How to Catch Ditto in Pokémon Go 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Catching a Ditto in Pokémon Go is a unique challenge, as this elusive Pokémon doesn’t appear in its true form in the wild. Instead, it disguises itself as other, more common Pokémon. To catch a Ditto in 2023, you must catch every single potential Ditto disguise that you encounter. After catching the disguised Pokémon, you’ll get an “Oh?” prompt if it turns out to be a Ditto. Knowing the current list of Ditto disguises is crucial. This guide provides everything you need to know to increase your chances of finding this shapeshifting Pokémon.
Understanding Ditto’s Disguise
Ditto’s core mechanic revolves around mimicry. It hides in plain sight, taking the form of ordinary Pokémon that appear frequently in the game. The disguises change periodically, so staying updated is essential. Unlike many other Pokémon encounters, there isn’t any visual cue in the wild to suggest that a Pokémon is secretly a Ditto. You won’t know until after you’ve caught it. Once caught, the “Oh?” prompt will appear and the Pokémon will transform into Ditto on your screen.
Current Ditto Disguises (October 2023):
As of October 2023, Ditto can disguise itself as the following Pokémon:
- Diglett (Gen 1, Kanto)
- Grimer (Gen 1, Kanto)
- Snubbull (Gen 2, Johto)
- Corphish (Gen 3, Hoenn)
- Starly (Gen 4, Sinnoh)
- Roggenrola (Gen 5, Unova)
- Tympole (Gen 5, Unova)
- Litleo (Gen 6, Kalos)
Keep an eye out for these specific spawns, as they are your potential ticket to catching a Ditto!
Strategies for Finding Ditto
Since Ditto’s appearance is unpredictable, a systematic approach can significantly improve your odds.
1. Catch Everything!
The most straightforward, albeit time-consuming, strategy is to catch every Pokémon on the Ditto disguise list that you encounter. Don’t discriminate! Even if you have plenty of that specific Pokémon already, each catch is a chance at finding Ditto.
2. Use Incense and Lure Modules
Incense and Lure Modules increase the spawn rate of Pokémon around you. Incense attracts Pokémon to your location, while Lure Modules attract Pokémon to a specific PokéStop. By using these items, you’ll encounter more of the potential Ditto disguises, thus increasing your chances of finding Ditto. The article also mentions that Dittos are attracted to the same lures and incense as the Pokemon they’re pretending to be.
3. Focus on Common Spawn Locations
Ditto typically disguises itself as common Pokémon. Visit areas known for high Pokémon density, such as parks, shopping centers, and university campuses. These locations tend to have a higher concentration of the Pokémon that Ditto could be disguised as.
4. Take Advantage of Events
During certain Pokémon Go events, spawn rates for specific Pokémon are boosted. If any of the Pokémon on the Ditto disguise list are featured during an event, it’s an excellent time to hunt for Ditto. Keep an eye on Pokémon Go’s official announcements for upcoming events.
5. Curveballs and Bonuses
The article mentions that if you head for the curveballs and stack bonuses, you will increase your chances of catching them. This means employing skillful throws to increase the catch rate of each potential Ditto. This may seem irrelevant, but any advantage to catching more disguised Pokemon increases the odds.
Things to Avoid
While hunting for Ditto, be mindful of a few things that can hinder your progress.
- Trading: Although you can trade for a Ditto, it doesn’t count towards quests that require you to catch a Ditto. You must catch it yourself to fulfill quest requirements.
- Assuming Rarity: Don’t assume that just because a Pokémon is common, it can’t be Ditto. Ditto disguises itself as common Pokémon precisely to remain hidden.
Understanding Ditto’s Catch Rate
Even though Ditto disguises itself, it still has a slightly lower catch rate than the Pokémon it’s impersonating. If you find that a Pokémon that is typically easy to catch is proving surprisingly difficult, it could be a Ditto. However, this is not a foolproof method, as random chance can also play a factor.
Additional Resources
Learning more about Pokemon Go can be fun. Check out what the Games Learning Society is doing to bring gaming and education together at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I catch a Shiny Ditto in Pokémon Go?
Yes, Shiny Ditto is available in Pokémon Go. However, you won’t know if a disguised Pokémon is a Shiny Ditto until after you catch it and it transforms. Shiny Ditto is blue, instead of the normal pink color.
2. How rare is it to find a Ditto?
Ditto only has a 3% encounter rate, making it a relatively rare Pokémon to find in the wild.
3. Does a Lucky Egg help me catch Ditto?
No, a Lucky Egg doesn’t increase your chances of catching Ditto. However, if you’re actively catching Pokémon to find Ditto, using a Lucky Egg will double the XP you earn, making it a worthwhile investment if you’re also trying to level up.
4. Can Ditto breed in Pokémon Go?
Ditto cannot breed with other Ditto. However, Ditto can breed with most other Pokémon (excluding Legendaries, Mythicals, and other Ditto).
5. Are Ditto’s disguises the same every month?
No, the list of Pokémon that Ditto can disguise itself as changes periodically. Always check the current list to focus your efforts.
6. Can I use an Incense or Lure Module to specifically attract Ditto?
You can’t specifically attract Ditto, but Incense and Lure Modules attract more Pokémon in general, increasing the odds of encountering one of Ditto’s potential disguises.
7. Is there a specific time of day when Ditto is more likely to spawn?
There is no confirmed specific time of day when Ditto is more likely to spawn. The spawn rate appears to be random.
8. Does the weather affect Ditto spawns?
The weather can affect the spawns of the Pokémon that Ditto disguises itself as. Focus on catching weather-boosted Pokémon that are on the Ditto disguise list.
9. If I see multiple of the same Pokémon at a PokéStop, is one more likely to be a Ditto?
According to the source material, “Ditto will usually spawn in a grouping. Example would be say you come up to a pokestop and there are 2 or 3 of the same type of mon (and its not an event day). One of those could be a ditto.” While this is unconfirmed, it could be a useful strategy.
10. Does Team Rocket affect Ditto spawns?
Team Rocket battles do not directly affect Ditto spawns. However, battling Team Rocket Grunts can provide encounters with Shadow Pokémon, some of which might be on the current Ditto disguise list.
11. Can Field Research Tasks help me find Ditto?
Sometimes, Field Research Tasks require you to catch specific Pokémon. If any of those Pokémon are on the current Ditto disguise list, completing those tasks can offer additional encounter opportunities.
12. Is there any way to visually identify a Ditto in the wild before catching it?
No, there is no visual distinction between a regular Pokémon and a Ditto in disguise. You won’t know until you catch it.
13. How do I know if a Pokémon is Ditto in disguise?
After catching a Pokémon, you’ll receive an “Oh?” prompt, and the Pokémon will transform into Ditto on the catch screen.
14. Does Pokémon Go ever release Special Research Tasks that guarantee a Ditto encounter?
Yes, Pokémon Go has occasionally released Special Research Tasks that reward a Ditto encounter upon completion. Keep an eye out for these events.
15. Is Ditto a failed clone of Mew?
This is a long-standing fan theory. But in a 2016 interview, series director Junichi Masuda (who’s been at Game Freak since before Gen 1) debunked the theory.