Salamence (Japanese: ボーマンダ Bohmander) is a dual-type Dragon/Flying pseudo-legendary Pokémon introduced in Generation III.
It evolves from Shelgon starting at level 50. It is the final form of Bagon.
Salamence can Mega Evolve into Mega Salamence using the Salamencite.
It appears to be distantly related to the Paradox Pokémon Roaring Moon.
Biology
Salamence is a quadrupedal, draconic Pokémon with a long, tapering tail. It is primarily blue with a gray lower jaw and thickly scaled underside. There are red markings on its throat, the underside of its tail, and stripes on the inner surface of its legs. Additionally, there are raised red ridges above its eyes. Three flat fins protrude from either side of its head, possibly acting in the same manner that a Canard would on an aircraft. It has two pairs of pointed teeth, one in the upper jaw and one in the lower. Each of its short legs has three claws. Salamence is considered an unusual Pokémon due to the circumstances of its evolution; its fervent desire to fly triggered a cellular mutation that allowed it to suddenly grow large, red wings.
Its long-held dream fulfilled at last, Salamence constantly flies around and releases intense blasts of fire as an expression of its joy. It only stops flying when it gets exhausted and needs to sleep. If enraged, it loses all sense of self and flies into an uncontrollable rampage, destroying everything around it until it tires itself out. It lives in rough terrain, and it competes with Garchomp midair for food.
Forms
Salamence can Mega Evolve into Mega Salamence.
As Mega Salamence, its wings meld together into a single huge, crescent-shaped wing. According to the anime, the hard, yet very flexible properties of its wings allow them to be used as blades in mid-air battles. Its face, neck, body and tail are narrower, and its tail is noticeably shorter in length. The ridges above its eyes are now far less prominent, and it no longer possesses the thick, gray scaling over its lower jaw. Instead, the smooth red flesh underneath has been left exposed, increasing its streamline appearance. The upper pair of fins resting on the sides of its head are now elongated and tapered. The lower pair has not changed much. However, the middle set now take the form of quarter-arches, spanning towards the bridge of the nose. The remnants of its shelled underbelly have been drastically transformed into a segmented, more aerodynamic, vest-like armored frame. This frame encases its chest and shoulders with the pieces interlocking whenever Mega Salamence tucks in its front forelegs. Roaring Moon bears a resemblance to Mega Salamence, though the potential connection between the two is unknown.
The stress of Salamence's vaunted wings becoming misshapen in its Mega Evolution aggravates it to the point of rampaging. This fuels its already brutal nature and makes it likely to turn against the Trainer who raised it. Because of this, Mega Salamence is feared as "the blood-soaked crescent". Anything and anyone in Salamence's path gets sliced in two by its bladelike wings, posing no interruption to its flight.
Evolution
Salamence evolves from Shelgon and is the final form of Bagon.
In the anime
Main series
Mega Salamence in the anime
Major appearances
A Salamence belonging to J first appeared in Mutiny in the Bounty!. It made further appearances in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl.
Other
Salamence debuted in Jirachi: Wish Maker, under the ownership of Butler. He used it to battle a wild Flygon that was helping Ash and Max in their effort to free Jirachi from his control. However, it and its Trainer joined Ash and Max's side after Butler wound up creating Meta Groudon that threatened the safety of Forina, Jirachi's home. It reappeared in a flashback during the opening sequence of Destiny Deoxys.
Salamence made its physical TV debut in The Search for the Legend, under the ownership of Silver. He used it to battle Moltres, but the battle was interrupted when a nearby volcano erupted.
Salamence made its physical main series debut in Vanity Affair, under the ownership of Drake of the Elite Four. It was used against Team Rocket after they tried to steal Ash's Pikachu.
In The Clumsy Crier Quiets the Chaos!, Team Rocket's attempts to capture a Salamence resulted in it going on a rampage before it was calmed down by Nurse Joy's Wigglytuff.
In A Riveting Rivalry!, Sawyer's Shelgon was revealed to have evolved into a Salamence sometime before the episode. It was used in Sawyer's battle against Ash, where it went up against Noivern; the match eventually ended in a tie.
In Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel, a Salamence that can Mega Evolve was under the control of Levi and Cherie's Mega Wave. Salamence was used to battle Ash's Noivern and Greninja. It was later freed from their control when Alva's Mega Wave Crystal was destroyed, and it escaped.
Minor appearances
Salamence made its main series debut in a fantasy in Let Bagons be Bagons, where Michelle's Bagon had a fantasy about evolving so it could fly.
In Battling the Enemy Within, Team Rocket found a Salamence living in underground ruins while searching for Ho-Oh.
In May, We Harley Drew'd Ya!, a Coordinator's Salamence competed in the Kanto Grand Festival.
In Pinch Healing!, Team Rocket imagined evolving Matt's Bagon into a Salamence.
A Salamence appeared in the opening sequence of Giratina and the Sky Warrior.
A Salamence appeared in the opening sequence of Zoroark: Master of Illusions.
A Salamence that can Mega Evolve into Mega Salamence appeared in the ending segment of Mega Evolution Special II.
In Battle Royal 151!, a Trainer's Salamence competed in the Battle Royal preliminary round of the Manalo Conference but was defeated by Snowy and Kiawe's Turtonator.
A Salamence appeared in A Talent for Imitation! as an image in the Pokédex or a fantasy.
In An Adventure of Mega Proportions!, a Salamence appeared on Mega Island.
Pokédex entries
| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| HS18
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Salamence
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Ritchie's Pokédex
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Salamence, a Dragon Pokémon. Fully evolved form of Bagon. Equipped with sharp teeth and massive claws, weighs over 200 pounds, and has the fastest flying speed of all the Flying-type Pokémon.
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| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| AG101
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Salamence
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May's Pokédex
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Salamence, the Dragon Pokémon. Salamence is the final evolution of Bagon. It is able to exhale powerful blasts of fire while flying.
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| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| DP020
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Salamence
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Dawn's Pokédex
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Salamence, the Dragon Pokémon. As a result of a powerful desire to fly, Salamence were able to trigger the cells in their body and cause them to grow wings.
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| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| XY128
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Salamence
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Serena's Pokédex
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Salamence, the Dragon Pokémon. Constant dreams of flight caused a shift in its cellular structure. When it evolved, Salamence finally grew wings.
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Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer
Mega Salamence in the animated trailer
In the Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer, a Mega Salamence battled a Mega Pidgeot.
Pokémon Generations
A soldier's Salamence appeared in The Redemption, during a fantasy of a story from the past. It was one of the many Pokémon fighting in the great war of Kalos 3,000 years previously.
GOTCHA!
A Salamence briefly appeared in GOTCHA!, under the ownership of Drake.
Pokémon Evolutions
A Mega Salamence appeared in The Wish, under the ownership of Zinnia. She used it to battle May's newly-caught Mega Rayquaza atop the Sky Pillar.
In the manga
Ash & Pikachu
Drake owns a Salamence, which appeared in Battle Till The End! Drake, One Of The Elite Four!.
Pocket Monsters Platinum: Aim to Be Battle King!!
A Salamence appeared in PBK2, where it fought Yū Shirogane's Infernape and a Glaceon.
Pokémon - The Legend of the Dragon King
A Salamence appeared in LDK1.
A Salamence appeared in LDK2.
Goro also owns a Salamence, which debuted in LDK3.
Pokémon Adventures
- Main article: Zinnia's Salamence
When Ruby was a child, he battled a Salamence that attacked him and Sapphire while the two were playing outside. After being defeated by Ruby and having scarred his forehead with its Dragon Claw in the process, the Salamence went on a rampage and destroyed a lab, freeing Rayquaza, which was in captivity at that time, in the process. This resulted in Norman being banned from the Gym Leader test for five years. This encounter changed both Ruby and Sapphire and their views on Pokémon, as well as themselves. In Ruby's case, he felt he was too strong, and in order to keep himself back, he focused on Pokémon Contests. Sapphire, on the other hand, felt weak after the encounter and decided she had to become stronger, and spent much of her time in the wild honing her battle skills. It appeared in a flashback in The Beginning of the End with Kyogre & Groudon XIV. In the Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc, where Zinnia was revealed to be its owner, it had obtained a Salamencite, allowing it to Mega Evolve into Mega Salamence.
In Swanky Showdown with Swalot, Tucker is shown to be in possession of another Salamence, with which he defeats Sapphire. While Sapphire acknowledges the man's overwhelming skill, she also adds that such a Pokémon is a hard one to fight against with her phobic old experience many years back.
A Salamence appeared in a flashback in Flabébé Blooms.
In PS600, a Salamence appeared as a silhouette during Steven's explanation about the Draconid people.
Anabel owns a Salamence, which first appeared in Battle in Vast Poni Canyon.
Pokémon Battle Frontier
Tucker used a Salamence in a Tag Battle against Enta in Introducing the Frontier Brains!.
In the TCG
- Main article: Salamence (TCG)
In the TFG
One Salamence figure has been released.
Other appearances
Salamence appears as a Spirit.
Game data
NPC appearances
Pokédex entries
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
|
| Generation III
|
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Hoenn
#189
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Kanto
#—
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| Ruby
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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.
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| Sapphire
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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.
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| Emerald
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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.
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| FireRed
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It becomes uncontrollable if enraged. It destroys everything with shredding claws and fire.
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| LeafGreen
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| Generation IV
|
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Sinnoh
#—
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Johto
#—
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| Diamond
|
As a result of its long-held dream of flying, its cellular structure changed, and wings grew out.
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| Pearl
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| Platinum
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| HeartGold
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It's uncontrollable if enraged. It flies around spouting flames and scorching fields and mountains.
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| SoulSilver
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| Generation V
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Unova
#—
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| Black
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As a result of its long-held dream of flying, its cellular structure changed, and wings grew out.
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| White
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| Black 2
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As a result of its long-held dream of flying, its cellular structure changed, and wings grew out.
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| White 2
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| Generation VI
|
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Kalos
Coastal #016
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Hoenn
#198
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| X
|
It becomes uncontrollable if it is enraged. It destroys everything with shredding claws and fire.
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| Y
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It's uncontrollable if enraged. It flies around spouting flames and scorching fields and mountains.
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| Omega Ruby
|
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.
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| Alpha Sapphire
|
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.
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| Generation VII
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Alola
SM: #119
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Alola
USUM: #149
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Kanto
#—
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| This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!.
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| Sun
|
When angered, it loses all sense of itself and destroys everything around it. The destruction will continue until Salamence has tired itself out.
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| Moon
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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.
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| Ultra Sun
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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.
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| Ultra Moon
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Thanks to its fervent wishes, the cells in its body finally mutated, and at last it has its heart's desire—wings.
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| Mega Salamence
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| Sun
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Anyone standing in its path gets sliced right in two, while this Pokémon continues its flight without interruption.
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| Moon
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Mega Evolution fuels its brutality, and it may even turn on the Trainer who raised it. It's been dubbed "the blood-soaked crescent."
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| Ultra Sun
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The stress of its two proud wings becoming misshapen and stuck together because of strong energy makes it go on a rampage.
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| Ultra Moon
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It puts its forelegs inside its shell to streamline itself for flight. Salamence flies at high speeds over all kinds of topographical features.
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| Generation VIII
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Galar
Crown Tundra #115
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Sinnoh
#—
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Hisui
#—
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| This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Legends: Arceus.
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| Sword
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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.
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| Shield
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While basking in the joy of flight generally keeps this Pokémon in high spirits, Salamence turns into an uncontrollable menace if something angers it.
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| Brilliant Diamond
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As a result of its long-held dream of flying, its cellular structure changed, and wings grew out.
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| Shining Pearl
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| Generation IX
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Paldea
#278
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Kitakami
#—
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| Scarlet
|
It flies around on its wings, which have grown in at last. In its happiness, it gushes hot flames, burning up everything it passes over.
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| Violet
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It becomes uncontrollable if it is enraged. It destroys everything with shredding claws and fire.
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Game locations
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
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In side games
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
|
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| Generation V
|
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| Rumble Blast
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| PokéPark 2
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| MD GTI
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| Hazy Pass (Gilded Hall), Stompstump Peak (Gilded Hall), Desolate Canyon (Gilded Hall), Forest Grotto (Gilded Hall), Tempting Path (Gilded Hall), Daybreak Ridge (Gilded Hall), Ochre Quarry (Gilded Hall), Grove of Whispers (Gilded Hall), Worldcore (1F-13F), Rusty Mountain (Gilded Hall), Jaws of the Abyss (Uncharted Road, Gilded Hall), Smoking Mountain (Uncharted Road, Gilded Hall)
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| Rumble U
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In events
Held items
Stats
Base stats
Salamence
| Stat
|
Range
|
| At Lv. 50
|
At Lv. 100
|
95
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155 - 202
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300 - 394
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135
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126 - 205
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247 - 405
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80
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76 - 145
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148 - 284
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110
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103 - 178
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202 - 350
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80
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76 - 145
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148 - 284
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100
|
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94 - 167
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184 - 328
|
Total: 600
|
Other Pokémon with this total
|
- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
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Mega Salamence
| Stat
|
Range
|
| At Lv. 50
|
At Lv. 100
|
95
|
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155 - 202
|
300 - 394
|
145
|
|
135 - 216
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265 - 427
|
130
|
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121 - 200
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238 - 394
|
120
|
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112 - 189
|
220 - 372
|
90
|
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85 - 156
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166 - 306
|
120
|
|
112 - 189
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220 - 372
|
Total: 700
|
Other Pokémon with this total
|
- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
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Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Learnset
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Salamence
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Salamence
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Salamence
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Salamence
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Salamence
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Salamence
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Salamence
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Salamence
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Salamence
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations
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Side game data
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Pokémon Ranger
| Group:
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Poké Assist:
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Field move:
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(Crush ×3)
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| Loops: 22
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Min. exp.: 0
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Max. exp.: 0
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Browser entry R-167
|
| Salamence roars to set off earthquakes. It also shoots a beam from its mouth.
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Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs
| Group:
|
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Poké Assist:
(present)
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Field move:
(present)
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(Burn ×4)
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Poké Assist:
(past)
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Field move:
(past)
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(Burn ×1)
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| Browser entry R-221/N-202
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| It attacks by launching a large blue fireball.
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Pokémon Rumble Rush
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Walking Speed: 1.5 seconds
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Base HP: 58
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| Base Attack: 84
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Base Defense: 55
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Base Speed: 70
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Mega Salamence
Form data
Mega Evolution
Evolution data
Sprites
| This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
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Trivia
Origin
Salamence seems to be based on the archetypal European dragon. It may also be based on a salamander, most likely the Hida salamander or Anderson's salamander; this is backed up by Salamence featuring three prominent finlets on either side of its head, which can be interpreted as external gills. These external gills are typical for many species of amphibians. Alternatively, it might take inspiration from the mythical animal of the same name, which is often conflated with dragons or treated as a dragon, as evidenced by its ability to learn numerous Fire-type moves by leveling up, and its Pokédex entry describing its propensity for breathing fire.
Salamence might be also inspired by the dragons of the 2002 film Reign of Fire; Salamence's debut was in 2002, and Salamence's Japanese name "Bohmander" was based on Salamander where the Japanese title of the Reign of Fire was the Salamander (サラマンダー), and Salamence's facial characteristics bear several remembrances to that of dragons in the Reign of Fire including crests above eyes akin to that of the male dragon and horizontal horns along the heads akin to that of both male and female dragons. Salamence isn't a Fire Type, being somewhat similar to the dragons in the Reign of Fire don't breath fire itself.
Mega Salamence's wing and head shape resemble that of a fighter jet. Mega Salamence tucking in its front legs into the gaps on its belly, as well as its stiff yet flexible wings, may be based on hang gliding. Its name "the blood-soaked crescent" could be a reference to Blood moons.
Name origin
Salamence may be a combination of salamander and menace, vengeance, vehemence, violence, or immense.
Bohmander may be a combination of 暴 bō (violent) and salamander.
In other languages
| Language
|
Title
|
Meaning
|
 Japanese
|
ボーマンダ Bohmander
|
From 暴 bō and salamander
|
 French
|
Drattak
|
From dragon and attaque
|
 Spanish
|
Salamence
|
Same as English name
|
 German
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Brutalanda
|
From brutal and Salamander
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 Italian
|
Salamence
|
Same as English name
|
 Korean
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보만다 Bomanda
|
Transcription of Japanese name
|
 Mandarin Chinese
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暴飛龍 / 暴飞龙 Bàofēilóng*
暴蠑螈 / 暴蝾螈 Bàoróngyuán*
|
From 暴 bào and 飛龍 / 飞龙 fēilóng
From 暴 bào and 蠑螈 / 蝾螈 róngyuán
|
 Cantonese Chinese
|
暴飛龍 Bouhfēilùhng*
暴蠑螈 Bouhwìhngyùhn*
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From 暴 bouh and 飛龍 fēilùhng
From 暴 bouh and 蠑螈 wìhngyùhn
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| More languages
|
 Thai
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โบมันเดอร์ Bomandoe
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Transcription of Japanese name
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Related articles
|
This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.
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Dragon Fang (5%)
Dragon Scale (50%)
For other sprites and images, please see Salamence images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
