Ubers Ditto


[OVERVIEW]

* Ditto has an interesting niche in the Ubers metagame in its ability to copy all of the stats of an opposing Pokemon except HP, stat boosts, movesets, and abilities.
* These qualities allow Ditto to act as a blanket check to almost all setup sweepers, and function as an extremely effective revenge killer.
* Ditto has an incredible matchup against offense, with its presence alone generally being enough to deter opposing sweepers from setting up and its ability to copy stats allowing it to outspeed or Speed tie with all members of the opposing team.
* On the flip side, Ditto has a poor matchup against more defensive teams, although it is able to copy cleric support or Defog and Rapid Spin support and use it against the opposing team.


[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Transform
move 2:
move 3:
move 4:
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

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

* Transform is the only move that Ditto learns; however, it has no use because Ditto's ability, Imposter, does the same thing without taking up a turn.

Set Details
========

* Maximum HP and Defense investment is used in case Ditto is forced into a Struggle war with an opposing Ditto.
* A Relaxed nature further boosts Defense while dropping Ditto's Speed so that it's slower than opposing Ditto.
* IVs of 30 SpA / 30 Def / 1 Spe should be used, as they lower Ditto's Speed even further for the aforementioned reasons and give the IVs for Hidden Power Ground, which allows Ditto to transform into a Geomancy Xerneas and break through a number of its checks.
* Alternatively, a spread of 30 HP / 30 Atk / 30 SpD / 0 Spe gives the IVs for Hidden Power Rock, which hits Ho-Oh.

Usage Tips
========

* Ditto is best brought in to revenge kill threats that have set up, such as Geomancy Xerneas, Mega Salamence, and Mega Lucario.
* Ditto's HP stat is too low to tank hits, so it should never be switched in directly. Instead, it should be brought in via a slow Volt Switch or U-turn, or when a teammate has just fainted.
* Ditto doesn't necessarily have to always act as a revenge killer; it can also be used to scout out movesets for a teammate.
* When facing offensive teams that carry setup sweepers, try to preserve Ditto if at all possible, because if it faints the opposing sweepers are free to set up.
* Ditto should select which move it chooses to lock itself into very carefully, as any move which Ditto copies will have only 5 PP, which can be easily exploited by a clever opponent.
* Against defensive teams, Ditto should generally be used to copy Aromatherapy or Heal Bell and use it to heal a teammate that has been crippled by status, like a burned or paralyzed Mega Lucario.
* Ditto can also copy Defog or Rapid Spin and use them to remove hazards if the team's spinner has fainted or Ditto simply has nothing better to do.

Team Options
========

* Ditto mostly fits on more offensively oriented teams which find themselves weak to setup sweepers.
* Ditto appreciates hazard support to help it nab more KOs, which is why Deoxys-S and Primal Groudon make for decent partners to set Stealth Rock and Spikes.
* Tapu Koko makes for a decent Ditto teammate for its ability to outspeed and Taunt support Arceus formes, in particular Arceus-Water, as well as break through Calm Mind and RestTalk Primal Kyogre.
* Yveltal is also a useful partner as it beats both Calm Mind and Swords Dance Arceus-Ghost, both of which beat Ditto.
* Stallbreakers such as Mega Gengar, Z-Geomancy Xerneas, Arceus-Ice, and Mega Gyarados can help to ease the matchup against stall for Ditto.

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

* Ditto doesn't have many other options to choose from, as it only learns one move and is only viable with a Choice Scarf.
* Ditto's IVs can be modified to change its Hidden Power type, depending on the team's needs.
* Ditto can opt to run minimum happiness in order to maximize damage if it transforms into a foe carrying Frustration; however, this greatly lowers the power of Return.

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

**Calm Mind Arceus formes**: Arceus formes that utilize Calm Mind can easily check Ditto, as they can outstall it with Calm Mind and Recover, while Ditto is forced to lock itself into Judgement or a coverage move. Additionally, if Ditto copies Judgement, the move will not change type as Ditto isn't holding a Plate.

**Bulkier Pokemon**: Defensive Pokemon and Pokemon with access to reliable recovery, such as support Arceus formes, Defensive Primal Kyogre, Lugia, Zygarde-C, and Celesteela, can check Ditto without too much trouble, as they can simply recover off any damage it does to them, while Ditto is forced to lock itself into the same move.

**Substitute Users**: Ditto can't copy stat boosts from a foe behind a Substitute, which is why Mega Gengar, Mega Salamence, Ho-Oh, Celesteela, and Buzzwole carrying Substitute don't have to worry about Ditto if they use Substitute before it switches in.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf users such as Landorus-T and Lunala are able to Speed tie with Ditto, making it more difficult for them to be revenge killed.

**Ditto**: Ditto can't copy opposing Ditto, assuming that they've already transformed.
 
Last edited:
Finished writing this, it's now ready for QC. One thing I'd like to ask is whether or not it would be appropriate to mention Magearna in the overview? Ditto faces a lot of competition from it, as its typing and access to Heart Swap allows it to check two of the most threatening sweepers in Ubers in Mence and GeoXern, but unlike Ditto it doesn't just act as a revenge killer.
 

Freeroamer

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Team options should mention checks to the setup sweepers that Ditto cannot check for whatever reason, Ditto will lose to standard SD Ghostceus(no Shadow Claw) as the mechanics of Shadow Force ensures its speed will work against it, meaning Dark types such as Yveltal are a good option. Calm Mind Arceus and non Thunder Calm Mind Kyogre are other examples of mons that Ditto will fall flat against so mentioning relevant checks here would be a good idea too. You mention these in C&C so why not in Team options?

C&C should probably have a line in general saying you're not countering Ditto, you're countering your own Pokémon with a speed boost, so a lot of the time the answer is careful play and ensuring you're aware of your own team and the counterplay to threats on it.
 
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Implemented, thanks for the suggestions. Not sure where to put the last thing you mentioned though.
 

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In team options make sure that stallbreakers (list out the best ones) are adequately discussed as partners.

In C&C there should be a section for bulky / defensive Pokemon. For example, most things with Rest, recovery, or rely on residual damage to check things will have no problem walling Ditto. List out these Pokemon within this section. Opposing Ditto is a Ditto check.

Add these things and I'll stamp later.
 
In team options make sure that stallbreakers (list out the best ones) are adequately discussed as partners.

In C&C there should be a section for bulky / defensive Pokemon. For example, most things with Rest, recovery, or rely on residual damage to check things will have no problem walling Ditto. List out these Pokemon within this section. Opposing Ditto is a Ditto check.

Add these things and I'll stamp later.
Implemented.
 

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My check was not implemented properly.

Lunala is the best stallbreaker to pair with Ditto? Also why is a Pokemon like Solgaleo listed under "bulkier Pokemon" before something like Celesteela, Zygarde-C, Mega Sableye, or Magearna? You also misrepresent why Ditto is a Ditto check. It's not about the struggle war. If your opp has a Ditto that has copied something, your Ditto is useless so long as their Ditto is in (Ditto can't copy a copy).

Fix these things and I'll stamp.
 
My check was not implemented properly.

Lunala is the best stallbreaker to pair with Ditto? Also why is a Pokemon like Solgaleo listed under "bulkier Pokemon" before something like Celesteela, Zygarde-C, Mega Sableye, or Magearna? You also misrepresent why Ditto is a Ditto check. It's not about the struggle war. If your opp has a Ditto that has copied something, your Ditto is useless so long as their Ditto is in (Ditto can't copy a copy).

Fix these things and I'll stamp.
Sorry, was up late when I wrote this. Should be fixed now.
 
**Calm Mind Arceus forms**: Arceus forms that utilize Calm Mind can easily check Ditto, as they can outstall it with Calm Mind and Recover, while Ditto is forced to lock itself into Judgement or a coverage move.
Also note that Judgment doesn't change type since Ditto can't hold a plate

**Substitute users**: Ditto can't copy stat boosts from a foe behind a Substitute, which is why Mega Salamence and Buzzwole carrying Substitute can easily set up without having to worry about Ditto if they use Substitute before it switches in.
Buzzwole isn't a setup sweeper so reword this bullet. List some more common Substitute users such as Mega Gengar and Celesteela.

Bulkier Pokemon should be listed right below CM Arceus-formes in C&C.



QC 2/3
 
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**Calm Mind Arceus forms**: Arceus forms that utilize Calm Mind can easily check Ditto, as they can outstall it with Calm Mind and Recover, while Ditto is forced to lock itself into Judgement or a coverage move.
Also note that Judgment doesn't change type since Ditto can't hold a plate

**Substitute users**: Ditto can't copy stat boosts from a foe behind a Substitute, which is why Mega Salamence and Buzzwole carrying Substitute can easily set up without having to worry about Ditto if they use Substitute before it switches in.
Buzzwole isn't a setup sweeper so reword this bullet. List some more common Substitute users such as Mega Gengar and Celesteela.

Bulkier Pokemon should be listed right below CM Arceus-formes in C&C.



QC 2/3
Implemented and ready for third QC check.
 
* Against defensive teams, Ditto should generally be used to copy Aromatherapy/Heal Bell and use it to heal a teammate who has been crippled by status, for example a burned or paralyzed Mega Salamence.
This isn't always a good thing as Facade Salamence is pretty common, and obviously enjoys being burned. This is probably better replaced with Primal Groudon as a Toxic on your own one is pretty devastating in a stall matchup. Lucario and various Arceus formes are also better notes for status removal, so take your pick.

Primal Kyogre a stallbreaker? That seems pretty iffy to me. Every stall team can beat it, even those without Primal Groudon can deal with it unless its a very specific moveset (sub cm). SD Lucario, Arceus-Ice (needs a method around Clefable), Mega Gyarados, Z-Geomancy Xerneas are all options. None of them outright 6-0 (nothing really does, its team specific) but they put enough pressure in these matchups to count as "stallbreakers".

Fix for QC 3/3
 

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GP 1/1
[OVERVIEW]

* Ditto has an interesting niche in the Ubers metagame in its ability to copy all of the stats of an opposing Pokemon except HP, stat boosts, movesets, and abilities.
* These qualities allow Ditto to act as a blanket check to almost all setup sweepers, (RC) and also allow it to function as an extremely effective revenge killer.
* Ditto has an incredible matchup against offense, with its presence alone generally being enough to deter opposing sweepers from setting up, (RC) and its ability to copy stats allowing it to outspeed or Speed tie with all members of the opposing team.
* On the flip side, Ditto has a poor matchup against more defensive teams, although it is able to copy cleric support or Defog and Rapid Spin support and use it against the opposing team.

[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Transform
move 2:
move 3:
move 4:
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Imposter
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

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

* Transform is the only move which that Ditto learns, however; however, it has no use because its Ditto's ability, Imposter, does the same thing without taking up a turn.

Set Details
========

* Maximum HP and Defense investment is used in case Ditto is forced into a Struggle war with an opposing Ditto.
* A Relaxed nature further boosts Defense while dropping Ditto's Speed so that it's slower than opposing Ditto.
* IVs of 30 SpA / 30 Def / 1 Spe should be used, (AC) as they lower Ditto's Speed even further for the aforementioned reasons and give the IVs for Hidden Power Ground, which allows Ditto to transform into a Geomancy Xerneas and break through a number of its checks.
* Alternatively, a spread of 30 HP / 30 Atk / 30 SpD / 0 Spe gives the IVs for Hidden Power Rock, which hits Ho-Oh.

Usage Tips
========

* Ditto is best brought in to revenge kill threats that which have set up, such as Geomancy Xerneas, Mega Salamence, (AC) and Mega Lucario.
* Ditto's HP stat is too low to tank hits, so it should never be switched in directly. Instead, it should be brought in via a slow Volt Switch or U-turn U-Turn, or when a teammate has just fainted.
* Ditto doesn't necessarily have to always act as a revenge killer,; (ASC) it can also be used to scout out movesets for a teammate.
* When facing offensive teams that which carry setup sweepers, try to preserve Ditto if at all possible, because if it faints the opposing sweepers are free to set up.
* Ditto should select which move it chooses to lock itself into very carefully, as any move that which Ditto copies will have only 5 PP, which can be easily exploited abused by a clever opponent.
* Against defensive teams, Ditto should generally be used to copy Aromatherapy or Heal Bell and use it to heal a teammate that which has been crippled by status, like for example a burned or paralyzed Mega Lucario.
* Ditto can also copy Defog or Rapid Spin and use them to remove hazards if the team's spinner has fainted or Ditto simply has nothing better to do.

Team Options
========

* Ditto mostly fits on more offensively oriented teams that who find themselves weak to setup sweepers.
* Ditto appreciates hazard support to help it nab more KOs, which is why Deoxys-S and Primal Groudon make for decent partners to set Stealth Rock and Spikes.
* Tapu Koko makes for a decent Ditto teammate for its ability to outspeed and Taunt support Arceus formes, in particular Arceus-Water, as well as break through Calm Mind and RestTalk Primal Kyogre.
* Yveltal is also a useful partner, (AC) as it beats both Calm Mind and Swords Dance Arceus-Ghost, both of which beat Ditto.
* Stallbreakers such as Mega Gengar, Z-Geomancy Xerneas, Arceus-Ice, and Mega Gyarados can help to ease the matchup against stall for Ditto.

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

* Ditto doesn't have many other options to choose from, (AC) as it only learns one move, (RC) and is only viable with a Choice Scarf.
* Ditto's IVs can be modified to change its Hidden Power type, depending on the team's needs.
* Ditto can opt to run minimum happiness in order to maximize damage if it transforms into a foe carrying Frustration, however; however, this greatly lowers the power of Return.

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

**Calm Mind Arceus Formes**: Arceus formes that utilize Calm Mind can easily check Ditto, as they can outstall it with Calm Mind and Recover, while Ditto is forced to lock itself into Judgment Judgement or a coverage move. Additionally, if Ditto copies Judgment Judgement, the move will not change type, (AC) as Ditto isn't holding a Plate.
**Bulkier Pokemon**: Defensive Pokemon and Pokemon with access to reliable recovery, such as support Arceus formes, defensive Primal Kyogre, Lugia, Zygarde-C, (AC) and Celesteela, (AC) can check Ditto without too much trouble, (AC) as they can simple simply recover off any damage it does to them, while Ditto is forced to lock itself into the same move.
**Substitute Users**: Ditto can't copy stat boosts from a foe behind a Substitute, which is why Mega Gengar, Mega Salamence, Ho-Oh, Celesteela, and Buzzwole carrying Substitute don't have to worry about Ditto if they use Substitute before it switches in.
**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf users such as Landorus-T and Lunala are able to speedtie Speed tie with Ditto, making it more difficult for them to be revenge killed.
**Ditto**: Ditto can't copy opposing Ditto, (AC) assuming that they've already transformed.
 
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