The Transform Pokémon, Ditto was missing from the original launch of Pokémon Go, but Ditto eventually found its way into the world, hiding as common Pokémon. Fortunately, we here at iMore know everything you need to know to catch this elusive Pokémon.
What is Ditto in Pokémon Go?
Ditto is the Transform Pokémon, a Pokémon capable of transforming itself into any Pokémon it encounters. When Ditto uses move Transform, it changes its appearance and moves into that of its opponent.
In Pokémon Go, wild Ditto are always disguised as other Pokémon until they're caught, so that Pidgey you just spotted could actually be a Ditto. Fortunately, Ditto can only disguise itself as certain species. We've compiled this list to make it easier to hunt Ditto, and be sure to check out our best Pokémon Go accessories so you can be fully equipped for your Pokémon Journey.
Which Pokémon can be Ditto in Pokémon Go?
As of July 2023, Ditto can be hiding as any of the following Pokémon:
- Diglett*
- Grimer*
- Snubbull*
- Corphish*
- Starly*
- Roggenrola*
- Tympole*
- Litleo*
Pokémon with the potential to be Shiny are indicated with an asterisk, but if a Pokémon appears as Shiny, it cannot transform into Ditto.
So Ditto hides as other Pokémon?
Yup! Ditto can transform into other Pokémon, and he can only be encountered in the wild in his transformed state. That means you'll never see Ditto in Nearby or Sightings, and you won't know if he's spawned right next to you until after you catch him.
It's only then you'll be greeted with an "Oh?" instead of a "Gotcha!" and the Pokémon you just caught will transform back into Ditto. So, you gotta catch 'em all. Literally. Because you never know when the Pokémon you're catching is actually a Ditto in disguise.
Why do the Pokémon that can be Ditto in Pokémon Go change?
Magikarp was the first Pokémon in Go to have a Shiny variant available, so to avoid disappointment over a Shiny Pokémon you really wanted turning into Ditto, Ditto could no longer hide as Magikarp. For years, anytime a Shiny variant of a potential Ditto species has been released, it was removed from the pool and more Pokémon were added to the pool to compensate.
Then on February 20, 2021, the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto event introduced Shiny variants for the remaining Gen I Pokémon, including Ditto. In order to catch a Shiny Ditto, however, Trainers had to complete the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto Special Research storyline available only to players who purchased a ticket for the event.
However, beginning in September 2021, the Season of Mischief added Shiny Ditto in the wild. Now Pokémon Ditto can be hiding as can include some Pokémon with Shiny variants already unlocked. To avoid disappointing players, if a Pokémon appears as Shiny, it won't be a Ditto, but if it's not Shiny, not only can it be Ditto, but that Ditto can also be Shiny, so if you missed out on catching a Shiny Ditto during the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto Special Research, you'll want to catch every Pokémon on the list you can.
Is there any way to speed up catching Ditto in Pokémon Go?
Yes. Because Ditto is determined the moment a Pokémon spawns, you can crowd-source it. If you're already part of a local Pokémon Go community on Discord, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Slack, or a similar service, for example, for organizing Raids, ask everyone to post their Ditto encounters so you can try to get to one live. You may want to make a separate group or room for Ditto hunting, so you don't spam players who already have Ditto, but as long as it's local, it should increase your chances.
How do I catch Ditto in Pokémon Go?
Since Ditto hides as common Pokémon, you catch it the same way as any other Pokémon. Always go for curveballs, and stack as many bonuses as you can to increase your chances of a successful catch, but it shouldn't be too difficult.
How to stack bonuses to catch tough Pokémon in Pokémon Go!
You can also increase your chances by using Incense, Lure Mods, and Pokémon Go Plus. Anything you would normally use to catch more Pokémon will also increase your chances of finding and catching Ditto.
How do gyms and raids work with Ditto in Pokémon Go?
Ditto only has the one moveset: Transform and Struggle. Transform does zero damage, but instead, immediately changes Ditto in the same Pokémon he's fighting. That's true whether he's defending a gym or attacking.
He also takes on the attributes of the Pokémon he's mimicking, though his exact CP will vary based on his level rather than the level of the Pokémon he's copying. And, of course, a Ditto transforming into another Ditto stays the same.
Be sure to catch Ditto in Pokémon Go!
Hopefully now you can catch Ditto and Shiny Ditto and be sure to check out our other Pokémon Go guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!
