Pokemon GO: How to Catch Ditto (June 2023)

Here's how to catch Ditto in Pokemon GO and whether it can be Shiny.

Image via Niantic

If you’re like me, you’ve got multiple Special Research tasks asking you to catch a Ditto in Pokemon GO. These include Let’s Go, Meltan (3 of 9) and A Mythical Discovery (5 of 8). I’ve caught one Ditto in my history of playing off and on since release, so I understand the frustration of trying to find one for these tasks. Here’s how to catch a Ditto in Pokemon GO, including what it’s hiding as and if you can catch a shiny one.

Tricks to Catch Ditto in Pokemon GO

Current Pokemon GO Ditto Disguises

As of the March 2023 Pokemon GO update, Ditto can be masquerading as the following Pokemon:

  • Diglett
  • Grimer
  • Snubbull
  • Corphish
  • Starly
  • Roggenrola
  • Tympole
  • Litleo

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. 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.

About the author

Ashley Erickson

Ashley, otherwise known as Glitchiee, is an avid gamer of RPGs, TTRPGS, farming sims, The Sims, and a variety of games in between. Playing on the NES and SNES, collecting 1st gen Pokemon cards, and playing on her Gameboy color are some of her favorite memories from early childhood. Combined with a passion for writing, Ashley is focused on bringing the best news, guides, reviews and lists the industry has to offer.