How to Catch a Ditto in Pokemon Go

Ditto is among the most sought after first generation Pokémon, mainly due to the complexity of catching one. That's because this purple slimy monster can transform into another Pokemon, and you can't know it's Ditto until you catch it. If you're wondering how to integrate Ditto into your Pokedex, we're here to help.

In this guide, we'll explain how to increase your chances of catching a Ditto and how to get the Pokemon by trading. Additionally, we'll share other useful information about Ditto, including how to use Ditto in battles. Keep reading to become a qualified Ditto trainer.

How to Catch a Ditto

There's no way to know you've encountered a Ditto until you catch a Pokemon. Once the Pokémon is captured, you will see an “Oh? sign instead of the usual "Gotcha" on your screen, and the Pokémon you caught will reveal its real, purple, smiling appearance.

Doesn't seem useful, does it? Well, you can increase your chances of catching Ditto by learning the types of Pokémon he can disguise himself as. Here is a list of Pokémon that can transform into Ditto after being caught:

Always pay attention to these Pokémon species, and sooner or later the desired Ditto will be added to your Pokedex.

Another point to note is that Dittos appear in the same place for all players. If you're walking with a friend and they catch a Ditto, walk to the same spot and catch the same Pokemon. It will also turn into Ditto.

How to Trade for a Ditto in Pokemon Go

In early 2022, the developers of Pokemon Go added a trading feature to the game. Now players can trade their Pokemon with friends, but each monster can only be traded once. If you're unlucky in catching a Ditto but your friend has more than one, you can trade one of your Pokemon for Ditto. Here's how:

1. Meet a friend who owns a Ditto. You must be physically in the same location to redeem.
2. Launch Pokemon Go and go to your trainer profile.
   
3. Go to the "Friends" tab to view your friends list.
   
4. Tap the name of a friend you want to trade Pokémon with.
   
5. Tap "Redeem".
   
6. You'll see a list of all of your Pokemon, along with their stats. Select the one you want to gift.
   
7. Tap "Next" and wait for your friend to select the same.
   
8. You will see the amount of Stardust needed to trade your Pokemon and the amount of Candy you will receive. If you are satisfied, press "Confirm".
   
9. Congratulation! Ditto is now in your Pokedex.
   

Note: Pokemon HP, CP and other stats are adjusted after trading based on player level. So if you're level 13 and your friend is level 26, you won't be able to get Pokémon as strong as them.

FAQ

Read this section to learn more about Ditto and catching Pokemon.

Can I hatch a ditto from an egg?

You can hatch most Pokemon from an egg, but Ditto is a very special kind. It cannot be hatched; the only way to acquire it is to catch it or trade it.

Idem can it evolve?

Ditto cannot evolve since it only has one form. However, you can still power it up like any other Pokemon using Candy and Stardust. In addition, Ditto can earn you a candy for every three kilometers traveled in pairs.

How to use Ditto in battles?

You might be thinking – why catch a Ditto if it doesn't evolve and isn't as strong as some other Pokemon? The thing is, Ditto has a unique ability to transform into his opponent's form. Ditto then learns the moves and attacks of the opponent. Keep in mind that Ditto does not adjust his CP or HP. And how do you win against someone who knows your every move?

What are the chances of catching a ditto?

Niantic does not disclose the exact odds of catching a Ditto, but players speculate it at around 3%, which is extremely rare. Some believe the odds increase by up to 9% when you throw a Pokeball at fourth generation Pokemon, such as Stunky.

Ditto hunting

Hopefully our guide will help you catch the desired Ditto. Watch out for Ditto's common disguises and you'll get him sooner or later. Although Ditto can be useful in battles, it's far from the strongest species. Maybe receiving Ditto from trading is a smart move that lets you focus on catching more powerful monsters.

What is the rarest Pokémon currently in your Pokedex? Share in the comments section below.