If you’re a fan of the original Digimon Adventure series, there’s a good chance Salamon caught your attention the moment you started Digimon UP. Despite its small size and adorable appearance, Salamon eventually grows into one of the franchise’s most recognizable Holy Digimon, making it a popular starter choice among many players.
The best part is that choosing Salamon doesn’t put you at any disadvantage. Like every other Partner Digimon in the game, Salamon shares the same overall progression and combat potential, so your decision is based entirely on preference rather than power.
Here’s everything you need to know about Salamon and its evolution line.
Digimon UP Salamon Evolution Guide – Evolution Line, Skills
Generation: Rookie
Attribute: Vaccine
Type: Mammal
Active Skill: Puppy Howl
Salamon belongs to the Vaccine Attribute, making it one of the classic Rookie Digimon available at the start of the game. It uses the Puppy Howl Active Skill during battle, although the exact performance of the skill changes later depending on the Battle Type you choose for your Partner.
As with every starter in Digimon UP, Salamon’s long-term strength is determined more by your chosen Battle Type than by the Digimon itself.
Salamon Evolution Line
Salamon follows a six-stage evolution path throughout the game.
YukimiBotamon
Unlock Requirement: Choose Salamon as your starting Partner Digimon.
Every Partner begins in its Baby stage, and Salamon’s journey starts as YukimiBotamon. Although it only appears briefly during the opening stages, it’s the beginning of Salamon’s complete Digivolution line.
Nyaromon
Unlock Requirement: Reach Partner Level 5.
At Level 5, YukimiBotamon Digivolves into Nyaromon, entering the In-Training stage. This evolution grants your Partner improved base stats while preparing it for its Rookie form.
Salamon
Unlock Requirement: Reach Partner Level 20.
Once your Partner reaches Level 20, Nyaromon finally evolves into Salamon, the Rookie form. This milestone is particularly important because it also unlocks your Battle Type selection, allowing you to choose between Attack, Defense, or SP builds that shape your Partner’s future skills.
Gatomon
Unlock Requirement: Reach Partner Level 40.
At Level 40, Salamon evolves into Gatomon, one of the most iconic Champion Digimon in the series. Along with its visual transformation, your Partner receives another increase to its base combat stats, making battles noticeably easier.
Ultimate Form
Unlock Requirement: Reach Partner Level 65.
After reaching Level 65, Gatomon evolves into its Ultimate stage. While the game may not immediately reveal this Digimon during the early stages, reaching this milestone grants another substantial boost to your Partner’s overall combat performance.
Mega Form
Unlock Requirement: Reach Partner Level 90.
The final evolution becomes available once your Partner reaches Level 90. This unlocks Salamon’s Mega stage, completing its Digivolution journey and providing the highest base stats, strongest appearance, and full access to your Partner’s complete progression.
Is Salamon a Good Starter?
Absolutely.
Salamon performs exactly the same as every other Partner Digimon in Digimon UP. There are no hidden stat differences, stronger skills, or exclusive advantages tied to choosing Salamon.
The only real differences are:
- Evolution line
- Appearance
- Battle animations
Everything else—including combat performance—is shared across every Partner Digimon.
If Salamon is your favorite Digimon, you can confidently choose it without worrying about falling behind other players.
Which Battle Type Works Best?
After reaching Level 20, you’ll choose one of three Battle Types.
- Attack Type focuses on faster Normal Attacks and higher overall damage.
- Defense Type improves survivability by increasing defensive capabilities.
- SP Type specializes in stronger Skill Damage and active abilities.
Since Battle Types determine your Partner’s active and passive skills, this choice has a much greater impact on gameplay than selecting Salamon itself.
Salamon is an excellent choice for players who want to experience one of Digimon’s most beloved evolution lines while progressing through Digimon UP. From YukimiBotamon all the way to its powerful Mega form, each Digivolution increases your Partner’s combat strength and unlocks new milestones along the way.
Most importantly, choosing Salamon doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. Every Partner Digimon in the game shares the same long-term potential, allowing you to enjoy your favorite Digimon while remaining just as competitive as any other starter.