Ditto is a master of disguise in Pokémon Go, making it a rare find. You can’t directly encounter it in its true form; it always appears as another Pokémon.
The key to catching Ditto is identifying the Pokémon it’s currently imitating. For instance, you might encounter what seems to be a Diglett. It will look like a Diglett when you tap on it, but it could be a disguised Ditto. Only after you’ve successfully caught the Pokémon will you see the “Oh?” message, and with luck, it will transform into Ditto.
Ditto’s preferred disguises are not fixed and change periodically. Staying updated on the current list of disguises is crucial if you’re on a Ditto hunt, especially if you’re seeking a shiny version.
Below is the list of Ditto’s possible disguises in Pokémon Go for September 2025.
Pokémon Go Ditto Disguises: September 2025
As of December 18, 2023 – following the Adamant Times event – Ditto might be masquerading as one of these Pokémon in Pokémon Go:
- Oddish (Gen 1, Kanto Region)
- Koffing (Gen 1, Kanto Region)
- Rhyhorn (Gen 1, Kanto Region)
- Goldeen (Gen 1, Kanto Region)
- Spinarak (Gen 2, Johto Region)
- Numel (Gen 3, Hoenn Region)
- Bidoof (Gen 4, Sinnoh Region)
- Gothita (Gen 5, Unova Region)
- Solosis (Gen 5, Unova Region)
- Bergmite (Gen 6, Kalos Region)
- Stufful (Gen 7, Alola Region)
Tips for Shiny Ditto Hunting in Pokémon Go
There are key details to remember regarding Ditto and the pursuit of its shiny form. One crucial point: a shiny Pokémon that can potentially be Ditto will never actually be Ditto. Rest assured, your shiny encounter is safe!
The availability of a shiny Ditto hinges on chance. Each Ditto you successfully capture has a chance to be shiny, with increased shiny odds compared to other Pokémon. Research from The Silph Road suggests a shiny rate of approximately 1 in 64 (via Wayback Machine). Patience and luck are your allies when encountering disguised Pokémon.
Shiny Ditto initially became available through a paid Special Research Task during the Kanto Tour in 2021. Now, it can be obtained as a standard encounter.