salamence #373
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
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Immune to (0x damage):
salamence
Generation III · #0373 — Dragon Pokémon
Salamence is a dual-type Dragon/Flying Pokémon introduced in Generation III, representing the final evolution of the Bagon line and officially classified as a pseudo-legendary Pokémon due to its impressive 600 base stat total. Known as the Dragon Pokémon, Salamence embodies the fulfillment of a long-held dream—its evolutionary line is unique in that its members literally manifest their desire to fly through cellular mutation. This powerful creature stands at 1.5 meters tall and weighs 102.6 kilograms, making it a formidable presence in any battle. With its combination of high Attack (135) and respectable Special Attack (110), along with solid Speed (100), Salamence has established itself as a staple in competitive play across multiple generations. Its ability to Mega Evolve into Mega Salamence further solidifies its position as one of the most dominant dragon-type Pokémon available to trainers.
Base Stats
Height
1.5m
Weight
102.6kg
Category
Dragon Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
blue
Shape
quadruped
Habitat
rough-terrain
Abilities
Lowers opponents' Attack one stage upon entering battle.
Raises Attack one stage upon KOing a Pokémon.
Salamence Biology & Physical Characteristics
Salamence is a quadrupedal, draconic Pokémon with a distinctly reptilian appearance characterized by its long, tapering tail and robust build. The creature displays a primarily blue coloration with a gray lower jaw and thickly scaled underside that provides protection against damage. Notable biological features include red markings adorning its throat and the underside of its tail, alongside distinctive red stripes along the inner surfaces of its legs. Three flat fins protrude from each side of its head, which serve important aerodynamic functions during flight. Most striking are the raised red ridges positioned above its eyes, giving Salamence an expression of fierce intensity. The wings themselves are particularly remarkable—according to Pokédex lore, these appendages represent a physical manifestation of the creature's deepest psychological drive, developing through spontaneous cellular mutation rather than through any conventional biological pathway. This unique origin story underscores how Salamence's biology transcends typical evolutionary processes, making it a creature shaped as much by willpower and desire as by natural selection.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Salamence Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Salamence exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, meaning trainers have an equal chance of encountering or breeding either sex. Members of this species belong to the Dragon egg group, making them compatible with other Dragon-type Pokémon and certain non-legendary creatures for breeding purposes. The breeding process involves 40 egg cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 10,024 to 10,280 steps required before a Bagon emerges from its egg. Salamence has notably lower-than-normal base happiness at 35, suggesting these are creatures that do not bond easily with trainers and require dedicated effort to develop strong relationships. This low base happiness presents an interesting challenge for players seeking to maximize the potential of their Salamence, as happiness-based mechanics affect move power and evolution conditions in some contexts. The slower growth rate of Salamence means that leveling these creatures to high levels requires more experience points than many other Pokémon, but this investment pays dividends in their ultimate strength. Breeders can create Bagon eggs with superior stats by carefully selecting parent Pokémon with desirable Individual Values, allowing competitive players to cultivate perfectly optimized specimens.
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
+746 more TMs/HMs
salamence's Evolution Chain
Salamence Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Salamence's evolutionary journey begins as the small, quadrupedal Bagon before progressing to the more imposing Shelgon at level 30, and finally achieving its ultimate form as Salamence at level 50. This three-stage evolution line is remarkable for the narrative woven throughout—each stage represents progressive steps toward realizing the dream of flight that drives the entire lineage. The Bagon line's obsession with obtaining wings is so fundamental that it literally reshapes their cellular structure, a phenomenon rarely seen in Pokémon biology. Salamence can further transcend its base form through Mega Evolution using the Salamencite, transforming into Mega Salamence. This Mega form experiences substantial stat increases, particularly in Defense (rising to 130) and Speed (climbing to 120), while maintaining its already formidable Attack stat at 145. The Mega Evolution introduces the powerful Aerilate ability, which transforms Normal-type moves into Flying-type attacks with a 30% power boost—a game-changing ability in competitive contexts. Mega Salamence also gains an additional two points in Special Attack (120) and one point in Special Defense (90), creating a more balanced yet still offensively-oriented powerhouse. The visual transformation emphasizes Salamence's aerial dominance, and its increased stats push it into the realm of genuinely legendary-level performance.
Where to Find
alola route 3
alola
+1 more
Salamence Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Salamence exhibits highly volatile and aggressive behavior, particularly when provoked or angered, at which point it becomes dangerously uncontrollable and prone to destructive rampages. According to Pokédex entries, when enraged, this Pokémon loses all sense of reason and wreaks havoc with its shredding claws and fire attacks. Despite this temperamental nature, Salamence is deeply characterized by exuberance and joy when it successfully masters its newfound ability to fly. The Sapphire Pokédex entry beautifully describes how Salamence expresses its elation by wheeling and flying across the sky while spouting flames from its mouth—a behavior suggesting that flight represents profound emotional fulfillment for the species. The creature favors aerial environments where it can fully exercise its wings, suggesting that Salamence naturally gravitates toward open skies and mountainous terrain. Its violent potential and uncontrollable nature when enraged make Salamence a Pokémon that demands respect and careful handling from trainers, as improper treatment or provocation can trigger destructive behavior that endangers everything in its vicinity.
Pokedex Entries
Generation III
SALAMENCE came about as a result of a strong, long-held dream of growing wings. It is said that this powerful desire triggered a sudden mutation in this POKéMON’s cells, causing it to sprout its magnificent wings.
By evolving into SALAMENCE, this POKéMON finally realizes its long-held dream of growing wings. To express its joy, it flies and wheels all over the sky while spouting flames from its mouth.
After many long years, its cellular structure underwent a sudden mutation to grow wings. When angered, it loses all thought and rampages out of control.
It becomes uncontrollable if it is enraged. It destroys everything with shredding claws and fire.
Generation IV
As a result of its long-held dream of flying, its cellular structure changed, and wings grew out.
It’s uncontrollable if enraged. It flies around spouting flames and scorching fields and mountains.
Generation V
As a result of its long-held dream of flying, its cellular structure changed, and wings grew out.
As a result of its long-held dream of flying, its cellular structure changed, and wings grew out.
Generation VI
It becomes uncontrollable if it is enraged. It destroys everything with shredding claws and fire.
It’s uncontrollable if enraged. It flies around spouting flames and scorching fields and mountains.
Salamence came about as a result of a strong, long-held dream of growing wings. It is said that this powerful desire triggered a sudden mutation in this Pokémon’s cells, causing it to sprout its magnificent wings.
By evolving into Salamence, this Pokémon finally realizes its long-held dream of growing wings. To express its joy, it flies and wheels all over the sky while spouting flames from its mouth.
Generation VII
When angered, it loses all sense of itself and destroys everything around it. The destruction will continue until Salamence has tired itself out.
Overjoyed at finally being able to fly, it flies all over the place and usually doesn’t land until it’s completely exhausted and needs to sleep.
It flies around on its wings, which have grown in at last. In its happiness, it gushes hot flames, burning up the fields it passes over.
Thanks to its fervent wishes, the cells in its body finally mutated, and at last it has its heart’s desire—wings.
Generation VIII
Salamence is an unusual Pokémon in that it was able to evolve a body with wings just by constantly wishing to be able to fly.
While basking in the joy of flight generally keeps this Pokémon in high spirits, Salamence turns into an uncontrollable menace if something angers it.
Salamence Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Salamence derives from a combination of "salamander" and "eminence," reflecting both the Pokémon's reptilian nature and its status as an eminent, powerful creature worthy of respect. The Japanese name "Bohmander" similarly combines "bomber" with "salamander," emphasizing the Pokémon's aggressive aerial combat capabilities and fiery nature. Visually, Salamence draws inspiration from classical dragon mythology, particularly Eastern dragon designs, while its wings and flight-focused biology incorporate elements of pterosaurs and other prehistoric flying reptiles. The creature's color scheme of blue with red accents creates a striking aesthetic that immediately communicates its dual Dragon/Flying typing while maintaining visual cohesion with its evolutionary predecessors. The red ridges above its eyes and the flame-like patterns on its underside suggest constant volcanic energy bubbling beneath the surface, fitting its temperamental personality and fire-breathing abilities. The design philosophy emphasizes transformation and aspiration—Salamence looks fundamentally different from its pre-evolutionary forms in a way that visually represents the profound change that comes from achieving one's deepest dreams. Every design element, from the aerodynamic wing structure to the powerful musculature evident in its stance, communicates this is a creature built for flight and built for power.
Learnable Moves
Salamence can learn 91 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| air cutter | flying | Special | 60 | 95 | 25 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| breaking swipe | dragon | Physical | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| brutal swing | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| 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 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 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 tail | dragon | Physical | 60 | 90 | 10 |
| dual wingbeat | flying | Physical | 40 | 90 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 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 |
| fly | flying | Physical | 90 | 95 | 15 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury cutter | bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| hurricane | flying | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 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 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| outrage | dragon | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic fangs | psychic | Physical | 85 | 100 | 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 |
| rollout | rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| 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 |
| steel wing | steel | Physical | 70 | 90 | 25 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tailwind | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| temper flare | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 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 |
Salamence Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battle formats, Salamence stands as one of the most formidable Dragon-type threats available, leveraging its exceptional 600 base stat total with a distribution heavily favoring physical offense. The base 135 Attack stat, combined with respectable 110 Special Attack, allows Salamence to function as a mixed attacker capable of dealing massive damage through either physical or special movesets. Its base 100 Speed sits at a crucial breakpoint, outspeeding numerous threatening Pokémon and allowing it to function as a critical sweeper in appropriately constructed teams. The Intimidate ability is particularly valuable, automatically reducing the Attack stat of opposing Pokémon upon entry and potentially neutering physical sweepers before they can strike. Alternatively, the hidden Moxie ability provides snowball potential by raising Attack one stage whenever Salamence successfully knocks out an opposing Pokémon, enabling massive sweeps in favorable matchups. Salamence's Dragon/Flying typing grants important resistances to Fighting, Bug, and Grass attacks while only leaving it weak to Rock-type moves—a manageable vulnerability for a creature with solid Defense stats of 80. Mega Salamence represents a dramatic power spike with base stat totals reaching 700, accessing the exceptional Aerilate ability that enables incredible versatility through Normal-type move coverage. Competitive trainers often employ Salamence with movesets including Dragon Dance for stat boosting, Earthquake and Outrage for Dragon coverage, and Aerial Ace or other flying moves enhanced by Aerilate.
Commonly Asked Questions About Salamence
What type is Salamence?
Salamence is a dragon and flying type Pokemon.
What does Salamence evolve from?
Salamence evolved from shelgon that evolved from bagon.
What are Salamence's weaknesses?
Salamence is weak to rock, ice, dragon and fairy type moves.
Where can I find Salamence?
Salamence can be found in alola route 3 (alola).
Salamence Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Salamence has secured a prominent position in Pokémon popular culture since its introduction in Generation III, appearing in numerous anime episodes and manga storylines that showcase its fierce power and tragic backstory. One of the most notable appearances belongs to J's Salamence in the Pokémon animated series, where this particular specimen's strength and connection to its trainer became memorable story elements. The species' unique origin story—that it gained wings through the manifestation of its dream—resonates with audiences as a metaphor for perseverance and achieving goals through sheer determination. Salamence's design and power profile have made it a favorite among competitive players for decades, cementing its status as an iconic pseudo-legendary that rivals even the legendary Pokémon in terms of presence and popularity. The introduction of Mega Salamence in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire reinvigorated interest in the species, providing it with the tools necessary to remain competitive in modern metagames. Its visual distinctiveness and aggressive personality have made it a popular choice for merchandise, trading cards, and fan artwork. The discovery of Roaring Moon, a Paradox Pokémon described as an ancient relative of Mega Salamence or a version from a parallel timeline, demonstrates how deeply Salamence has embedded itself into Pokémon lore that developers continue expanding its mythology in new generations.
Where to Find Salamence in Every Pokémon Game
Salamence's availability has varied considerably across Pokémon games, though its status as a reasonably common pseudo-legendary ensures it appears in most titles. In the original Hoenn region games—Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald—Salamence can be found primarily through evolving Shelgon at level 50, with Shelgon itself appearing in Victory Road. The creature received local Pokédex numbers in subsequent generations reflecting its importance to various regional guides, including #0189 in Hoenn, #0016 in Kalos's Coastal region, #0198 in the Hoenn remakes, and multiple entries in the Alola region. In Sword and Shield's Crown Tundra DLC, Salamence became available through various means including wild encounters and Pokédex completion rewards. Generation VI's X and Y included Salamence as a viable capture option in specific locations within Kalos. More recent generations including Scarlet and Violet continue to feature Salamence, with Pokédex #0278, maintaining the species' accessibility to modern players. The base Friendship stat of 35 suggests that captured wild Salamence require significant effort to train effectively, though eggs produced through breeding inherit better friendships. Salamence's consistent availability across generations underscores its importance to the Pokémon franchise, ensuring trainers can reliably obtain this powerful creature regardless of which generation they're playing, though dedicated players often breed for optimal stats and natures.