Pokemon GO: How to Catch Ditto and All Disguises

If you’re like me, you’ve got multiple Special Research tasks stacking up that require you to catch a Ditto in Pokemon GO. Not only is the Pokemon elusive, but it can also disguise itself as other mon’. Here’s how to nab one.

How do You Catch a Ditto in Pokemon GO?

There are a number of Special Research or Field Tasks that require you to catch a Ditto to complete. These include Let’s Go, Meltan (3 of 9), and A Mythical Discovery (5 of 8). I’ve caught one in my history of playing since release, so I understand the frustration of searching for this elusive creature.

Thankfully, there are a few things we can do to increase our odds of encountering one.

• Join PoGO forums: When a Ditto appears, it appears for all players in the area. Being part of a Facebook group, Discord channel, or even a chat with multiple local players can help you find one. Just look for any shout outs that someone caught it, where it was, and what it was and try to head there yourself.
• Look for Disguise Pokemon: Check out what Pokemon are near you, which may have a community day, or for those that spawn more frequently in certain weather. When they’re around, use Incense to attract more.
• Use a Lure: If you live near a PokeStop or will be in the radius of one, drop a lure. Use a specialized one if you have it, but normal Lures work just as well to increase spawns.
• Use Berries: To increase your chance of catching the potential Ditto, use a Razzberry to lower the difficulty of the catch.

Current Pokemon GO Ditto Disguises

As of the December 11, 2023, Adamant Time Pokemon GO update, Ditto can be masquerading as the following Pokemon:

• Goldeen
• Koffing
• Oddish
• Rhyhorn

Can Ditto Be Shiny? Answered

Yes, Ditto can be Shiny. Originally released as a Special Research task back in 2021, it’s been fully included in the game as a regular encounter. Since Ditto is a rarer Pokemon, its shiny rate is 1 in 64. Shiny Ditto is light blue in color instead of the light purple coloring of its regular form.

Unlike other Shiny Pokemon that you know are Shiny before you catch them, you won’t know you’ve caught a Shiny Ditto until the reveal. That’s because if a Shiny Pokemon that can change into Ditto is encountered, it will never be Ditto. That just robs you of that Shiny Pokemon.

So you’ll need to catch a regular Pokemon, and then it will have a chance of turning into Shiny Ditto. As a bonus, you’ve already caught the Ditto, so you won’t have to worry about it running away.

That’s how to catch a Shiny Ditto, or a Ditto in general, in Pokemon GO. I wish you luck in catching this master of disguise and completing any outstanding Special Research tasks you may have. I know I’m still trying to find one. If you’re struggling with other aspects of PoGO, such as defeating Raid Pokemon or battling in the Master League, check out the rest of our Pokemon GO guides.