Glad I could help! Bumping for the sake of all the NU analyses. They all desperately need legitimate GP checks.
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Ditto (GP 2/2)
- Thread starter marilli
- Start date
[Overview]
<p>Ditto, branded as a useless whore for the last four generations, returns as a sassy pimp in all its pink and purple glory in an attempt to dominate the Pokemon world. Its new Dream World ability, Imposter, allows Ditto to turn into the opponent bar item choice and HP without wasting a turn. With a Choice Scarf, Ditto will almost always be faster than the opponent, and functions as the best revenge killer there ever was. If that didn't alreadyoesn't sound perfect enough, Ditto is also an all-star scout—the moment it transforms into the opponent, Ditto can reveal its opponent's entire moveset. Ditto can also switch into a myriad of Pokemon immune to their own primary STAB, or steal opposing utility moves ranging from Aromatherapy to Whirlwind.</p>
<p>However, Ditto is far from perfect. How so, you ask? Ironically, Ditto is only as strong as its opponent, and this flaw allows Ditto to be at its worst in the weakest metagame. Most importantly, NU mainly lacks Speed-boosting setup Pokemon that Ditto can take advantage of. Calm Mind is perhaps the most common boosting move in NU, and Ditto can do little to prevent Calm Mind sweepers such as Musharna from rampaging through your team. Other setup sweepers, especially Absol, are also hard to revenge kill without exceptional prediction skills. Still, Ditto can easily revenge kill prominent threats such as Cinccino and Gorebyss, and acts as a reliable "panic button" of sorts. Most importantly, Ditto is an incredibly fun Pokemon to use, and can provide you—and your Pokemon—with some good old-fashioned fun.</p>
[SET]
name: The Best Set Ever
move 1: Transform
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
ivs: 30 HP / 30 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is no doubt Ditto's best set. Imposter functions as a free Transform, immediately copying all base stats bar HP, all stat changes, and the target's exact moveset. With a Choice Scarf, Ditto turns into a monstrous revenge killer, as it can outspeed the opponent no matter what. Of course, Ditto will Speed tie with opposing Choice Scarf users, but it can revenge kill set-up sweepers such as Shell Smash Gorebyss and Belly Drum Linoone, as well as weather sweepers such as Growth Victreebel. With proper prediction, Ditto can also revenge kill the likes of Cinccino and Emboar, who are incredibly hard to switch into. Additionally, Ditto can take advantage of an opponent's' immunities in order to switch into threats likesuch as Choice Scarf Zebstrika. In a similar fashion, Ditto can also switch into Sap Sipper Sawsbuck, though not without considerable risk. Keep in mind that Ditto is so frail thanks to its low base HP that it is rather difficult to bring it in on anything other than weak resisted hits such as Choice Scarf Sawk's Stone Edge. Keep in mindTake note that if you need Ditto for revenge killing duties, it might be better to avoid taking such risks. Furthermore, Ditto can function as a scout as it can copy each of the opponent's moves, and can revealing any surprise coverage options. If necessary, Ditto can even act as a lead, and steal the ability to lay entry hazards from opposing Cacturne or Garbodor. Ditto plays as a revenge killer, scout, and late-game cleaner all in one; however, as Ditto lacks any surprise moves or spreads, remember that Ditto will be only as good as how you play it.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Ditto's HP is almost maximized, as HP is the only stat that carries over after transforming with Impostor. The remaining EVs do not matter, except in rare casesthatwhen Imposter fails. The given IVs let Ditto revenge kill Gorebyss with Hidden Power Grass, perhaps the most common threat that carries Hidden Power.</p>
<p>An important point to note is the fact that Ditto does not fully copy the opponent. While this might seem like an unimportant issue, Ditto has trouble revenge killing Guts sweepers such as Swellow and Zangoose because Ditto will most likely not be poisoned. When revenge killing these threats, remember that an unboosted Swellow's Brave Bird is shamefully weak, while an unboosted Zangoose's Facade is not strong enough to take down enemy Zangoose. Similarly, Ditto is unable to revenge kill Unburden + Acrobatics Drifblim, ironically because of its own Choice Scarf. Another difference is that Ditto keeps its Hidden Power type, but Hidden Power is a rare sight in NU bar some specific Psychic-types and Gorebyss.</p>
<p>The subtleties of playing with Ditto do not end there. On a double switch, the faster Pokemon will switch out first. While this rarely matters, this is crucial for Ditto, as Ditto copies the active opposing Pokemon the moment it is sent out. You can take advantage of this to lure double switches for non-mirror matchups using Ditto. For example, if you have an Emboar out against an opposing Amoonguss and you predict a switch to an opposing Alomomola, switching in Ditto will make it transform into the Amoonguss, instead of the Alomomola, because Emboar will switch out first. This is incredibly unexpected, especially if Ditto's target is not currently on your team. This also guarantees that Ditto can transform into a slow opponent, if so desired. While transforming into a slow opponent is usually a bad idea because Ditto is not bulky enough to consistently take hits, you can switch Ditto into opposing Amoonguss relatively easily if Sleep Clause is already activated, after which you can effectively take one of your opponent's Pokemon out of the match with your own Spore.</p>
<p>It is rather difficult to recommend teammates for Ditto, mainly because Ditto will almost always be a different Pokemon. Still, Ditto mainly thrives against offensive teams that usually cannot take an attack from themselves. Conversely, Ditto struggles against bulky Pokemon such as Musharna and Alomomola, as Ditto will be without any boosts most of the time. In general, hard-hitters such as Choice Band Emboar can break down opposing defensive cores so that Ditto can wreak havoc. If you happen to rely on Ditto to take care of opposing stat-boosting sweepers, remember that Calm Mind users can bypass Ditto relatively easily. As a result, Ditto needs a teammate such as Skuntank or Absol to handle opposing Calm Mind users. Cinccino is a great teammate for breaking through possible Substitute users that restrict Ditto. Finally, Spikes users such as Cacturne are great teammates because Ditto tends to be slightly weaker than the opponent thanks to its lack of a boosting item such as Life Orb, and Spikes can weaken foes enough for Ditto to revenge kill them.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Ditto has few other options. It can choose a different Hidden Power type, but very few Pokemon in NU use Hidden Power as a main attacking option. Moreover, those that do, such as Duosion, generally beat Ditto anyway. Ditto can use something other than Choice Scarf, but Ditto will always face Speed ties without it, and loses its largest niche as a reliable revenge killer. Really, unless you have an unsavory mind or a fifth-grader's imagination, there's very little else Ditto can do.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>It is hard, if not impossible, to name a single Ditto counter in a traditional sense; Ditto is not your average Pokemon, after all. The most natural thing to do would be to try and check whatever Ditto is at the moment. In fact, you know all of its moves, so you can rest easy that there are no surprises waiting for you. Additionally, Ditto will almost always be holding a Choice Scarf, so if you can switch in a Pokemon that resists its chosen attack, Ditto will certainly lose its momentum. Furthermore, Ditto lacks a Life Orb or Choice Band, which further increases the number of Pokemon that can take an attack and hit back. Unless those Pokemon are worn down first, Ditto will have a hard time being effective.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, there are some things that Ditto will nearly always have trouble with. Substitute, which prevents Imposter from taking effect, makes Ditto essentially useless; Ditto will hence find it impossible to revenge kill setup sweepers such as Substitute + Shell Smash Gorebyss and Substitute Klang. In addition, Ditto takes damage from all entry hazards, and will be affected by Toxic Spikes even if it turns into a Poison- or Steel-type.</p>
<p>By far the best way to check Ditto, though, is a little thought. When building your team, make sure that you can take advantage of opposing Choice Scarf Pokemon. If you have a Pokemon that, when given +1 Speed, can beat your whole team, do not allow Ditto to copy that Pokemon. When you see Ditto in Team Preview, hold on to your Swords Dance Sawsbuck and Shell Smash Gorebyss, unless you are confident that you can revenge kill or somehow neuter the opposing Ditto. Finally, be careful not to give Ditto entry hazards or sleep-inducing moves, as they tend to be an incredible nuisance to face.</p>
<p>Ditto, branded as a useless whore for the last four generations, returns as a sassy pimp in all its pink and purple glory in an attempt to dominate the Pokemon world. Its new Dream World ability, Imposter, allows Ditto to turn into the opponent bar item choice and HP without wasting a turn. With a Choice Scarf, Ditto will almost always be faster than the opponent, and functions as the best revenge killer there ever was. If that d
<p>However, Ditto is far from perfect. How so, you ask? Ironically, Ditto is only as strong as its opponent, and this flaw allows Ditto to be at its worst in the weakest metagame. Most importantly, NU mainly lacks Speed-boosting setup Pokemon that Ditto can take advantage of. Calm Mind is perhaps the most common boosting move in NU, and Ditto can do little to prevent Calm Mind sweepers such as Musharna from rampaging through your team. Other setup sweepers, especially Absol, are also hard to revenge kill without exceptional prediction skills. Still, Ditto can easily revenge kill prominent threats such as Cinccino and Gorebyss, and acts as a reliable "panic button" of sorts. Most importantly, Ditto is an incredibly fun Pokemon to use, and can provide you—and your Pokemon—with some good old-fashioned fun.</p>
[SET]
name: The Best Set Ever
move 1: Transform
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
ivs: 30 HP / 30 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is no doubt Ditto's best set. Imposter functions as a free Transform, immediately copying all base stats bar HP, all stat changes, and the target's exact moveset. With a Choice Scarf, Ditto turns into a monstrous revenge killer, as it can outspeed the opponent no matter what. Of course, Ditto will Speed tie with opposing Choice Scarf users, but it can revenge kill set-up sweepers such as Shell Smash Gorebyss and Belly Drum Linoone, as well as weather sweepers such as Growth Victreebel. With proper prediction, Ditto can also revenge kill the likes of Cinccino and Emboar, who are incredibly hard to switch into. Additionally, Ditto can take advantage of an opponent's
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Ditto's HP is almost maximized, as HP is the only stat that carries over after transforming with Impostor. The remaining EVs do not matter, except in rare cases
<p>An important point to note is the fact that Ditto does not fully copy the opponent. While this might seem like an unimportant issue, Ditto has trouble revenge killing Guts sweepers such as Swellow and Zangoose because Ditto will most likely not be poisoned. When revenge killing these threats, remember that an unboosted Swellow's Brave Bird is shamefully weak, while an unboosted Zangoose's Facade is not strong enough to take down enemy Zangoose. Similarly, Ditto is unable to revenge kill Unburden + Acrobatics Drifblim, ironically because of its own Choice Scarf. Another difference is that Ditto keeps its Hidden Power type, but Hidden Power is a rare sight in NU bar some specific Psychic-types and Gorebyss.</p>
<p>The subtleties of playing with Ditto do not end there. On a double switch, the faster Pokemon will switch out first. While this rarely matters, this is crucial for Ditto, as Ditto copies the active opposing Pokemon the moment it is sent out. You can take advantage of this to lure double switches for non-mirror matchups using Ditto. For example, if you have an Emboar out against an opposing Amoonguss and you predict a switch to an opposing Alomomola, switching in Ditto will make it transform into the Amoonguss
<p>It is rather difficult to recommend teammates for Ditto, mainly because Ditto will almost always be a different Pokemon. Still, Ditto mainly thrives against offensive teams that usually cannot take an attack from themselves. Conversely, Ditto struggles against bulky Pokemon such as Musharna and Alomomola, as Ditto will be without any boosts most of the time. In general, hard-hitters such as Choice Band Emboar can break down opposing defensive cores so that Ditto can wreak havoc. If you happen to rely on Ditto to take care of opposing stat-boosting sweepers, remember that Calm Mind users can bypass Ditto relatively easily. As a result, Ditto needs a teammate such as Skuntank or Absol to handle opposing Calm Mind users. Cinccino is a great teammate for breaking through possible Substitute users that restrict Ditto. Finally, Spikes users such as Cacturne are great teammates because Ditto tends to be slightly weaker than the opponent thanks to its lack of a boosting item such as Life Orb, and Spikes can weaken foes enough for Ditto to revenge kill them.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Ditto has few other options. It can choose a different Hidden Power type, but very few Pokemon in NU use Hidden Power as a main attacking option. Moreover, those that do, such as Duosion, generally beat Ditto anyway. Ditto can use something other than Choice Scarf, but Ditto will always face Speed ties without it, and loses its largest niche as a reliable revenge killer. Really, unless you have an unsavory mind or a fifth-grader's imagination, there's very little else Ditto can do.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>It is hard, if not impossible, to name a single Ditto counter in a traditional sense; Ditto is not your average Pokemon, after all. The most natural thing to do would be to try and check whatever Ditto is at the moment. In fact, you know all of its moves, so you can rest easy that there are no surprises waiting for you. Additionally, Ditto will almost always be holding a Choice Scarf, so if you can switch in a Pokemon that resists its chosen attack, Ditto will certainly lose its momentum. Furthermore, Ditto lacks a Life Orb or Choice Band, which further increases the number of Pokemon that can take an attack and hit back. Unless those Pokemon are worn down first, Ditto will have a hard time being effective.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, there are some things that Ditto will nearly always have trouble with. Substitute, which prevents Imposter from taking effect, makes Ditto essentially useless; Ditto will hence find it impossible to revenge kill setup sweepers such as Substitute + Shell Smash Gorebyss and Substitute Klang. In addition, Ditto takes damage from all entry hazards, and will be affected by Toxic Spikes even if it turns into a Poison- or Steel-type.</p>
<p>By far the best way to check Ditto, though, is a little thought. When building your team, make sure that you can take advantage of opposing Choice Scarf Pokemon. If you have a Pokemon that, when given +1 Speed, can beat your whole team, do not allow Ditto to copy that Pokemon. When you see Ditto in Team Preview, hold on to your Swords Dance Sawsbuck and Shell Smash Gorebyss, unless you are confident that you can revenge kill or somehow neuter the opposing Ditto. Finally, be careful not to give Ditto entry hazards or sleep-inducing moves, as they tend to be an incredible nuisance to face.</p>
[Overview]
<p>Ditto, branded as a useless whore for the last four generations, returns as a sassy pimp in all its pink and purple glory in an attempt to dominate the Pokemon world. Its new Dream World ability, Imposter, allows Ditto to turn into the opponent bar item choice and HP without wasting a turn. With a Choice Scarf, Ditto will almost always be faster than the opponent, and functions as the best revenge killer there ever was. If that doesn't sound perfect enough, Ditto is also an all-star scout—the moment it transforms into the opponent, Ditto can reveal its opponent's entire moveset. Ditto can also switch into a myriad of Pokemon immune to their own primary STAB, or steal opposing utility moves ranging from Aromatherapy to Whirlwind.</p>
<p>However, Ditto is far from perfect. How so, you ask? Ironically, Ditto is only as strong as its opponent, and this flaw allows Ditto to be at its worst in the weakest metagame. Most importantly, NU mainly lacks Speed-boosting setup Pokemon that Ditto can take advantage of. Calm Mind is perhaps the most common boosting move in NU, and Ditto can do little to prevent Calm Mind sweepers such as Musharna from rampaging through your team. Other setup sweepers, especially Absol, are also hard to revenge kill without exceptional prediction skills. Still, Ditto can easily revenge kill prominent threats such as Cinccino and Gorebyss, and acts as a reliable "panic button" of sorts. Most importantly, Ditto is an incredibly fun Pokemon to use, and can provide you—and your Pokemon—with some good old-fashioned fun.</p>
[SET]
name: The Best Set Ever
move 1: Transform
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
ivs: 30 HP / 30 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is no doubt Ditto's best set. Imposter functions as a free Transform, immediately copying all base stats bar HP, all stat changes, and the target's exact moveset. With a Choice Scarf, Ditto turns into a monstrous revenge killer, as it can outspeed the opponent no matter what. Of course, Ditto will Speed tie with opposing Choice Scarf users, but it can revenge kill set-up sweepers such as Shell Smash Gorebyss and Belly Drum Linoone, as well as weather sweepers such as Growth Victreebel. With proper prediction, Ditto can also revenge kill the likes of Cinccino and Emboar, who are incredibly hard to switch into. Additionally, Ditto can take advantage of an opponent's immunities in order to switch into threats such as Choice Scarf Zebstrika. In a similar fashion, Ditto can also switch into Sap Sipper Sawsbuck, though not without considerable risk. Keep in mind that Ditto is so frail thanks to its low base HP that it is rather difficult to bring it in on anything other than weak resisted hits such as Choice Scarf Sawk's Stone Edge. Take note that if you need Ditto for revenge killing duties, it might be better to avoid taking such risks. Furthermore, Ditto can function as a scout as it can copy each of the opponent's moves, revealing any surprise coverage options. If necessary, Ditto can even act as a lead, and steal the ability to lay entry hazards from opposing Cacturne or Garbodor. Ditto plays as a revenge killer, scout, and late-game cleaner all in one; however, as Ditto lacks any surprise moves or spreads, remember that Ditto will be only as good as how you play it.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Ditto's HP is almost maximized, as HP is the only stat that carries over after transforming with Impostor. The remaining EVs do not matter, except in rare cases when Imposter fails. The given IVs let Ditto revenge kill Gorebyss with Hidden Power Grass, perhaps the most common threat that carries Hidden Power.</p>
<p>An important point to note is the fact that Ditto does not fully copy the opponent. While this might seem like an unimportant issue, Ditto has trouble revenge killing Guts sweepers such as Swellow and Zangoose because Ditto will most likely not be poisoned. When revenge killing these threats, remember that an unboosted Swellow's Brave Bird is shamefully weak, while an unboosted Zangoose's Facade is not strong enough to take down enemy Zangoose. Similarly, Ditto is unable to revenge kill Unburden + Acrobatics Drifblim, ironically because of its own Choice Scarf. Another difference is that Ditto keeps its Hidden Power type, but Hidden Power is a rare sight in NU bar some specific Psychic-types and Gorebyss.</p>
<p>The subtleties of playing with Ditto do not end there. On a double switch, the faster Pokemon will switch out first. While this rarely matters, this is crucial for Ditto, as Ditto copies the active opposing Pokemon the moment it is sent out. You can take advantage of this to lure double switches for non-mirror matchups using Ditto. For example, if you have an Emboar out against an opposing Amoonguss and you predict a switch to an opposing Alomomola, switching in Ditto will make it transform into the Amoonguss instead of the Alomomola, because Emboar will switch out first. This is incredibly unexpected, especially if Ditto's target is not currently on your team. This also guarantees that Ditto can transform into a slow opponent, if so desired. While transforming into a slow opponent is usually a bad idea because Ditto is not bulky enough to consistently take hits, you can switch Ditto into opposing Amoonguss relatively easily if Sleep Clause is already activated, after which you can effectively take one of your opponent's Pokemon out of the match with your own Spore.</p>
<p>It is rather difficult to recommend teammates for Ditto, mainly because Ditto will almost always be a different Pokemon. Still, Ditto mainly thrives against offensive teams that usually cannot take an attack from themselves. Conversely, Ditto struggles against bulky Pokemon such as Musharna and Alomomola, as Ditto will be without any boosts most of the time. In general, hard-hitters such as Choice Band Emboar can break down opposing defensive cores so that Ditto can wreak havoc. If you happen to rely on Ditto to take care of opposing stat-boosting sweepers, remember that Calm Mind users can bypass Ditto relatively easily. As a result, Ditto needs a teammate such as Skuntank or Absol to handle opposing Calm Mind users. Cinccino is a great teammate for breaking through possible Substitute users that restrict Ditto. Finally, Spikes users such as Cacturne are great teammates because Ditto tends to be slightly weaker than the opponent thanks to its lack of a boosting item such as Life Orb, and Spikes can weaken foes enough for Ditto to revenge kill them.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Ditto has few other options. It can choose a different Hidden Power type, but very few Pokemon in NU use Hidden Power as a main attacking option. Moreover, those that do, such as Duosion, generally beat Ditto anyway. Ditto can use something other than Choice Scarf, but Ditto will always face Speed ties without it, and loses its largest niche as a reliable revenge killer. Really, unless you have an unsavory mind or a fifth-grader's imagination, there's very little else Ditto can do.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>It is hard, if not impossible, to name a single Ditto counter in a traditional sense; Ditto is not your average Pokemon, after all. The most natural thing to do would be to try and check whatever Ditto is at the moment. In fact, you know all of its moves, so you can rest easy that there are no surprises waiting for you. Additionally, Ditto will almost always be holding a Choice Scarf, so if you can switch in a Pokemon that resists its chosen attack, Ditto will certainly lose its momentum. Furthermore, Ditto lacks a Life Orb or Choice Band, which further increases the number of Pokemon that can take an attack and hit back. Unless those Pokemon are worn down first, Ditto will have a hard time being effective.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, there are some things that Ditto will nearly always have trouble with. Substitute, which prevents Imposter from taking effect, makes Ditto essentially useless; Ditto will hence find it impossible to revenge kill setup sweepers such as Substitute + Shell Smash Gorebyss and Substitute Klang. In addition, Ditto takes damage from all entry hazards, and will be affected by Toxic Spikes even if it turns into a Poison- or Steel-type.</p>
<p>By far the best way to check Ditto, though, is a little thought. When building your team, make sure that you can take advantage of opposing Choice Scarf Pokemon. If you have a Pokemon that, when given +1 Speed, can beat your whole team, do not allow Ditto to copy that Pokemon. When you see Ditto in Team Preview, hold on to your Swords Dance Sawsbuck and Shell Smash Gorebyss, unless you are confident that you can revenge kill or somehow neuter the opposing Ditto. Finally, be careful not to give Ditto entry hazards or sleep-inducing moves, as they tend to be an incredible nuisance to face.</p>
<p>Ditto, branded as a useless whore for the last four generations, returns as a sassy pimp in all its pink and purple glory in an attempt to dominate the Pokemon world. Its new Dream World ability, Imposter, allows Ditto to turn into the opponent bar item choice and HP without wasting a turn. With a Choice Scarf, Ditto will almost always be faster than the opponent, and functions as the best revenge killer there ever was. If that doesn't sound perfect enough, Ditto is also an all-star scout—the moment it transforms into the opponent, Ditto can reveal its opponent's entire moveset. Ditto can also switch into a myriad of Pokemon immune to their own primary STAB, or steal opposing utility moves ranging from Aromatherapy to Whirlwind.</p>
<p>However, Ditto is far from perfect. How so, you ask? Ironically, Ditto is only as strong as its opponent, and this flaw allows Ditto to be at its worst in the weakest metagame. Most importantly, NU mainly lacks Speed-boosting setup Pokemon that Ditto can take advantage of. Calm Mind is perhaps the most common boosting move in NU, and Ditto can do little to prevent Calm Mind sweepers such as Musharna from rampaging through your team. Other setup sweepers, especially Absol, are also hard to revenge kill without exceptional prediction skills. Still, Ditto can easily revenge kill prominent threats such as Cinccino and Gorebyss, and acts as a reliable "panic button" of sorts. Most importantly, Ditto is an incredibly fun Pokemon to use, and can provide you—and your Pokemon—with some good old-fashioned fun.</p>
[SET]
name: The Best Set Ever
move 1: Transform
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
ivs: 30 HP / 30 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is no doubt Ditto's best set. Imposter functions as a free Transform, immediately copying all base stats bar HP, all stat changes, and the target's exact moveset. With a Choice Scarf, Ditto turns into a monstrous revenge killer, as it can outspeed the opponent no matter what. Of course, Ditto will Speed tie with opposing Choice Scarf users, but it can revenge kill set-up sweepers such as Shell Smash Gorebyss and Belly Drum Linoone, as well as weather sweepers such as Growth Victreebel. With proper prediction, Ditto can also revenge kill the likes of Cinccino and Emboar, who are incredibly hard to switch into. Additionally, Ditto can take advantage of an opponent's immunities in order to switch into threats such as Choice Scarf Zebstrika. In a similar fashion, Ditto can also switch into Sap Sipper Sawsbuck, though not without considerable risk. Keep in mind that Ditto is so frail thanks to its low base HP that it is rather difficult to bring it in on anything other than weak resisted hits such as Choice Scarf Sawk's Stone Edge. Take note that if you need Ditto for revenge killing duties, it might be better to avoid taking such risks. Furthermore, Ditto can function as a scout as it can copy each of the opponent's moves, revealing any surprise coverage options. If necessary, Ditto can even act as a lead, and steal the ability to lay entry hazards from opposing Cacturne or Garbodor. Ditto plays as a revenge killer, scout, and late-game cleaner all in one; however, as Ditto lacks any surprise moves or spreads, remember that Ditto will be only as good as how you play it.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Ditto's HP is almost maximized, as HP is the only stat that carries over after transforming with Impostor. The remaining EVs do not matter, except in rare cases when Imposter fails. The given IVs let Ditto revenge kill Gorebyss with Hidden Power Grass, perhaps the most common threat that carries Hidden Power.</p>
<p>An important point to note is the fact that Ditto does not fully copy the opponent. While this might seem like an unimportant issue, Ditto has trouble revenge killing Guts sweepers such as Swellow and Zangoose because Ditto will most likely not be poisoned. When revenge killing these threats, remember that an unboosted Swellow's Brave Bird is shamefully weak, while an unboosted Zangoose's Facade is not strong enough to take down enemy Zangoose. Similarly, Ditto is unable to revenge kill Unburden + Acrobatics Drifblim, ironically because of its own Choice Scarf. Another difference is that Ditto keeps its Hidden Power type, but Hidden Power is a rare sight in NU bar some specific Psychic-types and Gorebyss.</p>
<p>The subtleties of playing with Ditto do not end there. On a double switch, the faster Pokemon will switch out first. While this rarely matters, this is crucial for Ditto, as Ditto copies the active opposing Pokemon the moment it is sent out. You can take advantage of this to lure double switches for non-mirror matchups using Ditto. For example, if you have an Emboar out against an opposing Amoonguss and you predict a switch to an opposing Alomomola, switching in Ditto will make it transform into the Amoonguss instead of the Alomomola, because Emboar will switch out first. This is incredibly unexpected, especially if Ditto's target is not currently on your team. This also guarantees that Ditto can transform into a slow opponent, if so desired. While transforming into a slow opponent is usually a bad idea because Ditto is not bulky enough to consistently take hits, you can switch Ditto into opposing Amoonguss relatively easily if Sleep Clause is already activated, after which you can effectively take one of your opponent's Pokemon out of the match with your own Spore.</p>
<p>It is rather difficult to recommend teammates for Ditto, mainly because Ditto will almost always be a different Pokemon. Still, Ditto mainly thrives against offensive teams that usually cannot take an attack from themselves. Conversely, Ditto struggles against bulky Pokemon such as Musharna and Alomomola, as Ditto will be without any boosts most of the time. In general, hard-hitters such as Choice Band Emboar can break down opposing defensive cores so that Ditto can wreak havoc. If you happen to rely on Ditto to take care of opposing stat-boosting sweepers, remember that Calm Mind users can bypass Ditto relatively easily. As a result, Ditto needs a teammate such as Skuntank or Absol to handle opposing Calm Mind users. Cinccino is a great teammate for breaking through possible Substitute users that restrict Ditto. Finally, Spikes users such as Cacturne are great teammates because Ditto tends to be slightly weaker than the opponent thanks to its lack of a boosting item such as Life Orb, and Spikes can weaken foes enough for Ditto to revenge kill them.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Ditto has few other options. It can choose a different Hidden Power type, but very few Pokemon in NU use Hidden Power as a main attacking option. Moreover, those that do, such as Duosion, generally beat Ditto anyway. Ditto can use something other than Choice Scarf, but Ditto will always face Speed ties without it, and loses its largest niche as a reliable revenge killer. Really, unless you have an unsavory mind or a fifth-grader's imagination, there's very little else Ditto can do.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>It is hard, if not impossible, to name a single Ditto counter in a traditional sense; Ditto is not your average Pokemon, after all. The most natural thing to do would be to try and check whatever Ditto is at the moment. In fact, you know all of its moves, so you can rest easy that there are no surprises waiting for you. Additionally, Ditto will almost always be holding a Choice Scarf, so if you can switch in a Pokemon that resists its chosen attack, Ditto will certainly lose its momentum. Furthermore, Ditto lacks a Life Orb or Choice Band, which further increases the number of Pokemon that can take an attack and hit back. Unless those Pokemon are worn down first, Ditto will have a hard time being effective.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, there are some things that Ditto will nearly always have trouble with. Substitute, which prevents Imposter from taking effect, makes Ditto essentially useless; Ditto will hence find it impossible to revenge kill setup sweepers such as Substitute + Shell Smash Gorebyss and Substitute Klang. In addition, Ditto takes damage from all entry hazards, and will be affected by Toxic Spikes even if it turns into a Poison- or Steel-type.</p>
<p>By far the best way to check Ditto, though, is a little thought. When building your team, make sure that you can take advantage of opposing Choice Scarf Pokemon. If you have a Pokemon that, when given +1 Speed, can beat your whole team, do not allow Ditto to copy that Pokemon. When you see Ditto in Team Preview, hold on to your Swords Dance Sawsbuck and Shell Smash Gorebyss, unless you are confident that you can revenge kill or somehow neuter the opposing Ditto. Finally, be careful not to give Ditto entry hazards or sleep-inducing moves, as they tend to be an incredible nuisance to face.</p>
Not much to change here! Lol :)
[GP]2/2[/GP]
