Ditto vs. Ditto: A Transformative Showdown
The question of what happens when two Ditto face off in battle is a classic thought experiment for Pokémon enthusiasts. The short answer is: It’s a Transform-filled stalemate with a likely conclusion of Struggle for one or both combatants. Here’s why: both Dittos use Transform on each other. The first Ditto will Transform into the other Ditto. The other Ditto’s Transform will fail since it targets a Pokémon that already Transformed. The Ditto that Transformed will keep getting its PP refilled from using Transform. The Ditto who Transform failed will run out of PP and start Struggling.
The Mechanics of Transform
Before we delve deeper, it’s essential to understand the move Transform. This unique move allows a Pokémon, most famously Ditto, to copy the appearance, type, moves, and stats (except HP) of its opponent. However, it only gets 5 PP for each move after transforming. This is a crucial point when considering a Ditto mirror match.
Round 1: Transform!
When two Ditto enter a battle, their immediate instinct (and usually only option) is to use Transform. The first Ditto to act successfully Transforms into its opponent. This means it now looks like another Ditto that has used Transform.
The Second Transform Fails
Here’s where things get interesting. The second Ditto, attempting to Transform into the first, now finds itself facing another Ditto already in its Transformed state. Transform cannot be used on a Pokémon that has already Transformed. Therefore, the second Ditto’s Transform move will fail, wasting a turn.
The PP Predicament
Now, we have one Ditto successfully Transformed into a Ditto, while the other remains in its original, non-Transformed state. The Transformed Ditto can only use Transform, but it gets 5 PP for each time it uses that move, after the initial use. Since that Ditto can’t transform into a Pokémon which is already transformed, it gets Stuck spamming Transform and replenishing its PP at 5. It won’t run out of PP. The other Ditto, stuck spamming Transform, will run out of PP, eventually being forced to use Struggle. Struggle is a damaging move used when a Pokémon has no other usable moves, and it inflicts recoil damage on the user.
The Inevitable Struggle
The non-Transformed Ditto, after exhausting all its PP, will start using Struggle. This means it will take damage with each attack, while the Transformed Ditto continues to replenish its PP using Transform.
Stalemate Scenario
One may think that the non-Transformed Ditto would eventually faint by spamming Struggle. However, the Transformed Ditto uses Transform, which deals no damage. Thus, both trainers would be forced to switch out their Dittos to avoid stalling out the game.
Why Ditto Battles Are Niche
Ditto is a highly situational Pokémon. Its effectiveness hinges entirely on the opponent it’s facing. Against a powerful Pokémon, a well-timed Transform can turn the tide of battle. However, against another Ditto, or against Pokémon with specific abilities that counter Transform, it becomes virtually useless. This is why Ditto is often considered a niche pick, requiring careful planning and precise execution.
Conclusion
A Ditto mirror match is a curious affair, showcasing the unique mechanics of Transform and the importance of PP management. While it might not be the most exciting battle to watch, it highlights the strategic depth that can be found within the Pokémon world. You can learn more about Pokémon and other games at the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, which explores the educational aspects of gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Ditto breed with other Ditto?
Unfortunately, Ditto cannot breed with other Ditto. The members of the Ditto Egg Group cannot breed with each other. The only way to acquire a Ditto is through catching them in the wild, trading with another player, or through claiming one in a special event.
2. Are Dittos good in battle?
As mentioned, Ditto is a very niche pick. It’s a Pokémon that can either be crushed into defeat or singlehandedly flatten the opposing team. It’s hard to use effectively, but when unleashed at just the right moment, it can be an incredible thing to behold.
3. Can Ditto transform into ally Pokemon?
No, it cannot. Transform is a move that transforms a Pokémon into another Pokémon, copying its type and moves. Mew can also use Transform, but it only works on opposing Pokémon.
4. What Pokemon can’t breed with Ditto?
The only things that can’t breed with Ditto are baby Pokémon like Riolu, Pichu, Togepi, etc., new fossils, Type: Null, Silvally, and Legendary Pokémon.
5. Why is Ditto considered the most dangerous Pokemon?
Ditto isn’t necessarily the most dangerous, but its ability to Transform into any Pokémon makes it incredibly versatile and unpredictable. A skilled trainer can use Ditto to exploit an opponent’s weaknesses.
6. Can Eevee and Ditto breed?
Yes, Eevee and Ditto can breed. This is a common strategy for obtaining more Eevee, especially if you’re looking for specific Eevee evolutions.
7. Is it bad to breed with Ditto?
Breeding with Ditto isn’t inherently “bad,” but it does mean you might miss out on influencing the genetic mix of your Pokémon. It’s often used for convenience when breeding for specific natures or abilities.
8. How do you get a 6-star Ditto?
The best opportunity to get a six-IV Ditto comes from six-star Tera Raid battles, which can be unlocked in the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet post-game. Pokémon caught in six-star raids are guaranteed to have five perfect IVs.
9. Can both male and female Pokemon breed with Ditto?
Yes, Ditto’s genderless nature allows it to breed with almost any other Pokémon, regardless of its gender.
10. Can Ditto transform into Legendaries?
Ditto can Transform into a Legendary Pokémon, copying its appearance, type, and moves. However, it won’t have the same base stats as the original Legendary.
11. Is Ditto the most powerful Pokémon ever?
No. While Ditto’s ability to copy other Pokémon is powerful, it’s limited by its lower HP and dependence on the opponent.
12. What is the best Pokémon to fight a Ditto?
The best Pokémon to fight a Ditto are those with unique abilities or moves that are unaffected by Transform. High-attack Pokémon that can quickly knock out Ditto before it can effectively use its copied moves are also effective.
13. Can Mew and Ditto make an egg?
No, Mew and Ditto cannot make an egg. Mew is in the Undiscovered Egg Group, and Pokémon in this group cannot breed, even with Ditto.
14. Can Lugia breed with Ditto?
No, Lugia cannot breed with Ditto. Legendary Pokémon generally fall under the Undiscovered Egg Group and therefore cannot breed.
15. Why breed with high IV Dittos?
Dittos with high IVs (Individual Values) are highly sought after for breeding because they increase the chances of producing offspring with similarly high IVs. This is crucial for competitive Pokémon training. Non-English Dittos are also used for the Masuda method to increase shiny Pokémon odds.