Though not as regular as they once were, the Interesting Specimen posts still continue. And for this post we’re going all the way back to Generation One to talk about a Pokemon that I’m actually surprised I didn’t cover sooner. Presenting everyone’s favorite transforming Pokemon blob, Ditto.
When it comes to interesting Pokemon, Ditto can certainly be found near the top of the list. This pink blob has the ability to change into any other Pokemon, usually by using its signature move, Transform. But as unique as this Pokemon version of the Changelings from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is, Ditto was pretty much a gimmick. At least that’s how it was back in Generation One. The only move Ditto can learn is Transform. A neat trick yes, but in battle it was somewhat flawed. The transformations weren’t exactly what one would call perfect. Plus there was a good chance that Ditto would get wiped out before it could even use its signature attack.
When Generation Two came around, Ditto became a little more than just a gimmick when the ability to breed Pokemon was introduced. Though genderless, Ditto was able to breed with almost any other Pokemon to produce what some might consider a clone of the other Pokemon. It was a good way to slowly get all the evolved forms of Pokemon like Eevee or Tyrogue, or to produce another copy of the Starter Pokemon for trading purposes. But Ditto was little more than breeding stock. That’s how it was for the pink blob for a few generations of the Pokemon game. Though recently it seems that Ditto has gained a little more use in battle. But of course, I’m getting ahead of myself.
In the Games: Ditto’s Kanto locations, depending on the version of the game, are Routes 13, 14, 15, and 23. Along with the Pokemon Mansion on Cinnabar Island, and the Cerulean Cave. In Johto, again depending on the version, Ditto can be found on Routes 34, 35, and 47, and in the Johto Region’s Safari Zone. The only place Ditto can be found in Hoenn is in the Desert Underpass, which appears only in the Emerald version. Sinnoh locations for Ditto include Route 218 through the use of the Poke Radar in Diamond and Pearl, and in the Trophy Garden in Platinum. Finally, the only place to find Ditto in the Unova Region seems to be the Giant Chasm.
Signature Ability: So as I mentioned earlier, Ditto seems to be finding more use in battle in Generation Five. The reason is because of a new hidden ability that was give to Ditto, Imposter. Imposter is basically a better swifter version of Transform. As soon as Ditto enters battle, Imposter causes Ditto to instantly change into the opposing Pokemon, copying all of the opponent’s stats except for HP. The ability even copies any changes to the opponent’s stats. Imposter can’t copy the opponent’s held item. But hey, you can’t have everything. The important thing is that Imposter finally gives Ditto a much-needed edge in battle.
Similarities to Mew: As many Pokemon fans know, Ditto is not the only Pokemon that can learn Transform. That attack is also learned by Mew, one of the most powerful and iconic Legendary Pokemon. It’s quite interesting when one considers that Mew has the genetic traits of all other Pokemon. Plus both Mew and Ditto are pink, and they even have the same Shiny coloration as well. It kind of makes one wonder if perhaps there might be some hidden connection between Mew and Ditto.
That about wraps it up for this Interesting Specimen post. And once again I am out of ideas for this series. Well, I do have one other idea actually. But for right now, stay tuned until next time.
