Dina Bader: Still looking for Ditto in Pokémon Go? Here's how to catch it!

If you're looking for Ditto, here's what Pokémon you need to be catching!

Ditto is a Pokémon who can transform into other Pokémon. It can take on the appearance, attributes, and attacks of any other Pokémon it sees. Although Ditto was missing from the original launch of Pokémon Go, Ditto eventually found its way into the world, hiding as Pidgey, Rattata, Zubat, and Magikarp. With each subsequent generation, Ditto has learned to transform into new species and sometimes, it will stop showing up as certain species.

Which Pokémon can be Ditto?

As of October 2020, Ditto can be hiding as any of the following Pokémon:

Paras
Hoothoot
Spinarak
Hoppip
Remoraid
Whismur
Gulpin
Nummel
Bidoof
Foongus

What's Ditto and why do you want it?

Ditto, also known as the Transform Pokémon, is a little, purple blob of a Pokémon that was part of the original 151 Pokémon of Gen I. Although it may not look like much, Ditto is capable of mimicking the appearance and powers of any other Pokémon it sees. While that isn't super useful most of the time, you will want it to complete your Pokédex, as well as for certain Special Research. In fact, you cannot catch Mew without first catching Ditto.

So Ditto hides as other Pokémon?

Yup! Ditto can transform into other Pokémon, and, so far, he's only being encountered in the wild in his transformed state. That means you can't see Ditto on Nearby or Sightings, and you won't know if he's spawned right next to you until you catch him.

It's only then you'll be greeted with an "Oh?" instead of a "Gotcha!" and he'll be revealed as Ditto. So, you gotta catch 'em all. Literally. Because anyone of them could be Ditto.

Why do the Pokémon Ditto hides as change?

When Magikarp was the first Pokémon in Go to have a Shiny variant available, Ditto could no longer hide as Magikarp. Since then, anytime a Shiny variant of a potential Ditto species is released, it is removed from the pool. However, more Pokémon are also added to the pool to compensate. They're always really common Pokémon, so as to avoid disappointment over a Pokémon you really wanted turning into Ditto.

Is there any way to speed up the Ditto catching process?

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 when I find it?

Since Ditto hides as common Pokémon, you catch it in the same way. Some common Pokémon are harder to catch than you'd expect — thanks, Pokémon Go! — especially if they're low stat (IV) and high level. That's where the CP looks low, but they're a huge pain to catch. Ditto tends to fall into that category as well.

The usual rules apply, though. Always go for curveballs, and stack as many bonuses as you can and have at them!

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 while trying to catch more Pokémon will also increase your chances of finding and catching a Ditto.

How does Ditto work in Gyms and Raids?

Ditto only has 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 it, for training or for taking down.

He also takes on the attributes of the Pokémon he's mimicking, though there are some reports that 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.

Any Ditto catching questions?

Have any questions about Ditto? Tips for fellow Trainers? Drop them in the comments below, and be sure to check out our Complete Pokédex, as well as our many Pokémon Go Guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!