Ditto - Best Competitive Build | Pokemon Sword Shield

Last Updated: August 21, 2022 10:59 PM

Find out how to get and use a competitive Ditto in Pokemon Sword and Shield! Learn about the best Ditto movesets, best builds, best nature, counters and its hidden ability!!!

Table of Contents

Best Competitive Build
How To Use Ditto
Counters
Best Items

Location & Stats

Competitive Build

Ditto Best Competitive Build

Total Base Stats	288
Type

Best Competitive Build For Ditto

Best Nature	Best Item
Any Nature Is Okay!	Choice Scarf
Best Ability
Imposter Transforms into the Pokemon in front of it.
Best Moveset
Transform
Best EV Spread
HP 252, other EVs are not necessary

Ditto's Bizarre Training Process

Any Nature is okay
Hidden Ability "Imposter" is a must
Only Max HP IVs are necessary
Only need 252 EVs in HP.

Ditto is a particularly strange Pokemon to use competitively, largely because the process of training it up to be battle-ready is so drastically different from other Pokemon.

Hidden Ability "Imposter" Is A Must

Although Ditto can use a move to transform, it's better to have its Hidden Ability so that it transforms automatically when entering battle. When transforming, Ditto takes on all stats of the enemy Pokemon except HP. This is why you need Max HP IVs and EVs.

Check Out Our Guide On Catching a High IV Ditto Here!

How To Use Ditto

The Mechanics of Transformation

>	Imposter (Hidden Ability) will change Ditto into the opposing Pokemon when it enters battle.
>	It copies the opponent's Type, Ability, Moves, and Form.
>	It copies all of the opponent's stats except HP! This includes buffs.
>	Maximum move PP is set to 5.
>	Does not copy the opponent's held item.
>	Copying a Dynamax Pokemon will not Dynamax Ditto.
>	Cannot transform if the opponent has a Substitute up.
>	While transformed, Ditto cannot change forms (such as Galarian Darmanitan's Zen Mode, Mimikyu's Disguise, etc)
>	Abilities that apply their effect on entry (like Intimidate) are applied when it transforms.

Use Ditto Against Set Up Sweepers

Ditto is currently used against Pokemon that buff themselves up and go for a sweep. If you copy your opponent's speed, you will have a 50-50 chance of going first, which is not optimal. Therefore, we recommend running a Choice Scarf to outspeed your opponent.

Strong Against Opponents That Are Weak To Their Own Type

Ditto is particularly effective against Pokemon like Dragapult, which are also weak to their own Dragon type. Other examples include Excadrill, which is weak to its own Earthquake, and Galarian Darmanitan, which is weak to Flare Blitz. A Choice Scarf will allow you to outspeed and OHKO!

Non-Scarf Options Are Possible

If you plan ahead and set up a Tailwind to buff speed, or Reflect/Light Screen to buff defenses, other items are also viable. Check your team composition and decide what to bring.

Switching Dispels Transformation

If you withdraw your Ditto, it will not retain its transformation. This means that you can pull it back and take it out at a different opportunity if necessary.

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Ditto Counters

How To Play Against Ditto

Buff Sweepers Beware!

When choosing which Pokemon to send into a fight, if you spot a Ditto, considering keeping your self-buffing Pokemon back!

Use Dynamax To Your Advantage

Ditto's Transform does not copy Dynamax, so you can use this to your advantage. Additionally, even if Ditto does Dynamax, it will do so using Ditto's (relatively weak) HP stat, making it possible to take it out.

Substitute Blocks Transformation

The move Substitute will render Ditto unable to transform, making it completely useless. However, if Ditto is sent out the same turn you try to use Substitute, the transformation will go through, so be careful.

Can't Transform If The Opponent Isn't There

Some moves like Phantom Force, Fly, or Dig, take the user out of battle for one turn. If Ditto is sent in during this time, it will not transform!

Play Around Its Moves

Since Ditto is copying your Pokemon, you have complete knowledge of its moveset. Switch to a Pokemon which you know will resist the moves of your previous Pokemon.

Ditto - Recommended Item to Hold

Item	Traits
Choice Scarf	Increases Speed by 150% but locks you in to one move. Necessary to break the speed tie when Ditto transforms.
Focus Sash	Useful for ensuring that you don't get one shot and that you can one shot your opponent back!
Choice Band	Increases Attack by 150% but locks you in to one move. Could be used if you're planning on providing a speed boost via other supporting Pokemon.
Choice Specs	Increases Sp. Attack by 150% but locks you in to one move. Could be used if you're planning on providing a speed boost via other supporting Pokemon.

Check Out Battle Item Locations Here!