Since its release, Pokemon GO has allowed trainers to catch many iconic Pokemon across the world in person or remotely with a pass. While only Generation 1 was present at launch, Niantic has steadily introduced other regions and continued to streamline the process of acquiring older Pokemon. To that end, some previously rarer Pokemon have become much easier to find than before, including the transforming Ditto.
Ditto is a Generation 1 Pokemon that was first made available in November of 2016. However, finding Ditto was unlike any other encounter since it would assume the form of other common Pokemon like Magikarp, Rattata, and Pidgey until successfully caught. Years later, Ditto has learned several new tricks to change into more Pokemon from later generations and remains a key target for trainers trying to complete their Pokedex or finish the steps to catch Mew. Thankfully, tracking Ditto down nowadays is very straightforward with a few key steps.
Wild Pokemon Ditto Can Be
Although Ditto eventually changes what wild Pokemon it can transform into, the current list was recently updated in August 2020.
- Paras
- Hoothoot
- Ledyba
- Spinarak
- Hoppip
- Remoraid
- Whismur
- Gulpin
- Numel
- Bidoof
- Foongus
If trainers catch one of these Pokemon and see an "Oh?" instead of the usual "Gotcha!", Ditto will pop up moments later. Note that Ditto won't impersonate any shiny Pokemon after a previous fix due to complaints that a rare shiny turned into a normal-colored version of Ditto.
Maximizing Capture Chances
Because trainers only have a limited amount of tries before the wild Pokemon flees, they should immediately use the best items like Ultra Balls and Golden Razz Berries. Furthermore, a successful curveball will give an even higher catch rate than just throwing an Ultra Ball. Likewise, each Pokemon that Ditto can transform into has a different flee rate, so trainers have a bit more leeway with some species if they prove stubborn with higher CP levels. On the other hand, a critical capture will very rarely trigger and guarantee capturing the would-be Ditto.
Using Lures and Incense
Additionally, the Pokemon that are attracted to lure modules and incense can also be Ditto if they're on its list. Because of how both items work, trainers will get more encounters and chances with wild Pokemon by using a lure at a PokeStop or gym instead of walking around with incense. Fortunately, both items can be used at the same time to stack their effects. While active, trainers should prioritize the more common spawns that Ditto could be.
Team Up with Other Players
In the end, the most effective way to hunt down a Ditto is grouping up on social media or real life with other Pokemon GO trainers, friends, and even family. If one person finds Ditto, the wild Pokemon located at the same place will also transform back once captured for everyone else as well.
Pokemon GO is available in select regions on Android and iOS.
Source: iMore