How to Catch Bagon on Pokémon Ruby

Bagon is a rare Dragon-type Pokémon found in a hidden part of Meteor Falls in Pokémon Ruby. It evolves into Shelgon and then into Salamence, a powerful Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon that’s highly valued by trainers. However, catching Bagon requires specific moves (HMs) and precise navigation through the cave. Follow these 5 steps to find and catch your very own Bagon.

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Table of Contents

Step 1: Make Sure You Have the Right HMs

Before heading to Meteor Falls, ensure you have two crucial Hidden Machines (HMs): HM03 Surf and HM07 Waterfall. These moves are required to access the deepest areas of the cave where Bagon hides. Teach Surf and Waterfall to Pokémon in your party, and make sure you’ve earned the necessary Gym Badges to use them outside of battle.

Step 2: Enter Meteor Falls and Ascend the Waterfall

Make your way to Meteor Falls, located on Route 114 near Fallarbor Town. Inside the cave, head to the left until you find a staircase—go down it. Use Surf to cross the water and continue until you reach a waterfall. Use Waterfall to climb up and access a hidden upper chamber within the cave system.

Step 3: Follow the Hidden Path

After climbing the waterfall, go down the ladder you see next. From there, move downward, then turn left. You will notice a staircase going up—ignore it, as it leads to TM23 Iron Tail, which is unrelated to Bagon. Instead, continue along the lower path and climb up the next ladder to progress further into the hidden section of Meteor Falls.

Step 4: Fight the Dragon Tamer and Choose the Left Path

Once you climb the second ladder, continue going up a series of stairs. You will encounter a Dragon Tamer—this battle is unavoidable, so be prepared with a strong team. After defeating him, hop down over five ledges in a row. Eventually, you’ll reach an area with two cave openings. Enter the left opening and descend the ladder you find inside.

Step 5: Find the Hidden Room and Catch Bagon

Go down the stairs in this new area and use Surf once more to head straight north. You’ll arrive at a small piece of land with another entrance—go inside. Surf again until you reach a small piece of land containing TM02 Dragon Claw. This secluded room is the only place in Pokémon Ruby where Bagon appears. Roam around the area until you encounter it. Keep in mind that Bagon has a 20% encounter rate, so it may take several tries to find one. Once you do, weaken it, use a status effect like Sleep or Paralysis, and catch it with an Ultra Ball or Great Ball.

Conclusion

Catching Bagon is one of the more challenging quests in Pokémon Ruby due to its remote location and low encounter rate. However, with the right strategy and preparation, you can successfully catch this future powerhouse. Once caught, train Bagon to evolve it into Salamence, one of the most formidable dragons in the Hoenn region.