ruby & Sapphire and has been available in 16 games across 8 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RSDebut
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves