bagon #371
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
bagon
Generation III · #0371 — Rock Head Pokémon
Bagon, known as the Rock Head Pokémon, is a Dragon-type Pokémon introduced in Generation III that embodies one of the most poignant aspirations in the Pokémon world: the dream of flight. As the first stage of a three-part evolutionary line that culminates in the powerful Salamence, Bagon represents the beginning of an extraordinary transformation. Despite its humble appearance and modest base stats totaling only 300, this small blue reptilian creature possesses an indomitable spirit and iron-hard determination. Bagon's National Pokédex number is #371, and it serves as a fascinating case study in how environmental behavior and genetic predisposition can shape a Pokémon's physical development. Its lower-than-average base happiness of 35 reflects its somewhat volatile and frustrated temperament, stemming from its constant struggle against the limitations of its flightless form.
Base Stats
Height
0.6m
Weight
42.1kg
Category
Rock Head Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
blue
Shape
humanoid
Habitat
rough-terrain
Abilities
Protects against recoil damage.
Strengthens moves with extra effects to 1.3× their power, but prevents their extra effects.
Bagon Biology & Physical Characteristics
Bagon is a small, bipedal reptilian Pokémon standing at just 0.6 meters tall and weighing 42.1 kilograms, bearing a striking resemblance to the prehistoric Pachycephalosaurus. Its body is predominantly blue with distinctive yellow markings that include a circular patch on its lower jaw, two upward-protruding teeth, and yellow circular ears similar to those of reptiles. The most notable feature of Bagon's anatomy is the three thick, gray ridges that crown its head and extend down its neck, forming a protective crest that continues to the base of its body. These ridges are the result of millions of years of genetic evolution preparing it for the life of a dragon. Its stubby, digit-less arms and short legs with two toes on each foot reflect its current earthbound existence, yet they contain dense muscle fiber that provides surprising strength. Bagon's head, in particular, has become extraordinarily hardened through constant use, earning it the appellation of being "as hard as tempered steel" according to Pokédex records. The Emerald Pokédex entry specifically notes that "although it is small, this Pokémon is very powerful because its body is a bundle of muscles," emphasizing that Bagon packs considerable physical strength into its compact frame.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Bagon Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Bagon maintains a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, ensuring equal representation of both sexes in the breeding population. The species belongs to the Dragon Egg Group, a classification that allows it to breed with other Dragon-type Pokémon and certain other species that share this egg group classification. With a base happiness value of only 35, Bagon is notably one of the less friendly Pokémon toward trainers, reflecting its aggressive and solitary nature. This lower happiness can make Bagon somewhat harder to train and bond with compared to more naturally affectionate species, requiring patient and dedicated trainers to develop strong relationships. Breeding a Bagon requires considerable commitment, as it has a hatch counter value of 40 cycles, translating to approximately 10,024–10,280 steps before an egg hatches into a newborn Bagon. Additionally, Bagon follows a slow growth rate, meaning it takes considerably longer to reach higher levels compared to species with average or fast growth rates. This means that trainers beginning with a freshly hatched Bagon must be prepared for extended training periods before witnessing the first evolution into Shelgon at level 30. The relative difficulty in breeding and raising Bagon makes it a challenge reserved for more dedicated breeders and trainers.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-scale
evolution
Traded on a Seadra: Holder evolves into Kingdra.
Cost: 2000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
dragon-fang
type-enhancement
Held: Dragon-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
TMs & HMs
tm01
black white
tm01
black 2 white 2
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm01
x y
tm02
emerald
tm02
crystal
tm02
firered leafgreen
tm02
ruby sapphire
tm02
gold silver
tm02
black white
tm02
heartgold soulsilver
tm02
platinum
tm02
colosseum
tm02
diamond pearl
tm02
black 2 white 2
tm02
sun moon
tm02
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm02
x y
tm02
xd
+575 more TMs/HMs
bagon's Evolution Chain
Bagon Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Bagon's evolutionary journey is one of the most dramatic transformations in the Pokémon world, representing a complete metamorphosis from a frustrated, earthbound creature into an apex aerial predator. At level 30, Bagon evolves into Shelgon, a taller, more armored form that better resembles a true dragon while still lacking the ability to fly. The transformation becomes truly spectacular when Shelgon reaches level 50 and evolves into Salamence, whereupon it finally gains the majestic wings it has dreamed of since its earliest days. This final evolution grants Salamence dual Dragon and Flying typing, transforming its base stats dramatically—particularly its Attack, which rises to 135, and its Speed, which jumps to 100, allowing it to become one of the fastest and most destructively powerful dragons in existence. The evolutionary chain appears to be driven not merely by leveling, but by the Pokémon's own behavioral conditioning and cellular adaptation. According to scientific observation, Bagon's relentless practice and physical conditioning throughout its early life literally prepares its body for evolution, as if its determined actions are signaling its cells to prepare for the transition ahead. This makes Bagon's evolutionary line unique in that the Pokémon's psychological determination seems to directly influence its physical capabilities and eventual metamorphosis.
Where to Find
meteor falls
hoenn
+6 more
sinnoh route 210
sinnoh
+5 more
kalos route 8
kalos
+5 more
alola route 3
alola
+1 more
kalae bay
alola
+1 more
Bagon Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Bagon inhabits rough, mountainous terrain characterized by numerous cliffs and rocky outcroppings, environments where it can pursue its relentless quest for flight. The creature is driven by an almost obsessive psychological compulsion to one day soar among the clouds, a dream that seems to originate from deep within its genetic code. Rather than flying, however, Bagon has developed a peculiar coping mechanism: it leaps from cliffs daily in doomed attempts at flight, each failed plunge serving as practice for the inevitable day when it will evolve and gain wings. When not practicing its aerial launches, Bagon channels its frustration through aggressive behavior, repeatedly slamming its iron-hard head against massive boulders and rocks, shattering them into manageable pebbles. This behavior serves a dual purpose—both a physical outlet for its emotional turmoil and an effective training regimen that strengthens its neck muscles and reinforces its skull structure. Bagon is notably a solitary creature that prefers isolation to group living, likely because its constant head-bashing and cliff-diving activities would be disruptive to other Pokémon. Interestingly, Sleep Style Dex observations have documented that Bagon sometimes flaps its stubby arms while sleeping, suggesting that even in dreams, it practices the flying motions it so desperately desires to perfect.
Pokedex Entries
Generation III
BAGON has a dream of one day soaring in the sky. In doomed efforts to fly, this POKéMON hurls itself off cliffs. As a result of its dives, its head has grown tough and as hard as tempered steel.
BAGON harbors a never-ending dream of one day soaring high among the clouds. As if trying to dispel its frustration over its inability to fly, this POKéMON slams its hard head against huge rocks and shatters them into pebbles.
Although it is small, this POKéMON is very powerful because its body is a bundle of muscles. It launches head-butts with its ironlike skull.
Its steel-hard head can shatter boulders. It longingly hopes for wings to grow so it can fly.
Generation IV
Dreaming of one day flying, it practices by leaping off cliffs every day.
Its well-developed neck muscles and ironlike head can smash boulders into pieces.
Generation V
Dreaming of one day flying, it practices by leaping off cliffs every day.
Dreaming of one day flying, it practices by leaping off cliffs every day.
Generation VI
Its well-developed neck muscles and iron-like head can smash boulders into pieces.
Dreaming of one day flying, it practices by leaping off cliffs every day.
Bagon has a dream of one day soaring in the sky. In doomed efforts to fly, this Pokémon hurls itself off cliffs. As a result of its dives, its head has grown tough and as hard as tempered steel.
Bagon harbors a never-ending dream of one day soaring high among the clouds. As if trying to dispel its frustration over its inability to fly, this Pokémon slams its hard head against huge rocks and shatters them into pebbles.
Generation VII
Its belief that it will be able to fly one day is apparently the influence of information carried in its genes.
Whenever it sees bird Pokémon flying through the sky, it becomes envious and smashes its surroundings to bits with headbutts.
With its steel-hard stone head, it headbutts indiscriminately. This is because of the stress it feels at being unable to fly.
Some theories suggest that its behavior of forcefully bashing its head into things stimulates cells that affect its evolution.
Generation VIII
Bagon jumps off cliffs every day, trying to grow stronger so that someday it will be able to fly.
Bagon is a solitary Pokémon that doesn’t form groups with others of its kind. It also has a head hard enough to cleave a boulder in one strike.
Bagon Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Bagon's name appears to derive from the Japanese name "Tatsubay" (タツベイ), which combines "tatsu" (竜/龍), meaning dragon, with "bay" (べい), likely referencing its small, child-like status. The English name "Bagon" itself suggests a young or small dragon, with the root "ba" potentially evoking "baby" while maintaining the dragon theme. The creature's physical design is heavily inspired by the Pachycephalosaurus, the famous herbivorous dinosaur known for its thick, domed skull—a feature that Bagon inherited through the evolutionary lineage. This connection is reinforced by Bagon's behavior of using its head as a primary weapon, much like the ancient dinosaur likely did. The yellow coloration on its lower jaw and ears provides visual contrast that emphasizes its facial features and somewhat softens its otherwise reptilian appearance, making it appear young and endearing despite its violent tendencies. The three gray ridges along its head and neck serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose, visually communicating its connection to draconic ancestry while also representing the structural reinforcement that makes its skull so incredibly durable. The design effectively communicates Bagon's central theme: a creature caught between its prehistoric reptilian heritage and its destined draconic future.
Learnable Moves
Bagon can learn 71 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| crunch | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| draco meteor | dragon | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| dragon breath | dragon | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| dragon cheer | dragon | Status | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| dragon claw | dragon | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon dance | dragon | Status | — | — | 20 |
| dragon pulse | dragon | Special | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| dragon rage | dragon | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| dragon rush | dragon | Physical | 100 | 75 | 10 |
| dragon tail | dragon | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| ember | fire | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| fire fang | fire | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| fire spin | fire | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury cutter | bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| incinerate | fire | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| outrage | dragon | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow claw | ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thrash | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| thunder fang | electric | Physical | 65 | 95 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Bagon Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battles, Bagon itself is rarely used at the highest levels due to its modest base stats, with a stat total of only 300 and particularly weak defensive and special attributes. Its base Defense of 60 and Special Defense of merely 30 make it extremely vulnerable to special attacks, while its Special Attack of just 40 limits its ability to deal meaningful damage through special moves. However, Bagon's base Attack of 75 and access to the Rock Head ability gives it some utility for set-up strategies or niche competitive applications. The Rock Head ability prevents recoil damage, making moves like Double-Edge and Head Smash viable without self-inflicted damage penalties, though Bagon's limited movepool restricts how effectively it can utilize this ability. Its hidden ability, Sheer Force, amplifies moves with secondary effects to 1.3× their damage output while eliminating those secondary effects—a powerful mechanic that could theoretically boost its offensive capabilities. The true competitive value of Bagon lies in its potential as a breeding parent for Salamence, which becomes a legitimate competitive threat with its combination of high Attack (135), high Speed (100), and Dragon/Flying dual typing. Trainers interested in competitive play would do well to view Bagon not as a viable battle partner, but rather as a stepping stone toward developing one of the more formidable dragons available in the game. Its lackluster base Speed of 50 ensures that Bagon will consistently move last in any matchup against trained opponents, making it unsuitable for late-game competitive situations.
Commonly Asked Questions About Bagon
What type is Bagon?
Bagon is a dragon type Pokemon.
What does Bagon evolve into?
Bagon evolves into shelgon, then into salamence.
What are Bagon's weaknesses?
Bagon is weak to ice, dragon and fairy type moves.
Where can I find Bagon?
Bagon can be found in meteor falls (hoenn), sinnoh route 210 (sinnoh) and kalos route 8 (kalos) and 2 other locations.
Bagon Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Bagon has become an iconic symbol of determination and perseverance within Pokémon culture, embodying the universal theme of pursuing impossible dreams against overwhelming odds. The image of a small, flightless creature throwing itself off cliffs in pursuit of flight resonates deeply with audiences, making Bagon a metaphorical representation of undying ambition. This thematic depth has made Bagon a popular choice among players who appreciate character-driven narratives within the games, and it frequently appears in fan art, fan fiction, and community discussions about meaningful character arcs. The Pokémon's appearance in the anime has further cemented its cultural significance, appearing in major and minor story arcs that have explored the emotional dimension of its dream. Bagon merchandise featuring its distinctive blue coloration and determined expression has been produced across numerous product lines, from trading cards to plushies, making it one of the more recognizable Dragon-type Pokémon among casual audiences. The species has also become a staple in breeding communities and among dedicated trainers who appreciate the long-term investment required to raise it through its full evolutionary line. Online communities frequently celebrate the moment when a player's carefully trained Shelgon evolves into Salamence as a symbolic victory, having finally achieved the dream that Bagon itself has harbored from its earliest moments of existence.
Where to Find Bagon in Every Pokémon Game
Bagon's availability has varied significantly across different games and regions throughout the Pokémon franchise. In its generation of origin, Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, Bagon could be found in rocky mountain areas, assigned the Local Pokédex number #0187. In subsequent generations, it has been made available through various routes and methods depending on the game version. In Pokémon X and Y, Bagon received Local Pokédex number #0014 in the Coastal Kalos region and could be obtained through specific locations or breeding. In the Alola region of Sun and Moon games, Bagon held Local Pokédex number #0117, while in the enhanced Ultra versions it was assigned #0147, indicating shifts in availability based on game iteration. The species has consistently maintained a Capture Rate of 45, making it moderately difficult to catch in the wild, requiring at least a few Poké Balls or status condition assistance to secure reliably. In more recent generations, including Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Bagon continues to be available, assigned Local Pokédex number #0276. Its presence in The Crown Tundra DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield further expanded its availability for trainers in that generation. The species has never been distributed as an event-exclusive Pokémon, ensuring that all trainers with appropriate game versions can eventually obtain one through standard gameplay methods.