How to Catch Salamence in Pokémon Sun and Moon

Evolving Salamence from Bagon

Rescue Nebby first. This is the better method for people who have less patience, but have more time on their hands. To start, you must have beaten the normal type trial and rescued Nebby from Melemele Meadow.

On Route 3, proceed south until you reach the southernmost patch of grass. The grass should be located on an overhang on the east. Run around in the grass until you find a bagon. Bagon has a pretty low encounter rate, so it will take a while to encounter.

Use False Swipe or Hold Back to get Bagon to 1 HP. Then paralyze it or put it to sleep to make it easier to catch.

Use Ultra Balls to make Bagon easier to catch. After you have caught it, put it in your party. Now you need to train Bagon. The easiest method to train Bagon would be turning the Exp. Share on and taking on the Pokémon League over and over.

Wait for Bagon to evolve into Shelgon at level 30. When Shelgon reaches level 50, Shelgon will evolve, and you will have yourself your very own Salamence! To evolve Bagon and Shelgon faster, use rare candies and EXP boost drinks found in Poke Pelago.

Using an SOS Encounter to Find Salamence

Unlock Adrenaline Orbs. For this method, you should have progressed through the game and cleared Akala island to unlock Adrenaline Orbs in the Poké Mart.

On Route 3, proceed south until you reach the southernmost patch of grass. The grass should be located on an overhang on the east. Run around in the grass until you find a bagon. Bagon has a pretty low encounter rate, so it will take a while to encounter.

Use an Adrenaline Orb to make Bagon more likely to call for help. Then use False Swipe or Hold Back to get Bagon to 1 HP.

Wait for the second Bagon. When Bagon calls for help, it usually will call another Bagon.

Knock out the Bagon and repeat until it calls a Salamence. It will take a while, as there is a 1% chance of finding a Salamence, but be persistent and you will find one.

Catch the Salamence. Since Salamence can sometimes be challenging to catch, try using Ultra Balls once again. If you knock Salamence down to 1 HP by using false swipe or hold back once again, you will likely be able to catch him with a regular pokéball.