[STABmons] Ditto [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2]



[OVERVIEW]

Due to Imposter, which allows Ditto to transform into the foe and copy its stat boosts, it is one of the metagame's most potent revenge killers when equipped with a Choice Scarf. In addition to revenge killing, Ditto's ability allows it to scout the entire movesets of opposing Pokemon without them even revealing their moves, meaning that it is effectively the best scout in the game. While Ditto may not always get the opportunity to sweep the opponent's team with the team's own setup sweeper, its mere presence on the field is often enough to dissuade the foe from setting up, greatly limiting the effectiveness of their sweepers. However, due to its terrible HP stat, Ditto has a very hard time switching in, meaning that it must switch in either using pivoting moves such as Volt Switch and U-turn or when a teammate has fainted. Ditto also faces competition as a revenge killer from Fake Out + Extreme Speed users such as Stoutland and Ursaring, which, while not as effective as Ditto at revenge killing, aren't as one-dimensional and can accomplish other things outside that role. In addition, because of its Choice Scarf, Ditto cannot defeat defensive sweepers that cannot damage themselves sufficiently, such as Mega Gyarados, Mega Slowbro, and Clefable. Finally, Ditto's usefulness is largely dependent on the opponent's team, and it will rarely be able to do much to teams that are reliant on bulk as opposed to attacking power due to its Choice Scarf and low HP limiting its ability to function as a defensive Pokemon that it transforms into.

[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Extreme Speed
move 2: Fake Out
move 3: Boomburst
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Naughty
evs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spe
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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.


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

Opting to instead use status moves such as Whirlwind and Perish Song is not recommended, as Ditto's bulk is not sufficient to survive most attacks, especially boosted ones. Other Hidden Power types such as Grass are also usable, but they are not as useful as the listed types.

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

**Paralysis**: Losing the ability to outspeed its foes is utterly crushing for Ditto, so Ditto becomes nearly useless when paralyzed.

**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Bulky setup sweepers that cannot really harm themselves, such as Mega Gyarados and Shift Gear Heatran, are pretty much immune to being revenge killed by Ditto, as Ditto's Choice Scarf will be detrimental in these situations and the foe's ability to switch moves will allow it to beat Ditto.

**Substitute Users**: As Ditto cannot copy Pokemon behind a Substitute, maintaining a Substitute is an excellent way to make sure that Ditto cannot revenge kill its foe.

**Unaware Users**: Given that Ditto is mostly used to counter setup sweepers, having an Unaware user such as Quagsire or Clefable to fully shut down attackers it copies greatly hinders Ditto's overall usefulness.

**Friendship-based Sets**: While Ditto can make use of both Return and Frustration, it cannot do both simultaneously due to the mechanics of friendship. Frustration users will be able to beat maximum friendship Ditto, and Return users will be able to defeat minimum friendship Ditto.

**Trick Room**: As Choice Scarf makes Ditto slower under Trick Room, Ditto becomes very difficult to use when the field condition is active.

**Unburden Users**: Imposter does not copy Unburden's Speed boost, which means that Unburden users such as Slurpuff and Hawlucha can outspeed and defeat Ditto after using their item.

**Zoroark**: Zoroark beats Ditto when it has an active Illusion up, as Illusion blocks Imposter.
 
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Jumping ahead of ellipse, since he hasn't done this yet!!


dance! \o/

Overview:
  • Solid. I mean, what is there to say about the blob?
Set:
  • Really, really nitpicky, but you could make it Fake Out -> Extreme Speed since it's commonly referred to as FakeSpeed? Having it as Extreme Speed -> Fake Out is odd imo.
Moves:
  • Make a note here that you will rarely use these moves, since Ditto will /hopefully/ be able to Imposter.
Set Details:
  • Looks good.
Usage Tips:
  • Mention how to effectively use Ditto's moves a bit more.
  • Discuss how to perform when you aren't Imposter'ed, basically, and what you can do to break Substitute before bringing it in.
  • Discuss what you can bring it on (Mega Slowbro, etc).
Team Options:
  • I feel like this needs to be a bit broader, since Ditto really does fit well with a lot of things.
  • An example is pairing it with a defensively-oriented Pokemon to dissuade making them a set up fodder.
Other Options:
  • Good! Not any other options, really lol.
Checks & Counters:
  • Mention paralysis. Ditto can't be useful to copy anything if it can't outspeed them at all, defeating its purpose.

QC 1/3

Good work Kl4ng! Not much to nitpick here, since Ditto is very simple haha.
 
Implemented, though I didn't put Fake Out before ExtremeSpeed since ExtremeSpeed is by far the most useful move Ditto has on its moveset, and despite having both moves Ditto isn't a fakespeeder. I also didn't expand on the moves in Usage Tips since I felt what they were useful for was sufficiently explained in moves and I'd just be repeating myself.

Ready for QC #2 ellipse Eevee General insanelegend The Reptile
 
Overview
  • I Dislike the use of "best" revenge killer, because of how it can't beat slower (i.e. Calm Mind) setup users and things that can't beat themselves, both things that you mention. As you did mention, the threat of a Ditto countersweep makes it work as a uh better deterrent to an opposing setup user or threat (such as not being able to get a kill with a M-Tyranitar if your own team has no Rock Switch-ins), but it doesn't always work better in every situation than a Fake Out + Extreme Speed user, so change the word choice from "best".
  • Emphasize the last bullet more, either by moving it forward in place, or by expanding it. The dead weight of a choice locked Quagsire being the best ditto use is a definite downside
Set
  • Why is HP Ice the best option? Most other setup users and strong special attackers (Latios, Meloetta, Kyurem-B, Serperior) will often carry Fire or Fighting coverage, and lack another way of dealing with Steel types. I'm not neccessarily saying that this needs to be changed, but you'll need greater justification for it in the Set Details than just saying Thundurus runs HP Ice, which often forego the move with just Flying-Electric coverage.
Moves:
  • I'm not nitpicky enough to geniunely care about this section as soon as I learned Ditto cannot outspeed a Zoroark no matter how hard it tries, nor can it OHKO without any boosts (barring Giga Impact / Hyper Beam max rolls with a boosting nature).
Set Details
  • Fine, just make changes here reflecting whatever you decide to do with the Hidden Power of Choice
Usage Tips:
  • Add a point about bringing Ditto in on pokemon that struggle to hurt themselves, but can provide extra utility, or help Ditto accomplish something (Switching into a Heatran or Landorus-T to be able to set up Stealth Rocks, or switching into a Thundurus-T to recover with Volt Absorb)
Team Options
  • What kind of team would prefer a Ditto over a Fake out + Extreme Speed user? Either describe the look as a whole, or, if you notice a pattern between teams that want Ditto, list that instead.
Other Options
  • Change the listed Hidden Powers based on what you decide to have as the selected one
Checks and Counters
  • Add a section for support based pokemon, or maybe just a stall team in general that isn't using anything that applies serious offensive pressure, or doesn't have anything useful for Ditto to become a choice scarfed copy of.
  • Add substitute
  • Add a section for Calm Mind users and other similar types of pokemon
Make the changes and you are QC 2/3
 

EV

Banned deucer.
Overview
  • Imposter does copy stat boosts, so I'm not sure what you mean in the first sentence.
Set - Revenge Killer
  • I'd like to see Whirlwind for shuffling substitute users and transforming into the Pokemon that comes out next. I know you list it in OO, but it can work against foes trying to setup on you thinking Ditto is helpless. It's more helpful than Fake Out, which c'mon, how often do you see Zoroark in STABmons?
Cs & Cs
  • I do think you need Bulky Setup Sweepers or Pokemon that resist their STAB/coverage here. Mega Gyarados, Mega Scizor, and Mega Slowbro spring to mind as the most relevant ones. They all often have recovery plus STABs that they resist.
Everything else looked good! QC 3/3.
 
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P Squared

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1/2

[OVERVIEW]

Due to Ditto's ability, Imposter, which allows it to transform into the opponent's Pokemon and steal its stat boosts, Ditto is one of the metagame's most potent revenge killers when equipped with a Choice Scarf. In addition to revenge killing, Ditto's ability allows it to entirely scout the entire movesets of opposing Pokemon without them even revealing their moves, meaning it is effectively the best scout in the game. While Ditto may not always get the opportunity to sweep the opponent's team with their own stat boosts, its mere presence on the field is often enough to dissuade the opponent from setting up as well, greatly limiting the effect of their sweepers. However, thanks to its terrible HP stat, Ditto has a very hard time switching in, meaning it must either switch in either using momentum moves such as Volt Switch and U-turn or when a teammate has fainted. Ditto also faces competition in the revenge killing department from Fake Out + Extreme Speed users such as Stoutland and Ursaring, which, (AC) while not as effective as Ditto as at revenge killing, aren't as one-dimensional and can accomplish other things outside that role. In addition, Ditto cannot defeat defensive sweepers that cannot damage themselves sufficiently, such as Mega Gyarados, Mega Slowbro, and Clefable, (AC) courtesy of its Choice Scarf. Finally, Ditto's usefulness is largely dependent on the opponent's team, and it will rarely be able to do much to bulky teams that are reliant on bulk as opposed to attacking power due to its Choice Scarf and low HP inhibiting its ability to function as defensive Pokemon it transforms into.

[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Extreme Speed
move 2: Fake Out
move 3: Boomburst
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Naughty
evs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spe
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe

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

While Ditto will rarely be using any of its listed moves because since it will almost always be transformed, the given moves help Ditto cope with the few situations in which Imposter does not activate. Extreme Speed, Ditto's most important move by far, allows it to strike at and break Substitutes, (AC) which block Imposter, allowing your teammates to better handle the Substitute Pokemon. 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, something else that which blocks Imposter, without sustaining damage. 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 land a KO kill on weakened Pokemon, though it is only advisable to do this against weak attackers due to Ditto's fragile bulk ("fragility" or "poor/bad/awful/whatever defenses", pick one). Rapid Spin can be used to remove entry hazards against slow Substitute users if you know you're able to handle them Substituted Pokemon and desperately need hazards removed from the field.

Set Details
========

A 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 Since Imposter does not copy IV spreads, a spread of [ 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe ][ 30 Atk / 30 Def ] (I think that's what you were going for?) is recommended in order to possess Hidden Power Fire and thus possess 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 tier'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 which does not have its own a Choice Scarf itself. 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 Choice Scarf users, it is highly recommended to make sure a Pokemon isn't holding a Choice Scarf scarfed 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 of defenses. If you know that Ditto is needed to keep a certain threat in check, try and to make sure that this Pokemon can't get a free turn to use Substitute, as that prevents since Ditto will no longer be 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-type and Water-type moves, (AC) respectively. Should you desperately need entry hazards removed from the field, it is possible to have Ditto copy the opponent's Defog user in order to remove hazards. This same concept applies to other utility moves, such as Heal Bell and Stealth Rock.

Team Options
========

It is advisable to use Ditto on teams weak to offensive boosting set-up Pokemon, as it since Ditto 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 great examples of this, as most offensive teams generally rely on setting up set-up moves to break through walls. Offensive teams vulnerable prone to foes boosting their Speed are also great examples of teams that appreciate Ditto's support as a teammate. Defog or Rapid Spin from Pokemon such as Landorus-T or Stoutland is highly recommended when using Ditto, as Ditto takes damage in accordance to its Normal-type typing prior to transforming, meaning 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.


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

Opting to instead use status moves such as in order to be able to use Whirlwind and Perish Song is not recommended, as Ditto's bulk is not sufficient enough to live survive most attacks, especially when they are boosted ones. Other Hidden Power typings such as Grass are also usable, but they are not as useful as the listed types Hidden Powers. Other than this, Ditto cannot make use of other things to much degree of viability. (not sure if this last sentence is necessary)

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

**Paralysis**: Losing the ability to outspeed its foes opponents is utterly crushing for Ditto, and due to this Ditto becomes nearly useless when paralyzed.

**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Bulky setup sweepers such as Mega Gyarados and Shift Gear Heatran that cannot really harm themselves, such as Mega Gyarados and Shift Gear Heatran, are pretty much immune to being revenge killed by Ditto, as Ditto's Choice Scarf will be detrimental in these types of situations and the foes' your Pokemon's ability to switch moves will allow them you to come out on top.

**Substitute Users**: As Ditto cannot copy Pokemon behind a Substitute, maintaining a Substitute is an excellent way to make sure Ditto cannot revenge kill you its foe.

**Unaware Pokemon**: As Given that (repetition) Ditto is mostly used to counter setup sweepers, having an Unaware user such as Quagsire or Clefable to fully shut down these attackers greatly hinders Ditto's overall usefulness.

**HappinessFriendship-based Sets**: While Ditto can will be able to make use of both Return or and Frustration, it cannot do both simultaneously due to the mechanics of Happiness friendship. (AP), meaning Pokemon with Frustration users will be able to beat maximum Happiness friendship Ditto, (AC) and Return users will be able to defeat minimum Happiness friendship Ditto.

**Trick Room**: As Choice Scarf makes Ditto "slower" under Trick Room, Ditto becomes very difficult to use when the field condition is active. (AP)

**Unburden Users**: As Imposter does not copy Unburden's Speed boost, which means that Unburden users can outspeed and defeat Ditto after using their item once the ability is active. (repetition)

**Zoroark**: As Imposter does not work on Pokemon with an active Illusion, Zoroark is relatively immune to Ditto when it has an active Illusion up, as it blocks Imposter its ability is active (repetition).
 
Last edited:

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[OVERVIEW]

Due to Ditto's ability, Imposter, which allows Ditto to transform into the opponent's Pokemon foe and copy its stat boosts, Ditto it is one of the metagame's most potent revenge killers when equipped with a Choice Scarf. In addition to revenge killing, Ditto's ability allows it to scout the entire movesets of opposing Pokemon without them even revealing their moves, meaning that it is effectively the best scout in the game. While Ditto may not always get the opportunity to sweep the opponent's team with their team's own stat boosts setup sweeper, its mere presence on the field is often enough to dissuade the opponent foe from setting up as well, greatly limiting the effectiveness of their sweepers. However, thanks due to its terrible HP stat, Ditto has a very hard time switching in, meaning that it must switch in either using momentum pivoting moves such as Volt Switch and U-turn or when a teammate has fainted. Ditto also faces competition in the as a revenge killing department killer from Fake Out + Extreme Speed users such as Stoutland and Ursaring, which, while not as effective as Ditto at revenge killing, aren't as one-dimensional and can accomplish other things outside that role. In addition, because of its Choice Scarf, Ditto cannot defeat defensive sweepers that cannot damage themselves sufficiently, such as Mega Gyarados, Mega Slowbro, and Clefable, courtesy of its Choice Scarf. Finally, Ditto's usefulness is largely dependent on the opponent's team, and it will rarely be able to do much to teams that are reliant on bulk as opposed to attacking power due to its Choice Scarf and low HP inhibiting limiting its ability to function as a defensive Pokemon that it transforms into.

[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Extreme Speed
move 2: Fake Out
move 3: Boomburst
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Naughty
evs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spe
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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 in which where Imposter does not activate. Extreme Speed, Ditto's most important move by far, allows it to strike at and break Substitutes, which block Imposter, allowing your teammates to better handle the Substitute Pokemon 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, something else that blocks Imposter, 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 land a KO on a weakened Pokemon, though it is only advisable to do this against weak attackers due to Ditto's fragility frailty. Rapid Spin can be used to remove entry hazards against slow Substitute users if you know you're that your team is able to handle them and desperately needs entry hazards removed from the field.

Set Details
========

A 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 and thus 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 users, it is highly recommended to make sure a Pokemon 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, (AC) its HP stat is not terribly high, and opposing sweepers usually do not have the best of defenses. If you know that Ditto is needed to keep a certain threat in check, try to make sure that this Pokemon 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-type 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 are also great examples of teams that appreciate Ditto's support. Defog or Rapid Spin from Pokemon such as Landorus-T or 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.


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

Opting to instead use status moves such as Whirlwind and Perish Song is not recommended, as Ditto's bulk is not sufficient to survive most attacks, especially boosted ones. Other Hidden Power typings types such as Grass are also usable, but they are not as useful as the listed types.

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

**Paralysis**:
Losing the ability to outspeed its foes is utterly crushing for Ditto, and due to this so Ditto becomes nearly useless when paralyzed.

**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Bulky setup sweepers that cannot really harm themselves, such as Mega Gyarados and Shift Gear Heatran, are pretty much immune to being revenge killed by Ditto, as Ditto's Choice Scarf will be detrimental in these types of situations and the foe's ability to switch moves will allow them it to come out on top beat Ditto (just for clarification purposes).

**Substitute Users**: As Ditto cannot copy Pokemon behind a Substitute, maintaining a Substitute is an excellent way to make sure that Ditto cannot revenge kill its foe.

**Unaware Pokemon Users**: Given that Ditto is mostly used to counter setup sweepers, having an Unaware user such as Quagsire or Clefable to fully shut down attackers it copies greatly hinders Ditto's overall usefulness.

**Friendship Happiness-based Sets**: While Ditto can make use of both Return and Frustration, it cannot do both simultaneously due to the mechanics of friendship happiness. Frustration users will be able to beat maximum friendship happiness Ditto, and Return users will be able to defeat minimum friendship happiness Ditto.

**Trick Room**: As Choice Scarf makes Ditto "slower" under Trick Room, Ditto becomes very difficult to use when the field condition is active.

**Unburden Users**: Imposter does not copy Unburden's Speed boost, which means that Unburden users (care to name a few?) can outspeed and defeat Ditto after using their item.

**Zoroark**: Zoroark is relatively immune to beats Ditto when it has an active Illusion up, as it Illusion blocks Imposter.

GP 2/2
 
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[OVERVIEW]

Due to Ditto's ability, Imposter, which allows Ditto to transform into the opponent's Pokemon foe and copy its stat boosts, Ditto it is one of the metagame's most potent revenge killers when equipped with a Choice Scarf. In addition to revenge killing, Ditto's ability allows it to scout the entire movesets of opposing Pokemon without them even revealing their moves, meaning that it is effectively the best scout in the game. While Ditto may not always get the opportunity to sweep the opponent's team with their team's own stat boosts setup sweeper, its mere presence on the field is often enough to dissuade the opponent foe from setting up as well, greatly limiting the effectiveness of their sweepers. However, thanks due to its terrible HP stat, Ditto has a very hard time switching in, meaning that it must switch in either using momentum pivoting moves such as Volt Switch and U-turn or when a teammate has fainted. Ditto also faces competition in the as a revenge killing department killer from Fake Out + Extreme Speed users such as Stoutland and Ursaring, which, while not as effective as Ditto at revenge killing, aren't as one-dimensional and can accomplish other things outside that role. In addition, because of its Choice Scarf, Ditto cannot defeat defensive sweepers that cannot damage themselves sufficiently, such as Mega Gyarados, Mega Slowbro, and Clefable, courtesy of its Choice Scarf. Finally, Ditto's usefulness is largely dependent on the opponent's team, and it will rarely be able to do much to teams that are reliant on bulk as opposed to attacking power due to its Choice Scarf and low HP inhibiting limiting its ability to function as a defensive Pokemon that it transforms into.

[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Extreme Speed
move 2: Fake Out
move 3: Boomburst
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Naughty
evs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spe
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
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 in which where Imposter does not activate. Extreme Speed, Ditto's most important move by far, allows it to strike at and break Substitutes, which block Imposter, allowing your teammates to better handle the Substitute Pokemon 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, something else that blocks Imposter, 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 land a KO on a weakened Pokemon, though it is only advisable to do this against weak attackers due to Ditto's fragility frailty. Rapid Spin can be used to remove entry hazards against slow Substitute users if you know you're that your team is able to handle them and desperately needs entry hazards removed from the field.

Set Details
========

A 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 and thus 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 users, it is highly recommended to make sure a Pokemon 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, (AC) its HP stat is not terribly high, and opposing sweepers usually do not have the best of defenses. If you know that Ditto is needed to keep a certain threat in check, try to make sure that this Pokemon 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-type 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 are also great examples of teams that appreciate Ditto's support. Defog or Rapid Spin from Pokemon such as Landorus-T or 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.


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

Opting to instead use status moves such as Whirlwind and Perish Song is not recommended, as Ditto's bulk is not sufficient to survive most attacks, especially boosted ones. Other Hidden Power typings types such as Grass are also usable, but they are not as useful as the listed types.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Paralysis**: Losing the ability to outspeed its foes is utterly crushing for Ditto, and due to this so Ditto becomes nearly useless when paralyzed.

**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Bulky setup sweepers that cannot really harm themselves, such as Mega Gyarados and Shift Gear Heatran, are pretty much immune to being revenge killed by Ditto, as Ditto's Choice Scarf will be detrimental in these types of situations and the foe's ability to switch moves will allow them it to come out on top beat Ditto (just for clarification purposes).

**Substitute Users**: As Ditto cannot copy Pokemon behind a Substitute, maintaining a Substitute is an excellent way to make sure that Ditto cannot revenge kill its foe.

**Unaware Pokemon Users**: Given that Ditto is mostly used to counter setup sweepers, having an Unaware user such as Quagsire or Clefable to fully shut down attackers it copies greatly hinders Ditto's overall usefulness.

**Friendship Happiness-based Sets**: While Ditto can make use of both Return and Frustration, it cannot do both simultaneously due to the mechanics of friendship happiness. Frustration users will be able to beat maximum friendship happiness Ditto, and Return users will be able to defeat minimum friendship happiness Ditto.

**Trick Room**: As Choice Scarf makes Ditto "slower" under Trick Room, Ditto becomes very difficult to use when the field condition is active.

**Unburden Users**: Imposter does not copy Unburden's Speed boost, which means that Unburden users (care to name a few?) can outspeed and defeat Ditto after using their item.

**Zoroark**: Zoroark is relatively immune to beats Ditto when it has an active Illusion up, as it Illusion blocks Imposter.

GP 2/2
Implemented, though your happiness change conflicts with P Squared's change (I had happiness and changed it to friendship after his GP check) so I didn't implement that. Going to tag P Squared so we can hopefully resolve this.
 

P Squared

a great unrecorded history
is a Site Content Manageris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Bulbapedia's page on Friendship
Friendship (Japanese: なつき度 degree of emotional attachment), also referred to as tame in Pokémon Stadium 2 and commonly referred to by fans as happiness, is a measurement of how much a Pokémon is attached to its Trainer and enjoys being in their care.

It affects the evolution of certain Pokémon, the power of Return and Frustration, and the availability of a few in-game items and Ribbons. Certain events increase a Pokémon's friendship (gaining a level, walking a certain amount of steps) or decrease it (fainting, using herbal medicine).
I thought it'd be better to use the official term rather than the fan-used one.
 

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