Ditto Movesets & Competitive Sets

Transform is Ditto's only move option, but it should not ever have to click it anyhow with Imposter. The given EVs and nature allow for a stronger Future Sight after copying Pokemon like Galarian Articuno. The Quiet nature and 0 Speed IVs allow Ditto to have Imposter activate last in the rare mirror matchup with more Transform PP. Ditto fits best on stall builds, as they have the defensive structure to support Ditto while appreciating its unique blanket revenge killing capabilities. Slow pivots like defensive Uxie and Togedemaru are good partners to safely allow Ditto to check foes such as Lycanroc and Silvally-Steel. Ditto cannot reliably beat common bulky setup sweepers like Coil Sandaconda, making one of Haze Quagsire or Spite Pyukumuku solid support. They also wall Ninjask, which Ditto cannot properly check because of Speed Boost. Ditto is vulnerable to all entry hazards, bar Sticky Web, so consistent hazard removers like Articuno and Charizard are essential.

Ditto is a reliable revenge killer with good offensive matchups, since it's able to revenge kill Pokemon like Dragon Dance Flygon and Shell Smash Cloyster. It also has a good stall matchup because it can infinitely replenish PP and copy utility moves. Ditto's EVs just maximize its physical bulk and minimize Speed in case of the rare Ditto mirror matchup, while the Impish nature and 4 Speed IVs with a Choice Scarf allow it to outspeed Galarian Weezing, which can block Imposter by activating Neutralizing Gas. An alternative spread with 0 Speed IVs and a Relaxed nature maximizes Ditto's chances of winning mirror matchups. Ditto can fit on a team mainly looking for a revenge killer to deal with a range of threats that cannot be walled by a single Pokemon and could break through the team. Thus, it's a solid pick with a defensive backbone. In return, defensive teammates can switch into offensive foes for it. Ditto can also fit on offensive teams that have very little defensive backbone, revenge killing threats that could run through the team and patching up the stall matchup. Ditto in turn appreciates offensive breakers such as Toxtricity and Heracross helping its shaky matchup against balance teams. It also needs teammates that can beat Substitute users like Suicune; countermeasures to these Pokemon include Infiltrator Pokemon such as Toxic Crobat and Noivern. Entry hazard removers like Togekiss can also be helpful for Ditto to reliably switch into threats. Cleric support from Pokemon like Umbreon and Sylveon prevents Toxic from stopping Ditto against stall teams. Finally, Knock Off absorbers like Bewear and Galarian Weezing can be vital, as Ditto losing its Choice Scarf means it will be unable to revenge kill offensive threats.

Transform is the only move Ditto learns. The provided EVs allow Ditto to do more damage with Future Sight after transforming into a Pokemon like Slowking. Ditto is able to function as a revenge killer on any archetype but is most often found on bulky balance or stall teams that are too passive to efficiently prevent Pokemon from setting up. Chansey is an excellent partner that can get Ditto in safely with Teleport to immediately pressure strong wallbreakers like Salamence and Lycanroc-D. Since Ditto is grounded before transforming, it is vulnerable to all entry hazards besides Sticky Web; entry hazard removal from Salamence and Mandibuzz is valuable to keep Ditto healthy. Skarmory is able to provide Spikes to wear down the opposing team to better facilitate a countersweep from Ditto. Grass-types like Tangrowth and Amoonguss appreciate Ditto's ability to countersweep, since Pokemon like Salamence often use them as setup fodder. In return, Tangrowth and Amoonguss can switch into opposing Choice Scarf users like Diggersby and Zarude, which Speed tie with Ditto, and sponge Knock Off. Regenerator users such as the aforementioned Reuniclus, Amoonguss, and Tangrowth work well with Ditto, as they can PP stall defensive walls like Chansey together. On stall teams, Pokemon like Haze Quagsire and Articuno can beat Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro, which Ditto is unable to revenge kill.

Thanks to its ability Imposter, Ditto serves as a niche revenge killer in ZU. Choice Scarf allows Ditto to be faster than the foe it transforms into, deterring setup sweepers such as Lunatone, Lilligant, and Rapidash due to fear of a reverse sweep. Unfortunately, Ditto struggles against most setup sweepers, particularly bulkier ones such as Alcremie, Cofagrigus, and Uxie, and other Choice Scarf users like Sawk and Rotom are generally better revenge killers due to not having to rely on the opposing Pokemon to setup to revenge kill. Against stall teams, Ditto is an excellent switch-in to Knock Off, as it allows Ditto to have practically infinite PP and constant recovery from healing moves and Regenerator from Tangela. Due to its ability, maximizing HP is the only important part of Ditto's spread. The remaining EVs are put in Special Attack to maximize the power of Future Sight when transforming into Psychic-types like Uxie and Beheeyem. Ditto fits on most types of teams, ranging from offensive teams looking for a solid revenge killer to stall teams that want to stop setup sweepers. Ditto can't afford to lose its Choice Scarf to Knock Off users such as Sawk, Thwackey, and Alolan Persian, so Knock Off absorbers such as Qwilfish, Silvally-Poison, and Alcremie are greatly appreciated. Ditto Speed ties with other Choice Scarf users such as Sawk, Rotom, and Gourgeist-S, so answers to them such as Tangela, Rhydon, and Miltank help mitigate those Speed ties.

Imposter is an ability unique to Ditto that allows it to completely copy all of the moves, stats, and stat changes of an opposing Pokemon, with the exception of HP. Choice Scarf ensures that Ditto will always either outspeed or Speed tie with the opposing Pokemon. 248 HP EVs minimize damage taken from entry hazards before transforming and guarantees that Ditto will be able to use Struggle up to four times prior to fainting. 252 Defense EVs minimize Struggle damage, which can be especially useful in the rare Ditto mirror match. The last 8 EVs are allocated to Attack to maximize the damage output of Struggle. Finally, a Relaxed nature coupled with 0 Speed IVs ensures that Imposter will never activate first, thereby guaranteeing Ditto to have more Transform PP in the event of a mirror match. As this set performs best as a revenge killer, Ditto can be utilized in a variety of offense teams. Many teams are often susceptible to a combination of faster threats like Calyrex-S, Marshadow, and Xerneas; Ditto can copy their boosts and outspeed them with Choice Scarf, thereby allowing Ditto to potentially countersweep the opposing team. This is the main reason why Ditto performs best on hyper offense teams. Ditto also has a minor niche of being able to PP stall some bulkier defensive threats like Blissey by repeatedly switching in, using a recovery move, and switching out. It should be noted though that due to the prevalence of entry hazards, unnecessary chip damage may hinder Ditto's ability to sweep. Some useful partners for Ditto are defensive staples like Necrozma-DM and Yveltal, which appreciate Ditto’s ability to prevent wallbreakers and sweepers from overwhelming them. Additionally, as some sweepers opt to utilize Substitute to bypass Imposter, backup checks to the offensive threats mentioned above are beneficial to any type of team Ditto is featured on.

Ditto has an important role on Normal teams thanks to its ability to revenge kill boosted threats. Choice Scarf allows Ditto to outspeed almost any Pokemon it copies, with the exception of other Choice Scarf users. Ditto also acts as a setup deterrent, as sweepers such as Galarian Moltres, Excadrill, and Belly Drum Azumarill cannot set up without risking a countersweep. The EV spread provided maximizes Ditto's HP and allows Ditto to use Struggle four times before fainting. 252 Defensive EVs minimize damage from an opposing Ditto's Struggle. 0 Speed ensures Ditto's Imposter ability activates last against other Ditto to win the resulting PP stall. Ditto appreciates the presence of pivots like Heliolisk, Braviary, Porygon2, and Chansey that provide Ditto opportunities to switch in safely. Ditto struggles against bulkier foes, so eliminating them quickly is the best route to success. Snorlax assists with this task handily, as it can switch into bulkier foes like Toxapex and Slowbro easily for Ditto. In return, Ditto revenge kills setup sweepers such as Bisharp that force Snorlax out. Ditto also appreciates Obstagoon's wallbreaking capabilities, which can allow Ditto to sweep late-game. Diggersby and Indeedee are also good teammates for Ditto thanks to their ability to defeat more passive Pokemon such as Galarian Weezing. Indeedee, in particular, is a treasured teammate, as its Psychic Terrain prevents foes like Bisharp and Mimikyu from revenge killing Ditto with priority moves like Sucker Punch and Shadow Sneak.

Ditto is an effective revenge killer in the Godly Gift metagame thanks to its unique ability in Imposter, which, when combined with a Choice Scarf, allows it to outspeed any Pokemon without Choice Scarf or Unburden. Transformation copies donated stats, allowing Ditto to still outspeed Speed receivers and hit as hard as Attack receivers. Imposter's also useful against stall teams by effectively giving infinite PP and copying recovery moves. Ditto prefers having its Choice Scarf removed against stall teams to switch moves and maximize its PP stall capabilities. 252 HP EVs boost the only stat Ditto retains after Imposter activates, while 252 Special Attack EVs and a Quiet nature boost its Future Sight after transforming into a Pokemon like Slowking. Ditto almost exclusively finds its place on stall teams to handle offensive setup threats that its teammates struggle to handle. It struggles to switch in directly against most foes, so slow pivot moves make for great support. Examples include Teleport from Slowbro or Slowking and U-turn from Corviknight. Entry hazards prevent Ditto from switching in repeatedly, so teammates that can reliably remove them such as Mandibuzz and Ho-Oh are appreciated. Unaware users like Pyukumuku, Quagsire, and Clefable or Clear Smog users like Gastrodon and Amoonguss can handle bulky setup Pokemon with recovery, such as Calm Mind Galarian Slowking and Bulk Up Buzzwole, which outlast Ditto one-on-one. An ally with Regenerator, such as the aforementioned Slowbro or Ho-Oh, in tandem with Ditto can outstall defensive Regenerator Pokemon, effectively forcing them out. A defensive god with a high HP stat like Giratina theoretically complements Ditto well, but Ditto is able to go in any teamslot, especially the Attack and Special Attack slots, which stall teams don't benefit from much anyway. While the HP increase is beneficial, another bulky Pokemon can often take better advantage of it, usually Skarmory.

Ditto finds itself a niche spot on stall teams, being an excellent revenge killer with Choice Scarf against setup sweepers such as Mega Garchomp, Landorus-T, Kartana, Manaphy, and Mega Mawile. It can purposefully take Knock Off in matchups where it won't need Choice Scarf to revenge kill anything, which gives it a lot more utility in simply copying other Pokemon. Imposter granting more PP on every switch also makes it excellent in stall mirror matches. The HP EVs boost Ditto's only relevant stat after transforming, while the remaining EVs and nature maximize its chances of winning Struggle wars against opposing Ditto. The IVs guarantee that copied Hidden Power is Ground-type, which lets Ditto trap and remove Magnezone, while minimizing Speed for Struggle wars. Hidden Power can't be Ground-type with 0 Speed IVs, and make sure to select Hidden Power Ground in the teambuilder. Due to it only fitting on stall, Ditto's teammates tend to be stall staples such as Mega Sableye, Clefable, Chansey, Corviknight, and Toxapex. Toxapex is notable because it can bait in other Regenerator Pokemon such as Slowking and Tangrowth relatively easily, which Ditto can copy for HP recovery. It also absorbs Toxic Spikes, which really bothers Ditto long-term. Meanwhile, Mega Sableye, Gliscor, and Corviknight can keep entry hazards away, significantly improving Ditto's longevity. Teammates such as Skarmory and Corviknight appreciate Ditto trapping and removing Magnezone, which would otherwise trap and remove them.

Albeit hard to fit onto a team, Ditto is one of the best revenge killers in the metagame, being able to reliably revenge kill sweepers such as a chipped Xerneas, Calyrex-S, and Zacian-C. Unless it has Substitute, Zacian-C is especially vulnerable to Ditto, as a +2 Ditto can break through Zacian-C's common check in Necrozma-DM with Close Combat. Similarly, Calyrex-S fears Ditto, as it punishes Calyrex-S heavily for coming in by threatening a reverse sweep in conjunction with As One. Ditto is an amazing user of Dynamax; after copying a boosted sweeper like Calyrex-S, Groudon, or Xerneas, it can Dynamax to break the Choice lock, usually allowing it to break through a check that switches into Ditto. However, this is only recommended when Dynamax is necessary to KO a foe, when checks are weakened enough to wrap up the game, or if Ditto needs to survive a predicted priority move. It is possible for Ditto to face an opposing Ditto one-on-one, and the EVs and IVs have been chosen with this in mind. 248 HP EVs ensure that Ditto will be able to use Struggle four times before fainting, and 252 Defense EVs minimize Struggle damage from an opposing Ditto. The minimum possible Speed allows Imposter to not activate first and therefore allow Ditto to have more Transform PP. Ditto works best on balance and stall teams that appreciate its ability to deter opposing setup attempts. Necrozma-DM and Tyranitar work well with Ditto, as they can weaken a boosted Xerneas and Life Orb Yveltal respectively before Ditto comes in and revenge kills. Xerneas and Yveltal have noticeably higher bulk than a Ditto transformed into either, so it is important for the aforementioned two checks to pressure them to Dynamax, removing their ability to reliably win against a Ditto that can Dynamax one-on-one. Moreover, Tyranitar also doubles as a mandatory check to Calyrex-S. Checks to the ever-dangerous Dragon Dance Zygarde-C, such as Lunala, and Calm Mind Kyogre, such as Blissey, Eternatus, and Ferrothorn, are essential, as Ditto is incapable of revenge killing them. Gothitelle is a rather niche option that helps to deal with passive Pokemon lacking Shed Shell, particularly non-Teleport Blissey and Eternatus. Ditto enjoys being at full or near full HP so it can survive potential priority moves and take on a healthy Xerneas, so Defoggers such as Yveltal, Ho-Oh, and Giratina are invaluable teammates for it.

Equipped with a Choice Scarf, Ditto is always able to outspeed any foe that it has copied unless they also hold a Choice Scarf or Ditto is undergoing Dynamax. Its ability Imposter is the reason it excels as a revenge killer. By causing it to copy all of the opponent's stats except HP, it is able to beat most sweepers such as Zacian-C, Mega Rayquaza, and non-Dynamaxed Xerneas by always hitting them first with boosted moves thanks to its Choice Scarf. A Relaxed nature, 0 Speed IVs, and maximum Defense investment are used in case Ditto is the last remaining Pokemon against another Ditto: it reduces the damage taken from Struggle and makes it as slow as possible, so that it uses Struggle last due to not copying the opposing Ditto first and therefore having more Transform PP. 248 HP EVs ensure it does not faint after four Struggles. The IV spread is optimal to have Hidden Power Fire when copying Xerneas, allowing it to potentially countersweep the opposing team with Dynamax, while maximizing the damage output of Struggle. Ditto is one of the the best revenge killers in AG. It can make great use of Dynamax, which lets it snowball on the opposing team after having copied a boosted sweeper like Xerneas, Necrozma-DM, or Mewtwo. It is ideally sent out on the field after a teammate has fainted: Ditto can then revenge kill the foe or, if the opportunity allows it to, Dynamax to break its Choice lock and blow through the opponent's team thanks to augmented moves and doubled HP. Once its Dynamax is over, it can potentially continue to sweep with its Choice Scarf. It can also immediately copy Zacian-C and get an extra boost from Intrepid Sword that lets it break past traditional counterplay to Zacian-C such as defensive Necrozma-DM and Primal Groudon with Close Combat. Ditto is self-sufficient and fits on every playstyle, but it is typically of great value on balance teams that would otherwise be overwhelmed by the myriad of sweepers that can resort to Dynamax to bypass defensive and offensive counterplay alike. Since several Pokemon are self-Imposter-proof at varying levels, counterplay to those is highly recommended. Yveltal cannot be beaten with Ditto during any of the three Dynamax turns because it has a higher HP stat and a Life Orb, and even afterwards, Ditto can't revenge kill it without Dynamax unless Yveltal is seriously worn down, so having Tyranitar, Protect Ho-Oh, or Xerneas as a partner helps Ditto a lot. Xerneas also needs to be seriously weakened or unable to Dynamax before attempting to revenge kill it with Ditto; thus, Ho-Oh and Necrozma-DM make for good partners by forcing Xerneas to Dynamax and wasting two turns of it without much trouble. Entry hazard removal is also recommended because Ditto likes to be healthy to repeatedly check threats, so pairing it with Ho-Oh is a good idea. Ditto can struggle against defensive teams with Pokemon like Zygarde-C, Necrozma-DM, and Ho-Oh that it can do little to, so it pairs well with Pokemon like Mega Gengar and Eternatus. They provide a way to remove passive foes, while Ditto is able to check offensive threats such as Zacian-C for them.

Ditto is one of the best ways for Normal teams to handle fast threats, as Imposter mirrors opposing Pokemon's stats and Choice Scarf makes Ditto outspeed them. With Ditto in battle, Pokemon like Volcarona, Mega Altaria, and Kommo-o are pressured from setting up because it can steal stat boosts to countersweep, and Imposter means Sticky Web has no effect on it. Ditto can also exploit support Pokemon like Zapdos and Blissey to recover with Roost or Soft-Boiled and entry hazard removers like Pelipper and Coalossal to clear hazards. It can also safely switch into Mega Sableye's Knock Off to trade Speed for move freedom, and it ignores defensive Celesteela's Toxic. However, Ditto's 5 PP per move and Choice lock give it a hard time beating defensive sweepers like CurseRest Mega Steelix and Calm Mind Mega Slowbro. Choice Scarf is required for Ditto to revenge kill setup sweepers like Swords Dance Excadrill and Mega Lopunny and Speed tie with opposing Choice Scarf Pokemon like Nihilego and Landorus-T. Ditto cannot copy HP, so investing 252 EVs into HP helps it a lot, and 0 Speed IVs and a Relaxed nature allow it to not transform and lose PP against mirrored Ditto. The mentioned IV spread allows it to have HP Fire to trap and KO Magnezone. Defensive Pokemon like Staraptor, Blissey, and Porygon2 appreciate Ditto because it can revenge kill setup Pokemon like Dragon Dance Altaria and Bulk Up Cinderace that will try to break and setup on them. Ditto appreciates Pokemon with pivoting moves, like Teleport Blissey and Porygon2 and U-Turn Staraptor, to allow it to come in safely. Staraptor helps with Fighting-types with its part Flying typing and Intimidate, and it has Defog to clear entry hazards for when Ditto comes in. Ditto does not appreciate being statused in any form, so Blissey as a teammate can absorb status thanks to Natural Cure. Offensive Pokemon like Mega Lopunny, Diggersby, Heliolisk, and Indeedee-M are appreciated, as they can remove defensive Pokemon Ditto cannot revenge kill. Mega Lopunny's Close Combat helps with Pokemon like Tyranitar and Mamoswine, and its Encore to helps with defensive sweepers like the aforementioned Steelix and Calm Mind Mega Slowbro. Diggersby helps with Electric-, Rock-, and Steel-types like Zapdos, Coalossal, and Aegislash with Earthquake and can revenge kill faster Pokemon like Zeraora and Cinderace with Quick Attack. Indeedee-M helps with Fighting- and Poison-types like Keldeo and Toxapex with Expanding Force and prevents priority moves like Mach Punch from working thanks to Psychic Terrain. Heliolisk helps with Water- and Flying-types like Celesteela, Toxapex, and Mantine with Thunderbolt and has Dry Skin to offer Water immunity for the team.

Items Choice Scarf: This is the best option for revenge killing with Ditto. Focus Sash: While very weak to Stealth Rock set up, being able to switch moves can make Ditto more effective at reverse sweeping without needing to Dynamax.

Moves Transform is the only move Ditto can learn naturally and will almost never be used, as Imposter transforms Ditto into the opposing Pokemon when it switches in. Set Details With Imposter, Ditto copies all of its foe's stats except for HP, so 252 HP EVs are used to maximize Ditto's bulk. A Choice Scarf is used to ensure Ditto outspeeds setup sweepers. The IVs chosen allow Ditto to use Hidden Power Fire against Victreebel and hit Steel-types like Ferroseed and Alolan Sandslash on the switch. Usage Tips Ditto is almost always used as a revenge killer, capable of outspeeding boosted and unboosted foes alike thanks to copying their stats and holding a Choice Scarf. Ditto is capable of revenge killing foes like Oricorio-G, Stoutland, and Pinsir, even if the first and last have received boosts from either Calm Mind or Z-Me First. Against stall and balance, Ditto can opt to try and have its Choice Scarf removed with Knock Off so it can freely switch moves and essentially PP stall these types of teams. Ditto shouldn't be used to try to take on bulkier setup sweepers like Musharna and Clefairy, as their access to recovery and ability to switch moves means Ditto will almost always lose. Ditto should avoid switching directly into even strong resisted attacks due to its rather low HP stat. In matches where Ditto isn't required to check setup sweepers, it can use its Imposter ability to scout the movesets of the opponent's Pokemon; this can also help reveal what item the opposing Pokemon is using. Team Options The way Ditto functions means that it can essentially be placed on almost every team and thus has no real set teammates. Stall teams may use Ditto as a way to deal with powerful wallbreakers like Nasty Plot Alolan Raichu and Swords Dance Pinsir, both of which put immense pressure on most forms of stall. On the other hand, offensive and hyper offensive teams can use Ditto if they lack a revenge killer or Choice Scarf user; it can act as a deterrent to Pokemon like Shell Smash Carracosta and even sun and rain teams. Even though Ditto functions on almost every archetype, it does appreciate entry hazard control, as both Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes can easily wear it down if left unattended. Hazard removers like Skuntank, Swanna, and Hitmonchan are all valuable for Ditto; Skuntank is especially notable because it can absorb Toxic Spikes as it switches in.

Moves Transform is Ditto's only move. Set Details Choice Scarf is chosen as the necessary item so Ditto doesn't have to rely on Speed ties to beat its chosen targets. If the opponent is also holding a Choice Scarf, it results in a Speed tie. The defensive investment helps in the rare Ditto mirror matchup by minimizing opposing Ditto's Struggle damage. Imposter gives Ditto its entire niche, allowing it to transform into the opposing Pokemon immediately upon switching in. The chosen IVs are used for Hidden Power Ground, helping Ditto revenge kill Salazzle. However, depending on the chosen target, IVs can be changed, like Hidden Power Fire for Roserade, but this relies on the opponent carrying Hidden Power. Usage Tips Ditto's primary purpose is to revenge kill boosted setup sweepers like Salazzle, Virizion, and Ninetales. By far the safest way to use Ditto is to bring it in after a teammate falls and click the appropriate move for the situation. Bringing it in with slow pivots is also helpful, as Ditto only gets a maximum of five chances to come in if you restrict yourself to only switching it in after one of its teammates faints. Predicting a move that will be not very effective against whatever Ditto transforms into, like Virizion's Leaf Blade, is also a good way to get it in safely. Do not switch Ditto in on Pokemon whose STAB moves are neutral or super effective to themselves, as Ditto will easily be KOed if it tries thanks to its low HP. The opponent will most likely assume Ditto will always be locked into one move courtesy of Choice Scarf, so they may try to play around it by switching appropriately. It is advised to scout what possible moves your opponent may make and predict accordingly. Foes with too big of a difference in base HP, most notably Snorlax, are very difficult for Ditto to take on effectively. Against defensive teams, Ditto can infinitely copy foes' PP by switching in and out, therefore able to turn the tables by using their own Heal Bell, Defog, and Recover to benefit its own team and stall out the PP of opposing teams that rely on residual damage to win. Ditto can also be used for scouting purposes, able to check for surprise coverage moves such as Zen Headbutt on Virizion and Rock Slide on Passimian. Great care should be taken to keep Ditto away from Knock Off and Trick users, as Ditto loses most of its value if its Choice Scarf is removed. For instance, switching in on Passimian's Knock Off may seem appealing due to Passimian's Dark resistance, but Ditto should always attempt to keep its Choice Scarf as long as it can. Ditto should also be kept away from Toxic, as it massively cuts into its ability to switch in and do its job, in tandem with possibly taking entry hazard damage. Team Options Ditto fits well on balance and offense teams in need of a versatile revenge killer, notably ones carrying Fighting-types to deal with Snorlax and Bewear, both of which Ditto has difficulty beating. These teams also struggle with very bulky teams, so Ditto's ability to infinitely copy their utility moves is beneficial to helping its team beat those sorts of opposing Pokemon. Cleric support from the likes of Florges, Diancie, and Vaporeon is great for keeping Ditto's health up and keeping it free of status. Pokemon that are hard to break through without setup also make for good partners, such as Mandibuzz and Cresselia, due to Ditto's ability to punish setup. Entry hazard removal is also very good alongside Ditto, making sure it doesn't take any unnecessary damage. Donphan, Mandibuzz, Mega Blastoise, and Flygon can all take on the entry hazard-clearing role. Grounded Poison-types, like Nidoqueen and Roserade, can be used as well to clear the field of Toxic Spikes more easily. Pokemon that can switch in on Knock Off and Trick make good partners, namely Fighting-type Z-Crystal users that don't mind Knock Off, like Bewear, Toxicroak, and Virizion.

Moves Transform is Ditto's one and only move, and even then it sees almost no use due to Imposter usually triggering before Ditto can use it. Set Details Choice Scarf guarantees that Ditto will outspeed setup sweepers once Transformed or will at least Speed tie other with Choice Scarf users. The IVs enable Ditto to use Hidden Power Ground when against Hidden Power users like Raichu, Simisear, and special Combusken. The minimal Speed and maximum Defense investment is meant for the unlikely scenario where two Ditto are left to Struggle against each other, as this investment would minimize Struggle damage and recoil. Usage Tips Ditto can be utilized early as a scout and revenge killer. Bring it in safely to force out a weakened Golem, Electivire, or Toucannon, which has the additional benefit of knowing for certain what coverage these attackers are running. Given that many attackers have immunities or resistances to their STAB attacks in the case of Electivire, Rapidash, Raichu, and Leafeon, Ditto may switch in on them on the correct prediction. However, with Ditto's low HP, wrong predication may ruin Ditto's chances of revenge killing later. Despite the Choice lock, Ditto may find itself using status moves like Stealth Rock, Defog, and Toxic in the appropriate situations, and it is not as afraid of being setup fodder, as it likely can switch out and reverse sweep. When up against bulkier playstyles, Ditto can still find use in being a switch-in to status spreaders like Altaria, Muk, and Bronzor. Ditto can also take advantage of these Pokemon and other recovery users to keep itself healthy by using their Roost and Rest, as well as copy Knock Off from users like Mareanie and Komala to remove their valuable Eviolite or Leftovers. Ditto may also want to switch into Knock Off in these cases if it would rather have more moves and PP with its Choice Scarf gone against bulkier builds. Setup sweepers can have coverage that deters Ditto, with examples like Roost Swanna, Protect Combusken, and Sucker Punch Pawniard all giving Ditto a hard time if it locks into the wrong attack or is too low on HP. Team Options Ditto works best on balance and bulkier playstyles that appreciate its ability to provide a blanket check to setup sweepers that threaten their defensive cores. Bronzor, Altaria, Muk, and Mareanie enjoy that they can rely on Ditto to revenge kill setup sweepers like Crustle, Pinsir, and Z-Mirror Move Swanna. Water- and Flying-type Pokemon like Silvally-Water, Toucannon, and Swanna appreciate Ditto as a deterrent against Choice Scarf Electivire locking itself into Volt Switch. Ditto cannot revenge kill some wallbreakers like Marowak and Exeggutor reliably, so it can help to have additional offensive pressure from Leafeon, Silvally-Dark, and Rapidash. As Ditto struggles with defensive sweepers and Substitute users, phazers such as Mareanie, Poliwrath, and Avalugg can help check the setup sweepers Ditto fails to check on its own. Stallbreakers such as Simisear, Simisage, Bouflant, and Vigoroth are good support to have when a Ditto team faces stall. Knock Off support from the likes of Mareanie, Sandslash, and Komala can help with the stall matchup as well and can even remove the opposing Choice Scarf from Silvally and Rapidash so that Ditto is guaranteed to outspeed them.

Moves Transform is the only legal move Ditto can learn. However, it is mostly useless due to Imposter activating upon Ditto switching in, and if Imposter fails, then Transform would as well. Set Details Imposter is what makes Ditto viable, allowing it to copy the opposing Pokemon and all its stat changes. A Choice Scarf is essential for Ditto to perform its role as a revenge killer, allowing to outspeed any Pokemon it copies, unless both carry Choice Scarf or Trick Room is active. 248 HP EVs maximize Ditto's HP while minimizing Struggle recoil. 252 Defense EVs and 0 Speed IVs with a Relaxed nature minimize damage taken from an opposing Ditto's Struggle and lower Ditto's Speed so it hopefully moves after opposing Ditto to avoid being the first to KO itself with Struggle damage. The given IV spread gives Ditto Hidden Power Ice, granting it optimal coverage when copying opposing mixed Primal Groudon and Marshadow should they be carrying Hidden Power. This potentially allows Ditto to pick off Mega Salamence and Zygarde-C should it try to switch in. The remaining EVs are invested into Attack to slightly boost the power of Ditto's Struggle. Usage Tips Use Ditto to revenge kill threatening boosted sweepers, such as Rock Polish Primal Groudon and Geomancy Xerneas. It is safest to bring Ditto into play after a teammate has fainted or through slow pivots. Without the latter, Ditto only has so many opportunities to switch into threats that it is relied on to revenge kill, often at great cost to its team, so it must carefully select what move it uses to make the most of each time it comes into play. Although switching directly in on Pokemon that can KO Ditto, such as Primal Groudon, is extremely risky, it may sometimes be necessary in order to avoid giving too much ground to the foe. Pivoting with teammates that discourage the use of moves that Ditto cannot switch in on can make such a play much safer. For example, Primal Groudon will be hesitant to use Precipice Blades against a Pokemon immune to Ground-type attacks or a Zygarde that will activate Power Construct if hit, potentially opening up an opportunity for Ditto to switch in. Ditto is often forced to lock into a specific move in order to revenge kill a foe, and thus Pokemon that can safely switch into that move can deny Ditto from being able to revenge kill its foe. As Ditto will likely have had to switch in after a teammate has fainted, this means its team has lost a valuable member for little in return if Ditto fails to claim a KO. This may force Ditto to use a risky coverage move to target the switch-in instead of revenge killing in order not to cede too much momentum. If all else fails, Ditto can function as a wincon, using its teammates as fodder in order to obtain as many free switches as possible. If this is the case, aim to target Pokemon on the opposing team that can wall a Choice-locked Ditto, either by wearing them down or by removing them with teammates, or use Ditto to nail them with coverage moves as they come in. Foes that can survive an attack from Ditto and OHKO it in return thanks to the difference in the HP stat or the power from a boosting item will need to be weakened in order for Ditto to effectively revenge kill them. Examples include Life Orb Marshadow and Ultra Necrozma without Outrage. Thanks to Imposter, Ditto ignores the Speed drop from Sticky Web, making it a great revenge killer against common Sticky Web sweepers. Ditto is unable to effectively revenge kill Trick Room sweepers, such as Swords Dance + Trick Room Necrozma-DM, as they outspeed Ditto during the duration of Trick Room and can KO it before it can attack. In the case of Necrozma-DM, it can even survive a boosted Earthquake if Ditto switches in as Necrozma-DM uses Swords Dance and sets up Trick Room before KOing Ditto. Attempt to take on such foes with other teammates when Trick Room is active or stall out Trick Room turns until the effect is over so Ditto can outspeed its foe once again. Ditto can switch into defensive foes, particularly those with reliable recovery and without status moves that can afflict Ditto, and proceed to stall them out to gain a PP advantage thanks to its PP refreshing each time it switches out. Notable targets that Ditto can wall include support Arceus without Toxic, Mega Sableye, and Blissey. Ditto can also come in on foes with support moves such as Heal Bell and Defog and take advantage of these moves to support its team without wasting any PP. Ditto can only effectively stay in for five turns at a time, after which it will be forced to use Struggle unless it has lost its Choice Scarf. Ditto can be used to scout the moveset of the opponent's Pokemon. Imposter's potential greatly expands the number of possible plays in-game depending on the opponent's Pokemon and movesets, so keep an eye out for creative ways you can use it. Team Options Ditto can round off a mostly complete team looking for a revenge killer to deal with a range of threats that cannot be walled by a single Pokemon. Thus, a solid defensive backbone to deal with most relevant threats should be present with Ditto, as it relies on its teammates to switch into offensive foes. In return, they appreciate Ditto's ability to revenge kill any threats that may break through. On the other hand, Ditto can round out a frail offensive team that has little defensive synergy and relies on overwhelming offensive pressure to win or a specialized team that is dependent on executing a specific niche strategy and is thus unable to defensively cover many prominent threats. Ditto can function as a safety net should an opposing setup sweeper manage to set up, and it can also simply discourage the use of setup moves from the opponent altogether. Support Arceus formes, such as Arceus-Fairy, as well as Arceus-Ground, Arceus-Water, and Arceus-Dark carrying Ice Beam, can take on Dragon Dance Zygarde-C in particular, which Ditto finds difficult to effectively revenge kill thanks to Substitute. Additionally, they check a plethora of other threatening offensive Pokemon that Ditto cannot reliably handle; Arceus-Fairy checks Marshadow and Yveltal, Arceus-Dark checks Yveltal and Ghost- and Psychic-types, Arceus-Ground checks Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM, and Arceus-Water can take on the latter two in addition to Ho-Oh. All four of them also check Mega Salamence and Rayquaza. Another option is Choice Scarf Xerneas, which can function as a more offensive check to Zygarde-C. In return, Ditto can take on setup sweepers that support Arceus formes and Xerneas often cannot, such as Swords Dance Primal Groudon and Double Dance Necrozma-DM. Physically defensive walls such as defensive Zygarde-C carrying Coil, Skarmory, Mega Sableye, and both Giratina formes can wall most Swords Dance Arceus formes, which can pose trouble for Ditto if they are carrying Substitute. On more offensive teams, Marshadow is an option to deal with Swords Dance Arceus behind a Substitute. Zygarde-C and Giratina can also deal with offensive Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon to varying extents, while Skarmory, Mega Sableye and Marshadow can help against Ultra Necrozma. All of them can also assist taking on Necrozma-DM, and they appreciate Ditto's ability to deter opposing setup sweepers that they cannot handle. Blissey and, to a lesser extent, Magearna, Necrozma-DM, Ho-Oh, and Primal Kyogre, can either wall or overpower Calm Mind Arceus formes for Ditto. All of them except Primal Kyogre can also switch into various threatening special attackers like Geomancy Xerneas. Blissey and Magearna can additionally provide cleric support with Heal Bell, while Magearna can also help Ditto find safe opportunities to come into play with Volt Switch. In return, Ditto can deter physically oriented wallbreakers from using Ditto's specially defensive teammates as setup fodder. Entry hazard setters can allow Ditto to use the threat of a revenge kill to rack up hazard damage on checks to Ditto's current transformation in an aggressive fashion, potentially paving the way for an Imposter sweep. Primal Groudon, Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and support Arceus formes can provide entry hazard support in addition to checking prominent offensive threats such as Primal Kyogre and Necrozma-DM. Klefki is another option, which, in addition to setting Spikes, can blanket check offensive threats alongside Ditto by inflicting Prankster-boosted status. Klefki can also opt for Swagger, which synergizes well with Ditto by allowing it to copy the foe's Attack boosts, and can even use Fairy Lock to guarantee that Ditto revenge kills any target that KOes Klefki with the right timing. Defog and Magic Bounce users such as Ho-Oh, both Giratina formes, support Arceus formes, and Mega Sableye can keep Ditto's side of the field clear of hazards, preventing it from getting chipped each time it switches in. Ditto can support such teammates in the hazard war by potentially copying support moves like Stealth Rock, Defog and Heal Bell. Yveltal and Mega Scizor can potentially provide Ditto opportunities to switch in with U-turn, with the latter being able to lure in Primal Groudon so Ditto can copy it and threaten it out with its own super effective STAB move. Ditto can return the favor, as it commonly transforms into Pokemon that draw out resisted moves for Yveltal and Mega Scizor to switch into, such as Ground- and Steel-type moves targeted at Primal Groudon and Xerneas, respectively. Wallbreakers and other Pokemon strong against defensive teams can partner well with Ditto on more balanced or offensive teams to complement Ditto's strong matchup against offensive threats. Examples of powerful wallbreakers include mixed Swords Dance Primal Groudon, Calm Mind Primal Kyogre, Calm Mind Lunala, and Bulk Up Marshadow. Despite their lack of immediate power, stallbreaker Yveltal and Substitute + Dragon Dance Zygarde can also pose large issues for bulkier teams. Finally, Gothitelle can trap and remove key members of more defensive teams.

Moves Transform is required because Ditto must have a move. However, Transform is near useless, as Imposter lets Ditto transform on switching in. Set Details Imposter allows Ditto to transform into opposing Pokemon upon switching in. Choice Scarf lets Ditto outpace opposing setup Pokemon so it can effectively revenge kill them. 252 HP EVs are used to maximize Ditto's bulk, as Ditto's HP is the only stat that matters after transformation. 252 Defense EVs are used in conjunction with 0 Speed IVs so that in the rare case of Ditto vs Ditto, yours will be slower and bulkier, allowing it to take hits from opposing Ditto more easily and preserve PP because it is slower and will move last. The rest of the EVs are in Attack, which help it hit a bit harder in this situation. The IVs give Hidden Power Fire, allowing Ditto to effectively trap and KO opposing Magnezone. Usage Tips Capitalize on Imposter by revenge killing setup Pokemon such as Salamence. Try to force Pokemon such as Dragonite into a move that locks them into it like Outrage for a guaranteed revenge KO. You can also utilize Imposter by switching into Pokemon with ability-based immunities such as Heatran and Lanturn. Ditto can switch into Pokemon that have super effective moves against the rest of their team such as Heatran on Steel and dent the opposition with correct prediction. Switching into Lanturn is also very useful, as you can get a turn to utilize Heal Bell unless they manually switch out as Ditto switches in. However, be careful to hard switch into Pokemon such as Heatran, as a misprediction can cost you your Ditto. Preserve Ditto very carefully against types with threatening setup sweepers. If you waste its potential early on by letting it get damaged or KOed it can't countersweep the opposition with a copy of a dangerous setup sweeper such as Mega Pinsir or Mega Gallade. Don't switch Ditto directly into attacks; utilize U-turn from a teammate such as Staraptor to bring it in safely. You can also make double switches to get Ditto in safely. Try to scout opposing movesets with Ditto, allowing you to play around threatening Pokemon such as Toxic Garchomp and Superpower Mega Scizor correctly. Understand that Ditto is incapable of beating Substitute Pokemon such as Suicune, so use another Pokemon such as Encore Mega Lopunny to handle them. Make sure to clear entry hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, against stall. This is important because without a cleric Ditto has a hard time PP stalling when it is Toxic poisoned, as it gets worn down extremely easily. When against stall teams, try to let Ditto's Choice Scarf get removed by Knock Off, in order to prevent it from being locked into moves, allowing it to PP stall more effectively, and make sure to switch out to reuse Ditto's PP infinitely. Be careful against opposing Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Terrakion, as they can potentially win the Speed tie and KO your Ditto. Take advantage of forced switches. For example, if your Ditto switches into an opposing Dragonite by a slow U-turn or after a teammate has fainted, the opponent is forced to switch out, giving you the momentum and a free turn. Make sure to run damage calculations prior to attacking with Ditto, as Ditto doesn't copy the enemy's HP stat and itself has a very low base HP stat of 48 that doesn't let it take strong attacks. Team Options Chansey provides Stealth Rock for Ditto and can wear down walls that threaten Ditto with Toxic. It also absorbs status from foes such as Mew, Gastrodon, and Zapdos that Ditto can't afford to take. Porygon2 can also spread Toxic poison and allow Ditto to more effectively revenge kill by paralyzing Choice Scarf users such as Terrakion. Staraptor can Defog entry hazards away so that Ditto can switch in more freely without being worried about the chip damage wearing it down quickly. It can also give Ditto a free switch by means of a slow U-turn. Smeargle provides hazards such as Stealth Rock and Sticky Web, softening the opposition and allowing Ditto to outpace opposing Choice Scarf Pokemon. Diggersby deals with walls that Ditto generally dislikes having to switch in on. It also chips setup Pokemon such as Quiver Dance Volcarona into range for Ditto to revenge KO. Encore Mega Lopunny can effectively beat Calm Mind users such as Clefable that threaten Ditto.

Ditto's unique ability, Imposter, allows it to immediately transform into its foe, which can make it a potent revenge killer against set-up sweepers such as Mega Salamence. Choice Scarf always lets it outspeed the foe it transforms into, but Focus Sash means it can change attacks, which can allow it to sweep more easily at the cost of being vulnerable to Stealth Rock. The EVs and IVs are tuned for the rare case Ditto faces off an opposing Ditto. Make sure not to send Ditto in on Pokemon with Substitute up, as this blocks Imposter, making Ditto useless. Also, note that Ditto does very poorly against stall teams, so it should be benched against them.

Moves There's little to address when talking about Ditto's moves; Transform is its only legal one. It is used on this set because it is impossible for a Pokemon to have no moves. Its only real use is preventing Ditto from using Struggle immediately if Imposter fails. Set Details A Choice Scarf is the only viable item on Ditto, as it ensures that Ditto can outspeed the setup sweepers that it transforms into. No other item can possibly replace the utility provided by a Choice Scarf. The HP stat should be invested into when using a Ditto as much as possible, as HP is the only stat that transfers over upon Imposter activation. Maximum investment in Defense decreases damage that Ditto takes from a Struggle war with another Ditto. A Relaxed nature is used to obtain the lowest Speed for the possible, albeit rare, Struggle war mentioned previously. Ditto also uses minimum Speed IVs for this reason and to give itself a Hidden Power type of Ice to revenge kill threats such as Thundurus. Usage Tips As a revenge killer, Ditto is best brought out in response to a Pokemon fainting or from a teammate's successful U-turn or Volt Switch. It is best only to attempt to revenge kill with Ditto, because if it switches in as a Pokemon sets up, it won't get the stat boosts and is likely to lose the matchup. If one is using Ditto to revenge kill a Pokemon that has not revealed any status moves, it is worth considering if the opponent also has a Choice Scarf. If both Pokemon possess a Choice Scarf, the turn order is based on a coin flip and one might wind up losing their Ditto. Alternatively, you can also use Ditto to scout and check the movesets of opponents so that you know what to expect later in the game. This is particularly useful for Pokemon such as Jirachi, which can run a large variety of movesets. Ditto can also be used to copy an opposing Mega Pokemon that threatens itself and attempt to sweep the opponent, such as Mega Pinsir or Mega Lopunny. Good use of this ability can let you overwhelm your opponent with both a copied Mega Pokemon as well as your own. Ditto is a Pokemon that generally struggles against stall; in spite of this, if against a stall team, one can make use of Ditto to steal or eliminate the opponent's entry hazards. Team Options Even though Ditto is generally a Pokemon that glues together a team rather than being built around, there are a few distinct Pokemon that it works well with. Primarily, due to Ditto's susceptibility to entry hazards, a Pokemon with Defog or Rapid Spin can be an excellent teammate. Starmie is a Pokemon that can spin away entry hazards, and in return, Ditto deters any Pokemon from using Starmie as setup fodder. Similarly, any grounded Poison-type is also useful for Toxic Spikes absorption. Examples of this include Tentacruel and Dragalge. For more offensive options, Scizor and Ditto can partner up to form a potent scouting and revenge killing core.

Moves Transform is the only move Ditto learns, but it doesn't have to be used anyway, as Imposter activates upon switching in. Once Ditto transforms, it only has 5 PP in a certain move before it is forced to use Struggle, so that move should be chosen wisely. Set Details 30 SpA / 30 SpD IVs provide Hidden Power Ground, which can be used to take on Zebstrika and Raichu if you switch Ditto into them. However, the IVs for Hidden Power Fire, 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 0 Spe, allow Ditto to hit Pokemon such as Tangela, while Hidden Power Electric's IVs, which are 30 SpA / 1 Spe, allow Ditto to hit Floatzel and Simipour if they are using Hidden Power Electric. Ditto utilizes a Choice Scarf so that it doesn't rely on winning Speed ties. Imposter is used to automatically transform into a foe. Minimum Speed and maximum Defense help take on opposing Ditto when both are using Struggle, although that is a rare situation. Usage Tips Ditto should be used as a revenge killer that can switch into foes and copy their stat changes. Ditto should only be brought in by slow pivoting moves, such as Vullaby's U-turn, and shouldn't switch into any hits, although it can check Pokemon such as Politoed by using their abilities against them. If possible, remove Toxic Spikes before switching in Ditto, as they can severely weaken it over time. If the opponent has a threatening setup sweeper, attempt to preserve Ditto so it can copy the foe's boosts if needed. That being said, Ditto should transform into the most threatening Pokemon on your opponent's team. Team Options Ditto fits most on offensive teams, as they can usually prevent Pokemon such as Ninetales from setting up a Substitute, while Ditto can check dangerous setup sweepers in return. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Cryogonal, Swanna, Vullaby, and Vibrava can help support Ditto by preventing it from taking residual damage on the switch in. Toxic Spikes absorbers such as Roselia, Arbok, and other Poison-types are beneficial for Ditto, as Toxic Spikes can wear it down very easily. Ditto pairs well with Pokemon that can take on bulky setup Pokemon, such as Simisear, which can take on Bulk Up users such as Gogoat, as well as Roselia and Klang, which can take on Calm Mind users such as Clefairy and Duosion. Slow pivoting moves such as Probopass's Volt Switch and Vullaby's U-turn can be used to bring in Ditto against a foe without taking damage.

Moves Transform is literally the only move Ditto learns, but it is also useless because Imposter does everything it does except automatically, making it just filler. Set Details 248 HP EVs give Ditto an entry hazard damage number, and investing in HP is important, as HP is the only stat Ditto keeps when it transforms. 252 Defense EVs and a Relaxed nature make sure that Ditto will underspeed other Dittos in a stall war and take less damage from their Struggle. Choice Scarf allows Ditto to outspeed non-Choice Scarf opponents after transforming into them. Ditto's IVs can be tweaked for certain Hidden Powers, such as 30 Defense IVs, 30 Special Defense IVs, and 1 Speed IV for Hidden Power Rock to hit Scyther and Fletchinder, or 30 Defense IVs, 30 Special Attack IVs, and 1 Speed IV for Hidden Power Grass to hit Seismitoad, Quagsire, and Rhyperior. Usage Tips Never send in Ditto against a Pokemon behind a Substitute unless you are using it as fodder because it cannot do anything back. Be cautious of switching Ditto into Pokemon that can potentially hit hard, either because of a super-effective move in the case of transforming into Druddigon or having high offenses versus low defenses in Aerodactyls's case. Use Ditto to revenge kill dangerous set up sweepers, although Ditto's presence can act as a deterrent from attempts at setting up. Ditto should not be used to revenge kill bulky sweepers such as Calm Mind Spiritomb or Meloetta because defensive boosts mean that Ditto will lose, as it only has base 48 HP. Ditto can have some utility against more defensive teams by coming in and setting or removing entry hazards or by acting as a cleric. Remember that Ditto can be used to scout opposing movesets on more versatile Pokemon, although Ditto should not be switching in purely to scout for moves. Team Options Ditto is best used as a glue and it can work on many teams, but is best used with offensive teammates that also have problems with set up sweepers. Ditto appreciates entry hazard removal to increase its longevity, as it is susceptible to all entry hazards, and it also appreciates the setting of entry hazards to help it if it ever attempts to counter sweep. Partners that can annoy Substitute sweepers, such as Golbat or Exploud, are good partners as Ditto cannot get past Substitute alone. Partners such as Emboar and Exploud work well with Ditto because they can wallbreak against stall, an archetype Ditto is not very useful against.

Moves Transform is the only move Ditto actually learns, and it never finds use due to Imposter doing the exact same thing without Ditto having to actively use it. Set Details Imposter gives Ditto its niche and allows it to completely copy the foe. A Choice Scarf is used so Ditto can always outpace the Pokemon it transformed into and proceed to revenge kill them with ease. 248 HP EVs are used because HP is the only stat that isn't copied over and these maximize Ditto's HP stat so it can take hits marginally better. 252 Defense EVs are used solely used in order to take minimal damage in the rare situation of a Struggle war with an opposing Ditto. A Relaxed nature further boosts Defense while also lowering Speed, so Ditto can outslow opposing Ditto in the case of said Struggle war. 0 Speed IVs lower Speed even more and give the IVs for Hidden Power Ice so Ditto can hit Rayquaza and similar foes super effectively, in the case Ditto transforms into a foe that has Hidden Power. The IVs for Hidden Power Ground, 30 Def / 30 SpA / 1 Spe, are an option if you aim to copy a weakened Xerneas and beat its checks. Usage Tips Ditto best serves as a revenge killer to threats that have already set up, such as Geomancy Xerneas. Late-game, it can potentially copy an opposing sweeper and continue a sweep. Ditto has pitiful defenses before it transforms, so it should always be brought in safely; a slow U-turn or Volt Switch is your best means, but you can even bring it in after a teammate has fainted. Ditto can also be used for scouting the foe's moves, allowing you to play around them. Team Options Generally, Ditto is a glue for offensive teams that are weak to setup sweepers, and usually it will function on its own. However, Ditto makes good use of entry hazard removal, as it usually finds itself switching in and out often. The best partners for this job are Giratina-O, Latios, and Latias, all of which fit well on offense teams and have access to Defog. Wallbreakers such as Kyogre make for great partners, as they can severely weaken Pokemon that Ditto cannot easily revenge kill, such as Calm Mind Arceus. However, entry hazard support is also an option to somewhat weaken foes.

Moves Transform is simply a filler move, as Imposter does the exact same thing automatically upon switching in. Set Details A Choice Scarf is used so that Ditto is able to Speed tie with opposing Choice Scarf users, as well as outspeed non-Choice Scarf users. The given IVs give Ditto Hidden Power Fire. 0 Speed IVs allow Ditto to transform after opposing Ditto, making your Ditto unable to transform into them but at least stay with Transform's 16 PP compared to their copied moves of 5 PP. This, along with a Relaxed nature, also helps with Struggle wars against opposing Ditto. 252 HP EVs minimize damage taken from opposing Ditto's Struggle, although be aware that Ditto does not copy the foe's HP stat when transforming. The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense and Defense for bulk and to further decrease damage taken from opposing Ditto's Struggle. Usage Tips Ditto should transform into sweepers that have already boosted or powerful wallbreakers so that it can potentially sweep the opposing team. Choose what Pokemon to transform into wisely; Pokemon that have access to wide coverage, such as Mega Pinsir, Mega Gallade, and Heatran, are better than Pokemon that either have limited coverage or are a common mono-attacker. Never switch Ditto into attacks, as it is very frail; bring it in after a teammate has fainted or through momentum-gaining moves such as U-turn and Volt Switch. Keep it as healthy as possible in order to ensure a successful sweep. However, it is possible to switch Ditto into a move that the foe is immune to, such as into Gengar's Focus Blast or Heatran's Lava Plume, though your opponent can predict this and foil your plan. Use Ditto to scout the foe's moveset in order to gain information and ease prediction. This can be especially valuble against Pokemon that can run multiple sets, such as Lucario. Copying the movesets of clerics such as Lanturn in order to get access to Heal Bell, or entry hazard removers such as Starmie in order to get access to Rapid Spin, can be a good plan for supporting your team. Although Ditto's limited PP can be a problem, it can take advantage of this by switching in and out, replenishing its PP and thus becoming an effective stallbreaker. Be aware of the fact that Ditto does not copy the foe's HP stat, so don't misinterpret damage calculations due to this. Ditto's Imposter ability removes the Speed drop caused by Sticky Web, allowing it to safely copy wallbreakers that are often paired with Sticky Web users, such as Choice Band Terrakion + Shuckle on Rock teams. Team Options Ditto is a great addition to the Chansey + Porygon2 + Staraptor defensive core, as wallbreakers will try their hardest to break through the core, allowing Ditto to transform into them and force them out. Chansey and Porygon2 are both defensive partners that can be switched in if Ditto is forced out, the former being able to relieve Ditto of status with Heal Bell as well. Ditto doesn't only fit on defensive teams, though; it can also be used on offensive teams as a revenge killer. Diggersby, Heliolisk, Staraptor, and Mega Pidgeot can bring Ditto in safely through either U-turn or Volt Switch. Staraptor can also provide Defog support in order to prevent Ditto from being worn down by entry hazards. Ditto is quite unpredictable, so it doesn't really require a lot of support, and can fit well onto many kinds of teams without requiring major synergy.

Moves While Ditto will rarely be using any of its listed moves because it will almost always be transformed, the given moves help Ditto cope with the few situations where Imposter does not activate. Extreme Speed, Ditto's most important move, allows it to strike at and break Substitutes, which block Imposter, allowing your teammates to better handle the Substitute user. The priority is crucial, as Ditto's horrid bulk will very rarely allow it to survive any hit. Fake Out allows Ditto to break Zoroark's Illusion without sustaining damage, which is important because Illusion blocks Imposter. Afterwards, Ditto can switch out and will be able to switch in on Zoroark again if need be. Boomburst allows Ditto to hit through Substitutes and potentially KO a weakened Pokemon, though it is only advisable to do this against weak attackers due to Ditto's frailty. Rapid Spin can be used to remove entry hazards against slow Substitute users if you know that your team is able to handle them and desperately needs entry hazards removed from the field. Set Details Choice Scarf is necessary for Ditto to function, preventing Speed ties from determining the outcome of the game. Ditto's EV spread and nature maximize its HP while minimizing residual damage, and they also make Extreme Speed as strong as possible in order to break Substitutes. Because Imposter does not copy IV spreads, a spread of 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe is recommended in order to possess Hidden Power Fire to give Ditto better coverage after transforming into sweepers that have Hidden Power in their movesets. Notable examples of sweepers that use Hidden Power Fire to obtain optimal coverage include Latios, Serperior, Yanmega, and Meloetta, all of which rely on the move to hit Steel-types. An alternate IV spread of 30 Atk / 30 Def is also a very viable option for Hidden Power Ice should Electric-types be giving your team trouble, as this Hidden Power type lets Ditto obtain better coverage after transforming into the metagame's various Electric-types such as Thundurus, Raikou, and Zapdos. Usage Tips Ditto should be used as a revenge killer due to its ability to transform into and outspeed almost any Pokemon that does not have its own Choice Scarf. It is advisable to use Ditto over Fake Out + Extreme Speed users on teams that require a more reliable revenge killer as opposed to extra utility. Due to the fact that Ditto can only Speed tie with the foe should it be holding Choice Scarf, it is highly recommended to make sure that the foe isn't holding a Choice Scarf or is at least locked into a harmless move before Ditto switches in. Try not to switch Ditto in directly, as even with maximum HP investment, its HP stat is not terribly high, and opposing sweepers usually do not have the best defenses. If you know that Ditto is needed to keep a certain threat in check, try to make sure that said threat can't get a free turn to use Substitute, as that prevents Ditto from being able to revenge kill it. Keep in mind that Ditto is able to switch into Pokemon with Volt Absorb and Water Absorb to regain HP on predicted Electric and Water-type moves, respectively. Should your team desperately need entry hazards removed from the field, it is possible to have Ditto copy the opponent's Defog user. This same concept applies to users of other utility moves, such as Heal Bell and Stealth Rock. Team Options It is advisable to use Ditto on teams weak to offensive boosting Pokemon, as it functions as a check to almost all of them. Defensive Pokemon are commonly found on such teams, and Ditto can take advantage of the fact that most offensive teams generally rely on setting up to break through walls. Offensive teams vulnerable to foes boosting their Speed also appreciate Ditto's support. Defog or Rapid Spin from Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Stoutland is highly recommended when using Ditto, as Ditto takes damage in accordance to its Normal typing prior to transforming, meaning that it takes full damage from entry hazards. Pivots able to get Ditto in safely such as Chansey, Landorus-T, and Mega Sableye also function well alongside it to prevent it from taking direct damage when switching in.

Moves Transform is the only move Ditto has. Normally, Ditto copies the foe's moveset, so its lack of a movepool doesn't hinder it much. The only use Transform will have is preventing Ditto from instantly having to Struggle if Imposter fails. Set Details Imposter allows Ditto to transform into the foe instantly. Maximum HP investment is used because it's the only stat Ditto doesn't copy. Other EVs aren't necessary, as Ditto will always copy the other stats from the foe. A Sassy nature is used so that Download will always give Porygon2 an Attack boost. Minimum Speed IVs help Ditto deal with Pokemon with Intimidate; when Ditto is outsped by the foe, Intimidate will activate before Imposter, so Ditto will lose the Attack drop when it transforms. For IVs, Ditto should usually run an IV spread of 31 / 31 / 30 / 31 / 30 / 0, which will give it Hidden Power Rock. Rock is usually the most useful Hidden Power, as it hits the most common users of Hidden Power, Thundurus and Volcarona, super effectively. Alternatively, an IV spread of 31 / 31 / 31 / 31 / 31 / 0 can be used to get Hidden Power Ice, which is super effective against many targets, such as Garchomp and Mega Salamence. Focus Sash is used because it allows for more flexibility; ideally, the foes Ditto copies will be paralyzed, so it won't have to rely on a Speed tie. However, if it does need to rely on a Speed tie, Focus Sash ensures it will survive at least one hit. Choice Scarf can be used if Ditto needs to outspeed what it copies all the time, but that locks it into one move, which can sometimes make it easier to play around. Usage Tips Ditto should come in on physical attackers that have been hit with Swagger and attempt to sweep or heavily weaken the opponent's team. Ideally, you want to paralyze the Pokemon you use Swagger on before Ditto comes in so it can avoid Speed ties. Ditto can also be used to revenge kill setup sweepers, such as Garchomp and Mega Salamence, as Focus Sash will let it survive any hit if necessary, allowing it to take out the opposing threat. If it runs Choice Scarf, it becomes a much more effective revenge killer, always outspeeding opposing setup sweepers. Ditto will likely dissuade opponents from using setup sweepers, which can be used to your advantage when deciding what three Pokemon to bring. Ditto shouldn't be brought against very defensive teams because it often won't be useful. Ditto is best used against offensive teams with threatening physical attackers that it can benefit from copying. Team Options Ditto should always be used with Prankster users carrying Swagger, as it is most useful when copying boosted physical attackers. Thundurus is arguably the best user of Swagger and is a good Pokemon overall. Outside of Swagger, Thundurus can use its Electric- and Ice-type coverage to take care of many threats such as Talonflame and Mega Salamence. Klefki is another reliable user of Swagger; it is much more dedicated to using Swagger, utilizing Substitute and Foul Play as well as its great typing. Liepard also makes for a great teammate not only because it has Prankster and Swagger but also because it works well with the common Spore + Assist strategy. Because Assist can't use Transform, Liepard can reliably get Spore from Assist. This strategy also runs Breloom as a third partner to complete the core and provide Spore that Liepard can use via Assist. Serperior can paralyze Ground-types, such as Garchomp and Landorus-T, so that Ditto doesn't have to rely on Speed ties when copying them. Clefable can be used as another backup Pokemon to deal with Pokemon hit by Swagger thanks to Unaware ignoring all boosts. If Ditto is running Focus Sash, Clefable is a more reliable answer to Pokemon that haven't been paralyzed. Mega Gengar can be a useful teammate, being able to trap Pokemon that Ditto won't want to copy, such as Cresselia. Mega Kangaskhan can be used as a cleaner after Ditto has weakened opposing teams after copying a boosted Pokemon. It is also a very reliable Pokemon you can use in matchups where you don't want to bring Ditto. Porygon2 and Cresselia can also spread paralysis reliably thanks to their bulk; they can also deal with Ground-types, such as Garchomp and Landorus-T, which are riskier for Ditto to copy. However, they don't synergize as well with Ditto as other paralysis spreaders because they often can't fit Swagger onto a moveset, unlike Thundurus and Klefki.

Ditto is the epitome of a revenge killer, outspeeding literally everything that it switches in on while copying any offensive and defensive boosts that they've accumulated while in play. Ditto has the nifty advantage of forcing the opponent to play very carefully with all of their boosting sweepers, such as Omastar, Durant, and Fraxure, lest they risk getting swept in return when Ditto switches in to copy the boosts. However, Calm Mind, Quiver Dance, and Bulk Up users are not optimal targets for Ditto unless they are already heavily weakened, as Ditto's low base HP will allow the Pokemon it is copying to defeat it before it can break through. Imposter also allows Ditto to serve as a perfect scout, completely revealing the movesets of the opponent's Pokemon simply by switching in. Ditto must be careful when attempting this, however, because it cannot switch into anything but weak resisted hits due to its incredibly low base HP. Imposter copies abilities as well as moves and stats, which can let Ditto recover off some HP by pivoting in and out against a Pokemon with Regenerator. Similarly, status can be healed by switching Ditto in and out against a Pokemon with Natural Cure. Finally, Ditto even has some small utility against teams that are more defensively minded, as it can switch in against a wall that has a crippling status move such as Toxic or copy an entry hazard, Heal Bell, or Aromatherapy. The only EVs that are significant for Ditto are its HP EVs, as HP is the only stat that Ditto retains after it transforms. The remaining EVs are completely insignificant barring Imposter failing, due to either two Ditto double switching into each other or Ditto switching in against a Pokemon that already has a Substitute up. As the Ditto user should always switch out either of those situations, Ditto's non-HP EVs are irrelevant. Ditto's IVs should be customized depending on what it wants to counter the most effectively; the given IVs give Ditto Hidden Power Fire, which hits the majority of the notable Hidden Power users in RU, such as Lilligant, Rotom-C, Sceptile, and Accelgor. Hidden Power Grass is a somewhat usable option, hitting Omastar and Gorebyss, but Gorebyss isn't really common enough to warrant its use, and Surf OHKOes Omastar if Ditto switches in after a Shell Smash. Hidden Power Rock is the main other option for Ditto's Hidden Power, notably scoring hits on most Fire-types, such as the powerful Moltres, Magmortar, and Typhlosion. Ditto has a very wide range of possible teammates; due to its sole use as a revenge killer, it fits well on both offensive and defensive teams, helping against the majority of offensive Pokemon in the tier. There are, however, a few Pokemon that immediately stick out as pairing well with Ditto, most notably Rapid Spin users. Cryogonal and Kabutops, for example, are very helpful to prevent Ditto from taking too much damage from entry hazards as it switches in and out over the course of a match. Ditto needs all the HP it can get in order to avoid being picked off by the many common priority move users in the tier such as Spiritomb, Entei, and Feraligatr. However, Ditto fits in very well without much support on most teams that simply need a revenge killer, as it effectively checks nearly every setup sweeper in RU.

Taking revenge on anyone who ever deemed it useless, Ditto takes its new Dream World ability to become a potent revenge killer. Armed with a Choice Scarf, Ditto can come in, outspeed, and kill almost anything, bar Substitute users and Zoroark. Any boosting sweepers must think twice if they see Ditto on the opposing team, because after they grab some boosts and a kill, Ditto can come in and not only pocket a revenge kill, but also steal the boost and turn the sweep around. For example, Ditto can steal boosts from the likes of Dragon Dance Kingdra, Dragon Dance Scrafty, Swords Dance Heracross, Nasty Plot Houndoom, and Nasty Plot Azelf, even after a single kill. Its sweeping potential doesn't stop there--Ditto can switch in and threaten a range of Life Orb attackers. Outside of its great revenge killing capabilities, Ditto can also steal entry hazards and further support moves from the opponent. Ditto can switch into the likes of Bronzong, Gligar, and Roserade and set up Stealth Rock or Spikes--although this locks Ditto into an entry hazard move, it can prove to be incredibly useful in the long run. This is obviously the only moveset that Ditto can run, but it doesn't need to worry about its own movepool because it will be using someone else's moves all of the time anyway. Because Ditto copies its opponent's stats (bar HP), it seems odd to put much thought into EV and IV spreads. They do have a purpose, however, as HP is the only stat not copied when Imposter takes effect and thus is maxed out. The remaining EVs only matter in one situation: Ditto switching in on Zoroark. Although this should never happen, Ditto still wants to have maxed Special Defense in case it needs to take a hit. The only effect of Ditto's IVs after Imposter takes effect is the type of its Hidden Power. This IV spread is chosen because it changes Hidden Power to a Ground-type move. This is useful in UU because there are two main users of Hidden Power: Raikou and Zapdos. Hidden Power Ground is Ditto's only way of getting past Raikou, and Zapdos is hit harder by its own Thunderbolt than any type of Hidden Power. 3 Speed IVs are are given to ensure the Base Power of Hidden Power is 70, while obtaining the lowest Speed possible. This is done for the only situation it could effect, Ditto vs. Ditto. In this situation, the faster Ditto loses because it runs out of PP first. Sassy is the nature of choice because it makes Ditto even slower and helps it take a hit from Zoroark. As for teammates, Ditto doesn't affect a team's synergy, so its team options are extremely varied. For any team that enjoys having a good revenge killer, is having trouble with setup sweepers, and has a free spot synergy wise, Ditto is a good teammate. Also, Ditto's ability to transform into the opponent's Stealth Rock user eliminates the need for a Stealth Rock user of your own. This can be a great help to free up teamslots.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.

This is Ditto's best, and only, set in the Dream World metagame. With Imposter, Ditto automatically transforms into the opponent upon being sent into battle. Ditto has a bit of a four-moveslot syndrome, so choosing the correct move is imperative... Well, not really. If anything, Ditto has a one-moveslot syndrome. In fact, the only reason Ditto has a move is because without it, one would not be able to use Ditto. Still, Transform adds nothing to Ditto's utility, as Imposter accomplishes what Ditto would already do with Transform, though Transform does not copy stat boosts and wastes a turn. Ditto should only be sent out against Pokemon that one wants to revenge kill, as that is Ditto's most effective role. This holds especially true against setup sweepers that have already acquired multiple boosts, as it simply makes Ditto more deadly. If Ditto can manage to come out against Technician Breloom, Excadrill lacking Air Balloon, Swords Dance Garchomp, or Calm Mind Latios, it can use the opponent's momentum against them and sweep with impunity. However, as always, one should never send Ditto out against an opponent that has a Substitute up, as Ditto cannot transform into a Pokemon behind a Substitute and will simply become dead weight. Ditto's EVs are nearly useless in all situations except the very rare case where one's opponent sends Ditto out on the same turn that one's own Ditto is sent out. In this case, neither Ditto will transform, and a stall war will ensue. Thus, one wants to have the slower Ditto, as it will use Struggle after the opponent receives recoil damage, giving it an advantage. However, Ditto copies the stats of any other Pokemon that it transforms into, so the EVs serve no further purpose. Ditto does not, however, copy the opponent's IVs, so one should make sure that Ditto's IVs are set for the Hidden Power of choice. Using 30 Attack and 30 Defense IVs gives Ditto Hidden Power Ice, a good move for all-around coverage. ​ Ditto is a unique Pokemon, so it is only natural that it should be used differently than other Pokemon. Ditto should absolutely never be used as a lead or sent out to sponge a hit; these simply ruin its purpose. Instead, Ditto can be used to take on setup sweepers after they nab a KO, or simply revenge kill opposing threats. This puts Ditto users in a dilemma: what move should be used? As a general rule of thumb, Ditto should use a move that will allow it to stay in and do as much damage as possible. However, should Ditto be presented with an immediate threat that must be taken out, using the appropriate move and switching out will usually suffice. Ditto is also useful for scouting opponents' movesets, as it copies every move. For example, sending Ditto out against Deoxys-S seems like a bad idea for the most part, but this actually allows you to learn whether or not Deoxys-S is an offensive variant or not. Similarly, one can scout setup sweepers in order to react appropriately and wall them, or to scout versatile Pokemon to learn how to stop them.

Ditto can attempt to switch into paralyzed Mew that is using Swords Dance or Soft-Boiled and threaten Transform, which can force Mew out and remove any boosts it has acquired. It can also be used to stall out more passive threats such as Slowbro, as it can use Rest to remove paralysis. Ditto is much more threatening if the opponent is using an Explosion spam team, as it can transform into a Pokemon with Explosion to become actually threatening. It requires paralysis support to effectively fulfill the little niche it has, so the likes of Exeggutor, Thunder Wave Mew and Mewtwo, and Chansey can make good partners for Ditto. Ditto should preferably be kept hidden until Mewtwo, Chansey, and Slowbro are KOed, as these are its best switch-ins that prevent it from being threatening. If it is being used to stall, Ditto necessitates teammates that can switch into Mewtwo once it runs out of PP, such as Light Screen Chansey, Slowbro, and one's own Mewtwo. The easiest way to eliminate these foes is with Explosion users, making the likes of Snorlax, Self-Destruct Mewtwo, and Explosion Mew good teammates.