How to Catch Ditto in Pokémon GO – If you’re a Pokémon GO trainer on a quest to catch them all, you know that Ditto can be one of the trickiest Pokémon to find. Unlike other Pokémon, Ditto has the unique ability to disguise itself as various common species, making it a mystery for trainers to uncover. This guide covers everything you need to know to catch Ditto in Pokémon GO, from understanding its transformations to using the best strategies to find it more efficiently.
What Makes Ditto Special in Pokémon GO?
Ditto is a unique Pokémon because it doesn’t appear on your screen as itself. Instead, it hides by transforming into specific Pokémon species, changing its form completely until you catch it. Only after capturing the Pokémon will Ditto reveal itself, making it an exciting challenge for players. Ditto also plays a role in Special Research quests and events, so it’s crucial for advancing in the game and completing your Pokédex.
Current Ditto Disguises in Pokémon GO
Since Ditto can mimic other Pokémon, knowing which Pokémon it can transform into is essential for tracking it down. Niantic updates Ditto’s disguises periodically, but there are usually a few common species that Ditto mimics each season. Here’s a list of Ditto disguises as of the latest update:
- Gulpin
- Numel
- Litleo
- Ekans
- Spinarak
- Bidoof
- Finneon
- Dwebble
- Swirlix
Keep in mind that this list can change, so check the latest updates or event announcements in Pokémon GO for any new additions to Ditto’s disguise list. Knowing which Pokémon it transforms into will help you narrow down your search, making it easier to catch Ditto.
How to Identify Potential Ditto Encounters
Since Ditto appears as a different Pokémon, there’s no direct way to identify it in the wild. However, understanding a few patterns and common traits can increase your chances of finding one.
- Frequent Catch Rate Drops: If you find a low CP Pokémon that suddenly becomes more difficult to catch than expected, it may be Ditto. Pokémon with a high flee rate or odd capture difficulty can sometimes be a disguised Ditto.
- Event Research Tasks: During specific events, Pokémon GO may introduce Research Tasks that include catching Ditto. Completing these tasks can offer clues about where Ditto may spawn more frequently.
- Focus on Ditto Disguise Spawns: Concentrate on areas where Ditto disguise Pokémon spawn frequently. Locations like parks, urban areas, and near water sources often have high spawn rates for common species, increasing the chance of encountering a Ditto.
- Catch Everything: Because you can’t tell if a Pokémon is a Ditto until after catching it, you’ll need to catch a lot of Pokémon. Focusing on Ditto disguise species, however, will narrow down your efforts and increase your chances.
Top Strategies for Catching Ditto in Pokémon GO
Catching Ditto is a mix of patience, persistence, and the right strategy. Here are some tips that can make the process faster and more enjoyable:
1. Utilize Incense and Lures
Using items like Incense and Lure Modules can help attract more Pokémon to your location. Since Ditto hides in common Pokémon, the more Pokémon that spawn around you, the higher the chances you’ll encounter Ditto’s disguise. During special events, Niantic often increases the spawn rates for Ditto disguise Pokémon, so combining Incense with event spawns can be particularly effective.
2. Use Ditto-Specific Locations
Some Pokémon spawn more frequently in specific habitats. For example:
- Near Water: Finneon is more common around water sources.
- Parks and Forests: Pokémon like Gulpin and Spinarak often appear in grassy areas or parks.
- Exploring these areas can help you target specific disguises, and you may be able to narrow down your search based on the habitat of Ditto disguises.
3. Join Pokémon GO Communities
Online communities, social media groups, and forums can be great resources for finding Ditto. Trainers often share their encounters and discoveries, allowing you to get real-time information on where Ditto may be appearing in your area. Platforms like Discord, Reddit, and Facebook often have groups dedicated to Pokémon GO players who share sightings and tips.
4. Take Advantage of Pokémon GO Events
Niantic often holds events that increase the spawn rates of certain Pokémon, including those that Ditto disguises itself as. During these events, focus on catching as many disguise Pokémon as possible since the higher spawn rate increases your odds of finding Ditto. Special Research tasks also become available during events, which sometimes guarantee Ditto encounters.
Ditto’s Role in Research Tasks and Quests
In Pokémon GO, Ditto is frequently required for specific Special Research tasks. Completing these tasks can unlock rare rewards, Pokémon encounters, and experience points. Quests such as “Let’s GO, Meltan” require players to catch Ditto to advance, so capturing Ditto can be essential for progressing in the game.
Keep an eye on Special Research tasks in your quest log, as Niantic may update these tasks with additional rewards or bonuses for catching Ditto. The quests are typically straightforward but knowing Ditto disguises and focusing on common spawn points will make these tasks much easier.
How to Catch Shiny Ditto in Pokémon GO
Occasionally, Niantic releases special events that include a chance to catch Shiny Ditto. Shiny Ditto appears as the Shiny version of its disguise Pokémon, so you won’t know it’s a Shiny Ditto until after you catch it. Keep in mind that the odds of encountering a Shiny Ditto are lower than a standard Ditto, so patience is crucial.
To increase your odds:
- Catch all Shiny Disguises: If you come across a Shiny Pokémon that is one of Ditto’s disguises, there’s a chance it could be a Shiny Ditto.
- Event Days: Niantic often increases Shiny spawn rates during Community Days or special events. These are the best times to try for a Shiny Ditto.
- Daily Catch Limit: Maximize your daily catch limit by focusing on Ditto disguises to increase the chances of encountering a Shiny.
Final Thoughts
Catching Ditto is both a test of luck and persistence. Unlike other Pokémon, Ditto requires you to think outside the box, as it hides behind familiar faces. By targeting Ditto’s disguise species, utilizing lures, and staying informed on updates, you’ll improve your odds of finding this elusive Pokémon. Keep at it, enjoy the hunt, and soon enough, Ditto will reveal itself in your Pokédex.
For Pokémon trainers, capturing Ditto is a rewarding experience that requires dedication and strategy. So, gear up, hit those disguise Pokémon spawns, and may the odds be in your favor!