Salamence

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Salamence Overview

Salamence is a Dragon/Flying-type Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon introduced in Generation 3 in the Hoenn region. It evolves from Shelgon starting at level 50, which evolves from Bagon starting at level 30. Bagon's intense desire to fly drives its evolution, culminating in the majestic Salamence. With 600 BST, Salamence is one of the Hoenn region's Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon alongside Metagross.

Salamence is a large, four-legged dragon with a blue body, red wings with irregular edges, and a fierce expression. Its design emphasizes flight and power. With 135 base Attack, 110 base Special Attack, and 100 base Speed, Salamence is a versatile offensive threat capable of running physical, special, or mixed sets. Intimidate lowers the opponent's Attack on switch-in, giving it defensive utility.

Battle Strategy

Salamence's Dragon Dance set is its most iconic. Intimidate helps it set up by lowering the opponent's Attack, and after one Dragon Dance, Salamence's 135 base Attack and 100 base Speed become terrifying. Dual Wingbeat or Fly provide Flying STAB, Outrage or Dragon Claw provide Dragon STAB, and Earthquake or Fire Fang cover Steel and Rock-types. Roost provides recovery for extended setup.

Mega Salamence gains 145 base Attack, 130 base Defense, and 120 base Speed, along with the Aerilate ability which turns Normal-type moves into Flying-type and boosts them by 30%. Return or Double-Edge become devastating Flying STAB moves. A standard Mega set runs Dragon Dance, Double-Edge (Aerilate-boosted), Roost, and Earthquake or Substitute. Mega Salamence was so powerful it was banned to Ubers in Generation 6.

Salamence can also run a special set with Draco Meteor, Fire Blast, Hydro Pump, and Roost. The mixed set uses a Naive nature with Draco Meteor, Fire Blast, Earthquake, and Outrage to break through both physical and special walls. Choice Scarf sets use Moxie to snowball through teams, gaining Attack boosts from each KO.

Evolution Chain

Competitive Usage

Salamence has been a top-tier OU threat since its introduction. Intimidate + Dragon Dance gives it setup opportunities that other Dragon-types lack. In Generation 9, Salamence is ranked in OU. Mega Salamence was banned to Ubers in Generation 6 due to Aerilate Double-Edge being too difficult to check. Common checks include physically defensive Steel-types like Corviknight and Skarmory, bulky Ice-types like Weavile with Ice Shard priority, and faster Dragon-types that can OHKO with Draco Meteor or Outrage.

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