[Monotype / Normal] Ditto

[Sobi]

------------------------
qc: Eien, Scpinion, iVid
gp: Connni {amcheck}, Legitimate Username {gp 1/2}, GatoDelFuego {gp 2/2}
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​

[OVERVIEW]

With Imposter and a Choice Scarf, Ditto is an excellent revenge killer on Normal teams that is able to immediately change the outcome of a game. This is thanks to its ability to copy stat boosts of the foe, therefore discouraging the opponent from setting up. Ditto also works well as a scout, easing predictions, and it can also fit onto stall teams that need a Pokemon that can play mind games on and annoy the opposing team. However, the opponent can simply switch out its Pokemon and bring out a counter to the Pokemon that Ditto has transformed into. Furthermore, Ditto's unpredictability might not always be in your favor, as the foe might have a bad moveset to copy, forcing Ditto to switch out due to being dead weight and sapping a lot of momentum. In addition, the opponent knows what set their own Pokemon is running, so they can exploit this by playing around Ditto easily. Ditto's moves also have only 5 PP, so the foe can easily stall them out by using recovery moves. Finally, Ditto does not copy the foe's HP stat, leaving it forced to cope with its own appalling base 48 HP.

[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Transform
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ditto is a very straightforward Pokemon that doesn't have many viable alternatives to run, although you can change its happiness from 255 to 0 in case your opponent runs Frustration instead of Return. This is a 50/50 chance, however.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Playing Around Ditto**: Because the opponent knows what set Ditto is running after it has transformed, they can easily switch to a counter to then force Ditto out, or they can send out a Pokemon that can set up on a Ditto that can't do anything to it. The opponent can also play around a Choice-locked Ditto.

**Untransformable Pokemon**: Ditto cannot transform into Pokemon behind a Substitute or Mega Pokemon, making it a sitting duck, complete setup fodder, and a huge momentum drain.

**Walls**: Pokemon like Porygon2 and Slowbro are not very useful for Ditto to transform into, as they are not very strong and can stall Ditto out with their recovery moves due to Ditto's low PP.

**Status**: Burns make it hard for Ditto to copy physical attackers and unable to deal much damage. Paralysis cripples Ditto by slowing it down. Accumulating Toxic damage can wear Ditto down quickly.

 

[Eien]

Sorry we were gonna talk on Showdown but I couldn't finish what I was doing in time :/ This is short though. (Made long by two long paragraphs but not really much to do)

Overview:
Add that Ditto does not copy HP stats, meaning it's forced to use its awful base 48 HP.

Set:
Don't you want maximum Attack IVs to do the most damage with Struggle? I'm going to come back to the Hidden Power IVs later by the way.

Ditto @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Imposter
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 0 Spe
- Transform

Set Details:
Choice Scarf doesn't always outspeed the foe. It is at least a Speed tie though against other Choice Scarf users.

Okay, I think it's important to think about what Pokemon Ditto is likely to Imposter that will actually carry Hidden Power in the first place, as that will make it easier to decide which type it should be. Hidden Power Ice is generally a good coverage move, but is it actually useful? Dragon-types should be hit with their Dragon-type STAB attacks instead and Ground-types don't even use Hidden Power in the first place. Flying can be hit by Hidden Power Ice, but is this actually useful? The only Pokemon on Flying that uses Hidden Power is Thundurus, so if you're going to copy a Hidden Power, you'll be a Choice Scarf Thundurus. Unfortunately, Thundurus is competely walled by Zapdos anyway, meaning your Hidden Power Ice will do next to no damage. Furthermore, your Chansey will wall the opposing Thundurus anyway, so it's not like you really need Ditto to take it on. No Thundurus will set up Nasty Plot because it's just useless against Normal, and it's bait for Ditto anyway. Thus, against Flying, I think we can conclude Hidden Power Ice is also useless. The last type is Grass, in which you don't want to be hitting a Mega Venusaur with Hidden Power Ice.

So, with Hidden Power Ice generally accepted as not the best choice, what should we use instead? I personally think the right choice is Hidden Power Fire. You can copy a Magnezone and trap it with its own Magnet Pull and use Hidden Power Fire to take it out. This is also helpful if you somehow managed to remove their Heatran earlier too, as you can potentially get even more damage off after you KO Magnezone. Are there any other actually good Pokemon with Hidden Power you need to copy that can actually do anything? Not really. Against Bug, Galvantula's Thunder is superior to any Hidden Power and Volcarona's Fire STAB attack is better as well. Meanwhile, Mega Venusaur takes more damage from Sludge Bomb. Importantly though, if you can copy a Serperior, you have a Hidden Power that can KO Ferrothorn, which Hidden Power Ice could not.

Long story short, use Hidden Power Fire IVs, because that's the only realistically useful type.

Usage Tips:
While Ditto's 5 PP is generally a problem for it, the fact that it can switch in and out to continuously replenish its 5 PP can make it a good stallbreaker. It has essentially infinite cleric / recover PP. And when stall vs. stall comes down to PP management, Ditto is invaluable.

Keep Ditto as healthy as possible. You definitely want to always have its Imposter threat in the back to ward off setup sweepers. Even if Ditto isn't being used noticeably, it's working in the background all the time.

Be careful of Ditto's base 48 HP, because that can cause mistakes when doing damage calculations. It also makes it harder for Ditto to beat certain foes 1v1, such as Keldeo, where a Choice Specs Keldeo can almost always OHKO a Ditto that copies it, while Ditto isn't even guaranteed a 2HKO.

Ditto is not affected by Sticky Webs thanks to Imposter. Happily copy opposing wallbreakers without any fear of Speed tie as a result. This is most useful against Rock-type teams, which often use Choice Band Terrakion with Shuckle to provide Sticky Webs.

Ditto should take advantage of opposing abilities wherever possible.

Team Options: (Your first team option looks like the paragraph written up already lol.)

Add that Chansey and Porygon2 serve as great defensive walls in return that Ditto can retreat to if forced out. Chansey can also provide Heal Bell to relieve Ditto of status.

Mega Pidgeot is another good U-turn user.

Other Options:
Change the Hidden Power line. By the way, the stat changes don't really mean much, since Ditto copies opposing IVs for uses other than Hidden Power.

Checks and Counters:
Status maybe? Burns will make it hard to copy physical attackers, paralysis is crippling, and Toxic poison will wear Ditto down fast.

Nicely done! QC 1/3

 

[scpinion]

Nice job! QC 2/3

Only one comment:

Thanks to Imposter, Ditto is immune to Sticky Web and can use this advantage by switching in on wallbreakers such as Terrakion

Phrase that so it doesn't sound like someone should switch Ditto in on a Terrakion. Something like: Ditto's Imposter removes the speed drop cause by Sticky Webs on your side of the field. This allows it to safely copy wall breakers that are paired with Sticky Web users, such as Choice Band Terrakion on Rock teams.

 

[Vid]

Only issues I have is under set details not explaining how Ditto doesn't copy HP for the HP investment other than that looks good I don't see any other issues

 

[Conni]

==GP AmCheck==
Yo. Here's an GP AmCheck for your article Sobi, implement this by your free will
add remove (comment)

GP AmCheck

[OVERVIEW]

With Imposter and a Choice Scarf, Ditto is an excellent revenge killer on Normal teams that is absolutely unpredictable and able to immediately change the outcome of a game thanks to its ability to copy stat boosts of the foe and turn them against it and therefore discourage the foe setting up. It works well as a scout, easing predictions, and it fits on stall teams that need a Pokemon that can play mind games on and annoy the opposing team. However, the opponent can simply switch out its(add space)Pokemon and bring out a counter to the Pokemon has transformed into in order to take advantage of Ditto's inability to do much. Furthermore, Ditto's unpredictability might not always be in your favor, as the foe may have a poor moveset, forcing Ditto to switch out due to being dead weight and sap a lot of momentum. In addition, as the opponent knows what set their Pokemon is running, they can exploit this by playing around Ditto. Ditto's moves also have 5 PP, so the foe can easily stall them out by using recovery moves. Finally, Ditto does not copy the foe's HP stat, leaving it forced to cope with an appalling base 48 HP stat.

[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Transform
move 2:
move 3:
move 4:
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Relaxed
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Transform is simply a filler move, as Imposter does the same thing automatically upon switch-in.

Set Details
========

A Choice Scarf is chosen so that Ditto is able to at least Speed tie with opposing Choice Scarf users and outspeed non-Choice Scarf users. The given IVs create Hidden Power Fire. 0 Speed IVs allow opposing Ditto to transform first, making Ditto unable to transform into them but at least stay with Transform's 16 PP compared to their moves of 5 PP. It, alongside a Relaxed nature, also helps with Struggles wars against other Ditto's. 248 HP EVs minimize damage taken from Stealth Rock, although be aware that Ditto does not copy the foe's HP when transforming. The remaining EVs are put into Special Defense and Defense for bulk and to decrease damage taken from opposing Ditto's Struggle.

Usage Tips
========

Ditto should primarily be used to revenge kill sweepers that have already boosted and 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, so bring it in after a teammate or fainted or through momentum-gaining moves like U-turn and Volt Switch. Keep it as healthy as possible to ensure a successful sweep. However, it is possible to switch Ditto into a move the foe is immune to, such as into Gengar's Focus Blast or Heatran's Lava Plume, though the opponent can easily predict this and foil your plan. Use Ditto to scout for the foe's moveset to make prediction a lot easier. Copying the movesets of clerics like Lanturn to get access to Heal Bell or entry hazard removers like Starmie to get access to Rapid Spin is a good plan to support your team. Although Ditto's limited PP is a problem, it can take advantage of this by switching in and out, replenishing its PP and being an effective stallbreaker. Be aware of the fact that Ditto does not copy the foe's HP stat, as you may misinterpret damage calculations due to this. Ditto's Imposter ability removes the Speed drop caused by Sticky Web, allowing 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, so Ditto can transform into them and force them out. Chansey and Porygon2 are defensive partners that can be switched in if Ditto is forced out, the former being able to relieve Ditto of status with Heal Bell. 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 also provides(add space)Defog support to prevent Ditto from being worn down from entry hazards. Ditto is quite unpredictable, so it doesn't really require an extreme amount of support, as it fits well onto many kinds of teams without requiring major synergy.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ditto is a very straightforward Pokemon and doesn't have many viable alternatives to run, although you can change its happiness from 252 to 0 if the foe runs Frustration, though if they don't, Ditto(add space)can be forced out.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Playing Around Ditto**: Because the opponent knows what set Ditto is running after it has transformed, they can easily switch to a counter to then force Ditto out or send out a Pokemon that can set up on Ditto that can't do anything to it. The opponent can also play around a Choice-locked Ditto.

**Untransformable Pokemon**: Ditto cannot transform into Pokemon behind a Substitute, making it a sitting duck, complete setup fodder, and a huge momentum drain.

**Walls**: Pokemon like Porygon2 and Slowbro are not very useful Pokemon to transform into, as they are not very strong, and they can stall Ditto out with their recovery moves due to Ditto's low PP.

**Status**: Burns make Ditto hard to copy physical attackers and unable to deal as much damage, paralysis is crippling and slows Ditto down, and accumulating Toxic poison wears down Ditto quickly.

As expected from a fellow AmChecker there weren't a lot of problems, just a few comma problems and space issues. Great job on the article btw and good luck!

 

[Legitimate Username]

Thanks for the request.

Checka checka

[OVERVIEW]

With Imposter and a Choice Scarf, Ditto is an excellent revenge killer on Normal teams that is absolutely unpredictable and able to immediately change the outcome of a game. This is (run-on sentence, splitting it here) thanks to its ability to copy stat boosts of the foe and turn them against it, (add comma) and therefore discourage discouraging the foe opponent from setting up. It Ditto also works well as a scout, easing predictions, and it fits on can also fit onto stall teams that need a Pokemon that can play mind games on and annoy the opposing team. However, the opponent can simply switch out its Pokemon and bring out a counter to the Pokemon that Ditto has transformed into in order to take advantage of Ditto's inability to do much to it. Furthermore, Ditto's unpredictability might not always be in your favor, as the foe may have a poor bad moveset to copy, forcing Ditto to switch out due to being dead weight, (add comma) and sap thus sapping a lot of momentum. In addition, as the opponent knows what set their own Pokemon is running, they can exploit this by playing around Ditto easily. Ditto's moves also have only 5 PP, so the foe can easily stall them out by using recovery moves. Finally, Ditto does not copy the foe's HP stat, leaving it forced to cope with an its own appalling base 48 HP stat.

[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Transform
move 2:
move 3:
move 4:
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Relaxed
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Transform is simply a filler move, as Imposter does the exact same thing automatically upon switch-in.

Set Details
========

A Choice Scarf is chosen used so that Ditto is able to at least Speed tie with opposing Choice Scarf users, (add comma) and as well as outspeed non-Choice Scarf users. The given IVs create give Ditto Hidden Power Fire. 0 Speed IVs allow Ditto to transform after opposing Ditto to transform first, 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. It This, alongside along with a Relaxed nature, also helps with Struggle wars against other Dittos opposing Ditto. 248 HP EVs minimize damage taken from Stealth Rock, 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 decrease damage taken from opposing Ditto's Struggle.

Usage Tips
========

Ditto should primarily be used to revenge kill sweepers that have already boosted and or powerful wallbreakers so that it can potentially sweep the opposing team. Choose what Pokemon to transform into wisely;Pokemon 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, so bring it in after a teammate or has fainted or through momentum-gaining moves like 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 the your opponent can easily predict this and foil your plan. Use Ditto to scout for the foe's moveset in order to make prediction a lot easier. Copying the movesets of clerics like such as Lanturn in order to get access to Heal Bell, (add comma) or entry hazard removers like such as Starmie in order to get access to Rapid Spin, (add comma) is can be a good plan to support for supporting your team. Although Ditto's limited PP is can be a problem, it can take advantage of this by switching in and out, replenishing its PP and being thus becoming an effective stallbreaker. Be aware of the fact that Ditto does not copy the foe's HP stat, as you may misinterpret damage calculations due to this. Ditto's Imposter ability removes the Speed drop caused by Sticky Web, allowing 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, so allowing Ditto can 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. 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 provides provide Defog support in order to prevent Ditto from being worn down from by entry hazards. Ditto is quite unpredictable, so it doesn't really require an extreme amount a lot of support, as it fits can fit well onto many kinds of teams without requiring major synergy.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ditto is a very straightforward Pokemon and that doesn't have many viable alternatives to run, although you can change its happiness from 252 255 (happiness doesn't work like EVs) to 0 if the foe in case your opponent runs Frustration instead of Return, though if they don't, Ditto can be easily forced out.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Playing Around Ditto**: Because the opponent knows what set Ditto is running after it has transformed, they can easily switch to a counter to then force Ditto out, (add comma) or they can send out a Pokemon that can set up on a Ditto that can't do anything to it. The opponent can also play around a Choice-locked Ditto.

**Untransformable Pokemon**: Ditto cannot transform into Pokemon behind a Substitute, making it a sitting duck, complete setup fodder, and a huge momentum drain.

**Walls**: Pokemon like Porygon2 and Slowbro are not very useful Pokemon for Ditto to transform into, as they are not very strong, and they can stall Ditto out with their recovery moves due to Ditto's low PP.

**Status**: Burns make Ditto it hard for Ditto to copy physical attackers and unable to deal as much damage, paralysis. Paralysis is crippling and slows for Ditto by slowing it down, and accumulating. Accumulating Toxic poison wears damage can wear Ditto down Ditto quickly.

GP approved 1/2

 

[GatoDelFuego]

Sobi

REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

With Imposter and a Choice Scarf, Ditto is an excellent revenge killer on Normal teams that is absolutely unpredictable and no, Impostor is like the most predictable thing ever haha able to immediately change the outcome of a game. This is thanks to its ability to copy stat boosts of the foe and turn them against it, therefore discouraging the opponent from setting up. Ditto also works well as a scout, easing predictions, and it can also fit onto stall teams that need a Pokemon that can play mind games on and annoy the opposing team. However, the opponent can simply switch out its Pokemon and bring out a counter to the Pokemon that Ditto has transformed into in order to take advantage of Ditto's inability to do much to it. this just seems obvious to me but is the least bad of everything i am removing from this overview Furthermore, Ditto's unpredictability might not always be in your favor, as the foe may might have a bad moveset to copy, forcing Ditto to switch out due to being dead weight, thus and sapping a lot of momentum. In addition, as the opponent knows what set their own Pokemon is running, so they can exploit this by playing around Ditto easily. Ditto's moves also have only 5 PP, so the foe can easily stall them out by using recovery moves. Finally, Ditto does not copy the foe's HP stat, leaving it forced to cope with its own appalling base 48 HP.

[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Transform
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Relaxed
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Transform is simply a filler move, as Imposter does the exact same thing automatically upon switch-in 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. 248 HP EVs minimize damage taken from Stealth Rock, Is this actually true 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 decrease damage taken from opposing Ditto's Struggle.

Usage Tips
========

Ditto should primarily be used to revenge kill 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. is this true? it IS going to have choice scarf. Perhaps mono-attacking is superior? Never switch Ditto into attacks, as it is very frail; (SC) so bring it in after a teammate or 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 easily predict this and foil your plan. Use Ditto to scout for the foe's moveset in order to make prediction a lot easier 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, as you may 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. Is it really safe if their U-turn goes first? 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, as it and can fit well onto many kinds of teams without requiring major synergy.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Ditto is a very straightforward Pokemon that doesn't have many viable alternatives to run, although you can change its happiness from 255 to 0 in case your opponent runs Frustration instead of Return. This is a 50/50 chance, however., though if they don't, Ditto can be easily forced out. Mention alternate Hidden Powers, or other item choices (focus sash?).

Checks and Counters
===================

**Playing Around Ditto**: Because the opponent knows what set Ditto is running after it has transformed, they can easily switch to a counter to then force Ditto out, or they can send out a Pokemon that can set up on a Ditto that can't do anything to it. The opponent can also play around a Choice-locked Ditto.

**Untransformable Pokemon**: Ditto cannot transform into Pokemon behind a Substitute, making it a sitting duck, complete setup fodder, and a huge momentum drain. or Mega Pokemon

**Walls**: Pokemon like Porygon2 and Slowbro are not very useful for Ditto to transform into, as they are not very strong, (RC) and they can stall Ditto out with their recovery moves due to Ditto's low PP.

**Status**: Burns make it hard for Ditto to copy physical attackers and unable to deal much damage. Paralysis is crippling for cripples Ditto by slowing it down. Accumulating Toxic damage can wear Ditto down quickly.

2/2

 

[rs]

uploaded